3487 research outputs found
Sort by
Virtual Reality in Undergraduate and Postgraduate Nursing Education: A Scoping Review Protocol Integrating Data Mining for Topic Discovery
No full textVirtual Reality (VR) encompasses a range of computer-based technologies that simulate complex scenarios, offering immersive, experiential learning in a controlled virtual environment. In nurs- ing education, VR has the potential to enhance both technical and non-technical competencies. However, the existing literature on VR in nursing education is fragmented, making it challenging to fully grasp its scope, applications, and emerging trends. This scoping review protocol outlines a systematic approach to mapping the existing literature on the use of VR in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education. Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and the PRISMA- ScR 2020 framework, the review will include studies published in English, Spanish, or Italian, as well as those with an accessible HTML version to enable accurate automated translation and eli- gibility assessment. A comprehensive search will be conducted across PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and EMBASE, with no time restrictions. Two independent reviewers will assess study eligibility and extract data using a standardized form. Additionally, data mining techniques, including La- tent Dirichlet Allocation enhanced by Bayesian optimization, will be employed to identify trends and emerging topics in the field, providing valuable insights for educators, researchers, and pol- icymakers. • This scoping review protocol outlines the methodology for systematically mapping the exist- ing literature on VR in nursing education, providing a comprehensive overview of its appli- cations at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. • Advanced data mining techniques will be applied to uncover emerging trends and key topics, enhancing the understanding of VR’s evolving role in nursing education. • Findings will offer methodological and practical insights, supporting educators, researchers, and policymakers in optimizing and expanding VR-based learning strategies in nursing
Examining the Relationship Between Frailty, Operative Management, and 90-Day Mortality Across Emergency General Surgery Conditions
No full textThe Built Environment And Adverse Cardiovascular Events In Us Veterans With Cardiovascular Disease
No full textQuestion: Can AI-extracted interpretable built environment features predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in a national veteran population? Findings: In this cohort study of 770,990 U.S. veterans, seven built environment features were significantly associated with an increased risk of MACE. Two features, old/dilapidated buildings and visible wire, were associated with a decreased risk. Greenery was only linked to increased risk in higher social deprivation index quartiles. Meaning: Built environment features can serve as predictors of MACE, highlighting the potential role of neighborhood characteristics in cardiovascular risk stratification beyond traditional factors. Importance: The relationship between built environment features and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains understudied. Our study aims to discover what specific built environmental features influence cardiovascular mortality. Design: Retrospective cohort study of US Veterans (2016–2021) (98 % male, 86 % white) with stable ASCVD (coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, or peripheral artery disease). Exposures: Built environment features were assessed using 164 million Google Street View images (2019) sampled every 50 m across the US. Eleven features, including greenery, sidewalks, and non-single-family homes, were analyzed as the percentage of images containing each element. These were summarized at the census tract level and linked to participant healthcare data via residential addresses. Outcome: The primary outcome was first MACE occurrence (non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or cardiovascular mortality). Associations were analyzed using multivariable Fine Gray models, adjusting for demographics, clinical factors, the social deprivation index, and competing risks. Results: Over a 4-year median follow-up, features associated with increased MACE risk included greenery (subHR: 1.054, 95 % CI: 1.047–1.061), single-lane roads (subHR: 1.059, 95 % CI: 1.054–1.065), sidewalks (subHR: 1.023, 95 % CI: 1.020–1.026), crosswalks (subHR: 1.062, 95 % CI: 1.040–1.083), non-single-family homes (subHR: 1.088, 95 % CI: 1.083–1.094), and two or more cars (subHR: 1.013, 95 % CI: 1.006–1.019). Features linked to lower MACE risk included old buildings (subHR: 0.976, 95 % CI: 0.971–0.982) and visible wiring (subHR: 0.972, 95 % CI: 0.967–0.976). Conclusions: Built environment features influence MACE risk in US Veterans with ASCVD, emphasizing the role of the exposome in cardiovascular health
Redefining Cell Culture Using a 3D Flipwell Co-Culture System: A Mimetic for Gut Architecture and Dynamics In Vitro
No full textGut mucosae are composed of stratified layers of microbes, a selectively permeable mucus, an epithelial lining, and connective tissue homing immune cells. Studying cellular and chemical interactions between the gut mucosal components has been limited without a good model system. We have engineered a three-dimensional (3D) multi-cellular co-culture system we coined “3D Flipwell system” using cell culture inserts stacked against each other. This system allows an assessment of the impact of a gut mucosal environmental change on interactions between gut bacteria, epithelia, and immune cells. As such, this system can be utilized in examining the effects of exogenous stimuli, such as dietary nutrients, bacterial infection, and drugs, on the gut mucosa that could predetermine how these stimuli might influence the rest of body. Here, we describe the methods of construction and application of the new 3D Flipwell system we utilized previously in assessing the crosstalk between the gut mucosa and macrophage polarization. We demonstrate the physiological responses of different components of the co-cultures to Sepiapterin (SEP), the precursor of the nitric oxide synthase cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH₄). We reported previously that SEP induces a pro-immunogenic shift of macrophages having acquired an immune suppressive phenotype. We also showed that SEP induces a defense mechanism of commensal gut bacteria. The protocol describing the assembly and use of the 3D Flipwell co-culture system herein would grant its utility in evaluating the concurrent effects of pharmacologic and microbiologic stimuli on gut mucosal components. © 2025 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: 3D Flipwell construction, assembly, and collagen coating. Basic Protocol 2: Flipwell cell seeding and cell culture. Basic Protocol 3: Addition of bacterial culture to the Flipwell system. Basic Protocol 4: Flipwell disassembly for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. Basic Protocol 5: Immunofluorescence antibody staining for confocal microscopy
Consensus Recommendations Regarding Local and Metastasis-Directed Therapies in the Management of Relapsed/Recurrent Ewing Sarcoma
No full textLimited randomized or prospective data are available to guide local/metastasis directed therapy (LMDT) in relapsed/recurrent Ewing sarcoma (RR-ES), resulting in uncertainty regarding best clinical practice for these patients. This report reviews the available literature on LMDT approaches and provides consensus recommendations regarding therapeutic decision making, timing, and indications for the use of LMDT in the management of RR-ES. LMDT should be considered on a case-by-case basis to assess appropriateness, optimal timing/modality, palliative versus curative intent, and its role in relation to chemotherapy. One commonly used LMDT is radiotherapy (RT), which can be delivered through standard, hypofractionated, or stereotactic techniques based on factors including prior RT, tumor size, and/or location. Chemotherapy can be combined with RT, although prospective data are limited in the relapse setting. Surgery for LMDT not only addresses the tumor but also provides tissue for analysis, though the potential surgical morbidity based on location, extent of resection, and recovery complications should be considered. Interventional radiology approaches also can procure tumor tissue while delivering LMDT; there are several different procedures available based on the location, size, and extent of disease. Finally, a combination of LMDT approaches can be used for patients with RR-ES. Decisions regarding the management of RR-ES should involve a multidisciplinary team and factor in the burden of disease, progression-free interval, life expectancy, toxicity profiles of LMDT, and quality of life. In such patients, informed and shared decision making with patients and their families is paramount
Differential Effects of Macrophage Subtype-Specific Cytokines on Fibroblast Proliferation and Endothelial Cell Function in Co-Culture System
No full textMacrophages are involved in several critical activities associated with tissue repair and regeneration. Current approaches in regenerative medicine are focusing on leveraging the innate immune response to accelerate tissue regeneration and improve long-term healing outcomes. Of particular interest in this regard are the currently known, four main M2 macrophage subtypes: M2interleukin (IL)-4,IL-13, M2IC, M2IL-10, M2non-selective adenosine receptor agonists (NECA) (M2IL-4,IL-13 → M2(NECA). In this study, rat bone marrow-derived macrophages (M₀) were polarized to each of the four subtypes M2IL-4,IL-13 → M2NECA and cultured for 72 h in vitro. Luminex assay results highlighted increased production of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) for M2IL-4,IL-13, higher amounts of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) for M2IL-10, and elevated vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) from M2NECA. Co-culture experiments performed with M2IL-10 macrophages and L929 fibroblasts highlighted the increased production of soluble collagen within the media as well as higher amounts of collagen in the extracellular matrix. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were co-cultured with M2NECA macrophages, which demonstrated an increase in intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM), as well as increased formation of endothelial tubes. The findings of this study emphasize a critical demand for further characterization and analyses of distinct M₂ subtypes and careful selection of specific macrophage populations for regeneration of specific tissue types. The current, broad classification of “M₂” may be sufficient in many general tissue engineering applications, but, as conditions are constantly in flux within the microenvironment in vivo, a higher degree of specificity and control over the initial M₂ subtype could result in more consistent long-term outcomes where macrophages are utilized as part of an overall regenerative strategy
Methodological Considerations for Optimal Variable Selection in Machine Learning for Health Services Research
No full textEffective variable selection is central to the success of health services research, where large, complex datasets often include numerous variables with varying degrees of relevance. This paper presents a structured approach to variable selection, highlighting the importance of combining domain expertise with advanced analytical techniques to ensure the inclusion of only the most pertinent variables. We explore several methods, including manual selection, correlation matrices, random forests, and stepwise regression, each with its strengths and limitations in managing multicollinearity, dimensionality, and interpretability. By carefully preprocessing variables—removing redundant, irrelevant, or missing data—and applying feature selection tools like decision tree-based algorithms, researchers can streamline their models to focus on the most impactful predictors. This approach not only improves the reliability and precision of findings but also enhances the interpretability of complex models, particularly when working with social determinants of health (SDOH). Through a case study using the LexisNexis SDOH dataset, we illustrate how these methods can be tailored to identify patients at highest risk for adverse health outcomes. The proposed framework fosters more accurate, actionable insights and supports targeted interventions that aim to reduce health inequities
Innovative Instagram Education: A Tool to Prevent Relationship and Sexual Violence
Full text linkDuring the 2024 Fall semester, at the McCluskey Center for Violence Prevention at the University of Utah, our team solidified an educational plan to create Instagram posts on topics related to relationship and sexual violence. The Instagram Educational Series Programming consists of weekly posts addressing the primary prevention of relationship and sexual violence on the @uofucvp Instagram. This educational series aims to break down research and complex ideas to make them accessible to a wider audience. The posts with the most engagement address more complex topics. People’s thinking starts to shift when we address topics in a way that is unique from the ways we traditionally talk about relationship and sexual violence prevention
No Boys Allowed?: An Evaluation Of Masculinities Work Within Women\u27s Centers
Full text linkA research brief exploring how masculinities work is being done in women\u27s and gender equity centers, and how this advances work toward gender equity more broadly than an exclusive focus on women.https://commons.case.edu/mathercenter-briefs/1008/thumbnail.jp
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage Open Research Online? Become a CORE Member to access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard! 👇