National University Research Articles

Intraoperative short-term blood pressure variability and postoperative acute kidney injury: a single-center retrospective cohort study using sample entropy analysis

BackgroundTo investigate if intraoperative very short-term variability in blood pressure measured by sample entropy improves discrimination of postoperative acute kidney injury after noncardiac surgery.MethodsAdult surgical patients undergoing general, thoracic, urological, or gynecological surgery between August 2016 to June 2017 at Seoul National University Hospital were included. The primary outcome was acute kidney injury stage 1, defined by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines. Exploratory and explanatory variables included sample entropy of the mean arterial pressure and standard demographic, surgical, anesthesia and hypotension over time indices known to be associated with acute kidney injury respectively. Random forest classification and L1 logistic regression were used to assess four models for discriminating acute kidney injury: (1) Standard risk factors which included demographic, anesthetic, and surgical variables (2) Standard risk factors and cumulative hypotension over time (3) Standard risk factors and sample entropy (4) Standard risk factors, cumulative hypotension over time and sample entropy.ResultsTwo hundred and thirteen (7.4%) cases developed postoperative acute kidney injury. The median and interquartile range for sample entropy of mean arterial pressure was 0.34 and [0.26, 0.42] respectively. C-statistics were identical between the random forest and L1 logistic regression models. Results demonstrated no improvement in discrimination of postoperative acute kidney injury with the addition of the sample entropy of mean arterial pressure: Standard risk factors: 0.81 [0.76, 0.85], Standard risk factors and hypotension over time indices: 0.80 [0.75, 0.85], Standard risk factors and sample entropy of mean arterial pressure: 0.81 [0.76, 0.85] and Standard risk factors, sample entropy of mean arterial pressure and hypotension over time indices: 0.81 [0.76, 0.86].ConclusionAssessment of very short-term blood pressure variability does not improve the discrimination of postoperative acute kidney injury in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery in this sample.

EXPERIENCE OF IMPLEMENTING THE DISTANCE E-COURSE “STATISTICAL METHODS IN PHARMACY” IN THE MATHEMATICAL TRAINING OF FUTURE PHARMACEUTICAL SPECIALISTS

The article is dedicated to the issue of distance and online learning in higher pharmaceutical education. In the paper, the main principles and characteristic features of the concept of distance learning are outlined, the main advantages and disadvantages of using distance and e-learning in pharmaceutical and medical higher education are discussed. Considerable attention is paid to the use of distance learning technology in the process of math training for students pursuing higher education in the field of pharmacy. In addition to technical means and the structural-methodological component of the distance course development process, special attention is given to psycho-pedagogical aspects, which includes a focus on increasing the motivation of this group of education seekers to master disciplines related to exact sciences. It is demonstrated, using the example of the developed by the authors distance course “Statistical Methods in Pharmacy”, implemented with the LMS Moodle, that a successful combination of methodological approaches and innovative teaching methods, aimed at implementing a competency-based approach in education, along with modern information technology providing online access to educational content, including tools for feedback support, practical skills development, and automated self-assessment, ensures the effectiveness of achieving educational goals by learners and the formation of professional competencies defined by the educational program. The course was tested, certified, and implemented in the fundamental training of future pharmaceutical professionals at the National University of Pharmacy. It is concluded, that the implementation of distance learning technology in the practice of Ukrainian higher pharmaceutical and medical education is necessary not only due to the current conditions that make it impossible to organize full-fledged offline education but also because of the efficiency of these technologies, primarily for organizing independent students’ work, that ensures the development of learners’ autonomy, contributes to the development of information culture, general digital competence, and a range of soft skills, including communication, interaction, collaboration in a digital environment, and the rational use of study time.

Research Competences Focused on Trainee Teachers in Early Childhood Education

This study deals with the research skills of trainee teachers at the early education level at the National University of Education and their valuable contribution to the teaching- learning process of educational research oriented towards the development of their curricular integration work (ICT). The objective is to diagnose the research skills of students in the fifth and seventh cycles of the Early Education course, with the aim of aligning what is learnt in the classroom in the subject of research with the implementation of the end-of-cycle research work known as the Project for the Integration of Knowledge (PIENSA). The methodology applied is framed in a qualitative study, of an interpretative nature, with the use of an interview with the students under study. The results obtained are analysed by means of a first level codification based on the categories of knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes and effective performance in the research process. The results show that research competences should be strengthened in a logical sequence in educational research that promotes continuous improvement and is adapted to the projects that are developed permanently in each cycle. Furthermore, the fact that there is a convergence of different criteria on the research competences developed prioritises the search for quality in research and the use of methods that contribute effectively to the fulfilment of the objectives set.

DEDICATION TO THE FIRST UNIVERSITY OF KAZAKHSTAN ON THE EVE OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AL-FARABI KAZAKH NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

On the eve of the 90th anniversary of the al-Farabi Kazakh National University (and this is quite a respectful time distance), we would like to make a brief excursion into the history of Kazakh National University. The history of the university is rich in various events of scientific, educational and social life, it is saturated with the enthusiasm of the young and the wise mentors, the powerful energy of knowledge and the power of scientific thought. The creative search and painstaking daily work of many generations of students, lecturers and scientists pieced together the glorious fate of the country's First University. The spirit of our university has no boundaries. He fills our lives and gives us confidence in the future. For 90 years, you have proved your independence and uniqueness to us, and we are proud to have been students, lecturers and members of your family. You have created many traditions and continue to inspire our youth to great achievements. You give us the opportunity to grow and develop, showing the world our progress and our future.

Mobile Adventure: RIAMOS to Strengthen the Development of Mathematical Logic and Language in Early Education in Rural Contexts

In the development of the substantive function of the link with society of the National University of Education (UNAE), the Mobile Adventure: RIAMOS project arises from the career of Early Childhood Education (EI), with the aim of building experiential learning experiences, from educational contexts that promote the comprehensive training of children in early childhood in rural contexts. Therefore, this research analyses the impact of Aventura Móvil: RIAMOS on the development of the areas of logical-mathematical relations, comprehension and expression of language in early education in rural contexts. We worked with a methodology based on a mixed approach, with a prevalence of a qualitative, descriptive and interpretative approach and a quantitative approach focused on the pre- and post-tests applied to children in rural parishes in Cañar and Azuay. Mobile Adventure: RIAMOS is a space that integrates different actors: students, parents, authorities, teachers, students in training for comprehensive education. Through the pre-test, educational needs were identified, which were strengthened throughout the class sessions through the implementation of innovative planning, relevant to reality. The post-test reflected the advances and progress made by each child with the application of the didactic strategies and activities. In summary, Mobile Adventure: RIAMOS proves to be an effective initiative to enhance the reinforcement and integral learning of children in rural environments.

External Modifications of Requests among Jordanian University Students: A Socio-Pragmatic Analysis

The primary purpose of this study is to explore the external modifications of requests among Jordanian male and female university students in cross-gender settings and the factors affecting the choice of these strategies. The subjects of the study were 18 Jordanian undergraduate university students (9 males and 9 females) enrolled in different programs at Ajloun National University, Jordan. A mixed methodological approach was adopted for data collection. The data was retrieved from nine-hour audio recordings to gather naturally-occurring data and 18 DCTs to elicit organized data sets that can be analyzed based on patterns. Blum-Kulka et al.’s (1989) taxonomy of request strategies was espoused to analyze the obtained data. The data analysis revealed that the mitigating supportive moves (i.e., Imposition Minimizers, grounders, disarmers, preparators, getting a pre-commitment, promise of reward) were preferred by female students more than their male counterparts, whereas male students used Aggravating supportive moves (i.e., Threat, insult, Moralizing) more frequently than female students. Interestingly, other unique features that can be subsumed under Mitigating supportive moves manifested in Jordanian students’ requests, Namely, apology, self-introduction and gratitude. It was concluded that request strategies are not only used to fulfill certain needs, but also to manage social interactions and to strengthen relationships. Moreover, the way in which Jordanians use request strategies is strongly influenced by gender, cultural norms, and the context of interaction.

Pediatric acetaminophen intoxication in Korea: characteristics and prognosis

Purpose: Acetaminophen overdose accounts for the largest proportion of pediatric poisoning reported in South Korea. We investigated the characteristics and prognosis of pediatric acetaminophen overdose.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients younger than 19 years with acetaminophen overdose who visited the emergency department (ED) of Pusan National University Children’s Hospital from January 2009 through December 2022. We investigated age, sex, dose, clinical findings, and treatment, and compared the differences in the variables according to the intentionality of ingestion and the presence of hepatotoxicity.Results: Among the 132,691 pediatric patients who visited the ED during the period, 555 did for drug intoxication, of whom 51 with acetaminophen overdose were included in this study. The overdose was intentional in 43 patients (the intentional group; median age, 15.4 years [interquartile range, 13.9-16.8]) and accidental in 8 patients (the accidental group; 7.7 years [2.3-15.4]). The mean ingested dose was higher in the intentional group than in the accidental group (170.3 ± 129.0 vs. 105.3 ± 37.5 mg/kg; P = 0.016). Hospitalization tended to be implemented more frequently in the intentional group (53.5% vs. 12.5%; P = 0.081). All patients with hepatotoxicity (n = 10) belonged to the same group, and showed a higher or longer median age (15.9 [14.6-17.1] vs. 13.8 years [13.7-16.4]; P = 0.030), mean ingested dose (13,230.0 ± 10,544.8 vs. 7,654.0 ± 6,752.3 mg; P = 0.043), mean time from ingestion to arrival at the ED (22.6 ± 23.4 vs. 5.5 ± 6.4 hours; P = 0.048), and frequency of hospitalization (80.0% vs. 39.0%; P = 0.048).Conclusion: It is necessary to track the occurrence of hepatotoxicity in patients who intentionally ingest acetaminophen.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students' psychological distress, well-being, and utilization of mental health services in the United States: populations at greatest risk.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to major disruptions in the lives of university students, which is a population that is already at a greater risk of mental health concerns. Little is known about how the pandemic impacted distress and mental health services utilization among university students across the United States. Using survey data from the National College Health Assessment, both before the COVID-19 pandemic (pre-March 2020, n = 88,986) and during the pandemic (Spring 2021, n = 96,489), the present study examined mental health symptoms and utilization of mental health services among undergraduate students attending four-year universities in the United States. There were notable increases in measures of psychological distress and reductions in well-being from before the pandemic to during the pandemic. However, overall utilization rates of mental health services slightly decreased from pre-pandemic to during the pandemic. Predictors of severe psychological distress included those who experienced loneliness, COVID-19 related stressors, and loss of a loved one from COVID-19. COVID-related stressors and loneliness were associated with higher utilization rates of mental health services, while well-being and resilience were associated with lower utilization rates. Analyses revealed that several demographic groups were at an elevated risk for severe psychological distress, including non-binary, female, and sexual minority students, and especially those who identify as both non-binary and non-heterosexual. Results indicated that students of color, especially female students of color, were less likely to receive mental health services. Future research is needed to increase our understanding of the barriers to mental health service use among high-risk university students.

The Proposal of Integrated Actions in Transport as Part of a Climate Action Plan for UNICAMP

Since 2019, the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) has been collecting data, preparing, and annually monitoring sustainability indicators submitted to the UI GreenMetric ranking, which guide improvement projects at the university in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article aims to propose sustainable practices for managing urban mobility on its campuses, drawing inspiration from the experiences of national and international universities that ranked highest in the 2023 edition of the aforementioned ranking. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research methods, using a descriptive approach combined with Deductive Content Analysis (DCA). This analysis was further validated by the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method known as Fuzzy SWARA. Through this process, the study identified the most commonly adopted actions by universities: promoting the use of electric and/or conventional bicycles on campus (11.8%); projects in partnership with government, state, or municipal entities to develop express cycle paths and encourage bicycle use both on campus and in the city (9.2%); conventional bicycle rental on campus (9.2%); and electric car sharing on campus (9.2%). The proposals suggested for UNICAMP include encouraging carpooling, implementing a public transportation exemption or half-fare program for employees, promoting the use of bicycles while ensuring increased campus security, among other initiatives. This research is part of a proposal for a Climate Action Plan for the university, which aims to effectively integrate sustainability into the university's agenda and support the fight against the climate emergency through necessary adaptations.

Tesis de grado: las temáticas de investigación. Carreras de Psicopedagogía en universidades nacionales

This article presents a systematization and analysis of graduate theses carried out from 2010 to 2022 in four national public universities, where only one aspect of them was considered: the title of the thesis.We understand graduate theses as authentic research works, where students demonstrate methodological skills and knowledge about their discipline. At the same time, they reflect the cognitive interests of each academic unit, since they are developed within the framework of training and are directed by their teacher-researchers.In this sense, we believe that it is significant to explore this type of work since it can contribute to the research-psychopedagogy relationship, and install the dialogue between the different scientific productions. Likewise, its results may be useful for decision-making in curriculum changes and to promote the development of new topics of study in the discipline's research groups.

Estado actual de la oferta académica de grado de la Carrera de Psicopedagogía en Argentina: su distribución geográfica y titulaciones ofrecidas

In this article, we present a record of the current state of the undergraduate academic offer of the Psychopedagogy degree in the country. It aims to identify national, provincial, state, and private universities that offer Psychopedagogy degrees, according to their geographical distribution and the degrees offered. The possibility of having a unique registry of our discipline will allow its distribution in the academic environment and in society, and it will be material of access for students interested in studying the career, for admittance activities to the universities that offer it, for chairs where the history of Psychopedagogy is approached, among others.

Changes in Pediatric End-of-Life Process After the Enforcement of the Act on Life-Sustaining Treatment Decisions-The Experience of a Single Children's Hospital.

Background: The Act on Life-Sustaining Treatment (LST) for patients at the end of life (the Korean LST Decision Act), implemented in the Republic of Korea in February 2018, has led to changes in the end-of-life decision-making (EOLDM) process in children. This study aimed to investigate changes in pediatric EOLDM process and LST practices since the Korean LST Decision Act. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 107 patients who died at Kyungpook National University Children's Hospital from January 2015 to December 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: pre-law (January 2015-January 2018, n = 55) and post-law (February 2018-December 2020, n = 52). We analyzed medical records for EOLDM process, patient characteristics, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, documentation types, and LST withholding or withdrawal decisions. Results: After the Korean LST Decision Act, the median total hospitalization duration decreased significantly (14 days [IQR, 3-80] vs. 6 days [IQR, 2-18], p = 0.020), as did the median ICU length of stay (3 days [IQR 1-33] vs. 2.5 days [IQR 1-10.3], p = 0.002). The time from admission to end-of-life decision documentation was significantly shorter in group 2 (6 days [IQR 1-31] vs. 4 days [IQR 1-9], p = 0.027). The use of physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST) documents increased (0% to 33.3%), while do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders decreased (85.3% to 16.7%). Notably, LST withdrawal decisions increased from 0% to 27.8% (p = 0.001) in the post-legislation period. Conclusions: The Korean LST Decisions Act has led to significant changes in the EOLDM process for terminally ill children, including earlier decision-making, increased use of POLST documents, more frequent LST withdrawal decisions, and shorter hospital and ICU stays. These findings suggest a shift towards more structured and timely end-of-life care discussions in pediatric settings.

Does the hemodialysis program affect the testosterone serum level in patients with end-stage renal disease?

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of high flux membrane hemodialysis on total serum testosterone (TST) levels in male patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The study included 60 male ESRD patients with a mean age of 54.02 ± 13.40years, undergoing a standard hemodialysis program et al. Najah National University Hospital. All patients underwent three weekly sessions of four hours each using high flux membrane hemodialysis. TST and hematocrit (Hct) levels were measured before and after hemodialysis. Patients with prostate cancer, liver insufficiency, prior prostate surgery, or those on androgen therapy were excluded. The study assessed changes in TST and Hct levels and their correlation. Post-dialysis, there was a significant increase in serum testosterone levels from 3.13 ± 1.44ng/ml to 4.17 ± 2.04ng/ml (r = 0.78, p = 0.001). Hematocrit levels also rose significantly from 32.31% ± 3.90% to 35.27% ± 4.89% (r = 0.754, p = 0.001). The percentage change in TST and Hct levels was 35 ± 0.33% and 9 ± 0.1%, respectively, with a correlation between these changes (r = 0.277, p = 0.032). High flux membrane dialysis did not filter testosterone molecules, and the significant increase in TST levels post-dialysis is likely due to hemoconcentration. Since many patients had low or borderline TST levels before dialysis, androgen supplementation may offer clinical benefits.

Postoperative complications in patients with Behçet's disease.

To assess the proportion of postoperative complications of various surgeries in patients with Behçet's disease (BD) and compare the risk of surgical complications between BD patients and controls. We analyzed 389 BD patients who underwent surgeries at Seoul National University Hospital between January 2003 and December 2019. Controls were 1:1 matched with BD patients based on age at surgery, sex, and type of surgery. Generalized estimating equation analyses were performed to compare the postoperative complications between BD patients and controls. Among 632 surgeries in BD patients, 36 (5.7%) surgical site complications, including wound dehiscence (38.9%), bleeding (13.9%), infections (8.3%), anastomotic dehiscence (22.2%), and stricture (5.6%), occurred after median 12days (IQR 7.8-22.0). Surgical site complications developed frequently after cardiac (33.3%) and vascular (22.2%) surgeries and rarely occurred after ophthalmic (1.5%) surgeries. Seventeen (2.7%) cases required reoperation within median 15days (IQR 7.0-43.0). Four patients died within median 21days (IQR 8.3-41.3days). After adjustment for confounders, BD patients exhibited a significantly higher risk of surgical site complications (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4-8.0) and reoperation (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.2-22.8) after cardiovascular surgery than controls. However, the risks of surgical site complications and reoperation after other types of surgery were similar in both groups. The risk of postoperative complications varies according to the type of surgeries among BD patients. While cardiovascular surgeries result in higher perioperative complications in BD patients, ophthalmic surgeries show a safety profile similar to those in non-BD patients. Key Points • Patients with Behçet's disease exhibited an increased risk of surgical site complications and subsequent reoperations after cardiovascular surgery than controls. • The safety profile of ophthalmic surgery was comparable between patients with Behçet's disease and controls. • In patients with Behçet's disease, the risk of postoperative complications varies according to the type of surgery.

Toward the Madrid Code: nomenclatural proposals of Ukrainian botanists

The International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants is the document that regulates the nomenclature of taxa belonging to these groups of organisms, and thus it is crucially important for maintaining stability of scientific names applied to them. Stable, universal, and properly regulated nomenclature is a solid basis of biological taxonomy and all fields of science and other human activities depending on knowledge of living and fossil organisms. The Code is governed by the users represented by members of the Nomenclature Section of an International Botanical Congress. The Nomenclature Section has a power to modify the Code by voting and taking actions on formal proposals to amend the Code that are submitted by the users before the Congress. In this article, information is provided on the nomenclatural proposals by Ukrainian botanists (and one mycologist), or with participation of Ukrainian botanists, submitted to the XX International Botanical Congress (XX IBC) held in Madrid in July 2024. In total, nine Ukrainian scientists from Kyiv (M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine) and Lviv (Institute of Ecology of the Carpathians of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv) have submitted 29 proposals to amend the Code, or 6.7% of the total number of proposals to amend the Code submitted to the XX IBC. These proposals were either single authored, or co-authored by Ukrainian authors and/or authors from other countries. Some of the accepted (3), accepted as amended (2), and rejected proposals are considered and briefly discussed. The participation and contribution of Ukrainian scientists in the process of amending the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants are emphasized.

NEW HYDRODYNAMIC LEVELING SYSTEM

They were studied and analyzed by National Polytechnic University of Armenia and created by HDLS-10D and by the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia of Geodesy of Problematic Laboratory, improved with Practical and laboratory test works performed with two samples of HDLS respectively. Practical and laboratory test works performed with two samples of HDLS respectively. Based on the methods of their measurement and calculation of vertical movements, the author proposed a new project of HDLS, the working principle of which is as follows. The working fluid is poured into the working tank at a constant speed with the help of a faucet, from where the sensors are moved, through which direct and measurements in reverse directions. The advantages and disadvantages of the proposed system over the previous HDLS are given.

A Systematic Literature Review on the Role of Human Ecology Higher Education Institutions in Policy Development for Food and Nutrition Security in the Philippines

The issue of Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) in the Philippines has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and persistent social, environmental and agricultural problems. To address this concern, the involvement of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is explored by reviewing the local policies in the Philippines. Applications and recommendations on how human ecology can address the complex problem of FNS were then noted. This systematic literature review used a framework synthesis approach wherein the Australian National University (ANU) Transdisciplinary Framework was used to check if the stated policies, applications, and recommendations were aligned with the framework components, which are interactive, integrative, change-oriented, systemic, context-based, and pluralistic. This transdisciplinary framework is expected to promote policy change and development related to FNS. After that, 38 articles were included in the review. Upon the review, no local policies fit all of the ANU Transdisciplinary Framework’s components. Nonetheless, these policies mostly separately address food security and nutrition security. However, there are still no established responses to the concern of FNS as an integrated concept of food security and nutrition security. HEIs contribute to developing FNS-related policies by intensifying advocacy for integrating food and nutrition security and improving FNS-related research and programs.

Public health resilience and recovery in Ukraine: Academic partnerships to improve population health

Abstract Background Strengthening the public health workforce is among top priorities for the transformation of Ukraine’s public health system. As part of the USAID Public Health System Recovery and Resilience Activity, an Academic Partnership Collaborative brought together three Ukrainian universities (National University Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Sumy State University), two American universities (Temple University and Drexel University), and the All-Ukrainian Association of Public Health Specialists (UPHA) to enhance the competencies of public health graduates in Ukraine. Objectives The collaborative focuses on strengthening the Ukrainian universities’ public health curricula and the teaching and research competencies of the Ukrainian faculty, making the curricular changes in Ukraine better aligned with US and European academic standards. The university partners are collaborating with the newly established UPHA in building partnerships with peer organizations in the US (American Public Health Association) and Europe (EuPHA) and sharing advancements in public health education with the broader community of public health practitioners in Ukraine to enhance their competencies to improve population health and align with European systems of public health. Results We have established linkages among all partners via an initial meeting in Uzhhorod, Ukraine in April 2024. We anticipate results by November 2024 to include curriculum review recommendations, coaching on prioritized topics for the Ukrainian partners, faculty development plans, and the establishment of continuing professional development programs in collaboration with UPHA. Conclusions Through this partnership, selected Ukrainian universities will have an enhanced and sustainable capacity to train the public health workforce and will become leading examples for other public health programs to simulate and collaborate with beyond the project. Key messages • Ukraine’s resilience and recovery relies upon the strength of the current and future public health workforce; mechanisms for building public health training are essential to a healthy population. • A collaborative process of strategic activities among American and Ukrainian universities and professional associations can be effective in building a resilient public health system in Ukraine.

Interethnic validation of an artificial intelligence algorithm for prediction of atrial fibrillation using sinus rhythm electrocardiogram

Abstract Background Previous research has demonstrated acceptable diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled sinus rhythm (SR) electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation for identifying paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). However, interethnic validations of the AI algorithms have not been widely conducted. Purpose We aimed to develop our own AI model for the identification of paroxysmal AF based on SR ECGs in the Korean population and to validate its diagnostic performance in Brazilian citizens. Methods We trained a Transformer-based vision network on 90% of a dataset comprising 808,194 ECGs from 121,282 patients at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (2003-2020). The remaining 10% of the dataset was used for internal validation. The model was trained to compute a risk score for paroxysmal AF or new-onset AF within 2 years. External validation was conducted using non-AF ECGs from the CODE 15% dataset provided by the Telehealth Network of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Results In internal validation, our AI model achieved an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUROC) of 0.911 (95% CI: 0.902 - 0.921), with a sensitivity of 78.1% and a specificity of 89.0%. Subgroup analyses showed an AUROC of 0.893 (95% CI: 0.876 - 0.909) for patients in routine health checkups or outpatient settings, and 0.854 for patients with "Normal ECG" interpretations. In external validation with the CODE 15% dataset, the AI model exhibited an AUROC of 0.884 (95% CI: 0.869-0.900), which increased to 0.906 (95% CI: 0.893-0.919) when adjusted for age and sex (Figure 1). In the subset of patients with "Normal ECG" interpretations, the AUROC was 0.826 (95% CI: 0.769-0.883), increasing to 0.861 (95% CI: 0.814-0.908) after applying the same adjustments. Conclusions Our AI-powered SR ECG interpretation model demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance in predicting paroxysmal AF, with valid performance in the Brazilian population as well. This suggests that the model has potential for broad application across different ethnic groups.Figure 1

Mobile App-Assisted Parent Training Intervention for Behavioral Problems in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

In children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), problem behaviors play a dysfunctional role, causing as much difficulty with daily living and adjustment as the core symptoms. If such behaviors are not effectively addressed, they can result in physical, economic, and psychological issues not only for the individual but also for family members. We aimed to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a mobile app-assisted parent training program for reducing problem behaviors in children with ASD. This open-label, single-center, randomized controlled trial was conducted among parents of children with ASD aged 36-84 months. Participants were recruited from the Department of Psychiatry at Seoul National University Hospital. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) by a blinded researcher. Randomization was performed using a stratified block randomization (with a block size of 4). Parents in the intervention group completed the mobile app-assisted parent training program at home over a 12-week period. They continued to receive their usual nondrug treatment in addition to the mobile app-assisted parent training program. The control group continued to receive their usual nonpharmaceutical treatment for 12 weeks without receiving the parent training program intervention. The primary outcome measure was the median change in the Korean Child Behavior Checklist (K-CBCL) scores from before to after the intervention. Lower scores on the K-CBCL indicated a decrease in overall problem behavior. Between November 9, 2022, and December 8, 2022, 64 participants were enrolled. Overall, 42 children (intervention group median age: 49, IQR 41-52.5 months; control group median age: 49, IQR 42-58 months) of the participants joined the program. The intervention group included 20 (48%) participants and the control group included 22 (52%) participants. In the intervention group, the K-CBCL total scores showed a decrease after the intervention, with a median difference of -0.5 (95% CI -4.5 to 3). Pervasive developmental disorder scores also showed a decrease, with a median difference of -2.1 (95% CI -8.5 to 2.5). However, there was no significant difference in Clinical Global Impression-Severity of Illness scores after the intervention for both the control and intervention groups. Scores on the Korean version of the Social Communication Questionnaire showed a further decrease after the intervention in the intervention group (median difference -2, 95% CI -4 to 1). Caregivers' stress evaluated using the Korean Parenting Stress Index Fourth Edition-Short Form did not show any significant differences between the control and intervention groups. There were no adverse events related to study participation. The findings demonstrated the feasibility of using mobile devices for evidence-based parent training to reduce problem behaviors in children with ASD. Mobile devices' accessibility and flexibility may provide a viable alternative for offering early intervention for problem behaviors in children with ASD. CRIS KCT0007841; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?&seq=23112.