Does inducing growth-oriented mindsets about math ability in parents enhance children's math mindsets, affect, and achievement?

A parent-directed intervention designed to foster growth-oriented mindsets about math was evaluated in a longitudinal randomized-control trial. Parents (N = 615; 61% White, 22% Black; 63% with at least a bachelor's degree) participated in the intervention or an active control condition in which they learned about the Common Core math curriculum. Parents reported on their math mindsets and parenting practices (e.g., autonomy-supportive math homework assistance) over 15-18 months; their young elementary school children's (Mage = 7.17 years; 50% girls) math adjustment (e.g., mindsets and achievement) was also assessed. The intervention (vs. control) led to sustained increases in parents' beliefs that math ability is malleable and math failure is beneficial for learning. The intervention, however, did not improve their math parenting practices or children's math adjustment relative to the control. Instead, there were generally improvements in math parenting practices and children's math adjustment over the course of the study regardless of condition, perhaps because the control condition provided parents with useful information about the Common Core math curriculum. Overall, the findings indicate that although the mindset intervention was effective in instilling stronger growth-oriented mindsets about math in parents, this did not translate into benefits for children's math learning over and above the active control condition. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

High resolution imaging with focused kV x-rays for small animal radio-neuromodulation.

BACKGROUND: High precision radiotherapy with small irradiator size has potential in many treatment applications involving small shallow targets, with small animal radio-neuromodulation as an intriguing example. A focused kV technique based on novel usage of polycapillary x-ray lenses can focus x-ray beams to <0.2 mm in diameter, which is ideal for such uses. PURPOSE: Such an application also requires high resolution CT images for treatment planning and setup. In this work, we demonstrate the feasibility of using a virtual focal spot generated with an x-ray lens to perform high-resolution CBCT acquisition. METHOD: The experiment with x-ray lens was set up on an x-ray tabletop system to generate a virtual focal spot. The flood field images with and without the x-ray lens were first compared. A pinhole image was acquired for the virtual focal spot and compared with the one acquired with the conventional focal spot without the lens. The planar imaging resolution with and without the lens were evaluated using a line pair resolution phantom. The spatial resolution of the two settings were estimated by reconstructing a 0.15-mm wire phantom and comparing its full width half maximum (FWHM). A CBCT scan of a rodent head was also acquired to further demonstrate the improved resolution using the x-ray lens. RESULT: The proposed imaging setup with x-ray lens had a limited exposure area of 5 cm by 5 cm on the detector, which was suitable for guiding radio-neuromodulation to a small target in rodent brain. Compared to conventional imaging acquisition with a measured x-ray focal spot of 0.395 mm FWHM, the virtual focal spot size was measured at 0.175 mm. The reduction in focal spot size with lens leads to an almost doubled planar imaging resolution and a 26% enhancement in 3D spatial resolution. A realistic CBCT acquisition of a rodent head mimicked the imaging acquisition step for radio-neuromodulation and further showed the improved visualization for fine structures. CONCLUSION: This work demonstrated that the focused kV x-ray technique was capable of generating small focal spot size of <0.2 mm, which substantially improved x-ray imaging resolution for small animal imaging.

Grating-free quantitative phase retrieval for x-ray phase-contrast imaging with conventional sources.

X-ray phase-contrast imaging can display subtle differences in low-density materials (e.g. soft tissues) more readily than conventional x-ray imaging. However, producing x-ray phase images requires significant spatial coherence of the beam which in turn requires highly specialized sources such as synchrotrons, small and low power microfocus sources, or complex procedures, such as multiple exposures with several carefully stepped precision gratings. To find appropriate approaches for producing x-ray phase-contrast imaging in a clinically meaningful way, we employed a grating-free method that utilized a low-cost, coarse wire mesh and simple processing. This method relaxes the spatial coherence constraint and allows quantitative phase retrieval for not only monochromatic but also polychromatic beams. We also combined the mesh-based system with polycapillary optics to significantly improve the accuracy of quantitative phase retrieval.

Phase and dark-field imaging with mesh-based structured illumination and polycapillary optics.

PURPOSE: X-ray phase and dark-field (DF) imaging have been shown to improve the diagnostic capabilities of X-ray systems. However, these methods have found limited clinical use due to the need for multiple precision gratings with limited field of view or requirements on X-ray coherence that may not be easily translated to clinical practice. This work aims to develop a practicable X-ray phase and DF imaging system that could be translated and practiced in the clinic. METHODS: This work employs a conventional source to create structured illumination with a simple wire mesh. A mesh-shifting algorithm is used to allow wider Fourier windowing to enhance resolution. Deconvolution of the source spot width and camera resolution improves accuracy. Polycapillary optics are employed to enhance coherence. The effects of incorporating optics with two different focal lengths are compared. Information apparent in enhanced absorption images, phase images, and DF images of fat embedded phantoms were compared and subjected to a limited receiver operator characteristic (ROC) study. The DF images of the moist and dry porous object (sponges) were compared. RESULTS: The mesh-based phase and DF imaging system constructs images with three different information types: scatter-free absorption images, differential phase images, and scatter magnitude/DF images, simultaneously from the same original image. The polycapillary optic enhances the coherence of the beam. The deblurring technique corrects the phase signal error due to geometrical blur and the limitation of the camera modulation transfer function (MTF) and removes image artifacts to improve the resolution in a single shot. The mesh-shifting method allows the use of a wider Fourier processing window, which gives even higher resolution, at the expense of an increased dose. The limited ROC study confirms the efficacy of the system over the conventional system. DF images of moist and dry porous object show the significance of the system in the imaging of lung infections. CONCLUSION: The mesh-based X-ray phase and DF imaging system is an inexpensive and easy setup in terms of alignment and data acquisition and can produce phase and DF images in a single shot with wide field of view. The system shows significant potential for use in diagnostic imaging in a clinical setting.

The impact of an integrated community-based micronutrient and health programme on stunting in Malawian preschool children.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the 1996-2005 integrated community-based micronutrient and health (MICAH) programme on linear growth retardation (stunting) in Malawian preschool children living in rural areas. DESIGN: Prospective study of three large-scale cross-sectional surveys conducted in 1996, 2000 and 2004 in MICAH and Comparison populations. SETTING: Rural areas in Malawi. SUBJECTS: Preschool children (6.0-59.9 months) from randomly selected households (474 from the 1996 baseline survey; 1264 from 2000 MICAH areas; 1500 from 2000 Comparison areas; 1959 from 2004 MICAH areas; and 1008 from 2004 Comparison areas), who responded to a household questionnaire, were weighed and measured using standard protocols. RESULTS: At the baseline in 1996, the prevalence of stunting (60.2 %) was very high. By 2000, the prevalence of stunting had declined to 50.6 % and 56.0 % (chi2 = 7.8, P = 0.005) in MICAH and Comparison areas, respectively. In 2004, the prevalence of stunting did not differ significantly between MICAH and Comparison areas (43.0 % v. 45.1 %; chi2 = 1.11, P = 0.3). Severe stunting affected 34.7 % of children at baseline, which declined to 15.8 % and 17.1 % (chi2 = 0.86, P = 0.4) in MICAH and Comparison areas, respectively, by 2004. Regional variations existed, with proportionately fewer children from the Northern region being stunted compared to their Central and Southern region counterparts. CONCLUSION: Given the length of implementation, wide-scale coverage and positive impact on child growth in Phase I (1996-2000), the MICAH programme is a potential model for combating linear growth retardation in rural areas in Malawi, although the catch-up improvement in Comparison areas during Phase II (2000-2004) cannot be adequately explained.

The impact of an integrated community-based micronutrient and health programme on anaemia in non-pregnant Malawian women.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of an integrated community-based micronutrient and health (MICAH) programme on anaemia (Hb < 120 g/l) among non-pregnant rural Malawian women aged 15-49 years from communities that participated in the 1996-2005 MICAH programme. DESIGN: Prospective study of two large-scale cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2000 and 2004 as part of programme evaluation in MICAH and Comparison areas. SETTING: Rural areas across Malawi. The MICAH programme implemented a comprehensive package of interventions to reduce anaemia, based on a broad range on direct and indirect causes in Malawi. The project approaches included: Fe supplementation; dietary diversification and modification; food fortification; and strengthening primary health care. PARTICIPANTS: Non-pregnant women of childbearing age (15-49 years old, n 5422), from randomly selected households that responded to a household questionnaire, had their Hb measured from finger-prick blood samples using the HemoCue. RESULTS: In 2000, there was no significant difference in Hb concentration between MICAH and Comparison areas (mean (SE): 117.4 (0.4) v. 116.8 (0.5) g/l, P > 0.05) and the corresponding prevalence of anaemia (53.5 % v. 52.9 %, P > 0.05). By 2004, Hb concentration had increased significantly in MICAH but not in Comparison areas (mean (SE): 121.0 (0.4) v. 115.7 (0.6) g/l, P < 0.001), and the prevalence of anaemia had declined significantly in MICAH areas (53.5 % to 44.1 %, chi2 = 28.2, P < 0.0001) but not in Comparison areas (52.8 % to 54.0 %, chi2 = 0.3, P = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: The MICAH programme was an effective public health nutrition programme that was associated with significant reductions in the prevalence of anaemia among non-pregnant rural Malawian women.

Grandmothers as Change Agents: Developing a Culturally Appropriate Program to Improve Maternal and Child Nutrition in Sierra Leone.

BACKGROUND: Global recommendations on optimal maternal and child nutrition (MCN) practices are clear; however, there is limited literature 1) exploring how roles of family members influence those practices and on 2) designing programs accordingly. Researchers using a family-systems approach in the Global South find that grandmothers often play a vital role in MCN, yet most nutrition programs narrowly target mothers, thereby potentially limiting effectiveness. OBJECTIVES: This article reports on the results of qualitative research exploring the roles and influence of family members on MCN in southern Sierra Leone, the local MCN beliefs and practices, and how those findings informed the design of a culturally appropriate program. METHODS: Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with mothers, fathers, and grandmothers in 9 communities in Bonthe District, Sierra Leone. We used participatory tools to explore family members' roles and local MCN beliefs and practices. Interviews were recorded by notetakers and coded and analyzed using a content analysis approach. RESULTS: A total of 88 mothers, 125 grandmothers, and 79 fathers participated in the FGDs. All groups indicated that 1) grandmothers are the culturally designated advisors and supervisors of women on MCN issues and 2) mothers are not autonomous decision makers and are greatly influenced by grandmothers. The research identified both beneficial MCN practices and gaps between optimal and existing MCN practices-particularly related to maternal diet during pregnancy and exclusive breastfeeding for 6 mo. Research findings were used to design a grandmother-inclusive program. CONCLUSIONS: Our research showed that mothers are embedded in a family system of caring and supervision where grandmothers have primary influence on MCN practices, clearly supporting the need for grandmothers to have a central role in community MCN programs. It also points to the need for increased use of a family-systems approach in designing public health nutrition programs.

An Innovative Grandmother-Inclusive Approach for Addressing Suboptimal Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices in Sierra Leone.

BACKGROUND: Suboptimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices contribute to child undernutrition. Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey data show that IYCF practices remain poor despite modest improvements. Recent studies have identified the role of grandmothers as critical to child nutrition; however, in Sierra Leone to date, the potential for grandmothers to influence IYCF practices has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES: We examined how an innovative grandmother-inclusive approach (GMIA) can be used to address suboptimal IYCF practices. METHODS: Using a quasi-experimental design, we compared IYCF beliefs and practices between GMIA intervention communities (receiving monthly dialogue sessions on nutrition, quarterly community praise sessions, and intergenerational forums) and comparison communities (receiving standard nutrition education) in Bum chiefdom from 2013 and 2016. The quantitative endline survey targeted 101 pregnant women, 291 women with children aged <2 y, and 219 grandmothers. Statistical analyses utilized t tests and χ2 tests to examine differences between intervention and comparison communities at endline. Multivariate regression was used to determine the intervention's effect on IYCF outcomes of interest. RESULTS: Awareness of and participation in the GMIA was high among mothers and grandmothers in intervention communities. The percentage of infants and young children aged 0-23 mo (n = 291) exclusively breastfed during the first week of life was significantly higher in the intervention group (90.2% compared with 79.4%, P = 0.01). Among infants aged 6-23 mo (n = 219), the percentage achieving minimum dietary diversity and minimum acceptable diet was significantly higher in the intervention group (77.2% compared with 51.8%, P < 0.001; and 53.8% compared with 22.6%, P < 0.001, respectively). Differences in percentages achieving minimum meal frequency (MMF) were only significant for infants aged 9-23 mo, with the intervention group achieving a higher MMF (54.6% compared with 36.9%, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that a GMIA that recognizes grandmothers' roles and strengthens their knowledge can contribute to improved IYCF practices.

Dosimetry modeling of focused kV x-ray radiotherapy for wet age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: Wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. The mainstay treatment requires monthly intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs, associated with multiple visits, high cost, and the risk of procedural injury and infection. Anti-VEGF drugs inhibit the formation of neovasculature but do not directly attack it. Radiotherapy can destroy neovasculature and potentially also inhibit wet-AMD associated inflammation and fibrosis not addressed by VEGF inhibitors. However, the current collimation-based radiotherapy device uses fixed 4 mm beams, which are prone to overtreat or undertreat the choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesions because of their various sizes and shapes. This simulation study evaluates personalized conformal treatment with focused kV radiation using cutting-edge polycapillary x-ray optics. METHODS: Simulation of the polycapillary optics was achieved via Monte Carlo (MC)-based three-dimensional (3D) geometric ray tracing. Phase-space files modeling the focused photons were generated. The method was previously verified by phantom measurements. The ultrasmall ~0.2 mm beam focal spot perpendicular to the beam direction enables spatially fractionated grid therapy, which has been shown to preferentially damage abnormal neovascular blood vessels vs normal ones. Geant4-based MC simulations of scanning while rotating beam delivery were performed to conformally treat three clinical cases of large, medium, and small CNV lesions with regular and grid deliveries. Dose delivery uncertainties due to positioning errors were analyzed, including ±0.75 mm displacement in the three orthogonal directions and ±5° vertical/horizontal rotation of the eyeball. RESULTS: The simulated CNV treatments by 60-kVp focused x-ray beams show highly conformal delivery of dose to the lesion plus margin (0.75 mm) with sharp dose fall-offs and controllable spatial modulation patterns. The 90%-10% isodose penumbra is <0.5 mm. With a prescription dose of 16 Gy to the lesions, the critical structure doses are well below the tolerance. The average CNV dose varies within 10% (mostly within 4%) due to 0.75-mm linear displacements and 5-degree gaze angle rotation of the eyeball. CONCLUSION: Focused kV technique allows personalized treatment of CNV lesions and reduces unwanted radiation to adjacent healthy tissue. The simulated dose distribution is superior to currently available techniques.

Combined effects of intermittent hyperoxia and intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia on respiratory control in neonatal rats.

Chronic exposure to intermittent hyperoxia causes abnormal carotid body development and attenuates the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) in neonatal rats. We hypothesized that concurrent exposure to intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia would influence this plasticity. Newborn rats were exposed to alternating bouts of hypercapnic hypoxia (10% O2/6% CO2) and hyperoxia (30-40% O2) (5 cycles h-1, 24 h d-1) through 13-14 days of age; the experiment was run twice, once in a background of 21% O2 and once in a background of 30% O2 (i.e., "relative hyperoxia"). Hyperoxia had only small effects on carotid body development when combined with intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia: the carotid chemoafferent response to hypoxia was reduced, but this did not affect the HVR. In contrast, sustained exposure to 30% O2 reduced carotid chemoafferent activity and carotid body size which resulted in a blunted HVR. When given alone, chronic intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia increased carotid body size and reduced the hypercapnic ventilatory response but did not affect the HVR. Overall, it appears that intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia counteracted the effects of hyperoxia on the carotid body and prevented developmental plasticity of the HVR.