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Despite growing evidence that narrative expertise may benefit cancer care professionals and the field, few hematology-oncology trainees pursue graduate degrees in the humanities. For those trainees with a particular interest in humanism in medicine, we advocate for integration of a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree concurrent with fellowship training. This pathway enables trainees to gain advanced skills in narrative competence, informing research and scholarly activities during fellowship and building a foundation for future careers that promote humanism in the field of hematology-oncology across clinical practice, education, research, and advocacy. Narrative competence describes the ability to create space for and elevate the voices of patients, families, and clinicians, which includes active listening, reflecting, sharing, and being moved by stories. In this paper, we review evidence suggesting that frequent exposure to suffering can threaten career longevity for cancer care clinicians, and we highlight narrative competence as an approach to mitigate moral distress, improve well-being, and bolster resilience for our workforce. The influence of narrative competence extends beyond patient care, with meaningful ramifications for advancing research, education, and advocacy efforts across the field. We encourage institutions with hematology-oncology fellowship programs that have capacity to support graduate studies to include the MFA as an option for trainees who aim to become thought leaders and experts in narrative competence. The MFA serves as a strategic mechanism to invest in growing the next generation of hematologist-oncologists with expertise in narrative competence to advance the field.

Purpose As narrative medicine interventions are integrated increasingly into medical practice, growing evidence indicates benefits for healthcare professionals. Presently, the prevalence and impact of narrative medicine interventions in the field of oncology remain unknown. This systematic review synthesizes published data on narrative medicine interventions in oncology and reports current knowledge on feasibility, acceptability, and impact on cancer care professionals. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched Ovid Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from inception through February 2024. Eligible articles were published in English and contained original data on feasibility, acceptability, and/or impact of a narrative medicine intervention for oncology professionals. Database searches identified 2614 deduplicated articles, from which 50 articles were identified for full-text assessment and 11 articles met inclusion criteria. Two additional articles were identified through manual review of references. Results Thirteen articles described 12 unique narrative medicine interventions targeting cancer care professionals. All studies described their respective interventions as feasible, acceptable, and impactful for participants. Interventions involved writing, reading, reflection, and other narrative-based strategies. Standardized validated tools evaluated outcomes including burnout, empathy expression, secondary trauma, quality of humanistic care, and well-being. Participants reported appreciation of opportunities for reflection, perspective sharing, and bearing witness, which they perceived to strengthen wellness and community. Conclusion Narrative medicine interventions are feasible and acceptable and may bolster oncology clinicians’ functioning across domains. Multi-site, prospective, randomized studies are needed to investigate the broader impact of narrative medicine interventions and advance the science of narrative medicine in oncology. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: CRD42022369432

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) have unique experiences with cancer, yet little patient-centered anticipatory guidance exists specifically by AYAs and for AYAs. In the ChronCan study, we analyzed writing narratives generated by AYA participants undergoing cancer treatment to gain insights into how AYA perspectives can inform patient-centered care. Rapid qualitative analysis was used to organize and synthesize narrative content for efficient turnaround of data to guide future intervention implementation. Analysis generated two clinically relevant themes across AYA narratives: 1) AYAs identified specific aspects of the cancer journey that surprised or overwhelmed them, and 2) AYAs shared advice to help support and guide other AYA patients with newly diagnosed cancer. Both themes, interconnected by an awareness of “what I wish I had known,” comprised 4 overlapping subthemes related to 1) duration and intensity of treatment, 2) mental and emotional toll of treatment, 3) pervasive social impact of illness, and 4) opportunities for self-discovery. Synthesis of these insights informed development of a patient-centered anticipatory guidance framework to leverage AYA patients’ expertise and wisdom for the benefit of other AYAs with cancer.

Introduction Skipping breakfast has become more common, and it can significantly affect a person’s health, performance, mood, and other physiological and psychological factors. In Bangladesh, university students often encounter unhealthy dietary habits, which raises questions about why many university students choose to skip breakfast. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of skipping breakfast among university students in Bangladesh and explore the contributing factors. Methods Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh was the location of this cross-sectional study. Breakfast consumption was measured with the single-question item, “How often do you eat breakfast?” (Almost every day, sometimes, rarely, or never). Skipping breakfast was classified as respondents selecting sometimes, rarely, or never having breakfast. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and sleep-related data were collected as key predictor variables. Multiple logistic regression models identified factors associated with skipping breakfast. Results The prevalence of skipping breakfast among study participants ( N  = 502, 51.6% female and mean age 21.31 years) was 63.5%. Female students were more likely to skip breakfast compared to male students (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.06–2.55). Smoker participants had a higher likelihood of skipping breakfast compared to non-smokers (AOR = 3.92, 95% CI: 1.57–9.78). Students with night eating syndrome had a higher likelihood of skipping breakfast compared to their counterparts (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.06–3.22). Students with poor sleep quality were three times more likely to skip breakfast than their counterparts (AOR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.93–4.51). Overweight/obese students were less likely to skip breakfast compared to their counterparts (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.20–0.82). Conclusion This study highlights a high prevalence of skipping breakfast among university students in Bangladesh. Specifically, students who are females, smokers, poor sleepers and who have night eating syndrome are more likely to skip breakfast compared to their counterparts. These findings underscore a need for targeted interventions and educational programs to promote healthy breakfast habits. Addressing these modifiable risk factors can have a positive impact on students’ nutritional practices and their health and wellbeing.

Context: Storytelling is a powerful tool for encouraging reflection and connection among both speakers and listeners. While growing in popularity, studying the benefits of formal oral storytelling events within graduate medical education remains rare. Our research question was: could an oral storytelling event for GME trainees and faculty be an effective approach for promoting well-being and resilience among participants? Methods: We used multiple approaches to gather perspectives from physician participants (storytellers and audience members) at an annual oral storytelling event for residents, fellows, and faculty from seven academic health systems in Minnesota. Data sources included short reflections written by participants during the event, an immediate post-event survey exploring participants' experiences during the event, social media postings, and targeted follow-up interviews further exploring the themes of connection and burnout that were raised in post-event survey responses. We performed a qualitative analysis using both deductive and inductive coding to identify themes. Results: There were 334 participants, including 197 physicians. At the event, 129 real-time written reflections were collected. There were also 33 Twitter posts related to the event. Response rate for the post-event survey was 65% for physicians, with 63% of physician respondents volunteering for targeted follow-up interviews. Of those, 38% completed the follow-up interview. Themes that emerged from the multi-modal qualitative analysis included a sense of connection and community, re-connection with meaning and purpose in work, renewal and hope, gratitude, and potential impact on burnout. Conclusion: The large turnout and themes identified show how an oral storytelling event can be a powerful tool to build community in graduate medical education. Qualitative analysis from multiple sources obtained both in real-time at the event and upon deeper reflection afterwards showed the event positively impacted the well-being of participants and that oral storytelling events can be an effective approach for promoting resilience in GME.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized through green-approach methods using aqueous solution of fallen Aegle marmelos leaf extract. The prepared NPs were characterized using different spectroscopy techniques including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), X-ray Diffraction Patterns (XRD) and electron microscopy such as Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). XRD study confirmed the formation of crystalline hexagonal ZnO phase (wurtzite structure) with an average crystal size of 21.23 nm. FESEM analysis suggests the formation of 57.32 nm of ZnO NPs and the particles are almost spherical and moderately polydispersed. FTIR showed the vibration peaks for alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds which could act as both a reducing agent and a stabilizer for the prepared NPs. The high colloidal stability of the NPs is confirmed from the high ξ potential (-33.6 mV). The synthesized NPs showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ of 47.67 µg/mL, indicating strong but lower potency than ascorbic acid (12.39 µg/mL). The prepared NPs were utilized for the application of antibacterial activity and anti-diarrheal activity. The NPs exhibited higher antibacterial activity for S. aureus pathogen (ZOI, 18.2 ± 0.4) among the four identified different gram-positive and gram-negative strains, with maximum efficacy observed at higher concentrations (100 µg/mL) of NPs dose. The biosynthesized ZnO NPs were found to have excellent anti-diarrheal activity for both the 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg NPs doses. Overall, this study shows a sustainable waste-to-nanomaterial strategy that combines green synthesis with multifunctional biomedical potential. Graphical Abstract

Correction of: https://cancer.jmir.org/2025/1/e78010

To improve mental health and wellness and create specific solutions, it is essential to comprehend how individuals feel and brain functions. In this study, we present a novel approach for emotion recognition and analysing electroencephalography (EEG) data for cognitive evaluation. EEG data were collected from 30 participants using non-invasive electrodes positioned at AF3, AF4, T7, T8, and Pz, corresponding to the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes.We have obtained real-time EEG data from participantes during various tasks, including as rest, listening to music, answering questions, and completing mathematical puzzles. Our goal was to investigate the brain correlates of different emotional and cognitive states. The recorded signals were pre-processed using a 4–8 Hz bandpass filter targeting theta waves, followed by Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and sequence pattern mapping. Statistical significance of variations between brain states was confirmed using ANOVA (p < 0.05). A supervised machine learning classifier (Random Forest) achieved 89.2% prediction accuracy, with precision = 0.87, recall = 0.90, and F1-score = 0.885, demonstrating robust differentiation between emotional and cognitive states. We have developed prediction models for emotion recognition and cognitive assessment using linear regression classification based on EEG features extracted from multiple brain areas. Using statistical analysis and graphical representation techniques, the EEG data was visualised and analysed, revealing a variety of patterns associated with different tasks and stimuli. Our study demonstrates that emotional states and cognitive activity may be accurately identified from EEG signals. More specifically, we observed significant differences in EEG patterns between tasks, suggesting that real-time tracking of human emotions and mental processes can be achieved with EEG-based techniques. Applications in human-computer interaction, mental health monitoring, and tailored interventions to improve well-being are possible with the suggested methodology. 

Microplastics (MPs), recently identified as emerging contaminants in environmental and biological systems, currently lack a comprehensive ecological risk assessment in waste disposal environments. This study investigates the presence, abundance, and distribution patterns of MPs in agricultural soils and surface water near the largest waste disposal area in Dhaka, Bangladesh, mainly focusing on assessing ecological risks and identifying potential hazards. MPs were characterized using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, stereomicroscopy, and SEM–EDX analysis. The agricultural soils were categorized into 5–2 mm, 2–1 mm, and 1–0.5 mm size fractions, concentrating on MPs less than 5 mm in surface waters. The mean abundance of MPs in surface soils was 2800 ± 696.42, 2320 ± 622.09, and 2040 ± 313.05 particles/kg, while in subsurface soil they were 2680 ± 576.19, 2200 ± 570.09, and 1760 ± 443.72 particles/kg for respective size fractions, and 376 ± 57.29 particles/liter in surface water. MPs were significantly correlated with soil moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The predominant polymers were polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, mainly in fiber and film forms. The ecological risk evaluation indicated a high risk for surface soil and a medium-to-high risk for subsurface soil of agricultural land and surface water. Plastic mulch, solid waste, surface water irrigation, and organic compost were probably the potential sources of MPs, and their entrance into farmland and adjacent environments should be strictly limited. This study would provide the baseline reference for the current situation on agricultural fields and surface water near waste dumping sites, as well as emphasize the need for strong environmental regulations and effective mitigation techniques to address microplastic pollution. Graphical abstract

This is a systematic review on how innovations in health service practice and organisation can be disseminated and implemented. This is an academic text, originally commissioned by the Department of Health from University College London and University of Surrey, using a variety of research methods. The results of the review are discussed in detail in separate chapters covering particular innovations and the relevant contexts. The book is intended as a resource for health care researchers and academics.