Multiple Facets Research Articles

PET Imaging of Metabolism, Perfusion, and Hypoxia: FDG and Beyond.

Imaging glucose metabolism with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography has transformed the diagnostic and treatment algorithms of numerous malignancies in clinical practice. The cancer phenotype, though, extends beyond dysregulation of this single pathway. Reprogramming of other pathways of metabolism, as well as altered perfusion and hypoxia, also typifies malignancy. These features provide other opportunities for imaging that have been developed and advanced into humans. In this review, we discuss imaging metabolism, perfusion, and hypoxia in cancer, focusing on the underlying biology to provide context. We conclude by highlighting the ability to image multiple facets of biology to better characterize cancer and guide targeted treatment.

Chronic Cervical Midline Contusion in Rats Disrupts Multiple Facets of Cardiovascular Function

Cardiovascular dysfunction is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality following spinal cord injury (SCI). There are a limited number of studies assessing cardiovascular deficits after cervical SCI. This study aimed to assess disrupted cardiovascular function following a chronic severe incomplete C8 SCI in rats, via damaging descending sympathetic projections to the spinal sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Rats were first trained on the isometric pull task before receiving a C8 midline contusion (Infinite Horizon Impact Device; 250 kilodynes; 0 s dwell time) or laminectomy and were tested one day per week from weeks 7-13 following surgery. Isometric forelimb strength and correlates of muscle endurance were monitored during pull task sessions. Cardiovascular function was evaluated 16 weeks post-surgery. Tilt table testing was used to induce an orthostatic challenge by tilting rats 90 degrees head-up from a supine position and 90 degrees head-down from supine position as a control. Following tilt table testing, dobutamine (DOB; 2 μg/kg/min and 10 μg/kg/min) and norepinephrine (NE; 1 μg/kg/min and 4 μg/kg/min) were infused into the femoral vein separately to assess cardiovascular responses to a pharmacological challenge. We monitored cardiovascular physiology during all terminal testing. A blood pressure catheter was inserted into the left common carotid artery and advanced to the aortic arch to monitor interatrial blood pressure, 2 pairs of impedance cardiography (ICG) electrodes were placed on the left side of the thorax to evaluate inotropic correlates of cardiac function, and 2 photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors were affxed over the forelimbs flexor muscles to examine peripheral hemodynamics. To verify the accuracy of ICG-derived cardiac function, rats were examined by echocardiography at week 15. Spinal cords were collected for lesion analysis and were also stained for tyrosine hydroxylase. Our preliminary results demonstrate that chronic severe incomplete C8 SCI resulted in a significant and sustained hypotension during the 3-minute period of 90 degrees head-up tilting (systolic blood pressure = ~ -22 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure = ~ -19 mmHg) compared to laminectomy. There were also significant differences in left ventricular ejection time, heart rate, and stroke volume across groups, whereas forelimb hemodynamics did not differ across groups. Additionally, correlates of forelimb muscle endurance significantly decreased in SCI rats, despite similar isometric forelimb strength across groups. Intravenous infusion of DOB and NE demonstrated significant and dose-dependent effects on cardiovascular parameters. Overall, our data demonstrate that chronic severe C8 SCI in rats leads to orthostatic hypotension and also impairs multiple additional aspects of function. This study was supported by: NIH (R01 NS131493) and Florida Department of Health (COPBC). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

The dual effects of dexmedetomidine on intestinal barrier and intestinal motility during sepsis

BackgroundSepsis, characterized by dysregulated host responses to infection, remains a critical global health concern, with high morbidity and mortality rates. The gastrointestinal tract assumes a pivotal role in sepsis due to its dual functionality as a protective barrier against injurious agents and as a regulator of motility. Dexmedetomidine, an α2-adrenergic agonist commonly employed in critical care settings, exhibits promise in influencing the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity during sepsis. However, its impact on intestinal motility, a crucial component of intestinal function, remains incompletely understood. MethodsIn this study, we investigated dexmedetomidine’s multifaceted effects on intestinal barrier function and motility during sepsis using both in vitro and in vivo models. Sepsis was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats via cecal ligation and puncture. Rats were treated with dexmedetomidine post-cecal ligation and puncture, and various parameters were assessed to elucidate dexmedetomidine's impact. ResultsOur findings revealed a dichotomous influence of dexmedetomidine on intestinal physiology. In septic rats, dexmedetomidine administration resulted in improved intestinal barrier integrity, as evidenced by reduced mucosal hyper-permeability and morphological alterations. However, a contrasting effect was observed on intestinal motility, as dexmedetomidine treatment inhibited both the frequency and amplitude of contractions in isolated intestinal strips and decreased the distance of ink migration in vivo. Additionally, dexmedetomidine suppressed the secretion of pro-motility hormones while having no influence on hormones that inhibit intestinal peristalsis. ConclusionThe study revealed that during sepsis, dexmedetomidine exhibited protective effects on barrier integrity, although concurrently it hindered intestinal motility, partly attributed to its modulation of pro-motility hormone secretion. These findings underscore the necessity of a comprehensive understanding of dexmedetomidine’s impact on multiple facets of gastrointestinal physiology in sepsis management, offering potential implications for therapeutic strategies and patient care.

Protein mimetic 2D FAST rescues alpha synuclein aggregation mediated early and post disease Parkinson's phenotypes.

Abberent protein-protein interactions potentiate many diseases and one example is the toxic, self-assembly of α-Synuclein in the dopaminergic neurons of patients with Parkinson's disease; therefore, a potential therapeutic strategy is the small molecule modulation of α-Synuclein aggregation. In this work, we develop an Oligopyridylamide based 2-dimensional Fragment-Assisted Structure-based Technique to identify antagonists of α-Synuclein aggregation. The technique utilizes a fragment-based screening of an extensive array of non-proteinogenic side chains in Oligopyridylamides, leading to the identification of NS132 as an antagonist of the multiple facets of α-Synuclein aggregation. We further identify a more cell permeable analog (NS163) without sacrificing activity. Oligopyridylamides rescue α-Synuclein aggregation mediated Parkinson's disease phenotypes in dopaminergic neurons in early and post disease Caenorhabditis elegans models. We forsee tremendous potential in our technique to identify lead therapeutics for Parkinson's disease and other diseases as it is expandable to other oligoamide scaffolds and a larger array of side chains.

Determinants of antiretroviral therapy adherence among transgender women in South Africa.

Transgender women bear a huge burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in South Africa. However, they are not fully engaged in healthcare across the HIV continuum of care. In addition, transgender women face multiple facets of stigma and discrimination as well as socio-economic inequalities, which all have a negative impact on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. The study aimed at exploring and describing the experiences of ART adherence of transgender women living with HIV in the Buffalo City Metro Municipality. The study employed an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) design. Twelve participants were enrolled using a snowballing sampling technique. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using an IPA framework. While exploring determinants to ART adherence among transgender women living with HIV in Buffalo City Metro, two superordinate themes emerged: enablers to ART adherence and psychosocial factors promoting adherence. The study found that factors such as differentiated ART service delivery, ARV medicines-related factors, motivators for taking treatment and support systems facilitated ART adherence. Emerging from this study is the need to scale up differentiated, person-centred ART service deliveries that will enhance access and adherence to treatment for transgender women.Contribution:This study provides unique insights on factors enhancing ART adherence among transgender women. There is a paucity of literature on access to HIV care services for key and vulnerable populations, and these findings will be shared in the country and in the region.

Qualitative Analysis of English as Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ Job Satisfaction in Ningxia, China

Job satisfaction is the positive expressive feedback and attitudes workers have toward their jobs. It is viewed as a very significant issue within all types of establishments. But there is limited research exploring job satisfaction in the educational context, and as such, there is a deficiency in the understanding of the issues that particularly affect university English as Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ perceptions about their job satisfaction. Therefore, this study explored, within the precinct of Herzberg (1959) theory, the EFL teachers job satisfaction in Ningxia, China. A purposive sampling design was used to select 10 informants chosen from Ningxia in China while series of in-depth interviews were conducted and data analyzed thematically using NVIVO software. The study analysis, assessed job satisfaction through multiple facets that revealed job satisfaction as depending basically upon what the university English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teachers in Ningxia, China gets from their job. Thus, it is recommended that the management of university where English as a Foreign Language are taught should set in motion strategies to sustain the current situation. Similarly, future researchers should extent the focus of job satisfaction research to low socioeconomic countries in relation to intrinsic values.

Analysing the contribution of intermittent rivers to beta diversity can improve freshwater conservation in Mediterranean rivers

In Mediterranean climate regions, intermittent rivers (IRs) harbor highly dynamic communities with species and trait composition changing over time and space. Simultaneously considering multiple biodiversity facets and a spatiotemporal perspective is, therefore, key to developing effective conservation strategies for these ecosystems. We studied the spatiotemporal dynamics of aquatic macroinvertebrates in rivers of the western Mediterranean Basin by analysing (1) the taxonomic and functional richness and the local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD; measured considering taxonomic and functional facets) of perennial rivers and IRs over five sampling times, and (2) their relation with flow intermittence, local environmental uniqueness, and the number of anthropogenic impacts. Both analyses were also conducted for the subset of data including only IRs to compare values between their flowing and disconnected pool phases. According to our results, taxonomic and functional richness tended to be higher in perennial rivers than in IRs, while taxonomic and functional LCBD tended to be higher in IRs than in perennial rivers. When comparing IR sites over time, higher values of taxonomic and functional LCBD corresponded mostly to their disconnected pool phase. Flow intermittence, the number of anthropogenic impacts and the environmental uniqueness were significant predictors of taxonomic and functional richness, but only flow intermittence was an important predictor of taxonomic LCBD. For the IR-only data subset, disconnected pool permanence was the main predictor explaining spatiotemporal patterns. Our results highlight the importance of IRs to biodiversity conservation of Mediterranean climate rivers, especially during the disconnected pool phase, suggesting that these ecosystems cannot be ignored in conservation planning strategies.

0978 A Spectrum of Altered Non-rapid Eye Movement Sleep in Schizophrenia

Abstract Introduction Multiple facets of sleep neurophysiology, including electroencephalography (EEG) metrics such as non-rapid eye movement (NREM) spindles and slow oscillations (SO), are altered in individuals with schizophrenia (SCZ). However, beyond group-level analyses which treat all patients as a unitary set, the extent to which NREM deficits vary among patients is unclear, as are their relationships to other sources of heterogeneity including clinical factors, illness duration and ageing, cognitive profiles and medication regimens. Methods Using newly collected high-density sleep EEG data on 103 individuals with SCZ and 68 controls, we first sought to replicate our previously reported (Kozhemiako et. al, eLife, 2022) group-level mean differences between patients and controls (original N=130). Then in the combined sample (N=301 including 175 patients), we characterized patient-to-patient variability in NREM neurophysiology. Sleep EEG preprocessing was conducted using an open-source package called Luna (http://zzz.bwh.harvard.edu/luna/). Results We replicated all group-level mean differences and confirmed the high accuracy of our predictive model (Area Under the ROC Curve, AUC = 0.93 for diagnosis). Compared to controls, patients showed significantly increased between-individual variability across many (26%) sleep metrics, with patterns only partially recapitulating those for group-level mean differences. Although multiple clinical and cognitive factors were associated with NREM metrics including spindle density, collectively they did not account for much of the general increase in patient-to-patient variability. Medication regime was a greater (albeit still partial) generator of variability, although original group mean differences persisted after controlling for medications. Some sleep metrics including fast spindle density showed exaggerated and accelerated age-related effects in SCZ, and patients exhibited older predicted biological ages based on an independent model of ageing and the sleep EEG. Conclusion We demonstrated robust and replicable alterations in sleep neurophysiology in individuals with SCZ and highlighted distinct patterns of effects contrasting between-group means versus within-group variances. That increased NREM heterogeneity was not explained by traditional clinical or cognitive patient assessments suggests the sleep EEG provides novel, nonredundant information to support the goals of personalized medicine. Collectively, our results point to a spectrum of NREM sleep deficits among SCZ Support (if any)

Overview of Research on Leishmaniasis in Africa: Current Status, Diagnosis, Therapeutics, and Recent Advances Using By-Products of the Sargassaceae Family.

Leishmaniasis in Africa, which has been designated as a priority neglected tropical disease by various global organizations, exerts its impact on millions of individuals, primarily concentrated within this particular region of the world. As a result of the progressively grave epidemiological data, numerous governmental sectors and civil organizations have concentrated their endeavors on this widespread outbreak with the objective of devising appropriate remedies. This comprehensive examination delves into multiple facets of this parasitic ailment, scrutinizing the associated perils, diagnostic intricacies, and deficiencies within the existing therapeutic protocols. Despite the established efficacy of current treatments, they are not immune to deleterious incidents, particularly concerning toxicity and the emergence of parasitic resistance, thus accentuating the necessity of exploring alternative avenues. Consequently, this research not only encompasses conventional therapeutic approaches, but also extends its scope to encompass complementary and alternative medicinal techniques, thereby striving to identify innovative solutions. A particularly auspicious dimension of this study lies in the exploration of natural substances and by-products derived from some brown algae of the Sargassaceae family. These resources possess the potential to assume a pivotal role in the management of leishmaniasis.

Bridging the relationship between physical exercise and mental health in adolescents based on network analysis.

Although physical exercise has been recommended as a useful means of enhancing the mental health of adolescents, the exact mechanisms through which physical exercise plays a role are unclear. Both physical exercise and mental health are complex concepts with multiple facets, and traditional methods may constrain the manifestations of their mapping relationships. This research aimed to find the bridging connections between physical exercise and mental health. Mental health and physical exercisebehaviors were assessed using the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and the Adolescent Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ-A) in 9072 Chinese adolescents, respectively. Network analysis was utilized to construct the mental health-physical exercise network and to analyze the relationships between individual physical exercise behaviors and mental health symptoms. Core and bridging nodes were identified based on expected influence (EI) and bridge expected influence (BEI). Gender differences were also examined. The results revealed specific and distinct pathways between physical exercise and mental health (e.g., winter sports-obsessive-compulsive symptoms, winter sports-phobia). For both males and females, anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity, ball sports, and evening activity were the most central symptoms/behaviors, reflecting their relative significance in their respective associations. The nodes with the highest BEI were obsessive-compulsive symptoms and physical education, showing negative associations with nodes in the other community. Furthermore, in the male group, somatization and winter sports stood out as the most positive bridge nodes. Conversely, in the female group, interpersonal sensitivity and sports games were the most positive bridge nodes. These findings illuminate the pathways linking physical exercise and mental health, supporting the implementation of physical exercise in a more elaborate way.

Autism: Clinical impacts and late diagnosis in women - Literature review

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, marked by deficits in communication and social interaction and restricted and repetitive behavior patterns. With the expansion of information dissemination about autism and improvements in diagnostic methods, the prevalence of the disorder has increased considerably in recent decades. However, because autism has multiple facets and different presentations, diagnosis is still a challenge, especially in females, where there are singularities that further undermine suspicions, leading to underdiagnosis. Given this, there are multiple questions about the causes and implications of these factors in the diagnosis of autistic girls and women. Thus, the objective of this research is to verify the causal factors and clinical implications associated with the difficulty in diagnosing ASD in females. This is a narrative bibliographic review, in which research was carried out in established databases. In general, it is noted that the diagnosis of autism in girls and women can be impacted by genetic, developmental, psychological, social and cultural influences, involving factors such as subtlety of symptoms, capacity for social adaptability, lack of studies, failure to diagnostic methodologies and instruments, as well as stereotypes and prejudices. Understanding these elements is essential to broaden the perspective of girls and women with ASD, highlight their particularities and ensure that they receive early diagnosis and treatment.

Relentless Melt: visual trends and aesthetics of contemporary visual music films in Hong Kong

In recent years, a growing trend of abstract and experimental animation has emerged in Hong Kong, with an increasing number of works produced over the last two decades, particularly since around 2015. This article examines how Hong Kong artists approach abstract animation, the predominant aesthetic trends, and how these trends relate to or diverge from Western traditions in visual music, following pioneers such as Hans Richter, Viking Eggeling, Oskar Fischinger, Harry Smith and Norman McLaren. Employing content analysis, as used by Emmanouil Kanellos (2018) and textual analysis, this study investigates 95 selected works from the Relentless Melt screening series curated by Max Hattler and organized by the Hong Kong-based society Relentless Melt. By categorizing the data under two separate systems – the ‘What System’ and the ‘Where System’, as suggested by Margaret Livingstone in Vision and Art: The Biology of Seeing (2002) – the analysis encompasses aspects related to the perception or recognition of objects, faces, or other properties under the ‘What System’, and the perception of motion, depth, spatial organization and figure/ground segregation under the ‘Where System’. Unlike pioneering visual music artists who largely abandoned mimetic constructions in their aesthetics, some Hong Kong artists employ various types of representational abstraction. In addition, many do not shy away from expressing concepts or narratives in their hybrid visual music works while retaining fundamental elements, such as audio-visual synchronization. This project represents an initial step towards a more systematic understanding of Hong Kong’s visual music practices, aiming to promote plurality over homogeneity by critically examining the multiple facets of artistic practice in Hong Kong. It is hoped that this study will contribute to international scholarly discourse and establish a trajectory for further exploration.

Fiqh al-Bī'ah and the Concept of Green and Blue Economy for Achieving Sustainable Development in the Context of SDGs

This study aims to explore existing literature on Fiqh al-Bī’ah's role in the Green and Blue Economy concepts to achieve Sustainable Development, specifically examining implementation, principles, roles, and objectives aligned with Maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah. The literature review identified two primary themes: first, the SDGs' foundational principles within the green and blue economy frameworks, and second, Fiqh al-Bī’ah's viewpoint on these economic models. The findings demonstrate the enactment of green and blue economies through SDGs Principles, incorporating people as principal agents in upholding and executing the green and blue economy to realize SDGs across multiple facets, including environmental, social, economic, and legal governance; Planet, which entails diverse measures to safeguard the earth from degradation in terrestrial, marine, and aerial realms; Prosperity, highlighting efforts towards achieving prosperity through economic, social, and technological initiatives; Peace, emphasizing endeavors towards establishing peace, justice, and an inclusive society free from fear and violence, alongside securing environmental safety; and Partnership, involving collaborative efforts in global development with both government and non-government entities to maintain and conserve the environment. Additionally, Fiqh al-Bī’ah in the Green Economy is characterized by safeguarding the body and soul, aligning worldly and afterlife goals, ensuring balanced production and consumption, preserving ecosystem equilibrium, upholding the dignity of all beings, and humans fulfilling their stewardship on earth. The Blue Economy includes Zero Waste, ecosystem protection, promoting environmental cleanliness and friendliness, resource utilization efficiency, and encouraging social inclusiveness and employment creation.

Investigating resistance to IT projects: a conceptual model from a meta-synthesis approach

PurposeThe study aims to drive conceptual clarity around resistance to information technology projects, integrating multiple facets of the phenomenon from earlier studies.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducts a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on resistance to technology projects; it analyzes those studies at a case-specific level, compares and contrasts emergent concepts against each other, and “translates” those to the rest of the studies. The study uses the seven-step meta-ethnography method by Noblit and Hare to reciprocally translate emergent concepts to construct the conceptual model.FindingsThrough meta-synthesis, the study derives a new conceptual model for resistance to information technology projects, exemplifying how the identified antecedents create user resistance and how the phenomenon progresses within organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThis study enriches the observations and conclusions of past individual studies while explicating various facets of the mechanisms that generate and progress technology resistance within organizations. It offers fresh insights into the equivocal nature of the phenomenon and the distinctive ways it progresses from individual to group level.Practical implicationsMany ambitious and costly digital transformation efforts do not succeed due to user resistance. Understanding the mechanisms that create user resistance can help organizations manage technology projects better, thereby reducing the technology assimilation gap and protecting returns on related investments.Originality/valueThere have been extensive studies on technology acceptance (enablers) within organizations, while those relating to technology inhibitors are somewhat limited. However, the symmetry of understanding between enablers and inhibitors is vital for organizations to assimilate promising technologies and transform their business models. This model uses a new lens of sensemaking theory to explain how the antecedents trigger perceived threats and resistance behavior; it highlights the nuances around the development of resistance within individuals and its progression to groups. The resultant model offers better generalizability in organizational contexts.

Identifying leverage points for sustainable nutrient policy integration in Canada.

Addressing the 'wicked problem' of nutrient pollution requires coordinated policies spanning across diverse sectors and environmental systems. Using a case study of Canadian legislation, we apply semantic network analysis to identify thematic links across an inventory of 245 nutrient-related policies. Our analysis identifies twelve topics with unique types of connections across multiple facets of Canadian society. 'Hub' policies include broad environmental protection, land use planning, and climate-related legislation with close ties to multiple other topics. 'Bridge' policies create connections among otherwise disconnected topics in the network, representing opportunities to inform new policy proposals. Some legislation, such as food processing regulations, indirectly relates to nutrient use but could inform policy integration towards more coordinated and holistic nutrient management across the food system. A computational text network approach can be useful for addressing challenges in complex policy analysis, including by identifying unique entry points to guide more cross-cutting nutrient policy development.

Role of artificial intelligence in customer engagement: a systematic review and future research directions

Role of artificial intelligence in customer engagement: a systematic review and future research directions

Learner Engagement and Demographic Influences in Brazilian Massive Open Online Courses: Aprenda Mais Platform Case Study

This paper explores the dynamics of student engagement and demographic influences in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). The study analyzes multiple facets of Brazilian MOOC participation, including re-enrollment patterns, course completion rates, and the impact of demographic characteristics on learning outcomes. Using survey data and statistical analyses from the public Aprenda Mais Platform, this study reveals that MOOC learners exhibit a strong tendency toward continuous learning, with a majority re-enrolling in subsequent courses within a short timeframe. The average completion rate across courses is around 42.14%, with learners maintaining consistent academic performance. Demographic factors, notably, race/color and disability, are found to influence enrollment and completion rates, underscoring the importance of inclusive educational practices. Geographical location impacts students’ decision to enroll in and complete courses, highlighting the necessity for region-specific educational strategies. The research concludes that a diverse array of factors, including content interest, personal motivation, and demographic attributes, shape student engagement in MOOCs. These insights are vital for educators and course designers in creating effective, inclusive, and engaging online learning experiences.

Early screening of colorectal cancer using feature engineering with artificial intelligence-enhanced analysis of nanoscale chromatin modifications

Colonoscopy is accurate but inefficient for colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention due to the low (~ 7 to 8%) prevalence of target lesions, advanced adenomas. We leveraged rectal mucosa to identify patients who harbor CRC field carcinogenesis by evaluating chromatin 3D architecture. Supranucleosomal disordered chromatin chains (~ 5 to 20 nm, ~1 kbp) fold into chromatin packing domains (~ 100 to 200 nm, ~ 100 to 1000 kbp). In turn, the fractal-like conformation of DNA within chromatin domains and the folding of the genome into packing domains has been shown to influence multiple facets of gene transcription, including the transcriptional plasticity of cancer cells. We deployed an optical spectroscopic nanosensing technique, chromatin-sensitive partial wave spectroscopic microscopy (csPWS), to evaluate the packing density scaling D of the chromatin chain conformation within packing domains from rectal mucosa in 256 patients with varying degrees of progression to colorectal cancer. We found average packing scaling D of chromatin domains was elevated in tumor cells, histologically normal-appearing cells 4 cm proximal to the tumor, and histologically normal-appearing rectal mucosa compared to cells from control patients (p < 0.001). Nuclear D had a robust correlation with the model of 5-year risk of CRC with r2 = 0.94. Furthermore, rectal D was evaluated as a screening biomarker for patients with advanced adenomas presenting an AUC of 0.85 and 85% sensitivity and specificity. artificial intelligence-enhanced csPWS improved diagnostic performance with AUC = 0.90. Considering the low sensitivity of existing CRC tests, including liquid biopsies, to early-stage cancers our work highlights the potential of chromatin biomarkers of field carcinogenesis in detecting early, significant precancerous colon lesions.

Experiences of caring for women with cervical cancer: A qualitative study among male partners in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

More than three-fourths of cervical cancer cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, with sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) accounting for approximately 25% of global mortality. The significant rise in the prevalence of cervical cancer in SSA amplifies the burden on caregivers, contributing to elevated rates of mental illness, particularly among spouses who provide care. Men who assume the role of caregivers for their partners with cervical cancer encounter unique challenges and substantial adjustments across multiple facets of life, impacting both their own quality of life and that of their partners. Despite this, there is a notable lack of extensive research on the experiences of male partners in caregiving roles, particularly within SSA countries like Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of male partners providing care for women with cervical cancer in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. An exploratory qualitative study was undertaken to explore the experiences of 13 male partners, selected purposively and guided by the principle of saturation. Data gathering employed in-depth interviews utilizing a semistructured interview guide, with subsequent analysis conducted via a thematic analysis approach. Five themes and 13 subthemes were generated, encompassing psychosocial distress, attitudes towards cervical cancer, unity in the provision of care, economic burden, and altered sexual relationships. Participants reported experiencing emotional distress, shifts in social responsibilities, financial challenges, and unfulfilled sexual needs. Moreover, they expressed the need for social, psychological, financial, and sexual and reproductive support. This study underscores the numerous challenges encountered by male partners caring for women with cervical cancer, encompassing emotional distress, financial strain, and shifts in social and sexual dynamics. The identified themes and subthemes highlight the intricate interplay of these difficulties and stress the necessity for holistic support systems addressing the social, psychological, financial, and sexual aspects of male partners' experiences. The findings emphasize the importance of designing and implementing comprehensive support programmes tailored to the diverse needs of male partners, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and overall well-being. Before the study, the nursing manager assisted in selecting three male partners randomly. These partners were involved in the design of the participants' information sheet, the evaluation of the interview schedule and rooms, and the dissemination of information about the study's purpose to the target population. Their valuable input contributed to improving the participant information sheet, refining data collection procedures and addressing ethical considerations. However, these individuals were not considered study participants. Throughout the study, in-charge nurses in the hospital were informed about the study's goals and helped organize appointments with participants and manage the interview schedule.

Exploring the Horizons of Four-Dimensional Printing Technology in Dentistry.

In dentistry, the integration of additive manufacturing, particularly 3D printing, has marked significant progress. However, the emergence of 4D printing, which allows materials to change shape dynamically in response to stimuli, opens up new avenues for innovation. This review sheds light on recent advancements and potential applications of 4D printing in dentistry, delving into the fundamental principles and materials involved. It emphasizes the versatility of shape-changing polymers and composites, highlighting their ability to adapt dynamically. Furthermore, the review explores the challenges and opportunities in integrating 4D printing into dental practice, including the customization of dental prosthetics, orthodontic devices, and drug delivery systems and also probing into the potential benefits of utilizing stimuli-responsive materials to improve patient comfort, treatment outcomes, and overall efficiency and the review discusses current limitations and future directions, emphasizing the importance of standardized fabrication techniques, biocompatible materials, and regulatory considerations. Owing to its diverse applications and advantages, 4D printing technology is poised to transform multiple facets of dental practice, thereby fostering the development of healthcare solutions that are more tailored, effective, and centered around patient needs.