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Background: Low serum prealbumin levels have been identified as a predictor of infectious complication in critically ill patients. However, the association in patients with Community-acquired bacterial meningitis (CABM) remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of prealbumin and the poor outcome of CABM through a retrospective cohort study. Methods: A total of 77 patients of CABM were enrolled. They were divided into good outcome group (GOS: 5) and a bad outcome group (GOS: 1-4). Serum prealbumin and other clinical records were measured within 24h after admission. Results: Among the included patients, 38(65.52%) had a bad outcome (the GOS score between 1 and 4). The mean age of the overall cohort was 45.3 ± 15.9 years, and 58.6% of patients were male. The mean prealbumin level in the bad outcome group was 115.4 ± 49.4 mmol/L, while the mean level in the good outcome group was 199.1 ± 49.3 mmol/L (p < 0.001). Individuals with plasma prealbumin level =180 mmol/L had a 3.32-fold higher risk of CABM than those with normal plasma prealbumin level [OR = 4.32 (1.02 ~ 18.24), p < 0.05]. Conclusion: Reduced plasma prealbumin level is independently associated with the poor outcome of CABM. Plasma prealbumin level might help to identify patients at high risk of bad outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of primary aldosteronism (PA) is critical for determining treatment strategies. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical value of preoperative adrenal venous sampling (AVS) for determining the benefit of PA surgery. Patients diagnosed with PA at Liaocheng People's Hospital (Liaocheng, China) between January 2015 and December 2020 were selected and divided into two groups: Group A underwent adrenal computed tomography (CT) only, whereas Group B underwent adrenal CT and successful AVS. Subsequently, the improvement rate of adrenal CT and adrenal CT + AVS in the treatment of PA was compared. A total of 164 patients were included, with an average age of 46.69±13.64 years. There were 62 patients in Group A and 102 in Group B. Among the patients diagnosed with unilateral lesions on adrenal CT scan, 82.61% of patients in group A and 87.72% in group B showed improvement; however, the difference was not significant (X² =0.534, P=0.465). Among the patients diagnosed with bilateral lesions on adrenal CT images, 62.50% of patients in Group A and 91.11% of patients in Group B showed improvement (P=0.019). In conclusion, unilateral adrenal lesions detected by CT did not benefit significantly from surgical decision-making after AVS. AVS should be advised for all patients with bilateral adrenal PA who are willing to undergo adrenal surgery, which is conducive to correct lateral segmentation and improve treatment choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a detailed design of a broadband power amplifier (PA) utilizing 0.18-μm CMOS technology, operating in the frequency range of 2–5 GHz. This ultra-wideband (UWB) power amplifier uses a cascode topology with current reuse to enhance gain over the desired frequency band, utilizing an inductive source degenerate design to achieve the best linearity and output power and gain while maintaining a wide bandwidth. The inductive source degenerate adopts bondwire and microstrip line design. The paper includes extensive analysis, simulation results, and measurements to verify the performance of the amplifier and demonstrate its suitability for broadband power amplifier applications. The measured results for the proposed UWB power amplifier show excellent performance, with an impressive third-order input intercept point (IIP3) ranging from 15 to 18.7 dBm over the frequency range of 2–5 GHz. The output third-order intercept point (OIP3) ranges from 33 to 35 dBm. Additionally, the gain flatness is specified as 12.5 ± 1.5 dB. The reverse isolation is greater than or equal to − 40 dBm. The PA has a P1dB output power (OP1dB) of 10.2 dBm at 3 GHz, 9.2 dBm at 4 GHz, and 9.2 dBm at 5 GHz, respectively. The PA has a P1dB power-added efficiency of 30.5% at 3 GHz, 23% at 4 GHz, and 22% at 5 GHz with a 50 Ω load termination. The power dissipation is 33.3 mW at a supply voltage of 1.8 V. In addition, the PA has an excellent small group delay variation of ± 65 ps. The chip area is 1.01 × 1.08 mm2, including the pads. The proposed UWB PA demonstrates exceptional linearity, efficiency, and group delay in the 2–5 GHz frequency band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hostilianus ‘Augustus’: the prompt dedication of the city of Keramos in Caria An inscription from Keramos in Caria was placed in honour of Hostilianus during the archontate of the archiater Marcus Aurelius Valens Polites. The document – which has aroused a fair amount of interest among historians of ancient medicine, while in the sphere of ancient history studies it has curiously gone almost unnoticed – deserves particular attention, also considering the relative paucity of data we possess on this emperor and the uncertainty, still present today, regarding some crucial aspects of his albeit ephemeral reign. Inserted within the complex and variegated chronological framework of the events of the wars of the 3rd century A.D., the epigraph is actually located in a very important ‘interstitial’ space and allows us to formulate some reflections on the logic of succession to power and on dynastic and ‘paradynastic’ strategies, since both Herennius Etruscus as well as Gallus and Volusianus are absent from Keramos’ text, while Hostilianus is defined Augustus and ‘son’ of the not-yet divus Augustus Decius.

Abstract Neither ἰατρίνη nor μαῖα: the «special» knowledge of the iatromaea/ἰατρόμαια Especially in the last thirty years both the ἰατρίναι/medicae and the μαῖαι/obstetrices have received particular attention from scholars both for a more precise framing of these female «professions» within activities that are not exclusively manual but also intellectual, and in order to reconstruct the legal status, the possibilities of social affirmation and the opportunities of economic income of these two specific professional profiles. The subject of analysis here is a figure in its own right, that of the iatromaea/ἰατρόμαια, a term attested by very rare epigraphic mentions in Latin and Greek, absent from the databases of papyrus texts and a veritable hapax in literary testimonies. After reviewing the inscriptions that certify the existence of this word and the hypotheses formulated by moderns regarding its possible meaning, the paper attempts to trace the professional profile of this specialist, identifying, through a comparison with the sources, similarities and differences with the other types of therapists and making an interpretative proposal in conclusion regarding the specific knowledge and skills of the iatromaea/ἰατρόμαια.

Abstract Amat bonus otia Daphnis (Verg. Ecl. V 61). The ideal of concordia in Eclogue V The concept of concordia plays a key role in the political debate among Virgil’s contemporaries. Virgil himself highlights the role of discordia in Ecl. I 71 and makes concordia the tenet of Eclogue IV (Ecl. IV 46-47). Celebration of peace brought by the new god Daphnis in Eclogue V is couched in terms of concordia as well, as it is pointed out both by the Homeric source of Il. XXII 262-263 on the impossible ὁμοφροσύνη among animals and by the model of Lucretius’ apotheosis of Epicurus, which is significant in that Lucretius deems Epicurus’ doctrine as the means by which sapientes might live together according to the original sense of amicitia and concordia. Moreover, people gathering around Daphnis’ cult as if they were mystery initiates emphasizes the role of community in the eclogue – not least, mystery language is exploited also in Epicurean tradition. Analogies and differences between the iuvenis deus of Eclogue I and Daphnis sharpens the gulf between the two eclogues: in the former, the community of cives is distraught because of discordia, and Tityrus is the only one to enjoy the benefits of the iuvenis deus; by contrast, the latter celebrates a close-knit community worshipping Daphnis in concordia.

Abstract Democracy, or what everyone is worth (Thuc. II 37, 1) The paper addresses two exegetical problems in a passage from the speech of Pericles (Thuc. II 37, 1). It is argued that the word μέρος probably means «rotation» rather than «class-affiliation», since in this way three successive phrases, instead of being tautological, form an elegant system of affirmations, each of which is precising the previous one. The words ἀξίωσις and ἀξίωμα are opposed as signifying the process of acknowledgment of ἀρετή and the result of it (be it gaining authority, recognition of merits, appointment to a post, or simply approval of a proposal in an assembly). If ἀξιώματος depends from κεκώλυται and not from ἀφανείᾳ, ἀφάνεια need not have the meaning «absence», which seems not characteristic of it.

Abstract A little-known Athenian financial magistracy: the poristai The essay examines the role of the poristai, a financial magistracy that functioned in Athens between the 5th and 4th centuries BC, and to which scholars have devoted scarce attention. The importance that Athens ascribed to the poroi was a central factor in its politics from as early as the 5th century. Management of the Athenian economy underwent a series of substantial changes from the end of the Peloponnesian War onwards, and since the state required increasingly specialized financial management skills, these authorities seem to have played a prominent role. The difficult economic situation that ensued from the Sicilian defeat of 413 had necessitated the creation of this unusual board of magistrates known as the poristai, whose unusual task was most likely that of administering public funds and state revenues. This essay focuses on references to the board in ancient sources, and on the often ‘technical’ use of the verb porizo, in order to shed light on the functions and identity of some of these magistrates, and on the possibility that this initially anomalous office gradually gained a permanent status during the 4th century.

Abstract Tyrant Pericles. Approach to the management of the health crisis during the plague of Athens (430-426 BC) The aim of this paper is to analyse the political and religious consequences of the Athenian plague of 430 BC. Regarding the political aspects, the work is focused on the popular judgement on the epidemic’s management and the consequent Pericles’ loss of political prestige. Moreover, the paper concludes that this popular response leads to the adoption of religious measures such as the introduction in Athens of Asclepius’ cult (421 BC). The facts mentioned above provide an alternative point of view of Thucydides’ epidemic main account.

Abstract Through four case studies I discuss the importance and frequency of the appearance of weapons (an important element of epic imagery) in funerary poetry, and its relation to representations of arms on gravestones and monuments in the Hellenistic period, geographically ranging from Lycia and Caria to the Black Sea, from mainland Greece to the Aegean islands. One of the most common features of poetic epitaphs for soldiers (including citizens, mercenaries, and soldiers belonging to royal armies) is the celebration of the military valor (arete) of the deceased; on the other hand, except for the spear, weapons are not mentioned often in funerary poetry. When they are not mentioned in the epitaph, or when an epitaph is not present, weapons are sometimes represented on the funerary monument itself, in the form of reliefs or paintings, either in the context of a battle scene, or carried by the standing deceased, or simply as isolated objects, as symbols of his profession or social rank in life.

Kamal Dahan Alsultan,1 Moawia Gameraddin,1,2 Sultan Talal,1 Mohammad Osama Alhujaili,1 Sultan Abdulwadoud Alshoabi,1 Suliman Salih,3 Bushra HA Abdelmalik,4 Fahad H Alhazmi,1 Awadia Gareeballah,1 Abdulmannan Mohamed Aman5 1Department of Diagnostic Radiology Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging, Alzaiem Alazhari University, Khartoum, Sudan; 3Radiology and Medical Imaging Department, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; 4Diagnostic Radiology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia; 5Medical Centre, faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Moawia Gameraddin, Department of Diagnostic Radiology Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia, Email gameraldinm@gmail.comIntroduction: Burnout research is limited in Saudi Arabia, particularly among radiographers. Burnout among Saudi radiographers may have a negative impact on the services offered.Objective: This study aims to assess the burnout among radiographers in Medina hospitals.Materials and Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study included 104 radiographers from government and private Medina hospitals. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel, which consists of 22 questions, was used to measure the burnout level. The data were evaluated descriptively using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 25), and independent t-tests and analysis of variance were applied to assess group differences and linear regression analysis to evaluate associations between the burnout level and sociodemographic variables (ie sex, age, experience, and department).Results: The emotional exhaustion (EE) and depersonalization (DP) scores were moderate, while the personal accomplishment (PA) score was high, with total scores of 23.53 (9.32), 7.29 (5.95), and 29.70 (1.35), respectively. The DP score was influenced by the participants’ experience. Specifically, an experience of 1– 5 years yielded a substantially higher burnout score than did an experience of > 10 years (p> 0.05). Conversely, sex, age, and department did not affect the DP score (p< 0.05). Similarly, the EE and PA scores were not influenced by sex, age, experience, or department (p< 0.05).Conclusion: Burnout is prevalent among radiographers in Medina hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The EE and DP scores are moderate, while the PA score is high, indicating a suitable work environment. Policymakers should take the required steps to identify the variables contributing to employee burnout and enhance the work environment.Keywords: burnout, radiographers, emotional exhaustion, EE, depersonalization, DP, personal accomplishment, PA

Xiaoqing Wei,1,&ast; Junying Zhang,2,&ast; Youwen Mei,3 Eqiong Li,4 Qianling Dai,1 Xiaoli Yang,1 Dan Luo,5 Biao Li,6 Ping Hua,7 Jian Cai,7 Hua Lai,8 Dongfeng Qi,9 Sha Lai,10 Mi Qin,11 Yonghong Lin4 1Department of Cervical Disease and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People’s Republic of China; 2Clinical Laboratory Department, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Reproduction and Infertility, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Gynecology, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Obstetrics, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Chengdu Women’ and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People’s Republic of China; 7Department of Pathology, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People’s Republic of China; 8Department of Radiation and Interventional Therapy, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People’s Republic of China; 9Department of Ultrasonics, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People’s Republic of China; 10Dermatology Department, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People’s Republic of China; 11Department of Pediatric Surgery, Chengdu Women’s and Children’s Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yonghong Lin; Xiaoqing Wei, Email linyhcd2011@163.com; xqcherry@163.comObjective: We report a case of Carmi Syndrome in a neonate.Aim: To share our lessons in diagnosis of the case of Carmi Syndrome.Case Report: Carmi Syndrome is an extremely rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized the coexistence of pyloric atresia and junctional epidermolysis bullosa, and with aplasia cutis congenita in approximately 28% patients. In this case, a full-term male neonate was born to a G4P2+1L1 multipara through cesarean section delivery in hospital in a non-consanguineous marriage with 4000mL of II°meconium-stained amniotic fluid. He was found extensive skin loss over lower legs and other parts, with scattered blisters and bilateral microtia. Plain abdominal X-ray revealed a large gastric air bubble with no gas distally. The mother had an intrauterine fetal loss previously for reasons unknown. The dermatologist diagnosed the newborn with Bart Syndrome, while the pediatric surgeon diagnosed congenital pyloric atresia(CPA). The parents refused further treatment and the neonate passed away about 30 hours after birth.Outcome: The neonate passed away about 30 hours after birth.Conclusion: Lessons from this case:①.Rule out Carmi Syndrome in patients with PA, and differentiate Bart syndrome and Carmi Syndrome in patients with abnormal skin manifestations. ②. For rare and/or severe diseases, multidisciplinary teams(MDTs) should be establish. ③. Genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis are necessary prior to subsequent childbearings. ④.Termination of pregnancy might be contemplated if certain indicators are revealed.Keywords: Carmi syndrome, bart syndrome, epidermolysis bullosa, EB, junctional epidermolysis bullosa, JEB, congenital pyloric atresia, CPA, aplasia cutis congenita, ACC, congenital localized absence of skin, CLAS, pyloric atresia, PA, epidermolysis bullosa with pyloric atresia, EB-PA, multidisciplinary teams, MDT

Abstract Objectives Pituitary abscess (PA) accounts for only 0.3–0.5% of sellar masses, and the lack of specific clinical symptoms makes diagnosing PA difficult without a surgical biopsy. In clinical practice, PA is often mistaken for cystic pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma, and Rathke’s cyst. Thus, this study aims to investigate challenges in diagnosing PA and evaluate the importance of combining intraoperative surgery with postoperative antibiotic treatment. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 19 patients diagnosed with PA through histopathology. All patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for pituitary adenomas after undergoing comprehensive preoperative evaluations, including routine tests, endocrine assay, and imaging examination. Furthermore, we compared different treatments for pituitary abscess (PA) to determine the most effective approach for achieving a favorable prognosis. Results The most prevalent symptom of PA was headache, especially in the frontal–temporal and vertex regions, ranging from mild to moderate severity. Hypopituitarism-related symptoms were also frequently observed, including hypaphrodisia, cold sensitivity, fatigue, weight loss, polyuria, and amenorrhea. Twelve patients exhibited abnormalities in endocrinology examinations. Diagnosing PA correctly is challenging. In our study, none of the patients were correctly diagnosed with PA prior to surgery, and many sellar lesions were misdiagnosed. The favorable prognosis was largely attributed to surgical intervention and active postoperative antibiotic therapy. Conclusions Given the lack of clarity in preoperative diagnosis, typical intraoperative findings and effective antibiotics treatment are more indicative of the correct diagnosis than other tests. In terms of therapy, optimal surgical intervention and active postoperative antibiotic treatment contribute to resolving the challenges posed by PA.

The aim of this contribution is to present an innovative approach to the use of Open Access AI in teaching the Classical era at high school and university level. The paper first explains the growing interest in AI technology and its main applications in the subjects of philology, history and other related areas. The following sections show the different steps of the proposal, which uses the Midjourney program, as well as its pros and cons.

This is a review of the activities and successes of the 43rd residential JACT Latin Summer School, run in July 2023. Specifically, it covers our typical teaching arrangement, lectures, trips and events and acknowledges the generosity of our sponsors.

This article discusses the opportunities and challenges of teaching Classics as an ‘applied’ subject. It outlines the development of a new module at the University of St Andrews which asks student teams to research and design a project that draws on ancient sources, practices or ideas to address a challenge in the 21st century, such as ‘fake news’, racism, or climate change. It distinguishes Applied Classics from Public Classics and Reception Studies, defining the former as ‘the purposeful application of carefully-chosen aspects of antiquity as a useful intervention in a contemporary challenge.’ It also underlines its value as a form of ‘Citizen Scholarship’, a branch of academia that builds bridges to activism and has tangible impacts, creating change (not just disseminating knowledge) in the wider world. The article considers the ethics of Applied Classics; the mentoring that students require, to work in novel ways and on topics well outside their comfort zones; and the assessment challenges that come with project-based learning. It reflects on the skills that students acquire from this kind of module (in leadership, collaboration, creative thinking, critical self-reflection and outcomes-focused thinking), on their sense of empowerment as they identify ways to translate their studies into socially impactful work, and on the contributions they can make to wider debates about the future of Classics as a discipline.

Although there is plenty of scholarship regarding the concerns of addressing controversial and sensitive subject manner in the Classics classroom, and I have considered these to quite an extent, my own interest in these practices emerged where they matter the most: my own experiences within the classroom. For me, it came to a head with one pupil who demonstrated an active enthusiasm for Latin study and the classical world at large, but was slowly becoming disheartened after several classes, despite not displaying any overt academic challenges to any of the presented material. When I brought this issue up privately with her, she said: ‘Sir, it sucks that this culture and language which I adore, wouldn't value me as much I value it.’ She also expressed regret at choosing Latin, as she felt ‘it seems to be a subject where only boys can succeed.’ It also became apparent that this consensus was common, and shared with several of her friends and peers. This paper describes some of the actions I undertook to address their sensitivities in the Classics classroom.

In this article, we showcase the pilot scenario of The Trojan War, an educational self-directed game that combines text inspired by ancient Greek (as well as Roman) literature with graphics based on the ‘Geometric style’, an authentic Greek style of painting contemporary with the composition of the Homeric epics. Our game uses interactive scenarios to support active learning strategies of students interested in Classical Studies in both tertiary and secondary education. Players can take on the role of key characters, making choices that can prevent, start, or stop the Trojan War, as well as determine their own personal outcomes. The learners are thus presented with the opportunity to explore alternative pathways to rewrite the history of the War. In the process, they can apply their subject knowledge and develop their intellectual and critical skills. They also become familiar with a distinctive and expressive early Greek artistic style, the so-called Geometric. Rather than focusing on winning, the game aims to give students the opportunity to engage with important ideas and values of ancient Greek culture by exploring multiple perspectives on the topic. It also provides a valuable lesson on the potentially wide-ranging consequences of individual choices, which is a core element of responsible citizenship.

This article presents the method used in Elliniki Agogi, a private small school that teaches the Ancient Greek language as an extra-curricular activity. Over the 29 years of experimenting with educational material, methods, books and exercises, teaching Ancient Greek as a living language seems like the only method that really works for the students. It is immersive, experiential, educational and fun, but most important, it makes students love what they learn; by loving, they keep wanting to come back. By coming back, they repeat. By repeating; they learn. And by learning Greek as a living language, they never forget it. This is our school's aim: to make our students love the language. Experiential learning is highly valued and applied through visits to archaeological sites, and reviving important historical events. But this is only the beginning; playing, drawing, acting, foreign exchanges, educational trips, digital programs, collaborations with foreign institutions and educational organisations come alive in Elliniki Agogi, a small school that was founded 29 years ago in Greece and has joined worldwide efforts in changing the way Greek is taught in order to promote its true, timeless, precious wisdom. In Elliniki Agogi a combination of teaching Greek as a living language and activities that include play and fun, a method as old as time, shows exactly the reason way the words ‘play’ (παιδιά) and ‘education’ (παιδεία) derive from the exact same root word: παῖς (child). Educational material is also provided in order to further enhance and deepen children's knowledge.

In the Marseille region in France, ancient Greek has been taught in pre-school and primary school for more than 20 years. The ‘Nausicaa’ Association was created in 1996 with an express purpose in mind. As Nausicaa was Odysseus' guide and helped him regain his dignity as a man and a king, so our association supports children in becoming more complete and richer humans, or so we hope. Nausicaa has grown enormously in the past 20 years, and currently operates in various schools in the South of France, in particular in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. Around ten volunteers (teachers working in middle school, high school or retired) teach ancient Greek to pupils from pre-school to the end of primary school. All activities are done at school during class teaching time and in the school setting. This paper presents an outline of the activities of the Nausicaa Association and how it benefits pupils of all abilities in learning about the ancient Greeks and their language.

This paper presents a public outreach program developed by the Department of Classics at the University of Florida to introduce school-age children to Classics. The main goal is to emphasise the value of Classics and the practical skills it teaches by engaging students with hands-on exercises and materialising connections between the past and the present. The paper focuses on the importance of Classics and the humanities in the development of engaged citizens, the types of programs and their content, and ways to ensure the sustainability of such initiatives through the involvement of graduate students, faculty, and administrators.

How accessible is the field of Latin and ancient Ancient Greek languages in the Dutch education system? In recent years this discussion has resurfaced in the light of societal developments which focus on equality of opportunities.1 Moreover, our field faces the challenge to explain in both international and national discussions what makes its study so relevant in the current times, both in secondary and tertiary education.2 This article provides a short overview of the current situation of Latin and ancient Ancient Greek education within the Dutch secondary education system before looking in more detail at its impact on Dutch students. It ends with directions for improving the accessibility of the field of Classics education. In order to illustrate the functioning and consequences of the current situation, in June 2021 a large-scale survey among 1,700 Dutch students of the gymnasium (secondary education with Latin and ancient Greek) provides us with interesting experiences, biases and thoughts about the accessibility of classical education. If we believe that knowledge of the ancient languages and literatures is a valuable resource for the younger generations of our modern society and in addition we see that our field, as any field, would profit from a more diverse group of researchers and teachers, the direction for future improvements is clear; but concrete steps in that direction should be taken at various levels. With this article, I hope to contribute to such improvements to the educational system and contemporaneously to our field.

The purpose of this article is to offer an overview of an educational project that brought Classical Civilisation to pupils in the Pisa area between 2004 and 2009, through a cooperation between the Department of Classical Philology at our University and the Provincial Administration of Pisa.1 The project was aimed at pupils of primary and lower secondary schools, in response to a thorough reform of the Italian school system that excluded some pupils from studying Greek and Roman civilisations in as much depth as other parts of history. This article will first provide an overview of the Italian education system and its recent reforms, after which the project Educare all'Antico will be discussed.

This article examines the website Vocabulous, an innovative resource that combines Classics and English literacy. The aim of Vocabulous is to improve students' English vocabulary knowledge and skills using Latin and Greek root patterns. For example, the root ‘scrip’ meaning ‘write’ can help students understand that ‘inscription’, ‘manuscript’ and ‘transcription’ are all related to writing. Students use these roots to work out the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary, so that by the end of the programme, they have the skills they need to decipher new words on their own. As Alex Quigley notes, ‘over 90% of the vocabulary of academic texts in school has Latin and Greek origins and therefore teaching etymology has positive implications for learning and cracking the academic code of school’ (Quigley, 2018: 71). This article discusses the pedagogy behind the site, the selection of Latin and Greek roots, the design of the questions (based on vocabulary acquisition research) and the use of animated videos to engage students. The article concludes by outlining the current Vocabulous trial with 10–13-year-olds in 50 schools across the UK, combining teacher testimonies with ideas for practical application in the classroom1. Vocabulous is funded by The SHINE Trust and is part of a research trial led by Professor Arlene Holmes-Henderson and Christ Church, Oxford. It will be available for school subscriptions from September 2023.

The idea for this special issue of Journal of Classics Teaching arose from the conference ‘Monsters in the classroom: Latin and Greek at primary school’ which Steve Hunt (Cambridge), Lidewij Van Gils (Amsterdam), and myself (Ghent) co-organised in January of 2022.1 This conference gathered teaching expertise from eight countries and attracted more than 120 participants from 20 countries to discuss both the successes and challenges related to current international practice in the teaching of Classical languages at primary school. It became a constructive and fruitful event, where participants from different countries shared good practice in order to learn from each other and formulate steps forward.

This article describes some of the main features of classical languages and history learning at the primary school level in England at the current time. It briefly examines the context and education policy background and government and teachers' beliefs in the value and status of classical subjects, especially the Latin language as an aid to learning other languages and as a support for developing and improving students' English literacy. There is some overlap with the literature review co-authored by Holmes-Henderson and Kelly for the British government (Holmes-Henderson and Kelly, 2022) and a recent piece by myself about provision of teaching and resources in the Bulletin of the Council of University Classics Departments (Hunt, 2022a). I hope to develop further some of these ideas and draw out some discussions about resources, pedagogy and learning aims for possible future directions of classical languages learning at the primary level.

The clinical role of a clinical officer in Uganda is very similar to that of a physician associate/assistant in the United States. This article describes the qualifications and workforce role of clinical officers in Uganda, as well as their use in two primary care programs that provide effective, low-cost medical care to a growing population with an increasing burden of chronic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study evaluated physician associate/assistant (PA) training and confidence in leadership and leadership skills, as well as where best to incorporate leadership training for the profession. Methods: A quantitative survey was administered to assess PAs' perceptions of leadership and degree of leadership training during their primary PA education. The study also solicited where in the career trajectory leadership training is perceived to be most effective. Of the 284 participants who responded to the survey, 207 had complete responses that were used in the analysis. Results: Nearly 92% of PAs agreed that they aspire to be leaders, and 93.2% agreed or strongly agreed that leadership training would be beneficial during PA school. Additionally, more than 50% of PAs agreed that they had no training but desired more regarding personal mastery, teaching, administration, ideals of a healthy workforce, vision and goal setting, getting results, coalitions, and system transformation. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that PAs desired supplemental training in leadership to cultivate career goals and reported that formal leadership training would be useful to cope with and overcome adversity in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study is a Narrative Review that aims at investigating the implications of obesity, excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Additionally, this Review seeks to explore the effectiveness of nutrition, and/or exercise interventions during pregnancy on reducing GWG and preventing GDM. Materials and Methods: The search in literature included studies that identified obesity, GWG, GDM and associated risks during pregnancy. Also, SR and MA focusing on interventions including diet, or physical activity (PA), or combined (i.e., lifestyle interventions) and their impact on metabolic risk during pregnancy, were identified through searches in PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSRs), and Scopus. Results: The study findings suggest that lifestyle interventions during pregnancy may be effective in reducing excessive GWG. Regarding the prevention of GDM, results from studies evaluating lifestyle interventions vary. However, significant and less controversial results were reported from studies assessing the efficacy of exercise interventions, particularly in high-risk pregnant women. Conclusions: Lifestyle interventions during pregnancy may reduce excessive GWG. Exercise during pregnancy may prevent GDM, especially in high-risk pregnant women. Future research is warranted to tailor lifestyle interventions for optimal effectiveness during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins are considered to be essential secondary metabolites in grapes and are used to regulate metabolic processes, while miRNAs are involved in their synthesis of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins to regulate metabolic processes. The present research work was carried out to investigate the underlying regulatory mechanism of target genes in the grape cultivars 'Italia' and 'Benitaka'. miRNA and transnscriptomic sequencing technology were employed to characterize both the profiles of miRNAs and the transcripts of grape peels at 10 and 11 weeks post flowering (10 wpf and 11 wpf). The results revealed that the expression level of vvi-miR828a in 'Italia' at 10 and 11 wpf was significantly higher than that in 'Benitaka'. miRNA-seq analysis predicted MYBPA1 to be the target gene of vvi-miR828a. In transcriptome analysis, the expression level of the VvMYBPA1 gene in 'Benitaka' was significantly higher than that in 'Italia'; in addition, the TPM values (expression levels) of VvMYBPA1 and miR828a also showed an evident negative correlation. The determination of the proanthocyanidin (PA) content in 'Italia' and 'Benitaka' peels at 11 wpf demonstrated that the PA content of 'Benitaka' was significantly higher than that of 'Italia'. The outcomes of RT-qRCR analysis exhibited that the expression levels of the VdPAL, VdCHS, VdCHI, VdDFR, VdMYB5b, VdANR, and VdMYBPA1 genes related anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin pathways were reduced, while the expression levels of all of the above genes were increased after the transient expression of the VvMYBPA1 vector into grape leaves. The results of the transient overexpression experiment of vvi-miR828a before the veraison period of strawberry fruits showed that vvi-miR828a can significantly slow down the coloration of strawberries. The vvi-miR828a negatively regulates the accumulation of proanthocyanidins in grape fruits by inhibiting the expression of VvMYBPA1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on social identity theory and the elaboration likelihood model, the authors hypothesize that positive affect (PA) similarity between recruiters and applicants affects both parties, and the influenced recruiters’ behaviour thus affecting applicants’ attitudes and behaviours. Nine hypotheses are tested by conducting two studies featuring a time-lagged research design with the goal of investigating the recruitment practices used by higher education institutions (HEIs) in China. Cross-level polynomial regression and block variable approaches examining 142 and 148 separate recruiter/applicant dyads support the proposed recruiter/applicant PA similarity effects. The underlying mechanism is revealed to be recruiters’ informativeness and affective delivery (Study 1), that then causes applicants to form brand identification, which further influences applicants’ attraction to the organization, and intentions to spread positive word-of-mouth about the organization (Study 2). Findings indicate that HEIs and organizations should strive to match applicant/recruiter PA levels. Implications and directions for future research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive technology provides several advantages compared to traditional production methods, such as creation of complex geometric shapes with less material consumption. However, the setting of the 3D printing process as well as the positioning of the printed object has an impact on the mechanical properties of the material used. The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical properties of polyamide (PA) material as well as the influence of the orientation of printed objects when using SLS and MJF technology. The SLS technology used the P 396 device (EOS, Germany). An HP Jet Fusion 5200 (HP, USA) was used for MJF technology. In both cases, PA was used to creating experimental samples for mechanical testing. The orientation of the printed samples was 0°, 45° and 90° to the base platform of the 3D printer. The results show by comparing SLS and MJF technologies highest mechanical properties for MJF technology when the position samples were at 90° to the basic platform of 3D printer. Conversely, the lowest mechanical properties were recorded for samples that were positioned at a 45° angle to the base platform of the 3D printer using SLS technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Taking into consideration the increment of the diabetes mellitus (DM) prevalence rate, the importance of effective management strategies becomes more pronounced in promoting the well-being of patients affected by the condition. Among the various approaches to managing DM, self-care behaviors (SCBs) have emerged as crucial elements contributing to positive outcomes. Purpose: This review of literature aims to investigate and examine current research, offering a detailed comprehension of the SCBs practiced by individuals with diabetes. Methods: Self-care encompasses a wide spectrum of activities. However, the focus of our literature search and review is medication adherence (MA) and physical activities (PA). The authors used the following databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, EBSCO, and Google Scholar scientific databases. The forthcoming keywords were utilized: diabetes, SCBs (similar terms like self-care, self-care management and, self-care practices are used), DM, MA, PA, and the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Results: This review included 39 studies. The rates of MA ranged from 26% to 94%. Conversely, the rates of adherence to PA ranged from 9% to 77%. Correlates for MA and PA were identified. Conclusion: This thorough literature review has explored the complex domain of SCBs in individuals with DM, employing the TPB as its guiding framework. This review offered valuable insights into the factors impacting the incorporation of SCBs within the framework of diabetes management. Implications for Nursing: The findings of this review give directions for nursing researchers and practitioners, so as to develop effective interventions for individuals with DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a workflow to assess the uncertainty of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a critical index used in precision agriculture to determine plant health. From a metrological perspective, it is crucial to evaluate the quality of vegetation indices, which are usually obtained by processing multispectral images for measuring vegetation, soil, and environmental parameters. For this reason, it is important to assess how the NVDI measurement is affected by the camera characteristics, light environmental conditions, as well as atmospheric and seasonal/weather conditions. The proposed study investigates the impact of atmospheric conditions on solar irradiation and vegetation reflection captured by a multispectral UAV camera in the red and near-infrared bands and the variation of the nominal wavelengths of the camera in these bands. Specifically, the study examines the influence of atmospheric conditions in three scenarios: dry–clear, humid–hazy, and a combination of both. Furthermore, this investigation takes into account solar irradiance variability and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the camera. Through Monte Carlo simulations, a sensitivity analysis is carried out against each of the above-mentioned uncertainty sources and their combination. The obtained results demonstrate that the main contributors to the NVDI uncertainty are the atmospheric conditions, the nominal wavelength tolerance of the camera, and the variability of the NDVI values within the considered leaf conditions (dry and fresh). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This mixed-methods study explored whether physician associates/assistants (PAs) who are Black wo wome men (f (for or bre revi vity ty, ca call lled ed Bl Blac ack wo wome men PA PAs thr hrou ough ghou out this article) experience gendered racial microaggressions and whether these experiences correlated with psychologic distress. The phrase Black women encompasses those who identify with the sociocultural roles, behaviors, and expressions of being a Black woman. Methods: We conducted an online survey of Black women PAs using the Gendered Racial Microaggressions Scale during a 2-month period in 2019. Results: Black women PAs experienced gendered racial mi micr croa oagg ggre ress ssio ions ns in cl clin inic ical al set etti ting ngs. s. Gen ende dere red ra raci cial al mic icro roaggressions were correlated with stress, being silenced and marginalized, and assumptions of beauty and sexual objectification. No correlations were found between stress and the angry Black woman and strong Black woman variables. Conclusions: This study revealed that Black women have interlocking forms of oppression related to their race and gender, which are associated with psychologic distress. Awareness of these occurrences can reduce the unknowing perpetuation of gendered racial microaggressions and create cultural awareness practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Switching specialties is common among physician associates/ assistants (PAs) and important in combating burnout. Despite this, little is known about the PA experience with switching specialties. This study sought to identify factors associated with successfully switching specialties using semistructured interviews with PAs and hiring managers. Participants reported that switching specialties was initially challenging for managers and PAs because of insufficient onboarding and unrealistic expectations, but they also reported that they were generally satisfied with long-term outcomes. Our findings suggest that PAs hoping to switch specialties may want to focus on building a professional network, identifying areas where they can highlight relevant experience, and demonstrating their intent to remain in that role. Hiring managers could benefit from considering their hiring practices and tailoring onboarding expectations for new hires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A characteristic of physician associates/assistants (PAs) observed consistently is their high degree of career satisfaction. Over 6 decades, national surveys showed that PA job satisfaction levels (either satisfied or very satisfied) consistently were in the mid-80% positive range. This analysis explains this remarkable, consistent, and persistent level of satisfaction among practicing PAs. A review of the literature on PA job satisfaction shows that autonomy in clinical practice appears to be a major correlate with job and career satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physician associate/assistant (PA) leaders are essential to healthcare and are critical to a healthcare organization's success. This article, the first of a two-part series on PA leadership, summarizes the importance of PA leaders and the benefits of PAs serving in administrative and leadership roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Circulating individual SFAs in pregnant females are critical for maternal and fetal health. However, research on identifying their modifiable factors is limited. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine the associations of total physical activity (PA) and types of PA with circulating individual SFAs during pregnancy in a multiracial/multiethnic cohort of pregnant females in the United States. METHODS: The study included participants in a nested case-control study (n = 321) from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD Fetal Growth Studies-Singleton Cohort. Sampling weights were applied, so the results represented the entire Fetal Growth Cohort. Plasma phospholipid SFAs were measured at 4 visits [10-14 (visit 1), 15-26 (visit 2), 23-31 (visit 3), and 33-39 (visit 4) weeks of gestation] throughout pregnancy. PA of the previous year at visit 1 and since the previous visit at the subsequent visits was assessed using the validated Pregnancy PA Questionnaire. Time-specific and longitudinal associations were examined using multivariable linear and generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS: Total PA (metabolic equivalent of task-h/wk) was positively associated with circulating heptadecanoic acid (17:0) at visit 1 (β × 103: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.11) and pentadecanoic acid (15:0) at visit 3 (β × 103: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.14) independent of sociodemographic, reproductive, pregnancy, and dietary factors. Across the 4 visits, the positive associations with total PA were consistent for pentadecanoic acid (β × 103: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.10) and heptadecanoic acid (β × 103: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.14). Out of the 4 PA types (i.e., sports/exercise, household/caregiving, transportation, and occupational PA) considered, the magnitude of positive associations was the largest for sports/exercise PA. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that maternal PA is positively associated with circulating pentadecanoic and heptadecanoic acids. The findings warrant confirmation by future studies.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00912132.

Background: This report is based on a 2023 nationwide survey and literature review of physician associates/assistants (PAs) in India. The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, which is being implemented in India, included guidelines for PA licensing, creating a unified national curriculum, and preventing malpractice. Methods: Using a purposive sampling strategy, we surveyed 536 PAs in India between February 10 and April 30, 2023. The survey collected data on demographics, academic qualifications, specialties, salaries, job satisfaction, and future outlooks through an online questionnaire. Results: The survey showed that most PAs are below age 30 years, and most graduated PAs were involved in clinical practice in 2023. PAs work in almost all clinical specialties; most practice in private hospitals. States in southern India continued to dominate educating and employing PAs, with a nationwide representation of more than 14 states. More than 80% of practicing PAs are satisfied with their profession; however, the majority are unsatisfied with their wages. Conclusions: This first formal survey on India's PAs illustrates the challenges of PA professional practice and standardization of education and licensure in the Indian healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study sought to determine the role of physician associates/assistants (PAs) in ophthalmology, the balance between barriers and facilitators in training, and optimal training for PAs in ophthalmology. Methods: In this explanatory qualitative case study, 17 of the 94 PAs in ophthalmology in the United States participated in qualitative, semistructured interviews. Qualitative interviews were conducted using a validated interview guide. Interpretational data analysis methods helped in the development of various themes. Results: Themes suggest that PAs play a unique role in assisting ophthalmologists in surgery, performing procedures autonomously, and evaluating and treating patients autonomously. PAs in ophthalmology reported current training programs as unfavorable, reported satisfaction in their careers, and identified formal postgraduate training programs as optimal training for PAs. Conclusions: Findings of this study suggest that formal postgraduate training programs can help PAs gain the necessary skills to successfully fulfill their roles in ophthalmology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the depletion of oil resources and the implementation of carbon-neutral strategies, pursuit of natural material-based flame retardants with high-durability flame retardancy has become an increasingly important issue. In this work, a small molecular phosphoramidate/ammonium phosphate flame retardant for cotton fabrics was synthesized with natural materials phytic acid and l-lysine, which was characterized by phosphorous-31 nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical combustion, cone calorimetry, and durability tests showed that the finished sample had outstanding flame retardancy and superb washing resistance. LOI of the treated fabric at a weight gain of only 17% was 50.7%, and remained at 38.3% after 50 laundering times under AATCC 61-2013 3A standard. Thermogravimetric and thermogravimetric-infrared measurements proposed that the flame retardants primarily promoted char formation of cellulose and performed a condensation phase flame-retardant mechanism. FTIR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed that the flame retardants grafted onto cellulose by N–P(=O)–O–C covalent bonds. Surface micromorphology and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses showed that flame retardants were evenly distributed in cotton, and with little metal ions remained after washing, indicating that the stable phosphoramidate maintained its flame retardancy. The whiteness and softness retention after modification were significantly improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]