Tag: pubmed

Biomed Phys Eng Express. 2025 Feb 10. doi: 10.1088/2057-1976/adb434. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Increasing the central dose for large, locally advanced, drug-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (LADR-GIST) has consistently been a significant challenge. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using stereotactic ablation radiotherapy to enhance the radiation dose delivered to the center of large LADR-GISTs.&#xD;Methods and Materials: This study involved five patients with large LADR-GIST who were treated with CyberKnife. The gross tumor volume (GTV) was delineated as a multi-shell structure. Five dose escalation plans (SIB-SBRT) were created for each patient, varying the dose escalation gradients. The radiation doses for the center of the GTV (GTVcenter) in these plans ranged from 49 Gy to 70 Gy. Parameter evaluations were conducted comparing the SIB-SBRT plans with conventional SBRT plans (Con-SBRT), focusing on equivalent uniform dose (EUD), relative equivalent uniform dose (rEUD), dose volume parameters, conformal index (CI), new conformal index (nCI), gradient index (GI), and monitor unit (MU). The Friedman Test was employed to determine statistical differences (P < 0.05), followed by pairwise comparisons.&#xD;Results: When the dose escalation gradient reached 25% of the prescribed dose, the average rEUD increased to 6.92, and the proportion of the GTV volume with BED > 100 Gy increased to 30.69%. At a dose gradient of 30% of the prescribed dose, the rEUD stabilized, but the radiation dose received by the bladder, colon, and duodenum significantly increased.&#xD;Conclusions: The method of synchronously increasing the dose using a multi-shell structure is feasible for stereotactic ablation in the treatment of LADR-GISTs using CyberKnife. The results indicate that a dose escalation gradient of 25% of the prescribed dose can provide a satisfactory ablation dose (BED > 100 Gy), covering 31% of the large tumor volume.

PMID:39928989 | DOI:10.1088/2057-1976/adb434

Nurs Health Sci. 2025 Mar;27(1):e70058. doi: 10.1111/nhs.70058.

ABSTRACT

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic gastrointestinal condition with a multifactorial etiology. It significantly impacts patients’ quality of life, particularly, in rural areas where access to specialized care is limited. Challenges such as increased travel costs, social isolation, and restricted healthcare access are recognized, but their specific impact on rural Italian patients remains underexplored. This study aims to fill this gap. Using Cohen’s hermeneutic phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 IBD patients from rural areas. Thematic analysis identified key patterns and themes. Two main themes emerged: “challenges of rural living,” including economic concerns and social isolation, and “communication that bridges distances.” Rural IBD patients face unique challenges extending beyond disease management, with economic hardship and social isolation being prominent. These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to bridge healthcare gaps and improve the quality of life for rural patients, offering novel insights into their lived experiences in Italy.

PMID:39928987 | DOI:10.1111/nhs.70058

Nurs Health Sci. 2025 Mar;27(1):e70057. doi: 10.1111/nhs.70057.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess the burden of caregiving and identify factors predicting caregiver burden among family caregivers of community-dwelling older adults. Family caregivers of older adults face significant challenges in their caregiving responsibilities. Although some studies have examined factors related to caregiver burden among these caregivers, they are often limited in scope and frequently lack comprehensive theoretical frameworks and large population-based samples. This study conducted a secondary data analysis using the 7th Thailand National Survey of Older Persons from 2021. The analysis focused on 3192 dyads of older adults and their primary family caregivers. Primary family caregivers in this study generally experienced a mild burden. Higher caregiver burden was associated with leaving the workforce, being in an extended family, the older adult having poorer health, higher ADL dependency, age under 90 years, and poor hearing ability, and lack of community health worker visits. Addressing these findings can enhance nursing practices and health policies, providing more effective support to family caregivers and improving the well-being of both caregivers and older adults.

PMID:39928983 | DOI:10.1111/nhs.70057

Nurs Health Sci. 2025 Mar;27(1):e70062. doi: 10.1111/nhs.70062.

ABSTRACT

Implementation science (ImpSci) programs are emerging in nursing postgraduate education. The Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Project (EQUIP) is a multiphase initiative aimed at equipping implementation lead nurses (IL nurses) with the skills necessary for practice changes. This study leveraged EQUIP’s outcomes to develop a 1-year Higher Diploma in ImpSci for registered nurses, preparing graduates to conduct ImpSci projects that improve healthcare quality. Using a co-participatory design, the study engaged IL nurses (n = 10), clinician nurses (n = 3), clinical research nurses (n = 1), and academic staff (n = 2) in collaboratively developing the ImpSci Higher Diploma curriculum. Six co-designed learning domains were established, aligning with the program’s mission to advance evidence-based education, research-driven clinical practice, and sustainable quality initiatives, with a focus on ImpSci. Nine program learning outcomes were mapped to eight domains of competence, creating a framework to prepare IL nurses to conduct ImpSci projects, address challenges, and improve patient outcomes. ImpSci Higher Diploma builds on previous work in evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation, equipping graduates to lead critical quality improvement efforts and advance nursing education and healthcare delivery.

PMID:39928966 | DOI:10.1111/nhs.70062

Blood Adv. 2025 Feb 10:bloodadvances.2024015176. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2024015176. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We conducted a multi-center, open-label, randomized phase II study to assess the efficacy of Nivolumab as maintenance therapy for patients with AML in first complete remission (CR) or CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi) who were not candidates for SCT. Patients were stratified and randomized to Observation (Obs) or Nivolumab (Nivo, 3mg/kg IV every 2 weeks for 46 doses). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) defined as time to disease relapse or death due to any reason. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), and evaluation of adverse events following Nivolumab administration. Eighty patients were enrolled with median duration of follow-up of 24 months (33 months among survivors). PFS was 13.2 months in the Nivolumab arm (95% CI: 8.5-21.8) and 10.9 months in the Observation arm (5.4-14.9 months). Overall PFS curves were not statistically significantly different ((Nivo/Obs)= 0.92; 95% CI: 0.54, 1.56; one-sided p = 0.38). The median OS was 53.9 months in the Nivolumab arm and 30.9 months in the Observation arm. Cox regression model HR (Nivo/Obs)= 0.78; 95% CI: 0.40, 1.51; p=0.23 (one-sided). There were more adverse events (AEs) of any type (regardless of attribution) on the Nivolumab arm; 27 (71%) patients on the Nivolumab arm had a grade 3 or higher AE compared to 5 patients (12%) on the Observation arm (p<0.001). Nivolumab maintenance after AML chemotherapy failed to improve the PFS and OS in this randomized Phase II study. There were increased AEs and SAEs with nivolumab, but these AEs and SAEs were expected and manageable. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02275533.

PMID:39928953 | DOI:10.1182/bloodadvances.2024015176

JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2025 Feb 10;13:e55298. doi: 10.2196/55298.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Major surgery is associated with significant morbidity and a reduced quality of life, particularly among older adults and individuals with frailty and impaired functional capacity. Multimodal prehabilitation can enhance functional recovery after surgery and reduce postoperative complications. Digital prehabilitation has the potential to be a resource-sparing and patient-empowering tool that improves patients’ preoperative status; however, little remains known regarding their safety and accuracy as medical devices.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to test the accuracy and validity of a new software in comparison to the gold-standard electrocardiogram (ECG)-based heart rate measurement.

METHODS: The PROTEGO MAXIMA trial was a prospective interventional pilot trial assessing the validity, accuracy, and safety of an app-based exercise program. The Prehab App calculates a personalized, risk-stratified aerobic interval training plan based on individual risk factors and utilizes wearables to monitor heart rate. Healthy students and patients undergoing major surgery were enrolled. A structured risk assessment was conducted, followed by a 6-minute walking test and a 37-minute supervised interval session. During the exercise, patients wore app-linked wearables for heart rate and distance measurements, which were compared with standard ECG and treadmill measurements. Safety, accuracy, and usability assessments included testing alarm signals, while the occurrence of adverse events served as the primary and secondary outcome measures.

RESULTS: A total of 75 participants were included. The mean heart rate differences between wearables and standard ECG were ≤5 bpm (beats per minute) with a mean absolute percentage error of ≤5%. Regression analysis revealed a significant impact of the BMI (odds ratio 0.90, 95% CI 0.82-0.98, P=.02) and Timed Up and Go Test score (odds ratio 0.12, 95% CI 0.03-0.55, P=.006) on the accuracy of heart rate measurement; 29 (39%) patients experienced adverse events: pain (5/12, 42%), ECG electrode-related skin irritations (2/42, 17%), dizziness (2/42, 17%), shortness of breath (2/42, 17%), and fatigue (1/42, 8%). No cardiovascular or serious adverse events were reported, and no serious device deficiency was detected. There were no indications of clinically meaningful overexertion based on laboratory values measured before and after the 6-minute walking test and exercise. The differences in means and ranges were as follows: lactate (mmol/l), mean 0.04 (range -3 to 6; P=.47); creatinine kinase (U/l), mean 12 (range -7 to 43; P<.001); and sodium (mmol/l), mean -2 (range -11 to 12; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The interventional trial demonstrated the high safety of the exercise program and the accuracy of heart rate measurements using commercial wearables in patients before major surgery, paving the way for potential remote implementation in the future.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00026985; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00026985 and European Database on Medical Devices (EUDAMED) CIV-21-07-0307311.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069394.

PMID:39928941 | DOI:10.2196/55298

JMIR Hum Factors. 2025 Feb 10;12:e62955. doi: 10.2196/62955.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With the increasing prevalence of digital technology, adolescent internet addiction (IA) has become a global concern. Excessive internet use, especially among adolescents, has been linked to various negative outcomes such as poor academic performance, social isolation, and mental health issues. Conducted among adolescents of Arab origin, our study addressed the limitations of the literature, which predominantly focuses on Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic populations.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to differentiate between essential and nonessential internet use and how they relate to IA in early and middle adolescents, as well as the relationship between subjective happiness with the amount of time spent on nonessential internet use and IA.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 377 students from 16 schools in Qatar. The survey measured essential and nonessential internet use, subjective happiness with nonessential use, and IA symptoms using the Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire, as well as participant demographics. To explore age-specific associations, participants were categorized into early (age 11-13 years) and middle (age 14-17 years) adolescents. Factorial analysis, multiple regression, and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Nonessential internet use significantly predicted IA in both early (P<.001) and middle (P<.001) adolescents, with early adolescents showing a stronger association. Subjective happiness with nonessential internet use negatively predicted IA only in middle adolescents (P<.001) as greater dissatisfaction led to a higher IA risk. Essential internet use did not predict IA in either group.

CONCLUSIONS: Differentiating between essential and nonessential internet use is crucial in understanding IA. This study highlights the importance of developmental differences in shaping IA symptoms. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at addressing IA should be age specific and focus on addressing nonessential use specifically rather than considering internet use and screen time in general as a single entity. Cultural and regional factors also play a role in shaping internet use patterns and IA in the Middle East, necessitating context-specific, culturally sensitive approaches to IA prevention.

PMID:39928940 | DOI:10.2196/62955

JMIR Form Res. 2025 Feb 10;9:e70071. doi: 10.2196/70071.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Social media has become a central tool in health communication, offering both opportunities and challenges. In Saudi Arabia, where platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram are widely used, the quality and credibility of oral health information shared digitally remain critical issues. Misconceptions about oral health can negatively influence individuals’ behaviors and oral health outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the patterns of social media use and estimate the prevalence of oral health-related misconceptions among adults in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it assessed the associations between engagement with oral health information, self-reported oral health, and the presence and count of these misconceptions.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted over 10 weeks, targeting adults aged 15 years and older in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from a total sample size (n=387) via a questionnaire distributed through targeted advertisements on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X (Twitter). The prevalence of oral health-related misconceptions was estimated using descriptive statistics, including counts and percentages. Chi-square tests described sociodemographic, social media engagement, and self-reported oral health. Logistic and Poisson regression analyses were used to assess associations between engagement and self-reported oral health with misconceptions. Logistic regression models provided odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios with 95% CI to assess the presence of oral health misconceptions. Poisson regression was used to calculate mean ratios and adjusted mean ratios (AMRs) for the count of misconceptions.

RESULTS: WhatsApp (n=344, 89.8%) and Instagram (n=304, 78.9%) were the most frequently used social media platforms daily. Common oral health misconceptions included beliefs that “Pregnancy causes calcium loss in teeth” (n=337, 87%) and “Dental treatment should be avoided during pregnancy” (n=245, 63.3%). Following dental-specific accounts was significantly associated with lower odds of having any misconceptions (adjusted odds ratio 0.41, 95% CI 0.22-0.78) and a lower count of misconceptions (AMR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77-0.98). Conversely, trust in social media as a source of oral health information was associated with a higher count of misconceptions (AMR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.31).

CONCLUSIONS: Social media platforms are essential yet double-edged tools for oral health information dissemination in Saudi Arabia. Participants who followed dental-specific accounts had significantly lower misconceptions, while trust in social media as a source of information was linked to higher counts of misconceptions. These findings highlight the importance of promoting credible content from verified sources to combat misconceptions. Strategic collaborations with dental professionals are necessary to enhance the dissemination of accurate oral health information and public awareness and reduce the prevalence of oral health-related misconceptions.

PMID:39928937 | DOI:10.2196/70071

JMIR Ment Health. 2025 Feb 10;12:e64445. doi: 10.2196/64445.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dementia is a syndrome that compromises neurocognitive functions of the individual and that is affecting 55 million individuals globally, as well as global health care systems, national economic systems, and family members.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the status quo of scientific production on use of digital health technologies (DHTs) to support (older) people living with dementia, their families, and care partners. In addition, our study aimed to map the current landscape of global research initiatives on DHTs on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support of people living with dementia and their caregivers.

METHODS: A bibliometric analysis was performed as part of a systematic review protocol using MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Epistemonikos, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar for systematic and scoping reviews on DHTs and dementia up to February 21, 2024. Search terms included various forms of dementia and DHTs. Two independent reviewers conducted a 2-stage screening process with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Eligible reviews were then subjected to a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer to evaluate document types, authorship, countries, institutions, journal sources, references, and keywords, creating social network maps to visualize emergent research trends.

RESULTS: A total of 704 records met the inclusion criteria for bibliometric analysis. Most reviews were systematic, with a substantial number covering mobile health, telehealth, and computer-based cognitive interventions. Bibliometric analysis revealed that the Journal of Medical Internet Research had the highest number of reviews and citations. Researchers from 66 countries contributed, with the United Kingdom and the United States as the most prolific. Overall, the number of publications covering the intersection of DHTs and dementia has increased steadily over time. However, the diversity of reviews conducted on a single topic has resulted in duplicated scientific efforts. Our assessment of contributions from countries, institutions, and key stakeholders reveals significant trends and knowledge gaps, particularly highlighting the dominance of high-income countries in this research domain. Furthermore, our findings emphasize the critical importance of interdisciplinary, collaborative teams and offer clear directions for future research, especially in underrepresented regions.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows a steady increase in dementia- and DHT-related publications, particularly in areas such as mobile health, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and sensor-based technologies interventions. This increase underscores the importance of systematic approaches and interdisciplinary collaborations, while identifying knowledge gaps, especially in lower-income regions. It is crucial that researchers worldwide adhere to evidence-based medicine principles to avoid duplication of efforts. This analysis offers a valuable foundation for policy makers and academics, emphasizing the need for an international collaborative task force to address knowledge gaps and advance dementia care globally.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42024511241; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=511241.

PMID:39928936 | DOI:10.2196/64445

J Med Internet Res. 2025 Feb 10;27:e60948. doi: 10.2196/60948.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy has become a game changer in cancer treatment. The internet has been used by patients as a platform to share personal experiences and seek medical guidance. Despite the increased utilization of immunotherapy in clinical practice, few studies have investigated the perceptions about its use by analyzing social media data.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to use BERTopic (a topic modeling technique that is an extension of the Bidirectional Encoder Representation from Transformers machine learning model) to explore the perceptions of online cancer communities regarding immunotherapy.

METHODS: A total of 4.9 million posts were extracted from Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and 16 online cancer-related forums. The textual data were preprocessed by natural language processing. BERTopic modeling was performed to identify topics from the posts. The effectiveness of isolating topics from the posts was evaluated using 3 metrics: topic diversity, coherence, and quality. Sentiment analysis was performed to determine the polarity of each topic and categorize them as positive or negative. Based on the topics generated through topic modeling, thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes associated with immunotherapy.

RESULTS: After data cleaning, 3.6 million posts remained for modeling. The highest overall topic quality achieved by BERTopic was 70.47% (topic diversity: 87.86%; topic coherence: 80.21%). BERTopic generated 14 topics related to the perceptions of immunotherapy. The sentiment score of around 0.3 across the 14 topics suggested generally positive sentiments toward immunotherapy within the online communities. Six themes were identified, primarily covering (1) hopeful prospects offered by immunotherapy, (2) perceived effectiveness of immunotherapy, (3) complementary therapies or self-treatments, (4) financial and mental impact of undergoing immunotherapy, (5) impact on lifestyle and time schedules, and (6) side effects due to treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an overview of the multifaceted considerations essential for the application of immunotherapy as a therapeutic intervention. The topics and themes identified can serve as supporting information to facilitate physician-patient communication and the decision-making process. Furthermore, this study also demonstrates the effectiveness of BERTopic in analyzing large amounts of data to identify perceptions underlying social media and online communities.

PMID:39928933 | DOI:10.2196/60948