Tag: nevin manimala

J Cancer Educ. 2024 Sep 2. doi: 10.1007/s13187-024-02491-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Secure messaging (SM) is an important aspect of communication for patients with cancer. SM fosters patient-clinician communication and helps patients with symptom management and treatment support. However, patients are uncertain about how to phrase messages appropriately and have expressed the need for guidance. In response, we designed a user-centered, web-based application named SEND The application focuses on specificity, expression, needs, and directness through interactive video tutorials and quizzes. Our objective was to comprehensively evaluate SEND based on its levels of engagement, satisfaction, acceptability, and appropriateness. We recruited 101 patients with various cancer diagnoses to use SEND and then fill out a survey 1 to 2 weeks later about their experience. Patients’ mean age was 64 years; most were male (55%), white (83%), diagnosed with cancer in 2020 with high levels of self-efficacy, and 51% had a bachelor’s degree or higher. 65% were engaged in the application, and respondents spent an average of 15 min interacting with SEND Satisfaction was 90.4%, 85.4% found it acceptable, and 88.6% appropriate. There were no statistically significant differences across age, sex, race, education, or year of diagnosis. Results underscore the potential of eHealth interventions, like SEND, in enhancing patient-clinician communication in cancer care. By empowering patients with effective message-writing techniques, SEND has the potential to improve the quality of SM, which can lead to faster response times and more patient-centered responses.

PMID:39222291 | DOI:10.1007/s13187-024-02491-0

Vet Med Sci. 2024 Sep;10(5):e70022. doi: 10.1002/vms3.70022.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, ticks are the major threat to cattle productivity and production, leading to considerable economic losses. The current study was designed to estimate the prevalence of ixodid tick infestation, identify species, assess major risk factors associated with tick infestation and assess public awareness.

METHODS: A cross-sectional and questionnaire-based study was conducted from January 2022 to June 2022 in the Aleltu district. The study animals were selected using a simple random sampling method.

RESULTS: Of the 400 cattle examined, 303 (75.8%) were found to be infested by one or more tick species. Six species of ticks were identified that belonged to three genera: Amblyomma, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus, and the subgenus Rhipicephalus (Boophilus). The most common tick species identified in terms of their prevalence and dominance were Rh. (Bo) decoloratus, Rh. evertsi, Am. variegatum, Hy. rufipes, Rh. bergeoni and Rh. praetextatus. In the present study, Rh. (Bo) decoloratus was the most prevalent (56.8%) in the study area. Among the risk factors considered, the prevalence of tick species had a statistically significant (p < 0.05) association with the age, production systems and body condition of animals. Out of 110 people interviewed, 107 (97.3%) believed there was a tick infestation in their village, and almost all farmers 103(93.6%) in the study area were unaware that ticks serve as vectors.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides preliminary information on the prevalence of tick infestation and the composition of ticks in the Aleltu district. Ticks are a major problem for the cattle in the study area. Therefore, the problem observed in the study area alarms the district and calls for a comprehensive control strategy.

PMID:39222286 | DOI:10.1002/vms3.70022

Environ Geochem Health. 2024 Sep 2;46(10):411. doi: 10.1007/s10653-024-02181-2.

ABSTRACT

The increase in heavy metal concentration in water bodies due to rapid industrial and socio-economic development significantly threatens ecological and human health. This study evaluated metal pollution and related risks to ecology and human health in the Maroon-Jarahi river sub-basin in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea basin, southwest Iran, using various indicators. A total of 70 water samples were taken from the sampling sites in the Maroon, Allah, and Jarahi sub-basins and analyzed for nine heavy metals. According to the results, the mean concentration of metals in the sampling locations across the entire sub-basin of Maroon-Jarahi was observed as follows Iron (528.22 µg/L), zinc (292.62 µg/L), manganese (56.47 µg/L), copper (36.23 µg/L), chromium (11.78 µg/L), arsenic (7.09 µg/L), lead (3.43 µg/L), nickel (3.23 µg/L), and cadmium (1.38 µg/L). Most of the metals were detected at the highest concentration in the sub-basin of the Jarahi River. The Water Quality Index (WQI) index in the basin varied from 18.74 to 22.88, indicating well to excellent quality. However, the investigation of the pollution status at the monitoring stations, based on the classification of Degree of Contamination (CD) and Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) indices, revealed that they are in the category of relatively high pollution (16 < CD < 32) to very high (32 ≤ CD), and in the low pollution category (HPI < 15) to high pollution (HPI < 30), respectively. According to the three sub-basins, the highest amount of WQI, HPI, and Cd was observed in the stations located in the sub-basins of the Jarahi River. The calculation of Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI) also indicated that only 10% of the monitoring stations are in moderate pollution (10 < HEI < 20), while in other monitoring stations the HEI level is less than 10. The Potential ecological risk factors ( ${\text{E}}_{\text{r}}^{\text{i}}$ ) of an individual metal was obtained as follows: Cd (173.70) > As (131.99) > Zn (57.52) > Cu (55.39) > Ni (48.98) > Cr (21.57) > Pb (0.71), revealing that Cd and As are the main elements responsible for creating ecological risk in the studied area. The Maroon-Jarahi watershed included areas with ecological risks that ranged from low (PERI ≤ 150) to very high (PERI ≥ 600). HI and ILCR health indicators indicated that consumption and long-term contact with river water in the study area can cause potential risks to human health, especially children. Moreover, the findings, the highest level of pollution and health risk for both children and adults, considering both exposure routes, occurred in the Jarahi River sub-basin, suggesting that those who live in the vicinity of the Jarahi River are likely to face more adverse health effects. In addition, the findings of the evaluation of the relationship between land use patterns and water quality in the studied basin showed that agricultural lands acts as a main source of pollutants, but forest lands play an important role in the deposition of pollutants and the protection of water quality at the basin scale. In general, the results of pollution indicators, risk assessment, and statistical techniques suggest that the lower sub-basin, the Jarahi area, and the Shadegan wetland are the most polluted areas in the investigated sub-basin due to excessive discharge of agricultural runoff, industrialization, and rapid urbanization. Thus, special measures should be considered to reduce the risks of HMs pollution in the sub-basin of the Maroon-Jarahi watershed, especially its downstream and the impact of agricultural land use on water quality should be taken into consideration in basin management plans.

PMID:39222283 | DOI:10.1007/s10653-024-02181-2

Int J Cancer. 2024 Sep 2. doi: 10.1002/ijc.35162. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cancer patients are at a higher risk to develop severe COVID-19 symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the general population and regularly show an impaired immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. In our oncological center, 357 patients with hematological and oncological diseases were monitored for neutralizing antibodies from October 2021 over 12 months. All patients had received three anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations with an mRNA-(Comirnaty/BionTech or Spikevax/Moderna) or a vector vaccine (Vakzevria/AstraZeneca or JCOVDEN/Johnson&Johnson). Neutralizing anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in the patients’ sera were detected within 3 months before, 3-10 weeks and 5-7 months after the booster vaccination (third vaccination). 112 patients developed a breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection during the observation period. High anti-SARS-Cov-2 antibody levels before infection significantly protected against symptomatic Covid-19 disease (p = .003). The median antibody titer in patients with asymptomatic Covid-19 disease was 2080 BAU/ml (binding antibody units per Milliliter) and 765 BAU/ml in symptomatic patients. 98% of the solid tumor patients reached seroconversion after the booster vaccination in comparison to 79% of the hematological patients. High antibody titers of >2080 BAU/ml after the booster vaccination were detected in 61% of the oncological and 34.8% of the hematological patients. 7-10 months after the booster vaccination, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titer declined to an average of 849 BAU/ml. Considering the heterogenous humoral immune response of cancer patients observed in this study, an individual vaccination strategy based on regular measurement of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels should be considered in contrast to fixed vaccination intervals.

PMID:39222267 | DOI:10.1002/ijc.35162

Support Care Cancer. 2024 Sep 2;32(9):627. doi: 10.1007/s00520-024-08816-5.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Clinical guidelines recommend early palliative care for patients with advanced lung cancer. In rural and underserved community oncology practices with limited resources, both primary palliative care from an oncologist and specialty palliative care are needed to address patients’ palliative care needs. The aim of this study is to describe community oncology clinicians’ primary palliative care practices and perspectives on integrating specialty palliative care into routine advanced lung cancer treatment in rural and underserved communities.

METHODS: Participants were clinicians recruited from 15 predominantly rural community oncology practices in Kentucky. Participants completed a one-time survey regarding their primary palliative care practices and knowledge, barriers, and facilitators to integrating specialty palliative care into advanced-stage lung cancer treatment.

RESULTS: Forty-seven clinicians (30% oncologists) participated. The majority (72.3%) of clinicians worked in a rural county. Over 70% reported routinely asking patients about symptom and physical function concerns, whereas less than half reported routinely asking about key prognostic concerns. Roughly 30% held at least one palliative care misconception (e.g., palliative care is for only those who are stopping cancer treatment). Clinician-reported barriers to specialty palliative care referrals included fear a referral would send the wrong message to patients (77%) and concern about burdening patients with appointments (53%). Notably, the most common clinician-reported facilitator was a patient asking for a referral (93.6%).

CONCLUSION: Educational programs and outreach efforts are needed to inform community oncology clinicians about palliative care, empower patients to request referrals, and facilitate patients’ palliative care needs assessment, documentation, and standardized referral templates.

PMID:39222247 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-024-08816-5

Environ Monit Assess. 2024 Sep 2;196(10):874. doi: 10.1007/s10661-024-13004-3.

ABSTRACT

The present study deals with the assessment of different physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity (E.C.), turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and dissolved oxygen) in different surface water such as pond, river, and canal water in four different seasons, viz. March, June, September, and December 2023. The research endeavors to assess the impact of a cationic polyelectrolyte, specifically poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDADMAC), utilized as a coagulation aid in conjunction with lime for water treatment. Employing a conventional jar test apparatus, turbidity removal from diverse water samples is examined. Furthermore, the samples undergo characterization utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The study also conducts correlation analyses on various parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity of raw water, polyelectrolyte dosage, and percentage of turbidity removal across different water sources. Utilizing the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software, these analyses aim to establish robust relationships among initial turbidity, temperature, percentage of turbidity removal, dosage of coagulant aid, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids (TDS) in pond water, river water, and canal water. A strong positive correlation could be found between the percentage of turbidity removal and the value of initial turbidity of all surface water. However, a negative correlation could be observed between the polyelectrolyte dosage and raw water’s turbidity. By elucidating these correlations, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of PDADMAC and lime in water treatment processes across diverse environmental conditions. This research enhances our comprehension of surface water treatment methodologies and provides valuable insights for optimizing water treatment strategies to address the challenges posed by varying water sources and seasonal fluctuations.

PMID:39222246 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-024-13004-3

Psychol Sci. 2024 Sep 2:9567976241263344. doi: 10.1177/09567976241263344. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Statistical learning is a powerful mechanism that enables the rapid extraction of regularities from sensory inputs. Although numerous studies have established that statistical learning serves a wide range of cognitive functions, it remains unknown whether statistical learning impacts conscious access. To address this question, we applied multiple paradigms in a series of experiments (N = 153 adults): Two reaction-time-based breaking continuous flash suppression (b-CFS) experiments showed that probable objects break through suppression faster than improbable objects. A preregistered accuracy-based b-CFS experiment showed higher localization accuracy for suppressed probable (versus improbable) objects under identical presentation durations, thereby excluding the possibility of processing differences emerging after conscious access (e.g., criterion shifts). Consistent with these findings, a supplemental visual-masking experiment reaffirmed higher localization sensitivity to probable objects over improbable objects. Together, these findings demonstrate that statistical learning alters the competition for scarce conscious resources, thereby potentially contributing to established effects of statistical learning on higher-level cognitive processes that require consciousness.

PMID:39222160 | DOI:10.1177/09567976241263344

Support Care Cancer. 2024 Sep 2;32(9):624. doi: 10.1007/s00520-024-08832-5.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration (PCOC) aims to enhance patient outcomes systematically. However, identifying crucial items and accurately determining PCOC phases remain challenging. This study aims to identify essential PCOC data items and construct a prediction model to accurately classify PCOC phases in terminal patients.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study assessed PCOC data items across four PCOC phases: stable, unstable, deteriorating, and terminal. From July 2020 to March 2023, terminal patients were enrolled. A multinomial mixed-effect regression model was used for the analysis of multivariate PCOC repeated measurement data.

RESULTS: The dataset comprised 1933 terminally ill patients from 4 different hospice service settings. A total of 13,219 phases of care were analyzed. There were significant differences in the symptom assessment scale, palliative care problem severity score, Australia-modified Karnofsky performance status, and resource utilization groups-activities of daily living among the four PCOC phases of care. Clinical needs, including pain and other symptoms, declined from unstable to terminal phases, while psychological/spiritual and functional status for bed mobility, eating, and transfers increased. A robust prediction model achieved areas under the curves (AUCs) of 0.94, 0.94, 0.920, and 0.96 for stable, unstable, deteriorating, and terminal phases, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Critical PCOC items distinguishing between PCOC phases were identified, enabling the development of an accurate prediction model. This model enhances hospice care quality by facilitating timely interventions and adjustments based on patients’ PCOC phases.

PMID:39222130 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-024-08832-5

Rev Sci Tech. 2024 Aug;43:69-78. doi: 10.20506/rst.43.3519.

ABSTRACT

The Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) programme aims to assess the impact of animal health on agricultural animals, livestock production systems and associated communities worldwide. As part of the objectives of GBADs’Animal Health Ontology theme, the programme reviewed conceptual frameworks, ontologies and classification systems in biomedical science. The focus was on data requirements in animal health and the connections between animal health and human and environmental health. In May 2023, the team conducted searches of recognised repositories of biomedical ontologies, including BioPortal, Open Biological and Biomedical Ontology Foundry, and Ontology Lookup Service, to identify animal and livestock ontologies and those containing relevant concepts. Sixteen ontologies were found, covering topics such as surveillance, anatomy and genetics. Notable examples include the Animal Trait Ontology for Livestock, the Animal Health Surveillance Ontology, the National Center for Biotechnology Information Taxonomy and the Uberon Multi-Species Anatomy Ontology. However, some ontologies lacked class definitions for a significant portion of their classes. The review highlights the need for domain evidence to support proposed models, critical appraisal of external ontologies before reuse, and external expert reviews along with statistical tests of agreements. The findings from this review informed the structural framework, concepts and rationales of the animal health ontology for GBADs. This animal health ontology aims to increase the interoperability and transparency of GBADs data, thereby enabling estimates of the impacts of animal diseases on agriculture, livestock production systems and associated communities globally.

PMID:39222110 | DOI:10.20506/rst.43.3519

Rev Sci Tech. 2024 Aug;43:96-107. doi: 10.20506/rst.43.3522.

ABSTRACT

The estimation of the global burden of animal diseases requires the integration of multidisciplinary models: economic, statistical, mathematical and conceptual. The output of one model often serves as input for another; therefore, consistency of the model components is critical. The Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) Informatics team aims to strengthen the scientific foundations of modelling by creating tools that address challenges related to reproducibility, as well as model, data and metadata interoperability. Aligning with these aims, several tools are under development: a) GBADs’Trusted Animal Information Portal (TAIL) is a data acquisition platform that enhances the discoverability of data and literature and improves the user experience of acquiring data. TAIL leverages advanced semantic enrichment techniques (natural language processing and ontologies) and graph databases to provide users with a comprehensive repository of livestock data and literature resources. b) The interoperability of GBADs’models is being improved through the development of an R-based modelling package and standardisation of parameter formats. This initiative aims to foster reproducibility, facilitate data sharing and enable seamless collaboration among stakeholders. c) The GBADs Knowledge Engine is being built to foster an inclusive and dynamic user community by offering data in multiple formats and providing user-friendly mechanisms to garner feedback from the community. These initiatives are critical in addressing complex challenges in animal health and underscore the importance of combining scientific rigour with user-friendly interfaces to empower global efforts in safeguarding animal populations and public health.

PMID:39222107 | DOI:10.20506/rst.43.3522