Search

IntroductionDespite the well-established importance of positive father involvement for child adjustment, father involvement tends to be much lower compared to mother involvement. Furthermore, there are few empirical studies on Chinese fathers and their involvement in parenting. Given the importance of father involvement, it is necessary to examine the factors that may facilitate or hinder Chinese father involvement in parenting.MethodsThis study used survey methodology to examine the predictors of Chinese father involvement with their preschoolers. The sample consisted of 609 Chinese parent dyads in Mainland China.ResultsFathering self-efficacy and their beliefs about parental roles directly predicted father involvement in parenting. Maternal gate-opening had both direct and indirect associations with father involvement via fathers’ beliefs and fathering self-efficacy. Maternal gate-closing was not associated with father involvement.DiscussionThe findings suggest that fathers’ beliefs about parental roles, fathering self-efficacy, and maternal gate-opening are likely to play an important role in facilitating father involvement with their children. Family interventions and programs could target these modifiable factors to facilitate father involvement in Mainland China.

IntroductionWhile increasing the ventilation rate is an important measure to remove inhalable virus-laden respiratory particles and lower the risk of infection, direct validation in schools with population-based studies is far from definitive.MethodsWe investigated the strength of association between ventilation and SARS-CoV-2 transmission reported among the students of Italy's Marche region in more than 10,000 classrooms, of which 316 were equipped with mechanical ventilation. We used ordinary and logistic regression models to explore the relative risk associated with the exposure of students in classrooms.Results and discussionFor classrooms equipped with mechanical ventilation systems, the relative risk of infection of students decreased at least by 74% compared with a classroom with only natural ventilation, reaching values of at least 80% for ventilation rates >10 L s−1 student−1. From the regression analysis we obtained a relative risk reduction in the range 12%15% for each additional unit of ventilation rate per person. The results also allowed to validate a recently developed predictive theoretical approach able to estimate the SARS-CoV-2 risk of infection of susceptible individuals via the airborne transmission route. We need mechanical ventilation systems to protect students in classrooms from airborne transmission; the protection is greater if ventilation rates higher than the rate needed to ensure indoor air quality (>10 L s−1 student−1) are adopted. The excellent agreement between the results from the retrospective cohort study and the outcome of the predictive theoretical approach makes it possible to assess the risk of airborne transmission for any indoor environment.

Introduction Dental decay is a major problem among Australian children. It can be prevented through good self-care and limiting sugar intake, but many parents/caregivers lack the skills and confidence to help their children adopt these practices. This trial will evaluate the efficacy of Healthy Habits Triple P - Oral health, a web-based online programme, in improving children’s oral health-related behaviours (toothbrushing, snacking practices and dental visits) and related parenting practices, thereby preventing dental caries.Methods and analysis This is a cluster, parallel-group, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial of an online intervention for parents/caregivers of children aged 2–6 years. From the City of Gold Coast (Australia), 18 childcare centres will be randomly selected, with equal numbers randomised into intervention and control arms. Intervention arm parents/caregivers will receive access to a web-based parenting intervention while those in the control arm will be directed to oral health-related information published by Australian oral health agencies. After the completion of the study, the Healthy Habits Triple P - Oral health intervention will be offered to parents/caregivers in the control arm. The primary outcome of this trial is toothbrushing frequency, which will be assessed via Bluetooth supported smart toothbrushes and parent/caregiver report. Data on other outcomes: parenting practices and child behaviour during toothbrushing, consumption of sugar rich foods and parents’ confidence in dealing with children’s demands for sugar rich food, and dental visiting practices, will be collected through a self-administered questionnaire at baseline (before randomisation), and 6 weeks (primary endpoint), 6 months and 12 months after randomisation. Data on dental caries will be collected at baseline, 12 and 18 months post-randomisation.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval has been obtained from Human Research Ethics Committees of Griffith University (2020/700) and the University of Queensland (2020002839). Findings will be submitted for publication in leading international peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration number ACTRN12621000566831.

Background: Evaluating the tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is key to planning further therapy of breast cancer. Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of low-energy and subtraction contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) images in the detection of complete response (CR) for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer. Methods: A total of 63 female patients were qualified for our retrospective analysis. Low-energy and subtraction CESM images just before the beginning of NAC and as a follow-up examination 2 weeks before the end of chemotherapy were compared with one another and assessed for compliance with the postoperative histopathological examination (HP). The response to preoperative chemotherapy was evaluated based on the RECIST 1.1 criteria (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors). Results: Low-energy images tend to overestimate residual lesions (6.28 mm) and subtraction images tend to underestimate them (2.75 mm). The sensitivity of low-energy images in forecasting CR amounted to 33.33%, while the specificity was 92.86%. In the case of subtraction CESM, the sensitivity amounted to 85.71% and the specificity to 71.42%. Conclusions: CESM is characterized by high sensitivity in the assessment of CR after NAC. The use of only morphological assessment is insufficient. CESM correlates well with the size of residual lesions on histopathological examination but tends to underestimate the dimensions.

Abstract Aims/Introduction Regular physical activity for adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus improves cardiorespiratory fitness (CF) and quality of life. The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical and biochemical features that might be associated with CF in a homogenous group of adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus who are all treated with a personal insulin pump (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion). Materials and Methods We assessed CF in 62 patients (74.2% of whom were men) who fulfilled the eligibility criteria. To determine maximal oxygen consumption, the march‐running test on the treadmill was carried out. Two hours before the test, the patients consumed a defined meal covered by a dose of rapid acting insulin analog that was reduced by 25% from their regular dose. Basal insulin infusion was reduced by 50% for an hour. Additionally, the Perceived Stress Scale‐10 questionnaire was used to measure the perception of stress. Results There was no episode of severe hypoglycemia during or after the test. In the final model, independent predictors of maximal oxygen consumption were sex, body fat percentage, lactate at 20 min after CF test and Perceived Stress Scale‐10 score. Of interest, neither short‐term (continuous glucose monitoring) nor long‐term (glycosylated hemoglobin) metabolic control parameters were predictors of CF. Conclusions In our selected homogenous group of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with personal insulin pumps, higher CF was associated with a lower percentage of body fat, male sex, higher lactate level after the CF test and the Perceived Stress Scale‐10 score. The proposed protocol in our cohort proved to be safe with regard to glycemic control.

Objective Gender role stereotypes play an important role in all areas of human development, and parents play a vital role in the formation and development of these stereotypes in children. Parents’ attitudes and beliefs about gender roles may be influenced by the parenting information and messages they receive. We aimed to determine the extent to which gender stereotypes and traditional parenting roles were portrayed in an officially endorsed online resource for parents of infants and toddlers. Method A quantitative content analysis of an Australian government supported parenting website was conducted. We explored the ways in which child and adult gender roles are represented. Specifically, we examined the frequency of stereotypical pronoun use, stereotypical content and implicit and explicit presentation. Method The website contains little evidence of child gender stereotypical portrayals, with approximately 6% of content gender-stereotypical and 3% counter-stereotypical. However, traditional parenting roles were more commonly referenced. Conclusions The direct addressal of fathers in specific “for dad” pages and use of neutral parent references (mostly “you”) throughout the website suggests an underlying assumption that mothers were accessing the website and therefore, information was tailored to mothers. By implicitly encouraging traditional parenting roles, traditional gender roles may be reinforced. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: (1) Gender role stereotypes are pervasive and influence child development. (2) Parents commonly seek guidance and information about raising children online and the information and messages they find serve as a potential source of influence on parents’ attitudes, beliefs and gender role stereotypes. (3) Little is known about how information about gender is communicated to parents online. What this topic adds: (1) Information presented to parents in a government supported website contains little evidence of child gender stereotypical portrayals. (2) Traditional parenting roles were more commonly referenced on the website. (3) Sections specifically addressed to fathers suggests website information was implicitly targeted to mothers.

The review covers research published since 2017 and is focused on enantioselective synthesis using radical reactions. It describes recent approaches to the asymmetric synthesis of chiral molecules based on the application of the metal catalysis, dual metal and organocatalysis and finally, pure organocatalysis including enzyme catalysis. This review focuses on the synthetic aspects of the methodology and tries to show which compounds can be obtained in enantiomerically enriched forms.

Introduction: Recent research highlights a link between early dietary habits, especially breastfeeding, and reduced obesity risk in adulthood. Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and compounds that may shape an infant's metabolism. This article reviews current findings to guide parents in supporting lifelong healthy development. Material and Methods: This review examined 30 studies focusing on the relationship between breastfeeding and the risk of developing obesity. Relevant studies were identified through searches on PubMed and Google Scholar. Literature Analysis: The reviewed literature suggests a possible link between breastfeeding and a decreased likelihood of obesity in adulthood, although comprehensive, systematic research on this relationship is still scarce. Findings indicate that bioactive elements in breast milk and breastfeeding behaviors may play a role in early metabolic and appetite regulation, which could influence weight control later in life. Observational studies and case reports show varying impacts, often dependent on factors like the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding, as well as broader environmental influences. Conclusions: Breastfeeding offers significant long-term health benefits, including reduced risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Studies show that longer breastfeeding duration is associated with healthier weight trajectories, improved metabolic outcomes, and lower BMI and HDL levels later in life. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months or more provides substantial protection against obesity in childhood and adulthood. Early formula introduction is linked to higher BMI trajectories and increased metabolic risks. These findings emphasize the importance of promoting breastfeeding as a key public health strategy to support long-term health and disease prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The external carotid artery (ECA) supplies blood to various facial and neck regions and may contribute to collateral cerebral perfusion. With the rise in carotid artery stenting (CAS) as a treatment for carotid stenosis, ECA overstenting has become a common procedure feature. This study aimed to assess the incidence, characteristics, and duration of facial pain following CAS, hypothesizing that ECA overstenting may contribute to facial pain. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 55 patients treated with CAS for internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis at a single center. Patients' facial pain was evaluated using a numeric rating scale (NRS) before, immediately after, and 24 h post-CAS. Patient data, including demographics, comorbidities, and procedural details, were analyzed to assess the relationship between ICA stenosis degree, ECA diameter changes, and facial pain incidence. Results: CAS was associated with intraoperative facial pain in 27.27% of patients, with 7.28% reporting residual pain 24 h post-procedure. Pain occurrence was significantly higher in patients with lower ICA stenosis (p = 0.04). The median ECA diameter decreased from 4.11 mm to 3.16 mm (p < 0.001) after CAS, with ECA overstenting observed in 96.4% of cases. No significant relationship was found between pain severity and stent width or length. Conclusions: This study highlights that CAS significantly decreases the diameter of ECA. Additionally, ECA overstenting might be associated with perioperative and postoperative facial pain, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring of ECA patency following CAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This multicenter study assessed the incidence of pneumonia and its impact on survival in 322 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who were treated with venetoclax-based regimens. In real-world settings, patients with CLL who are treated with venetoclax-based regimens are at a higher risk of pneumonia, especially patients with R/R CLL who are treated with venetoclax in combination with rituximab compared to registration trials. Pneumonia has a negative impact on overall survival (OS) in patients with CLL who are receiving venetoclax-based therapy. However, in patients treated with first-line venetoclax and obinutuzumab, despite the high burden of comorbidities, the occurrence of pneumonia does not affect OS. Key risk factors for shorter event-free survival (EFS) in patients with CLL who were treated with venetoclax-based regimens included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma, spleen enlargement, elevated creatinine levels, and severe anemia; we identified a subgroup of patients at a high risk of pneumonia who particularly required anti-infective prophylaxis, appropriate treatment of underlying diseases, and close monitoring. Neutropenia, although common (59%), was not linked to an increased risk of pneumonia. These findings highlight the important issue of pneumonia and its impact on OS in the CLL patient population treated with venetoclax-based regimens, especially in patients following earlier lines of treatment, with R/R disease. Background/Objectives: Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are susceptible to infections that can affect their clinical outcomes. Aims: The aims of this study were to assess the following: (1) the incidence of pneumonia in CLL patients treated with venetoclax-based regimens in a real-world setting, (2) the risk factors for event-free survival (EFS), and (3) overall survival (OS). Methods: This multicenter study included 322 patients from eight centers. Univariable and multivariable analyses (MVA) were performed, with the development of pneumonia during venetoclax-based treatment and OS as outcomes. Results: The most common complication was neutropenia (59%). During treatment with venetoclax-based regimens, 66 (20%) patients developed pneumonia—50 (23%) patients in the rituximab-plus-venetoclax (R-VEN) group and 13 (16%) patients in the obinutuzumab-plus-venetoclax (O-VEN) group (p = 0.15). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/asthma, splenomegaly, elevated creatinine, and anemia < 8 g/dL were the risk factors for EFS in MVA (HR = 2.08, 95%CI 1.16–3.74, p = 0.014; HR 1.73, 95%CI 1.08–2.78, p = 0.02; HR 2.13, 95%CI 1.10–4.11, p = 0.03, HR 3.58, 95%CI 2.18–5.89, p < 0.001, respectively). Relapsed/refractory (R/R) CLL patients treated with R-VEN with pneumonia had worse OS than those without (p < 0.001). In patients treated with O-VEN, median OS did not differ between patients with and without pneumonia (p = 0.45). Conclusions: Our real-world study showed that pneumonia during venetoclax treatment occurs more frequently than reported in registration trials and has a negative impact on OS, especially in patients with R/R CLL who are treated with R-VEN. Neutropenia is not a risk factor for pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and right heart failure, with emerging evidence suggesting a key role for immune dysregulation in its pathogenesis. This study aimed to assess the involvement of lymphocytes, particularly regulatory T cells (Tregs), and the expression of immune checkpoint molecules PD-1 and PD-L1 on peripheral blood subpopulations in patients diagnosed with PAH. The study involved 25 patients; peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and subsequently analyzed using flow cytometry to quantify the Treg cell percentage and evaluate PD-1 and PD-L1 expression across the T and B cells. We observed a significantly higher percentage of Tregs in idiopathic PAH (iPAH) patients compared to healthy controls and those with congenital heart disease-associated PAH (CHD-PAH), connective tissue disease-associated PAH (CTD-PAH), and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). An overexpression of PD-1 and PD-L1 was found on CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in all PAH groups, particularly in iPAH and CHD-PAH patients. These findings align with previous research highlighting Treg dysfunction and PD-1/PD-L1 overexpression as contributors to PAH pathogenesis. Our results suggest that targeting immune checkpoints and modulating Treg function could represent novel therapeutic strategies for PAH. Future research should focus on validating these biomarkers in larger, independent cohorts and exploring their clinical utility in diagnosing and managing PAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comparative study on the temperature resistance of solid-contact ion-selective electrodes, depending on the type of solid-contact material. Five types of potassium electrodes, with a valinomycin-based model membrane, were developed using different types of mediation layers, namely a conductive polymer (poly(3-octylthiophene-2,5-diyl) and a perinone polymer), multi-walled carbon nanotubes, copper(II) oxide nanoparticles, and a nanocomposite consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and copper(II) oxide. We examined how the measurement temperature (10 °C, 23 °C, and 36 °C) affects the sensitivity, measurement range, detection limit, selectivity, as well as the stability and reversibility of the electrode potential. Electrodes modified with a nanocomposite (GCE/NC/ISM) and a perinone polymer (GCE/PPer/ISM) showed the best resistance to temperature changes. An almost Nernst response and a stable measurement range and the lowest detection limit values for each temperature were obtained for them. The introduction of mediation layers significantly improved the stability and potential reversibility of all the modified electrodes relative to the unmodified electrode (GCE/ISM). Still, it was the GCE/PPer/ISM and GCE/NC/ISM that stood out from the others, with stability of 0.11 and 0.12 µV/s for 10 °C, 0.05 and 0.08 µV/s for 23 °C, and 0.06 and 0.09 µV/s for 36 °C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital transformation (DT) has undoubtedly become one of the main challenges of modern organisations, including universities. The discussion is oriented towards the new learning tools, contexts, needs and skills needed on the institutional level, academic teachers and in connection to the demands of the labour market. This paper does not refer to potential ethical and safety risks but rather tries to understand how universities should approach those challenges from the perspective of their key missions, including education as a top priority. To do that, we use the example of the concept of the European University Initiative (EUI) case, as it has become one of the flagship programmes of the European Commission supporting the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and European Research Area (ERA). With the purpose to build inter-university campuses, joint degree programmes, support seamless mobility, strengthen socially relevant research, promote sustainability etc., they also have become the lighthouses of the green and digital transformations. In this paper we aim to start a discussion about what digital transformation means in the context of teaching and try to define the most urgent questions that will help to define the future university model responding to the dynamically changing learning context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporaneity, in its complexity, brings progressive and degressive factors that shape the lives of organisations and individuals. Covid-19, as an unforeseen black swan event, was a massive challenge for universities in Poland and around the world. The education system has been transformed as digitisation of documentation and the use of online platforms during classes have become the only way to maintain the continuity of the education process. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of technology during the COVID-19 pandemic within the Polish context and to identify potential future opportunities for digital transformation in university teaching through the virtualisation of education. The hypothesis put forward in the paper is that the black swan of Covid-19 and the resulting technological boom have sparked the acceleration of change in higher education. The research data were obtained from secondary and primary sources, using qualitative and quantitative methodology. Using the Web of Science and Scopus databases, the desk research method was used. A diagnostic survey using the Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) technique was used to obtain the primary data. The research findings reveal opportunities for virtualising teaching processes in higher education through e-learning platforms beyond the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The current study aimed to validate an extended version of a frequently used parent-report measure of child functioning and parent self-efficacy, the Child Adjustment and Parent Efficacy Scale (CAPES). Method: A 5-item peer relationship problems subscale was developed to address the original measure's limitation in assessing the quality of children's peer relationships. Three additional items were added to the parent self-efficacy subscale that measures parents' confidence in supporting children to manage peer relationship problems. Utilising data from 2,272 Australian parents of primary-school-aged children, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the extended CAPES through conducting a confirmatory factor analysis, correlational analyses of relevant measures, and calculations of internal consistency. Results: A three-factor structure of the child adjustment subscale was supported, which included three subscales, namely the original emotional maladjustment subscale, the original behavioural problems subscale, and the newly developed peer relationship problems subscale. The one-factor structure of the updated parent self-efficacy subscale was also supported. All subscales displayed acceptable to excellent internal consistency, and significant correlations with relevant measures. Conclusions: The extended CAPES demonstrated good validity, reliability, and readability in this initial validation study. It has great potential to be used in both research and clinical practice. KEY POINTS: What is already known about this topic: Assessing child functioning and parent self-efficacy is crucial in family intervention research and practice. The Child Adjustment and Parent Efficacy Scale (CAPES) is a brief, valid, reliable, and change sensitive measure available in the public domain that assesses the emotional and behavioural adjustment of children and parents' confidence in managing potential issues. Despite its strengths, the original CAPES failed to measure the quality of children's peer relationships, which are integral to children's mental health. What this topic adds: We developed a five-item peer relationship problems subscale to be added to the CAPES. Our findings provided support for the proposed factor structure, internal consistency, and construct validity of the extended CAPES. The extended CAPES is a promising measure for use by both researchers and practitioners in the parenting and family intervention field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic health conditions such as asthma and eczema are common and are associated with significant psychosocial sequelae for children and their families. A number of parenting variables have been implicated in child health outcomes; however, there are gaps in understanding of the relationships between parenting and child adjustment in the context of chronic illness. This study examined the role that modifiable parenting factors including parenting style, self-efficacy, and adjustment play in explaining general and illness-related child behaviour and emotional problems. Parents (N = 107) of children diagnosed with asthma only (n = 22), eczema only (n = 59), or both conditions (n = 26) completed a range of parenting and child adjustment measures. The majority of the modifiable parenting factors (parents' self-efficacy with managing their child's internalising, asthma-related, and eczema-related behaviours; parent adjustment; and use of ineffective parenting strategies) made significant contributions to explaining variance child behaviour. Parenting variables consistently explained greater proportions of variance in general and illness-related child behaviour difficulties compared to demographic and illness factors and represent important intervention targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is becoming an increasingly prevalent clinical issue, leading to a growing number of patients requiring surgical interventions. Consequently, there is an increasing occurrence of para-anastomotic aneurysms as late complications following primary treatment for PAD. These aneurysms typically arise at the sites of graft implantation and necessitate individualized management strategies based on factors such as location, size, and the patient's overall condition. Materials and Methods: This five-year retrospective study, conducted at a single center, aimed to evaluate the anatomical location, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and management strategies for 55 patients treated for femoral and popliteal artery para-anastomotic pseudoaneurysms of the lower limb between January 2018 and June 2024. Treatment approaches were determined based on aneurysm size, the extent of atherosclerosis, and the patient's surgical risk. This study analyzed patient demographics, surgical techniques, postoperative complications, and aneurysm characteristics. Results: Most pseudoaneurysms occurred between 6 and 10 years after the primary procedure. The most common surgical intervention was aneurysmectomy with graft interposition, performed in 46 patients (83.64%), followed by aneurysmectomy with extra-anatomical bypass in 6 patients (10.91%), and endovascular repair (EVAR) in 3 patients (5.45%). Early postoperative complications occurred in 16.36% of patients. The 12-month freedom from graft stenosis was 87.23%, and freedom from anastomotic aneurysm recurrence at 12 months was 100%. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical need for individualized treatment strategies and ongoing surveillance in managing lower-limb para-anastomotic pseudoaneurysms, particularly given the prevalence of lower-limb pain and the high occurrence of such in the common femoral artery. The favorable long-term graft patency rates observed suggest that aneurysmectomy with graft interposition is an effective intervention, reinforcing its role as the primary approach within this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This retrospective study examines how the tibial plateau angle (TPA) changes over time in dogs following a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), a common surgery for treating cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) ruptures. The TPLO procedure stabilizes the stifle joint by rotating the tibial plateau to reduce stress on the ligament and improve joint function. While short-term outcomes of this surgery are well-documented, this study focuses on how the TPA evolves over a longer period, up to 12 months after surgery. We studied 60 dogs of various ages and weights, measuring the TPA before surgery, immediately after, and at 8 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post-surgery. Our findings showed a steady increase in TPA over time, indicating that the tibia continues to remodel long after the initial healing period. No dog showed a decrease in the TPA, with the average TPA increasing from 4.98 degrees post-surgery to 9.02 degrees at 12 months. These results highlight the importance of long-term monitoring and suggest that aiming for a lower TPA immediately after surgery may result in better long-term outcomes for dogs undergoing TPLO. Background: Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is a common orthopedic condition in dogs. Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) is a widely accepted method due to its success in stabilizing the stifle joint. This study aims to investigate the changes in the TPA over a 12-month follow-up period in dogs undergoing TPLO. Methods: An analysis of medical records from 60 dogs, aged 2 to 8 years and weighing between 7 and 59 kg, who underwent the TPLO procedure was conducted. TPA measurements were recorded before surgery, immediately after surgery, and during follow-up periods at 8 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post-operation. Results: Results showed a consistent increase in TPA over time, with the mean TPA rising from 4.98 degrees immediately post-surgery to 9.02 degrees at the 12-month follow-up. No patients exhibited a decrease in TPA during the study period. The mean difference between the final and initial TPA was 4.045 degrees, with patients exhibiting smaller initial TPAs showing less variation over time; Conclusions: This is the first report on long-term TPA changes following TPLO, offering essential insights into tibial remodeling and the potential for optimizing surgical outcomes. Based on the results, achieving a lower initial TPA (1–2 degrees) may reduce postoperative TPA changes, supporting more stable stifle function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicone rubbers based on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) are crosslinked elastomers commonly used in various branches of industry, especially as packing materials in elements for high-temperature service. In addition to high temperatures, mechanical loading may influence their structure during their work, and, as a consequence, their thermal properties may change. This study's findings on the degradation mechanism under aging conditions are not just necessary, but also crucial for their satisfactory application. The aim of the study was a detailed and comprehensive evaluation of the aging processes of commercial ELASTOSIL® LR 3842/50 A/B, considering structural changes based on thermal analysis accompanied by mass spectroscopy, X-ray analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. The aging process was carried out at 125 °C and 175 °C, without and with 11 kg of loading. The obtained results showed that the aging of PDMS increased their thermal stability. It was the most visible for PDMS aging at 175 °C under load. It was attributed to secondary crosslinking and the post-curing process. Observed changes in polymer structure did not indicate its degradation. This is a significant finding, especially considering that a temperature of 175 °C is close to the critical temperature given by the producer (180 °C), above which the use of stabilizing agents is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CARLO (cold ablation robot-guided laser osteotome) is a compact device with integrated multiple sensory, steering and safety checking elements. A multi-center study was performed to evaluate the CARLO device for the linear part of midface osteotomy in 28 patients. Feasibility, success rate, safety, performance and experience of the surgeons were assessed and evaluated. All 28 procedures were completed with CARLO without falling back to the conventional methods, giving a technical success rate of 100%. For 27 (96%) cases, procedural success was achieved with cutting lines deviation less than 2 mm. For 25 procedures, the CARLO-cutting was conducted smoothly. In the other 3 cases, some minor difficulties related to the reference markers were reported. For 18 procedures, no change for the cutting path was necessary. For the other 10 cases, cut path was adapted. Intraoperative re-planning was possible, easy and quick without significant delay of the procedures. No CARLO-related adverse events were recorded. Especially, there was no unexpected and unusual bleeding during the CARLO-conducted osteotomy. The time needed for the registration ranged from 1 to 12 min (median = 4). The CARLO-cutting lasted for 5 to 21 min (median = 7). The present study demonstrated feasibility, simplicity, safety, reliability and accuracy of CARLO for the linear part of midface osteotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence indicates that there are significant alterations in gut microbiota diversity and composition in patients with hematological malignancies. The present study investigated the oral and intestinal microbiome in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) (n=81) and age-matched healthy volunteers (HVs; n=21) using 16S ribosomal RNA next-generation sequencing. Changes in both oral and gut microbiome structures were identified, with a high abundance of Proteobacteria and depletion of Bacteroidetes in CLL as compared to HVs. Oral and stool samples of patients with CLL revealed a significant change in the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing genera in comparison with HVs. Furthermore, the relative abundance of oral and intestine Bacteroidetes was significantly decreased in patients with CLL with negative prognostic features, including unmutated immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IGHV). Notably, an increased abundance of gut Firmicutes was found to be associated with high expression of CD38. Finally, the present study suggested the log Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio as a novel intestinal microbiome signature associated with a shorter time to first treatment in individuals with CLL. The findings indicate that oral and gut microbial diversity in CLL might point to the inflammatory-related modulation of the clinical course of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Business Administration Quarterly / Kwartalnik Nauk o Przedsiebiorstwie is the property of SGH Warsaw School of Economics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Socio-technological multidimensionality requires new competencies among workers, both those entering the labour market and those already employed, i.e., middle and senior managers. The purpose of this article is to identify the educational potential and evaluate the benefits of simulation interaction games, using the example of the Marketplace simulacrum in improving the management skills and competencies of managers of multinational companies. Representatives of middle and upper management of multinational companies were surveyed using the CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interview) technique. IBM SPSS Statistics software was used for data analysis. The research findings indicate that respondents with management experience identified the ability to redefine their adopted management paths as the main benefit of the game. Further, they highlighted the inclusiveness of the game, underlining the significance of communication and human relations in the processes of business management and the integration of technology, talent and tolerance, which are crucial to achieving success. Thus, the Marketplace simulacrum has proven to be a valuable support tool in improving the skills and management competencies of middle and senior management. These research findings can be of use to those responsible for the creation of curricula and the establishment of educational programmes, with a particular focus on lifelong learning and management competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Test the efficacy of a brief 2-hr parenting intervention in increasing protective factors against and reducing risk factors for infant obesity. Method A 2 (Baby Healthy Living Triple P vs. care-as-usual) × 3 (baseline, postintervention, 6-month follow-up) design was used. Eighty-two parents of 4- to 18-month-old infants meeting at least two risk factors for early childhood obesity (e.g. parent/child overweight, low education level) were randomized to intervention (n  =   42) or control group (n  =   40). Parents questionnaires and child weight status was measured. Results Results showed an intervention effect on a primary outcome, early feeding practices (restrictive: d  =   0.44, 95% CI [−0.01,0.88], pressuring: d = 0.11, 95% CI [−0.32,0.54], nonresponsive behaviors: (d = 0.32, 95% CI [−0.11,0.75]), and on a secondary outcome, feeding beliefs (d = 0.29, 95% CI [−0.14,0.73]). No beneficial impact was found on other primary outcomes (responsiveness in feeding: quantity d  =   0.50, 95% CI [−0.03,1.03]) and nutritive d  =   0.52, 95% CI [−0.03,1.07], mealtime environment: d  =   0.35, 95% CI [−0.78,0.08], self-efficacy in responsive feeding: d  =   0.21, 95% CI [−0.22,0.64]), or secondary outcomes (parental self-efficacy: d  =   0.08, 95% CI [−0.50,0.35]), parent emotional eating (d  =   0.01, 95% CI [−0.43,0.43]), food restraint (d  =   0.42, 95% CI [−0.85,0.02]), and body satisfaction (d  =   0.01, 95% CI [−0.43,0.43]) and child weight status (d  =   0.11, 95% CI [−0.54,0.32]). Conclusions Promising though limited support was demonstrated for a brief, low-intensity program to help parents in the prevention of obesity for infants at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) demands an increased focus on investing in young children as a pivotal solution. Many of the SDGs' targeted solutions directly or indirectly address facets of children's living conditions, aiming to foster their social and emotional well‐being. However, the current approach, while successful in delivering some impacts, are often disjointed. In this article, we contend that nurturing socially and emotionally healthy citizens of the future requires a comprehensive, systems‐contextual approach, moving beyond one‐sided focused solutions. A multiple and cross‐sectional approach to the SDGs, targeting potentially modifiable determinants of human capability through families, schools, and communities will enable a nurturing and stable system to be developed and ensure the next generation of children is better prepared to lead lives that are safe, healthy, and responsible. We examine the theoretical and empirical basis for a direct focus on children and young people and explore the criteria that need to be met for such an approach to work. Barriers and enablers for change on a global scale and directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim/purpose – This paper aims at investigating whether the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers implementation in Poland has affected earnings management that uses discretion in revenue recognition to avoid losses and earnings decreases.