Search Results (459)

Background: Implantation of modularly built-up stems with a tapered and fluted design is currently state of the art in revision total hip arthroplasty (RTHA). Nevertheless, implant-specific major complications like breakage of taper junctions as well as periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) may lead to failure of reconstruction during follow-up. Methods: A cohort of 117 cases receiving femoral RTHA by a modular stem was investigated retrospectively with a mean follow-up of 5.7 (0.5–13.7) years. Cumulative risk and potential factors affecting the occurrence of PPFs were calculated with the Kaplan–Meier method. In addition, cases were presented to discuss operative treatment options. Results: A cumulative risk of PPF of 12.1% (95% CI: 0–24.6%) was calculated at 13.7 years. Female patients had significantly higher risk compared to male patients (0% after 13.5 years for male patients vs. 20.8% (95% CI: 0.5–41.2%) after 13.7 years for female patients; log-rank p = 0.0438) as all five patients sustaining a PPF during follow-up were women. Four fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Non-union and collapse of the fracture occurred in one patient after closed reduction and internal fixation. Conclusions: Postoperative PPF after femoral revision with a modular stem has shown to be a frequent complication within this mid-term follow-up. Female patients were at a significantly higher risk in this aged cohort, indicating osteoporosis as a risk factor. The surgical treatment of PPF with an integrated long-stemmed prosthesis is challenging and thorough considerations of adequate operative treatment of PPFs are strongly advised in order to limit complication rates. Full article

This article explores the role of the European Union (EU) as a normative gender actor promoting women’s participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) within the Eastern Partnership (EaP) region. In a context marked by global inequality and overlapping international efforts, this paper assesses the extent to which EU-driven Europeanisation influences national gender policies in non-EU states. Using a postfunctionalist lens, this research draws on a qualitative analysis of EU-funded programmes, strategic documents, and a detailed case study encompassing Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, and Azerbaijan. This study highlights both the opportunities created by EU initiatives such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and regional programmes like EU4Digital and the challenges presented by political resistance, institutional inertia, and socio-cultural norms. The findings reveal that although EU interventions have fostered significant progress, structural barriers and limited national commitment hinder the long-term sustainability of gender equality in STEM. Moreover, the withdrawal of other global actors increases pressure on the EU to maintain leadership in this area. This paper concludes that without stronger national alignment and global cooperation, EU gender policies risk becoming symbolic rather than transformative. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bisphenol A (BPA) is found throughout the environment and exposure to it has been shown to cause several health problems, including cancer. The problem with BPA is that it is a xenoestrogen that is chemically very similar to 17β-estradiol. Chronic exposure to BPA overstimulates the estrogen receptors and leads to inflammation that triggers several pathways leading to cancer progression. This is especially true in the case of hormone-sensitive breast cancers. This article reviewed the main pathways thought to be involved in the formation and/or progression of the most common forms of hormone-sensitive breast cancers due to BPA exposure. The main results were compiled and presented in tables along with a more detailed discussion of each pathway within the text. In most cases, chronic BPA exposure led to inflammation, which then triggered pathways leading to cancer stem cell formation and maintenance. In other cases, BPA exposure led to the formation of reactive oxygen species that damaged DNA and caused the formation of mutated p53 and tumorigenesis. Conclusions: The article summarizes the key pathways that are currently known, pertaining to how BPA leads to the progression and maintenance of breast cancer. The article then concludes by discussing how prenatal and perinatal BPA exposure may also predispose women to hormone-sensitive breast cancers later in life. Full article

Urinary incontinence is characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine. The primary cause of stress urinary incontinence in women is the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a significant global health problem that impacts mainly middle-aged women, with a severe impact on their quality of life. Traditional diagnostic methods and treatments often fail, although technological innovations have improved diagnostic accuracy, such as specific questionnaires or transperineal ultrasound. While medical therapies and surgical procedures are continuously being developed, controversies about the correct choices regarding diagnostic and treatment methods continue to exist. The aim of our review was to identify the innovative diagnostic tools and effective treatment procedures for SUI. A narrative review was conducted due to the heterogeneity of the studies. New methods for diagnosis and treatment have gained ground, and we have covered them in our review; however, the field continues to expand. A personalized approach to diagnosis is also a requirement because of the limitations of conventional urodynamic studies, and we emphasize the importance of such personalization in enhancing clinical decision making. Future medical strategies that combine both preventive and therapeutic care are desirable. Newer technologies were brought to light in this review, including stem cell therapy and laser therapy. Full article

According to the WHO, in 2022, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) and 670,000 deaths globally. BC remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with therapeutic resistance representing a significant barrier to effective treatment, particularly in aggressive subtypes like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This review article discusses emerging strategies to overcome resistance by integrating precision oncology, nanotechnology-based drug delivery, and immune modulation. Resistance mechanisms—such as metabolic reprogramming, tumor heterogeneity, immune evasion, autophagy, and the role of cancer stem cells—are critically examined. We highlight cutting-edge nanoplatforms that co-deliver chemotherapeutics and immune stimulants with spatiotemporal precision, including sonodynamic and photothermal systems, ADCs, and targeted nanoparticles. Moreover, advances in tumor microenvironment (TME) modulation, photoimmunotherapy, and exosomal miRNA targeting offer promising avenues to enhance immunogenicity and therapeutic durability. The integration of molecular profiling with advanced computational approaches, including artificial intelligence and biomimetic models, holds significant promise for the future development of personalized resistance-mitigating interventions, though a detailed exploration is beyond the current scope. Collectively, these strategies reflect a paradigm shift from conventional monotherapies toward multifaceted, precision-guided treatment approaches. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current innovations and propose future directions for overcoming drug resistance in BC. Full article

Breast cancer is the leading threat to the health of women, with a rising global incidence linked to social and psychological factors. Among its subtypes, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which lacks estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression, is highly heterogeneous with early metastasis and a poor prognosis, making it the most challenging subtype. Mounting evidence shows that the mitochondrial quality control (MQC) system is vital for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Dysfunction of the MQC is tied to tumor cell invasiveness, metastasis, and chemoresistance. This paper comprehensively reviews the molecular link between MQC and TNBC development. We focused on how abnormal MQC affects TNBC progression by influencing chemoresistance, immune evasion, metastasis, and cancer stemness. On the basis of current studies, new TNBC treatment strategies targeting key MQC nodes have been proposed. These findings increase the understanding of TNBC pathogenesis and offer a theoretical basis for overcoming treatment challenges, providing new research angles and intervention targets for effective precision therapy for TNBC. Full article

Efforts to promote gender-inclusive education must extend beyond STEM fields to encompass all academic disciplines, including those that are traditionally feminized. This study examines how undergraduate students enrolled in Early Childhood, Primary, and Social Education degrees at the University of the Basque Country address gender issues in their final academic projects. Of the 2708 undergraduate dissertations (UDs) reviewed, only 383 met the criteria for gender-related content and were analyzed using lexical software (the Reinert method via Iramuteq). The analysis revealed a low overall engagement (12–14%) with gender themes, despite the critical role these educators will play in shaping future generations. Thematic clusters emerged around teacher training, gender stereotypes, and women’s empowerment. We argue that the invisibility of gender issues in these programs reflects a systemic problem, and that gender-inclusive reform must span the full spectrum of educational disciplines if broader social transformation is to be achieved. Full article

Numerous studies, diagnoses, and projects have been carried out in recent years to analyze the low female presence in STEM studies. However, progress has been limited, and the female presence is still low in certain degrees related to information and communication technologies, physics, and engineering. Many of the actions have been aimed at attracting women to these fields, but few have tried to change the culture of these disciplines, which make them a non-place for women. This paper analyses the measures carried out in Spanish public universities, and specifically at the University of Santiago de Compostela, to contribute to making these disciplines a place for women. Computer engineering workshops for primary and secondary education are proposed, incorporating a gender perspective. These transformative activities were highly valuated and welcomed by non-university teachers. The ideas inspiring these initiatives might help both to attract girls to STEM degrees and to generate gender equality environments, in order to change the androcentric culture of this field. Full article

Participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is crucial, as these fields present an opportunity for individuals to overcome socio-economic adversities such as unemployment and poverty. In South Africa, access to STEM education has improved in recent years, partly due to the availability of study grants for learners interested in these fields. However, evidence shows that women remain underrepresented in STEM fields. Gender stereotypes, bullying, and pay disparities are cited as some of the contributing factors. Despite these overwhelming challenges, female learners are increasingly pursuing STEM education. Guided by the resilience theory, we explored the factors motivating female learners to enroll in STEM fields at a public secondary school level in South Africa. The research adopted the snowball sampling technique to recruit learners attending a public secondary school in South Africa. Due to COVID-19-related restrictions in 2022, the research data was collected through telephonic one-on-one interviews. The findings revealed that access to competitive employment opportunities, impactful careers, personal growth, and financial independence were some factors sparking the female learners’ interest in STEM. However, the learners experienced gender stereotypes and discrimination, which made them doubt their abilities to thrive in STEM education/fields. To cope with the complexities of STEM, the learners relied on their caregivers for emotional support, and they attended extra lessons and tutorials offered by the education system. The findings highlight the need for the government to prioritize support programs for female learners who must continuously fight rejection in STEM fields. Full article

The majority of people living in the U.S. report that spirituality is an important part of their life that is influential to their well-being. However, individuals vary widely in how they conceptualize spirituality, which often stems from and overlaps with their conceptualizations of God or so-called “God image”. Examination of people’s experiences of spirituality and conceptualization of God can enable psychologists to improve their understanding of individuals’ core personal experiences. This study evaluates both spirituality and God image, as well as the relationship between these two constructs, using qualitative hermeneutic analysis of interviews with 63 adults (51% women, 49% men, aged 18–75) from a midwestern U.S. university town. Substantial overlap characterized participants’ descriptions of spirituality and God. Participants tended to either view spirituality in relational terms or as an abstract concept, with the latter conceptualization being distanced from personal experience. Religious concepts and personal experiences were integral to most participants’ descriptions of both spirituality and God. The results emphasize the importance of addressing contextual worldviews about spirituality, inclusive of personal experiences. Full article

Cervical cancer remains a major threat to women’s health, with advanced cases often exhibiting recurrence and metastasis due to cancer stem cells driving therapy resistance. This study evaluated fenbendazole (FBZ), a repurposed veterinary anthelmintic, for its antitumor activity dual targeting cervical cancer cells (CCCs) and cervical cancer stem cells (CCSCs). CD133⁺CD44⁺ CCSCs were isolated from HeLa and C-33 A cell lines via immunomagnetic sorting and validated for stemness. Cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis, and protein expression were detected by MST assay, flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis, respectively. FBZ dose-dependently inhibited proliferation, induced G2/M arrest, and triggered apoptosis in both CCCs and CCSCs. Mechanistically, FBZ upregulated cyclin B1 and phosphorylation of cdc25C-Ser198, while downregulating Wee1, phosphorylation of CDK1, and phosphorylation of cdc25C-Ser216, collectively enforcing G2/M blockade. In vivo, FBZ (100 mg/kg) significantly suppressed tumor growth in xenograft models without weight loss, contrasting with cisplatin-induced toxicity. Survival analysis revealed 100% survival in FBZ-treated mice versus 40% in cisplatin and 0% in untreated controls. These findings demonstrate FBZ’s unique ability to simultaneously target bulk tumor cells and therapy-resistant CCSCs via cell cycle disruption, supported by its preclinical safety and efficacy, positioning it as a promising therapeutic candidate for cervical cancer. Full article

Architecture as a STEM career presents a promising yet challenging path for women pursuing professional growth in the field, as they remain under-represented, particularly in leadership roles and professional practice, despite their increasing presence in architectural education. This study investigates the experiences, motivations, and challenges faced by women in architecture in the educational setting of Nigeria. Using a quantitative research approach, data were collected from 137 respondents through structured questionnaires, representing a 97.93% response rate. The findings reveal that passion for design and creativity (73.7%) was the predominant motivation for women choosing architecture. While 80.5% of respondents reported experiencing or observing gender-related challenges, these were not ranked as primary barriers when specific obstacles were identified; instead, financial constraints, limited resource access, and work–life balance emerged as the most significant challenges. Remarkably, 89.5% of participants expressed satisfaction with architecture as a career choice, with no reported dissatisfaction. Creativity (28%), continuous learning (24.2%), and societal impact (20%) were found to be the most rewarding aspects of their architectural careers. Statistical analyses revealed no significant association between academic level and career satisfaction or between institution attended and experiences of gender-related challenges. The correlation analysis demonstrated that intrinsic motivators like passion for design have stronger relationships with career satisfaction than extrinsic factors like financial stability or family influence. These findings contribute to understanding women’s experiences in architectural education in Nigeria and have implications for educational institutions, professional organizations, and policymakers seeking to enhance women’s participation and advancement in architecture. The research highlights the importance of addressing structural barriers while nurturing the creative and professional aspects that draw women to the field. Full article

Background: Intraovarian platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a novel intervention at the intersection of reproductive medicine and regenerative biology. As women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), poor response to stimulation, or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) seek fertility solutions, PRP provides a scientifically plausible—yet exploratory—strategy to restore or augment ovarian function. The proposed pathways include the stimulation of local stem cells, tissue remodeling, neoangiogenesis, and the potential reawakening of dormant follicles. Methods: This narrative review critically synthesizes the existing literature on intraovarian PRP therapy. It draws from published case series, pilot studies, and preclinical data to evaluate the biological rationale, clinical outcomes, and current limitations of PRP use in women with DOR and POI. Results: Early clinical findings, albeit limited to modest case series and pilot investigations, reveal promising outcomes such as improved ovarian reserve markers, menstrual restoration, and infrequent spontaneous pregnancies in women who had previously been unresponsive to treatment. However, the variability in preparation techniques, patient selection criteria, and outcome measures limits the generalizability of these results. Conclusions: While intraovarian PRP presents an exciting frontier in reproductive medicine, the absence of defined protocols, controlled trials, and long-term safety data underscores its experimental nature. Future research should focus on standardizing methodologies, conducting randomized controlled trials, and elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying observed clinical effects to establish PRP’s role in managing poor ovarian response and POI. Full article

Midkine (MDK) is a multifunctional protein that is secreted into the extracellular space. It functions as a cytokine or growth factor, modulating a variety of signaling pathways implicated in angiogenesis, antitumor immunity, metastasis, and therapy resistance. MDK overexpression has been documented in a variety of cancers, including those that affect women. MDK mediates its effects through activation of key signaling pathways such as MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, and STAT3, which are pivotal for cell cycle progression, survival, and maintenance of stemness. Obesity and estrogen signaling, a known critical driver of women’s cancer, further elevate the levels of MDK. MDK’s effects are mediated by a variety of membrane receptors, such as integrins, protein tyrosine phosphatase ζ (PTPζ), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), and neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 2 (Notch2). Recently published studies have indicated that MDK is a potential therapeutic target and a biomarker for the progression of women’s cancer. In this review, we have provided a concise summary of the most recent papers that have examined the potential biomarker and therapeutic utility of MDK signaling in women’s cancer. Full article

This study presents a systematic mapping of inclusive pedagogical models in STEM education, focusing on integrating emotional intelligence, resilience, and motivation from a gender perspective. The research aims to identify strategies that promote inclusive learning environments and reduce gender gaps in STEM disciplines. A total of 753 studies were initially identified, with 51 articles meeting the inclusion criteria and being analyzed in depth. The results reveal that active methodologies, emotional intelligence training, mentoring programs, and the presence of female role models are key strategies for fostering women’s participation and retention in STEM fields. Additionally, the findings highlight the growing importance of integrating socio-emotional skills in STEM education to improve academic performance and strengthen resilience and motivation, particularly in under-represented groups. The study discusses challenges such as teacher resistance, lack of training, and contextual barriers that affect the implementation of inclusive models. It also reflects on the influence of cultural and linguistic factors, especially in Latin American contexts. This work expands the understanding of inclusive pedagogical practices in STEM and provides relevant recommendations for educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers aiming to foster equity and sustainability in education. Full article