bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The SEE-IT Trial: emergency medical services Streaming Enabled Evaluation In Trauma: a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Taylor Cath , Ollis Lucie , Lyon Richard M. , Williams Julia , Skene Simon S. , Bennett Kate , Glover Matthew , Munro Scott , Mortimer Craig ,   the SEE-IT Trial Group, Maben Jill , Magnusson Carin , Gage Heather , Cropley Mark , Holah Janet
Published: February 2024

Background

Use of bystander video livestreaming from scene to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is becoming increasingly common to aid decision making about the resources required. Possible benefits include earlier, more appropriate dispatch and clinical and financial gains, but evidence is sparse.

Methods

A feasibility randomised controlled trial with an embedded process evaluation and exploratory economic evaluation where working shifts during six trial weeks were randomised 1:1 to use video livestreaming during eligible trauma incidents (using GoodSAM Instant-On-Scene) or standard care only. Pre-defined progression criteria were: (1) ≥ 70% callers (bystanders) with smartphones agreeing and able to activate live stream; (2) ≥ 50% requests to activate resulting in footage being viewed; (3) Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) stand-down rate reducing by ≥ 10% as a result of live footage; (4) no evidence of psychological harm in callers or staff/dispatchers. Observational sub-studies included (i) an inner-city EMS who routinely use video livestreaming to explore acceptability in a diverse population; and (ii) staff wellbeing in an EMS not using video livestreaming for comparison to the trial site.

Results

Sixty-two shifts were randomised, including 240 incidents (132 control; 108 intervention). Livestreaming was successful in 53 incidents in the intervention arm. Patient recruitment (to determine appropriateness of dispatch), and caller recruitment (to measure potential harm) were low (58/269, 22% of patients; 4/244, 2% of callers). Two progression criteria were met: (1) 86% of callers with smartphones agreed and were able to activate livestreaming; (2) 85% of requests to activate livestreaming resulted in footage being obtained; and two were indeterminate due to insufficient data: (3) 2/6 (33%) HEMS stand down due to livestreaming; (4) no evidence of psychological harm from survey, observations or interviews, but insufficient survey data from callers or comparison EMS site to be confident. Language barriers and older age were reported in interviews as potential challenges to video livestreaming by dispatchers in the inner-city EMS.

Conclusions

Progression to a definitive RCT is supported by these findings. Bystander video livestreaming from scene is feasible to implement, acceptable to both 999 callers and dispatchers, and may aid dispatch decision-making. Further assessment of unintended consequences, benefits and harm is required.

Trial registration. ISRCTN 11449333 (22 March 2022). https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN11449333
The effectiveness of the STOP-X training program on the knee valgus angle and balance in female basketball players with dynamic knee valgus: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rostami Mohadeseh , Sedaghati Parisa , Daneshmandi Hassan
Published: February 2024

Background

Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) accompanied by poor balance is the cause of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in athletes, and the identification and correction of these factors are always of interest to researchers. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of the STOP-X program on the knee valgus angle and static and dynamic balance in female basketball players with DKV defects.

Methods

The present study was a quasi-experimental study. Thirty female basketball players with DKV defects were purposefully identified by the single-leg landing (SLL) test and were randomly assigned to two control (n = 15) and experimental (n = 15) groups. Static balance status was evaluated with the BASS STICK test, and dynamic balance status was evaluated with the Y-balance test (YBT). The experimental group performed the STOP-X program for 25–40 min for eight weeks (three times per week), and the control group performed their traditional warm-up program. Data were analyzed by means of 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA followed by post hoc comparison (Bonferroni) at the significance level of (P < 0.05) with SPSS version 26.

Results

The results showed that with the use of the STOP-X program, there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in variables of the static balance (F = 56.45; P = 0.001; ES = 0.66, PC=↑59.64%), total dynamic balance score (F = 107.57; P = 0.001; ES=↑0.79, PC=↑19.84%), and knee valgus angle (F = 119.46; P = 0.001; ES = 0.81, PC=↓34.36%).

Conclusion

In addition to reducing the knee valgus angle, applying the STOP-X injury prevention program can improve static and dynamic balance in female basketball players with DKV defects. Therefore, it can be recommended that sports trainers benefit from these advantages by adding STOP-X training to routine basketball exercises.
Sex-specific modulation of early life vocalization and cognition by Fmr1 gene dosage in a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Giua Gabriele , Iezzi Daniela , Caceres-Rodriguez Alba , Strauss Benjamin , Chavis Pascale , Manzoni Olivier J.
Published: February 2024

Background

Pup-dam ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are essential to cognitive and socio-emotional development. In autism and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), disruptions in pup-dam USV communication hint at a possible connection between abnormal early developmental USV communication and the later emergence of communication and social deficits.

Methods

Here, we gathered USVs from PND 10 FXS pups during a short period of separation from their mothers, encompassing animals of all possible genotypes and both sexes (i.e., Fmr1-/y vs. Fmr1+/y males and Fmr1+/+, +/-, and -/- females). This allowed comparing the influence of sex and gene dosage on pups’ communication capabilities. Leveraging DeepSqueak and analyzing vocal patterns, intricate vocal behaviors such as call structure, duration, frequency modulation, and temporal patterns were examined. Furthermore, homing behavior was assessed as a sensitive indicator of early cognitive development and social discrimination. This behavior relies on the use of olfactory and thermal cues to navigate and search for the maternal or nest odor in the surrounding space.

Results

The results show that FMRP-deficient pups of both sexes display an increased inclination to vocalize when separated from their mothers, and this behavior is accompanied by significant sex-specific changes in the main features of their USVs as well as in body weight. Analysis of the vocal repertoire and syntactic usage revealed that Fmr1 gene silencing primarily alters the USVs’ qualitative composition in males. Moreover, sex-specific effects of Fmr1 silencing on locomotor activity and homing behavior were observed. FMRP deficiency in females increased activity, reduced nest-reaching time, and extended nest time. In males, it prolonged nest-reaching time and reduced nest time without affecting locomotion.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the interplay between Fmr1 gene dosage and sex in influencing communicative and cognitive skills during infancy.
Synthesis methods used to combine observational studies and randomised trials in published meta-analyses
Authors: Cheurfa Cherifa , Tsokani Sofia , Kontouli Katerina-Maria , Boutron Isabelle , Chaimani Anna
Published: February 2024

Background

This study examined the synthesis methods used in meta-analyses pooling data from observational studies (OSs) and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from various medical disciplines.

Methods

We searched Medline via PubMed to identify reports of systematic reviews of interventions, including and pooling data from RCTs and OSs published in 110 high-impact factor general and specialised journals between 2015 and 2019. Screening and data extraction were performed in duplicate. To describe the synthesis methods used in the meta-analyses, we considered the first meta-analysis presented in each article.

Results

Overall, 132 reports were identified with a median number of included studies of 14 [9–26]. The median number of OSs was 6.5 [3–12] and that of RCTs was 3 [1–6]. The effect estimates recorded from OSs (i.e., adjusted or unadjusted) were not specified in 82% (n = 108) of the meta-analyses. An inverse-variance common-effect model was used in 2% (n = 3) of the meta-analyses, a random-effects model was used in 55% (n = 73), and both models were used in 40% (n = 53). A Poisson regression model was used in 1 meta-analysis, and 2 meta-analyses did not report the model they used. The mean total weight of OSs in the studied meta-analyses was 57.3% (standard deviation, ± 30.3%). Only 44 (33%) meta-analyses reported results stratified by study design. Of them, the results between OSs and RCTs had a consistent direction of effect in 70% (n = 31). Study design was explored as a potential source of heterogeneity in 79% of the meta-analyses, and confounding factors were investigated in only 10% (n = 13). Publication bias was assessed in 70% (n = 92) of the meta-analyses. Tau-square was reported in 32 meta-analyses with a median of 0.07 [0–0.30].

Conclusion

The inclusion of OSs in a meta-analysis on interventions could provide useful information. However, considerations of several methodological and conceptual aspects of OSs, that are required to avoid misleading findings, were often absent or insufficiently reported in our sample.
Antioxidant activity of different cultivars of Chrysanthemum morifolium and quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds by HPLC/UV
Authors: Doan Tham Thi Mong , Tran Gia Han , Nguyen Toan Khac , Lim Jin Hee , Lee Sanghyun
Published: February 2024

Chrysanthemum morifolium is classified within the Asteraceae botanical family and serves as a phytomedicine in many countries. The objective of this study was to quantitatively analyze twelve phenolic compounds through HPLC/UV and to assess the antioxidant abilities using the DPPH and ABTS+ assays in the leaves and flowers of six cultivars of C. morifolium: ‘Geumsu’, ‘Ilonka’, ‘Silvia’, ‘Pompadour’, ‘Yes Holic’, and ‘Ford’. The results indicated that the leaves of ‘Geumsu’ and ‘Ford’, as well as the ‘Pompadour’ flowers contained high levels of phenolic compounds and exhibited strong antioxidant abilities. Additionally, a relationship between the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities was observed. These findings provide foundational knowledge about C. morifolium cultivars, which are promising natural sources that can offer health benefits.
Primary school teachers are immune: a journey in the sea of psychological well-being, buoyancy, and engagement
Authors: Chen Zhihan
Published: February 2024

The concept of language teacher immunity is a relatively new notion that has been introduced in the field of language teacher psychology. It is imperative that teachers have their inherent immunity strengthened since they have never been intrinsically protected against fluctuations that are unanticipated and beyond their control. In order to achieve this goal, the present research used a quantitative approach in order to investigate the possible effects of teacher immunity on their psychological well-being, buoyancy, and engagement. This study was conducted by sending out three questionnaires to a total of 384 primary language teachers. On the basis of the findings, it was concluded that teacher immunity has the potential to serve as a significant predictor of English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers’ psychological well-being, buoyancy, and engagement. The research’s conclusions may have substantial implications for education in terms of advancing psychological well-being, buoyancy, and engagement.
Preliminary report of field reconnaissance on the 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquakes in Türkiye
Authors: Yan Kongming , Miyajima Masakatsu , Kumsar Halil , Aydan Ömer , Ulusay Reşat , Tao Zhigang , Chen Ye , Wang Fawu
Published: February 2024

On February 6, a successive rupture of major faults in the Eastern Anatolian Fault Zone and Cardak-Surgu fault triggered a strong mainshock (Mw 7.7) and a major aftershock (Mw 7.6) in Kahramanmaras. The successive earthquake sequence hit southern provinces in Türkiye and northern regions in Syria, causing severe fatality and economic loss. After the earthquakes, the International Consortium on Geo-disaster Reduction (ICGdR) organized an investigation team, involving specialists from China, Japan and Türkiye, to conduct a primary field reconnaissance on seismic damage of infrastructure and ground failures. The 10-day reconnaissance, including a mini-symposium at the Istanbul Technical University (ITU), was conducted from 25 March to 3 April and specifically focused on fault ruptures, liquefaction, landslide, rockfall and lateral spreading along the major ruptured faults from Antakya in Hatay to Goksun in Kahramanmaras, passing through provinces of Gaziantep, Adıyaman and Malatya. By this reconnaissance, a large amount of original seismic data was collected and a primary understanding was established for further steps on mitigation and reduction of seismic damages and its secondary geohazards.
Effects of low-sodium bread on dietary compliance and fecal cultivable bacteria in a randomized controlled pilot trial in hypertensive subjects
Authors: Cosola Carmela , Pesce Francesco , De Angelis Maria , Maranzano Valentina , Zito Annapaola , Montemurno Eustacchio , Dalfino Giuseppe , Loiudice Saverio , Creanza Vincenzo , Pompa Giovanni , Ciccone Marco Matteo , Grandaliano Giuseppe , Stallone Giovanni , Gesualdo Loreto
Published: February 2024

High salt intake and compliance to low-sodium (LS) diets are critical in hypertension. Salt reduction in processed foods can help to achieve the target sodium intake. To verify the hypothesis that an innovative LS formulation of a traditional bread could result in a reduction of sodium intake and blood pressure, we performed a 6-month randomized controlled pilot trial on hypertensive patients. We additionally explored the effects of sodium restriction on blood pressure and fecal cultivable bacteria.

Fifty-seven patients were randomized in three groups. Group A (n = 19) followed a free diet using standard bread (750 mg Na/100 g), group B (n = 18) followed a LS diet (2300 mg Na/die) using standard bread, group C (n = 20) followed a LS diet (2300 mg Na/die) using LS bread (280 mg Na/100 g). We measured 24-h urinary sodium, blood pressure, routine parameters, fecal microbial counts (26 patients).

After 6 months, as compared to group A, group C showed a reduction of 24-h urinary sodium excretion (-908 mg/24 h), diastolic pressure (-9 mmHg) and microbial counts of Bacteroides, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus, Micrococcus. These results suggest that LS bread could increase the adherence to a LS diet, reducing sodium excretion, diastolic pressure and abundance of some fecal cultivable bacteria.

Trial registration Registration nr. NCT03127553, on 25/04/2017.
Robot-assisted partial knee replacement versus standard total knee replacement (RoboKnees): a protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Madden Kim , Flood Breanne , Malek Monica , Milantoni Vincent , Astephen Wilson Janie L. , Tarride Jean-Eric , Khanna Vickas , Adili Anthony ,   on behalf of the RoboKnees Investigators, Madden Kim , Adili Anthony , Bhandari Mohit , Khanna Vickas , Tarride Jean-Eric , Thabane Lehana , Tushinski Daniel , Wilson Janie , Zalzal Paul , Flood Breanne , Malek Monica , Moro Ashvin , Irish Kim , Khan Haider , Jagdeo Vireshwar , Rajapaksege Nathasha , Yan James
Published: February 2024

Background

Total knee arthroplasty is a common surgery for end-stage knee osteoarthritis. Partial knee arthroplasty is also a treatment option for patients with arthritis present in only one or two knee compartments. Partial knee arthroplasty can preserve the natural knee biomechanics, but these replacements may not last as long as total knee replacements. Robotic-assisted orthopedic techniques can help facilitate partial knee replacements, increasing accuracy and precision. This trial will investigate the feasibility and assess clinical outcomes for a larger definitive trial.

Methods

This is a protocol for an ongoing parallel randomized pilot trial of 64 patients with uni- or bicompartmental knee arthritis. Patients are randomized to either receive robot-assisted partial knee arthroplasty or manual total knee arthroplasty. The primary outcome of this pilot is investigating the feasibility of a larger trial. Secondary (clinical) outcomes include joint awareness, return to activities, knee function, patient global impression of change, persistent post-surgical pain, re-operations, resource utilization and cost-effectiveness, health-related quality of life, radiographic alignment, knee kinematics during walking gait, and complications up to 24 months post-surgery.

Discussion

The RoboKnees pilot study is the first step in determining the outcome of robot-assisted partial knee replacements. Conclusions from this study will be used to design future large-scale trials. This study will inform surgeons about the potential benefits of robot-assisted partial knee replacements.

Trial registration

This study was prospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT04378049) on 4 May 2020, before the first patient was randomized.
User acceptance of social network-backed cryptocurrency: a unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT)-based analysis
Authors: Recskó Márk , Aranyossy Márta
Published: February 2024

Turbulent market conditions, well-publicized advantages, and potential individual, social, and environmental risks make blockchain-based cryptocurrencies a popular focus of the public and scientific communities. This paper contributes to the literature on the future of crypto markets by analyzing a promising cryptocurrency innovation from a customer-centric point of view; it explores the factors influencing user acceptance of a hypothetical social network-backed cryptocurrency in Central Europe. The research model adapts an internationally comparative framework and extends the well-established unified theory of acceptance and use of the technology model with the concept of perceived risk and trust. We explore user attitudes with a survey on a large Hungarian sample and analyze the database with consistent partial least square structural equation modeling methodology. The results show that users would be primarily influenced by the expected usefulness of the new technology assuming it is easy to use. Furthermore, our analysis also highlights that while social influence does not seem to sway user opinions, consumers are susceptible to technological risks, and trust is an important determinant of their openness toward innovations in financial services. We contribute to the cryptocurrency literature with a future-centric technological focus and provide new evidence from an under-researched geographic region. The results also have practical implications for business decision-makers and policymakers.
Microfluidic compartmentalization of rat vagal afferent neurons to model gut-brain axis
Authors: Girardi Gregory , Zumpano Danielle , Raybould Helen , Seker Erkin
Published: February 2024

Background

Vagal afferent neurons represent the key neurosensory branch of the gut-brain axis, which describes the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal system and the brain. These neurons are important for detecting and relaying sensory information from the periphery to the central nervous system to modulate feeding behavior, metabolism, and inflammation. Confounding variables complicate the process of isolating the role of the vagal afferents in mediating these physiological processes. Therefore, we developed a microfluidic model of the sensory branch of the gut-brain axis. We show that this microfluidic model successfully compartmentalizes the cell body and neurite terminals of the neurons, thereby simulates the anatomical layout of these neurons to more accurately study physiologically-relevant processes.

Methods

We implemented a primary rat vagal afferent neuron culture into a microfluidic platform consisting of two concentric chambers interconnected with radial microchannels. The microfluidic platform separated cell bodies from neurite terminals of vagal afferent neurons. We then introduced physiologically-relevant gastrointestinal effector molecules at the nerve terminals and assessed their retrograde transport along the neurite or capacity to elicit an electrophysiological response using live cell calcium imaging.

Results

The angle of microchannel outlets dictated the probability of neurites growing into a chamber versus tracking along chamber walls. When the neurite terminals were exposed to fluorescently-labeled cholera toxin subunit B, the proteins were taken up and retrogradely transported along the neurites over the course of 24 h. Additionally, mechanical perturbation (e.g., rinsing) of the neurite terminals significantly increased intracellular calcium concentration in the distal soma. Finally, membrane-displayed receptor for capsaicin was expressed and trafficked along newly projected neurites, as revealed by confocal microscopy.

Conclusions

In this work, we developed a microfluidic device that can recapitulate the anatomical layout of vagal afferent neurons in vitro. We demonstrated two physiologically-relevant applications of the platforms: retrograde transport and electrophysiological response. We expect this tool to enable controlled studies on the role of vagal afferent neurons in the gut-brain axis.
Temporal dynamics of the fecal microbiome in female pigs from early life through estrus, parturition, and weaning of the first litter of piglets
Authors: Gaire Tara N. , Scott H. Morgan , Noyes Noelle R. , Ericsson Aaron C. , Tokach Michael D. , William Hayden , Menegat Mariana B. , Vinasco Javier , Nagaraja T. G. , Volkova Victoriya V.
Published: February 2024

Background

Age-associated changes in the gastrointestinal microbiome of young pigs have been robustly described; however, the temporal dynamics of the fecal microbiome of the female pig from early life to first parity are not well understood. Our objective was to describe microbiome and antimicrobial resistance dynamics of the fecal microbiome of breeding sows from early life through estrus, parturition and weaning of the first litter of piglets (i.e., from 3 to 53 weeks of age).

Results

Our analysis revealed that fecal bacterial populations in developing gilts undergo changes consistent with major maturation milestones. As the pigs progressed towards first estrus, the fecal bacteriome shifted fromRikenellaceaeRC9 gut group- andUCG-002-dominated enterotypes toTreponema-andClostridiumsensu stricto1-dominated enterotypes. After first estrus, the fecal bacteriome stabilized, with minimal changes in enterotype transition and associated microbial diversity from estrus to parturition and subsequent weaning of first litter piglets. Unlike bacterial communities, fecal fungal communities exhibited low diversity with high inter- and intra-pig variability and an increased relative abundance of certain taxa at parturition, includingCandidaspp. Counts of resistant fecal bacteria also fluctuated over time, and were highest in early life and subsequently abated as the pigs progressed to adulthood.

Conclusions

This study provides insights into how the fecal microbial community and antimicrobial resistance in female pigs change from three weeks of age throughout their first breeding lifetime. The fecal bacteriome enterotypes and diversity are found to be age-driven and established by the time of first estrus, with minimal changes observed during subsequent physiological stages, such as parturition and lactation, when compared to the earlier age-related shifts. The use of pigs as a model for humans is well-established, however, further studies are needed to understand how our results compare to the human microbiome dynamics. Our findings suggest that the fecal microbiome exhibited consistent changes across individual pigs and became more diverse with age, which is a beneficial characteristic for an animal model system.
Unveiling the anti-cancer potential of Euphorbia greenwayi: cytotoxicity, cell migration, and identification of its chemical constituents
Authors: Zaghlol Ahmed A. , Kandil Zeinab A. , Yousif Miriam F. , EL-Dine Riham Salah , Elkady Wafaa M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Different herbal phytochemicals have potential in cancer treatment, Euphorbia genus has valuable secondary metabolites and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. However, the specific constituents and biological activity of Euphorbia greenwayi remain largely unexplored.

Results

Euphorbia greenwayi aerial parts were extracted using methanol. Consequently, the methanol extract was then fractionated with solvents of different polarities viz., n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate. All were screened for their cytotoxic activity against different cell lines; MCF-7, HepG-2, and SW620. The n-hexane (HF) and chloroform (CF) fractions showed considerable activity against all tested cell lines especially MCF-7 with IC50 values at 18.6 ± 0.2 and 17.5 ± 0.6 μg/ml respectively. Therefore, a cell migration assay on the MCF-7 cell line was applied to both fractions as well as investigation and isolation of the main active constituents. Lupeol, β-sitosterol, and cycloartenol were isolated from the nonpolar fractions of E. greenwayi for the first time.

Conclusions

Euphorbia greenwayi aerial parts exhibit considerable anti-cancer effects via cytotoxicity. Three chemical constituents with promising cytotoxic activity are identified.
Nourishing the clot: a comprehensive review of dietary habits and their implications for platelet function
Authors: Roy Susma , Paul Kumar
Published: February 2024

This review elucidates the intricate relationship between dietary habits and platelet function, emphasizing the influential role of berries. Both macronutrients and micronutrients in our diet have been found to profoundly affect platelet reactivity and aggregation, presenting a potential therapeutic intervention for platelet-associated disorders. The article particularly highlights the bioactive compounds in berries, such as flavonoids, which have demonstrated a correlation with diminished platelet aggregation and reduced thrombotic risk. The underlying molecular mechanisms, including the modulation of platelet activation pathways, are elaborated upon. Furthermore, the potential clinical implications are explored, suggesting dietary modifications and berry supplementation as complementary approaches to manage platelet-associated conditions. In culmination, the importance of dietary habits, predominantly the consumption of berries, in modulating platelet functionality is underscored, proposing avenues for future investigations in nutritional genomics to devise personalized dietary guidelines.
Systematic Review of Interventions Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cancer Care and Health Outcomes
Authors: Grant Shakira J. , Yanguela Juan , Odebunmi Olufeyisayo , Grimshaw Alyssa A. , Giri Smith , Wheeler Stephanie B.
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE

Cancer health disparities result from complex interactions among socioeconomic, behavioral, and biological factors, disproportionately affecting marginalized racial and ethnic groups. The objective of this review is to synthesize existing evidence on interventions addressing racial or ethnic disparities in cancer-related health care access and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection was conducted from database inception to February 23, 2023. Controlled vocabulary and keywords helped to identify studies on cancer-related disparities and interventions in adults age 18 years or older. Two reviewers followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis reporting guidelines. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool.

RESULTS

Of 7,526 screened studies, 34 met the inclusion criteria involving 24,134 participants. Most studies focused on breast cancer (n = 17) and Hispanic/Latino populations (n = 10) and enrolled participants primarily from community-based sites (n = 19). Twenty-one studies examined patient-centered outcomes, such as health-related quality of life and psychological well-being, while 15 studies assessed process-of-care outcomes, such as timeliness of care. Most studies followed a community-based participatory research framework. Five patient-centered outcome studies reported a positive intervention effect, often combining cancer education with psychological well-being interventions. Among the 15 process-of-care outcome studies, nine reported positive effects, with the majority (n = 8) being navigation-based interventions.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review emphasizes the vital role of community partnerships in addressing racial and ethnic disparities in oncology care and highlights the need for standardized approaches in intervention research because of the heterogeneity of studied interventions. Furthermore, the prevailing emphasis on breast cancer and Hispanic populations indicates the need for future investigations into other priority demographic groups.
Receipt of Guideline-Concordant Care Is Associated With Improved Survival in Patients With Osteosarcoma in California: A Population-Based Analysis
Authors: Abrahão Renata , Keegan Theresa H.M. , Maguire Frances B. , Li Qian , Malogolowkin Marcio H. , Wong Samantha , Thorpe Steven W. , Carr-Asher Janai R. , Midboe Amanda M. , Randall R. Lor , Alvarez Elysia M.
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE

To examine the relationship between guideline-concordant care (GCC) on the basis of national clinical practice guidelines and survival in children (0-14 years), adolescents and young adults (AYAs, 15-39 years), and adults (40 years and older) with osteosarcoma, and to identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with receipt of GCC and survival.

METHODS

We used data from the California Cancer Registry (CCR) on patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma during 2004-2019, with detailed treatment information extracted from the CCR text fields, including chemotherapy regimens. Multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazard regression were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Of 1,716 patients, only 47% received GCC, with variation by age at diagnosis: 67% of children, 43% of AYAs, and 30% of adults. In multivariable models, patients who received part or all care ( v none) at specialized cancer centers were more likely to receive GCC. AYAs and adults were less likely to receive GCC than children (odds ratio [OR], 0.38 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.50] and OR, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.28 to 0.56], respectively). In a model excluding adults, patients treated by pediatric ( v medical) oncologists were more likely to receive GCC (OR, 3.44 [95% CI, 2.40 to 4.94]). Patients with metastatic osteosarcoma at diagnosis who did not receive GCC had a greater hazard of death (hazard ratio [HR], 2.02 [95% CI, 1.55 to 2.63]) but no statistical differences were found in those diagnosed at earlier stages (HR, 1.15 [95% CI, 0.92 to 1.43]).

CONCLUSION

GCC was associated with improved survival in patients with metastatic osteosarcoma in California. However, we found disparities in the delivery of GCC, highlighting the need for target interventions to improve delivery of GCC in this patient population.
Impact of Prophylactic Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole on Clearance of High-Dose Methotrexate in Adult Patients
Authors: Skoloda Daniel , Newman Matthew , Norman Haval , Ziggas Jamie E. , Ambinder Richard F.
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE

High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is an antineoplastic dosing strategy used to treat various cancers including primary central nervous system lymphoma. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) is commonly used for antibiotic prophylaxis against Pneumocystis pneumonia infections in this patient population. Significant drug-drug interactions between TMP/SMX and methotrexate (MTX) leading to adverse outcomes have been documented, primarily in adult patients taking MTX for rheumatologic conditions.

METHODS

This study is a single-center, retrospective, cohort study comparing outcomes in patients where TMP/SMX was held during HDMTX and patients who received concurrent prophylactic TMP/SMX during treatment. The primary end point was mean MTX level at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Secondary end points included rate of nonhematologic toxicity, rate of hematologic toxicity, median days to MTX clearance, and frequency of glucarpidase utilization.

RESULTS

In total, 248 cycles of HDMTX were analyzed from 221 individual patients. One hundred ninety-one cycles were administered without prophylactic TMP/SMX, and 57 were administered with TMP/SMX. The median MTX level at 24, 48, and 72 hours in those without versus with prophylactic TMP/SMX was 4.30 versus 4.30, 0.29 versus 0.30, and 0.14 versus 0.15, respectively. Similarly, rates of hematologic and nonhematologic toxicities did not differ significantly between groups with the exception of neutropenia; however, there was no corresponding increased rate of neutropenic fever. Only one patient received glucarpidase and had not received TMP/SMX.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic TMP/SMX had minimal interaction with HDMTX and does not lead to increased time to clearance or clinically relevant toxicities. Prophylactic TMP/SMX can be safely administered with HDMTX in adult patients.
Targeting All BRAF Alterations: The (Re)-Search Continues
Authors: Bhamidipati Deepak , Pellatt Andrew , Subbiah Vivek
Published: February 2024

VivekSubbiah & colleagues delve into the @ASCO #TAPURStudy, shedding light on the importance of targeting ALL #BRAFAlterations, beyond V600E. (Re)-search continues, urging us to push the boundaries and unlock new possibilities in #PrecisionMedicine. #CancerResearch #JCOPO
Quality of Recovery After Unplanned and Planned Cesarean Deliveries: A Prospective Observational Study Using the Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 Tool
Authors: Morales Juan F. , Gomez Andrea , Carvalho Jose , Ye Xiang Y. , Downey Kristi , Siddiqui Naveed
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

There is a paucity of literature examining the differences between patient-reported outcome measures after planned and unplanned cesarean delivery using a validated quality of recovery tool. The Obstetric Quality of Recovery-10 (ObsQoR-10) scoring tool has been validated to quantify functional recovery after cesarean delivery. We aimed to use the ObsQoR-10 to compare the postoperative recovery characteristics of patients undergoing planned and unplanned cesarean deliveries.

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective single-center observational study. Patients undergoing planned and unplanned cesarean deliveries under neuraxial anesthesia were asked to complete the ObsQoR-10 questionnaire 24 hours, 48 hours, and 1 week postpartum. We collected information on total in-hospital postoperative opioid consumption and patients´ perception of readiness for discharge at 24 and 48 hours postpartum. Additionally, patient characteristics were collected to assess their correlation with our findings.

RESULTS:

We included 112 patients (56 in each group). No statistical differences in ObsQoR-10 scores at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 1 week postpartum were observed between the planned and unplanned cesarean deliveries. Additionally, there was no difference between the groups in patients’ perception of readiness for hospital discharge at 24 and 48 hours and opioid consumption in the first 2 days after surgery. Most patients in both groups did not think they would be ready for discharge at 24 hours postpartum. Analysis of the individual components of ObsQoR-10 at 24 hours showed a difference in the responses assessing the severity of shivering (higher in unplanned cesarean deliveries) and the ability to look after personal hygiene (lower in unplanned cesarean deliveries).

CONCLUSIONS:

As assessed by the ObsQoR-10, no significant difference in the quality of recovery was observed between patients undergoing planned and unplanned cesarean delivery.
Camera Geologica
Authors: Angus Siobhan
Published: February 2024

In Camera Geologica Siobhan Angus tells the history of photography through the minerals upon which the medium depends. Challenging the emphasis on immateriality in discourses on photography, Angus focuses on the inextricable links between image-making and resource extraction, revealing how the mining of bitumen, silver, platinum, iron, uranium, and rare earth elements is a precondition of photography. Photography, Angus contends, begins underground and, in photographs of mines and mining, frequently returns there. Through a materials-driven analysis of visual culture, she illustrates histories of colonization, labor, and environmental degradation to expose the ways in which photography is enmeshed within and enables global extractive capitalism. Angus places nineteenth-century photography in dialogue with digital photography and its own entangled economies of extraction, demonstrating the importance of understanding photography’s complicity in the economic, geopolitical, and social systems that order the world.
POLR2A Mutation is a Poor Prognostic Marker of Cerebellopontine Angle Meningioma
Authors: Okano Atsushi , Miyawaki Satoru , Teranishi Yu , Hongo Hiroki , Dofuku Shogo , Ohara Kenta , Sakai Yu , Shin Masahiro , Nakatomi Hirofumi , Saito Nobuhito
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Recent molecular analyses have shown that the driver genetic mutations of meningiomas were associated with the anatomic location. Among these, POLR2A mutation is common among lesions in the skull base, mainly in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of POLR2A mutation as a prognostic marker for CPA meningiomas.

METHODS:

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 70 patients who had World Health Organization grade I CPA meningiomas. Somatic DNA was analyzed by Sanger sequencing and microsatellite array to examine for NF2, AKT1, KLF4, SMO, and POLR2A mutations and 22q loss. Genetic and clinical parameters were analyzed to identify the factors related with tumor recurrence.

RESULTS:

We detected clearly the clinical features of the CPA cases with POLR2A mutation. Compared with cases without POLR2A mutation, cases with POLR2A mutation had more meningothelial type (P = 6.9 × 10−4), and higher rate of recurrence (P = .04). We found that the poor prognostic factors associated with the recurrence of CPA meningiomas were POLR2A mutation (P = .03, hazard ratio [HR] 9.38, 95% CI 1.26-70.0) and subtotal resection (STR) (P = 5.1 × 10−4, HR 63.1, 95% CI 6.09-655.0). In addition, in the group that underwent STR, POLR2A mutation was a poor prognostic factor associated with tumor recurrence (P = .03, HR 11.1, 95% CI 1.19-103.7).

CONCLUSION:

POLR2A mutation and STR were the poor prognostic markers associated with the recurrence of CPA meningioma. For CPA meningioma cases that underwent STR, only POLR2A mutation was a poor prognostic factor. Detecting POLR2A mutation may be a cost-effective, easy, and useful marker for prognostication.
SIGNIFICADOS PARA LA MATEMÁTICA ESCOLAR A PARTIR DE SU USO EN UN ESCENARIO EXTRAESCOLAR. UN EJEMPLO CON LA PROPIEDAD PERIÓDICA
Authors: Hernández Sánchez Plácido , Buendía Ábalos Gabriela
Published: February 2024

Uno de los objetivos de la matemática escolar es generar un conocimiento que se integre funcionalmente a nuestras vidas. Así, se suscribe a la perspectiva teórica del uso del conocimiento en otros escenarios como una base de significación para la matemática escolar. Se analiza el caso de la propiedad periódica de las funciones y de su uso en un escenario de divulgación. En éste, el uso de dicho saber al trabajar en una actividad de observación astronómica se muestra más allá de la aplicación de una definición, y se desarrollan herramientas y argumentos alrededor de un conocimiento matemático capaz de integrarse y ser útil - no utilitario- al individuo. Los resultados de los análisis de uso extraescolar de la periodicidad reportados abonan a una base de significados para la propiedad periódica y, de esta forma, a una matemática escolar funcional para la vida de los estudiantes.
CÍRCULO HERMENÉUTICO DE LA COMPRENSIÓN EN MATEMÁTICAS: UNA PROPUESTA INTEGRADORA PARA LA EVALUACIÓN EN EL AULA
Authors: Gallardo Romero Jesús , Quintanilla Batallanos Verónica Aurora
Published: February 2024

La actividad matemática escolar se desarrolla en entornos interpretativos complejos condicionados por la comprensión de sus protagonistas. Con la intención de contribuir al esclarecimiento de los procesos involucrados en tales entornos, en este trabajo exploramos distintos cuestionamientos que afectan la interpretación de la comprensión en matemáticas. En este recorrido previo encontramos la justificación para sugerir una propuesta integradora con la que acceder de forma operativa a la comprensión matemática de los estudiantes. Fundamentamos dicha propuesta al configurar las bases teóricas y metodológicas de lo que denominamos el círculo hermenéutico de la comprensión en matemáticas. También evidenciamos la potencialidad metodológica de este círculo interpretativo, al aplicarlo en un estudio de caso en el ámbito de la divisibilidad de los números naturales. En este episodio obtenemos resultados favorables para reconocer que el círculo hermenéutico puede mostrarse útil en la práctica para interpretar la comprensión involucrada en la actividad matemática de los escolares.
DIFERENTES PERFIS DE FLEXIBILIDADE COGNITIVA EM ESTUDANTES BRASILEIROS DE 2º E 4º ANOS DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL
Authors: Teixeira Nunes Sula Cristina , De Assis Évelin Fulginiti , Vellinho Corso Luciana
Published: February 2024

Este artículo tiene como objetivo identificar, caracterizar y comparar el perfil de flexibilidad cognitiva los cálculos mentales de los estudiantes brasileños, en función del análisis de elementos cognitivos, a saber, las características de los problemas y los procedimientos de solución, utilizados durante la resolución de cálculos aritméticos. La muestra de este estudio incluyó 42 estudiantes de segundo año (7 a 8 años) y 42 estudiantes de cuarto año (9 a 11 años), de cuatro escuelas públicas en Porto Alegre. Se alentó a cada niño a clasificar 12 cálculos aritméticos, demostrando su conocimiento numérico al explicar el razonamiento involucrado en la resolución, a través de un instrumento de evaluación específico sobre la flexibilidad cognitiva. Los resultados revelaron que las diferencias en las proporciones de uso del conocimiento numérico diferenciaban los perfiles de flexibilidad cognitiva: flexible, mixto o rígido.
Nuevas tendencias en la comunicación social
Authors: JIMÉNEZ GARCÍA LYDIA
Published: February 2024

Reseña del libro Nuevas tendencias en la comunicación social
Identifying Socially Optimal Equilibria Using Combinatorial Properties of Nash Equilibria in Bimatrix Games
Authors: Dehghanian Amin , Xie Yujia , Serban Nicoleta
Published: February 2024

Nash equilibrium is arguably the most fundamental concept in game theory, which is used to analyze and predict the behavior of the players. In many games, there exist multiple equilibria, with different expected payoffs for the players, which in turn raises the question of equilibrium selection. In this paper, we study the [Formula: see text]-hard problem of identifying a socially optimal Nash equilibrium in two-player normal-form games (called bimatrix games), which may be represented by a mixed integer linear program (MILP). We characterize the properties of the equilibria and develop several classes of valid inequalities accordingly. We use these theoretical results to provide a decomposition-based reformulation of the MILP, which we solve by a branch-and-cut algorithm. Our extensive computational experiments demonstrate superiority of our approach over solving the MILP formulation through feeding it into a commercial solver or through the “traditional” Benders’ decomposition. Of note, our proposed approach can find provably optimal solutions for many instances.

History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research [Grant R01DE028283]. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. The funding agreements ensured the authors’ independence in designing the study, interpreting the data, writing, and publishing the report.

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2022.0072 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2022.0072 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Variational Inequalities on Unbounded Domains for Zero-Sum Singular Controller vs. Stopper Games
Authors: Bovo Andrea , De Angelis Tiziano , Issoglio Elena
Published: February 2024

We study a class of zero-sum games between a singular controller and a stopper over a finite-time horizon. The underlying process is a multidimensional (locally nondegenerate) controlled stochastic differential equation (SDE) evolving in an unbounded domain. We prove that such games admit a value and provide an optimal strategy for the stopper. The value of the game is shown to be the maximal solution in a suitable Sobolev class of a variational inequality of min-max type with an obstacle constraint and a gradient constraint. Although the variational inequality and the game are solved on an unbounded domain, we do not require boundedness of either the coefficients of the controlled SDE or of the cost functions in the game.

Funding: A. Bovo was partially supported by the Doctoral Studentship from the University of Leeds.
Colonoscopy and the psyche – pain and discomfort associations with affect and cognitive functions
Authors: Zaczek Adam , Pietrasińska-Wojna Anna , Szczegielniak Anna , Girczys-Połedniok Katarzyna , Dębski Paweł , Pudlo Robert
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Colonoscopy is an important diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, however it causes considerable discomfort in patients. Their psychological functioning is sometimes not sufficiently taken into account by the medical staff, preoccupied with somatic conditions. The aim of this study was to reveal affective and cognitive aspects of how patients undergoing colonoscopy function in order to better understand periprocedural discomfort and pain and suggest interventions to reduce them.
Material and methods: A total number of 101 patients, undergoing colonoscopy during their stay at the internal ward, were asked to participate in this prospective, observational study. Three measurements were made: the day before the examination, on the colonoscopy day (after bowel cleansing, before the procedure) and the following day. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory II, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, short version of The Illness Perceptions Questionnaire , as well as analog scales (measuring pain, sadness, anxiety, irritability, general discomfort and distress) were used. Ultimately, 50 people completed the study.
Results: It has been shown that pain and discomfort on the colonoscopy day correlate positively with all measured aspects of negative affect. On the colonoscopy day 18% of the subjects revealed depressive symptoms matching a depressive episode, while 56.6% of the subjects displayed a high level of state anxiety. The worse the patient's understanding of the disease, the more periprocedural pain he/she experiences. Their cognitive functioning is worse on the colonoscopy day.
Conclusions: The results suggest that it is advisable to educate patients early enough (not on the day of the procedure) about their ailments and planned colonoscopy.

Keywords: psychiatry, colonoscopy, pain, emotions, cognitive function