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Hoekstra F, Gainforth HL, Broeksteeg R, Corras S, Collins D, Eleftheriadou E, Gaudet S, Giroux EE, Kuipers LS, McCallum S, Ma JK, de Passillé E, Rakiecki D, Rockall S, van den Berg-Emons R, van Vilsteren A, Williamson M, Wilroy J, Martin Ginis KA. The co-development and evaluation of an e-learning course on spinal cord injury physical activity counselling: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Med Educ 2024; 24:240. [PMID: 38448881 PMCID: PMC10916033 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05141-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health, fitness and lifestyle professionals can play important roles in promoting physical activity in groups at risk of developing an inactive lifestyle, such as people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Tailored counselling is a promising tool to promote and improve physical activity levels. To support professionals to effectively have a conversation about physical activity with clients with SCI, evidence-based training and resources are needed. This project aimed to (1) co-develop an e-learning course on best practices for SCI physical activity counselling and, (2) examine the effectiveness and usability of this course. METHODS Guided by the technology-enhanced learning (TEL) evaluation framework, we used a systematic, multistep approach to co-develop and evaluate an e-learning course. The development process was informed by input and feedback from a diverse group of end-users and experts (n > 160) via online surveys and (think-aloud) interviews. A randomized controlled trial was used to compare learning outcomes (post-knowledge and self-efficacy) between participants who completed the course (intervention group) and the wait-listed control group. Usability, learning experiences, and satisfaction were assessed among all participants. RESULTS Forty-one participants (21 intervention-group; 20 control-group) with various backgrounds (e.g., lifestyle counsellors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, fitness trainers) enrolled in the randomized controlled trial. After completing the course, participants in the intervention group showed significantly improved knowledge on the best practices for SCI physical activity counselling and higher self-efficacy for using these best practices in conversations with clients with SCI compared to the control group (p <.001). Participants reported above average usability scores, positive learning experiences, and high levels of satisfaction when completing the course. CONCLUSION We used a systematic, multi-step, theory-informed approach to co-develop and evaluate an evidence-based e-learning course on SCI physical activity counselling to support professionals to promote physical activity in their daily practices. The overall positive findings demonstrate that the e-learning course is feasible and ready for further implementation in various health and community settings. Implementation of the e-learning course can help professionals improve the physical activity support they provide to their clients, and subsequently increase physical activity participation in people with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke Hoekstra
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada.
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Heather L Gainforth
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Stephanie Corras
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Delaney Collins
- School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Electra Eleftheriadou
- Centre for Teaching and Learning, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Sonja Gaudet
- Spinal Cord Injury British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Vernon, BC, Canada
| | - Emily E Giroux
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Shannon McCallum
- Therapeutic Recreation Program, St. Lawrence College, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jasmin K Ma
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Erica de Passillé
- Horizon Health Network, Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| | - Diane Rakiecki
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Shannon Rockall
- Praxis Spinal Cord Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Access Community Therapists, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rita van den Berg-Emons
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Jereme Wilroy
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kathleen A Martin Ginis
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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Donaldson RJ, Collins RJ, Eleftheriadou E, Barnett SM, Jeffers J, Buller GS. Experimental implementation of a quantum optical state comparison amplifier. Phys Rev Lett 2015; 114:120505. [PMID: 25860729 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.114.120505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We present an experimental demonstration of a practical nondeterministic quantum optical amplification scheme that employs two mature technologies, state comparison and photon subtraction, to achieve amplification of known sets of coherent states with high fidelity. The amplifier uses coherent states as a resource rather than single photons, which allows for a relatively simple light source, such as a diode laser, providing an increased rate of amplification. The amplifier is not restricted to low amplitude states. With respect to the two key parameters, fidelity and the amplified state production rate, we demonstrate significant improvements over previous experimental implementations, without the requirement of complex photonic components. Such a system may form the basis of trusted quantum repeaters in nonentanglement-based quantum communications systems with known phase alphabets, such as quantum key distribution or quantum digital signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross J Donaldson
- SUPA, Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot Watt University, David Brewster Building, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J Collins
- SUPA, Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot Watt University, David Brewster Building, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - Electra Eleftheriadou
- SUPA, Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde, John Anderson Building, 107 Rottenrow, Glasgow G4 0NG, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen M Barnett
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, Kelvin Building, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
| | - John Jeffers
- SUPA, Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde, John Anderson Building, 107 Rottenrow, Glasgow G4 0NG, United Kingdom
| | - Gerald S Buller
- SUPA, Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot Watt University, David Brewster Building, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
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6
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Zarogoulidis K, Eleftheriadou E, Kontakiotis T, Gerasimou G, Zarogoulidis P, Sapardanis I, Galaktidou G, Sakkas L, Gotzamani-Psarrakou A, Karatzas N. Long acting somatostatin analogues in combination to antineoplastic agents in the treatment of small cell lung cancer patients. Lung Cancer 2011; 76:84-8. [PMID: 22018594 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2011.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2011] [Revised: 08/26/2011] [Accepted: 09/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long acting somatostatin analogues combined with platinum analogues have demonstrated an antiproliferative effect on growth of human SCLC xenographs. METHOD 130 previously untreated SCLC patients--54 with limited disease (LD) and positive somatostatin receptors were included in the study. All patients performed 111In-Octreotide scanning before chemotherapy (CHT), every 3 months and up to 4 times. All patients were treated with paclitaxel 190 mg/m2+carboplatin AUC=5.5 for up to 6 cycles. 47/130 patients (Group A, control group) received only CHT. Forty eight hours after each CHT 43/130 patients (Group B) were also administered 30 mg somatuline® (lanreotide) by a single subcutaneous (s.c.) injection to stimulate somatostatin receptors (SSTRS) for 2 weeks. 40/130 patients (Group C) received 60 mg somatuline® autogel to stimulate SSTRS for 4 weeks. Patients in Groups A and B after the completion of the CHT continued maintenance therapy with somatuline. NSE, IGF1, VEGFA, VEGFC, VEGFR2, HER2 levels were monitored. In histological samples Bcl-2 and VEGF were also explored by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were observed between the 3 Groups regarding LD and extensive disease (ED) patient ratios, age and PS. Group B had a survival benefit in comparison to Groups A and C (p=0.029). LD patients of Group B had a significant benefit compared to Groups A and C (p=0.012, Breslow test). In LD Group B had a significant longer TTP (p=0.02) in comparison to Groups A and C. Adverse effects had no statistically significant difference between the Groups and toxicity was well managed. INTERPRETATION Long acting somatostatin analogues could be used as an additive therapy in combination to antineoplastic agents in patients positive for somatostatin receptors. A dose of 30 mg improved survival only in LD SCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Zarogoulidis
- Lung Tumour Research Section, Pulmonary Department, Aristotle University Pulmonary Clinic, G. Papanikolaou Hospital, Exohi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Tziakas DN, Lazarides MK, Tentes IK, Georgiadis GS, Eleftheriadou E, Chalikias GK, Kortsaris A, Hatseras DI. Gelatinases [matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9] induce carotid plaque instability but their systemic levels are not predictive of local events. Ann Vasc Surg 2005; 19:529-33. [PMID: 15981119 DOI: 10.1007/s10016-005-5018-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) appear to play a central role in atherosclerotic plaque remodeling; however, the relationship of increased MMP levels in inducing carotid plaque instability remains controversial. We investigated whether gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) are implicated in carotid intraplaque hemorrhage and whether their serum levels may predict local carotid events. Nineteen carotid specimens obtained by endarterectomy of 18 patients were studied. The presence of gross intraplaque hemorrhage was recorded before plaque removal and quantification of MMP-2, MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in extracts from (1) the more stenotic area of the plaque, (2) the periphery of the plaque, and (3) serum was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MMP-9 levels measured in extracts from the most stenotic area were significantly higher in patients with intraplaque hemorrhage (p = 0.007); however, serum levels showed no difference, while those taken from the periphery of the lesion were also increased but did not reach a statistically significant level (p = 0.06). An increase in MMP-2 values was observed in the periphery of the lesion (p = 0.04) in patients with intraplaque hemorrhage. TIMP-1 levels showed no difference between the two groups regardless of the presence or absence of intraplaque hemorrhage. No significant differences in MMP levels were observed between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Increased levels of MMPs, particularly MMP-9, have been implicated in carotid intraplaque hemorrhage without their serum levels being predictive of local events.
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Affiliation(s)
- D N Tziakas
- Department of Cardiology, Demokritos University Hospital, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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Barbetakis N, Bishiniotis T, Valeri R, Vasiliadis M, Krikeli M, Eleftheriadou E, Siopi V, Tsilikas C. Operative evaluation of cardiac tamponade in a patient with multiple myeloma. J BUON 2003; 8:285-6. [PMID: 17472266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma presents with various clinical manifestations depending on the mode and the extent of organ involvement. Pericardial involvement by myeloma and subsequent cardiac tamponade is extremely rare. We report on the case of a patient with multiple myeloma who presented with cardiac tamponade and was evaluated surgically with thoracotomy and minimal debulking pericardiectomy (fenestration).
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Affiliation(s)
- N Barbetakis
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Theagenion Cancer Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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