Six-week Period Research Articles

A Cross-Sectional Review of HIV Screening in High-Acuity Emergency Department Patients: A Missed Opportunity.

Emergency department (ED) patients requiring immediate treatment often bypass a triage process that includes HIV screening. In this study we aimed to investigate the potential missed opportunity to screen these patients for HIV. We conducted this cross-sectional study in a municipal ED over a six-week period between June-August 2019. The patient population in this study arrived in the ED as a pre-notification from prehospital services or designated by the ambulance or walk-in triage nurse as requiring immediate medical attention. Medical student researchers collected demographic data and categorized patients into three clinical groups (trauma, medical, psychiatric). They documented the patient's eligibility for HIV screening as determined by a physician and confirmed that the patient met criteria of clear mental status, controlled pain, stable vital signs, and ability to contribute to a medical history and physical examination. The student researchers did this at initial presentation and then again during the patient's ED stay of up to eight hours. The study outcomes measured the percentage of total patients within each clinical group (trauma, medical, psychiatric) able to engage in the HIV screening process upon arrival and during an eight-hour ED stay. On average, 700 patients per month are announced on arrival via overhead page, indicating that they require immediate medical attention. During the six-week study, 205 patients (approximately 20% of total) were enrolled: 114 trauma; 56 medical; and 35 psychiatric presentations. The average patient age was 53; 60% of patients were male. Niney-eight (48%) patients were eligible for HIV screening within an eight-hour ED stay; 63 (31%) were able to be screened upon initial presentation and 35 (17%) in the first eight hours of their ED visit. Within medical and trauma subgroups, there was no significant difference in the proportion (36%) of patients that could be screened upon presentation. Among the psychiatric presentations, only five (14%) were able to be screened during their hospital stay. Triage protocols for high-acuity medico-surgical patients resulted in a missed opportunity to screen 48% of patients for HIV. Acute psychiatric patients represented a particular missed opportunity. We advocate for universal HIV screening, facilitated through electronic best practice advisories and a modified triage tailored to higher acuity patients. Implementing these changes would ensure that HIV screening is not overlooked in high-acuity ED patients, leading to early detection and timely interventions.

Contribution of Lateral Bound and Triceps Dips Exercises to the Repulsion Results of Men in North Padang Lawas Regency

The proficiency in the sport of shot put is contingent upon the harmonious integration of strength, power, and technique. Notwithstanding its significance, athletes at Pembina Prestasi club in North Padang Lawas have demonstrated suboptimal outcomes, necessitating a targeted intervention to enhance their performance. The objective of study was to investigate the impact of lateral bound and tricep dip exercises on the performance of male athletes at Pembina Prestasi Club in the discipline of shot put. A pre-test and post-test experimental study was conducted on six male shot put athletes. The intervention comprised lateral bound and triceps dip exercises, conducted thrice weekly for 18 sessions over a six-week period. The efficacy of intervention was evaluated by measuring the participants' shot put performance before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, normality tests, and paired sample t-tests. The results demonstrated a statistically significant enhancement in shot put performance subsequent to the intervention. The mean throwing distance increased from 6.40 meters to 7.74 meters, accompanied by a reduction in performance variability. The frequency distribution of performance categories exhibited a positive shift, with 66.33% of participants transitioning to the "Good" category following the intervention. A statistically significant difference was observed between the pre-test and post-test scores (p = 0.025). The implementation of lateral bound and tricep dip exercises effectively enhanced shot put performance among the studied athletes. The intervention not only improved throwing distances but also led to more consistent performances. Further research should explore these exercises with larger sample sizes and over extended periods. The integration of advanced technologies for more precise measurements and investigation of personalized training approaches based on individual athlete characteristics are recommended. Additionally, studies examining the long-term effects of these interventions and their applicability across different athlete demographics could further contribute to optimizing shot put.

Comparison of in situ black-lipped oyster spat collection and larval dispersal modelling results in semi-closed pearl-farming lagoons of the Tuamotu Archipelago

Spat collection of the pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera in atoll lagoons of French Polynesia is the fundamental sustain of black pearl farming. Spat collection has always yielded variable results in space and time, but obvious signs of steady decreases, even collapses, have emerged in several lagoons. Spat collection materializes the ecological connectivity pathways between wild spawning populations and the location of artificial larval settlement substrates. To assess if oyster larval dispersal modelling could capture such pathways, we compared four six-week long spat collector deployment periods with dispersal simulations in two different lagoons. Spat collectors displayed wide spatial and temporal variations. Numerical modelling and field experiments were generally not in agreement. Although both methods have limitations, they can still approximate each other. But the accuracy of model simulations cannot be ascertained with spat collection data only. Using a SWOT (Strength-Weakness-Opportunities-Threats) analysis, we emphasize the complementarity of both approaches for management decisions.

PROPAGATION AND CALLUS REGENERATION OF POTATO (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM L.) CULTIVAR ‘DESIREE’ UNDER SALT STRESS CONDITIONS

Under laboratory conditions, segments of potato with single nodes were exposed to varying doses of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) (0 mM, 20 mM, 40 mM, 60 mM, 80 mM and 100 mM), using the Murashige and Skoog growth medium to assess how NaCl salt stress affects micropropagation, callus formation, and regeneration in the ‘Desiree’ potato plant cultivar, and also seeks to determine the ability of this cultivar to thrive in salt stress conditions. The data were collected after a six-week period for each salt treatment. Remarkably, a significant increase in the mass of green and dry stems and roots was observed specifically under the 40 mM NaCl treatment. Conversely, the length of shoots and branches experienced a reduction as the NaCl concentration increased. The overall impact of the NaCl treatments strongly influenced root weight. Concerning the formation (development) and revitalization of callus, segments of potato microtubers were exposed to the above-mentioned NaCl concentrations, resulting in an intermediate level of salt stress that significantly reduced callus weights as NaCl concentration increased. Furthermore, a gradual decrease in the regeneration rate was noted with increasing concentrations of the plant growth regulator BA (1 to 4 mg/l). The most profound relative regeneration rate occurred at 1 mg/l BA. Notably, the counteractive effect of salt was more apparent with higher NaCl concentrations, with exceptions at 20 mM and 40 mM. These findings propose that the ‘Desiree’ potato cultivar exhibits moderate tolerance to salt stress and indicates a capacity to endure salinity. Moreover, this valuable variety could potentially be harnessed through genetic manipulation to enhance its salt resilience.

Effects of Pilate Mat Exercises on Agility and Flexibility of Athletes - A Pilot Study

Background-Athletes are always looking for ways to get better at what they do and get hurt less frequently. Movement efficiency and total physical capability are influenced by flexibility and agility, which are essential elements of athletic success. Pilates mat movements have a reputation for enhancing body awareness, flexibility, and core strength. Despite its growing popularity, the impact of incorporating Pilates into athletes' training routines, particularly concerning flexibility and agility, remains largely unexplored. Objective-The purpose of this study was to evaluate the agility and flexibility of athletes who included Pilates mat movements in their training regimen to a control group who continued with their regular training regimen. Methods-Two groups, Group A (experimental) and Group B (control), each with fifteen participants, were randomly selected from among the thirty participants. Group B adhered to their regular training program without making any alterations, Group A engaged in Pilates mat exercises three days per week for six weeks, following informed consent obtained from each participant prior to the intervention. Agility and flexibility were assessed using the 4 x 10-meter shuttle run test and the sit and reach test before and after a six-week intervention period. Results and Conclusion-Compared to Group B, Group A showed noticeably greater flexibility and agility after the intervention. With a standard deviation of improvement of 2.90, the experimental group (Group A) demonstrated an average improvement in the sit and reach test score from 21.5 to 27.7. Group B, the control group, saw very little improvement; mean scores varied greatly, going from 22.18 to 22.20. Group A's mean time in the 4 x 10-meter shuttle run test increased from 23.3 to 21, while Group B's mean time only marginally improved from 21.53 to 22.07. These results imply that adding Pilates mat exercises to athletes' training regimens can increase their flexibility and agility, which may help them perform better on the field and avoid injuries. To confirm these results and investigate the long-term advantages of Pilates for athletes, more studies with bigger sample numbers and longer intervention times are necessary.

The Effect of Combination of Cone Drill (Zigzag) with Core Stability, Combination of Ladder Drill (Snake Jump) with Core Stability, and Speed on Agility of Futsal Players: A Factorial Experimental Design

The game of futsal, known for its high intensity and dynamic nature demanding skill and robust physical fitness, particularly in agility, presents a significant challenge. Incorporating variations of cone and ladder drills in agility training, with a focus on enhancing balance through core stability training in conjunction with speed modulation as a key factor, is believed to impact players' agility players. Despite recognizing the individual significance of these training modalities in boosting agility performance, there remains a gap in fully comprehending their combined effects during futsal engagements. This research seeks to scrutinize the group differentials in agility training, factoring in speed variations in relation to futsal players' agility levels. The study defined agility training cohorts as a combo group of cone drill with core stability and a combination group of ladder drill alongside core stability, while speed was categorized as high or low. Employing an experimental methodology with a 2 x 2 factorial design, the study enlisted 20 players aged 17.1 ± 0.76 years through random selection. Agility training, conducted thrice weekly over a six-week period, emphasized swift and dynamic movements alongside maintaining balance. Speed and agility metrics were assessed using the 30m acceleration test and Illinois agility test, then subjected to statistical scrutiny via a two-way ANOVA at a significance level of 0.05. Results revealed that both training methodologies benefited participants with elevated speed (P<0.05). Notably, agility training incorporating ladder drill exercises and core stability training exhibited superior outcomes for high-speed performers (P<0.05). Conversely, individuals with lower speed levels potentially benefitted more from a combination of ladder drill and core stability (P<0.05). These findings furnish crucial insights for futsal coaches and trainers looking to craft tailored training regimens aimed at enhancing agility performance effectively. Keywords: Cone Drill, Ladder Drill, Core Stability, Speed, Agility, Futsal

Green Light Mitigates Cyclic Chronic Heat-Stress-Induced Liver Oxidative Stress and Inflammation via NF-κB Pathway Inhibition in Geese.

Heat stress (HS) induces various physiological disorders in poultry, negatively impacting feed intake, feed efficiency, and growth performance. Considering the documented anti-stress and growth-promoting benefits of monochromatic green light in poultry, we aimed to investigate its effects on cyclic chronic HS-induced oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation in geese. We established three treatment groups-geese exposed to white light (W), white light with HS treatment (WH), and green light with HS treatment (GH)-treated over a six-week period with daily HS sessions. The results revealed that cyclic chronic HS induced liver OS and inflammation, leading to hepatocellular injury and reduced growth performance and feed intake. In comparison, the growth performance of geese under green light significantly improved. Additionally, liver index, serum, liver malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were reduced. Serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), liver catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were enhanced, reducing hepatic OS and inflammation. Liver transcriptomic analysis indicated that green light alleviates cyclic chronic HS-induced liver injury and promotes geese growth performance by suppressing NF-κB pathway activation.

Reducing problematic pornography use with imaginal retraining-A randomized controlled trial.

Problematic pornography use (PPU) can be a manifestation of compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD). Studies investigating PPU confirm approach-avoidance tendencies in response to pornographic stimuli in this population. This study show indications of the significance of the efficacy of imaginal retraining, a variant of approach bias modification, as an intervention for PPU. A total of 274participants (86.5% male; mean age = 30.65, SD = 10.13) with self-reported PPU were randomized to imaginal retraining (instruction video) or a waitlist control group. Assessments were conducted online at baseline and after the six-week intervention period. The primary outcome was a reduction in problematic pornography use. Compulsive sexual behavior, sexual desire, depressiveness, and satisfaction with the intervention served as secondary outcomes. Retention was low (51.7%), but comparable between groups. The retraining was performed at least once a week (the per-protocol [PP] criterion) by 51.4% of participants. The PP analyses of 111 participants showed a significant reduction in problematic pornography use (primary outcome) in the intervention compared to the control group. The intention-to-treat analyses (ITT), however, did not corroborate this result. Despite low adherence, participants rated their satisfaction with the intervention positively. Imaginal retraining can function as a low-threshold self-help intervention for PPU to overcome help-seeking barriers and may reduce PPU in a subgroup of users. Low adherence limits the results of this trial. Given the need for low-threshold interventions for PPU and/or CSBD, further research should focus on increasing adherence and should evaluate retraining for clinical groups. Modifications to augment efficacy are suggested.

(067) ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SEX EDUCATION ON SEXUAL SCHEMAS, SEXUAL SELF-ESTEEM, AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION IN MENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Abstract Introduction Menopause represents a crucial life phase for women, characterized by significant physical and psychological changes. Objective This study aims to explore the influence of sex education on women's sexual schemas, sexual self-esteem, and sexual satisfaction among menopausal women. Methods This research employed a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test study with a control group. Participants were selected from women who had sought counseling at counseling center. They were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (15 pairs) or the control group (15 pairs). Data were collected using the Questionnaire of Cognitive Schemas Activation in Sexual Context (QCSASC), Women's Sexual Self-esteem Questionnaire (SSFIW), and Women's Sexual Satisfaction (ISS). The independent variable, sex education, was implemented for the experimental group over 15 hours across a six-week period, with one session per week. Subsequently, the three aforementioned questionnaires were administered to both the experimental and control groups Results ANCOVA analysis indicated that the sex education intervention had an impact on women's sexual self-esteem and sexual satisfaction but did not affect women's sexual schemas. Conclusions Training in sex skills can enhance and elevate women's sexual satisfaction, even during a period where a decline in sexual self-esteem might be anticipated Disclosure No.

Reduction in Serum Concentrations of Uremic Toxins Driven by Bifidobacterium Longum Subsp. Longum BL21 is Associated with Gut Microbiota Changes in a Rat Model of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis and consequent impairment of gut barrier function, culminating in elevated levels of uremic toxins, are prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. These toxins, notably indoxyl sulphate (IS), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), are implicated in a spectrum of CKD-related complications, including cardiovascular disease, bone and mineral disorders, and inflammation. The specific impacts of various probiotics on these CKD manifestations remain unexplored. This study delved into the potential of dietary probiotic interventions, particularly Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL21, to modulate gut microbiota and mitigate metabolic disorders in a CKD rat model. Over a six-week period, we administered a dietary regimen of BL21 and conducted comprehensive analyses, including serum uremic toxin quantification and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, to systematically profile gut microbial alterations at the phylogenetic level. Our findings reveal that BL21 intervention significantly ameliorated CKD-induced disruptions in gut microbial populations, enhancing both microbial richness and the relative abundance of key taxa. Importantly, BL21 appeared to exert its beneficial effects by modulating the abundance of crucial species such as Barnesiella and Helicobacter. Functionally, the intervention markedly normalized serum levels of IS, IAA, and TMAO, while potentially attenuating p-cresol sulphate (PCS) and p-cresol glucuronide (PCG) concentrations. Consequently, BL21 demonstrated efficacy in regulating gut microbiota and curtailing the accumulation of uremic toxins. Our results advocate for the utilization of BL21 as a dietary intervention to diminish serum uremic toxins and re-establish gut microbiota equilibrium at the phylogenetic level, underscoring the promise of probiotic strategies in the management of CKD.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of soft bandage and immediate discharge versus rigid immobilization in children with distal radius torus fractures.

The aim of this trial was to assess the cost-effectiveness of a soft bandage and immediate discharge, compared with rigid immobilization, in children aged four to 15 years with a torus fracture of the distal radius. A within-trial economic evaluation was conducted from the UK NHS and personal social services (PSS) perspective, as well as a broader societal point of view. Health resources and quality of life (the youth version of the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D-Y)) data were collected, as part of the Forearm Recovery in Children Evaluation (FORCE) multicentre randomized controlled trial over a six-week period, using trial case report forms and patient-completed questionnaires. Costs and health gains (quality-adjusted life years (QALYs)) were estimated for the two trial treatment groups. Regression was used to estimate the probability of the new treatment being cost-effective at a range of 'willingness-to-pay' thresholds, which reflect a range of costs per QALY at which governments are typically prepared to reimburse for treatment. The offer of a soft bandage significantly reduced cost per patient (saving £12.55 (95% confidence interval (CI) -£5.30 to £19.80)) while QALYs were similar (QALY difference between groups: 0.0013 (95% CI -0.0004 to 0.003)). The high probability (95%) that offering a bandage is a cost-effective option was consistent when examining the data in a range of sensitivity analyses. In addition to the known clinical equivalence, this study found that the offer of a bandage reduced cost compared with rigid immobilization among children with a torus fracture of the distal radius. While the cost saving was small for each patient, the high frequency of these injuries indicates a significant saving across the healthcare system.

Effect of Spirulina Nigrita® Supplementation on Indices of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage after Eccentric Protocol of Upper Limbs in Apparently Healthy Volunteers.

Spirulina is a supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may enhance performance and recovery after intense exercise. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Spirulina Nigrita® on physical performance, and recovery markers after intense eccentric exercise in healthy moderately physically active volunteers. In a double-blind crossover design, participants were supplemented either with spirulina (42 mg Kg-1 BW per day) or a placebo for 15 days before conducting an eccentric exercise protocol using the non-dominant arm. A six-week washout period was required between conditions. Performance and mobility markers such as isometric peak torque (PTQ), ligament range of motion (ROM), and perceived muscle discomfort (VAS) were assessed and blood samples (CK, LDH) were obtained at 1, 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise. No significant differences were noticed between the two conditions on any of the investigated markers, indicating that spirulina supplementation has no positive effect on isometric muscle performance or alleviation of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) symptoms in the specific population.

Differences in the effects of plyometric squat jumps and bileg band training on leg strength increases in volleyball players of different gender

Background and purpose This study aims to determine differences in the effects of plyometric jumps, squats, and double leg band training on leg muscle strength gains in volleyball players of different genders. Material and methods This study was conducted at SMP Negeri 3 Karanganyar, Jalan Lawu No. 86, Ngarjosari, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java. This study was conducted over a six-week period, beginning February 5, 2024, and ending March 16, 2024, with meetings occurring three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The experimental method is chosen to identify certain symptoms through an intervention carried out on a test sample. An experiment is a design that allows researchers to simultaneously study the effects of two or more types of experimental variables. Results After the analysis in the group of men, an increase in leg strength indicators was obtained as a result of the experiment by 2.468%. Meanwhile, in the group of women, an increase in leg strength indicators was obtained as a result of the experiment by 2.892%. Comparing the two female groups, there is a higher percentage increase than the male groups, which is 2.892% in females compared to 2.468% in males. Thus, the female group showed a more pronounced increase in results than the male group, with a significance of p < 0.05. Thus, hypothesis 2 «there is a difference in the growth of leg muscle strength as a result of training using plyometric exercises in male and female students» is accepted. Conclusions Significant differences in the indicators of leg muscle strength increase in male and female volleyball players as a result of the use of special training were revealed. This is evidenced by the average increase in leg muscle strength in men by 2.468%, and in women by 2.892% at p < 0.05.

Assembling with VR

In this paper, we consider the claims that constellate around the concepts of immersion, presence and empathy that have been made about virtual reality across many disciplines of study, including psychology, criminology, immersive film and media. These claims are applied to an interdisciplinary, collaborative project: VR Dance; which engaged young people (11-16 years) in hip hop and immersive technology workshops over a six-week period. We discuss the ways in which co-created immersive environments which centre the body offer potential to tune into and re-calibrate our sensitivities and modes of engagement with each other and the environments we are in. We argue that this is not simply as a result of technology’s effects on individuals but constituted in wider assemblages of human and nonhuman actors. We make the case for virtual reality, not as a tool for ‘becoming other’, but as part of wider assemblages in ongoing transformations, relocations, and calibrations. Funding Acknowledgement VR Dance is an East London Dance programme, funded by the Mayor of London’s Young Londoner’s Fund & the London Borough of Redbridge and delivered in partnership with the University of Bristol, BirdGang Ltd, Maskomi and PlayLa.bZ.

Synthesis and evaluation of a novel vancomycin-infused, biomimetic bone graft using a rat model of spinal implant-associated infection

BackgroundPostoperative infection is a complication of spinal fusion surgery resulting in increased patient morbidity. Strategies including intraoperative application of powdered vancomycin have been proposed to reduce the incidence of infection; however, such antimicrobial effects are short-lived. MethodsInstrumentation of the L4–L5 vertebrae was performed mimicking pedicle screw and rod fixation in 30 rats. Titanium instrumentation inoculated with either PBS or 1×105 CFU bioluminescent MRSA, along with biomimetic bone grafts infused with varying concentrations of vancomycin and 125 µg of rhBMP-2 (BioMim-rhBMP-2-VCM) were implanted prior to closure. Infection was quantified during the six-week postoperative period using bioluminescent imaging. Arthrodesis was evaluated using micro-CT. ResultsInfected animals receiving a bone graft infused with low-dose (0.18 mg/g) or high-dose vancomycin (0.89 mg/g) both exhibited significantly lower bioluminescent signal over the six-week postoperative period than control animals inoculated with MRSA and implanted with bone grafts lacking vancomycin (p=.019 and p=.007, respectively). Both low and high-dose vancomycin-infused grafts also resulted in a statistically significant reduction in average bioluminescence when compared to control animals (p=.027 and p=.047, respectively), independent of time. MicroCT analysis of animals from each group revealed pseudoarthrosis only in the control group, suggesting a correlation between infection and pseudoarthrosis. MRSA-inoculated control animals also had significantly less bone volume formation on micro-CT than the PBS-inoculated control cohort (p<.001), the MRSA+low-dose vancomycin-infused bone graft cohort (p<.001), and the MRSA+high-dose vancomycin-infused bone graft cohort (p<.001). ConclusionBioMim-rhBMP-2-VCM presents a novel tissue engineering approach to simultaneously promoting arthrodesis and antimicrobial prophylaxis in spinal fusion. Despite mixed evidence of potential osteotoxicity of vancomycin reported in literature, BioMim-rhBMP-2-VCM preserved arthrodesis and osteogenesis with increasing vancomycin loading doses due to the graft's osteoinductive composition.

Abstract LB145: Implementing timely germline genetic testing for patients with pancreatic cancer via a point-of-care digital education and health assessment tool

Abstract Introduction: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. National guidelines recommend germline genetic testing (GT) for all PDAC patients, but only 6.8-19% obtain GT. Current GT barriers include under-referral and genetic counselor shortage. Our goal was to improve uptake of GT among PDAC patients using a novel delivery model for genetic education and testing. Methods: The Genetic Information for Treatment Decisions (GIFTD) Initiative at Moffitt Cancer Center was created to streamline education and GT for PDAC patients. A Genetic Risk Education Coordinator (GREC), trained by licensed, board-certified genetic counselors, was hired to identify eligible patients and facilitate GT during clinician appointments. In partnership with Nest Genomics, a digital point-of-care tool was developed to collect personal and family history information, provide education about GT, and assess interest in GT. Patients receive a link from Nest ahead of their appointment via text and/or email to invite them to provide information and view education via mobile device. An auto-generated summary report with an indicator regarding GT interest is created in real-time for the GREC. Results: Seventy patients were invited to the Nest tool over the six-week launch period. Of those who opened the link, 83% (35/42) logged into their Nest account. Of these patients who logged into Nest, 71% (25/35) completed Nest’s GT education. The GREC met with 68% (17/25) of the patients that completed the education. 76% (13/17) of these patients were consented to GT. There were 2 patients who initially indicated that they were not interested in genetic testing in Nest but changed their mind after meeting with the GREC. Conclusion: Moffitt's collaboration with Nest through the GREC has successfully facilitated prompt germline genetic testing for PDAC patients, aiding in informed treatment decisions and family screening. Our preliminary findings suggest that the scalable Nest tool successfully captures PDAC patients who may be interested in GT, but follow-up with the GREC may further increase GT rates. Future directions for increasing uptake of GT and adhering to national guidelines include additional personalization and enhancement of the Nest tool. Citation Format: Jennifer B. Permuth, Sophie Moravec, Laura V. Barton, Revathy Suresh, Susan T. Vadaparampi, Jessica Rivera Rivera, J. Kevin Hicks, Teresa Ho, Dae Won Kim, Russel Palm, Pamela J. Hodul, Tara Schmidlen, Moran Snir, Laura Hayward. Implementing timely germline genetic testing for patients with pancreatic cancer via a point-of-care digital education and health assessment tool [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB145.

Exploring adaptive learning, learner-content interaction and student performance in undergraduate economics classes

This study explores the pedagogical use of adaptive learning to foster learner-content interaction, and its subsequent impact on student performance in a large first year Macroeconomics course in an Irish University. To increase student-content interaction, an adaptive learning tool (LearnSmart) is employed to create five weekly adaptive reading assignments, over a six-week period. We include two separate indicators of learner-content interaction (the amount of time spent and number of completed adaptive assignments) in our analysis. Results indicate that student performance is enhanced by the number of completed adaptive assignments, which captures learner-content interaction and adaptive learning. However, the amount of time spent studying was negatively associated with performance. This surprising result comes as a novel contribution, which extends our knowledge of how adaptive learning technology can be potentially used to drive learner-content interaction and student performance. Pedagogically, our findings suggest the need for more intentional design and personalisation of learning activities to enhance student-content interaction and subsequent performance.

The Impact Of Partial Substitution Of Date Palm Kernel Powder As An Alternative Energy Source For Grains In The Diet On The Productive Performance Of Broiler Chickens.

In this study, 160 unsexed day-old Cobb broiler chicks were utilized to investigate the impact of incorporating various levels of date palm kernel powder into broiler chicken diets on productive performance. The chicks were raised in a closed poultry barn in Ain Zara, Tripoli, Libya, from September 10, 2022, to October 23, 2022, using a floor-rearing system. The study comprised four different dietary treatments, in addition to a control treatment, with chicks randomly and replicatively distributed. Each treatment consisted of four replications, and each replication included ten chicks. Date palm kernel powder was added at levels of 0%, 3%, 5%, and 7% to the first (control), second, third, and fourth treatments, respectively, during the starter and grower phases. The experimental treatments were uniform in nitrogen (23%) and caloric content (3200 kcal/kg). A free-choice feeding system was implemented, providing feed and water to the chicks throughout the six-week study period, with temperature monitoring. The chicks were raised under consistent environmental conditions, including lighting, ventilation, bedding, labor, and a comprehensive therapeutic, preventive, and vaccination program throughout the experimental period. The study also encompassed evaluating average weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rate for 42-day-old birds. Results demonstrated a significant (P≤0.05) effect of adding date palm kernel powder to broiler chicken diets on weight gain and feed efficiency compared to the control treatment. Sequential addition of date palm kernel powder at levels of 3%, 5%, and 7% led to improvements in weight gain and feed efficiency. Additionally, higher levels of addition resulted in enhanced weight gain and feed efficiency, with the optimal weight gain observed at the 7% addition level, followed by the 5% addition level, and then the 3% addition level, in comparison to the control treatment (0%). Conversely, the best feed efficiency was recorded for the fourth (7%) and third (5%) treatments, respectively, compared to the control treatment (0%). No statistically significant differences were noted in feed consumption and mortality rate among all treatments, as mean values were similar. Based on the results, utilizing date palm kernel as an alternative energy source to grains could be significant, especially in regions where palm trees are cultivated, providing essential grains for human consumption. Keywords: Date kernel, productive performance, broiler, weight gain, feed efficiency.

409 Evaluation of a Novel Vancomycin-Infused, Biomimetic Bone Graft in a Rat model of Spinal Implant-Associated Infection

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative infection is a complication of spinal fusion surgery resulting in increased patient morbidity. Strategies including intraoperative application of powdered vancomycin have been proposed to reduce the incidence of infection, however such antimicrobial effects are short-lived. METHODS: Instrumentation of the L4-L5 vertebrae was performed mimicking pedicle screw and rod fixation in 30 rats. Titanium inoculated with PBS or 1x105 CFU bioluminescent MRSA and biomimetic bone grafts infused with varying concentrations of vancomycin were inserted before closure. Infection was quantified during the six-week postoperative period using IVIS bioluminescent imaging. Arthrodesis was evaluated using micro-CT. Histological analysis was utilized to evaluate fusion and leukocyte infiltration. RESULTS: Infected animals receiving a bone graft infused with high-dose vancomycin (0.89 mg/g) exhibited significantly lower bioluminescent signal over the six-week postoperative infection period (p = 0.032) than control animals inoculated with MRSA and implanted with bone grafts lacking vancomycin. Both high and low-dose (0.18 mg/g) vancomycin-infused grafts resulted in a statistically significant reduction in average bioluminescence when compared to control animals (p = 0.018 and p = 0.027, respectively), independent of time. MicroCT analysis of animals from each group revealed pseudoarthrosis only in the control group, suggesting a correlation between infection and pseudoarthrosis. Histology revealed the formation of fusion masses in all animals receiving vancomycin infused-bone grafts regardless of MRSA inoculation, with clearance of infection indicated by lack of abscess formation. MRSA-inoculated control animals receiving no vancomycin within the bone graft demonstrated significant abscess formation and lack of fusion mass. CONCLUSIONS: The novel vancomycin-infused, biomimetic bone graft effectively mitigated implant-associated infection while promoting fusion in a rat model of instrumented lumbar fusion.

Evaluating the introduction of positive health on the amount of received home care among older patients: A pre-post study

BackgroundThe increasing demand for home care services can be attributed to demographic shifts. Positive Health can be defined as the capacity to adapt and promote self-reliance in social, physical, and emotional challenges. PurposeThis study aimed to explore the influence of introducing Positive Health on the amount of home care nursing for older patients, measured in minutes per week over a six-week period. MethodA pretest-posttest study involving 176 randomly selected patients in each group. Data was extracted from the Electronic Health Record of a large home care organization in the Netherlands. FindingsPost-introduction of Positive Health, the median weekly home care amount significantly decreased (176.25 minutes, IQR=111.7–287.9) compared to pre-introduction (180.67 minutes, IQR=83.8–248.7, p=0.005). Significant differences in nursing diagnoses per patient group were observed (p<0.001). DiscussionFurther research is needed to observe the long-term impact of working with Positive Health concept on patient outcomes in home care setting.