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The Oncologist Jul 2024Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy with its prevalence increasing. Patients with symptomatic MM can show numerous comorbidities,...
BACKGROUND
Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy with its prevalence increasing. Patients with symptomatic MM can show numerous comorbidities, affecting their quality of life (QoL). Physical activity (PA) may improve QoL but is not a standardized intervention of comprehensive cancer centers (CCCs). Since data on the PA of patients with MM are scarce, we aimed to prospectively assess fitness levels and patients' motivation to join PA-interventions at our CCC.
METHODS
We generated an exercise questionnaire to interview consecutive patients MM. We prospectively collected data on (a) past and current PA, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, (b) knowledge on exercise effects, (c) exercise motivation, and (d) willingness to participate in PA-interventions. Demographics, comorbidities, response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed in 211 symptomatic patients MM.
RESULTS
While our patients were elderly and most showed bone involvement, their PA was similar to healthy individuals. Aerobic PA (≥ 60 minutes/week) was performed by 65%, and 25% exercised ≥ 150 minutes/week. WHO PA recommendations were fulfilled by 17% of patients. No sport activities or complete physical inactivity were observed in 35% and 16%, respectively. Notably, 38% were motivated to join MM-specific sport interventions. Self-reported knowledge of PA-induced benefits for patients cancer was high (82%), but only 27% knew which exercises were safe to perform.
CONCLUSION
This study provides an overview of the PA of patients MM. Our results suggest that the PA of patients MM might not be much lower than in the age-matched general population.
PubMed: 38955491
DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae111 -
Journal of Medical Ethics Jul 2024Considering public moral attitudes is a hallmark of the anticipatory governance of emerging biotechnologies, such as heritable human genome editing. However, such...
Considering public moral attitudes is a hallmark of the anticipatory governance of emerging biotechnologies, such as heritable human genome editing. However, such anticipatory governance often overlooks that future morality is open to change and that future generations may perform different moral assessments on the very biotechnologies we are trying to govern in the present. In this article, we identify an 'anticipatory gap' that has not been sufficiently addressed in the discussion on the public governance of heritable genome editing, namely, uncertainty about the moral visions of future generations about the emerging applications that we are currently attempting to govern now. This paper motivates the relevance of this anticipatory gap, identifying the challenges it generates and offering various recommendations so that moral uncertainty does not lead to governance paralysis with regard to human germline genome editing.
PubMed: 38955479
DOI: 10.1136/jme-2023-109801 -
Violence and Victims Jun 2024Although intimate partner violence (IPV) is an important risk factor for child physical abuse, most IPV-exposed children are not evaluated for abusive injuries. A...
Although intimate partner violence (IPV) is an important risk factor for child physical abuse, most IPV-exposed children are not evaluated for abusive injuries. A Community Advisory Board (CAB) was formed to (a) optimize a program to evaluate IPV-exposed children for abusive injuries and (b) inform research methods to engage IPV victims and their children. The objectives of this study were to implement and to evaluate the family violence CAB. Following best practices on CAB formation, we recruited local stakeholders with key roles as service providers, community leaders, and knowledge experts in IPV, child abuse, and emergency care. Fourteen members met bimonthly to develop a family-centered intervention and to inform research and advocacy activities. A shared memorandum of understanding outlined goals and objectives. One year after the CAB's implementation, a research assistant interviewed CAB members to understand their experiences, perceived benefits of participation, and desired improvements. Eleven CAB members, including an IPV survivor, participated. Emerging categories included (a) motivations to join the CAB (victim advocacy), (b) benefits of participation (development of relationships among members and increased acceptability of research methods), (c) facilitators of sustainability (program adaptability and development of trust), and (d) desired improvements (case-based follow-up). The CAB was successfully implemented and facilitated the development of collaborative relationships among stakeholders with key roles in IPV and child abuse. The CAB led to community member-proposed changes in research activities and clinical care for victims of IPV.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Advisory Committees; Child; Intimate Partner Violence; Child Abuse; Adult; Domestic Violence
PubMed: 38955471
DOI: 10.1891/VV-2023-0002 -
Saudi Medical Journal Jul 2024To assess the prevalence of anabolic steroid use and the level of knowledge on anabolic steroids among the male athletes in Al Madina Al Munawara, Saudi Arabia.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the prevalence of anabolic steroid use and the level of knowledge on anabolic steroids among the male athletes in Al Madina Al Munawara, Saudi Arabia.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted on male athletes randomly selected from the private athletic centers in Al Madina Al Munawara over 5 months. Data were collected from all participants using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire with 33 questions. The questionnaire covered the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, and their knowledge, attitudes, and use of anabolic steroids.
RESULTS
Of the 150 male athletes surveyed, 121 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 80.6%). Over half were aged between 18 and 23 years (56.2%) and were single (79.3%). Thirty-two percent reported using anabolic steroids, mainly to increase muscle mass, following coaches' advice (46.1%). Key sources included the internet (30.7%), coaches (30%), and friends (27.9%), and non-healthcare professionals. The top motivations were price, coach's/physician's advice, and availability. The perceived benefits included increased muscle mass, strength, and endurance, while the perceived adverse effects included kidney/liver damage and sexual problems.
CONCLUSION
One-third of the male athletes surveyed used anabolic steroids, influenced by accessibility and social contact, rather than healthcare guidance. This highlights the need for greater awareness of the long-term health risks, ideally through education provided by sports medicine specialists.
Topics: Humans; Male; Saudi Arabia; Athletes; Young Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Anabolic Agents; Adolescent; Adult; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Prevalence; Surveys and Questionnaires; Doping in Sports; Anabolic Androgenic Steroids
PubMed: 38955450
DOI: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.7.20240244 -
Bone & Joint Open Jul 2024Shoulder arthroplasty is effective in the management of end-stage glenohumeral joint arthritis. However, it is major surgery and patients must balance multiple factors...
AIMS
Shoulder arthroplasty is effective in the management of end-stage glenohumeral joint arthritis. However, it is major surgery and patients must balance multiple factors when considering the procedure. An understanding of patients' decision-making processes may facilitate greater support of those considering shoulder arthroplasty and inform the outcomes of future research.
METHODS
Participants were recruited from waiting lists of three consultant upper limb surgeons across two NHS hospitals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants who were awaiting elective shoulder arthroplasty. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Systematic coding was performed; initial codes were categorized and further developed into summary narratives through a process of discussion and refinement. Data collection and analyses continued until thematic saturation was reached.
RESULTS
Two overall categories emerged: the motivations to consider surgery, and the information participants used to inform their decision-making. Motivations were, broadly, the relief of pain and the opportunity to get on with life and regain independence. When participants' symptoms and restrictions prevented them enjoying life to a sufficient extent, this provided the motivation to proceed with surgery. Younger participants tended to focus on maintaining employment and recreational activities, and older patients were eager to make the most of their remaining lifetime. Participants gathered information from a range of sources and were keen to optimize their recovery where possible. An important factor for participants was whether they trusted their surgeon and were prepared to delegate responsibility for elements of their care.
CONCLUSION
Relief of pain and the opportunity to get on with life were the primary reasons to undergo shoulder arthroplasty. Participants highlighted the importance of the patient-surgeon relationship and the need for accurate information in an accessible format which is relevant to people of different ages and functional demands.
PubMed: 38955355
DOI: 10.1302/2633-1462.57.BJO-2024-0009.R1 -
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta.... Jun 2024Many bacterial processes are powered by the sodium motive force (smf) and in case of pathogens, the smf contributes to virulence. Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of...
Many bacterial processes are powered by the sodium motive force (smf) and in case of pathogens, the smf contributes to virulence. Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of Cholera disease, possesses a Na-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (NQR), a six-subunit membrane protein assembly. The 3D structure of NQR revealed the arrangement of the six subunits NqrABCDEF, the position of all redox cofactors (four flavins, two [2Fe-2S] centers) and the binding sites for the substrates NADH (in NqrF) and ubiquinone (in NqrB). Upon oxidation of NADH, electrons are shuttled twice across the membrane, starting with cytoplasmic FAD and electron transfer to the [2Fe2S] cluster and from there to an intra-membranous [2Fe-2S] cluster, periplasmic FMN, FMN and from there to riboflavin. This riboflavin is located at the cytoplasmic entry site of the sodium channel in NqrB, and it donates an electron to ubiquinone-8 positioned at the cytoplasmic aspect of NqrB. Targeting the substrate binding sites of NQR is a promising strategy to identify new inhibitors against many bacterial pathogens. Detailed structural information on the binding mode of natural inhibitors and small molecules in the active sites of NQR is now available, paving the way for the development of new antibiotics. The NQR shows different conformations as revealed in recent cryo-EM and crystallographic studies combined with spectroscopic analyses. These conformations represent distinct steps in the catalytic cycle. Considering the structural and functional data available, we propose a mechanism of Na-NQR based on conformational coupling of electron transfer and Na translocation reaction steps.
PubMed: 38955304
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2024.149485 -
Journal of Substance Use and Addiction... Jun 2024Although Black Americans tend to consume less alcohol than non-Hispanic/Latine White Americans, Black Americans who do drink alcohol appear at especially high risk for...
INTRODUCTION
Although Black Americans tend to consume less alcohol than non-Hispanic/Latine White Americans, Black Americans who do drink alcohol appear at especially high risk for negative alcohol-related problems. This alcohol-based health disparity indicates a need to identify psycho-sociocultural factors that may play a role in drinking and related problems to inform prevention and treatment efforts. Minority stress-based models posit that stressors such as racism increase negative emotions, which may be associated with using substances such as alcohol to cope with negative emotions. Yet, little research has directly assessed emotional reactions to racism and whether it plays a role in drinking-related behaviors.
METHOD
Participants were 164 Black American undergraduates at a racially/ethnically diverse university who endorsed current alcohol use 18-48 (M = 21.7, SD = 4.3). Participants completed an online survey regarding their experiences with racism and alcohol-related behaviors.
RESULTS
Experiencing more frequent racism was related to greater negative emotions experienced in response to racism (i.e., negative emotional reactivity to racism) and alcohol-related problems. More frequent racism was related to more alcohol-related problems via the sequential effects of negative emotional reactivity to racism and coping motivated drinking.
CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that the experience of negative emotions that occur after experiencing racism and attempts to cope with those negative emotions by consuming alcohol play important roles in drinking behaviors among Black Americans.
PubMed: 38955251
DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209448 -
European Journal of Oncology Nursing :... Jun 2024Physical activity (PA) is beneficial but difficult to maintain during chemotherapy. This pilot RCT explored the feasibility of the MI-Walk intervention-an 8-week...
PURPOSE
Physical activity (PA) is beneficial but difficult to maintain during chemotherapy. This pilot RCT explored the feasibility of the MI-Walk intervention-an 8-week motivational enhancement therapy- and home-based brisk walking intervention-among gastrointestinal (GI) cancer survivors receiving chemotherapy.
METHODS
Sixty stage II-IV GI cancer survivors were recruited from 5 sites at their second infusion visit. Participants were randomized to receive PA education alone or the MI-Walk intervention: motivational enhancement therapy consisting of 3 motivational interviewing and self-efficacy-enhancing counseling sessions, a Fitbit Charge 2, exercise diaries, telephone follow-up, scripted motivational email messages, and optional weekly walking groups.
RESULTS
The enrollment and completion rates were 62% and 90%, respectively. The MI-Walk participants (n = 29; mean age = 56.79, SD = 11.72; 97% white; 79% male) reported a baseline moderate-vigorous PA duration of 250.93 (SD = 636.52) min/wk. The mean MI-Walk Intervention acceptability score was 50.32 (SD = 12.02) on a scale of 14-70. Mean Fitbit and counseling helpfulness scores on a 5-point scale were 3.67 (SD = 1.43) and 3.44 (SD = 1.36), respectively. Participants' Fitbit moderate-vigorous PA 8-week averages ranged from 0 to 716.88 min/wk; 64% of participants adhered to ≥127 min/wk. Several characteristics (e.g., age, comorbidity, PA level, employment status, BMI, education level, gender, symptoms) were associated with enrollment, attrition, and intervention acceptability and adherence (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Enrollment and retention were adequate. The Fitbit and counseling were the most helpful. Acceptability and adherence varied based on participant characteristics; therefore, intervention tailoring and further research among cancer survivors less physically active at baseline and most in need of complex exercise intervention are needed.
CLINICALTRIALS
gov NCT03515356.
PubMed: 38954929
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102649 -
Neural Networks : the Official Journal... Jun 2024Graph neural networks (GNNs) have demonstrated exceptional performance in processing various types of graph data, such as citation networks and social networks, etc....
Graph neural networks (GNNs) have demonstrated exceptional performance in processing various types of graph data, such as citation networks and social networks, etc. Although many of these GNNs prove their superiority in handling homophilic graphs, they often overlook the other kind of widespread heterophilic graphs, in which adjacent nodes tend to have different classes or dissimilar features. Recent methods attempt to address heterophilic graphs from the graph spatial domain, which try to aggregate more similar nodes or prevent dissimilar nodes with negative weights. However, they may neglect valuable heterophilic information or extract heterophilic information ineffectively, which could cause poor performance of downstream tasks on heterophilic graphs, including node classification and graph classification, etc. Hence, a novel framework named GARN is proposed to effectively extract both homophilic and heterophilic information. First, we analyze the shortcomings of most GNNs in tackling heterophilic graphs from the perspective of graph spectral and spatial theory. Then, motivated by these analyses, a Graph Aggregating-Repelling Convolution (GARC) mechanism is designed with the objective of fusing both low-pass and high-pass graph filters. Technically, it learns positive attention weights as a low-pass filter to aggregate similar adjacent nodes, and learns negative attention weights as a high-pass filter to repel dissimilar adjacent nodes. A learnable integration weight is used to adaptively fuse these two filters and balance the proportion of the learned positive and negative weights, which could control our GARC to evolve into different types of graph filters and prevent it from over-relying on high intra-class similarity. Finally, a framework named GARN is established by simply stacking several layers of GARC to evaluate its graph representation learning ability on both the node classification and image-converted graph classification tasks. Extensive experiments conducted on multiple homophilic and heterophilic graphs and complex real-world image-converted graphs indicate the effectiveness of our proposed framework and mechanism over several representative GNN baselines.
PubMed: 38954894
DOI: 10.1016/j.neunet.2024.106484 -
Bioinformatics (Oxford, England) Jul 2024Accurately detecting pathogenic microorganisms requires effective primers and probe designs. Literature-derived primers are a valuable resource as they have been tested...
MOTIVATION
Accurately detecting pathogenic microorganisms requires effective primers and probe designs. Literature-derived primers are a valuable resource as they have been tested and proven effective in previous research. However, manually mining primers from published texts is time-consuming and limited in species scop.
RESULTS
To address these challenges, we have developed MiPRIME, a real-time Microbial Primer Mining platform for primer/probe sequences extraction of pathogenic microorganisms with three highlights: i) Comprehensive integration. Covering more than 40 million articles and 548,942 organisms, the platform enables high-frequency microbial gene discovery from a global perspective, facilitating user-defined primer design and advancing microbial research. ii) Employing a BioBERT-based text mining model with 98.02% accuracy, greatly reducing information processing time. iii) using a primer ranking score, PRscore, for intelligent recommendation of species-specific primers. Overall, MiPRIME is a practical tool for primer mining in the pan-microbial field, saving time and cost of trial-and-error experiments.
AVAILABILITY
The web is available at {{https://www.ai-bt.com}}.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
PubMed: 38954836
DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btae429