bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the efficacy of a premedication regimen including high-dose cetirizine in reduction of hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hutchinson Alexander , Weaver Kelly , Gunaratnam Bakeerathan , Volz Lesley , Ingles Lauren , Figg Lindsay
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) are a known adverse effect of paclitaxel, occurring in approximately 10% of patients, typically during the first or second infusion of the medication. Corticosteroids, histamine-1 and histamine-2 receptor antagonists are given prior to paclitaxel infusions to reduce the incidence of HSR. There are limited data that suggest administration of cetirizine given prior to a platinum infusion as secondary prophylaxis may reduce HSR rates.

Methods

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a novel paclitaxel hypersensitivity prevention protocol including high-dose cetirizine administered 12 and 6 h prior to paclitaxel infusion on the rate of HSR compared to a historical control. The primary objective was the rate of HSR of any grade after the first cycle of paclitaxel. Secondary outcomes included grade of infusion reaction and incidence of severe HSR.

Results

A total of 104 patients were included for analysis in the cetirizine group and 124 in the control group. Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 37 (16.2%) patients in the overall population, and no statistical difference was observed between groups. (13.46% vs 18.55%; p = 0.23). Numerically more grade 3–4 HSRs occurred in the control group than the treatment group (30.77% vs 69.23; p = 0.51).

Conclusions

The addition of cetirizine to paclitaxel infusions resulted in numerically lower rates of HSR and a reduction in severity of grade 3–4 HSRs. Future studies with more robust compliance data and a larger patient population would be needed to appropriately assess the efficacy of our novel treatment regimen.
Determinants of clinic absenteeism in a chemotherapy service of a cancer center located at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Serra-Campos Amanda Oliveira , Soares Filipe dos Santos , Barreto Elizangela Domiciano Garcia , Magliano Erika da Silva
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Clinic absenteeism promotes higher waiting lists for medical procedures and public resources waste.

Objectives

The present work aimed to identify the reasons for clinic absenteeism from each cycle of the antineoplastic chemotherapy treatment, as well as to determine the socio-demographic, clinical and treatment profiles of this population.

Methods

This observational prospective work evaluated pediatric and adult patients which missed their chemotherapy cycle between May and October 2023 in a Cancer Center located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Clinic absenteeism rate was calculated, and socio-demographic profile was described. Reasons for absenteeism, treatment protocol and most used drugs were also identified.

Results

This work analyzed data from 69 patients, the majority above 60 years old. Approximately 60% were male, 33.3% had little to no education and 63.8% lived outside the center city. Absenteeism average monthly rate was 1.73% for adults and 0.87% for children. The most related non-attendance reasons were patient feeling too ill to attend their chemotherapy session, failure to remember the cycle day and lack of means of transportation. Most prevalent neoplasms were from the digestive tract (46%). Fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin and gemcitabine were the most discarded drugs due to absenteeism.

Conclusions

Older patients and the ones residing far away from the Center tend to miss the scheduled chemotherapy cycles. However, most reasons for absenteeism could be avoided by confirmation calls or text messages. These procedures implementation could lead to a lower absenteeism rate and less resource waste.
Severe neutropenia probably caused by enzalutamide and abiraterone in a prostate cancer patient
Authors: Somoza-Fernández Beatriz , Escudero-Vilaplana Vicente , Collado-Borrell Roberto , Pérez-Ramírez Sara , Villanueva-Bueno Cristina , Montero-Antón María del Pilar , Herranz-Alonso Ana , Sanjurjo-Saez María
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Abiraterone and enzalutamide are two androgen receptor pathway inhibitors approved, among others, for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in adult men whose disease has progressed on or after a docetaxel-based regimen. Although hematological effects, especially neutropenia, are one of the main complications of other oral antineoplastic drugs, these adverse effects are infrequent in the case of androgen receptor pathway inhibitors.

Case report

We report the case of a patient diagnosed with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who discontinued an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor due to drug-related grade 4 neutropenia. His control blood counts before enzalutamide starting were normal. After one month of treatment, he developed a grade 4 neutropenia, with complete neutrophil count recovery four weeks later. He underwent a bone marrow aspiration, which revealed normocelullar results, and enzalutamide was restarted. Three weeks later, the treatment was eventually discontinued due to neutropenia reappearance. Neutrophil count recovery was achieved one month later. Then, he started treatment with abiraterone, but two weeks later neutropenia reappeared. Abiraterone was withdrawn, and the patient recovered from neutropenia 2 weeks later.

Management and outcomes

This case exposes not only the occurrence of rare toxicity of two individual drugs but also the description of a probable drug-class adverse event not reported before. The patient recovered from neutropenia after the androgen receptor pathway inhibitor was withdrawn, thereby supporting the diagnosis of probable drug-induced neutropenia.

Discussion

There is scarce evidence in the literature concerning androgen receptor pathway inhibitor-related neutropenia. However, its life-threatening potential cannot be ignored, so healthcare professionals should be warned of the possibility of the occurrence of such adverse reactions.
The application of film based on gelatin/hydroxymethyl cellulose and red beetroot betalain in smart food packaging
Authors: Abdolmaleki Khadije , Rezaei Farahnaz , Mohammadi Reza , Zare Leila , Shahmoradi Saeed
Published: July 2024

Edible films containing anthocyanin and betacyanin as indicators of freshness are promising systems for food smart packaging. This research aimed to develop a smart color film for food packaging using gelatin/hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) and red beet betalain. In this study, edible films with different ratios of gelatin to HPMC were prepared successfully, and the ratio of 3:1 was determined as optimal samples based on water vapor permeability (WVP) and mechanical properties. Betalain with different concentrations was then added to the optimal film, and the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting films were evaluated. Also, TVB-N test to assess their ability to detect beef meat and shrimp spoilage was studied. The addition of betalain improved the solubility, WVP, mechanical properties, and 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity of the film. As a final point, the incorporation of betalain into the gelatin/HPMC films can be used to indicate the freshness of food.
Antiracist Psychology to Advance Equitable Public Policy
Authors: Opportunity Policy Team The Dangerous
Published: July 2024

The discipline of psychology, with its roots in scientific racism, has been complicit with the enactment of racist policies that have significantly harmed the psychological well-being of many minoritized people in colonial societies. The American Psychological Association (APA) has acknowledged and apologized for this racist history and has committed to an antiracist path for the future to right the wrongs. As a part of Dangerous Opportunity special issue, we examine the antecedents to racism in psychology, the racist behaviors of psychology and the APA during its existence, and the harmful consequences contributed by racist policies supported or endorsed by psychologists. Additionally, we provide a listing of required changes we view as necessary for the discipline of psychology and the APA (as its primary professional organization) to enact to prepare the discipline and the Association for antiracist activities and to capably and responsibly support and advance antiracist policies outside of psychology in the public interests. Transformation of the discipline and its associations, institutions, and programs is necessary for psychology to remain locally and globally relevant in a culturally diverse and interdependent. Antiracist activities are essential for this transformation to occur.
Melatonin in Human Milk: A Scoping Review
Authors: Oliveira Flávia S. , Dieckman Kirsten , Mota Dalete , Zenner Alexis J. , Schleusner Morgan A. , Cecilio Jessica O. , Vieira Flaviana V. M.
Published: July 2024

Melatonin is vital in human circadian rhythm and infant development. This scoping review summarized the current knowledge about melatonin’s presence and effects in human milk to promote better understanding of its secretion pattern and clinical advancement of maternal-infant health. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute guideline and answered the question: What is the current knowledge about melatonin hormone in human milk? The databases searched were PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, LILACS, Scielo, EMBASE, Science Direct, Eric, Cochrane, in addition to grey literature and reference lists of included sources. Research papers included English, Spanish, or Portuguese languages, regardless of study type or publication date. The study selection and data extraction involved two independent reviewers. Twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. The studies, conducted between 1993 and 2023, employed diverse designs, with cross-sectional studies being the most prevalent. Melatonin concentration exhibited a consistent pattern, being higher at night, and elevated in colostrum. The analysis methods for melatonin concentration evolved, with recent advancements contributing to more accurate measurements. Factors influencing melatonin levels, such as delivery type, maternal age, and health conditions, demonstrated a complex relationship, potentially impacting the health and development of infants. The dynamic nature of melatonin in human milk calls for continued interdisciplinary research, bridging gaps between clinical, biochemical, and epidemiological perspectives. Standardizing melatonin analysis methods are needed. Nurses should assess factors influencing melatonin levels in milk to promote interventions and guidance aimed at enhancing the regulation of the circadian cycle during the perinatal period and its benefits.
Culture and health outcomes for a First Nation community
Authors: Garcia Rosa Evelia Sanchez
Published: July 2024

The main purpose of the article is to provide insights into the prevalence of internal and external organ illnesses in Brokenhead Ojibwa (Indigenous peoples of southern Canada and Midwestern USA) Nation, and their relationship with those cultural variables that the scholarly literature indicates as determinants of Indigenous health. The data were collected through a household survey. Both the descriptive results and correlation analysis indicate that hunting and trapping are negatively correlated with external organ illnesses. Likewise, education and income are negatively correlated with external and internal organ illness prevalence.
Hyperlocal journalism in the face of the advance of news deserts: scoping review
Authors: Rodríguez-Urra Carlos , Trillo-Domínguez Magdalena , Herrero-Solana Víctor
Published: July 2024

Hyperlocal media ecosystems have attracted increasing academic interest due to the impact of the Internet and social networks, and even more so due to concerns about the vitality of journalism in contexts of press decline with a clear lack of availability and quality of information. This study reviews the field of ‘news deserts’ from the perspective of ‘hyperlocal journalism’ until earlier 2023 in major scientific databases to identify the main fronts, challenges and opportunities. This emerging concept indicates a growing global concern about the disappearance of local media, leaving areas isolated in informational, social and cultural dimensions. The study shows the United States, United Kingdom and Australia with the largest presence, followed by Spain and Scandinavia, while it is beginning to set the public and media agenda in Latin America. We found six research fronts: Studies on audiences, Citizen journalism, Enterprise and business models, Hyperlocal media stage, News deserts and Methodological proposals.
Sexual diversity and streaming television: Toward a platform studies approach to analyzing LGBTQ+ TV
Authors: Griffin Hollis
Published: July 2024

This essay argues for the utility of a platform-studies approach alongside textual analysis when studying the politics of sexual representation in contemporary television programming. Using a corpus of four LGBTQ+-themed programs that represent queer and trans sexualities and HIV/AIDS, the paper argues that funding mechanisms play a constitutive role in determining the kinds of sexual diversity that can circulate via streaming technologies. Comparing and contrasting content created for SVODs, BVODs, and video-sharing platforms, the essay considers the impact that the economic diversity of television’s multiplatform ecology has on the sexual diversity of content that circulates there. Purposefully combining an analysis of online TV with social media entertainment, the essay casts ‘streaming television’ as a wide, varied category whose relationship to questions of representational diversity is more complex than existing scholarship on these issues sometimes suggests. Situating its analysis in the literatures of platform studies, media industry studies, and television’s politics of LGBTQ + representation, the essay shifts the purview of ‘diversity’ away from representations of identity and toward diversities of funding mechanisms and diversities of sexual acts and practices. The essay argues for the necessity of textual analysis to properly articulate the relationship between platforms and the politics of sexual representation in the content that they circulate.
The epistemic power of the police
Authors: Boutros Magda
Published: July 2024

This article uses movements against police brutality as a starting point to rethink our theorizations of police power, asking how the police maintain their dominance over oppressed groups, and what it takes to challenge it. I argue that an important, but undertheorized dimension of police power is epistemic power, the ability to control what is known and what remains unknown about policing practices. Epistemic power derives from (1) the police's control over the production and non-production of data about crime and policing; (2) the assumption that police officers are more credible than their targets; and (3) their privileged access to the media. Using France as a case study, I show how the police draw on epistemic power to produce ‘truth’ and manufacture ignorance about their practices, and I examine activist strategies to challenge and disrupt this power.
Cultural omnivorousness in Ukraine: Examining relationships with social indicators via literary preferences among readers
Authors: Voronin Yevhen
Published: July 2024

The ability to accumulate extensive tastes, which is known as cultural omnivorousness, can play a significant role in social stratification and marking social groups. The omnivore argument posits that higher-status cultural tastes tend to be broad and diverse (omnivore). In contrast, lower-status cultural tastes are limited and exclusive (univore). This study investigates cultural omnivorousness in Ukraine by (1) examining latent classes of audiences and (2) exploring the relationship between cultural omnivorousness and positions in the social structure, considering educational attainment, financial situation, age, gender and type of settlement. Relying on the data from the survey ‘Reading in the context of media consumption and life construction’ conducted in 2020, this study focuses on the breadth/volume of behavioral preferences in literary genres among readers in Ukraine (N = 1302). The latent class analysis presents evidence of the distinctiveness of the omnivore class. Subsequent regression analysis shows a strong positive association between high education and omnivorous taste, whereas the financial situation bears no significant direct effect. Regression coefficients for socio-demographic variables indicate a more omnivorous taste amongst women and residents of big cities. The study concludes by discussing potential limitations and further perspectives for investigating the relationships between cultural omnivorousness and social stratification.
Automatic crack segmentation model based on multi-branch aggregation transformer
Authors: Wang Jin , Zeng Zhigao , Wang Jianxin , Zhang Jianming , Zhou Siyuan
Published: July 2024

Crack detection plays a crucial role in evaluating the safety and durability of civil infrastructure. However, detecting cracks of uneven intensity in complex backgrounds is challenging. To overcome this problem, we propose a dual decoder network (CSMT) based on a multi-branch aggregation Transformer, which uses residual atrous spatial pyramid pooling (RASPP) and Transformer dual decoding branches to extract local and global features of different structures. To enhance global feature extraction, we designed a multi-branch aggregation Transformer (MAT) that adaptively weights the features of two attention heads from spatial and channel dimensions to achieve intra block feature aggregation between dimensions. Meanwhile, to obtain multi-scale semantic information, we constructed a new decoding branch, RASPP, which embeds a squeeze-and-excitation (SE) module and residual structures into standard ASPP. Finally, we propose a feature adaptive fusion module (FAM) to enhance feature fusion between adjacent layers and codec layers. Many experiments on three benchmark datasets have shown that the proposed CSMT segmentation network provides excellent performance in a variety of complex scenarios.
Ecological constitutionalism within the Canadian context: Charter-ing international standards of the human right to a healthy environment
Authors: Duarte Vic
Published: July 2024

The Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act (SEPHCA), Canada's most recent attempt at mobilising federal and provincial action, does not go far enough toward depoliticising environmental justice within its borders. Based on a comprehensive review of legislative and academic literature, the current paper argues for the codification of the right to a healthy environment to be enshrined in Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In doing so, Canada will realise the merits of ecological constitutionalism, meet the standards of the United Nations and the international human rights discourse, and realise its sustainable development goals in light of the triple planetary crisis.
Contaminated memories: How formerly incarcerated mothers remember their pasts and imagine their futures
Authors: Richards-Karamarkovich Arden , Umamaheswar Janani
Published: July 2024

In this article, we use 15 in-depth interviews with formerly incarcerated mothers to explore an understudied dimension of the punitive nature of system contact: its contamination of memory. Drawing on theoretical scholarship in the sociology of memory, we reveal how contact with both the criminal legal system and the child welfare system defined participants’ worst maternal memories and contaminated even their best maternal memories. In sharp contrast with their retrospective narratives, participants’ imagined futures were notably devoid of references to system contact, even in the form of desistance narratives. These findings, we argue, capture just how invasive contact with punitive state institutions can be, and they suggest that reentry represents a meaningful period during which participants can envision futures that are—at least in their imaginations—free from this intrusion.
Rigid-flexible coupling dynamic modelling and dynamic accuracy analysis of planar cam four-bar mechanism with multiple clearance joints
Authors: Wei Zhan , Wang Zanyong , Li Dandan , Liang Dong
Published: July 2024

Combination mechanism of conjugate cam and four-bar is a complex type of multi-body system, in which the coupling problems such as cam profile law, flexible deformation of connecting rods, and multiple joint clearance collision make it difficult to model and optimise its dynamics. Just as the beating-up mechanism of high-speed rapier looms for multi-layer weaving is a representative conjugate cam four-bar mechanism. In response to the current development of textile machinery in the direction of high-speed and precision, and in order to improve the work efficiency and operational accuracy of the conjugate cam four-bar beating-up mechanism, the following work is done for the purpose of taking into account the multi-joint clearance and the flexible rod based on the mechanism. Firstly, based on Kane's equation, a multi-body dynamic model with multiple clearances is established combined with clearance collision theory. Secondly, a dynamic model of a rigid-flexible coupling system with multiple revolute clearances is established using finite element method combined with modal synthesis technology. Subsequently, the variables separation method and mode superposition method are used to solve the dynamic equations of the coupled system. Finally, numerical examples are used to analyse the effects of clearance quantity, clearance size, mode truncation order, cam speed, and component material properties on the dynamic response and accuracy of the system. The results show that, in the rotational speed range of 600–800 rpm, the dynamic performance of the system is little affected by the speed; Through comparative analysis of multiple materials, it is found that selecting carbon fibre composite materials has the smallest impact on the motion accuracy of the system. In this paper, the clearance collision model, finite element model and rigid-flexible coupling dynamic model are integrated, which are applied to the cam-linkage combined multi-body mechanism, and the dynamic problems of the actual machine are analysed and solved.
Tracking microstructural evolution and hardening in Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys aged artificially via electrical conductivity measurements
Authors: Khan Mohd Sarim , Sasikumar Chandrabalan
Published: July 2024

Precipitation hardening, a crucial mechanism for strengthening aluminum alloys, involves stages like Guinier–Preston (GP) zone formation, precipitation, peak aging, and precipitate coarsening. This study focuses on the aluminum 7050 alloy, proposing a method to gauge artificial aging through electrical conductivity measurement. The evolving microstructure and time to peak hardness during aging are vital for creating high-strength alloys. The electrical conductivity variation over time is utilized to analyze the diffusion process governing the clustering and growth of specific phases (η′, η, and S) during artificial aging. The paper demonstrates the impact of GP zones, precipitate formation, and grain growth on electrical conductivity, correlating these factors with hardness, microstructure, and tensile strength to determine the hardening stage. Differential electrical conductivity plots, highlighting aging stages, assist in identifying the hardening phase. Tensile strength and hardness plots differentiate the precipitation phases. The Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov equation models particle growth kinetics, determining growth rates for AA 7050 alloy. The overall activation energy for precipitate growth is 40.77 kJ/mol, with a growth constant ( m) of ∼4, indicating S phase nucleation during η′ and η growth.
Social workers in schools: A feasibility study of three local authorities
Authors: Westlake David , Melendez-Torres G.J. , Corliss Cindy , El-Banna Asmaa , Thompson Sarah , Meindl Melissa , Talwar Ria , Folkes Louise , Schoenwald Eva , Addis Samia , Cook Laura
Published: July 2024

This study evaluated the feasibility of ‘Social Workers in Schools’, an intervention that involved social workers being based within schools across three local authorities in England (SWIS). Schools make a large number of referrals to Children's Social Care and play an important role in recognizing risks to children and protecting them from harm, but it is unusual for social workers to be based in schools in the U.K. and to do statutory work. We evaluated the pilots on the basis of the feasibility of implementing SWIS, how promising it was in terms of reducing the need for statutory intervention, and the extent to which it be scaled. We used a mixed methods approach, with a process evaluation and a difference in differences analysis of indicative impact on key social care outcomes. In addition, we estimated the cost of implementing and maintaining SWIS.

Findings

We found high levels of acceptability among those involved, and examples of how SWIS enhances the way safeguarding issues are addressed. There was also some evidence that it may reduce the need for social care interventions, though this needs ratifying with more and better data.

Applications

The study suggests that SWIS is a promising intervention. Both the qualitative and quantitative findings suggest it may have the intended policy impact, but this needs to be tested on a larger scale and with a more rigorous counterfactual comparison. Such a study—a randomized-controlled trial involving 21 local authorities—was commissioned in 2020.
A meta-evaluative synthesis of the effects of custodial and community-based offender rehabilitation
Authors: Koehler Johann , Lösel Friedrich
Published: July 2024

We synthesize 53 meta-analyses on the effectiveness of correctional treatment applied to a wide variety of offender groups delivered in either custodial or community-based settings. Those meta-analyses revealed positive overall effects on reoffending of correctional treatment delivered in both settings. However, the treatment setting is also associated with complex moderator effects. With respect to effect size, for most groups, community-based correctional treatment is associated with statistically significant larger reductions in reoffending than treatments delivered in custodial settings. With respect to effect precision, custodial treatments report more consistent effects on reoffending than community-based treatments. The findings extend and develop the insight that treatment flexibility, such as is found among community-based treatments, can optimize program effectiveness. Likewise, the opportunities for monitoring and treatment fidelity that custodial settings enable can homogenize outcomes. Nonetheless, the promising results observed among treatments delivered both inside and outside institutional settings implicate a complex policy tradeoff between prioritizing strong performance and consistent effects.
Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Impact of Clear Margin Distance on Locoregional Control in Patients Undergoing Postoperative Radiotherapy
Authors: Lang Kristin , Held Thomas , Freudlsperger Christian , Plath Karim , Hoffmann Jürgen , Plinkert Peter K. , Debus Jürgen , Adeberg Sebastian
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Postoperative radiotherapy can improve locoregional control (LC) in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) patients with positive resection margins. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of surgical margin size on LC in this patient population.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 162 patients with OCSCC who underwent postoperative radiotherapy between 2000 and 2020 at the Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg and the German Cancer Research Center. The study aimed to determine the impact of different resection margins on LC, as well as overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and treatment-related toxicity (CTCAE 4.03).

Results

Seventy-seven patients (47.5%) had involved (<1 mm) margins, 22 patients (13.6%) close (≤5 mm) margins, and 63 patients (38.9%) clear (>5 mm) margins. A surgical margin ≤ 5 mm was a significant predictor for worse LC (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2, 6.1), but not for OS (HR 1.2, CI 0.7, 1.9) or PFS (HR 1.2, 0.7, 2.0).

Conclusion

Patients who have narrow resection margins (1-5 mm) experience poor local control and should receive postoperative radiotherapy. It is necessary to conduct further prospective studies to determine whether a narrower margin window could be achieved to better determine the appropriate indication for adjuvant radiotherapy.
Efficacy and Safety Analysis of Recombinant Human Endostatin (Endostar) Combined With Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: A 2-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Feng Yue , Li Xin , Sun Fei , Zhou Juying , Wang Lili , Zeng Hongwei , Yu Jingping
Published: July 2024

Background

This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of Endostar in the management of locally advanced cervical cancer.

Methods

This retrospective, 2-center study enrolled 41 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer between June 2017 and December 2020. The patients were subjected to a combination of Endostar and chemoradiotherapy until they experienced disease progression or an unacceptable level of toxicity. The patients in the Endostar combined chemoradiotherapy (E + CRT) and CRT groups were matched 1:1 based on clinical features, including age, disease stage, and pathological type. The therapeutic efficacy and safety outcomes were compared between the 2 groups.

Results

Early treatment response: the CR rates in E + CRT and CRT groups were 48.8% and 26.8%, respectively ( χ2 = 4.20, P < .05). The ORR and DCR were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Long-term efficacy: there was no significant difference in the 1-year and 2-year PFS rates and OS rates between 2 groups. However, in patients with stage IIB, subgroup analyses revealed a significant difference in PFS between the 2 groups ( P < .05). Prognostic factors: stage, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, and tumor size were independent predictive factors for PFS, while ECOG score and tumor size were those of OS in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Safety: The incidence of grade III-IV myelosuppression was significantly lower in E + CRT group than in CRT group ( P < .05).

Conclusions

The combination of Endostar and concurrent CRT exhibited greater efficacy in treating locally advanced cervical cancer with no severe adverse reactions, when compared to simple CRT. It is expected that this approach will evolve into a new treatment alternative for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.
The Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of the Combination of Tumor M2-Pyruvate Kinase, Carcinoembryonic Antigen, and Cytokeratin 19 Fragment in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Li , Xu Yihan , Wang Yuchao , Zhang Qian , Wang Yan , Xu Chunhua
Published: July 2024

Objective: Finding biomarkers related to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is helpful for the diagnosis and precise treatment of lung cancer. The relationship between serum tumor M2-pyruvate kinase (TuM2-PK), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1) and NSCLC was analyzed. Methods: The serum levels of TuM2-PK, CEA, and CYFRA21-1 in 184 patients with the NSCLC group, 60 patients with the benign lung disease (BLD) group, and 90 healthy controls (HC) group were detected. The levels of TuM2-PK were measured by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The detection methods of CEA and CYFRA21-1 were electrochemiluminescence. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the diagnostic value of TuM2-PK, CEA, and CYFRA21-1 on NSCLC. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve was drawn to evaluate the survival status in NSCLC patients with different serum levels of TuM2-PK, CEA, and CYFRA21-1. Results: Serum levels of TuM2-PK, CEA, and CYFRA21-1 in the NSCLC group were significantly higher than those in the BLD group and the HC group ( P < .01). Serum levels of TuM2-PK, CEA, and CYFRA21-1 in NSCLC patients were associated with the tumor lymph node metastasis stage ( P < .05), lymph node metastasis ( P < .05), and distant metastasis ( P < .05). The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve of serum levels of TuM2-PK, CEA, and CYFRA21-1 was 0.814, 0.638, and 0.719, respectively, and that the combination of the above 3 was 0.918. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve showed that the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rate in NSCLC patients with positive TuM2-PK, CEA, and CYFRA21-1 was significantly lower than that in NSCLC patients with negative TuM2-PK, CEA, and CYFRA21-1, respectively ( P < .05). Conclusions: Serum TuM2-PK, CEA, and CYFRA21-1 levels have high clinical values in the diagnosis of NSCLC, and can effectively judge the prognosis of patients.
Selective brain cooling with a novel catheter reduces infarct growth after recanalization in a canine large vessel occlusion model
Authors: King Robert M , Anagnostakou Vania , Shazeeb Mohammed Salman , Hornibrook Shannon , Mitchell Jennifer , Epshtein Mark , Raskett Christopher , Henninger Nils , Puri Ajit S , Merrill Thomas L , Gounis Matthew J
Published: July 2024

Background

Therapeutic hypothermia has shown potential in cardiac intervention for years; however, its adoption into the neurovascular space has been limited. Studies have pointed to slow cooling and limited depth of hypothermia yielding negative outcomes. Here we present an insulated catheter that allows for consistent infusion of chilled saline directly to the brain. Direct delivery of cold saline allows a faster depth of hypothermia, which could have a benefit to the growth of ischemic lesions.

Methods

Ten canines were randomized to either receive selective brain cooling or no additional therapy. Eight animals were successfully enrolled (n = 4 per group). Each animal underwent a temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for a total of 45 min. Five minutes prior to flow restoration, chilled saline was injected through the ipsilateral internal carotid artery using an insulated catheter to ensure delivery temperature. The treatment continued for 20 min, after which the animal was transferred to an MRI scanner for imaging.

Results

Of the 8 animals that were successfully enrolled in the study, 3 were able to survive to the 30-day endpoint with no differences between the cooled and control animals. There was no difference in the initial mean infarct size between the groups; however, animals that did not receive cooling had infarcts continuing to progress more rapidly after the MCAO was removed (13.8% vs 161.3%, p = 0.016, cooled vs control).

Conclusions

Selective hypothermia was able to reduce the post-MCAO infarct progression in a canine model of temporary MCAO.
“I Felt Like I Mattered”: Caring is a key ingredient of collaborative care for chronic illness
Authors: Graney Bridget A , Portz Jennifer Dickman , Bekelman David B
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To identify perceptions and experiences related to caring science and collaborative care in intervention participants of the Collaborative Care to Alleviate Symptoms and Adjust to Illness (CASA) study, a randomized, multi-site clinical trial for patients with chronic heart failure and reduced health status.

Methods

Forty-five participants completed semi-structured, telephone interviews with a focus on intervention components, impact of the intervention on participants’ lives, and recommendations for intervention change. Data were analyzed using an inductive content analysis approach focusing on the presence and frequency of text to identify patterns, categories, and themes across participants without an a priori code book. The validity of the identified categories was enhanced through triangulation.

Results

Three themes were identified: (1) intervention providers’ caring/helping attitude and caring/helping communication; (2) care team availability to respond to concerns or questions; and (3) help with understanding and navigating the healthcare system.

Discussion

Patients highly value caring attitudes and communication, availability, and empowerment to understand and navigate healthcare systems. These attitudes and behaviors may be important mediators of the success of collaborative care programs. These are consistent with the theory of caring science, a framework that is relevant more broadly to patient-centered and team-based care models.
A data-driven analysis of the technical and tactical evolution of elite women's football
Authors: Bransen Lotte , Davis Jesse
Published: July 2024

Currently, most research into the evolution of player performance in women's football has focused on physical performance. In contrast, we lack data-driven research into the technical and tactical developments of the women's game. This paper aims to fill this research gap by analysing an extensive longitudinal dataset containing event data for 3510 matches over eight years in the game's top leagues. It uses analytics techniques to assess changes in technical skills and tactical behaviours in the women's game. Tactically, we observe longer possession sequences and fewer long-distance shots. Technically, we observe that players are completing more difficult and valuable passes at a higher rate, and putting a higher percentage of shots on target, with a particular emphasis on aiming for the corners of the goal. These findings could aid football practitioners to account for the developments of the game.
Worse postoperative outcomes and higher reoperation in smokers compared to nonsmokers for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
Authors: Gaudiani Michael A , Castle Joshua P , Jiang Eric X , Wager Susan G , Brown Spencer R , Kasto Johnny K , Gasparro Matthew A , Jurayj Alexander S , Makhni Eric C , Moutzouros Vasilios , Muh Stephanie J
Published: July 2024

Background

This study aimed to determine if smokers at the time of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair met the minimally clinical important difference and substantial clinical benefit for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity, Depression, and Pain Interference scores in comparison to nonsmoking patients in a retrospective review.

Methods

Clinical outcomes and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scores were compared between a cohort of nonsmokers and current or former smokers (smokers). Further sub-analysis compared a cohort of nonsmokers propensity-matched 1:1 to a cohort of current/former smokers via age, body mass index, and tear size.

Results

A total of 182 patients, 80 smokers and 102 nonsmokers, were included. Smokers had statistically different-sized tears with more rated massive ( P = 0.02) and more reoperations ( P = 0.02). Smokers met substantial clinical benefit thresholds at a lower rate than nonsmokers for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity ( P = 0.03). In the sub-analysis, 74 smokers were matched to 74 nonsmokers. Smokers had a lower change in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity ( P = 0.007) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference ( P = 0.03) postoperatively. Fewer smokers met minimally clinical important difference for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity postoperatively ( P = 0.003) and more had reoperations ( P = 0.02).

Discussion

Overall, smokers demonstrated smaller improvements in function, and pain, and were less likely to meet minimally clinical important differences and substantial clinical benefits for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity at 6 months follow-up when compared to nonsmokers after rotator cuff repair.
Perspectives and Prospects for International Water Law in the ASEAN Region: Is There an ASEAN Way to Transboundary Water Cooperation Under International Law?
Authors: Devlaeminck David J.
Published: July 2024

Around the world there are over 300 transboundary watercourses and around 500 transboundary groundwater bodies shared by two or more States. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region contains forty-one transboundary surface and groundwater bodies shared between ten ASEAN States and the five non-ASEAN States at its periphery. As transboundary water resources they are governed under international law found in a series of layers across a spectrum of bindingness (customary international law, global–regional–multilateral–bilateral agreements and non-binding instruments). Through an analysis of the international law relevant to the governance of transboundary water resources in the region, this study seeks to explore the ASEAN approach to transboundary water governance under international law. While this analysis finds that there is no uniform practice across the region, the paper concludes with possible paths forward for the legalization of transboundary water cooperation.
Building a Universalized Theory for Spiritual Disciplines: Beyond Denomination, Personality, and Socio-Historical Experience
Authors: Gooch Griffin
Published: July 2024

This article addresses the pervasive timidity toward spiritual disciplines foreign to one’s own context for the ultimate purpose of drafting a universalized theory for engagement with spiritual disciplines that transcends socio-historical, denominational, and personality barriers. It is my belief that certain disciplines – such as contemplation, fasting, or secrecy, for example – fluctuate in popularity according to denominational biases, personality differences, and experiential eclipses. This contemporary confusion can be resolved by emphasizing the need for a more universalized, orthopraxical approach toward spiritual practices at both the individual and corporate level. While the body of this paper seeks to deconstruct certain barriers that perpetuate spiritual discipline skepticism – such as sacred-secular dualism, contextual difference, personality variations, “denominational jingoism,” and so on – through the lens of critical theory, its main thrust is toward a universalized theory for engagement with the spiritual disciplines that creates an openness to pursue any spiritual discipline that can enrich transformative encounters with the Triune God at the individual and corporate level.
Hearing the patient voice for persistent pain intervention development: recommendations for using a bespoke online discussion forum for qualitative data collection
Authors: Woodcock Charlotte , Cornwall Nicola , Harrisson Sarah A , Jinks Clare , Buttery Alison , Ashworth Julie , Mallen Christian D , Dikomitis Lisa ,   on behalf of the PROMPPT team
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Understanding patients’ experiences is important when developing interventions for people living with persistent pain. Interviews and focus groups are frequently used to capture beliefs, views, and perspectives. These methods often require a commitment to a predetermined date and time that may present a barrier to participation. An asynchronous online discussion forum, specifically designed for research purposes, provides an alternative and potentially more accessible method for participation. In this article we discuss a bespoke online discussion forum, the Q-PROMPPT blog, as a case example.

Methods

We describe how we developed the Q-PROMPPT blog, with patient and public involvement, and its use as an innovative method for qualitative data collection in the context of developing an intervention for patients prescribed opioids for persistent pain. Drawing on our experiences we discuss the following areas: planning and design, participant recruitment and registration, and participant experience and engagement.

Results

We identify and address key concerns for each area of the Q-PROMPPT blog: planning and design: choosing software, assigning roles, designing the interface to promote usability; recruitment of participants: recruiting eligible participants, participant anonymity; participant experience and engagement: mitigating risk of harm, facilitating discussions, planning for forum close.

Conclusion

Based on our lessons learnt, we outline recommendations for using a bespoke online discussion forum as a qualitative method to inform intervention development for people living with persistent pain. These include collaboration with information communication technology teams, co-design with patient and public partners, minimising risk of imposter participants and developing trust and online community identity.
A Career or a Transient Job? The Role and Development of Faculty Members in University-Based Principal Development Institutions in China
Authors: Zheng (郑玉莲) Yulian
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study examines the role and development of faculty members in university-based principal development institutions in China to elucidate the Chinese experience of educational leadership development and the tensions and challenges faced by the faculty of such institutions.

Design/Approach/Methods

Interviews with 34 faculty members from five state-authorized university-based principal development institutions were conducted.

Findings

Faculty members in principal development institutions fulfill a variety of complex, time-consuming, and taxing administrative, professional, and service responsibilities. In China, principal development institutions are affiliated with universities, and their faculty members are subject to university regulations on career sustenance and advancement. However, standards for administrative and academic promotion have no bearing on the sustainable improvement of principal development programs.

Originality/Value

This study is the first to describe the roles and development of faculty members in university-based principal development institutions in China. Knowledge of the unique structure of such programs and the experiences of faculty members may provide insights into how university-based principal training institutions can better utilize faculty to enhance program quality.
Artificial Intelligence and Education: End the Grammar of Schooling
Authors: Zhao (赵勇) Yong
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose is to stimulate imagination of artificial intelligence (AI) and education beyond current schooling.

Design/Approach/Methods

The approach this article took is a broad review of literature on learning, teaching, schooling, and technological development and evidence-based reasoning about the possible future of education in the context of AI.

Findings

Schools could be transformed with the advancement of technology, especially generative AI. The changes should start with student-driven personalizing learning and problem-oriented pedagogy.

Originality/Value

The value of the article lies with the unique definitions of personalized learning and problem-oriented pedagogy as well as the contribution of AI to support a new form of learning.