bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome instability-related LINC02577, LINC01133 and AC107464.2 are lncRNA prognostic markers correlated with immune microenvironment in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yinjiang , Wang Yao , He Xu , Yao Rongfei , Fan Lu , Zhao Linyi , Lu Binan , Pang Zongran
Published: May 2023

Background

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a leading cause of malignancy-related deaths worldwide, and the efficacy of immunotherapy on PAAD is limited. Studies report that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in modulating genomic instability and immunotherapy. However, the identification of genome instability-related lncRNAs and their clinical significance has not been investigated in PAAD.

Methods

The current study developed a computational framework for mutation hypothesis based on lncRNA expression profile and somatic mutation spectrum in pancreatic adenocarcinoma genome. We explored the potential of GInLncRNAs(genome instability-related lncRNAs) through co-expression analysis and function enrichment analysis. We further analyzed GInLncRNAs by Cox regression and used the results to construct a prognostic lncRNA signature. Finally, we analyzed the relationship between GILncSig (genomic instability derived 3-lncRNA signature) and immunotherapy.

Results

A GILncSig was developed using bioinformatics analyses. It could divide patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, and there was a significant difference in OS between the two groups. In addition, GILncSig was associated with genome mutation rate in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, indicating its potential value as a marker for genomic instability. The GILncSig accurately grouped wild type patients of KRAS into two risk groups. The prognosis of the low-risk group was significantly improved. GILncSig was significantly correlated with the level of immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint.

Conclusions

In summary, the current study provides a basis for further studies on the role of lncRNA in genomic instability and immunotherapy. The study provides a novel method for identification of cancer biomarkers related to genomic instability and immunotherapy.
Psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the briefest version of the Zimbardo time perspective inventory (ZTPI-15)
Authors: Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Chahine Abdallah , Mhanna Mariam , El Zouki Christian Joseph , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil
Published: May 2023

Background

Self-perceived temporal perspectives has been shown to vary across cultures. Although cross-cultural differences may be blurred by the globalization, accelerated pace-of-life worldwide and spread of multitasking; the way Arab individuals deal with time has its specificities. However, research in this area is scant in the Arab world. One of the main reasons for this scarcity of research is the lack of psychometrically sound and convenient-to-use measures. We aimed to examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the briefest version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZPTI-15).

Methods

A sample of community Arabic-speaking Adults from Lebanon (N = 423, 68.6% females, mean age 29.19 ± 12.54 years) were administered the Arabic ZPTI-15. The forward and backward translation method was adopted.

Results

Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) revealed that the five-factor model exhibited a good fit to the data. The five ZTPI-15 subscales yielded a McDonald’s omega ranging from 0.43 to 0.84. Multi-group CFA ascertained the invariance of the Arabic ZTPI-15 across gender at the configural, metric, and scalar levels. Our findings support divergent validity of the scale by showing positive correlations between past negative, present fatalistic, present hedonistic dimensions, and psychological distress; as well as negative correlations between past positive, future focused dimensions, and distress.

Conclusion

The Arabic ZTPI-15 is easy-to-use, valid, reliable, and will hopefully enable the conduction of future research in the field to purposively provide comprehensive insight into the time perspective patterns and correlates in Arab countries, and the broad Arabic-speaking community globally.
Designing accountability measures for health professionals: results from a community-based micro-credential: case study on Indigenous cultural safety
Authors: Mashford-Pringle Angela , Tan Sharon , Stutz Sterling , Tjong Gabriel
Published: May 2023

Background:

There is a widespread commitment to implementing anti-Indigenous racism with health organizations in Canada by introducing cultural safety staff training. In partnership with a public health unit in Ontario, Canada, we developed an evaluation tool to assess the performance of staff who completed an online Indigenous cultural safety education course.

Aims:

To develop an accountability checklist that could be used for annual employee performance reviews to assess the use and level of knowledge received in professional cultural safety training.

Intervention:

We co-created a professional development accountability checklist. Five areas of interest were identified: terminology, knowledge, awareness, skills, and behaviours. The checklist comprises of 37 indicators linked to our community collaborators’ intended goals as defined in our partnership agreement.

Outcomes:

The Indigenous Cultural Safety Evaluation Checklist (ICSEC) was shared with public health managers to use during regularly scheduled staff performance evaluations. The public health managers provided feedback on the design, checklist items, and useability of the ICSEC. The pilot of the checklist is in the preliminary stage and data is unavailable about effectiveness.

Implications:

Accountability tools are important to sustain the long-term effects of cultural safety education and prioritize the wellbeing of Indigenous communities. Our experience can provide guidance to health professionals in creating and measuring the efficacy of Indigenous cultural safety education to foster an anti-racist work culture as well as improved health outcomes among Indigenous communities.
Clinical efficacy of different open approaches in the surgical treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis: a single-center retrospective comparative study
Authors: Wang Tianji , Ma Zhensheng , Lei Wei , Wu Zixiang , Xu Huifa , Ma Tiancheng , Li Tianqing
Published: May 2023

Objective

To assess the clinical efficacy of three different surgical approaches in the treatment of thoracolumbar tuberculosis.

Methods

A total of 138 patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis treated by open surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The surgical methods were divided into anterior, posterior and anterior–posterior combined. The hospital stays, amount of bleeding, operative time, preoperative, postoperative and last follow-up ESR, CRP, Frankel score, ODI, VAS, correction and loss rate of kyphosis, fusion rate and complications were recorded and analyzed.

Results

The average follow-up was 66 months. The average hospital stay, operative time and amount of bleeding of the anterior–posterior combined group were higher than other groups (P < 0.05). ESR and CRP of all patients were reduced postoperatively (P < 0.05). No significant difference among the three groups was found in the postoperative correction angle of kyphosis (P < 0.05), while the pre- and postoperative Cobb angle as well as correction rate had significant differences. The posterior approach could achieve better correction, and the loss of correction was more in the anterior group, 40.9 percent of patients performed correction loss. The Frankel score, VAS and ODI were significantly reduced among the three groups, and the incidence rate of complications of the anterior approach was lower than the other groups, with a significant difference (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The anterior approach has more advantages and fewer complications, which is supposed to give preference to and could not be replaced by the posterior and anterior–posterior combined approach.
Anatomical factors associated with the development of anterior tibial spine fractures based on MRI measurements
Authors: Zhang Lei , Xia Qinghong , Yang Runze , Fan Lei , Hu Yunan , Fu Weili
Published: May 2023

Background

Numerous studies have investigated anatomic factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, such as posterior tibial slope (PTS) and notch width index (NWI). However, anterior tibial spine fracture (ATSF) as a specific pattern of ACL injury, a bony avulsion of the ACL from its insertion on the intercondylar spine of the tibia, has rarely been explored for its anatomical risk factors. Identifying anatomic parameters of the knee associated with ATSF is important for understanding injury mechanisms and prevention.

Methods

Patients who underwent surgery for ATSF between January 2010 and December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed, and 38 patients were included in the study group. Thirty-eight patients who suffered from isolated meniscal tear without other pathologic findings were matched in a 1:1 fashion by age, sex and BMI to the study group. The lateral posterior tibial slope (LPTS), medial posterior tibial slope (MPTS), medial tibial depth, lateral tibial height, lateral femoral condyle ratio (LFCR) and NWI were measured and compared between the ATSF and control groups. Binary logistic regressions identified independent predictors of ATSF. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to compare the diagnostic performance and determine the cutoff values of associated parameters.

Results

The LPTS, LFCR and MPTS were significantly larger in the knees in the ATSF group than in the control group (P = 0.001, P = 0.012 and P = 0.005, respectively). The NWI was significantly smaller in the knees in the ATSF group than in the control group (P = 0.005). According to the results of logistic regression analysis, the LPTS, LFCR and NWI were independently associated with ATSF. The LPTS was the strongest predictor variable, and the ROC analysis revealed 63.2% sensitivity and 76.3% specificity (area under the curve, 0.731; 95% CI 0.619–0.844) for values above 6.9.

Conclusion

The LPTS, LFCR and NWI were found to be associated with the ATSF; in particular, LPTS could provide the most accurate predictive performance. The findings of this study may aid clinicians in identifying people at risk for ATSF and taking individualized preventive measures. However, further investigation regarding the pattern and biomechanical mechanisms of this injury is required.
Neuropathology of incidental Lewy body & prodromal Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Koeglsperger Thomas , Rumpf Svenja-Lotta , Schließer Patricia , Struebing Felix L. , Brendel Matthias , Levin Johannes , Trenkwalder Claudia , Höglinger Günter U. , Herms Jochen
Published: May 2023

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with a loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Despite symptomatic therapies, there is currently no disease-modifying treatment to halt neuronal loss in PD. A major hurdle for developing and testing such curative therapies results from the fact that most DA neurons are already lost at the time of the clinical diagnosis, rendering them inaccessible to therapy. Understanding the early pathological changes that precede Lewy body pathology (LBP) and cell loss in PD will likely support the identification of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and help to differentiate LBP-dependent and -independent alterations. Several previous studies identified such specific molecular and cellular changes that occur prior to the appearance of Lewy bodies (LBs) in DA neurons, but a concise map of such early disease events is currently missing.

Methods

Here, we conducted a literature review to identify and discuss the results of previous studies that investigated cases with incidental Lewy body disease (iLBD), a presumed pathological precursor of PD.

Results

Collectively, our review demonstrates numerous cellular and molecular neuropathological changes occurring prior to the appearance of LBs in DA neurons.

Conclusions

Our review provides the reader with a summary of early pathological events in PD that may support the identification of novel therapeutic and diagnostic targets and aid to the development of disease-modifying strategies in PD.
CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-wide screening of the deubiquitinase subfamily identifies USP3 as a protein stabilizer of REST blocking neuronal differentiation and promotes neuroblastoma tumorigenesis
Authors: Karapurkar Janardhan Keshav , Kim Min-Seong , Colaco Jencia Carminha , Suresh Bharathi , Sarodaya Neha , Kim Dong-Ho , Park Chang-Hwan , Hong Seok-Ho , Kim Kye-Seong , Ramakrishna Suresh
Published: May 2023

Background

The repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST), a master transcriptional repressor, is essential for maintenance, self-renewal, and differentiation in neuroblastoma. An elevated expression of REST is associated with impaired neuronal differentiation, which results in aggressive neuroblastoma formation. E3 ligases are known to regulate REST protein abundance through the 26 S proteasomal degradation pathway in neuroblastoma. However, deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), which counteract the function of E3 ligase-mediated REST protein degradation and their impact on neuroblastoma tumorigenesis have remained unexplored.

Methods

We employed a CRISPR/Cas9 system to perform a genome-wide knockout of ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) and used western blot analysis to screen for DUBs that regulate REST protein abundance. The interaction between USP3 and REST was confirmed by immunoprecipitation and Duolink in situ proximity assays. The deubiquitinating effect of USP3 on REST protein degradation, half-life, and neuronal differentiation was validated by immunoprecipitation, in vitro deubiquitination, protein-turnover, and immunostaining assays. The correlation between USP3 and REST expression was assessed using patient neuroblastoma datasets. The USP3 gene knockout in neuroblastoma cells was performed using CRISPR/Cas9, and the clinical relevance of USP3 regulating REST-mediated neuroblastoma tumorigenesis was confirmed by in vitro and in vivo oncogenic experiments.

Results

We identified a deubiquitinase USP3 that interacts with, stabilizes, and increases the half-life of REST protein by counteracting its ubiquitination in neuroblastoma. An in silico analysis showed a correlation between USP3 and REST in multiple neuroblastoma cell lines and identified USP3 as a prognostic marker for overall survival in neuroblastoma patients. Silencing of USP3 led to a decreased self-renewal capacity and promoted retinoic acid-induced differentiation in neuroblastoma. A loss of USP3 led to attenuation of REST-mediated neuroblastoma tumorigenesis in a mouse xenograft model.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that USP3 is a critical factor that blocks neuronal differentiation, which can lead to neuroblastoma. We envision that targeting USP3 in neuroblastoma tumors might provide an effective therapeutic differentiation strategy for improved survival rates of neuroblastoma patients.
Comparing adherence to MDR-TB treatment among patients on self-administered therapy and those on directly observed therapy: non-inferiority randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wekesa Clara , Sekaggya-Wiltshire Christine , Muyanja Stella Zawedde , Lume Ivan , Nabaggala Maria Sarah , Parkes-Ratanshi Rosalind , Akello Susan Adakun
Published: May 2023

Background

Adherence is key to the treatment success of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and prevention of community transmission. Directly observed therapy (DOT) is the recommended approach for the management of patients with MDR-TB. Uganda implements a health facility-based DOT approach where all patients diagnosed with MDR-TB report to the nearest private or public health facility for daily observation of ingesting their medicines by a health care provider. Directly observed therapy is very costly for both the patient and health care system. It follows the assumption that MDR TB patients have a history of poor adherence to TB treatment. But only 21% of MDR-TB patients notified globally and 1.4–12% notified in Uganda had been previously treated for TB. The shift to all oral treatment regimen for MDR-TB provides an opportunity for the exploration of self-administered therapy for this group of patients even with use of remotely operated adherence technology. We are conducting a non-inferiority open-label randomized controlled trial to compare adherence to MDR-TB treatment among patients on self-administered therapy (measured by Medication Events Monitoring System (MEMS) technology) with a control group on DOT.

Methods

We plan to enrol 164 newly diagnosed MDR-TB patients aged ≥ 8 years from three regional hospitals based in rural and urban Uganda. Patients with conditions that affect their dexterity and ability to operate the MEMS-operated medicine equipment will not be eligible to participate in the trial. Patients are randomized to either of the two study arms: self-administered therapy with adherence being monitored using MEMS technology (intervention arm) or health facility-based DOT (control arm) and will be followed up monthly. Adherence is measured by the number of days the medicine bottle is open to access medication as recorded by the MEMS software in the intervention arm and treatment complaint days as recorded in the TB treatment card in the control arm. The primary outcome is the comparison of adherence rates between the two study arms.

Discussion

The evaluation of self-administered therapy for patients with MDR-TB is important to inform cost-effective management strategies for these patients. The approval of all oral regimens for the treatment of MDR-TB provides an opportunity for innovations such as MEMS technology to support sustainable options for MDR-TB treatment adherence support in low-resource settings.

Trial registration

Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, Cochrane #PACTR202205876377808. Retrospectively registered on 13 May 2022
QuADRANT: a study on uptake and implementation of clinical audit of medical radiological procedures in Europe—expert recommendations for improvement, endorsed by the ESR
Authors: Howlett David C. , Brady Adrian P. , Hierath Monika , Clark Jonathan , Wadsak Wolfgang , Giammarile Francesco , Jornet Núria , Coffey Mary
Published: May 2023

Background

QuADRANT was a study funded by the European Commission to evaluate clinical audit uptake and implementation across Europe, with an emphasis on clinical audit as mandated within the BSSD (Basic Safety Standards Directive).

AIMS

QuADRANT objectives—obtain an overview of European clinical audit activity; identify good practices and resources, barriers and challenges; provide guidance and recommendations going forwards; identify the potential for European Union action on quality and safety in the three core project specialties, radiology, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine.

Findings and recommendations

QuADRANT identified that developments in national clinical audit infrastructure are required. National professional societies can be pivotal in improving clinical audit implementation, but resource allocation and national prioritisation of clinical audit are needed in many countries. Lack of staff time and expertise are also barriers. Enablers to enhance clinical audit participation are not widely employed. Development of hospital accreditation programmes can facilitate clinical audit uptake. An active and formalised role for patients in clinical audit practice and policy development is recommended. There is persisting variation in European awareness of BSSD clinical audit requirements. Work is needed to improve dissemination of information on the legislative requirements relating to clinical audit in the BSSD and in relation to inspection processes to ensure these include clinical audit and that they encompass all clinics and specialties involved in medical applications using ionising radiation.

Conclusion

QuADRANT provides an important step towards enhancing clinical audit uptake and implementation across Europe and improving patient safety and outcomes.
Rudimentary horn pregnancy, a differential diagnosis of an intraabdominal pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Bidiga Semtama , Henry Kiwango , Augustino Onesmo , Mujuni Fridolin , Matovelo Dismas , Ndaboine Edgar , Kihunrwa Albert , Kiritta Richard
Published: May 2023

Background

Rudimentary horn pregnancy is a rare life-threatening obstetric condition with clinical and sonographic presentation resembling that of an abdominal pregnancy. Preoperative diagnosis of advanced rudimentary horn pregnancy is difficult and cases are often identified incidentally during laparotomy for a presumed abdominal pregnancy.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 29-year-old African woman, gravida 2 para 1 at 28 weeks of gestation complaining of epigastric pain for 7 days with no other associated gastrointestinal or genitourinary symptoms. On examination, she had normal vital signs and an enlarged abdomen sized at 33 cm with unremarkable fetal lie and presentation. She had normal laboratory blood results with an ultrasound revealing an abdominal pregnancy of 28 weeks. The informed decision for conservative management was planned after informing of the benefit and risks of early termination versus conservative management, however, with worsening symptoms an emergency laparotomy had to be performed in which a left unruptured rudimentary horn pregnancy with a viable fetus was identified incidentally and delivery of the fetus followed by surgical excision of the horn was done. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged home with her newborn.

Conclusion

Rudimentary horn pregnancy is very rare and often indistinguishable from an abdominal pregnancy in advanced gestation age. First trimester ultrasound is by far the only noninvasive sensitive diagnostic modality for rudimentary horn pregnancy. Laparotomy with horn excision remains the standard of care for advanced rudimentary horn pregnancy.
Global trends in the scientific research of the health economics: a bibliometric analysis from 1975 to 2022
Authors: Barbu Liliana
Published: May 2023

Background

Health science is evolving extremely rapidly at worldwide level. There is a large volume of articles about health economics that are published each year. The main purpose of this research is to explore health economics in the world's scholarly literature based on a scient metric analysis to outline the evolution of research in the field.

Method

The Web of Science repository was used to get the data (1975–2022). The study explores 1620 documents from health economics. CiteSpace software was used to provide network visualisations. Four thousand ninety-six authors, 1723 institutions, 847 journals and 82 countries were involved in the sample. The current research contains a descriptive analysis, a co-authorship analysis, a co-citation analysis, and a co-occurrence analysis in health economics.

Results

Drummond M.F (author), the USA (country), University of London (institution) and Value Health (journal) are among the most important contributors to the health economics literature. Co-authorship analysis highlights that cooperation between authors, institutions and countries is weak. However, Drummond M.F. is the most collaborative author, the USA is the most collaborative country, and University of York is the most collaborative institution. The study offers an image about the most co-cited references (Arrow K.J., 1963), authors (Margolis H.) and journals (British Medical Journal). The current research hotspots in health economics are “behavioural economics” and “economic evaluation”. The main findings should be interpreted in accordance with the selection strategy used in this paper.

Conclusion

All in all, the paper maps the literature on health economics and may be used for future research.
Inequalities for integral operators in Hölder–Morrey spaces on differential forms
Authors: Li Xuexin , Wang Jianwei , Pan Ning
Published: May 2023

The Hölder–Morrey spaces $\Lambda _{\kappa}^{p,\tau}(\Omega ,\wedge ^{l})$

Λ
κ

p
,
τ

(
Ω
,

∧
l

)
are proposed in this paper. The imbedding inequalities for homotopy operator are derived in Hölder–Morrey spaces on differential forms. The Hölder continuity for Riesz potential with envelope function is deduced. As application, some composite theorems, which are associated with conjugate A-harmonic equations on differential forms, are given.
Inflammatory bowel disease increases the levels of albuminuria and the risk of urolithiasis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wu Hao , Liu Peng , Gong Siming , Liu Xiaoming , Hill Michael A. , Liu Zhenguo , Xu Meihua , Xu Canxia
Published: May 2023

Background

Alterations in kidney function and increased risk of kidney diseases in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been reported, but the causal relationship remains unclear. Herein, Mendelian randomization was employed to identify the causal effect of inflammatory bowel disease on kidney function and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), urolithiasis, and IgA nephropathy.

Methods

The International Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium provided the summary-level genome-wide association study (GWAS) data that correlates with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). GWAS data for estimated glomerular filtration rate from serum creatinine (eGFRcrea), urine albumin–creatinine ratio (uACR), and CKD were obtained from the CKDGen Consortium, and GWAS data for urolithiasis were obtained from the FinnGen consortium. The summary-level GWAS data for IgA nephropathy were obtained from the meta-analysis of UK-biobank, FinnGen, and Biobank Japan. Inverse-variance weighted was used as the primary estimate. Furthermore, the Steiger test was used to validate the direction of causality.

Results

The inverse-variance weighted data revealed that genetically predicted UC significantly increased uACR levels, while genetically predicted CD significantly increased the risk of urolithiasis.

Conclusions

UC increases the levels of uACR, and CD increases the risk of urolithiasis.
Associations of psychological factors, parental involvement, and adverse health behaviors with bullying among tunisian middle school students
Authors: Fredj Manel Ben , Bennasrallah Cyrine , Amor Ines , Trimech Faouzia , Abroug Hela , Zemni Imen , Dhouib Wafa , Kacem Meriem , Bouanene Ines , Sriha Asma Belguith
Published: May 2023

Background

Bullying is a serious problem that significantly affect adolescent well-being and health, needing the attention of teachers, school administrators, parents and public health professionals. In this study, we aimed at estimating the prevalence of bullying, from the perspective of victims in middle school students in the region of Monastir Tunisia, as well as analyzing its association with individual and family context variables.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study conducted in December 2017 and January 2018 among a sample of students from two middle schools in the region of Monastir (Tunisia), using the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) self-answered questionnaire. We defined bullying victimization as being bullied in at least one day in the previous 30 days. Binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with being bullied.

Results

Out of 802 students included in this study, nearly half (43.4%) reported having been bullied in the past month with CI 95%: 38.9–48.2. Gender did not interact with this behavior: (44.5%; CI 95%: 38.1–51.7) in boys versus (43.4% ; CI 95%: 37.2–50.2) in girls. Univariate analysis indicated significant differences regarding some individual factors such as physical fight, cigarette smoking, feeling lonely and being worried, in terms of prevalence of being bully victims. There were no significant differences in parental factors between the two groups (being bullied or not). Multivariate analysis showed the following factors as independently associated with bullying: being involved in physical fight (OR = 2.4; CI95%:1.77–3.25), feeling lonely (OR = 3.38; CI95% :2.04–5.57) and being worried (OR = 2.23; CI 95%:1.44–3.43).

Conclusion

Bullying victimization was common among school-going adolescents and was linked with physical fight and psychosocial distress. This study highlights the need for school-based violence prevention programs to address this problem among the students.
Evaluating a complex and sustained STEM engagement programme through the lens of science capital: insights from Northeast England
Authors: Padwick Annie , Dele-Ajayi Opeyemi , Davenport Carol , Strachan Rebecca
Published: May 2023

Background

STEM education providers increasingly use complex intervention models to redress persistent under-representation in STEM sectors. These intervention models require robust evaluation to determine their effectiveness. The study examines a complex, sustained intervention intended to build science capital in young people aged 11–15 over 3 years, which drew on science capital theory and related research to inform intervention design and evaluation. When evaluation results differed from those anticipated, process evaluation supported authors to interpret these findings. By outlining challenges faced in the evaluation of a complex, sustained STEM outreach intervention, this paper addresses critique that outreach programmes focus too often on short-term and positive findings.

Results

Intervention outcomes were assessed using a quantitative questionnaire adapted from science capital research, issued to pupils at the intervention’s baseline (2015), midpoint (2017) and endpoint (2019). Adopting a cohort-based model, the 2015 questionnaire collected a baseline for the Year 7 intervention group (children aged 11–12, N = 464), and established baseline comparator groups for Year 9 (children aged 13–14, N = 556) and Year 11 (children aged 15–16, N = 342). The Year 7 intervention group was re-evaluated again in 2017 when in Year 9 (N = 556), and in 2019 when in Year 11 (N = 349). Analysis explored differences in science capital between the intervention and comparator groups and identified lower composite science capital scores and greater proportions of low- and medium-science capital in the intervention group when compared with the two comparator groups. A rationale for this emerged from the subsequent process evaluation.

Conclusions

This study’s main contribution is the provision of nuanced insight into the evaluation of STEM interventions for use by others evaluating in similar circumstances, particularly those adopting sustained or complex delivery models. This paper concludes that assessing the effectiveness of complex interventions cannot rely on quantitative evaluation of outcomes alone. Process evaluation can complement quantitative instruments and aid interventions to better understand variability and interpret results. While this study highlights the value of science capital when designing intervention models, it also illustrates the inherent challenges of using an outcome measure of ‘building science capital’, and quantifying levels over an intervention’s course.
The online delivery of exercise oncology classes supported with health coaching: a parallel pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eisele Maximilian , Pohl Andrew J. , McDonough Meghan H. , McNeely Margaret L. , Ester Manuel , Daun Julia T. , Twomey Rosie , Culos-Reed S. Nicole
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The primary objective was to investigate the feasibility of a synchronous, online-delivered, group-based, supervised, exercise oncology maintenance program supported with health coaching.

Methods

Participants had previously completed a 12-week group-based exercise program. All participants received synchronous online delivered exercise maintenance classes, and half were block randomized to receive additional weekly health coaching calls. A class attendance rate of ≥ 70%, a health coaching completion rate of ≥ 80%, and an assessment completion rate of ≥ 70% were set as markers of feasibility. Additionally, recruitment rate, safety, and fidelity of the classes and health coaching calls were reported. Post-intervention interviews were performed to further understand the quantitative feasibility data. Two waves were conducted — as a result of initial COVID-19 delays, the first wave was 8 weeks long, and the second wave was 12 weeks long, as intended.

Results

Forty participants (n8WK = 25; n12WK = 15) enrolled in the study with 19 randomized to the health coaching group and 21 to the exercise only group. The recruitment rate (42.6%), attrition (2.5%), safety (no adverse events), and feasibility were confirmed for health coaching attendance (97%), health coaching fidelity (96.7%), class attendance (91.2%), class fidelity (92.6%), and assessment completion (questionnaire = 98.8%; physical functioning = 97.5%; Garmin wear-time = 83.4%). Interviews highlighted that convenience contributed to participant attendance, while the diminished ability to connect with other participants was voiced as a drawback compared to in-person delivery.

Conclusion

The synchronous online delivery and assessment of an exercise oncology maintenance class with health coaching support was feasible for individuals living with and beyond cancer. Providing feasible, safe, and effective exercise online to individuals living with cancer may support increased accessibility. For example, online may provide an accessible alternative for those living in rural/remote locations as well as for those who may be immunocompromised and cannot attend in-person classes. Health coaching may additionally support individuals’ behavior change to a healthier lifestyle.

Trial registration

The trial was retrospectively registered (NCT04751305) due to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation that precipitated the rapid switch to online programming.
Regeneration of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells: application of iPSC technology for iNKT cell-targeted tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Aoki Takahiro , Motohashi Shinichiro , Koseki Haruhiko
Published: May 2023

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a subset of innate-like T cells restricted by a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-like molecule, CD1d. iNKT cells express an invariant T cell receptor (TCR) encoded by Vα14 Jα18 in mice and Vα24 Jα18 in humans and are activated by recognizing glycolipid antigens, such as α-galactosylceramide (αGalCer), presented by CD1d. iNKT cells exhibit anti-tumor activity via their NK-like cytotoxicity and adjuvant activity. Although iNKT cell-targeted immunotherapy is a conceptually promising approach, we still found a technical hurdle for its clinical implementation which is mainly due to the low frequency of iNKT cells, particularly in humans. To compensate for this, we proposed to generate adequate numbers of clinically competent NKT cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for cancer immunotherapy. Toward this goal, we first obtained the proof of concept (POC) for this approach in mice. We developed a technology to differentiate iPSCs into iNKT cells (iPSC-iNKT cells) and found iPSC-iNKT cells efficiently rejected a syngeneic experimental thymoma by inducing antigen-specific CD8 T cells. After achieving the POC in mice, we developed human iPSC-iNKT cells, which had a high correlation in their gene expression profiles with parental iNKT cells. Human iPSC-iNKT cells also exhibited anti-tumor activity and adjuvant activity for human NK cells in vivo. Based on this supporting evidence for the anti-tumor activity of human iPSC-iNKT cells, we began to generate good manufacturing practice (GMP)-grade iPSC-iNKT cells. As of now, the first-in-human clinical trial of iPSC-iNKT cell therapy is ongoing as a single-agent, dose-escalation study for patients with advanced head and neck cancer. Demonstration of the safety of iPSC-iNKT cell therapy may allow us to improve the strategy by further reinforcing the therapeutic activity of iPSC-iNKT, cells either by gene-editing or combinatorial use with other immune cell products such as dendritic cells. Sixteen years after the establishment of the iPSC technology, we are reaching the first checkpoint to evaluate the clinical efficacy of iPSC-derived immune cells.
Self-assembly fabrication of lignin-derived carbon with dual heteroatoms doping for high-performance supercapacitor
Authors: Chen Zehong , Lai Haihong , Zhuo Hao , Zhong Yu Lin , Zhong Linxin , Peng Xinwen
Published: May 2023

Renewable and low-cost biomass is an ideal sustainable alternative to petroleum-based resources, but producing biomass-based carbon electrode with high performances remains a challenge. Herein, we propose a facile self-assembly strategy to fabricate a biomass-derived N, S co-doping carbon electrode from lignosulfonate without any activation or template process. Taking advantage of the coordination between Fe ions and lignosulfonate, the resultant carbon exhibits a spherical structure with abundant graphitized nanosheets, leading to a high specific surface area with rational pore structure, which are beneficial to the electron/ion transport and storage. The high contents of doping N (8.47 wt%) and S (2.56 wt%) significantly boost the electrochemical performances. As a supercapacitor electrode, the carbon material displays high specific capacitance of 390 F g−1, excellent cycling stability and high energy density of 14.7 W h kg−1 at a power density of 450 W kg−1. This study provides a potential strategy for synthesizing cost-effective heteroatom-doped carbon materials from biomass with abundant functional groups and heteroatom sources, such as chitosan, collagen, and gelatin.

Graphical Abstract
Exploring communication and implementation challenges of the HIV/AIDS policy change to test-and-treat-all in selected public health facilities in Lusaka District, Zambia
Authors: Simooya Constance , Silumbwe Adam , Halwindi Hikabasa , Zulu Joseph Mumba , Nzala Selestine
Published: May 2023

Background

The World Health Organization has promoted a shift towards the test-and-treat-all strategy to accelerate the elimination of HIV/AIDS. Zambia was one of the early African countries to adopt this strategy as the policy change was officially announced on national television by the republican president on 15th August 2017. This study explored the communication and implementation challenges of the HIV/AIDS policy change to test-and-treat-all in selected public health facilities in Lusaka District, Zambia.

Methods

A qualitative case study design was employed with a purposeful sample of policy makers, international partners, National AIDS Council representatives, health facility managers, and frontline health providers in selected tertiary, secondary and primary health facilities in the Lusaka District, Zambia. Thematic data analysis was performed using NVivo 12 Pro software.

Results

In total, 22 key informant interviews and 3 focus group discussions were conducted. The government relied on formal and informal channels to communicate the test-and-treat-all policy change to health providers. Whilst HIV policy changes were reflected in the National HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework, there was little awareness of this policy by the frontline providers. The use of informal communication channels such as verbal and text instructions affected health providers’ implementation of the test-and-treat-all. Electronic and print media were ineffective in communicating the test-and-treat-all policy change to some sections of the public. Top-down stakeholder engagement, limited health worker training, and poor financing negatively affected the implementation of the test-and-treat-all policy change. Acceptability of the test-and-treat-all policy change was shaped by positive provider perceptions of its benefits, limited sense of policy ownership, and resistance by the non-treatment-ready patients. Furthermore, unintended consequences of the test-and-treat-all policy change on human resources for health and facility infrastructure were reported.

Conclusion

Effective test-and-treat-all policy change communication is vital for successful policy implementation as it enhances interpretation and adoption among health providers and patients. There is a need to enhance collaboration among policy makers, implementers and the public to develop and apply communication strategies that facilitate the adoption of the test-and-treat-all policy changes to sustain gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
A heuristic model to evaluate the dielectric properties of human tissues at microwave band based on water and solid content
Authors: Tannino Marco , Mangini Fabio , Dinia Lorenzo , Frezza Fabrizio
Published: May 2023

At the molecular level, the body is composed, on average, of water for 62%, fat for 15%, 17% of protein, and 6% of minerals. In this work, we propose a heuristic methodology using hydration models as a base to realize an automatic and noninvasive procedure to estimate an ad hoc map of the complex dielectric permittivity of a generic human tissue in the frequency range of microwaves based on their solid and water content.
Cross-disciplinary CURE Program Increases Educational Aspirations in a Large Community College
Authors: Meyer Rika , Sohani Madhura , Alvares Stacy M. , Hunt Katharine , Sciabarra Christina , Gapinski Jacqueline Goeres
Published: May 2023

This article describes a multidisciplinary course-based research experience (CURE) program at a large community college and explores the impact on student outcomes, including research skills, student confidence, and educational aspirations.
COVID-19 and cognitive function: Evidence for increased processing speed variability in COVID-19 survivors and multifaceted impairment with long-COVID symptoms
Authors: Vakani Krupa , Ratto Martina , Sandford-James Anna , Antonova Elena , Kumari Veena
Published: May 2023

Background

There is increasing evidence for cognitive function to be negatively impacted by COVID-19. There is, however, limited research evaluating cognitive function pre- and post-COVID-19 using objective measures.

Methods

We examined processing speed, attention, working memory, executive function and memory in adults (≤69 years) with a history of COVID-19 (n = 129, none acutely unwell), compared to those with no known history of COVID-19 (n = 93). We also examined cognitive changes in a sub-group of COVID (n = 30) and non-COVID (n = 33) participants, compared to their pre-COVID-19 pandemic level.

Results

Cross-sectionally, the COVID group showed significantly larger intra-individual variability in processing speed, compared to the non-COVID group. The COVID sub-group also showed significantly larger intra-individual variability in processing speed, compared to their pre-COVID level; no significant change occurred in non-COVID participants over the same time scale. Other cognitive indices were not significantly impacted in the cross-sectional or within-subjects investigations, but participants (n = 20) who had needed hospitalisation due to COVID-19 showed poor attention and executive function relative to those who had not required hospitalisation (n = 109). Poor health and long-COVID symptoms correlated with poor cognitive function across domains in the COVID group.

Conclusions

The findings indicate a limited cognitive impact of COVID-19 with only intra-individual variability in processing speed being significantly impacted in an adult UK sample. However, those who required hospitalisation due to COVID-19 severity and/or experience long-COVID symptoms display multifaceted cognitive impairment and may benefit from repeated cognitive assessments and remediation efforts.
Patient-Reported Outcomes in Pediatric Patients With Cancer
Authors: Reeve Bryce B. , Greenzang Katie A. , Sung Lillian
Published: May 2023

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are reported directly by the patients about their own health. The objective of this article was to provide an overview of PROs in pediatric cancer, to describe how PROs can be incorporated into pediatric cancer clinical trials, and to discuss how PROs can guide symptom management treatment choices in pediatric oncology. Pediatric patient self-report provides a distinct voice in describing their experience compared with family caregiver or clinician report. Thus, every effort should be made to allow children to self-report symptoms, functioning, and other quality-of-life impacts and to use that data to inform treatment decision making. In addition to its incorporation into routine clinical care, it is also important to incorporate PROs into clinical trials to understand the patient experience of treatment toxicities and their impact on quality of life. Key considerations include clearly articulated PRO aims, selection of outcomes, choice of PRO measures, and frequency of PRO assessments. Once PROs are integrated into routine clinical care, it will be important to enable evidence-based symptom management. Strategies should be based on clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). Development and adaptation of care pathways on the basis of CPGs is one approach to standardize evidence-based symptom management at individual institutions. PROs are important to pediatric patients with cancer and their families. Self-report should be emphasized wherever possible. Approaches to enable PRO reporting into routine clinical care and enable preventative and therapeutic actions for symptom management are important. These efforts will optimize quality of life for pediatric patients with cancer.
Two Bigamists in Tehuantepec: Global(ized) Itineraries in Southern Mesoamerica, circa 1600
Authors: Matthew Laura
Published: May 2023

This article compares the itineraries of two men—one European, one Mesoamerican—accused of bigamy at the turn of the seventeenth century. While the European repeatedly remade his life in new locales, the Mesoamerican returned to the same places time and again, revealing a pattern of circular migration by multilingual Oaxacans along the southern Pacific coast. The European's travels enabled his manipulation of the Spanish Inquisition, while the Mesoamerican's expanding social geography became his undoing. Reading these two cases in tandem pushes us beyond their apparent similarities, a product of their framing by the Spanish Catholic legal system, and toward their profound incommensurability despite overlaps of time, place, and circumstance.
“Betwixt Ye Two Rivers”: Trafficking and Colonization in Early Seventeenth-Century Saint Christopher
Authors: Schmitt Casey
Published: May 2023

Starting in the mid-sixteenth century, European traffickers frequented the Caribbean in search of ships to plunder and gained access to Spanish America's closed markets by seizing captives and smuggling them into underserved ports. For traffickers, these activities depended on alliances with Kalinago populations in the Lesser Antilles, who allowed traffickers to refit their vessels and trade for food, wood, and water. By the 1620s, this political economy of raiding and smuggling led to the establishment of English and French colonies in the Lesser Antilles, which created new markets for bound captives and deepened regional and intercolonial commercial networks. The Lesser Antilles developed into sites of colonization because of their centrality to networks of raiding and informal trade in the Spanish Caribbean.
Short Circuits and Seizures
Authors: Birla Ritu
Published: May 2023

This essay explores the financialization of liberal governmentality through questions posed by cryptocurrency, especially in its relationship with the monetary coding of the globe since Bretton Woods. Contemporary Global South deployments of crypto foreground political performatives that can be characterized as attempts to short-circuit established global configurations. This modality of speedy bypassing, enabling volatility and seizure, fuels processes of financialization more broadly, which accelerate and shorten circuits of profit making and, in tandem, short-circuit democratic political representation. Crypto magnifies the tension between the semiotics of the social contract among nations moored in rights, and that of currency as a global language. Digital-speculative monetization warns that the social contract, a futures contract for a secure and stable future, may approach the aleatory contract of the futures trade.