A Comparison of In Vitro Studies between Cobalt(III) and Copper(II) Complexes with Thiosemicarbazone Ligands to Treat Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

Metal complexes have gained significant attention as potential anti-cancer agents. The anti-cancer activity of [Co(phen)2(MeATSC)](NO3)3•1.5H2O•C2H5OH 1 (where phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and MeATSC = 9-anthraldehyde-N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazone) and [Cu(acetylethTSC)Cl]Cl•0.25C2H5OH 2 (where acetylethTSC = (E)-N-ethyl-2-[1-(thiazol-2-yl)ethylidene]hydrazinecarbothioamide) was investigated by analyzing DNA cleavage activity. The cytotoxic effect was analyzed using CCK-8 viability assay. The activities of caspase 3/7, 9, and 1, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cell cycle arrest, and mitochondrial function were further analyzed to study the cell death mechanisms. Complex 2 induced a significant increase in nicked DNA. The IC50 values of complex 1 were 17.59 µM and 61.26 µM in cancer and non-cancer cells, respectively. The IC50 values of complex 2 were 5.63 and 12.19 µM for cancer and non-cancer cells, respectively. Complex 1 induced an increase in ROS levels, mitochondrial dysfunction, and activated caspases 3/7, 9, and 1, which indicated the induction of intrinsic apoptotic pathway and pyroptosis. Complex 2 induced cell cycle arrest in the S phase, ROS generation, and caspase 3/7 activation. Thus, complex 1 induced cell death in the breast cancer cell line via activation of oxidative stress which induced apoptosis and pyroptosis while complex 2 induced cell cycle arrest through the induction of DNA cleavage.

Development and evolution of commitment profiles among military recruits: Implications for turnover intention and well-being.

We investigate the development and consequences of commitment profiles among Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) recruits who completed surveys at the end of basic training (N = 3998) and three (N = 636) and nine (N = 612) months later. The surveys included measures of affective, normative, and continuance commitment as well as measures developed by the CAF to assess recruits' experiences, career intentions, and well-being. Latent profile analyses of commitment at the end of basic training revealed four quantitatively distinct profiles (i.e., profiles differing in elevation but not shape). Strength of commitment related positively with perceived values fit, support from instructors and fellow recruits, and well-being, and negatively with turnover intention. Analyses of longitudinal data obtained following basic training revealed a stable and more differentiated 6-profile structure reflecting weak, exchange-based (continuance-dominant) and value-based (strong affective alone or in combination with strong normative and continuance) commitment. Value-based profiles were associated with greater perceived values fit, supervisor support, and well-being, and lower turnover intentions. The relative advantages of identifying the more nuanced commitment mind-sets reflected in commitment profiles is discussed along with the relevance of early onboarding experiences for the development of value-based commitment and retention.

Multicenter study of risk factors of unplanned 30-day readmissions in pediatric oncology.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric oncology patients have high rates of hospital readmission but there is a dearth of research into risk factors for unplanned 30-day readmissions among this high-risk population. AIM: In this study, we built a statistical model to provide insight into risk factors of unplanned readmissions in this pediatric oncology. METHODS: We retrieved 32 667 encounters from 10 418 pediatric patients with a neoplastic condition from 16 hospitals in the Cerner Health Facts Database and built a mixed-effects model with patients nested within hospitals for inference on 75% of the data and reserved the remaining as an independent test dataset. RESULTS: The mixed-effects model indicated that patients with acute lymphoid leukemia (in relapse), neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, or bone/cartilage cancer have increased odds of readmission. The number of cancer medications taken by the patient and the administration of chemotherapy were associated with increased odds of readmission for all cancer types. Wilms Tumor had a significant interaction with administration of chemotherapy, indicating that the risk due to chemotherapy is exacerbated in patients with Wilms Tumor. A second two-way interaction between recent history of chemotherapy treatment and infections was associated with increased odds of readmission. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (and corresponding 95% confidence interval) of the mixed-effects model was 0.714 (0.702, 0.725) on the independent test dataset. CONCLUSION: Readmission risk in oncology is modified by the specific type of cancer, current and past administration of chemotherapy, and increased health care utilization. Oncology-specific models can provide decision support where model built on other or mixed population has failed.

Farmers' concerns: a qualitative assessment to plan rural medical education.

CONTEXT: Limited research suggests that translational approaches are needed to decrease the distance, physical and cultural, between farmers and health care. PURPOSE: This study seeks to identify special concerns of farmers in Alabama and explore the need for a medical education program tailored to prepare physicians to address those concerns. METHODS: We conducted 2 focus groups with 20 farmers from diverse communities, backgrounds, and farming operations. The sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for determined patterns. FINDINGS: The following categories were developed as areas of importance to farmers: the need for physicians to understand the culture of farming, occupational exposures in farming, and recommendations for improving the health of farmers. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that to adequately serve farmers, medical students interested in entering practice in rural areas should have or develop a relevant and adequate understanding of farming practices.