Practical Strategies Research Articles

Developing Infectious Disease Outbreak Emergency Communications for Populations With Limited English Proficiency: Insights to Sustain Collaborations Between Local Health Departments and Community-Based Organizations.

State and local public health departments (LHDs) are encouraged to collaborate with community-based organizations (CBOs) to enhance communication and promote protective practices with communities made vulnerable during emergencies, but there is little evidence-based understanding of practical approaches to fostering collaboration in this context. This research focuses on how collaboration enhances LHD capacity for effective communication for people with limited English proficiency (LEP) during infectious disease outbreaks specifically and strategies to facilitate productive LHD-CBO collaboration. Qualitative, telephone interviews, conducted March-October 2021. Rural and urban jurisdictions with Chinese-speaking or Spanish-speaking populations across the United States. 36 LHD and 31 CBO staff working on outreach to Chinese and Spanish speakers during COVID-19. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a team-based, codebook approach to thematic analysis. During COVID-19, CBOs extended LHD capacity to develop and disseminate effective communication, meaning communication that is rapidly in-language, culturally resonant, locally relevant, and trusted. Practical strategies to enable and sustain effective collaboration were needed to address operational dimensions (eg, material and administrative) and relational dimensions (eg, promoting trust and respect). Policies and financing to support LHD-CBO collaborations are critical to improving communication with people with LEP and addressing long-standing inequities in outcomes during outbreaks.

Systematic exploration and in-depth analysis of ChatGPT architectures progression

The fast evolution of artificial intelligence frameworks has resulted in the creation of increasingly sophisticated large language models (LLM), ChatGPT being the most famous one. This study paper dives into this LLM with a case study of ChatGPT’s architecture and provides a thorough comparative analysis of its numerous versions, tracking its history from its conception to its most recent incarnations. This research intends to give a full knowledge of the model’s history by investigating the underlying mechanisms and enhancements provided in each edition. The comparative analysis covers key aspects such as model size, training data, fine-tuning techniques, and performance metrics. Furthermore, this study evaluates the limits of ChatGPT in its many incarnations. These limitations include common sense reasoning difficulties, biased replies, verbosity, sensitivity to input wording, and others. Each constraint is investigated for potential remedies and workarounds. This research article also provides a complete analysis of the ChatGPT architecture and its progress through multiple iterations. It gives vital insights for academics, developers, and users wanting to harness the promise of ChatGPT while managing its restrictions by exploring both the model’s strengths and limitations. The distinctiveness of this paper rests in its comprehensive assessment of ChatGPT’s architectural development and its practical strategy for resolving the myriad difficulties in producing cohesive and contextually relevant replies.

Practicable strategies parents can apply in their daily routine to successfully implement the 50/50-split-model of paid work, childcare, and housework: a qualitative content analysis

BackgroundMany young couples are planning to share paid work, childcare, and housework equally between each other. But implementing such a 50/50-split-model is difficult and parents often return to traditional gender role distributions after the birth of a child. This return has potential negative effects on mental health, physical health, and relationship satisfaction. Therefore, this study aims to find practicable strategies on a behavioral-level which new parents can apply in their daily routine to successfully implement the 50/50-split-model if they wish to do so.MethodsThis qualitative study, DREAMTALK, is part of the multi-method, prospective Dresden Study on Parenting, Work, and Mental Health (DREAM). For DREAMTALK, N = 25 parents implementing a 50/50-split-model were selected based on quantitative data regarding time use, which participants had provided in questionnaires. In DREAMTALK, problem-centered interviews were conducted with the selected sample at 17 months postpartum. Those were analyzed via qualitative content analysis, which is systematic, rule-guided, and based on the criteria of validity and reliability.ResultsThe qualitative content analysis revealed a catalog of 38 practicable strategies to manage daily routine, which can help parents to successfully implement a 50/50-split-model. Individual participants used 23 success strategies on average. Examples include having a regular coordination appointment with the other parent, planning foresightedly, flexibility, reducing cleaning, optimization of routes, or moderate split-shift parenting. Some of these strategies seem opposing, e.g., planning foresightedly, and at the same time, meeting unpredicted changes with flexibility. Those seemingly opposing strategies were well balanced by the participants, which was an additional strategy.ConclusionsParents can use the success strategies relatively independently of external circumstances. This behavioral perspective extends prior theories, which have focused on explaining unequal gender role distributions with external circumstances. A behavioral perspective can be a gateway to assist more parents to pioneer in implementing the 50/50-split-model, which might in turn lead to a healthier and more satisfied public population.

Injury Risk in Elite Young Male Soccer Players: A Review on the Impact of Growth, Maturation, and Workload.

Ribeiro, N, Martinho, DV, Pereira, JR, Rebelo, A, Monasterio, X, Gonzalo-Skok, O, Valente-dos-Santos, J, and Tavares, F. Injury risk in elite young male soccer players: a review on the impact of growth, maturation, and workload. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The long-term development of young male soccer players involves a prolonged period of significant adjustments, highlighting the importance of studying the complex interaction between dynamic variables, including workload, and inherent elements like growth and maturity. This analysis examines the intricate connections involving the development, maturity, workload, and susceptibility to injuries among adolescent male soccer players. Significantly, these connections become prominent at the peak height velocity (PHV) period, a crucial moment in maturation. Growth rates vary among individuals, and higher rates have been associated with an increased risk of injury in young soccer players, particularly during periods of rapid growth. Identifying possible risk factors and understanding the complex connections between them is crucial to developing specific methods for reducing the risk of injury. Sharing this valuable information with essential stakeholders is crucial for guaranteeing young athletes' comprehensive growth and maturation process. Furthermore, this review emphasizes the immediate need for long-term studies and thorough injury analyses to comprehend better the dynamic interactions that influence injury patterns in young male soccer players. This review will allow practitioners to better understand the main modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors for injury and provide essential information focusing on practical strategies, facilitating more informed decision making by all stakeholders. The review aims to clarify these complexities and offer crucial insights that can assist in designing and implementing efficient strategies to reduce the risk of injury, specifically for the challenges faced during PHV and within the broader framework of long-term athletic development in young soccer.

Which heart failure patients benefit most from non-invasive telemedicine? An overview of current evidence and future directions.

Telemedicine in heart failure (HF) management may positively impact health outcomes, but varied effects in studies hinder guidance in HF guidelines. Evidence on the effectiveness of telemedicine in HF subpopulations is limited. We conducted ascoping review to evaluate and synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of telemedicine across HF subpopulations that could guide telemedicine strategies in routine practice. Meta-analyses concerning randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with subgroup analyses on telemedicine effectives were identified in PubMed. We identified 15RCTs, encompassing 21different subgroups based on characteristics of HF patients. Findings varied across studies and no definite evidence was found about which patients benefit most from telemedicine. Subgroup definitions were inconsistent, not always apriori defined and subgroups contained few patients. Some studies found heterogeneous effects of telemedicine on mortality and hospitalisation across subgroups defined by: New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, previous HF decompensation, implantable device, concurrent depression, time since hospital discharge and duration of HF. Patients represented in the RCTs were mostly male, aged 65-75years, with HF with reduced ejection fraction and NYHA classII/III. Traditional RCTs have not been able to provide clinicians with guidance; continuous real-world evidence generation could enhance monitoring and identify who benefits from telemedicine.

Effects of river flooding on human population: A case study of Kyarumba Sub-county along River Nyamuhasana in Kasese District

A natural occurrence that can have catastrophic effects on human populations is river flooding. This study looked at how the flooding of the Nyamuhasana River affected the livelihoods of those who lived close to the river in Kyarumba sub-county. The primary aim of the research was to evaluate the effects of alterations in land use in the catchment areas of the Nyamuhasana River in Kyarumba sub-county, Kasese district. The study also aimed to determine the degree of awareness among the community regarding their impact on the rising frequency of flooding in the Nyamuhasana River. The study also assessed the effectiveness of flood mitigation strategies being implemented by Kyarumba sub-county residents near the Nyamuhasana River. The study used both primary and secondary data and the methods used for data collection were; interviewing, observation, use of questionnaire, focus group discussion, and use of geographical information system (GIS) and remote sensing. The study’s conclusions showed that changes in land use within the river Nyamuhasana catchment zones have greatly raised the frequency and severity of flooding incidents. The community’s lack of awareness of its impact on the rising frequency of Nyamuhasana flooding was another finding of the study. The study also discovered that the flood mitigation strategies used by the people living in the Kyarumba sub-county, which is next to the Nyamuhasana River, are mainly ineffective. The study suggests that to lessen the negative effects of river Nyamuhasana flooding on the way of life for people living in the Kyarumba sub-county, a thorough flood control plan should be created and put into action. Reducing land use changes within river catchment zones, increasing community understanding of flooding causes, and putting in place practical flood mitigation strategies should all be part of the strategy.

Practical Application of Aztreonam-Avibactam as a Treatment Strategy for Ambler Class B Metallo-β-Lactamase Producing Enterobacteriaceae.

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections are a considerable challenge for clinicians. In recent years, novel antibiotic options have resulted in a tremendous advance in medical therapy; however, current treatment options are primarily effective for resistance derived from serine-based carbapenemases. The Ambler class B metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) remain a critical challenge with decidedly fewer effective options. One intriguing option for these MBL pathogens is the combination of ceftazidime-avibactam with aztreonam. While clinical experience with this regimen is limited, in vitro studies are promising, and limited case reports describe success with this regimen; however, significant challenges preclude widespread adoption of this novel treatment regimen. A systemic literature review was performed to offer recommendations based on current evidence for a practical strategy on how to best integrate the use of aztreonam with avibactam combination therapy.

Caesarean section and associated factors in Nigeria: assessing inequalities between rural and urban areas—insights from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2018

IntroductionWhen medically indicated, caesarean section (CS) can be a life-saving intervention for mothers and their newborns. This study assesses the prevalence of CS and its associated factors, focussing on inequalities between rural and urban areas in Nigeria.MethodsWe disaggregated the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2018 and performed analyses separately for Nigeria’s overall, rural, and urban residences. We summarised data using frequency tabulations and identified factors associated with CS through multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsCS prevalence was 2.7% in Nigeria (overall), 5.2% in urban and 1.2% in rural areas. The North-West region had the lowest prevalence of 0.7%, 1.5% and 0.4% for the overall, urban and rural areas, respectively. Mothers with higher education demonstrated a greater CS prevalence of 14.0% overall, 15.3% in urban and 9.7% in rural residences. Frequent internet use increased CS prevalence nationally (14.3%) and in urban (15.1%) and rural (10.1%) residences. The southern regions showed higher CS prevalence, with the South-West leading overall (7.0%) and in rural areas (3.3%), and the South-South highest in urban areas (8.5%). Across all residences, rich wealth index, maternal age ≥ 35, lower birth order, and ≥ eight antenatal (ANC) contacts increased the odds of a CS. In rural Nigeria, husbands’ education, spouses’ joint healthcare decisions, birth size, and unplanned pregnancy increased CS odds. In urban Nigeria, multiple births, Christianity, frequent internet use, and ease of getting permission to visit healthcare facilities were associated with higher likelihood of CS.ConclusionCS utilisation remains low in Nigeria and varies across rural-urban, regional, and socioeconomic divides. Targeted interventions are imperative for uneducated and socioeconomically disadvantaged mothers across all regions, as well as for mothers in urban areas who adhere to Islam, traditional, or ‘other’ religions. Comprehensive intervention measures should prioritise educational opportunities and resources, especially for rural areas, awareness campaigns on the benefits of medically indicated CS, and engagement with community and religious leaders to promote acceptance using culturally and religiously sensitive approaches. Other practical strategies include promoting optimal ANC contacts, expanding internet access and digital literacy, especially for rural women (e.g., through community Wi-Fi programs), improving healthcare infrastructure and accessibility in regions with low CS prevalence, particularly in the North-West, and implementing socioeconomic empowerment programs, especially for women in rural areas.

Minimizing Redundancy and Data Requirements of Machine Learning Potential: A Case Study in Interface Combustion.

The machine learning potential has emerged as a promising approach for addressing the accuracy-versus-efficiency dilemma in molecular modeling. Efficiently exploring chemical spaces with high accuracy presents a significant challenge, particularly for the interface reaction system. This study introduces a workflow aimed at achieving this goal by incorporating the classical SOAP descriptor and practical PCA strategy to minimize redundancy and data requirements, while successfully capturing the features of complex potential energy surfaces. Specifically, the study focuses on interface combustion behaviors within promising alloy-based solid propellants. A neural network potential model tailored for modeling AlLi-AP interface reactions under varying conditions is constructed, showcasing excellent predictive capabilities in energy prediction, force estimation, and bond energies. A series of large-scale MD simulations reveal that Li doping significantly influences the initial combustion stage, enhancing reactivity and reducing thermal conductivity. Mass transfer analysis also highlights the considerably higher diffusion coefficient of Li compared to Al, with the former being three times greater. Consequently, the overall combustion process is accelerated by approximately 10%. These breakthroughs pave the way for virtual screening and the rational design of advanced propellant formulations and microstructures incorporating alloy-formula propellants.

Application of the Affinities Theory to the environmental sustainability of tourist destinations: The case of Ljubljana

Sustainability has become a critical concern for many destinations seeking to revitalize their tourism industry while also dealing with issues stemming from climate change. To address these challenges, practical strategies to manage the harmful effects of the environmental crisis are necessary. Despite the critical role of sustainability, there still needs to be more practical solutions for implementing it in practice. The article aims to (i) broaden the discussion on sustainable tourism and solutions to reduce the impacts of climate change, and (ii) to understand the relationships of affinities between pro-environmental initiatives and the characteristics of the destination based on the perceptions of tourists who visit the city of Ljubljana. This study analyses tourist perception in an urban destination focusing on reducing carbon footprint and promoting sustainable development. Through a case study and the application of Affinities Theory, a specific algorithm to recognise affinity connections, a database with 372 international tourists who visited Ljubljana is utilised. This study has an explanatory goal and uses a comprehensive method (quantitative-qualitative). The findings confirmed that the characteristics of the destination most relevant to the tourist are Sustainable, Environmentally Friendly, and Safe. The research acknowledged practical approaches to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of tourism. The results could assist managers and policymakers in formulating sustainability-based strategies and reducing decision-making uncertainty. Also, it deepens the theoretical understanding of sustainable tourism and climate change mitigation strategies using a modelling and simulation method that other researchers can replicate in different contexts. This innovative research employs the Affinities Theory to assess Ljubljana's urban sustainability, examining how environmental practices can help reduce climate change's impact and how tourists perceive these practices.

Improving resilience of cyber–physical power systems against cyber attacks through strategic energy storage deployment

The widespread integration of advanced technologies has increased the vulnerability of Cyber–Physical Power Systems (CPPS) against cyber attacks. In addition, the incorporation of renewable energy sources (RESs) poses extra uncertainty challenges in CPPS security. In this paper, focusing on resilience assessment and improvement, we first propose a comprehensive framework to reveal the whole process from attack initiation to performance recovery. Then, regarding the protection strategies before and after cyber attacks, we improve resilience performance by protecting critical nodes and deploying energy storage nodes. The effectiveness of our proposed methods is validated through testing on a simulated model, which couples the IEEE 39-bus power system with a scale-free communication network. The results demonstrate that the deployment of energy storage plays a significant role in suppressing the uncertainty of RESs and improving the resilience of CPPS against cyber attacks. In addition, we employ a heuristic algorithm to optimize the placement of energy storage nodes. Our work not only represents an overview of the resilience process but also provides system dispatchers with practical strategies for improving the resilience of renewable CPPS against the growing threat of cyber attacks.

Key Guidelines for Responding to Reviewers.

The process of preparing a scientific manuscript is intricate, encompassing several critical stages, including pre-writing, research development, drafting, peer review, editing, publication, dissemination, and access. Among these, the peer review process (PRP) stands out as a pivotal component requiring seamless collaboration among editors, reviewers, and authors. Reviewers play a crucial role in assessing the manuscript's quality and providing constructive feedback, which authors must adeptly navigate to enhance their work and meet journal standards. This process can often appear daunting and time-consuming, as authors are required to address numerous comments and requested changes. Authors are encouraged to perceive reviewers as consultants rather than adversaries, viewing their critiques as opportunities for improvement rather than personal attacks. Opinion article. To equip authors with practical strategies for engaging effectively in the PRP and improving their publication acceptance rates. Key guidelines include thoroughly understanding and prioritizing feedback, maintaining professionalism, and systematically addressing each comment. In cases of significant disagreement or misunderstanding, authors have the option to refer the issue to the editor. Crafting a well-organized and scientific "response to reviews" along with the revised manuscript can substantially increase the likelihood of acceptance. Best practices for writing an effective response to reviews include expressing gratitude, addressing major revisions first, seeking opinions from co-authors and colleagues, and adhering strictly to journal guidelines. Emphasizing the importance of planning responses, highlighting changes in the revised manuscript, and conducting a final review ensures all corrections are properly documented. By following these guidelines, authors can enhance their manuscripts' quality, foster positive relationships with reviewers, and ultimately contribute to scholarly advancement.

Increased Multispectral CT Iodine Concentrations in Patients With Transient Neurological Deterioration Following Endovascular Neurointerventional Procedures: an Argument in Favor of the Elusive Contrast-Induced Encephalopathy?

So-called contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) is arare but worrying condition occurring after cerebral angiography or neuroendovascular interventions using iodine contrast media. This study aimed to compare cerebral iodine concentrations in patients suspected of having CIE after endovascular procedures to those in matched controls. This is aretrospective monocentric study of 25suspected CIE patients in atertiary care teaching hospital diagnosed from June 2017 to February 2024. Cerebral multispectral computed tomography (CT) iodine mean concentrations were measured and compared with 1:1 matched controls using the CT constructor's workstation in the whole brain and in specific regions of interest (ROIs) corresponding to avascular territory downstream of the procedure. Concentration values were compared with paired samples t‑test. During the study period, 1097 patients underwent aneurysm embolization and 137 arteriovenous malformation (AVM) embolization procedures. So-called CIE was suspected in 25patients after aneurysm or AVM embolization (2%). Mean iodine concentrations in the procedure vascular territory ROIs were higher in suspected CIE cases (mean 543 ± 147 µg/cm3) compared to matched controls (mean 463 ± 141 µg/cm3; p = 0.01). Whole brain mean iodine concentrations were modestly higher in CIE patients compared to controls across all subgroups, without reaching statistical significance. CIE may be associated with modest increase in CT iodine concentration in the procedure vascular territory after neurointerventional procedures. The underlying pathophysiology of this condition remains uncertain and merits further investigation. Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) is known as arare neurologic condition following iodine contrast media use in neuroendovascular interventions, with unclear pathophysiology. This study provides evidence that suspected CIE is associated with higher cerebral iodine concentrations in affected vascular territories, anovel quantifiable change. Implications for research, practice, or policy: These findings suggest the potential for iodine concentration monitoring to refine CIE diagnosis and prevention strategies in clinical practice.

Transition of medium of instruction in bilingual education in Aba Prefecture

Abstract The medium of instruction (MoI) in the bilingual education of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture is regulated through two modes. The first stipulates that Putonghua should be used for most school subjects, while the second requires exclusive use of Putonghua as the MoI for all subjects. In 2023, a field trip was conducted to investigate the ongoing implementation of MoI in bilingual schools for Tibetan students in Aba Prefecture. This research initially examines the current bilingual education situation for Tibetans in two local schools, with a focus on classroom teaching supported by the first MoI mode. It reveals that translanguaging pedagogy is a primary practical strategy employed to adapt to the transition from the first MoI mode to the second. Furthermore, it scrutinises attitudes and localised strategies of teachers, students and parents towards this transitional process, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current medium of instruction for Tibetan students. The findings indicate that (1) teachers’ translanguaging practices significantly contribute across three dimensions; (2) stakeholders’ attitudes towards bilingual education transformation vary; and (3) partial national initiatives offer support to promote the transition in different ways. Finally, this paper briefly summarises existing discrepancies related to MoI transitions and translanguaging practice, and offers insights into future developments in MoI transition for minority ethnic students attending bilingual schools in China.

Integrating augmented reality in EFL reading comprehension: a mixed-methods study

Reading comprehension presents persistent challenges for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, yet augmented reality (AR) tools offer promising opportunities to augment reading support. This mixed-methods study investigated the efficacy of AR applications for improving reading comprehension among 98 intermediate-level EFL students (ages 22-36). It also explored six EFL teachers’ perspectives on their use of AR in the classroom through semi-structured interviews. One-way ANCOVA was used to quantitively examine the effects of AR applications on learners’ reading comprehension and thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the data of the interviews. The quantitative results showed the effectiveness of thoughtfully designed AR applications for enhancing EFL reading comprehension. The qualitative findings of the interviews indicated that teachers valued AR technology as an effective and beneficial tool for EFL learners. They recognized its potential for facilitating deep learning of language skills, enhancing learners’ positive attitudes, and increasing their willingness to use AR-based approaches in EFL classes. However, teacher perspectives highlight the complexities and challenges of implementing emerging AR technologies in EFL contexts. The findings of the study called for adopting AR technology to enhance language learning experience, increase learners’ engagement, and create a more favorable environment for language learning. Practical strategies for integrating AR in EFL contexts and pedagogical implications for reading comprehension are discussed.

Real-world insights from comprehensive genomic profiling across multiple cancer types.

106 Background: This retrospective study was conducted to analyze tumor tissue profiling data to assess the potential of applying comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) in patient care across diverse solid tumors. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent stage IIIB or IV lung adenocarcinoma with the null immunophenotype, esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, or bile duct cancer between January 2020 and July 2023 at two medical centers in Taiwan were included in the National Biobank Consortium of Taiwan project. The tumor samples were subjected to CGP using FoundationOneCDx, with therapeutic implications determined using OncoKB classification. Results: FoundationOneCDx testing of 574 patients was successful in 456 (79.4%) patients. Clinically actionable genomic alterations were detected in 21.1% (96/456) of the patients, including 17.5%, 2.9%, and 0.7% of patients at evidence levels 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Lung adenocarcinoma accounted for the largest proportion of samples with at least one actionable gene alteration (63.2%), followed by bile duct (26.9%), gastric (17.6%), esophageal (4.0%), and pancreatic (3.1%) cancer. Based on the CGP results, 43 patients (9.4%) received matched targeted therapy. The median overall survival of patients who received matched therapy or not was 26.1 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 16.7–35.5 months) and 10.6 months (95% CI, 8.1–13.1 months; hazard ratio, 0.28, 95% CI, 0.14–0.55, p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: This study provides comprehensive insights into genomic profiling across diverse cancers in Taiwan, highlighting the crucial role of CGP in identifying actionable genomic alterations and guiding effective therapeutic strategies in real-world practice.

Optimization of the polishing process by integrating experimental design and high-throughput screening

Complex bispecific antibody formats tend to form more product-related impurities than monoclonal antibodies. The primary constraints are yield and purity in the polishing stage. The purpose of this study was to enhance the understanding of the optimal working window for four mixed-mode resins and to reduce the burden of resin screening and parameter optimization during process development. This study optimized the loading and elution conditions of four different mixed-mode cationic resins to enhance the yield and purity by integrating Design of Experiments with High-Throughput Screening. It was observed that despite being weakly acidic mixed-mode cationic resins, these four resins exhibited significant differences in their adsorption and elution performances and varied tolerances to salt concentrations. Capto MMC demonstrated strong hydrophobicity, while the performance profiles of MX-Trp-650 M and Nuvia cPrime were similar, with Nuvia cPrime showing superior purification effects. Eshmuno CMX, by extending its side chain ligand, achieved higher binding efficiency and capacity. Through the optimization of salt concentrations or the application of dual-gradient elution strategies, the target protein with high yield (77 %) and purity over 99 % was successfully obtained. This research not only provides in-depth insights into the application of mixed-mode chromatography in the biopharmaceutical field but also offers practical optimization strategies for the industrial-scale purification of bispecific antibodies.

Optimizing Biopsy Training Experience for Trainees and Faculty: Utilizing 5S Methodology with A Focus On Safety

This manuscript explores the application of the 5S methodology in optimizing workplace safety and efficiency within the context of biopsy training equipment. Drawing from a Quality Improvement Report presented at the 2023 RSNA annual meeting, our manuscript focuses on implementing 5S principles with a dedicated emphasis on safety (the 6th S). We demonstrate how the systematic application of 5S principles can revolutionize the functionality of biopsy training equipment, mitigate safety risks, and enhance overall workplace productivity. This manuscript offers valuable insights and practical strategies for improving healthcare training environments, with broader implications for quality improvement initiatives in the healthcare sector.

Exploring Practical Teaching Strategies in Higher Vocational English Education

Exploring Practical Teaching Strategies in Higher Vocational English Education

Involvement of LaeA and Velvet Proteins in Regulating the Production of Mycotoxins and Other Fungal Secondary Metabolites.

Fungi are rich sources of secondary metabolites of agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and food importance, such as mycotoxins, antibiotics, and antitumor agents. Secondary metabolites play vital roles in fungal pathogenesis, growth and development, oxidative status modulation, and adaptation/resistance to various environmental stresses. LaeA contains an S-adenosylmethionine binding site and displays methyltransferase activity. The members of velvet proteins include VeA, VelB, VelC, VelD and VosA for each member with a velvet domain. LaeA and velvet proteins can form multimeric complexes such as VosA-VelB and VelB-VeA-LaeA. They belong to global regulators and are mainly impacted by light. One of their most important functions is to regulate gene expressions that are responsible for secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The aim of this mini-review is to represent the newest cognition of the biosynthetic regulation of mycotoxins and other fungal secondary metabolites by LaeA and velvet proteins. In most cases, LaeA and velvet proteins positively regulate production of fungal secondary metabolites. The regulated fungal species mainly belong to the toxigenic fungi from the genera of Alternaria, Aspergillus, Botrytis, Fusarium, Magnaporthe, Monascus, and Penicillium for the production of mycotoxins. We can control secondary metabolite production to inhibit the production of harmful mycotoxins while promoting the production of useful metabolites by global regulation of LaeA and velvet proteins in fungi. Furthermore, the regulation by LaeA and velvet proteins should be a practical strategy in activating silent biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in fungi to obtain previously undiscovered metabolites.