Research Agency Research Articles

Effect of Acrylamide and Mycotoxins in SH-SY5Y Cells: A Review.

Thermal processes induce the formation of undesired toxic components, such as acrylamide (AA), which has been shown to induce brain toxicity in humans and classified as Group 2A by the International Agency of Research in Cancer (IARC), as well as some mycotoxins. AA and mycotoxins' toxicity is studied in several in vitro models, including the neuroblastoma cell line model SH-SY5Y cells. Both AA and mycotoxins occur together in the same food matrix cereal base (bread, pasta, potatoes, coffee roasting, etc.). Therefore, the goal of this review is to deepen the knowledge about the neurological effects that AA and mycotoxins can induce on the in vitro model SH-SY5Y and its mechanism of action (MoA) focusing on the experimental assays reported in publications of the last 10 years. The analysis of the latest publications shows that most of them are focused on cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and alteration in protein expression, while others are interested in oxidative stress, axonopathy, and the disruption of neurite outgrowth. While both AA and mycotoxins have been studied in SH-SY5Y cells separately, the mixture of them is starting to draw the interest of the scientific community. This highlights a new and interesting field to explore due to the findings reported in several publications that can be compared and the implications in human health that both could cause. In relation to the assays used, the most employed were the MTT, axonopathy, and qPCR assays. The concentration dose range studied was 0.1-10 mM for AA and 2 fM to 200 µM depending on the toxicity and time of exposure for mycotoxins. A healthy and varied diet allows the incorporation of a large family of bioactive compounds that can mitigate the toxic effects associated with contaminants present in food. Although this has been reported in some publications for mycotoxins, there is still a big gap for AA which evidences that more investigations are needed to better explore the risks for human health when exposed to AA and mycotoxins.

Toxicity Tolerance in the Carcinogenesis of Environmental Cadmium.

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental toxicant of worldwide public health significance. Diet is the main non-workplace Cd exposure source other than passive and active smoking. The intestinal absorption of Cd involves transporters for essential metals, notably iron and zinc. These transporters determine the Cd body burden because only a minuscule amount of Cd can be excreted each day. The International Agency for Research on Cancer listed Cd as a human lung carcinogen, but the current evidence suggests that the effects of Cd on cancer risk extend beyond the lung. A two-year bioassay demonstrated that Cd caused neoplasms in multiple tissues of mice. Also, several non-tumorigenic human cells transformed to malignant cells when they were exposed to a sublethal dose of Cd for a prolonged time. Cd does not directly damage DNA, but it influences gene expression through interactions with essential metals and various proteins. The present review highlights the epidemiological studies that connect an enhanced risk of various neoplastic diseases to chronic exposure to environmental Cd. Special emphasis is given to the impact of body iron stores on the absorption of Cd, and its implications for breast cancer prevention in highly susceptible groups of women. Resistance to cell death and other cancer phenotypes acquired during Cd-induced cancer cell transformation, under in vitro conditions, are briefly discussed. The potential role for the ZnT1 efflux transporter in the cellular acquisition of tolerance to Cd cytotoxicity is highlighted.

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Foods, Herbal Drugs, and Food Supplements: Chemistry, Metabolism, Toxicological Significance, Analytical Methods, Occurrence, and Challenges for Future.

Consumers are increasingly seeking natural alternatives to chemical compounds, including the use of dried aromatic plants as seasonings instead of salt. However, the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in food supplements and dried plants has become a concern because of their link to liver diseases and their classification as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Despite European Union (EU) Regulation (EU) 2023/915, non-compliance issues persist, as indicated by alerts on the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) portal. Analyzing PAs poses a challenge because of their diverse chemical structures and low concentrations in these products, necessitating highly sensitive analytical methods. Despite these challenges, ongoing advancements in analytical techniques coupled with effective sampling and extraction strategies offer the potential to enhance safety measures. These developments aim to minimize consumer exposure to PAs and safeguard their health while addressing the growing demand for natural alternatives in the marketplace.

Preface

Welcome to the 1st Annual International Conference on Sensor Technology (INCOST) 2023. This event was taking place in Bali, Indonesia, on September 8 – 9th, 2023. INCOST aims to establish a tradition of bringing together researchers, academics, and professionals from all over the world, with a special emphasis on Indonesia, to explore the field of Sensors. The conference particularly encourages the interaction of research students and emerging academics with the well established academic community in an informal setting, providing a platform for the presentation and discussion of new and current research.We would like to acknowledge the full support from Institut Teknologi Bandung, National Research and Innovation Agency, and ITB-BRIN Collaborative Research Center for Biosensors and Biodevices. We also would like to express our gratitude to all Editors and committee members listed as follows1. Prof. Brian Yuliarto (Institut Teknologi Bandung)2. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal (Institut Teknologi Bandung)3. Dr. Ni Luh Wulan Septiani (National Research and Innovation Agency)4. Dr. Siti Nurul Aisyiyah Jenie (National Research and Innovation Agency)5. Dr. Agustina Sus Andreani (National Research and Innovation Agency)6. Dr. Robeth Viktoria Manurung (National Research and Innovation Agency)7. Dr. Gilang Gumilar (National Research and Innovation Agency)8. Muhammad Fadlan Raihan (Institut Teknologi Bandung)9. Atqiya Muslihati (Institut Teknologi Bandung)10. Chandra Wulandari (Institut Teknologi Bandung)11. Neng Astri Lidiawati (Institut Teknologi Bandung)12. Adyatma Prayoga (Institut Teknologi Bandung)13. Miftahul Khoiri (Institut Teknologi Bandung)Furthermore, we wish to extend my thanks to all the plenary, keynote, fellow researchers and all participants in the field of sensors who have authored and submitted papers on a variety of topics. Their willingness to share their research knowledge and experiences with all of us at this prestigious conference is truly commendable.

Prevalence of variant of unknown significance (VUS) in men with prostate cancer who serve as a benchmark for enhanced screening and for personalized therapy.

342 Background: Pathogenic variants (PVs) in DNA repair genes (DRG), such as in BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, CHEK2, etc., have implications for prostate cancer (PCa) family genetic counselling, testing and risk stratification in men. However, understanding how to counsel patients with variants of unknown significance (VUS) is an unmet clinical need. On the other hand, there is the necessity to cautiously interpret VUS findings and to bolster VUS evaluations with additional evidence for pathogenicity. In this study, we aim to investigate the prevalence of germline VUS in men with PCa and their association with outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Methods: This is a nested cohort case study from an ongoing PCa screening, set to identify and screen men in the Italian population with a genetic predisposition (AIRC - Fondazione AIRC per la Ricerca sul Cancro project IG 2020 ID 25027). Cases for the current analysis were selected by “Adam's rib strategy” searching for germline DRG variant in men with a diagnosis of high-risk PCa who were scheduled for RARP. After informed consent was signed, a blood sample was obtained. A previously validated multigene panel test was used to assess the presence of germline variants. PVs and VUS were classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and Association for Molecular Pathology consensus criteria and International Agency for Research on Cancer guidelines. The primary endpoint was to describe the prevalence of VUS and the secondary to correlate VUS with pathological outcomes after RARP. Results: A total of 118 men with diagnosis of PCa who underwent RP were enrolled. The mean age at diagnosis of PCa was 65.9 (±6.42) years; pathological grade was ISUP 1-2 in 58.0% patients and 3-5 in 42.0%. Of the 76 men evaluated, 18 (23.7%) had a VUS and 1 (1.32%) a pathogenic germline variant in BRCA1 and PALB2. Among those with VUS younger men at diagnosis were more likely to carry a VUS than older at diagnosis mean (age 64 ± 6.41 vs. 66 ± 7.20 years). Additionally, 33.3% vs 16.2 % were carrier of VUS and N+ and required adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy. No difference between ISUP at final pathology and positive margin rate were found. Conclusions: Our findings showed a high prevalence of VUS germline mutations in PCa patients undergoing RARP. These mutations seem to be associated with worse pathological outcomes. Limitations includes short follow-up and absence of non-Caucasian patients.

Understanding the Landscape of Bronchoscopy in Lung Cancer: Insights From Lesion Location, Gender, and Diagnostic Efficacy.

Lung cancer constitutes a critical global health concern. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer's (IARC) GLOBOCAN 2020 estimates, lung canceris the leading cause of death in cancer patients. In areas where tuberculosis is prevalent, misdiagnosis and mistreatment frequently result from overlap, creating significant difficulties that delay diagnosis and treatment. Amid this complication, bronchoscopic techniques emerge as critical diagnostic tools, though their efficacy varies between studies. Our retrospective study, conducted from July 2021 to December 2022at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College, Kanpur, examined 156 participants withmalignancies. Our focus encompassed diverse lesions within the bronchial landscape, revealing intriguing findings. Bronchoscopic examinations unravelled prevalent abnormalities: 52 (33.3%) manifested as intraluminal growth, 48 (31.6%) as mucosal irregularities, and a less frequent (16, 10.3%) as an intraluminal bulge. Transbronchial needle aspiration stood out with a 10/11 (91%) positivity rate, biopsy came in second at 38/46 (83%), and bronchoalveolar lavage showed a 44/152 (29%) positivity rate.It was interesting to see how the lesions were spread out among the different types of histology. For example, squamous cell carcinoma showed 17/37 (46%) intraluminal growth, while adenocarcinoma showed 22/60 (36.7%) intraluminal growth and 4/60 (6.7%) intraluminal bulge. Moreover, a significant absence of abnormalities was observed in various lesions, underlining the intricacies of characterising bronchial lesions. Our study shows that direct tissue sampling is better and that new bronchoscopic technologies are important for diagnosing lesions that were hard to get to in the past. However, limitations in patient selection biases and the single-centre focus caution against generalised interpretations. Our research illuminates the pivotal role of bronchoscopic methods in diagnosing lung lesions, emphasising the necessity for continued advancements to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy in lung cancer subtypes.

Passive Smoking–Induced Mutagenesis as a Promoter of Lung Carcinogenesis

IntroductionThe International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified passive smoking (PS) or secondhand smoke exposure as a group 1 carcinogen linked to lung cancer. However, in contrast to active smoking, the mutagenic properties of PS remain unclear. MethodsA consecutive cohort of 564 lung adenocarcinoma samples from female never-smokers, who provided detailed information about their exposure to PS during adolescence and in their thirties through a questionnaire, was prepared. Of these, all 291 cases for whom frozen tumor tissues were available were subjected to whole exome sequencing to estimate tumor mutational burden, and the top 84 cases who were exposed daily, or not, to PS during adolescence and/or in their thirties were further subjected to whole genome sequencing. ResultsA modest yet statistically significant increase in tumor mutational burden was observed in the group exposed to PS compared with the group not exposed to PS (median values = 1.44 versus 1.29 per megabase, respectively; p = 0.020). Instead of inducing driver oncogene mutations, PS-induced significant subclonal mutations exhibiting APOBEC-type signatures, including SMAD4 and ADGRG6 hotspot mutations. A polymorphic APOBEC3A/3B allele-specific to the Asian population that leads to up-regulated expression of APOBEC3A accentuated the mutational load in individuals exposed daily to PS during adolescence. ConclusionsThis study reveals that PS–induced mutagenesis can promote lung carcinogenesis. The APOBEC3A/3B polymorphism may serve as a biomarker for identifying passive nonsmoking individuals at high risk of developing lung cancer.

Dermoscopic, Histological, Confocal Microscopy Correlation of Atypical-Dysplastic Melanocytic Nevi.

The term "atypical melanocytic nevus" (AMN) is used as a synonym for dysplastic nevus (DN) in clinical practice. Although the criteria for diagnosis of AMN/DN by the Agency for Research on Cancer helps to differentiate AMN/DN from common acquired nevi, they do not have high degrees of specificity, as they are similar to those used for the diagnosis of melanoma. In this retrospective study we evaluated the correlation and diagnostic concordance of dermoscopy, confocal microscopy, and histological examination in 50 AMN. A graded scale was used to compare histological examination with dermoscopy and confocal microscopy. Low magnification histological images of only the central part of lesions were examined. This allowed histological diagnoses based almost exclusively on architectural criteria instead of simultaneously architectural and cytological, as in the global histological examination. Our data demonstrate that the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy and confocal microscopy diagnosis of the clinical aspects of AMN/DN as nevi or melanomas tends to be equivalent, being fair for nevi and excellent for melanomas. The total percentage of AMN suggested that the accuracy of confocal microscopy in the diagnosis of melanoma (86.7%) is greater than that of dermoscopy (73.3%). This study demonstrated that diagnostic assessments of AMN/DN by dermoscopy and confocal microscopy are accurate and often coincide with those of histological examination and that their combined use helps to better manage and monitor these patients by facilitating early detection of melanomas and reducing unnecessary excisions of benign melanocytic lesions.

‘Making it possible’: the complex dynamics of university foreign language teacher agency for research in funding applications

Teacher agency for research, which refers to teachers’ decision-making and initiative acts in the context of academic engagement, plays a pivotal role for teacher learning, teacher research, and thus teachers’ professional development. Despite the burgeoning number of studies that have examined teachers’ research and publishing experiences, it is unclear how university teachers exercise their agency for research in funding applications. This study examines how foreign language teachers at a university in China practice agency in the application of the National Social Science Fund of China from a Complex Dynamic Systems Theory perspective. Narrative frames and semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data, and thematic analysis was adopted to elucidate the complexity and dynamics of teacher agency for research. Revealing that there are subsystems of teacher agency for research in funding applications, i.e., agency beliefs, agency practice, and agency emotions and that the developmental trajectories of their agency for research are situated and relational, the findings highlight the need to view teacher agency as complex systems and dynamic entities. This study not only offers a conceptual framework as to unravel teacher agency for research in funding applications but also provides a tentative pathway for teachers exercising agency in applying for external funding both in the context of China and beyond.

Making a difference through trusted, high‐quality research and statistics

AbstractAs applied and agricultural economists, Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) members work to provide high quality research and data to inform policy decisions. How do we ensure that decision makers see, and use, our research findings or data in the policy formulation process that includes many actors? The paper provides a framework for how information flows during the policy process and a strategy for effective research and data built around five equally important attributes: relevance; quality; trust; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and communication. Examples illustrate how the attributes lead to high impact information and focus on two federal research and statistics agencies, the Economic Research Service and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The paper concludes with strategies and examples of metrics to measure the impact of research and statistics.

Spectra metrology for interaction of heavy metals with extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa OMCS-1 reveals static quenching and complexation dynamics of EPS with heavy metals

The adsorption behavior and interaction mechanisms of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa OMCS-1 towards chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) were investigated. EPS-covered (EPS-C) cells exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.0001; two-way ANOVA) removal of Cr (85.58 ± 0.39%), Pb (81.98 ± 1.02%), and Cd (73.88 ± 1%) than EPS-removed (EPS-R) cells. Interactions between EPS-heavy metals were spontaneous (ΔG<0). EPS-Cr(VI) and EPS-Pb(II) binding were exothermic (ΔH<0), while EPS-Cd(II) binding was endothermic (ΔH>0) process. EPS bonded to Pb(II) via inner-sphere complexation by displacement of surrounding water molecules, while EPS-Cr(VI) and EPS-Cd(II) binding occurred through outer-sphere complexation via electrostatic interactions. Increased zeta potential of Cr (29.75%), Pb (41.46%), and Cd (46.83%) treated EPS and unchanged crystallinity (CIXRD=0.13), inferred EPS-metal binding via both electrostatic interactions and complexation mechanism. EPS-metal interaction was predominantly promoted through hydroxyl, amide, carboxyl, and phosphate groups. Metal adsorption deviated EPS protein secondary structures. Strong static quenching mechanism between tryptophan protein-like substances in EPS and heavy metals was evidenced. EPS sequestered heavy metals via complexation with C-O, C-OH, CO/O-C-O, and NH/NH2 groups and ion exchange with –COOH group. This study unveils the fate of Cr, Pb, and Cd on EPS surface and provides insight into the interactions among EPS and metal ions for metal sequestration.

Application of Different Fertilizers and Depths in The Rearing of Seaweed Caulerpa racemosa Using a Concrete Tank

This study used a concrete tank to analyze the interaction between different fertilizers and depths in C. racemose seaweed rearing. This study was experimental, using a factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 2 factors, namely fertilizer (P) and depth (K). The fertilizers consisted of NPK (P1) and sap (P2), and the depths (K) consisted of 5 cm (K1), 10 cm (K2), and 15 cm (K3). Each treatment was repeated 3 times, so we had 18 combined treatments. The study was done at the Cultivation Laboratory of the National Innovation Research Agency (BRIN), Lombok, Indonesia. Research procedures included preparing material and tools, rearing C. racemosa, and harvesting C. racemosa. Research parameters included final weight, final length, specific decline rate, and survival rate. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. The results showed that the interaction of different fertilizers and depths affected the final weight, specific decline rate, and survival rate of C. racemosa. Meanwhile, the final length of C. racemosa was only influenced by different fertilizers. The best treatment happened in the interaction of NPK fertilizer and a depth of 15 cm, which gave a survival rate of 89%, a final weight of 88.66 g, and a specific decline rate of -10.67%/day

THE ROLE OF THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The purpose of this research is to find out the role of the Regional Planning, Research and Development Agency (BARENLITBANGDA) as a planner in the economic development of Sawahlunto City. The type of research conducted is field research or field research with a descriptive qualitative approach. Data collection techniques that the authors use are interviews and documentation. The analysis technique used is data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that BARENLITBANGDA of Sawahlunto City as a planning agency in the economic development of Sawahlunto City has a major role, namely planning economic development in Sawahlunto City. The economic development plan that had been prepared by BARENLITBANGDA for Sawahlunto City was submitted to the Mayor and discussed at the Sawahlunto City RPJMD meeting involving all parties related to economic development in Sawahlunto City. Benefits of research For the author to know more deeply about the role of BARENLITBANGDA in the economic development of Sawahlunto City.Keywords: Role, Obstacle, BARENLITBANGDA

Analysis of The Impact of The Policy of Integration of Researchers Into Brin on The Development of Human Resources in The Field of Research

This article provides information on integrating researchers into Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Discuss BRIN's objectives, plans for developing research resources, and collaboration with educational and research institutions. The document also mentions challenges national research faces in Indonesia, such as limited human resources for research. Integrating researchers into BRIN is a solution to improve the quality and quantity of research in Indonesia. BRIN aims to improve the quality and quantity of researchers in Indonesia by integrating researchers into its system. This integration involves cooperation with educational and research institutions at national and international levels. This article highlights the importance of human resources in research and the need to address expertise shortages in some complex regions. BRIN was established based on the merger of five institutions, including the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and the National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN). It also mentions the use of various research analysis methods, such as policy analysis and evaluative analysis, to assess the impact of policies and the implementation of research programs

Application of non-destructive analysis methods in TENMAK-PAF

Development of non-destructive analysis systems at the R&D beamline of the Proton Accelerator Facility of the Turkish Energy, Nuclear and Minerals Research Agency (TENMAK-PAF) is described in this work. The proton beam from the cyclotron with energy between 15–30 MeV and current between 0.1 μA–1.2 mA is modified with several components and subsystems to be suitable for the application of non-destructive analysis methods. Certified reference materials (CRM) and samples with different properties were irradiated under vacuum in the irradiation chamber with the new system. Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Particle Induced Gamma ray Emission (PIGE) spectra of these samples were obtained with appropriate radiation detectors and measurement systems. The results of PIXE analyses and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry were compared. PIXE and PIGE results are in good agreement with the certified values for the CRMs. This work constitutes the first reported application of non-destructive ion beam analysis methods in TENMAK-PAF and in Türkiye.

ІНДЕКС МЕДІАГРАМОТНОСТІ УКРАЇНЦІВ: СПОЖИВАННЯ ТА КОРИСТУВАННЯ МЕДІА

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;This study aims&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; to understand the state and level of media literacy of Ukrainians as their ability to consciously perceive and critically interpret information, as well as to use a variety of mass media, based on the analysis of the «Media Literacy Index of Ukrainians: 2020–2022» study conducted by the «New Image Marketing Group» research agency with the support of the «Detector Media» NGO.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Research methodology. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;The study uses a review of scholarly and publicistic literature on the topic, including a search of academic databases and other relevant materials. To achieve the goal, bibliographic, comparative, and statistical methods were used, as well as definitive analysis to clarify the definition of the «media literacy» term. The bibliographic method involves the study of legislative documents and their analysis. Statistical and comparative methods were used to interpret the «Media Literacy Index of Ukrainians: 2020–2022» study results.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;The results&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; of the study show that the level of the overall media literacy index of Ukrainians increased in 2020–2022. The share of the audience with an above-average level of media literacy increased from 55% to 81%. There is a certain correlation between the level of media literacy and the level of education: the lower the educational status, the lower the media literacy index. Significant differences in the level of media literacy are also observed among people with different financial statuses: the higher the level of welfare, the higher the index. There have also been shifts in the understanding of the role of the media in society: the percentage of citizens who believe that the primary mission of the mass media is to inform the public about socially significant events has increased from 54% to 69% during 2022. The share of Ukrainians who believe that the media work in the interests of the state and society generally increased over the past two years, from 8% to 31% and from 8% to 15%, respectively. Among the changes in the media preferences of Ukrainians, it is worth noting a strong increase in interest in Ukrainian-made media content (63%). At the same time, from 68% to 81% of Ukrainians have completely abandoned Russian-made media content (including music). The role of Internet media has increased. Compared to 2020, in 2022, the number of consumers of social and political content in messengers increased 2.5 times (from 19% to 49%). The importance of the problem of disinformation is emphasized by 61% of the audience (compared to 57% in 2020). The share of Ukrainians who detect disinformation by looking for a link to a source in the information material has increased (39% compared to 28%). The number of Ukrainians who check information for accuracy has almost doubled, from 24% to 47%.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Novelty. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;The «media literacy» concept was introduced into academic circulation in accordance with the Law of Ukraine «On Media». The article suggests combining the efforts of the state and civil society to implement media literacy projects. It is noted that, according to the law, the National Council of Television and Radio Broadcasting is authorized to determine the main tasks in the field of media literacy.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Practical significance. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;The results of the analysis of the «Media Literacy Index of Ukrainians: &lt;br /&gt; 2020–2022» study and the introduction of the «media literacy» term into academic circulation as defined in the Law of Ukraine «On Media» will contribute to the further development of media education, deepening critical thinking, and raising awareness of the need to master the skills to use media services effectively and safely in times of war.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Key words:&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt; media literacy, media, critical thinking, disinformation, media services.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Patient-reported outcomes: The unmet needs of the gastrointestinal cancer community.

731 Background: According to the World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer, gastrointestinal (GI) cancers account for 1 in 4 cancer cases and 1 in 3 cancer-related deaths worldwide. An estimated 4.8 million new cases of GI cancers and 3.4 million related deaths occur annually. Understanding the need for increased GI cancer awareness, patient education and support, the GI Cancers Alliance developed a series of engagement activities for the GI cancer community as a needs assessment to identify critical gaps in support services, fragmented education, and disease awareness. Methods: Our 12-month patient-reported outcomes (PRO) research included an online anonymous survey, individual and small group interviews, focus groups, advisory boards, and an interactive workshop at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting. 1,122 patients participated during this 12-month PRO research period. Participants reported being diagnosed with one of the following GI cancer primary tumor types: Anus (3%), Appendix (2%), Bile Duct (6%), Colon (19%), Esophagus (7%), Gallbladder (5%), Gastric (14%), GI NET / GI Carcinoid Tumor (3%), Liver (7%), Pancreas (6%), Small Intestine (4%), Rectum (23%), Unknown primary location (1%). Results: Overarching areas of unmet need include: health disparities throughout the care continuum for underserved populations (21%); lack of adequate precision oncology patient education, including biomarker education and testing (19%); the rise of early-age onset (EAO) in GI cancers and the unique needs of the young adult (YA) population (18%); nutritional wellness education (17%); insufficient support for family caregivers and caregiver respite services (16%) scarcity of patient-centered care and adequate patient-clinician communication (11%). Conclusions: Our PRO research underscores the unmet needs and gaps in support services of the GI cancer community. Our global call to action includes partnering with our 100+ member organizations to amplify the patient voice and patient-lived experience, and cross-collaboration with our community of advocates, patients, caregivers, and clinicians. Our shared call to action and continued collaboration provides a greater impact for our GI cancer community to help meet patient needs and eliminate critical gaps in services.

There’s ‘learning in that struggle’: journey mindsets and agency in action research and culturally responsive education

ABSTRACT Working with ethnoracially diverse student groups is a reality in most K-12 classrooms. However, studies of the impacts of professional development for cultural responsiveness have tended to use a range of approaches such as action research, video reflections, and coaching, making it difficult to tease apart the effects of each one. The purpose of this study was to focus on how action research, specifically, influences educators’ culturally responsive practices. Participants found that the action research process promoted their agency to effect positive change in their schools, a key component of culturally responsive education. Although participants found it challenging to balance learning the nuances of action research and culturally responsive education simultaneously, they appreciated this as a productive struggle and adopted the same growth mindset for themselves that they encouraged in their students. Based on our results, action research appears to be a promising form of professional development for enhancing culturally responsive practices.

Optimization of mechanisms for introducing telemedicine technologies into medical practice for the prevention and control of cancer in the Republic of Dagestan

Oncological pathologies currently rank second in incidence after cardiovascular diseases. It is known that the overall mortality rate in industrialized countries is decreasing due to an increase in the quality of life of the population and an improvement in the quality of cancer care provided in general. However, despite a detailed immersion in the issues of the pathogenesis of oncology, this problem remains relevant. Interestingly, less than a hundred years ago this issue was not so common. Experts from IARC (the International Agency for Research on Cancer) have concluded that the development of various types and forms of cancer is in direct correlation with certain teratogenic factors and the quality of lifestyle, which indicate the degree of economic development. Thus, according to the new GLOBOCAN statistics on morbidity and mortality, the overall cancer incidence is 2–3 times higher in countries with transition economies compared to countries with market economies. The global burden of cancer is expected to be 28.4 million cases in 2040, a 47 % increase from 2020 due to demographic changes, although this may be further exacerbated by growing risk factors associated with globalization. In this context, efforts to create a sustainable infrastructure for the dissemination of information about cancer prevention and cancer care in selected administrative units of all countries are critical to the global fight against cancer as a whole. One of the tools for current solution of this problem is telemedicine.

NIAAA launches new website for teens on drinking

Last week the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) launched “Facts About Teen Drinking,” with research‐based information. While underage drinking rates are declining, it's still important for teens to know how alcohol affects their health, how to identify the signs of a problem, and where to get help, according to the federal research agency. Go to https://niaaaforteens.niaaa.nih.gov/.