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Journal of Neurosurgery. Case Lessons Feb 2022Central neurocytomas usually have a favorable clinical course, and gross total resection (GTR) results in long-term survival. Recurrences of central neurocytomas are...
BACKGROUND
Central neurocytomas usually have a favorable clinical course, and gross total resection (GTR) results in long-term survival. Recurrences of central neurocytomas are usually local, and dissemination is extremely rare.
OBSERVATIONS
A 24-year-old man who presented with vomiting was found to have a mass in the right lateral ventricle. After GTR, he received whole-brain irradiation and chemotherapy and had remained disease-free on follow-up for years. The review of the initial tumor revealed central neurocytoma. Seventeen years later, he presented with deterioration of memory, and magnetic resonance imaging showed an enhanced lesion in the left hippocampus. The enhanced lesion was resected, and the histological examination revealed that the tumor was a disseminated atypical central neurocytoma with frequent mitoses. Although he was treated with chemotherapy, the disseminated tumor slowly grew and invaded the brain. Massive brain invasion occurred without enhanced lesions, and he died 27 months after the tumor recurrence.
LESSONS
In this patient, a central neurocytoma disseminated after an extremely long period of time. Once neurocytomas disseminate and show aggressive behavior, patients usually follow a poor course. Patients with central neurocytomas should be followed up for a long time.
PubMed: 36130558
DOI: 10.3171/CASE21610 -
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Aug 2023Sext dissemination (i.e., the online sharing of sexually explicit images) has the potential to result in legal, social, and psychological harms. Recent research has...
Sext dissemination (i.e., the online sharing of sexually explicit images) has the potential to result in legal, social, and psychological harms. Recent research has shown that this behavior can be consensual or non-consensual in nature; yet little is known about how motivations or attitudes may differ between these forms, or with gender. This study is based on a cross-sectional online survey investigating consensual and non-consensual sext dissemination and associated demographic, behavioral, attitudinal, and psychological factors. Participants were 2,126 cisgendered adults aged 18 to 30 years ( = 22.97, = 3.21, 55% women, 45% men), resident in Western, English-speaking nations, particularly Australia. Around 10% of respondents reported disseminating texts, and of these, only 19.8% indicated they had permission for this, with no differences across gender. When sexts were disseminated "to gossip," this was significantly more likely to be non-consensual. There were no significant differences between consensual and non-consensual dissemination in subjective attitudes or norms toward dissemination, nor levels of psychological distress. Women were more likely to non-consensually disseminate sexts that had been received as unwanted or unwelcome. Consensual dissemination was weakly associated with being sexually active and having given consent to having one's own images disseminated. We discuss implications for future research regarding consent, and relationship and sexuality education.
Topics: Male; Adult; Humans; Female; Motivation; Cross-Sectional Studies; Sexual Behavior; Attitude; Informed Consent
PubMed: 37067003
DOI: 10.1177/08862605231163886 -
Cancers Apr 2023Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) disseminates with high prevalence to the central nervous system (CNS) in a process resembling aspects of the CNS surveillance of... (Review)
Review
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) disseminates with high prevalence to the central nervous system (CNS) in a process resembling aspects of the CNS surveillance of normal immune cells as well as aspects of brain metastasis from solid cancers. Importantly, inside the CNS, the ALL blasts are typically confined within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled cavities of the subarachnoid space, which they use as a sanctuary protected from both chemotherapy and immune cells. At present, high cumulative doses of intrathecal chemotherapy are administered to patients, but this is associated with neurotoxicity and CNS relapse still occurs. Thus, it is imperative to identify markers and novel therapy targets specific to CNS ALL. Integrins represent a family of adhesion molecules involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, implicated in the adhesion and migration of metastatic cancer cells, normal immune cells, and leukemic blasts. The ability of integrins to also facilitate cell-adhesion mediated drug resistance, combined with recent discoveries of integrin-dependent routes of leukemic cells into the CNS, have sparked a renewed interest in integrins as markers and therapeutic targets in CNS leukemia. Here, we review the roles of integrins in CNS surveillance by normal lymphocytes, dissemination to the CNS by ALL cells, and brain metastasis from solid cancers. Furthermore, we discuss whether ALL dissemination to the CNS abides by known hallmarks of metastasis, and the potential roles of integrins in this context.
PubMed: 37173970
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092504 -
Microorganisms Feb 2023House flies are well recognized as filth-associated organisms and public nuisances. House flies create sanitation issues when they bridge the gap between microbe-rich... (Review)
Review
House flies are well recognized as filth-associated organisms and public nuisances. House flies create sanitation issues when they bridge the gap between microbe-rich breeding environments and animal/human habitations. Numerous scientific surveys have demonstrated that house flies harbor bacterial pathogens that pose a threat to humans and animals. More extensive and informative surveys incorporating next-generation sequencing technologies have shown that house fly carriage of pathogens and harmful genetic elements, such as antimicrobial resistance genes, is more widespread and dangerous than previously thought. Further, there is a strong body of research confirming that flies not only harbor but also transmit viable, and presumably infectious, bacterial pathogens. Some pathogens replicate and persist in the fly, permitting prolonged shedding and dissemination. Finally, although the drivers still have yet to be firmly determined, the potential range of dissemination of flies and their associated pathogens can be extensive. Despite this evidence, the house flies' role as reservoirs, disseminators, and true, yet facultative, vectors for pathogens have been greatly underestimated and underappreciated. In this review, we present key studies that bolster the house fly's role both an important player in microbial ecology and population biology and as transmitters of microbial threats to animal and human health.
PubMed: 36985156
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030583 -
Addictive Behaviors Feb 2021In 2016, the US Surgeon General issued a Call to Action to address adolescent e-cigarette use and school-based prevention interventions are an effective component of...
OBJECTIVES
In 2016, the US Surgeon General issued a Call to Action to address adolescent e-cigarette use and school-based prevention interventions are an effective component of comprehensive tobacco control. This study describes the development and dissemination of CATCH My Breath, an e-cigarette prevention program for middle and high school students.
METHODS
Starting in 2014, a university and nonprofit collaboration designed, formatively evaluated, pilot tested, and disseminated the CATCH My Breath Program (CMB). The team used Social Cognitive Theory to develop the program and Diffusion of Innovations Theory to disseminate the program. Dissemination strategies were applied beginning in 2016. This paper describes the application of both theories and the resulting reach of CMB.
RESULTS
Since dissemination began, CMB has been rapidly adopted, following the typical diffusion normal curve. As of June 2020, approximately 4,000 schools in the United States have adopted the program, 70,000 teachers have taught the program, and 1,400,000 students have been exposed to program materials.
CONCLUSION
The application of Social Cognitive Theory and Diffusion of Innovation Theory resulted in effective prevention results and rapid, widespread adoption of the CMB. This level of adoption and implementation represents 25% of the school marketplace. CMB should be considered as the school component of the recommended combustible and e-cigarette prevention and control toolkit, alongside mass media, marketing restrictions, retail access, taxation, flavor ban, and FDA premarket approval. Other public health interventions seeking rapid adoption should consider applying principles of Diffusion of Innovation as a guide for development and dissemination.
Topics: Adolescent; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Humans; School Health Services; Schools; Students; Tobacco Products; United States
PubMed: 33130463
DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106698 -
Cancer Causes & Control : CCC Sep 2023Partnerships between researchers and community members and organizations can offer multiple benefits for research relevance and dissemination. The goal of this project...
PURPOSE
Partnerships between researchers and community members and organizations can offer multiple benefits for research relevance and dissemination. The goal of this project was to build infrastructure to create bidirectional relationships between University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC) researchers and community educators in the Division of Extension, which connects the knowledge and resources of the university to communities across the state.
METHODS
This project had three aims: (1) create linkages with Extension; (2) establish an in-reach program to educate and train researchers on the science of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE); and (3) identify and facilitate collaborative projects between scientists and communities. Survey and focus group-based needs assessments were completed with both researchers and Extension educators and program activity evaluations were conducted.
RESULTS
Most Extension educators (71%) indicated a strong interest in partnering on COE projects. UWCCC faculty indicated interest in further disseminating their research, but also indicated barriers in connecting with communities. Outreach webinars were created and disseminated to community, a "COE in-reach toolkit" for faculty was created and a series of "speed networking" events were hosted to pair researchers and community. Evaluations indicated the acceptability and usefulness of these activities and supported continuation of collaborative efforts.
CONCLUSION
Continued relationship and skill building, along with a sustainability plan, is critical to support the translation of basic, clinical, and population research to action in the community outreach and engagement context. Further incentives for faculty should be explored for the recruitment of basic scientists into community engagement work.
Topics: Humans; Surveys and Questionnaires; Research Personnel; Neoplasms; Community-Institutional Relations; Program Evaluation
PubMed: 37247136
DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01725-8 -
Trials Jul 2017Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is associated with an increased risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Several treatment interventions have been described for...
BACKGROUND
Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is associated with an increased risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Several treatment interventions have been described for TTTS, including fetoscopic laser surgery, amnioreduction, septostomy, expectant management, and pregnancy termination. Over the last decade, fetoscopic laser surgery has become the primary treatment. The literature to date reports on many different outcomes, making it difficult to compare results or combine data from individual studies, limiting the value of research to guide clinical practice. With the advent and ongoing development of new therapeutic techniques, this is more important than ever. The development and use of a core outcome set has been proposed to address these issues, prioritising outcomes important to the key stakeholders, including patients. We aim to produce, disseminate, and implement a core outcome set for TTTS.
METHODS
An international steering group has been established to oversee the development of this core outcome set. This group includes healthcare professionals, researchers and patients. A systematic review is planned to identify previously reported outcomes following treatment for TTTS. Following completion, the identified outcomes will be evaluated by stakeholders using an international, multi-perspective online modified Delphi method to build consensus on core outcomes. This method encourages the participants towards consensus 'core' outcomes. All key stakeholders will be invited to participate. The steering group will then hold a consensus meeting to discuss results and form a core outcome set to be introduced and measured. Once core outcomes have been agreed, the next step will be to determine how they should be measured, disseminated, and implemented within an international context.
DISCUSSION
The development, dissemination, and implementation of a core outcome set in TTTS will enable its use in future clinical trials, systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines. This is likely to advance the quality of research studies and their effective use in order to guide clinical practice and improve patient care, maternal, short-term perinatal outcomes and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET), 921 Registered on July 2016. International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), CRD42016043999 . Registered on 2 August 2016.
Topics: Clinical Protocols; Consensus; Delphi Technique; Endpoint Determination; Female; Fetofetal Transfusion; Humans; Pregnancy; Research Design; Stakeholder Participation; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Twin Studies as Topic
PubMed: 28709445
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2042-0 -
Journal of Public Health Policy Jun 2021Since COVID-19 emerged, a plethora of misinformation has undermined the public's ability to identify reliable sources of accurate information. To identify the range of...
Since COVID-19 emerged, a plethora of misinformation has undermined the public's ability to identify reliable sources of accurate information. To identify the range of methods governments used to address COVID-19 misinformation, we conducted a content analysis of international media and evaluated government actions in light of international law, which protects freedom of expression and calls on governments to guarantee this fundamental right even during a pandemic or other emergency. We identified five categories of government activities: (1) disseminating and increasing access to accurate information; (2) restricting access to accurate information; (3) disseminating disinformation, false information, and misinformation; (4) addressing commercial fraud; and (5) criminalizing expression. The goal of addressing COVID-19 misinformation is best served by protecting expression, disseminating factual information, ensuring strong protections for whistleblowers, and supporting an independent media environment. Conversely, governments undermine public health when they create a state of uncertainty and violate human rights.
Topics: COVID-19; Communication; Consumer Health Information; Federal Government; Fraud; Humans; Information Dissemination; Pandemics; Public Health; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 33510401
DOI: 10.1057/s41271-020-00270-x -
JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting Jun 2023There is a need to disseminate evidence-based parenting interventions for adolescent externalizing concerns. Although family-based treatments have demonstrated efficacy...
BACKGROUND
There is a need to disseminate evidence-based parenting interventions for adolescent externalizing concerns. Although family-based treatments have demonstrated efficacy for such concerns, they have limitations and challenges when disseminated in the community. Behavioral-based parenting techniques form an integral part of well-established, family-based interventions for adolescent behavioral problems and are ideal for dissemination through coupling with smartphone technology. Despite the vast number of "parent" apps currently available in commercial markets, there is a dearth of reviews focused on evaluating mobile health apps through the lens of behavioral parenting training (BPT).
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of commercial mobile health apps for parents to increase effective parenting skills that include behavioral components.
METHODS
A search of the Google Play and Apple App Stores identified 57 apps that were included in the review and coded for availability, popularity, and infrastructure. In total, 89% (51/57) of them were sufficiently functional to be assessed for app design quality (engagement, functionality, esthetics, and information), and 53% (30/57) proceeded to the final evaluation of level of adherence to BPT principles.
RESULTS
In total, 57 apps met the initial inclusion criteria. Accessibility was high across these apps given that 44% (25/57) were available on both the Google Play and Apple App Stores and 68% (39/57) were free of charge. However, privacy concerns were addressed inconsistently among the apps. App design quality was average across the included apps, and apps with positive user star ratings or a high number of downloads received higher ratings on app design quality. In contrast, the identified apps largely fell short in providing BPT components adequately and with high interactivity, with low levels of adherence to BPT (mean 20.74%, SD 11%) across all commercial apps evaluated. Commercially popular apps did not show higher levels of adherence to BPT. Overall, a moderate relationship between app design quality and adherence to BPT was found. App features that have been found to increase user engagement, such as gamification and individualization, were only observed in a small minority of apps. Overall, there was a lack of focus on teenage development.
CONCLUSIONS
Future app developers hoping to increase the dissemination of BPT should aim for free and accessible apps that balance high-quality design features (eg, simple esthetics, interactivity, and individualization) with content consistent with BPT principles. They should also consider key issues that are inconsistently addressed in current apps, including privacy and teenage development. Future app developments will likely benefit from multisector (industry and academic) collaboration throughout the design process and involving end users (ie, parents) during different stages of app development.
PubMed: 37261886
DOI: 10.2196/43626 -
Cancer Control : Journal of the Moffitt... 2022Despite the benefits of genetic counseling and testing (GCT), utilization is particularly low among African American (AA) women who exhibit breast cancer features that...
OBJECTIVES
Despite the benefits of genetic counseling and testing (GCT), utilization is particularly low among African American (AA) women who exhibit breast cancer features that are common in BRCA-associated cancer. Underutilization is especially problematic for AA women who are more likely to die from breast cancer than women from any other race or ethnicity. Due to medical mistrust, fear, and stigma that can be associated with genetic services among racial/ethnic minorities, reliance on trusted social networks may be an impactful strategy to increase dissemination of knowledge about hereditary cancer risk. Informed by the social cognitive theory, the purpose of this study is to determine: 1) which AA patients diagnosed with breast cancer and with identified hereditary risk are sharing information about hereditary risk with their networks; 2) the nature of the information dissemination; and 3) if personal GCT experiences is associated with dissemination of information about hereditary risk.
METHODS
Among consented participants (n = 100) that completed an interview administered using a 202-item questionnaire consisting of open- and closed-ended questions, 62 patients were identified to be at higher risk for breast cancer. Descriptive statistics, bivariable chi-square, Pearson's exact tests, and regression analyses were conducted to examine differences in characteristics between high-risk participants who disseminated hereditary risk information and participants who did not.
RESULTS
Among high-risk participants, 25 (40%) indicated they had disseminated information about hereditary risk to at least one member in their family/friend network and 37 (60%) had not. Receipt of both provider recommendations and receipt of GCT services was associated with greater odds of disseminating information about hereditary risk with networks, OR = 4.53, 95%CI [1.33, 15.50], p = .02.
CONCLUSION
Interventions that increase self-efficacy gained through additional personalized knowledge and experience gained through provider recommendations and by undergoing GCT may facilitate information dissemination among social/familial networks.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Delivery of Health Care; Female; Genetic Counseling; Genetic Testing; Humans; Information Dissemination; Trust
PubMed: 35658635
DOI: 10.1177/10732748221104666