Long-Term Impact of Single Epilepsy Training on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices: Comparison of Trained and Untrained Rwandan Community Health Workers

Objectives: To close the epilepsy treatment gap and reduce related stigma, eradication of misconceptions is importantIn 2014, Community Health Workers (CHWs) from Musanze (Northern Rwanda) were trained on different aspects of epilepsy. This study compared knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs) towards epilepsy of trained CHWs 3 years after training, to untrained CHWs from Rwamagana (Eastern Rwanda).Methods: An epilepsy KAP questionnaire was administered to 96 trained and 103 untrained CHWs. Demographic and intergroup KAP differences were analysed by response frequencies. A multivariate analyses was performed based on desired and undesired response categories.Results: Epilepsy awareness was high in both groups, with better knowledge levels in trained CHWs. Negative attitudes were lowest in trained CHWs, yet 17% still reported misconceptions. Multivariate analysis demonstrated the impact of the training, irrespective of age, gender and educational level. Knowing someone with epilepsy significantly induced more desired attitudes.Conclusion: Despite demographic differences between trained and untrained CHWs, a single epilepsy training resulted in significant improvement of desired KAPs after 3 years. Nation-wide CHW training programs with focus on training-resistant items, e.g., attitudes, are recommended

A first Alps - dedicated gravity data set - introduction and status of the AlpArray gravity field activities

In this contribution, activities of the AlpArray Gravity Research Group (AAGRG) are introduced. Since 2018, this group in the frame of the AlpArray project (http://www.alparray.ethz.ch/en/home/) prepares gravity and other data sets to support multidisciplinary goals of the project. It is focused on the mantle, plate and surface processes in the Alps-Apennines-Carpathians-Dinarides orogenic system. In 2018, the AAGRG set up its own methodology guidelines and assembled available land-gravity data and digital elevation model (DEM) data from all the participating countries. Our presentation targets especially three goals: 1) to introduce AAGRG activities as an integral part of the AlpArray project for studying Alpine orogeny \u2013 a goal that by definition requires international cooperation, 2) to review the input data and the works accomplished so far, and, 3) to discuss the steps to be taken to produce detailed gravity maps of the region \u2013 the first Alps-dedicated gravity field data set. We plan to prepare gravity grids in a homogeneous processing approach of either 2x2 km or 4x4 km resolution, depending on the coverage and data quality. The final data sets will be made public in late 2019. A special emphasis is put on the calculation of the Bouguer anomaly using ellipsoidal rather tha normal heights. For calculating topographic effects the preference is given to local DEMs, where available, as they often provide higher quality and spatial resolutions. The public gravity data sets are evaluated with the high-resolution geopotential models like EIGEN-6C4 or EGM2008 \u2013 a useful means for identifying biases in the data coming from various countries and campaigns

Strategic research agenda for biomedical imaging

This Strategic Research Agenda identifies current challenges and needs in healthcare, illustrates how biomedical imaging and derived data can help to address these, and aims to stimulate dedicated research funding efforts. Medicine is currently moving towards a more tailored, patient-centric approach by providing personalised solutions for the individual patient. Innovation in biomedical imaging plays a key role in this process as it addresses the current needs for individualised prevention, treatment, therapy response monitoring, and image-guided surgery. The use of non-invasive biomarkers facilitates better therapy prediction and monitoring, leading to improved patient outcomes. Innovative diagnostic imaging technologies provide information about disease characteristics which, coupled with biological, genetic and -omics data, will contribute to an individualised diagnosis and therapy approach. In the emerging field of theranostics, imaging tools together with therapeutic agents enable the selection of best treatments and allow tailored therapeutic interventions. For prenatal monitoring, the use of innovative imaging technologies can ensure an early detection of malfunctions or disease. The application of biomedical imaging for diagnosis and management of lifestyle-induced diseases will help to avoid disease development through lifestyle changes. Artificial intelligence and machine learning in imaging will facilitate the improvement of image interpretation and lead to better disease prediction and therapy planning. As biomedical imaging technologies and analysis of existing imaging data provide solutions to current challenges and needs in healthcare, appropriate funding for dedicated research is needed to implement the innovative approaches for the wellbeing of citizens and patients

Theoretical and experimental study of charge transfer through DNA: Impact of mercury mediated t-hg-t base pair

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MEDIRAD formulation of science-based recommendations for medical radiation protection: a stakeholder forum survey

MEDIRAD (Implications of Medical Low Dose Radiation Exposure) is an innovative European research project funded by EURATOM which seeks to bring closer together the nuclear and medical research communities in order to advance science for radiation protection in radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and diagnostic and interventional radiology. The project also aims to promote links between science and society, with the goal of better protecting patients and professionals, through the publication of recommendations based on MEDIRAD research findings (http://www.medirad-project.eu

Physical activity in an air-polluted environment: behavioral, psychological and neuroimaging protocol for a prospective cohort study (Healthy Aging in Industrial Environment study – Program 4)

BackgroundAir pollution has been linked to increased mortality and morbidity. The Program 4 of the Healthy Aging in Industrial Environment study investigates whether the health and wellbeing benefits of physical activity (PA) can be fully realized in individuals living in highly polluted environments. Herein, we introduce the behavioral, psychological and neuroimaging protocol of the study.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study of N=1500 individuals aged 18-65years comparing: (1) individuals living in the highly polluted, industrial region surrounding the city of Ostrava (n=750), and (2) controls from the comparison region with relative low pollution levels in Southern Bohemia (n=750). Quota sampling is used to obtain samples balanced on age, gender, PA status (60% active runners vs. 40% insufficiently active). Participants are screened and complete baseline assessments through online questionnaires and in-person lab-based assessments of physiological, biomechanical, neuroimaging and cognitive function parameters. Prospective 12-month intensive monitoring of air pollution and behavioral parameters (PA, inactivity, and sleep) follows, with a focus on PA-related injuries and psychological factors through fitness trackers, smartphones, and mobile apps. Subsequently, there will be a 5-year follow-up of the study cohort.DiscussionThe design of the study will allow for (1) the assessment of both short-term variation and long-term change in behavioral parameters, (2) evaluation of the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries and psychological factors impacting behavior and injury recovery, and (3) the impact that air pollution status (and change) has on behavior, psychological resilience, and injury recovery. Furthermore, the integration of MRI techniques and cognitive assessment in combination with data on behavioral, biological and environmental variables will provide an opportunity to examine brain structure and cognitive function in relation to health behavior and air pollution, as well as other factors affecting resilience against and vulnerability to adverse changes in brain structure and cognitive aging. This study will help inform individuals about personal risk factors and decision-makers about the impact of environmental factors on negative health outcomes and potential underlying biological, behavioral and psychological mechanisms. Challenges and opportunities stemming from the timing of the study that coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic are also discussed.Web of Science211art. no. 12