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189 Promoting equity in migrant maternity care across Europe: how to actively involve migrant women in the design and implementation of interventions?
Get PDFRationales and Purpose: Migrant women across the European re-gion face persistent barriers to equitable maternity care, including exclusion from service design, language barriers, racism, and a lack of culturally responsive care. These inequities can contribute to poorer maternal and infant outcomes. This workshop aims to ex-plore practical, effective, and sustainable methods for meaningfully involving migrant women in the co-design and implementation of maternity care interventions across the European region. It seeks to challenge existing research practices, encourage more inclusive, par-ticipatory approaches, and promote responsiveness in maternal health care services.Methods/Process of Workshop: Using a roundtable format, this 60-minute session will be co-facilitated by a migrant woman with lived experience and an academic researcher. Five discussants will present brief case examples, including intervention research from the UK, Germany, and Denmark, alongside findings from a systematic re-view and qualitative study. A ‘Creative Thinking’ framework will guide participant engagement through mind mapping, live polling, and facilitated discussion to stimulate new ideas and capture diverse perspectives.Projected Learning Outcomes: Participants will:1. Gain insight into innovative, participatory approaches for engag-ing migrant women in research.2. Understand how co-production can enhance intervention rele-vance and sustainability.3. Consider the role and perspectives of health care services and professionals in this field.4. Reflect on the influence of structural determinants on migrant maternity care.5. Leave with practical strategies to strengthen equity and inclusion in their own research or practice
Cardiac structure and systolic function in resistance-trained athletes versus untrained male adults
Get PDFPurpose: Research examining the Athlete’s Heart has often focused on endurance athletes, yet no clear consensus has emerged on the cardiac adaptations observed in resistance-trained athletes. The purpose of this study is to examine cardiac structure and systolic function in resistance-trained athletes compared to untrained individuals. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study conducted echocardiographic examinations on male resistance-trained athletes (n = 12; body mass: 93 ± 19 kg [95%CI 82–104]) and age-matched untrained volunteers (n = 12; body mass: 80 ± 7 kg [95%CI 76–84]). Resting blood pressure and anthropometrics were gathered to allow indexing of cardiac parameters to body size and composition. Results: Compared to untrained individuals, resistance-trained athletes had greater septal (resistance-trained: 1.2 ± 0.1 cm; untrained: 0.9 ± 0.1 cm; p < 0.001), and posterior (resistance-trained: 1.2 ± 0.1 cm; untrained: 0.8 ± 0.1 cm; p < 0.001) wall thickness, and absolute left ventricular mass (resistance-trained: 275 ± 50 g; untrained: 162 ± 25 g; p < 0.01). These differences in left ventricular mass remained significant after accounting for body size and composition (p < 0.01). Cardiac dimensions of the resistance-trained athletes are greater than the normative range described in current literature. Significant differences in functional parameters including stroke volume, E/A ratio and LV end-systolic wall stress were also observed (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both structural and functional differences in cardiac measures are apparent when comparing those engaged in chronic resistance-trained to untrained individuals. Furthermore, despite these structural differences, no significant impairment in left ventricular function was observed. However, whilst the cardiac dimensions of most resistance-trained athletes do not exceed the upper limits for physiological hypertrophy the exact mechanism for these differences is unclear and warrants further investigation.</p
Measurement of cell electrical signal by dual-probe atomic force microscopy
No full textThe conduction of electrical signal plays critical roles in neuron activities. The capacity of atomic force microscopy to establish physical contacts at the nanoscale and offer higher spatial resolution compared to conventional electrical recording methods, such as patch clamp, significantly enhances our understanding and analysis capabilities. This capability enables the direct visualization and precise quantification of the electrical properties within specific cellular membrane regions. In this study, we use conductive probes in our self-developed dual-probe atomic force microscope system as nanoelectrodes to measure the electrical signals of SH-SY5Y cell. Given that SH-SY5Y cells exhibit neuron-like properties and are relevant to human neurological diseases, researching these cells provides valuable insights into neuronal behavior and pathology. In dual-probe atomic force microscope, one probe is responsible for sending stimulation signals to the cells, while the other probe receives transmitted information from the cell. By modulating the pressure applied by the tip to the cell membrane, the effects on SH-SY5Y cells at different contact depths and time intervals were investigated, along with the monitoring of cellular potential changes. The changes in cell potential were detected. Two different nonlinear electrical characteristics were observed, which indicate the cell membrane exhibits adaptability and self-repair ability, achieved by regulating the state of ion channels to ensure membrane potential stability. These results provide a new way to stimulate and study the electrical characteristics and physiological behaviors of cells and other biological samples, potentially revealing new insights of neuron activities.</p
Research on the performance of PGC phase demodulation algorithm based on WTD-ESO
No full textPhase generated carrier (PGC) technology is a commonly used signal demodulation scheme. PGC demodulation is easily affected by light source intensity fluctuation, system noise and environmental disturbance. In order to improve the accuracy and robustness of PGC phase demodulation, a PGC phase demodulation algorithm combining wavelet threshold de-noising (WTD) and extended state observer (ESO) is proposed in this paper. WTD is used to preprocess the PGC interference signal with noise to effectively suppress the noise interference. A phase tracker based on ESO is constructed to estimate the phase to be demodulated, the phase change rate and the lumped disturbance in the system as the extended state, so as to achieve the accurate extraction of the phase. This algorithm can significantly improve the accuracy and dynamic response characteristics of PGC phase demodulation in complex noise environment.</p
Operationalizing Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) with muscle strength and power:predicting adverse events in older adults from the ilsirente study
Get PDFBackground and aims: The present study examined associations between Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) indexes operationalized according to lower limb muscle strength and power and the incidence of adverse events in older community-dwellers. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of octogenarians who lived in the mountain community of the Sirente geographic area in Central Italy. Participants completed the SPPB under standardized conditions. Lower limb muscle power was estimated according to results from the 5-time sit-to-stand (5STS) test using validated equations. Then, four SPPB indexes were created by replacing 5STS test results with muscle power measures. Outcomes were assessed 24 months after baseline and included falls, fractures, and death. Results: Data of 255 older adults (mean age: 85.8 ± 4.8 years; women: 67.0%) were examined. Binary regression analysis indicated that conventional SPPB was significantly associated with the incidence of falls (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.841, [95% confidence interval [CI]] = 0.758, 0.934), fractures (OR = 0.837, 95%CI = 0.702, 0.998), and death (hazard ratio = 0.961, 95%CI = 0.934, 0.999). However, no significant results were found when SPPB was operationalized according to muscle power parameters. Area under the curve (AUC) results indicated that SPPB indexes had lower accuracy for distinguishing participants at higher risk of negative events. Discussion and conclusions: Results of the present study indicate that conventional SPPB, but not SPPB indexes operationalized according to lower limb muscle power, was significantly associated with the incidence of negative events in older adults. However, SPPB indexes were not good to identify older adults at higher risk of experiencing negative events.</p
Resistance exercise intervention restores functional capacity and improves frailty biomarkers in centenarians
Get PDFBACKGROUND: Centenarians comprise an age group characterized by exceptional longevity and low age-associated pathologies. However, they still experience physiological decline, and different studies have linked frailty to this population. Exercise interventions reverse frailty and improve functional capacity, but no studies have addressed the effect of an intervention in centenarians. In this study, we assessed the impact of a 12-week resistance exercise intervention in a group of centenarians and characterized their functional capacity as well as the expression of several molecular biomarkers associated with frailty.METHODS: A total of 19 centenarians were enrolled, but 7 of them did not complete the study. The remaining 12 centenarians were randomly assigned to the control or intervention group, which was a 12-week resistance exercise intervention. Molecular biomarkers were measured by qRT-PCR and ELISA.RESULTS: The intervention group improved their functional capacity measured by Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) (post 5.0 vs 2.3 in pre) and Physical Performance and Mobility Examination (PPME) (6.5 vs 3.8), as well as in frailty status studied by Fried Frailty Phenotype (3.0 vs 3.8) and Frailty Trait Scale 5 (FTS5) (post 30.7 vs 34.0 in pre) scales. ANCOVA revealed that the resistance training led to significant improvements in functional capacity scales SPPB (p = 0.01) and PPME (p < 0.001), as well as Fried Frailty Phenotype (p = 0.001) and FTS5 (p = 0.05). Biomarkers related to frailty (EGR1, miR194-5p, miR125b-5p and miR454-3p) and inflammation (IL-6 and IL-1β) showed different expression patterns in centenarians (n = 19) compared to both old (n = 44, average of 79 years old) and young adults (n = 34, average of 29 years old) groups. Notably, the intervention was associated with improvements in frailty and inflammation biomarkers expression. Finally, correlation analyses showed significant associations between all functional and frailty variables, with SPPB correlating with miR454-3p (ρ = 0.73) and FTS5 correlating with miR454-3p (ρ = -0.83), IL-6 (ρ = 0.60) and miR125b-5p (ρ = -0.55).CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that resistance exercise intervention enhances functional status and reduces frailty in centenarians, and this is associated with improvements in frailty and inflammation biomarkers.</p
Associations between malnutrition and physical performance, sarcopenia, and frailty in older adults
Get PDFBackground: The present study examined the associations between malnutrition and physical function, sarcopenia, and frailty in older adults. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of octogenarians who lived in the mountain community of the Sirente geographic area in Central Italy. Malnutrition was operationalized according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Physical performance measures included the short physical performance battery (SPPB) and the isometric handgrip (IHG) test. Sarcopenia was operationalized as the coexistence of dynapenia and low appendicular skeletal mass, while frailty was identified using a modified Fried’s frailty phenotype. Linear regressions were conducted to examine the associations between malnutrition and physical performance tests. Binary regressions were performed to test the associations between malnutrition and both sarcopenia and frailty. Results: Data of 364 older adults (mean age: 86.3 years) were analyzed. Malnutrition was significantly and inversely associated with IHG and walking speed (WS) performance, but not with other physical performance measures. No significant associations were found with sarcopenia or frailty. Conclusions: Our results indicate that malnutrition is significantly associated with impairments in IHG and WS performance, but not with other well-established physical performance tests in octogenarian older adults. These data might be more closely associated with overall health impairments rather than isolated deficits in the neuromuscular system. Moreover, no significant associations were found between malnutrition and the prevalence of sarcopenia or frailty, which might reflect the fact that individuals examined in the present study were in a process of transition.</p
Exploration of rapid adaptation of first contact physiotherapy services during the COVID-19 pandemic:a three-phase sequential mixed-methods study protocol
Get PDFBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted primary care and emergency departments globally, including the UK and Australia respectively, affecting services within these settings, such as first contact physiotherapy services (FCPS) for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. This disruption necessitated rapid adaptation to ensure continuity of care. Before this study, comprehensive adaptations across both primary care and emergency departments FCPS had not been documented. Additionally, the specific adaptation processes, strategies used, and experiences of both staff and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic were unclear. Variations in responses between the UK and Australia also remained unknown. Documenting these rapid adaptations and experiences is crucial for future preparedness, as it provides valuable insights to guide FCPS and similar services, preventing future disruptions and promoting continuity of care. Moreover, findings will contribute significant knowledge to the existing literature. Aim: This study explores rapid adaptation of FCPS for patients with musculoskeletal conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK and Australia. Methods: This is an ongoing three-phase sequential mixed-methods study. Phase 1 utilises a cross-sectional survey of physiotherapists in FCPS role in the UK and Australia to assess changes in healthcare delivery during the pandemic, as well as levels of readiness and responsiveness, highlighting similarities and differences. Phase 2 employs a case-study approach, including semi-structured interviews and a review of documents produced to direct the management and implementation of proposed changes in FCPS, to further understand the findings from Phase 1. In phase 3, mixed-methods integration facilitates the development of context specific recommendations for the rapid adaptation of FCPS and similar contexts. These recommendations will be presented to experts for feedback and further refinement. Discussion: The mixed-methods research will provide contextually rich account of FCPS rapid adaptation, providing key learnings that could be applied to implement evidence-informed rapid adaptation in FCPS during public health emergencies.</p
The students’ perspectives on exploring the attributes that influence the sustainability of the UK postgraduate programme at both the UK and overseas partner institutions
No full textThis study considers the students’ perspective and aims to explore the attributes that contribute to the sustainability of the UK postgraduate courses in the UK and the overseas partner institutions. This chapter adopted a qualitative research design, and data has been collected via eight focus groups from the postgraduate students of two UK universities and their partners’ institutions, which are based in Southeast Asia (Sri Lanka) and the Middle East (Dubai). Data was analysed via thematic analysis. The analysis and findings of the research explored six attributes—academic curriculum quality, course structure and delivery, teaching and learning, assessment and feedback practices, student support systems, and resources and facilities—that contribute to the sustainability of the university courses. From an applied perspective, the findings suggest new areas of interest for sustainability strategies for the UK universities and their partner institutions. Policymakers can practically use this research to design and craft HEI sustainability-related policies. This research will also help potential students understand the attributes of a sustainable university course while deciding on the courses they wish to study. From a theoretical point of view, this research contributes to developing a rich literature on sustainable university courses.</p
Adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia antigens and enriched pathways identify new targets for therapy
Get PDFBackground: Adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (aB-ALL) is characterised by abnormal differentiation and proliferation of lymphoid progenitors. Despite a significant improvement in relapse-free and overall survival for children with B-ALL, aB-ALL has a particularly poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of 20%. First remission is achieved for most patients, but relapse is common with a high associated mortality. New treatments such as immunotherapy offer an opportunity to extend remission and prevent relapse. Methods: aB-ALL antigens were identified using different sources—immunoscreening, protoarrays, two microarrays and one cancer-testis antigen database, and a review of the genomic analyses of aB-ALL. A total of 385 aB-ALL-associated gene products were examined for their association with patient survival. Results: We identified 87 transcripts with differential expression between aB-ALL and healthy volunteers (peripheral blood, bone marrow and purified CD19+ cells), and 42 that were associated with survival. Enrichr analysis showed that the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ), Wnt and Hippo pathways were highly represented (p < 0.02). We found that SOX4 and ROCK1 were upregulated in all types of B-ALL (ROCK1 having a p < 0.001 except in t(8;14) patients), as well as SMAD3 and TEAD4 upregulation being associated with survival (p = 0.0008, 0.05 and 0.001, respectively). Expression of each aB-ALL antigen was verified by qPCR, but only TEAD4 showed significant transcript upregulation in aB-ALL compared to healthy volunteer CD19+ cells (p = 0.01). Conclusions: We have identified a number of antigens and their pathways that play key roles in aB-ALL and may act as useful targets for future immunotherapy strategies.</p
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