bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of intimate partner violence victimization and its association with the psychological state of abused women and social support in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Innab Adnan , Shaqiqi Wejdan , Alammar Kamila , Alshammari Alkadi , Shaqiqi Rawan
Published: December 2024

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a significant global concern, profoundly affecting physical, psychological, sexual, and financial well-being. Its prevalence is notably high in conservative societies including Saudi Arabia (SA). Given the limited research on the role of social support in IPV within SA. This study aimed to assess IPV victimization and its association with the psychological state of abused women in SA, and the effects of social support on the women’s experience of IPV.

Methods

A total of 128 women participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected from September 2022 to March 2023 using the World Health Organization Multi-Country Violence Against Women, the General Health Questionnaire, and the Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.

Results

One-quarter of women experienced at least one type of IPV, with more than half of them experienced financial (65.6%), sexual (53.9%), emotional (57.8%), controlling behavior (43.8%) and physical (39.8%) abuse. IPV victimization, be it physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, and IPV frequency were positively correlated with psychological distress (M = 15.05, SD = 6.82, p = .009), anxiety and depression (M = 6.29, SD = 2.57, p = .004), and loss of confidence (M = 2.57, SD = 1.90, p < .001). Social support was negatively associated with physical and controlling behavior abuse (p = .01) as well as IPV frequency (p = .024). The risk factors of IPV were unemployed women, employed husbands, history of child abuse for wives and husbands, financial struggle and arranged marriage.

Conclusions

The conclusion was that IPV can cause psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of confidence and can be buffered by social support. Given its prevalence and impact on mental health, it is crucial to establish strict policies and regulations to prevent IPV and provide effective interventions and support for abused women.
Effects of timely case conferencing between general practitioners and specialist palliative care services on symptom burden in patients with advanced chronic disease: results of the cluster-randomised controlled KOPAL trial
Authors: Mallon Tina , Schulze Josefine , Pohontsch Nadine , Asendorf Thomas , Weber Jan , Böttcher Silke , Sekanina Uta , Schade Franziska , Schneider Nils , Dams Judith , Freitag Michael , Müller Christiane , Nauck Friedemann , Friede Tim , Scherer Martin , Marx Gabriella
Published: December 2024

Background

Patients with advanced chronic non-malignant conditions often experience significant symptom burden. Therefore, overcoming barriers to interprofessional collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and specialist palliative home care (SPHC) teams is essential to facilitate the timely integration of palliative care elements. The KOPAL trial aimed to examine the impact of case conferences between GPs and SPHC teams on symptom burden and pain in patients with advanced chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and dementia.

Methods

The cluster-randomised controlled trial compared a structured palliative care nurse visit followed by an interprofessional case conference to usual care. Data were collected from GPs at baseline and 48 weeks, while standardised patient interviews were conducted at baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 48 weeks.

Results

We analysed 172 patients from 49 German GP practices. Both groups showed marginal improvement in symptom burden; however, no statistically significant between-group difference was found ($$\:{\Delta\:}$$=-0.561, 95% CI: -3.201–2.079, p = .68). Patients with dementia experienced a significant pain reduction ($$\:{\Delta\:}$$=2.187, 95% CI: 0.563–3.812, p = .009). Conversely, the intervention did not have a significant effect on pain severity ($$\:{\Delta\:}$$=-0.711, 95% CI: -1.430 − 0.008, p=.053) or pain interference ($$\:{\Delta\:}$$=-0.036, 95% CI:-0.797 − 0.725, p=.926) in other patient groups.

Conclusions

The intervention showed promise in the timely introduction of palliative care elements to address pain management in patients with dementia. Further studies are needed to identify and effectively address symptom burden and pain in other patient groups.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register: https://www.drks.de/DRKS00017795 (Registration date: 9th January 2020).
Changes in spatial bodily pain distribution one year after benign hysterectomy with emphasis on prevalence and risk factors for de novo and persistent pelvic pain- a prospective longitudinal multicenter study
Authors: Lukas Peter , Nilsson Lena , Wodlin Ninnie Borendal , Arendt-Nielsen Lars , Kjølhede Preben
Published: December 2024

Background

The objectives were to determine the prevalence of de novo and persistent pelvic pain after benign hysterectomy and to assess risk factors.

Methods

A Swedish prospective multicenter study of 440 women undergoing benign hysterectomy was conducted between October 2011 and March 2017. Measures of pain, the spatial extent of bodily pain, and pain sensitivity were assessed using a self-reporting questionnaire, Margolis’s patient pain drawing, and quantitative sensory testing of pain thresholds for pressure, heat, and cold, respectively. Quality of life was evaluated by EQ-5D-3L and SF-36. Psychological distress was assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scaleand the Stress-Coping Inventory. Logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors, and the outcome was presented as an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Preoperatively, 18.0% of the women reported no bodily pain, 41.5% had pelvic pain, either as the only location (7.0%) or along with pain in other locations (34.5%), and 40.5% had non-pelvic pain only. Postoperatively, 6.2% developed de novo pelvic pain and 16.4% had persistent pelvic pain. De novo pelvic pain developed exclusively in women who preoperatively had non-pelvic pain only. Risk factors for de novo pelvic pain were a long hospital stay (aOR 1.50 (95%CI) 1.02–2.21)), high preoperative pain intensity (aOR 1.25 (95%CI 1.01–1.62)) and a high number of pain areas (aOR 1.15 (95%CI 1.05–1.27)), along with anxiety (aOR 10.61 (95%CI 1.84–61.03)) and low EQ-5D-3L health index (aOR 0.02 (95%CI 0.00–0.31)). Risk factors for persistent pelvic pain were lower age (aOR 0.89 (95%CI 0.81–0.97)), higher number of pain areas (aOR 1.08 (95%CI 1.02–1.14)), and a higher frequency of preoperative pain (aOR 12.75 (95%CI 2.24–72.66)).

Conclusion

Although hysterectomy appeared to be reasonably effective in curing pelvic pain, a non-negligible proportion of women developed de novo pelvic pain or had persistent pelvic pain. De novo pelvic pain seemed to affect only those who preoperatively had widespread bodily pain. Women at risk for de novo and persistent pelvic pain after hysterectomy could be identified preoperatively.

Trial registrations

The study was retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT01526668) on 01/27//2012.
Developing nurse and midwife centred rostering principles using co-design: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Holton Sara , Rasmussen Bodil , Long Karrie , Bellizia Madison , Mathieson Jac C. , Crowe Shane , Mill Douglas , Pasion Harry , Rankin Claire , Woodhouse Maree , Douglas Meaghan , Glanville Nadine , Baker Kylie , Fallon Kethly , Hoffmann Megan , Sliwa Nicole , Heinjus Denise , Fitzpatrick Lisa , Gilbert Paul
Published: December 2024

Background

Current nursing and midwifery rosters are based on guidelines which may no longer adequately meet the needs of health services or staff and often result in decreased job satisfaction, poor health and wellbeing, and high turnover. Little is known about the rostering needs and preferences of contemporary nurses and midwives in Australia. The aim of this study was to identify the rostering concerns, needs and preferences of nurses and midwives, and co-design acceptable, equitable and feasible rostering principles.

Methods

A mixed-methods design using a co-design approach with three components: survey, discussion groups, and co-design workshops. Nurses and midwives employed at three public health services in Victoria, Australia were invited to participate. The quantitative (survey) data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the qualitative (discussion groups and co-design workshops) data using thematic analysis.

Results

Surveys were completed by 715 nurses and midwives including unit (n = 14) and roster (n = 13) managers. Nurses and midwives (n = 688) were mostly satisfied with their roster (mean satisfaction score = 57.4). Many had responsibilities or commitments which impacted their roster availability (n = 406, 61.6%) and over half had taken personal leave due to roster-related fatigue (n = 335, 59.1%) or unmet roster requests (n = 310, 54.7%). Midwives reported significantly less satisfaction (p < 0.001) and more challenges with current roster practices than nurses. Roster and unit managers described spending considerable time preparing and reworking rosters. Thirty-nine nurses and midwives participated in a focus group and outlined concerns about the fairness and equity of current roster practices, and the adverse impact on their health, work, and personal lives. Ninety-one nurses and midwives participated in a co-design workshop and identified a need for roster practices and guidelines which ensure flexibility, fairness and equity, and fatigue management.

Conclusions

Although nurses and midwives were mostly satisfied with their rosters, they often experienced frustrations and challenges with current roster guidelines and practices as well as adverse effects on their health and work and personal lives. Nurses and midwives identified a preference for fair and equitable rosters which provide flexibility and enable them to manage their other commitments and responsibilities, reduce roster-related fatigue, and provide high quality patient care.
GP emigration from Ireland: an analysis of data from key destination countries
Authors: Hanlon Holly Rose , Shé Éidín Ní , Byrne John-Paul , Smith Susan M. , Murphy Andrew W. , Barrett Aileen , O’Callaghan Mike , Humphries Niamh
Published: December 2024

Background

Ireland is experiencing a general practitioner (GP) workforce crisis, facing an ageing workforce, a growing population with increased life expectancy, and increased complexity of patients. The GP crisis threatens access to primary care in Ireland, as well as Ireland’s aim to transform into a primary-care centred system of universal healthcare via the proposed “Sláintecare” healthcare reforms. The challenges faced are common to many countries as health systems seek to expand their medical workforce post-pandemic. In addition Ireland has a legacy of austerity policies which impacted the health system, and triggered/generated largescale doctor emigration. However, little is known specifically about GP emigration and the role it potentially plays in the GP workforce crisis. This paper aims to address the gap in knowledge about the level of GP emigration from Ireland and consider the implications for the Irish health system and health systems internationally.

Methods

As Ireland does not formally collect routine data on GP emigration, this paper presents routinely collected secondary data from four key destination countries; Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Canada, in order to gain an initial picture of GP emigration from Ireland to these countries, from 2012–2021. The data were in the form of medical registration and immigration (visa) data and both stock (the total number of GPs registered in a country in a given year) and flow data (the number of GPs entering a country in a given year) were collated, where available.

Results

The stock data shows a substantial cohort of Irish-trained doctors working in general practice in key destination countries. The flow data suggests a relatively small annual emigration flow of GPs from Ireland to individual countries. However when compared with the total numbers of GPs trained in Ireland each year, the numbers are notable.

Conclusions

The available data suggests a mixed picture regarding GP emigration from Ireland. There is a significant stock of Irish-trained GPs abroad which perhaps represents a potential cohort of GPs who could be encouraged to return to practice in Ireland as part of Ireland’s strategy for addressing the GP workforce crisis. The annual flow of GPs from Ireland to key destination countries, while small, should be monitored and factored into GP workforce planning. As global demand for GPs increases, countries will inevitably compete with each other to attract and retain GPs (see for example Australia’s recent move to attract and recruit Irish trained GPs). The paper highlights the need for improved routine data on the GP workforce in Ireland, including the need for a national GP workforce dataset, in order to ensure that national workforce planning efforts are informed by the latest evidence on GP emigration.
L-Arginine supplementation as mitochondrial therapy in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Fiordelisi Antonella , Cerasuolo Federica Andrea , Avvisato Roberta , Buonaiuto Antonietta , Maisto Marianna , Bianco Antonio , D’Argenio Valeria , Mone Pasquale , Perrino Cinzia , D’Apice Stefania , Paolillo Roberta , Pezone Antonio , Varzideh Fahimeh , Santulli Gaetano , Sorriento Daniela , Iaccarino Guido , Gambardella Jessica
Published: December 2024

In patients with type II diabetes, the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) is associated with a high risk of mortality. Left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, and exercise intolerance are the first signs of DC. The underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated, and there is an urgent need for specific biomarkers and molecular targets for early diagnosis and treatment. Mitochondrial alterations play a key role in the development of DC, and microRNAs regulating mitochondrial function are emerging as potential biomarkers of metabolic stress in DC. L-Arginine (Arg) supplementation has been shown to be an effective strategy for improving mitochondrial function and energetics, with a significant impact on physical performance. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of Arg supplementation on cardiac mitochondrial function, DC development, and relative phenotypes including exercise intolerance. We used db/db mice as a model of type II diabetes, chronically treated with Arg (1 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks. Arg-treated db/db mice showed preserved diastolic function and left ventricular morphology compared with untreated diabetic mice. Arg supplementation also improved exercise tolerance and the propensity to physical activity. Mitochondrial respiration was significantly increased in cardiomyocytes isolated from treated db/db mice, as well as in diabetic cardiomyocytes treated with Arg in vitro. The improvement of cardiac mitochondrial function in db/db + Arg mice was associated with an increase in PGC-1-alpha levels, mitochondrial biogenesis, recycling, and antioxidant capacity. Arg treatment prevented the accumulation of circulating and cardiac miR-143 in db/db mice, which is an index of metabolic stress and activation of mitochondrial damage mechanisms. In conclusion, Arg supplementation is effective in preventing the development of DC, preserving diastolic function and exercise tolerance by improving mitochondrial fitness and homeostasis. Additionally, miR-143 could potentially be employed to monitor cardiac metabolic stress and the effects of Arg treatment in diabetes.
Clinical importance of patient-reported outcome measures in severe asthma: results from U-BIOPRED
Authors: Meys Roy , Franssen Frits M.E. , Van ‘t Hul Alex J. , Bakke Per S. , Caruso Massimo , Dahlén Barbro , Fowler Stephen J. , Geiser Thomas , Howarth Peter H. , Horváth Ildikó , Krug Norbert , Behndig Annelie F. , Singer Florian , Musial Jacek , Shaw Dominick E. , Montuschi Paolo , Zee Anke H. Maitland-van der , Sterk Peter J. , Roberts Graham , Kermani Nazanin Z. , Incalzi Raffaele A. , Louis Renaud , Andersson Lars I. , Wagers Scott S. , Dahlén Sven-Erik , Chung Kian Fan , Adcock Ian M. , Spruit Martijn A. ,   on behalf of the U-BIOPRED Study Group
Published: December 2024

Rationale

Knowledge about the clinical importance of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in severe asthma is limited.

Objectives

To assess whether and to what extent asthma exacerbations affect changes in PROMS over time and asthma-specific PROMs can predict exacerbations in adult patients with severe asthma in usual care.

Methods

Data of 421 patients with severe asthma (62% female; mean age 51.9 ± 13.4 years; mean FEV1 67.5 ± 21.3%pred) from the U-BIOPRED cohort were analyzed. The included PROMs were: Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ5); Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ); Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS); Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS); Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS); Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test (SNOT20). Participants were assessed at baseline and after 12–18 months of usual care.

Results

PROMs showed very weak to weak correlations with clinical characteristics such as age, body mass index, FEV1, FeNO and eosinophilic cell count. Patients presenting no exacerbations during follow-up showed a statistically significant improvement in all PROMs (except for MARS), whereas individuals experiencing > 2 exacerbations showed a deterioration. Baseline ACQ5 was a predictor of exacerbations with an AUC of 0.590 (95%CI 0.514–0.666).

Conclusions

The association of PROMs with clinical measures was poor in severe asthmatics. Moreover, PROMs were prone to changes in usual care, with exacerbations playing a key role. PROMs need to be systematically evaluated in severe asthma to improve clinical care based on specific patient’s needs.
Is there a comparable Mp-MRI for incidental prostate uptake on 18 F-FDG PET/CT?
Authors: Şam Özdemir Merve , Kaya Nurullah , Savun Metin , Keskin Emin Taha , Yüzkan Sabahattin , Arslan Fatma Zeynep , Budak Burcu , Omak Özgür , Yardımcı Aytül Hande , Özdemir Harun
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Although 18 F-FDG-PET/CT is helpful in defining many types of cancer, localized prostate cancer should not be treated with this technique. This study describes the use of multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) to characterize incidental 18 F-FDG uptake in the prostate.

Methods and Materials

While 18 F-FDG-PET/CT is useful for characterizing a variety of cancers, it is not advised for prostate cancer that is localized. This work investigates the use of mpMRI to describe incidental 18 F-FDG uptake in the prostate.mpMRI included T2-weighted (T2W), dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) sequences. Patients were classified according to PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System) version 2.1 by an experienced uroradiologist, and 18 F-FDG-PET was evaluated to determine whether the area of involvement on CT had a counterpart in mpMRI. A biopsy was performed on 30 of the 92 patients. These patients’ maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) 6 < and ≥ 6, PS(PSA) density 0.15 < and ≥ 0.15, PSA level, uptake pattern (focal involvement/diffuse involvement), and PI-RADS scores were compared. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. Logistic regression was used to analyze PI-RADS score groups age, PSA, PSA density and SUVmax.

Results

In the study, 92 patients with incidental 18 F-FDG-PET/CT prostate uptake were examined. Median age was 66, PSA median was 3.6 ng/ml (range: 0-3198 ng/ml). Notably, in 70.6% of cases, PET/CT uptake didn’t correlate with mp-MRI findings. Among PI-RADS 3-4-5 patients (29.3%), there was a correlation. Biopsies in 30 patients revealed 43.3% benign, 56.7% malignant. Significant differences between benign and malignant cases were observed in PSA density, PI-RADS scores, and PSA levels (p < .05), while SUVmax and uptake pattern were not significant. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, PI-RADS score groups were found to be independent risk factors for predicting malignancy.

Conclusions

Our study showed that incidental 18 F-FDG-PET/CT prostate uptake was detected and that high PSA density values, PI-RADS scores, and PSA values, such as in routine patients, and not PET-CT findings such as SUVmax and uptake pattern, were more predictive of malignancy.
Associations between ADC histogram analysis values and tumor-micro milieu in uterine cervical cancer
Authors: Surov Alexey , Borggrefe Jan , Höhn Anne-Kathrin , Meyer Hans-Jonas
Published: December 2024

Background

The complex interactions of the tumor micromilieu may be reflected by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) derived from the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The present study investigated the association between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and histopathologic features in uterine cervical cancer.

Methods

In this retrospective study, prebiopsy MRI was used to analyze histogram ADC-parameters. The biopsy specimens were stained for Ki-67, E-cadherin, vimentin and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL, all CD45 positive cells). Tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) was calculated on routine H&E specimens. Spearman’s correlation analysis and receiver-operating characteristics curves were used as statistical analyses.

Results

The patient sample comprised 70 female patients (age range 32–79 years; mean age 55.4 years) with squamous cell cervical carcinoma. The interreader agreement was high ranging from intraclass coefficient (ICC) = 0.71 for entropy to ICC = 0.96 for ADCmedian. Several ADC-histogram parameters correlated strongly with the TSR. The highest correlation coefficient achieved p10 (r = -0.81, p < 0.0001). ADCmean can predict tumors with high TSR, AUC: 0.91, sensitivity: 0.91 (95% CI 0.77;0.96), specificity: 0.91 (95% CI 0.78;0.97). Several ADC-histogram parameters correlated slightly with the proliferation index Ki-67. No associations were found with TIL, E-Cadherin and vimentin. In well and moderately differentiated cancers, ADC histogram values showed stronger correlations with Ki-67 and TSR than in poorly differentiated tumors.

Conclusion

ADC values are strongly associated with tumor-stroma ratio. The ADC mean can be used to predict tumors with high TSR. Associations between histopathology and ADC values depend on tumor differentiation. ADC values show only weak associations with Ki-67 and none with TIL, vimentin and E-cadherin.
Hypermagnesemia caused by fecal-mass obstruction in stenotic rectal cancer following preoperative administration of magnesium citrate
Authors: Sato Yuri , Hashiba Eiji , Yamazaki Yuuma , Kato Koudai , Kinoshita Hirotaka , Noguchi Satoko , Kudo Tomoyuki , Hirota Kazuyoshi
Published: December 2024

Background

Hypermagnesemia is a rare complication, leading to fatal cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. We present severe hypermagnesemia developed in a patient with a rectal stenosis after pretreatment with oral magnesium citrate for rectosigmoid surgery.

Case presentation

A 78-year-old woman demonstrated consciousness disturbance, muscle weakness, and respiratory depression requiring tracheal intubation after preparation with oral magnesium for rectosigmoid surgery. Endoscopic examination showed a rectal obstruction due to fecal impaction. General condition improved after emergency Hartmann’s surgery. Blood test revealed a remarkable increase of serum magnesium level to 17.5 mg/dL when the general condition deteriorated, which would have been responsible for her symptoms. She was discharged from the ICU after extubation on the third postoperative day with a normal magnesium level.

Conclusions

Pretreatment with large doses of oral magnesium-containing bowel cleanser may cause severe hypermagnesemia in patients with colorectal stenosis.
Population-based cross-sectional analysis of cannabis use among Kentucky adults, 2020–21
Authors: Shafer Sydney , Kennedy Gunnar , Christian W. Jay
Published: December 2024

Purpose

We conducted this study to assess cannabis use rates in the state of Kentucky relative to socioeconomic, demographic, and geographic factors, as well as reasons for use and modes of use, before the legal medical marijuana market commences in 2025.

Methods

We pooled Kentucky Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data for 2020–2021 and used weighted responses for all analyses. We estimated current cannabis use (at least once in the past 30 days), and heavy use (at least 20 of the past 30 days) prevalence rates for Appalachian, Delta, and Central geographic regions of Kentucky. We tabulated descriptive statistics and used multivariable logistic regression to identify characteristics of individuals who used cannabis.

Results

The prevalence of cannabis use was lower in Kentucky (10%) than nationally (about 13%). Of those who used cannabis, 42% used it daily or near daily. Those who were male, ages 18–34, never married, black, less than HS education, lower household income, and lived in the Central region were more likely to use cannabis. Among those who used cannabis, mode of use varied somewhat among age groups, education levels, income groups, and marital status, but smoking was most common—78% overall. About 33% reported using cannabis for recreation alone, 24% for medical reasons alone, and 43% for both reasons.

Conclusion

Despite the illegal status of cannabis in Kentucky, its use is common across population sub-groups. A large proportion of Kentuckians using cannabis do so daily or near daily, and most for a medical purpose. Smoking, however, remains the most common mode of use.
Evaluation of the metabolic activity, angiogenic impacts, and GSK-3β signaling of the synthetic cannabinoid MMB-2201 on human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: AL-Eitan Laith Naser , Alahmad Saif Zuhair , Ajeen Sufyan Ali , Altawil Ahmad Younis , Khair Iliya Yacoub , Kharmah Hana Salah Abu , Alghamdi Mansour Abdullah
Published: December 2024

Angiogenesis is an intrinsic physiological process involving the formation of new capillaries from existing ones. Synthetic cannabinoids refer to a class of human-made chemicals that are primarily designed to mimic the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Studies investigating the association between synthetic cannabinoids and cellular reactions are limited, and the available scientific evidence is insufficient. Consequently, the primary goal was to examine the effects of the synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-2201 on brain angiogenesis in vitro to provide a comprehensive analysis of MMB-2201’s potential therapeutic or adverse effects on vascular development and related health conditions. Human Cerebral Microvascular Endothelial Cells (HBEC-5i) were incubated with MMB-2201, and their metabolic activity, migration rate, and tubular structure formation were examined. Expression levels of several angiogenesis-related proteins such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Angiopoietin-1 (ANG-1), and Angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) were assessed using western blot, ELISA, and real-time PCR. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β) at Ser9 induced by MMB-2201 was evaluated. HBEC-5i cells showed a significant increase in metabolic rate, enhanced migration, and sprouting of brain endothelial cells. Moreover, there was a noticeable increase in the mRNA and protein levels of VEGF, ANG-1, and ANG-2, as well as in the phosphorylation rate of GSK-3β at Ser9. This study paves the way for a novel pharmacological approach to addressing various angiogenesis-related diseases by targeting cannabinoid receptor type-1. Further exploration using different antagonists or agonists of cannabinoid receptors, depending on the specific characteristics of the disorders, may be necessary.
Socioscientific issues: promoting science teachers’ pedagogy on social justice
Authors: Macalalag Augusto Z. , Kaufmann Alan , Van Meter Benjamin , Ricketts Aden , Liao Erica , Ialacci Gabrielle
Published: December 2024

Socioscientific issues (SSI) are problems involving the deliberate use of scientific topics that require students to engage in dialogue, discussion, and debate. The purpose of this project is to utilize issues that are personally meaningful and engaging to students, require the use of evidence-based reasoning, and provide a context for scientific information. Social justice is the pursuit of equity and fairness in society by ensuring that all individuals have opportunities to challenge and address inequalities and injustices to create a more just and equitable society for all (Killen et al. Human Development 65:257–269, 2021). By connecting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts to personally meaningful contexts, SSI can empower students to consider how STEM-based issues reflect moral principles and elements of virtue in their own lives and the world around them (Zeidler et al. Science Education 89:357–377, 2005). We employed a qualitative research design to answer the following questions: (1) In what ways, if any, did teachers help students grow their knowledge and practices on social justice through socioscientific issues? (2) In teachers’ perceptions, what components of SSI did students learn and what are their challenges? (3) In teachers’ perceptions, what are students’ stances on social justice? After completing the first year and second-year professional development programs, grades 6–12 STEM teachers were asked to complete a reflection on classroom artifacts. Teachers were asked to select student artifacts (e.g. assignments, projects, essays, videos, etc.) that they thought exemplified the students’ learning of SSI and stance on social justice. Based on 21 teacher-submitted examples of exemplar student work, we saw the following example pedagogies to engage their students on social justice: (a) making connections to real-world experiences, (b) developing a community project, (c) examining social injustice, and (d) developing an agency to influence/make changes. According to teachers, the most challenging SSI for students was elucidating their own position/solution, closely followed by employing reflective scientific skepticism. Moreover, the students exemplified reflexivity, metacognition, authentic activity, and dialogic conversation. Using SSI in classrooms allows students to tackle real-world problems, blending science and societal concerns. This approach boosts understanding of scientific concepts and their relevance to society. Identifying methods like real-world connections and examining social injustice helps integrate social justice themes into science education through SSI. Overall, SSI promotes interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and informed decision-making, enriching science education socially. This study highlights the value of integrating SSI in science education to engage students with social justice.
Big data analytics in healthcare: data sources, tools, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Badawy Mohammed , Ramadan Nagy , Hefny Hesham Ahmed
Published: December 2024

The increasing number of patients with chronic diseases and the concentration of medical resources have a substantial economic impact, leading to hospital visits, hospital readmissions, and additional healthcare expenses. Healthcare providers must now adopt big data strategies to keep up with the ever-increasing data deluge and enhance patient care. Therefore, this study aims to provide an overview of big data’s role in healthcare prediction by discussing its data sources, analytical techniques, and challenges. Also, it proposes a conceptual framework to be adopted in real-time big healthcare data analytics. In addition, this paper answers the following questions. First, what are the most popular Big Data sources that can be utilized in healthcare prediction? Second, how can Big Data sources and Big Data processing frameworks be integrated to enhance healthcare prediction accuracy? The studies discussed in this paper have been presented in popular scientific research databases, such as IEEE, Springer, and Elsevier. Machine learning, deep learning, and healthcare are some terms used to search for these studies. Hence, a review of published papers utilizing machine learning and deep learning methods for the purposes of diagnosing, detecting, predicting, and monitoring conditions pertaining to healthcare has been conducted. The conducted review identified the key challenges, research directions, and recommendations for real-time healthcare prediction using machine learning technologies. In addition, the proposed conceptual framework can serve as a general methodology to be adopted by other researchers in the healthcare domain.
Blockchain-based smart grid power trading technology
Authors: Su Kai , Yu Yun , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: December 2024

To improve the security and efficiency of smart grid power trading, this study designs a smart grid trading system based on blockchain technology. The transaction module of the system composed of smart contracts and order-matching algorithms is proposed. The credit consensus mechanism of the system adopts a designed credit-based hybrid consensus mechanism. The experimental results showed that under this system, the successful transaction prices of consumers bidding were between the grid price and the recycling price, making bidding more reasonable. The highest power utilization rate was 0.84, the lowest was 0.67, and the transaction throughput exceeded 350TPS. The highest CPU usage was 0.74, the lowest was 0.5, and the highest memory usage was only 0.44. Compared with other systems, the order matching of this system was more reasonable and its performance was better. Furthermore, the system has been subjected to rigorous security testing and is reliable, thereby providing a secure and efficient trading platform for smart grid electricity trading.
Cardiac myxoma with high standardized uptake value of FDG-PET-CT in the right ventricular outflow tract
Authors: Uehara Hiroo , Ohba Kenta , Ono Makoto , Imazuru Tomohiro , Shimokawa Tomoki
Published: December 2024

Background

Cardiac myxoma rarely occurs in the right ventricle, and as is a benign disease, it rarely shows high positivity on 18F fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT).

Case presentation.

We present herein the case of a 77-year-old woman who was found to have a heart murmur during a routine health checkup. Further examination revealed a 27-mm tumor in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and moderate aortic valve stenosis. Additionally, during her preoperative evaluation, she was diagnosed with a 10-mm tumor in the right breast, prompting her referral to our hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Contrast-enhanced CT and magnetic resonance imaging of the chest did not show signs strongly suggestive of malignancy, nor did echocardiography. However, FDG-PET/CT showed an abnormally high standardized uptake value (SUV) max of 9.91. Based on these findings, we decided the best treatment course was tumor resection of the RVOT and aortic valve replacement. Our intraoperative examination confirmed a tumor inferior to the pulmonary valve; therefore, we resected three branches of the septal artery feeding the tumor, including part of the right ventricular free wall. A rapid pathological examination indicated a benign tumor, and the patient’s final diagnosis was a cardiac myxoma. The postoperative course was uneventful, and to date, workup including CT scans during follow-up has shown no obvious recurrence.

Conclusion

This case highlights the challenges and importance of accurate imaging diagnoses in cardiac tumors. The patient underwent a successful surgical resection of the cardiac myxoma, emphasizing the need for careful postoperative follow-up.
Exploring Resources and Reasoning Practices in Socioscientific System Modeling for Justice-Centered Science Education
Authors: Lesnefsky Rebecca R. , Elsner Jamie , Kirk Eric A. , Yeldell Jasmyne , Ke Li , Sadler Troy D.
Published: December 2024

Integrating science education with social justice is vital for preparing students to critically address significant societal issues like climate change and pandemics. This study examines the effectiveness of socioscientific system modeling as a tool within Justice-Centered Science Pedagogy (JCSP) to enhance middle school students’ understanding of social justice science issues. It focuses on how system modeling can scaffold students’ reasoning about complex social systems, informed by their lived experiences, cultural backgrounds, and social identities. Our research involved 27 middle school students using system models to explore the societal and scientific dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic. By leveraging the experiences and insights of students, educators can create transformative learning environments that not only recognize but also utilize students’ unique knowledge bases as legitimate contributions to classroom discourse. The implications for instructional design highlight the need for multifaceted, responsive activities that align with the principles of JCSP and empower students as agents of societal transformation. The research contributes to the ongoing discourse on enhancing science education through justice-centered approaches that address the complexities of socioscientific context and the cultural relevance of scientific knowledge.
An Asynchronous Chemistry-in-biology Intervention Improves Student Content Knowledge and Performance in Introductory Biology
Authors: Meaders Clara L. , Mendez Lilyan , Aguilar Alfonso Godínez , Rivera Angelita T. , Vasquez Izabella , Mueller Liam O. , Owens Melinda T.
Published: December 2024

We identified opportunity gaps related to prior chemistry preparation for students in introductory biology which were tied to equity gaps in exam scores. We developed, implemented and assessed an intervention to support learning of chemistry-in-biology concepts, and found that mastery and module use mitigated some but not all equity gaps.
Automated Identification of Breast Cancer Relapse in Computed Tomography Reports Using Natural Language Processing
Authors: Lee Jaimie J. , Zepeda Andres , Arbour Gregory , Isaac Kathryn V. , Ng Raymond T. , Nichol Alan M.
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE

Breast cancer relapses are rarely collected by cancer registries because of logistical and financial constraints. Hence, we investigated natural language processing (NLP), enhanced with state-of-the-art deep learning transformer tools and large language models, to automate relapse identification in the text of computed tomography (CT) reports.

METHODS

We analyzed follow-up CT reports from patients diagnosed with breast cancer between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2014. The reports were curated and annotated for the presence or absence of local, regional, and distant breast cancer relapses. We performed 10-fold cross-validation to evaluate models identifying different types of relapses in CT reports. Model performance was assessed with classification metrics, reported with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

In our data set of 1,445 CT reports, 799 (55.3%) described any relapse, 72 (5.0%) local relapses, 97 (6.7%) regional relapses, and 743 (51.4%) distant relapses. The any-relapse model achieved an accuracy of 89.6% (87.8-91.1), with a sensitivity of 93.2% (91.4-94.9) and a specificity of 84.2% (80.9-87.1). The local relapse model achieved an accuracy of 94.6% (93.3-95.7), a sensitivity of 44.4% (32.8-56.3), and a specificity of 97.2% (96.2-98.0). The regional relapse model showed an accuracy of 93.6% (92.3-94.9), a sensitivity of 70.1% (60.0-79.1), and a specificity of 95.3% (94.2-96.5). Finally, the distant relapse model demonstrated an accuracy of 88.1% (86.2-89.7), a sensitivity of 91.8% (89.9-93.8), and a specificity of 83.7% (80.5-86.4).

CONCLUSION

We developed NLP models to identify local, regional, and distant breast cancer relapses from CT reports. Automating the identification of breast cancer relapses can enhance data collection about patient outcomes.
Real-World Outcomes in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated With First-Line Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab in the United States
Authors: Doshi Gurjyot K. , Osterland Andrew J. , Shi Ping , Yim Annette , Del Tejo Viviana , Guttenplan Sarah B. , Eiffert Samantha , Yin Xin , Rosenblatt Lisa , Conkling Paul R.
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE

Nivolumab plus ipilimumab (NIVO + IPI) is a first-in-class combination immunotherapy for the treatment of intermediate- or poor (I/P)-risk advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Currently, there are limited real-world data regarding clinical effectiveness beyond 12-24 months from treatment initiation. In this real-world study, treatment patterns and clinical outcomes were evaluated for NIVO + IPI in a community oncology setting.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis using electronic medical record data from The US Oncology Network examined patients with I/P-risk clear cell mRCC who initiated first-line (1L) NIVO + IPI between January 4, 2018, and December 31, 2019, with follow-up until June 30, 2022. Baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, clinical effectiveness, and safety outcomes were assessed descriptively. Overall survival (OS) and real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods.

RESULTS

Among 187 patients identified (median follow-up, 22.4 months), with median age 63 (range, 30-89) years, 74 (39.6%) patients had poor risk and 37 (19.8%) patients had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score ≥2. Of 86 patients who received second-line therapy, 54.7% received cabozantinib and 10.5% received pazopanib. The median (95% CI) OS and rwPFS were 38.4 (24.7-46.1) months and 11.1 (7.5-15.0) months, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were reported in 89 (47.6%) patients, including fatigue (n = 25, 13.4%) and rash (n = 19, 10.2%).

CONCLUSION

This study provides data to support the understanding of the real-world utilization and long-term effectiveness of 1L NIVO + IPI in patients with I/P-risk mRCC. TRAE rates were low relative to clinical trials.
Impact of Financial Toxicity on Treatment Adherence and Quality of Life in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Schleimer Lauren E. , Aviki Emeline , Kalvin Hannah L. , Magnin Josephine , Sokolowski Stefania S. , Kingham T. Peter , O'Reilly Eileen M. , Varghese Anna M. , Soares Kevin C. , Drebin Jeffrey , D'Angelica Michael I. , Jarnagin William R. , Gonen Mithat , Thom Bridgette , Wei Alice C.
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE

Financial toxicity (FT) is increasingly recognized as a major issue in cancer care. We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for FT in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and FT associations with treatment adherence and quality of life (QOL).

METHODS

A screening questionnaire based on the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) was implemented at our National Cancer Institute–designated comprehensive cancer center. Respondents with pathologic diagnosis of PDAC who completed >50% of prompts between June 2022 and June 2023 were analyzed. COST ≤16 was categorized as FT. Associations between FT and demographic and clinical factors were assessed using logistic regression, and QOL was assessed using linear regression.

RESULTS

Of the 1,888 patients with PDAC, 1,162 completed the COST questionnaire, and 1,079 met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of FT was 23% (n = 245); 37% of patients with FT reported medication nonadherence due to cost. Demographic factors and poor performance status were associated with FT. Treatment-naïve patients were more likely to report FT compared with those on induction, adjuvant, or palliative therapy (
P
= .049). Patients experiencing FT reported worse QOL, with a median score of 5 (IQR, 4-7) versus 8 (IQR, 6-9) without FT. This relationship persisted after adjusting for demographic and clinical factors; the effect size of FT (β = –1.5; 95% CI, –1.1 to –1.9) was nearly double that of poor performance status (β = –.8; 95% CI, –1.3 to –0.4).

CONCLUSION

FT affected nearly one in four patients with PDAC at a high-volume cancer center and was associated with worse QOL and medication nonadherence. Universal screening and interventions to reduce FT are warranted. Clinical trials investigating QOL as an end point must account for potential confounding due to FT.
Afterword: Telling Stories about Unknown Lives
Authors: Alaimo Stacy
Published: December 2024

Despite initial skepticism regarding the idea that narrative is a potent mode for generating multispecies justice, this afterword underscores the compelling arguments in the introduction to this special section. Then, the essay offers a response to several of the ideas, analyses, and examples presented by the essays in this collection, with a focus on conceptions of relationality, the subjects of justice, not-knowing but learning, and practices of world-building. It also offers brief interpretations of Leanne Betasamosake Simpson's novel Noopiming in relation to concepts and questions raised by the special section. The afterword concludes by advocating for a multitude of practices within specific places and lifeworlds, practices that are rich with compassionate multispecies relations.
Casein kinase 1 controls components of a TORC2 signaling network in budding yeast
Authors: Lucena Rafael , Jasani Akshi , Anastasia Steph , Kellogg Douglas , Alcaide-Gavilan Maria
Published: December 2024

Tor kinases play diverse and essential roles in control of nutrient signaling and cell growth. These kinases are assembled into two multiprotein complexes known as TORC1 and TORC2. In budding yeast, TORC2 relays nutrient-dependent signals that strongly influence growth rate and cell size. However, the mechanisms that control TORC2 signaling are poorly understood. Activation of TORC2 requires Mss4, a phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase that recruits and activates downstream targets of TORC2. Localization of Mss4 to the plasma membrane is thought to be controlled by phosphorylation, and previous work has suggested that yeast homologs of casein kinase 1, Yck1 and Yck2 (referred to here collectively as Yck1/2), Control phosphorylation of Mss4. Here, we generated a new analog-sensitive allele of YCK2 and used it to test whether Yck1/2 influence localization of Mss4 or signaling in the TORC2 network. We found that Yck1/2 strongly influence Mss4 phosphorylation and localization, as well as influencing regulation of multiple components of the TORC2 network. However, inhibition of Yck1/2 causes mild effects on the best-characterized signaling axis in the TORC2 pathway, suggesting that Yck1/2 might play a larger role in influencing less well-understood aspects of TORC2 signaling.
Fibre type differences in the organisation of mononuclear cells and myonuclei at the tips of human myofibres
Authors: Hoegsbjerg Christian , Møbjerg Ask , Yeung Ching-Yan Chloé , Schjerling Peter , Krogsgaard Michael R. , Koch Manuel , Kjaer Michael , von Keudell Arvind G. , Mackey Abigail L.
Published: December 2024

The myotendinous junction (MTJ) is a weak link in the musculoskeletal system. Here, we isolated the tips of single myofibres from healthy (non-injured) human hamstring muscles for confocal microscopy (n=6) and undertook RNAscope in situ hybridisation (n=6) to gain insight into the profiles of cells and myonuclei in this region, in a fibre type manner. A marked presence of mononuclear cells was observed coating the myofibre tips (confirmed by serial block face scanning electron microscopy and cryosection immunofluorescence), with higher numbers for type I (median 29; range 16–63) than type II (16; 9–23) myofibres (P<0.05). The number of these cells expressing COL22A1 was comparable between fibre types. Myonuclear number and density gradually increased from the myofibre proper towards the tip for both fibre types (P<0.05). COL22A1 was expressed by similar proportions of myonuclei in type I (median 26%; range 13–56) and type II (19%; 3–67) myofibre tips. 70% of the COL22A1-positive nuclei in the MTJ region were myonuclei, and the remaining 30% were MTJ cells. This insight refines our fundamental understanding of the human MTJ at the cell and structural levels.