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BMC Oral Health Jun 2024Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma (AFS) is a rare malignant odontogenic tumor, commonly occurring in young adults and typically affecting the mandibular region. We report an... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma (AFS) is a rare malignant odontogenic tumor, commonly occurring in young adults and typically affecting the mandibular region. We report an exceptionally rare and highly atypical case of AFS in an elderly female patient originating from the maxillary bone.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 66-year-old woman was admitted with a two-week history of a lump in her left upper molar. CT scans suggested a cyst in the maxillary bone. An incisional biopsy revealed a spindle cell neoplasm. MRI showed abnormalities in the left maxilla, indicating a possible tumorous lesion. The patient underwent a subtotal maxillectomy, wide tumor excision, intraoral epithelial flap transplantation, and dental extraction. Histology identified atypical tumor cells with visible mitotic figures. Immunohistochemistry showed negative for PCK and CD34 expression, but positive for Vimentin and SMA expression. The Ki-67 proliferation index ranged from 30 to 50%. These findings suggested a potentially malignant soft tissue tumor in the left maxilla, leaning towards a diagnosis of AFS. The patient received postoperative radiotherapy. There was no recurrence during the six-month follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Based on repeated pathological evidence, we report a rare case of an elderly female with AFS originating from the maxillary bone. Surgery and postoperative radiotherapy resulted in a favorable outcome.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Maxillary Neoplasms; Odontogenic Tumors; Fibrosarcoma; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Vimentin; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 38937725
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04509-x -
BMC Medical Informatics and Decision... Jun 2024Theories, models and frameworks (TMFs) are useful when implementing, evaluating and sustaining healthcare evidence-based interventions. Yet it can be challenging to...
BACKGROUND
Theories, models and frameworks (TMFs) are useful when implementing, evaluating and sustaining healthcare evidence-based interventions. Yet it can be challenging to identify an appropriate TMF for an implementation project. We developed and tested the usability of an online tool to help individuals who are doing or supporting implementation practice activities to identify appropriate models and/or frameworks to inform their work.
METHODS
We used methods guided by models and evidence on implementation science and user-centered design. Phases of tool development included applying findings from a scoping review of TMFs and interviews with 24 researchers/implementers on barriers and facilitators to identifying and selecting TMFs. Based on interview findings, we categorized the TMFs by aim, stage of implementation, and target level of change to inform the tool's algorithm. We then conducted interviews with 10 end-users to test the usability of the prototype tool and administered the System Usability Scale (SUS). Usability issues were addressed and incorporated into the tool.
RESULTS
We developed Find TMF, an online tool consisting of 3-4 questions about the user's implementation project. The tool's algorithm matches key characteristics of the user's project (aim, stage, target change level) with characteristics of different TMFs and presents a list of candidate models/frameworks. Ten individuals from Canada or Australia participated in usability testing (mean SUS score 84.5, standard deviation 11.4). Overall, participants found the tool to be simple, easy to use and visually appealing with a useful output of candidate models/frameworks to consider for an implementation project. Users wanted additional instruction and guidance on what to expect from the tool and how to use the information in the output table. Tool improvements included incorporating an overview figure outlining the tool steps and output, displaying the tool questions on a single page, and clarifying the available functions of the results page, including adding direct links to the glossary and to complementary tools.
CONCLUSIONS
Find TMF is an easy-to-use online tool that may benefit individuals who support implementation practice activities by making the vast number of models and frameworks more accessible, while also supporting a consistent approach to identifying and selecting relevant TMFs.
Topics: Humans; Internet; Models, Theoretical; Implementation Science
PubMed: 38937692
DOI: 10.1186/s12911-024-02580-6 -
Research in Developmental Disabilities Jun 2024The purpose of the current study was to examine whether seven children, aged 6-10 years, with intellectual disabilities who require augmentative and alternative...
Reading instruction for students with intellectual disabilities who require augmentative and alternative communication: A multiple single case study with baseline, posttest, follow-up, and maintenance.
The purpose of the current study was to examine whether seven children, aged 6-10 years, with intellectual disabilities who require augmentative and alternative communication, could acquire phonological awareness and reading skills by using a reading material that is based on research on the evidence-based reading program Accessible literacy learning. The effect of the measures has been examined using a multiple single-case design with baseline, posttest, follow-up, and maintenance. All the teachers were trained to deliver the reading intervention in the students' familiar place at school. The results indicated that students with intellectual disabilities who require augmentative and alternative communication could acquire phonological awareness and decoding by working systematically with reading material based on evidence-based strategies.
PubMed: 38935986
DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104790 -
Molecular Genetics and Metabolism... Sep 2024Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a common dyslipidemia associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis. It is well stablished that the severe...
Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a common dyslipidemia associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis. It is well stablished that the severe cases of disease often present with an underlying genetic cause. In this study, we determined the frequency and variation spectrum of genes involved in the triglyceride metabolism in a series of Brazilian patients with severe HTG. A total of 212 patients with very high HTG, defined with fasting triglycerides (TG) ≥ 880 mg/ dL, that underwent a multi-gene panel testing were included in this research. Germline deleterious variants (i.e. Pathogenic/Likely Pathogenic (P/LP) variants) were identified in 28 out of 212 patients, reflecting an overall diagnostic yield of 13% in our cohort. Variants of unknown significance (VUS) were identified in 87 patients, and represent 80% of detected variants in this dataset. We confirm the as the most frequently mutated gene in patients with severe HTG, and we had only one suspected case of familial chylomicronemia syndrome, caused by a homozygous variant in in our cohort. Notably, we report 16 distinct and novel variants (P/LP and VUS), each of them representing a single case, not previously reported in any public databases or other studies. Our data expand our knowledge of genetic variation spectrum in patients with severe HTG in the Brazilian population, often underrepresented in public genomic databases, being also a valuable clinical resource for genetic counseling and healthcare programs in the country.
PubMed: 38933898
DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2024.101100 -
Indian Journal of Community Medicine :... 2024Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the major causes of morbidity, which affect particularly the upper quadrant in industrial settings and so upset the quality...
BACKGROUND
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the major causes of morbidity, which affect particularly the upper quadrant in industrial settings and so upset the quality of life (QoL). The influence of the protocol of exercise-based programs at the workplace on the well-being of the worker is contradictory. The objective of the study was to find the effect of the structured exercise-based intervention on upper quadrant dysfunction among fish processing workers with work-related MSDs.
METHODS
The intervention group (n = 91) participated in an individually tailored structured exercise-based intervention (SEBI) program for three months, which consisted of stretching, strengthening, and active exercises. The control group (n = 93) was instructed to continue routine daily activities. The outcome measures of the cluster-randomized controlled trial were Neck Disability Index (NDI), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Short Form-36, used to evaluate at baseline, eighth, and twelfth week. The data were analyzed by repeated analysis of variance and Student's t-tests.
RESULTS
The results for the overall perception of upper quadrant dysfunction showed statistically significant differences ( < 0.0001) for NDI, DASH, and VAS. Further, we obtained a significant difference in QoL between the intervention and control groups for physical and psychological health sub-domains.
CONCLUSION
SEBI effectively enhanced the general health of fish processing workers by showing improvements in the measures of NDI, DASH, VAS, and QoL. Hence, SEBI can be recommended in the fish processing industries to achieve potential impact on upper quadrant dysfunction and improve the QoL.
PubMed: 38933785
DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_59_23 -
Materials Today. Bio Jun 2024In tumor treatment, the deposition of nanoenzymes in normal tissues and cause potential side effects are unavoidable. Here, we designed an intelligent biomimetic...
In tumor treatment, the deposition of nanoenzymes in normal tissues and cause potential side effects are unavoidable. Here, we designed an intelligent biomimetic nanoenzymes carrier platform (MSC) that endows the carrier platform with "wisdom" by introducing Affibody-Notch(core)-VP64-GAL4/UAS-HSV-TK artificial signal pathways to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This intelligent nanoenzymes carrier platform is distinguished from the traditional targeting tumor microenvironment or enhancing affinity with tumor, which endue MSC with tumor signal recognition capacity, so that MSC can autonomously distinguish tumor from normal tissue cells and feedback edited instructions. In this study, MSC can convert tumor signals into HSV-TK instructions through artificial signal pathway after recognizing Her2 (+) tumor. Subsequently, the synthesized HSV-TK can rupture MSC under the mediation of ganciclovir, and release the preloaded Cu/Fe nanocrystal clusters to kill the tumor accurately. Meanwhile, MSC without recognizing tumors will not initiate the HSV-TK instructions, thus being unresponsive to GCV and blocking the release of nanoenzymes in normal tissues. Consequently, MSC is the first intelligent biomimetic nanoenzymes carrier platform, which represents a new biomimetic nanoenzymes targeting mode.
PubMed: 38933416
DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101105 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024The aim of this study is to determine the steps of a training program utilizing Head-Mounted Display (HMD) based Virtual Reality Technology to enhance nursing students'...
Designing and implementing a training program on surgical hand scrubbing, wearing surgical cap and surgical mask, gowning, and gloving using HMD-based virtual reality technologies for nursing students: an exploration of student perceptions.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to determine the steps of a training program utilizing Head-Mounted Display (HMD) based Virtual Reality Technology to enhance nursing students' skills in surgical hand scrubbing, wearing surgical cap and surgical mask, gowning and gloving, and to evaluate students' perceptions toward the program.
METHODS
The study aimed to investigate the potential applications of HMD-Based Virtual Reality Technology in Surgical Hand Scrubbing, Wearing Surgical Cap and Surgical Mask, Gowning and Gloving Program for nursing students, as well as students' perceptions toward this technology. The research was conducted with a focus group consisting of second-year nursing students in Osmaniye/Turkey, between January and June 2022, and the training program was implemented in five stages: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The program was evaluated with a focus group of nursing students. Focus group discussions were conducted to provide insights into students' experiences, feedback, and perceptions of the program.
RESULTS
A vast majority of participants (92.5%) reported feeling fully immersed in the operating room environment during the virtual reality (VR) experience. Notably, all students acknowledged the potential of HMD-Based Virtual Reality Technology to enrich their understanding of surgical hand scrubbing, wearing surgical cap and surgical mask, gowning and gloving procedures, surpassing conventional instructional models. While many participants found the experience exhilarating (85.1%), a considerable portion reported a decline in engagement after repeated exposures (88.8%). Overall, participants welcomed the integration of VR technology into education, expressing optimism about its capacity to facilitate additional instructional modules (74.4%). Moreover, they conveyed satisfaction with the opportunity to engage with the VR application, emphasizing its significant educational value (81.4%).
CONCLUSION
Based on these findings, we can suggest that virtual reality technology has the potential to have an impact on nursing students' education. The majority of students expressing a sense of presence in the operating room highlights the value of this method in education. However, the reported boredom after repeated experiences by most participants underscores the importance of diversifying the program and introducing innovative approaches to keep students engaged.
PubMed: 38933115
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1364465 -
Frontiers in Robotics and AI 2024Implementing and deploying advanced technologies are principal in improving manufacturing processes, signifying a transformative stride in the industrial sector....
Implementing and deploying advanced technologies are principal in improving manufacturing processes, signifying a transformative stride in the industrial sector. Computer vision plays a crucial innovation role during this technological advancement, demonstrating broad applicability and profound impact across various industrial operations. This pivotal technology is not merely an additive enhancement but a revolutionary approach that redefines quality control, automation, and operational efficiency parameters in manufacturing landscapes. By integrating computer vision, industries are positioned to optimize their current processes significantly and spearhead innovations that could set new standards for future industrial endeavors. However, the integration of computer vision in these contexts necessitates comprehensive training programs for operators, given this advanced system's complexity and abstract nature. Historically, training modalities have grappled with the complexities of understanding concepts as advanced as computer vision. Despite these challenges, computer vision has recently surged to the forefront across various disciplines, attributed to its versatility and superior performance, often matching or exceeding the capabilities of other established technologies. Nonetheless, there is a noticeable knowledge gap among students, particularly in comprehending the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Computer Vision. This disconnect underscores the need for an educational paradigm transcending traditional theoretical instruction. Cultivating a more practical understanding of the symbiotic relationship between AI and computer vision is essential. To address this, the current work proposes a project-based instructional approach to bridge the educational divide. This methodology will enable students to engage directly with the practical aspects of computer vision applications within AI. By guiding students through a hands-on project, they will learn how to effectively utilize a dataset, train an object detection model, and implement it within a microcomputer infrastructure. This immersive experience is intended to bolster theoretical knowledge and provide a practical understanding of deploying AI techniques within computer vision. The main goal is to equip students with a robust skill set that translates into practical acumen, preparing a competent workforce to navigate and innovate in the complex landscape of Industry 4.0. This approach emphasizes the criticality of adapting educational strategies to meet the evolving demands of advanced technological infrastructures. It ensures that emerging professionals are adept at harnessing the potential of transformative tools like computer vision in industrial settings.
PubMed: 38933083
DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2024.1331249 -
Advances in Physiology Education Jun 2024Science communication is a core skill for undergraduate science students to acquire in preparation for their future careers, but studies show that this skill is...
Science communication is a core skill for undergraduate science students to acquire in preparation for their future careers, but studies show that this skill is underdeveloped in science graduates. The aim of this study was to discover the resources and approaches undergraduate students use to effectively develop their science communication skills, and how the use of these methods relates to academic performance on a communication task. Undergraduate students undertaking a second year biomedical science course (n=490) were asked which approaches and resources they used to aid the development of their science communication skills, and their responses were assessed against their laboratory report mark, using a multiple regression and relative weights analysis. Students' (n=453) use of 'CLIPS' (an open access interactive website on science communication), resources provided by the university, interactions with university teaching staff, and engagement with the scientific literature significantly predicted the laboratory report mark. Students enrolled in a blended format or in remote online learning only, and in different programs, performed comparably in the written report and used similar approaches and resources, other than remote students reporting more use of other online resources, and students in blended learning engaging more with university resources. Together, these findings provide insight into which strategies are most helpful for undergraduate students to engage with to improve their scientific communication skills. The findings highlight that the provision of well-designed interactive communication resources, guided assessment resources and opportunities to engage with teaching staff can assist the development of science communication skills.
PubMed: 38932698
DOI: 10.1152/advan.00009.2024 -
Advances in Physiology Education Jun 2024Much of the research about STEM students' motivation measures the relationship between student motivation and academic outcomes, focusing on the student's mindset. This...
Much of the research about STEM students' motivation measures the relationship between student motivation and academic outcomes, focusing on the student's mindset. This study takes a different approach, considering student motivation and instructional practices. Teaching practices and student motivation were analyzed simultaneously in undergraduate Biology classes using a self-determination theory-based survey and the Classroom Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM, and observation notes were collected to document instructor and student behaviors. Quantitative data was used to differentiate students' motivational levels and qualitative data was collected to describe how instructors use specific teaching practices. The results provide a lens into how students' intrinsic motivation varies alongside the instructional practices and interactions in these classes. We found a correlation between higher levels of student motivation in interactive lecture and student-centered teaching profiles. This study highlights how the same practice can be implemented by multiple instructors with varying student motivation scores, pointing out the importance of fidelity to evidence-based instructional practice methods. The results of this study are discussed in the context of published empirical studies examining evidence-based instructional practices that are conceptually supportive of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Active learning practices observed in this study correlated to positive learning outcomes are discussed and may serve as a guide for instructors interested in implementing specific active learning practices. Recommendations for instructors and departments that are interested in flexible methods to monitor progress toward active learning practices in biology and other STEM disciplines by combining the COPUS and self-determination survey results are presented.
PubMed: 38932697
DOI: 10.1152/advan.00247.2022