Working Group Research Articles

OPTIMALISASI KOMPETENSI PEDAGOGIK GURU SD MELALUI PEMBELAJARAN BERDIFERENSIASI BERBASIS ETHNO-RME

This community service is motivated by the importance of differentiated learning to facilitate students' learning needs, in addition to the need to use teaching materials that are close to students' daily lives through an approach based on Ethno-Realistic Mathematics Education. The purpose of this activity is to optimize the pedagogical and professional skills of elementary school teachers through training and mentoring in digital differentiated learning based on Ethno-Realistic Mathematics Education. This activity was carried out at SD Negeri Tunjung 1 involving 38 elementary school teachers who are members of the Teacher Working Group (KKG) Gugus 1 Korwil Kec. Tunjung Teja. Mentoring and training were carried out by three lecturers from La Tansa Mashiro University with presentations of materials related to differentiated learning, Ethno-RME materials and sharing good practices of differentiated learning based on Ethno-Realistic Mathematics Education. The activity procedure consists of observation and interviews with partner schools, training and mentoring in preparing learning designs, developing differentiated learning and implementing Ethno-RME. The results of this service were an increase of 59,6% in the pedagogical and professional competence of teachers in digital differentiated learning based on Ethno-Realistic Mathematics Education.

Stream Hub: Video Chat and Live Streaming Platform

Summary: With its emphasis on user-centric features, SyncMate is a trailblazing advancement in distant collaboration that improves digital teamwork. Focusing on smooth file sharing and high-quality video conferencing, SyncMate creates realistic online meetings where communication is easy. Its user-friendly UI and live chat feature make for a lively conversation that increases productivity and engagement. SyncMate's ability to accommodate a variety of communication requirements is demonstrated by its ability to facilitate both private messaging and group collaboration. Its immersive screen-sharing function also improves clarity and interaction, elevating presentations and group work sessions. SyncMate stands out as an innovator in a time when constant connectivity is essential, providing an extensive toolkit to revolutionize team communication and collaboration. This essay investigates the revolutionary effects of SyncMate on modern digital collaboration, highlighting its role in driving efficiency, creativity, and success in remote workenvironments

Giving Up the Guidelines: A Qualitative Evaluation of Disrupted Prescribing of Opioid Substitution Therapy in a Rural UK County During and Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic had wide impacts and repercussions for the NHS in the UK beyond the acute medical sector. This qualitative study evaluates the experience of medical (4) and non-medical prescribers (7) plus other staff (2 recovery workers; 2 community pharmacists) involved in opioid substitution therapy (OST) in a southern English county during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote contact and a shift to predominantly weekly OST pick-up were anxiety-producing for clinicians, especially during the first lockdown. Widespread negative consequences were anticipated, such as a rise in fatal overdoses, which largely failed to materialise. Some diversion of medication was noted as were negative mental health consequences of enforced social isolation. Following a hiatus, psychosocial therapies transitioned to fully digital and subsequently hybrid delivery before returning to in-person group work towards the close of the pandemic. Changing power dynamics between clinicians and those accessing OST services were reported particularly around the re-introduction of daily supervised consumption and associated surveillance. Implications for future OST service delivery and national clinical guidance are suggested by way of conclusions.

The construction of neoliberal subjectivities in graduate education in the context of human capital discourse

ABSTRACT This study explores the construction of neoliberal subjectivities in graduate education within the context of the discourse on human capital. It draws on the phenomenology design, one of the designs in qualitative research. To choose the participants, the purposeful sampling technique was applied. Foundation universities and research public universities in İstanbul were favoured in this context as representative scenarios. The study group consisted of current graduate students and academics teaching in graduate education programs at research state universities and private universities. There are 12 participants in the working group – six academics and six graduate students. The content analysis method was used to analyse the data. As a result of this analysis, the theme competitiveness – the categories diploma inflation, certificate fetishism, abandonment cost, and the theme entrepreneurship – the categories self-interest, emerging trend, and ignored skill were reached. In this study, competitiveness among graduate students involves striving to enhance skills, fulfil career aspirations, and attain higher earnings. Entrepreneurship entails expanding networks, taking risks, and fostering innovation to improve job prospects through graduate credentials.

Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with peripheral magnetic stimulation on movement symptom and exploration of the optimal population in Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial.

This study explores the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and rTMS combined with repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) (hereinafter referred to as rTMS + rPMS) on motor symptoms and quality of life in Parkinson's disease (PD), and explores whether there are differences between the two treatment methods; At the same time, analyze data from different subgroups to explore the influencing factors, in order to find the most suitable treatment group. Eighty patients with PD were randomly divided into rTMS and rTMS + rPMS groups and administered 10 Hz rTMS, and 10 Hz rTMS + 25 Hz rPMS, respectively, for 10 days. Before and after treatment, the PD Motor Function Rating Scale (UPDRS Part III, 10m Walk Timing Test, Stand Up Walk Test Evaluation Scale (TUG)) and PD Quality of Life Questionnaire (PDQ-39) were used to evaluate the motor symptoms and quality of life. After quantifying the treatment effect, a comparative analysis of the efficacy before and after treatment was conducted. Simultaneously, we divided the two treatment groups into different subgroups, compared the subgroups under the same treatment method, analyzed the relevant factors affecting the treatment method, and found the most suitable treatment group. (1) After rTMS or rTMS + rPMS, all scoring scales improved compared to those before treatment (P < .05). Compared to rTMS, rTMS + rPMS resulted in greater improvements in overall motor function (UPDRS III) and quality of life (PDQ-39) (P < .05). (2) Patients with rigidity-based type as the main type may be the most suitable for these two treatment methods (P < .05).(3) There was no significant difference in treatment efficiency between the two treatment methods for patients with PD at different disease stages, sexes, or treatment ages(P > .05). Both rTMS and rTMS + rPMS can improve movement symptoms and quality of life in patients with PD. rTMS + rPMS was more beneficial for improving the overall motor function. Patients with rigidity-based type as the main type may be the most suitable for these two treatment methods. The therapies work in all age groups, all gender and irrespective of the disease stage with varying levodopa equivalent daily doses as well.

Autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma patients whose myeloma-defining event was SLiM.

In 2014, the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) updated the criteria for diagnosing myeloma and added three additional criteria to the traditional Calcium elevation, Renal impairment, Anemia, Bone disease (CRAB) criteria, called the Sixty % marrow plama cells, Light chain ratio >60, Mri demonstates lytic lesions (SLiM) criteria (clonal bone marrow plasma cells ≥60%, involved to uninvolved free light chain ratio (FLCr) ≥100 and >1 focal lesion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)). We report on the outcomes of 30 patients who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) where therapy was initiated solely based on SLiM criteria and compared them to a matched cohort of 60 patients whose myeloma-defining event was CRAB. The SLiM cohort had a shorter median time to neutrophil (15 vs. 16 days, p = 0.049) and platelet (15 vs. 17 days, p = 0.0004) engraftment. The 36-month overall survival (OS) was 100% in the SLiM group and 93.27% in the control group (95% CI 83.06%-97.42%), with a trend towards longer OS in the SLiM cohort (p = 0.065). The 36-month progression-free survival (PFS) was 91.61% in the SLiM (95% CI 69.93%-97.87%) and 65.95% in the control group (95% CI 52.31%-76.53%). There was no difference in the PFS between the cohorts (p = 0.414). ASCT is efficacious and safe in MM patients transplanted only due to SLIM criteria. Early intervention in this asymptomatic cohort did not appear to result in deeper responses or better PFS compared to outcomes in symptomatic patients.

PEMBERDAYAAN IBU RUMAH TANGGA DALAM PEMANFAATAN MICROGREEN DAN HEALTHY JUICE UNTUK GIZI KELUARGA

Microgreens and healthy juice are closely related to family nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. This community service activity aims to empower homemakers to use microgreen vegetables in the form of kale and kale and make healthy juice from these vegetables to fulfill family nutrition needs as part of efforts to live a healthy lifestyle. Community service activities regarding the introduction of microgreens and healthy juices were held on June 13, 2024, in Limau Manis Selatan Village, Unand Block B lecturer housing complex, Ulugadut, Pauh District, Padang, which was attended by 50 members of Majlis Taklim Darul Ulum. Implementation methods include socialization, discussion, and direct practice. As many as 90% of participants showed increased knowledge about microgreens, and 85% better understood the importance of healthy juice and how to make it. Awareness regarding participants' nutritional knowledge increased, with greater interest in including microgreens and healthy juices in their daily diet. Activities achieved satisfactory results as demonstrated by high participation and enthusiasm during socialization, discussion, and practice sessions. At the end of the activity, interviews were conducted with participants. Live demonstrations and independent practice are proven effective in teaching new knowledge and skills. Challenges such as time and material limitations were overcome with a follow-up plan, including forming small working groups and follow-up sessions to evaluate progress. This activity increased the knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm of Majlis Taklim Darul Ulum members to live a healthy lifestyle. Post-training, the results show the potential for sustainability in encouraging healthy lifestyles of training participants and strengthening communities.

Embracing anti-racism: Co-creating recommendations with Black people for how addiction treatment needs to change

In the United States, Black people face harsher health and social consequences of addiction compared to people who are not Black. These differential consequences are largely attributable to systemic racism. While addiction treatment may mitigate health disparities related to substance use, Black people also experience structural barriers and direct interpersonal racism which contribute to inequitable access and treatment outcomes. Improvements in addiction treatment for Black people are urgently needed, but there is little guidance or consensus on how to achieve this. Our interdisciplinary work group is comprised of 16 researchers and clinicians from one urban safety-net hospital in the Northeast US, and 9 community members with lived experience of substance use disorder (SUD) who came together from 2022 to 2024 for a community-engaged initiative to identify how to make addiction treatment more appealing, effective, and equitable for Black people. This paper's objective is two-fold. First, we provide a broad overview of the project, which included 6 scoping literature reviews, 7 focus groups, and 4 day-long convenings which included an additional 30 experts on addiction treatment for Black patients, drawn primarily from the Northeast U.S. Altogether, we engaged more than 70 people with expertise in substance use and treatment, the majority of whom identify as Black. Second, we present major findings from the convenings, where we identified actions that can be taken now to improve the care of Black people and challenge the racist features of our addiction treatment system. Making addiction treatment more appealing, effective, and equitable will help to achieve health equity for Black people who use substances.

A study on the Practical Group work to Enhance the Resilience of "Quasi-Family" Children's Welfare Institutions

Orphans and disabled children are a special group of children, and the welfare of orphans and disabled children is an important part of the social security system. At present, there are mainly institutional care, foster family care, "quasi-family" care, and adoption. Among them, "quasi-family" is an innovative model that recruits loving and responsible parents from the society to form a simulated family to raise orphans and disabled children, which supplements the family support that children lack and allows them to grow up in a warm and loving life and interaction. However, in practice, it is also found that the "quasi-family" parenting model still has problems in family organization model, family belief system, family communication ability, etc. Therefore, using group work methods, guided by family resilience theory, and starting from the perspective of strengths, professional social work services are provided to quasi-family, promoting changes in quasi-family belief system, organization model and communication status, so as to improve the quality of raising orphans and disabled children.

Zn2+ flux regulator to modulate the interface chemistry toward highly reversible Zn anode

The persistent challenges of diminished coulombic efficiency (CE) and the formation of Zn dendrites at the Zn anode interface substantially hinder the cycle life of aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs), thereby impeding their widespread deployment. To address these issues, multifunctional 2-amino-5-guanidino-pentanoic acid (AGPA) additive is introduced into the electrolyte, as a novel Zn2+ flux regulator (ZFR) to improve the reversibility and durability of Zn anodes. The distinctive zincophilicity of amino groups empowers such ZFR with a higher adsorption energy, enabling the construction of a multifunctional molecular adsorption layer on Zn electrode surface. Simultaneously, leveraging the exceptional nucleophilic characteristics of polar carboxyl groups, AGPA molecules tend to form chelating bonds with Zn2+ for manipulating the interface chemistry and solvation chemistry. The functional groups in ZFR work in synergy to attract zinc ions for homogenizing Zn2+ flux and suppress the interfacial side reactions, resulting in uniform dendrite-free Zn deposition. Consequently, the Zn//Zn symmetrical cell achieves an extended cycle life of 5500 h. Moreover, the ZFR enables stable operation of the full batteries with an ultra-long cycling lifespan of 6000 cycles at 5 A/g, showcasing the effectiveness of ZFR in advancing the commercialization of AZIBs.

Association of sarcopenia and its prognostic value in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis among older people in China: the first longitudinal evidence from CHARLS

BackgroundSarcopenia and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) are two common musculoskeletal disorders, often coexisting in aged population and potentially influencing each other. However, the underlying relationship between two conditions remains unclear and controversial. To fill this knowledge gap, we aimed to investigate the longitudinal association among the older Chinese population.MethodsData were attracted from 2 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), and 6212 individuals aged ≥ 60 years were included. Sarcopenia status was defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. Multivariate logistic regression and generalized estimation equation models were applied to estimate the impact of sarcopenia on KOA. A prognostic nomogram was developed through train-test cross-validation.ResultsAt baseline in CHARLS 2015, the prevalence of symptomatic KOA was 12.7% (792/6212) in total population, 9% (270/2996) in no-sarcopenia group, 17.5% (286/1638) in possible sarcopenia group, and 15.0% (236/1578) in sarcopenia group. Over a 3-year follow-up, 4980 respondents were included, with incident KOA cases identified as 56 (2.2%), 38 (3.0%), and 43 (3.6%) in no-sarcopenia, possible sarcopenia, and sarcopenia groups, respectively. Sarcopenia was significantly associated with increased new-onset KOA compared to no-sarcopenia peers in the fully adjusted model (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.15–3.18), whereas this association was non-significant for possible sarcopenia. In females, low muscle mass alone significantly increased the incident risk of KOA (OR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.05–6.49). The final prognostic model and nomogram, including sarcopenia status, age, gender, body mass index, self-reported health status, comorbidities, history of falls and physical activity, had a considerable discrimination (AUC = 0.744, C-index = 0.660). The calibration curve indicated significant agreement between predicted and actual observations. Decision curve analysis revealed net benefits for clinical intervention at a probability threshold of 1–17%.ConclusionsSarcopenia was associated with a higher incident risk of symptomatic KOA, wherein low muscle mass may play an important role. The inferior prognosis of sarcopenia in KOA needs more attention in clinical practice.

Involvement of representatives of patients and relatives in guideline processes : S3 guidelines on psychosocial therapies for severe mental illnesses breaks new ground

The participation of representatives of patients and relatives in the development of guidelines is of central importance for the quality, feasibility and acceptance of guidelines. In Germany this has not been sufficiently implemented in the discipline of psychiatry, although in practice there are many examples for the benefits of the expertise of people with psychiatric experience. The article describes the development and a first process evaluation of a trialogical working group (AG Impuls) accompanying the guideline process. Possibilities for further development and implementation are discussed. Description of the working process of the Impuls working group as well as the results of the satisfaction survey after 18months and summarised content analysis. Concept: during the further development of the S3 guidelines on psychosocial therapies, the expertise of 12experts is bundled in the Impuls working group and supported by the members of the steering group. An open discussion takes place in regular digital working meetings and face to face meetings are held once ayear as part of the German Association for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (DGPPN) congress. The results are presented to the guideline committee at the consensus conferences. Text boxes from the Impuls working group constitute an important tool. the following topics were identified in connection with the participatory work: (a)exchange at eye level, broadening perspectives and contributing impulses, (b)giving avoice to experienced experts, (c)implementation requirements and possibilities and (d)limitations of the cooperation. Various preconditions and implementation requirements for long-term successful participation in guideline development were identified. The Impuls working group can be used to specifically address insufficient participation in guideline processes. The structured approach could form ablueprint for other guideline processes.

Insights from Nowcasting and Mesoscale Research Working Group Projects of the World Weather Research Programme

Abstract Insights from Forecast Demonstration Projects and Research Development Projects, training workshops and symposia, conducted between 2000 and 2024 are summarized. The projects were organized by the Nowcasting and Mesoscale Research Working Group of the World Weather Research Program of the World Meteorological Organization. The objective was to advance, promote and build capacity in nowcasting and very short-range forecasting. The projects were associated with the Olympic Games, emergency management and aviation services. They brought international experts together to work in a collaborative fashion. Extensive interaction with end-users and decision-makers expanded and extended the scope of services from traditional weather hazards (heavy rain, wind, hail, lightning) to include specific user needs (e.g., visibility in complex terrain or airport runways, periods of calm winds or light rain, heat stress). Substantial progress has been made in many areas including: advanced radar nowcasting algorithms, stochastic nowcasts, kilometric and hectometric numerical weather prediction models; blending of observations and models and multi-model systems. Verification was a key and valuable component of the projects quantifying the results. Also, the types of services have expanded to include both summer and winter services, complex terrain and urban environments, air transport, air quality, hydrology and health. Insights are presented in all aspects of nowcasting and very short-range forecasting from end-user decision-making, critical role of the forecaster, forecast systems (models, heuristics, observations), to science and knowledge gaps.

Political Leadership, Institutional Memory and the Implementation of Health in All Policies: An Explanatory Case Study of the Health 2015 Public Health Programme in Finland

Our study sought to examine how and why political leadership and institutional memory affected the implementation of Health 2015, a public health programme prepared following the principles of the Health in All Policies (HiAP) strategy, between 2001 and 2015 in Finland. We analysed the data using a realist explanatory case study method. We found that the HiAP strategy did not have a strong leader who was able to generate interest in HiAP among other policymakers. This contrasted with the Finnish success story in previous decades when several interested elected politicians and high-ranking civil servants promoted the implementation of healthy public policies. Our results also pointed to institutional amnesia. During the implementation of Health 2015, a transition to project-based implementation, the retirement of many long-term policymakers and a change from the financial steering of local authorities to steering by information took place. The subsequent institutional amnesia was followed by discontinuity of previous institutionalised HiAP implementation structures and practices, such as intersectoral working groups.

Construction and Application of a Blended Online and Offline University English Course

This paper explores the design, implementation, and evaluation of the Integrated English 3 blended course, which integrates online learning through massive open online courses (MOOCs) and face-to-face classroom instruction. Guided by the production-oriented approach, the course aims to improve students’ language proficiency and intercultural communication skills. It employs a variety of teaching methods, including online self-study, task-based learning, and collaborative group work, to foster student engagement and promote language output. The study highlights key elements of course construction, such as the use of MOOCs, the design of smart classrooms, and the development of a comprehensive assessment system that combines formative and summative evaluations. The results suggest that the blended teaching model enhances students’ language skills while promoting critical thinking and cultural awareness. The course also emphasizes the importance of developing digital literacy among both students and teachers to effectively utilize online resources.

Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress and Brain Involvement in Sepsis: A Relationship Supported by Immunohistochemistry

Background and Objectives: A large amount of recent evidence suggests that cellular inability to consume oxygen could play a notable part in promoting sepsis as a consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. The latter could, in fact, represent a fundamental stage in the evolution of the “natural history” of sepsis. Following a study previously conducted by the same working group on heart samples, the present research project aims to evaluate, through an immunohistochemical study, the existence and/or extent of oxidative stress in the brains of subjects who died due to sepsis and define, after reviewing the literature, its contribution to the septic process to support the use of medications aimed at correcting redox anomalies in the management of septic patients. Materials and Methods: 10 cases of subjects who died in healthcare facilities with ante-mortem clinical-laboratory signs that allowed the diagnosis of septic shock were selected as case studies, and 1 case of a subject who died immediately following a road traffic accident was used as a negative control. Samples of the cerebral cortex were then taken, fixed in formalin, and subjected to sections on which an immunohistochemical study was performed using anti-NOX-2, NT, iNOS, and 8-OHdG antibodies. Results: The results emerging from the present study demonstrate that despite a variable expressivity for the NT, iNOS, and NOX2 markers, the brain samples demonstrated univocal and high positivity for the 8-OHdG marker. Conclusions: This would allow us to hypothesize how, regardless of the mechanism of production of ROS and NOS (iNOS or NOX2 mediated) and the pathophysiological mechanisms that are triggered during sepsis, oxidative damage to DNA represents the event to which this whole process leads and, in fact, in the literature, is directly correlated to sepsis-dependent mortality. Neurons, conversely, appear to be more sensitive to oxidative stress because of a low number of protective or scavenger molecules (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, GSH, or vitamin E). Therefore, despite reduced production, the manifestation of the damage remains high. This evidence, together with that of the previous study, can only support the introduction of substances with an antioxidant function in the guidelines for the treatment of sepsis.

Pair or Group‐Design Activities: The Effect of Design Activities on Problem‐Solving, Design Thinking Disposition, and Design Thinking Traits

ABSTRACTDesign thinking has become an important process in many fields to encourage innovation toward problem solving skills in various fields. In the field of education, design thinking has been incorporated into curriculums as it contributes both to higher order thinking skills and to the learning process with its flexible and dynamic nature. However, there is a growing need and interest in exploring how design thinking affects students' learning experiences and its potential in group work (collaborative or pair). The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of design thinking activities carried out as a pair or group in a design‐based learning process on problem‐solving, design thinking disposition, and design thinking traits. Sixty‐seven students (64.2% male and 35.8% female) who took the graphic design course participated in this study. The average age of the students participating in the study was 21.85 years. The study was designed with the mixed method. Studies enriched with design thinking activities were conducted with participants in pairs or groups. A demographic information form, three scales and a semi‐structured interview form were used. The data were analyzed with Mann−Whitney U tests and qualitative data analysis methods. According to the results of the study, students who participated in pair‐design activities emphasized the contributions of the process in defining the problem and visualizing solutions, while students who participated in group‐design activities reported that the design thinking approach facilitated their problem solving processes. These findings suggest that design thinking can be an important tool in developing students' problem solving skills. According to the results regarding its contribution to design thinking disposition, it was found that there was a significant difference between the post‐test scores of the experimental groups in the relationship dimension. It was also concluded that the experimental study had a significant effect on the collaboration dimension of design thinking characteristics. This study can provide students with tips on how to manage group work and how to share tasks correctly to improve their problem solving and design thinking processes.

Predictive Factors for Fertility of Daughter Cysts in Hepatic Cystic Echinococcosis and Insights into the Origin of Daughter Cysts.

Introduction: The cycle of Echinococcus granulosus and its developmental potential has always been a subject of debate. While the origin of protoscoleces was well defined, the origin of daughter cysts (DC) was still a contentious topic, and several hypotheses have been proposed. The aim of this work was to study the fertility of DC and its predictive factors in order to determine its origin. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective pilot study including hepatic echinococcal cysts containing DC operated in the Department of General and Visceral Surgery of Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, during a 22-month period. A parasitological study of the DC including the determination of their fertility was done. Results: A total of 248 DC collected from 27 multi-vesicular cysts from 21 patients were included in our study. The fertility rate of the DC was 64.5%. Free hooks were present in 130 DC (52.4%) and in only 11(12%) of infertile DC. In a multi-variable analysis, only World Health Organization-Informal Working Groups on Echinococcosis classification type CE2, bilious cyst fluid, number of DC per cyst, cyst size, and DC diameter were factors associated with DC fertility (p < 0.05). Out of 88 infertile DC, 77 (87.5%) were devoid of any hooks. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that most of the analyzed DC were fertile, with fertility associated with factors such as cyst size, DC size, CE2 type, and number of DC/cysts. The absence of hooks in infertile DC questions prevailing theories of their origin.

The effect of a virtual educational intervention based on self-efficacy theory on women’s skills of breast self- examination

BackgroundCorrectly, performing breast self-examination (BSE) has an important role in the early diagnosis of breast cancer and prevention of women's mortality due to it. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of virtual education programs on breast self-examination, self-efficacy, and skills.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study was conducted on 146 women who were 18–59 years old (73 in each intervention, and control group) working in Fars Oil Industry. Data collection tools included the researcher-made knowledge questionnaire (10 items), the self-efficacy questionnaire of Champion and Scott (10 item), and Wood’s breast self-examination skill questionnaire (23 items). The participants were selected by systematic random sampling and divided into intervention and control groups through Permuted blocks randomization. A four-week virtual educational interventions were conducted for the intervention group through the WhatsApp messenger by sharing educational videos, booklets, and posters. The control group received no education. The questionnaires were completed by both groups, before and two months after the intervention. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 22 using frequency descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and paired t-test.ResultsThe knowledge mean scores showed no significant differences in participants in the two groups before and after the intervention. The mean score of self-efficacy increased significantly, in both the intervention (p < 0.001) and control (P = 0.025) groups. After the intervention, the mean scores of BSE skills in the intervention group were significantly (p < 0.001) higher than the control group.ConclusionVirtual education using social networks alone is not able to increase and improve all aspects of BSE skills sufficiently.

Light-chain amyloidosis with concomitant symptomatic myeloma (CRAB-SLiM features): clinical characteristics, cytogenetic abnormalities, and outcomes

BackgroundPatients with light-chain (AL) amyloidosis and concomitant multiple myeloma (MM) are known to have a worse prognosis, while the prognostic implication of cytogenetic abnormalities (CA) and optimal treatment schemes are not well-established. By comparing patients with MM or AL amyloidosis (AL) alone, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, CA, and outcomes of patients with AL amyloidosis and concomitant symptomatic MM (MM-AL) and sought to provide evidence for their management.MethodsIn total, 915 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis or MM were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified as MM-alone, MM-AL or AL-alone. The presence of symptomatic MM was based on the International Myeloma Working Group criteria, and the diagnosis of AL amyloidosis was confirmed by Congo-red-positive biopsy and immunoelectron microscopy.ResultsOf 915 patients, 658, 106, and 151 were in the MM-alone group, MM-AL group, and AL-alone group, respectively. The three groups shared a similar incidence rate of CA, while the prevalence of t(11;14) was significantly higher in the AL-alone group than in the MM-AL and MM-alone group (40.7% vs. 25.7% vs. 16.6%, p < 0.001), and the prevalence of del13q, gain1q21 and high-risk CA (HRCA) decrease in turn in MM-alone, MM-AL and AL-alone group (del13q, 46.5% vs. 39.4% vs. 28.5%, p < 0.001; gain1q21, 52.6% vs. 45.2% vs. 27.3%, p < 0.001; HRCA, 27.5% vs. 16.0 vs. 7.3%, p < 0.001). The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of MM-AL patients (median, 12.8, and 25.2 months) were significantly inferior to patients with MM-alone and AL-alone. No significant difference in PFS and OS was found between MM-AL patients with and without HRCA. When stratified by the type of plasma cell disease and status of t(11;14), patients with MM-AL and t(11;14) presented the worst OS (median, 8.2 months, p < 0.001). Regarding the management of MM-AL, extended cycles of induction therapy and the use of maintenance therapy contributed to a better prognosis.ConclusionsThere was an apparent discrepancy in the distribution and prognostic implication of CA among different plasma cell diseases. Patients with MM-AL had the worst clinical outcomes, requiring extended duration of induction therapy and maintenance therapy.