Use Of Practice Research Articles

PGT-A: what's it for, what's wrong?

PGT-A, what's it for? Considering the increase in fetal aneuploidies with a woman's age and the high number of miscarriages associated with fetal karyotype anomalies, the concept of selecting IVF embryos based on their karyotype in order to transfer only euploid embryos and eliminate aneuploid ones was proposed. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) was then established, nearly 30years ago, with the expectation that the transfer of euploid embryos would lead to a significant improvement in medically assisted reproduction (MAR) outcomes. PGT-A, what's wrong? Despite the practice and widespread use, PGT-A has not consistently proven its effectiveness. The clinical value of PGT-A remains controversial. The initial studies reported an increase in MAR outcomes. However, these studies used embryo transfer as the reference point. More recent studies, which use intention-to-treat as the reference point, show, at best, slight improvements and, at worst, a reduction in the considered IVF outcomes. In this article, we attempt to answer two key questions: "What is it for?" and "What's wrong with PGT-A?". We also explore some of the ethical issues raised by these conclusions. Ultimately, we suggest that PGT-A should no longer be offered to infertile couples.

Horse antithymocyte globulin test doses and infusion reactions in adults with aplastic anemia: A multicenter retrospective experience

Introduction Horse antithymocyte globulin carries a black box warning for life-threatening anaphylactic reactions, and prescribing information recommends test doses to identify patients at highest risk of this adverse effect. The predictive value of such test doses is not well validated, and practicality of use is unclear. Methods This was a planned secondary analysis of a multicenter, retrospective cohort study in adults with severe aplastic anemia being managed with horse antithymocyte globulin as part of their treatment regimen. Qualitative and quantitative descriptions of test doses and infusion reactions are summarized, alongside key institutional administration practices. Results Of 49 patients who received intradermal test doses, two experienced positive reactions and went onto receive their full horse antithymocyte globulin course through prolonged infusion time or desensitization. Infusion reaction rate in patients with negative test doses was 61%, corresponding to a negative predictive value of 39%. Premedication, infusion time, and infusion reaction management were similar across institutions. Conclusion Horse antithymocyte globulin has a high risk of infusion reactions that must be monitored and managed closely. However, test doses do not consistently predict who will experience an infusion reaction, and their practicality may be limited with current administration practices.

"May we be the bridge and boat to cross the water": Community-engaged research on metta meditation.

Inclusive research is needed to understand how contemplative practices are used by people of diverse identities. Metta meditation-also known as loving-kindness meditation-may be particularly relevant for people committed to equity and justice because of the social nature of the practice. Using community-based participatory research and an intersectional framework, we assessed how people in a diverse meditation community teach and practice metta meditation. In partnership between university researchers and a community-based meditation center, we conducted virtual focus groups on experiences with metta meditation during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. We used reflexive thematic analysis to analyze focus group data, with a member checking process to include participant feedback. Forty-seven people participated in six focus groups (Mage = 47; 62% lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex or asexual; 23% Asian, 19% Black, 13% Hispanic/Latina/o, 32% White, 24% multiracial). Qualitative analysis identified three central themes: (1) the importance of a community of practice for creating a sense of belonging (including during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic); (2) the benefits of metta practice for cultivating compassion and equanimity; and (3) the use of metta practice to cope with harmful situations, including individual-level stressors and structural oppression. Metta meditation supported participants in navigating stressors and injustice. Community-based spaces designed to cultivate belonging among diverse communities can support people to connect contemplative practice with their efforts for social change. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Onboarding Dairy Farm Employees: Improving the New Employee Experience.

The first days and weeks on the job set the course for a new dairy farm employee. This project involved an educational intervention to increase the use of new employee onboarding practices in dairy farms and analyzes the resulting effects on (1) levels of onboarding practice use, (2) manager perceptions of employee performance, (3) manager satisfaction with the onboarding program, (4) manager concerns about compliance with state and federal employment regulations, and (5) employee turnover. Onboarding advisors (educators and consultants) provided templates, examples, and intensive facilitation directly with farm managers to learn and adopt onboarding practices. A total of 36 dairy farms participated in the onboarding project, and 17 provided a complete set of data from before and after the intervention and were included in this analysis. Dairy managers' self-reported data indicated statistically significant increases, measured on a 4-point scale, in their levels of onboarding practice use after the intervention for compliance (increase from 2.47 to 3.24) and clarity (increase from 2.53 to 3.24). Of 23 recommended onboarding practices, dairy managers reported tripling their adoption of mission statements, first day safety training, and sharing job descriptions, while adoption of 5 other practices more than doubled. Managers' satisfaction with their onboarding program experienced a significant increase, going from a mean of 2.65 before the intervention to 5.06 afterward on a 7-point scale. Dairy farm managers reported they were more concerned about their compliance with federal and state employment regulations after participating in the onboarding project, possibly due to increased awareness and rapidly changing regulations. Finally, of the 11 farms that reported complete employee turnover information, there was an encouraging decline in turnover from before (44%) to after the intervention (28%) but the result was not statistically significant. Our findings demonstrate that, according to self-report, an educational intervention providing templates, resources, and access to professionals with HRM skills was effective in helping farms improve onboarding and increase adoption of specific HRM practices.

Minimal Residual Disease Testing Infrastructure in Multiple Myeloma: Guidance for Clinical Trial and Routine Practice Use in Canada

Minimal Residual Disease Testing Infrastructure in Multiple Myeloma: Guidance for Clinical Trial and Routine Practice Use in Canada

Инновации в системе горно-геологического образования

The article is dedicated to the outstanding researcher and industrial specialist Yuriy Nikolayevich Malyshev. The article describes his work experience in research and educational areas; interaction under his leadership between the Vernadsky State Geological Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the educational community; his significant contribution to addressing the scientific and social problems of the mineral and raw materials complex of the country. Yuriy Nikolaevich assigned a significant part to upbringing of the young generation and training of the talent pool for innovative industrial operations. The presented work reveals modern approaches to education in mining and geological sectors with the use of museum practice.

Tahneek practice and use of dextrose/glucose gel in neonatal hypoglycemia

In this article, we discussed tahneek practiceand use of dextrose/glucose gel in neonatalhypoglycemia (NH) to draw attention to tahneekpractice in newborn infants. NH is a commonmetabolic problem in newborn infants. There are stillno data available that define how low a glucoseconcentration must be, respectively how long it mustpersist at which level to cause brain injury inneonates. An universal approach to diagnosis andmanagement of NH is still lacking. Oraldextrose/glucose gel is the recommended first linefor the management of NH in many guidelines;however, more data on safety and efficacy and theeffect of dextrose/glucose gel long-termneurological outcome are needed. Date is anessential high-energy food with a low-glycemicindex. Tahneek, a rubbing process of an chewed date on the soft palate of the neonate immediately afterdelivery, has been performed for over 1,400 years,because it is one of the Prophet Muhammad’s(Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) sunnahs. We thinkthat tahneek practice can be used in the prophylaxisand treatment of NH. Furthermore, tahneek practicemay be more effective and safer than dextro-se/glucose gel in correcting NH because it is moreadvantageous than oral dextrose/glucose gel in manyfeatures. However, no clinical trial has beenpublished about use of tahneek practice in newborninfants. We strongly recommend that randomizedcontrolled studies, including large series, should beconducted about effects of tahneek practice on NH.

CHESS AS AN EDUCATIONAL TOOL FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION AND EMPLOYMENT

Purpose and aim of the study: The paper’s aim is to describe and analyse best practices in use of chess as an educational tool for enhancing disadvantaged groups’ social inclusion and employment in selected European countries. Design / Methodology / Approach: The methodology of descriptive research and study was employed in the present research. A focus group interview was leveraged as the method of data collection in May 2024. A total of 15 respondents from Latvia, Italy, and Spain participated in the interview. Categorisation as a classification method in a descriptive study was used for data analysis. Main Findings: The data analysis demonstrated that Italy and Spain utilised chess as an educational tool in a non-classical way, while Latvia continued to keep chess as an educational tool in a conventional manner.Originality: The originality of the paper is shown by three categories of use of chess as an educational tool for disadvantaged groups. The categories were identified as target group, level of initiative, and classical/non-classical use of chess as an educational tool. Implications: The researcher community could invest more efforts into analyses of use of chess for social inclusion and employment of disadvantaged groups due to the chess game’s unique capabilities.

Perspectives of paediatric occupational therapists on the use of evidence-based practice in Kuwait: a qualitative study

ObjectivesTo investigate the perspectives of paediatric occupational therapists on factors relating to the use of evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical practice/settings.DesignA qualitative approach entailing the use of (face-to-face) semistructured interviews....

The Brain in Context: A Scoping Review and Concept Definition of Neuro-Informed Policy and Practice.

Among the developmental sciences, discovery in neuroscience has underpinned research innovations and made a significant contribution to knowledge translation. With the growth of neuroscience discovery, policymakers and practitioner workforces have adopted 'neuro-informed' in decisions targeting the delivery of human, social, and economic wellbeing. In this scoping review, we examined the use and conceptualization of neuro-informed policy and practice (NPP) over the last two decades. We aim to establish a working definition of NPP and identify the key knowledge bases underpinning the application of NPP, with a specific focus on children and young people. A total of 116 publications related to NPP were identified across academic and policy sources. Publications derived from diverse fields (e.g., psychology, social policy, medicine, urban planning). Health and Education were the most common target areas for NPP; however, applications of NPP to social services, law, and physical environments were also identified. Despite the growth in NPP, concept definitions of NPP were limited and primarily tautological. A four-stage process of concept definition was used to develop a working definition of NPP applicable to different systems, workforces, and contexts. By applying content analysis, 12 distinct knowledge bases underpinning NPP were identified. Our scoping review highlights the importance of defining the concept of neuro-informed policy and practice, extending beyond the brain or individual in isolation to include consideration of the brain in context.

Optimization of Assembly Line Balancing Via Response Surface Methodology and Discrete Event Simulation

Objective: The objective of this study is to distribute the operations time between the operators according to the production mix for a new product type to be added to the relevant module in the existing production line, and to integrate the new product with high workload time into the existing production line without adding a new operator. Theoretical Framework: Assembly line balancing is an important performance enhancement method that is frequently used to improve the performance of manufacturing systems. Method: Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is a collection of statistical and mathematical techniques useful for developing, improving, and optimizing processes. A discrete event simulation model can be defined as a model where the state variable changes only at these discrete points in time when events occur. Results and Discussion: As a result of the research, the production line can produce 386 products under the condition of not having two consecutive units of X202, with a product mix ratio of 85%-15%. Research Implications: The practicality of use and the consistency of the results obtained make the integration of response surface experimental design with simulation a method that can be applied in both academic and industrial settings. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by developing to balance the assembly line under constraints, the simulation model of the line model is established and the optimization of the model parameters with the response surface has not been discussed in the literature.

Suicide Prevention and Telehealth in Children's Hospital Emergency Departments.

Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents. Emergency department (ED) visits for mental health concerns are rising, and telehealth is increasingly used to provide emergency mental health care. We conducted a national survey to describe suicide prevention practices and tele-mental health care in children's hospital EDs. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of leaders at all 52 US EDs affiliated with dedicated children's hospitals (ie, hospitals that provide care only to children) to describe use of tele-mental health care and suicide prevention practices. Leaders from 41 EDs completed the survey (79% response rate). Tele-mental health care was used in 23 EDs (56%); there were no differences in ED structural characteristics between institutions with telehealth versus without telehealth. Among responding EDs, 40 (98%) reported they screen for suicide risk, and 29 (71%) reported they use a standardized approach to suicide prevention discharge planning. Risk reduction practices conducted at many but not all EDs included assessment of access to lethal means (n = 31, 86%), counseling on reduction of access to lethal means (n = 30, 73%) and providing patients with a list of professionals or agencies that they can contact in a crisis (n = 35, 85%). There were no differences in use of suicide prevention practices at EDs with versus without telehealth (P > 0.1 for all). Approximately half of children's hospital EDs use tele-mental health care, and hospitals with versus without tele-mental health care report similar rates of suicide prevention practice use. Opportunities exist to increase use of discharge safety practices.

Communicative Activities for Written and Spoken Production of Narrative Tenses in English

Grammatical forms like narrative tenses might be challenging for English language learners from diverse educational contexts. This study, therefore, proposes alternative communicative activities to embed narrative tenses into contextualized practice through creative writing and imaginative speaking scenarios. Employing a qualitative action research method, the researcher recommends two communicative grammar activities on narrative tenses. To test the effectiveness of these teaching activities, the researcher exploits a test of grammar, an open-ended survey, student artifacts, and observational notes. Findings indicate positive learner perceptions of incorporating such activities in teaching narrative tenses. They also reveal significant improvement in learners’ grammatical accuracy. Accordingly, the two contextualized communicative activities for written and oral production that foster narrative tenses are presented. The preparation and procedures for these activities are explained. Possible adaptations to context, level, modality, and assessment are dis-cussed. In addition to bridging the gap between controlled grammar practice and authentic language use, the teaching activities proposed in the current study intend to promote contextualized grammar practice, creative learner engagement, productive skills integration, and storytelling skills. The study’s originality lies in reporting the findings of teacher-led classroom practice and proposes two contextualized teaching activities for the communicative practice of narrative tenses, an un-der-researched area.

Sensors, Techniques, and Future Trends of Human-Engagement-Enabled Applications: A Review

Human engagement is a vital test research area actively explored in cognitive science and user experience studies. The rise of big data and digital technologies brings new opportunities into this field, especially in autonomous systems and smart applications. This article reviews the latest sensors, current advances of estimation methods, and existing domains of application to guide researchers and practitioners to deploy engagement estimators in various use cases from driver drowsiness detection to human–robot interaction (HRI). Over one hundred references were selected, examined, and contrasted in this review. Specifically, this review focuses on accuracy and practicality of use in different scenarios regarding each sensor modality, as well as current opportunities that greater automatic human engagement estimation could unlock. It is highlighted that multimodal sensor fusion and data-driven methods have shown significant promise in enhancing the accuracy and reliability of engagement estimation. Upon compiling the existing literature, this article addresses future research directions, including the need for developing more efficient algorithms for real-time processing, generalization of data-driven approaches, creating adaptive and responsive systems that better cater to individual needs, and promoting user acceptance.

Exploring the role of a social carrier in advancing agroecology and territorial autonomy

ABSTRACT The practice of agroecology has been promoted as a promising pathway to improve environmental and human well-being. Previous research has shown that farm size is often related to factors that can help or hinder agroecological practice use, but context is key. Here, we examine the relationship between farm size and the use of agroecological practices by assessing 596 management plans for farms associated with the Brazilian participatory agroecology network Rede Ecovida. In contrast to other studies, we found that the probability of using agroecological practices generally did not differ by farm size. We draw on interviews with agroecological actors to contextualize these findings and characterize the relationship between farm size and agroecology, both as a set of practices and a social movement. We suggest that, in this case, the lack of a relationship between farm size and agroecological practices might be explained by Rede Ecovida’s role as a “social carrier” that advances agroecological principles and practices in the pursuit of territorial, or actual, autonomy. This study highlights the importance of the socio-organizational dimensions of agroecological transitions and suggests that increased support should be directed to social networks and participatory certification models to encourage scaling agroecology across diverse farm types and sizes.

Return-to-Learn for the K-12 Student: a Mixed-Methods Systematic Review.

Our aim was to perform a systematic review of Return-to-Learn literature with the intent of determining what items are necessary to form a comprehensive Return-to-Learn policy. We searched CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and WorldWideScience.org using 25 search terms including return to learn, adolescents, concussion management, concussion AND children, concussion AND department of education, concussion AND secondary schools, concussion AND middle school, concussion AND primary school, concussion AND policy AND procedures, concussion AND 504 plans. Eligible studies were (i) published between 2009 and 2022; (ii) originally published in English in a peer-reviewed journal; (iii) have a full text available; (iv) discuss the K-12 population; (v) contain one of the following terms in the body of the document: Return to Learn, RTL, Return to School, Return to Classroom, or Return to Academics; (vi) identify RTL as a primary aim of the document. The Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument and JBI Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument tools were used to extract data from eligible studies. Extraction occurred independently by two researchers. Review yielded 32,766 articles, with 58 meeting inclusion criteria. Two qualitative themes and five subthemes aggregated with six quantitative narratives to produce five converged findings: 1) members and point person, 2) overcoming barriers to communication, 3) increasing concussion knowledge and training in the school system, 4) recommendations in the classroom, and 5) tackling the invisible injury. Less than one-third of included articles reported data from younger (K-8) cohorts, therefore, the converged findings represent significant facets of high school Return-to-Learn that stakeholders should embed into novel and revised state concussion legislation. Subsequent efforts should seek to appraise current state Return-to-Learn laws for existing use of evidence-based practice and begin accumulating data specific to younger students and school professionals that monitor and teach these individuals such that commensurate policy recommendations can then be made.

PCR46 The Practice of Use of Non-Steroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs AMONG Serbian Adults

PCR46 The Practice of Use of Non-Steroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs AMONG Serbian Adults

Hot and cold: Policy perspectives on overheating and cooling in United Kingdom homes

Under the current climate, overheating is already a problem in UK homes, causing discomfort, ill health, and mortality. As temperatures continue to increase due to climate change, the problem will worsen. Cooling offers a solution and its use in the domestic sector is expected to grow, but active cooling technologies can create emissions which contribute to climate change and can have wider social impacts. Policy needs to be developed to protect people from heat risks, whilst limiting the impacts from any cooling. These are emerging research and policy areas within the UK and other temperate countries, and this paper explores these challenges and opportunities using an avoid-improve-shift cooling decarbonisation framework, through semi-structured interviews with 74 policy actors. The results show the main challenge is the existing stock, that the market for domestic cooling is immature, and there are opportunities to support the adoption of passive measures, improve cooling products, and manage cooling within the energy system. Overall, the paper highlights the need for action to create homes that are fit for the future through the development of a balanced, integrated cooling policy. This can be achieved by acting quickly and comprehensively; seeking synergies with wider energy policies; supporting people to take low-carbon, climate resilient behaviours; making use of best practice; and through effective leadership.

Harm reduction for perinatal cannabis use: protocol for a scoping review of clinical practices

IntroductionThe American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommends against cannabis use during pregnancy and lactation (‘perinatal cannabis use’) given its association with negative parent–child health outcomes. However, cannabis is becoming...

Spanlastic Nano-Vesicles: A Novel Approach to Improve the Dissolution, Bioavailability, and Pharmacokinetic Behavior of Famotidine.

Background/Objectives: Drugs exhibiting poor aqueous solubility present a challenge to efficient delivery to the site of action. Spanlastics (a nano, surfactant-based drug delivery system) have emerged as a powerful tool to improve solubility, bioavailability, and delivery to the site of action. This study aimed to better understand factors affecting the physicochemical properties of spanlastics, quantify their effects, and use them to enhance the bioavailability of famotidine (FMT), a model histamine H2 receptor antagonist (BCS class IV). Methods: FMT was incorporated into nano-spanlastics drug delivery system. The ethanol injection method, Box-Behnken design, and mathematical modeling were utilized to fabricate famotidine-loaded nano-spanlastics and optimize the formula. Spanlastics were characterized for their particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, drug loading, compatibility of the excipients (using DSC), in vitro drug release, and in vivo pharmacokinetics. Results: Span 60 (the non-ionic surfactant) and tween 60 (the edge activator) gave rise to spanlastics with the best characteristics. The optimal spanlastic formulation exhibited small particle size (<200 nm), appropriate polydispersity index (<0.4), and zeta potential (>-30 mV). The entrapment efficiency and drug loading of the optimum formula assured its suitability for hydrophobic drug entrapment as well as practicability for use. DSC assured the compatibility of all formulation components. The drug release manifested a biphasic release pattern, resulting in a fast onset and sustained effect. Spanlastics also showed enhanced Cmax, AUC0-24, and bioavailability. Conclusions: Spanlastics manifested improved FMT dissolution, drug release characteristics, membrane permeation, and pharmacokinetic behavior.