bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dosimetric benefits of adaptive radiation therapy for patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Hoppen Lea , Sarria Gustavo R. , Kwok Chung S. , Boda-Heggemann Judit , Buergy Daniel , Ehmann Michael , Giordano Frank A. , Fleckenstein Jens
Published: February 2023

Background

Daily adaptive radiation therapy (ART) of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lowers organs at risk exposure while maintaining the planning target volume (PTV) coverage. Thus, ART allows an isotoxic approach with increased doses to the PTV that could improve local tumor control. Herein we evaluate daily online ART strategies regarding their impact on relevant dose-volume metrics.

Methods

Daily cone-beam CTs (1 × n = 28, 1 × n = 29, 11 × n = 30) of 13 stage III NSCLC patients were converted into synthetic CTs (sCTs). Treatment plans (TPs) were created retrospectively on the first-fraction sCTs (sCT1) and subsequently transferred unaltered to the sCTs of the remaining fractions of each patient (sCT2−n) (IGRT scenario). Two additional TPs were generated on sCT2−n: one minimizing the lung-dose while preserving the D95%(PTV) (isoeffective scenario), the other escalating the D95%(PTV) with a constant V20Gy(lungipsilateral) (isotoxic scenario).

Results

Compared to the original TPs predicted dose, the median D95%(PTV) in the IGRT scenario decreased by 1.6 Gy ± 4.2 Gy while the V20Gy(lungipsilateral) increased in median by 1.1% ± 4.4%. The isoeffective scenario preserved the PTV coverage and reduced the median V20Gy(lungipsilateral) by 3.1% ± 3.6%. Furthermore, the median V5%(heart) decreased by 2.9% ± 6.4%. With an isotoxic prescription, a median dose-escalation to the gross target volume of 10.0 Gy ± 8.1 Gy without increasing the V20Gy(lungipsilateral) and V5%(heart) was feasible.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that even without reducing safety margins, ART can reduce lung-doses, while still reaching adequate target coverage or escalate target doses without increasing ipsilateral lung exposure. Clinical benefits by means of toxicity and local control of both strategies should be evaluated in prospective clinical trials.
The patient clinical journey and socioeconomic impact of osteogenesis imperfecta: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Rapoport Maria , Bober Michael B. , Raggio Cathleen , Wekre Lena Lande , Rauch Frank , Westerheim Ingunn , Hart Tracy , van Welzenis Taco , Mistry Arun , Clancy James , Booth Lucy , Prince Samantha , Semler Oliver
Published: February 2023

Background

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare heritable connective tissue disorder primarily characterised by skeletal deformity and fragility, and an array of secondary features. The purpose of this review was to capture and quantify the published evidence relating specifically to the clinical, humanistic, and economic impact of OI on individuals, their families, and wider society.

Methods

A systematic scoping review of 11 databases (MEDLINE, MEDLINE in-progress, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, NHS EED, CEA Registry, PEDE, ScHARRHUd, Orphanet and Google Scholar), supplemented by hand searches of grey literature, was conducted to identify OI literature published 1st January 1995–18th December 2021. Searches were restricted to English language but without geographical limitations. The quality of included records was assessed using the AGREE II checklist and an adapted version of the JBI cross-sectional study checklist.

Results

Of the identified 7,850 records, 271 records of 245 unique studies met the inclusion criteria; overall, 168 included records examined clinical aspects of OI, 67 provided humanistic data, 6 reported on the economic impact of OI, and 30 provided data on mixed outcomes. Bone conditions, anthropometric measurements, oral conditions, diagnostic techniques, use of pharmacotherapy, and physical functioning of adults and children with OI were well described. However, few records included current care practice, diagnosis and monitoring, interactions with the healthcare system, or transition of care across life stages. Limited data on wider health concerns beyond bone health, how these concerns may impact health-related quality of life, in particular that of adult men and other family members, were identified. Few records described fatigue in children or adults. Markedly few records provided data on the socioeconomic impact of OI on patients and their caregivers, and associated costs to healthcare systems, and wider society. Most included records had qualitative limitations.

Conclusion

Despite the rarity of OI, the volume of recently published literature highlights the breadth of interest in the OI field from the research community. However, significant data gaps describing the experience of OI for individuals, their families, and wider society warrant further research to capture and quantify the full impact of OI.
A network analysis of difficulties in emotion regulation, anxiety, and depression for adolescents in clinical settings
Authors: Ruan Qian-Nan , Chen Yu-Hsin , Yan Wen-Jing
Published: February 2023

Background

Difficulties in emotion regulation (DER) are widely considered to underlie anxiety and depression. Given the prevalence of anxiety and depression in adolescents and the fact that adolescence is a key period for the development of emotion regulation ability, it is important to examine how DER is related to anxiety and depression in adolescents in clinical settings.

Methods

In the present study, we assessed 209 adolescents in clinical settings using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and examined the associations between six components of DER and 14 symptoms of anxiety and depression. We used network analysis, constructed circular and multidimensional scaling (MDS) networks, and calculated network centrality, bridge centrality, and stability of centrality indices.

Results

The results showed that: (1) The global centrality index shows that the Strategy component (i.e., lack of access to strategies) is the center in the whole network, ranking highest in strength, closeness, betweenness, and expected influence. (2) The MDS network showed a closeness of anxiety and depression symptoms, while Awareness component (i.e., lack of emotional awareness) stayed away from other DER components, but Awareness is close to some depression symptoms. (3) The bridge nodes of three groups, Strategy from DERS, Worry and Relax from anxiety symptoms, and Cheerful and Slow from depression symptoms, had the strongest relationships with the other groups.

Conclusion

Lack of access to strategies remains in the center not only in DER but also in the DER-anxiety-depression network, while lack of awareness is close to depression but not to anxiety. Worrying thoughts and inability to relax are the bridging symptoms for anxiety, while lack of cheerful emotions and slowing down are the bridging symptoms for depression. These findings suggest that making emotion regulation strategies more accessible to patients and reducing these bridging symptoms may yield the greatest rewards for anxiety and depression therapy.
Oxygenation thresholds for invasive ventilation in hypoxemic respiratory failure: a target trial emulation in two cohorts
Authors: Yarnell Christopher J. , Angriman Federico , Ferreyro Bruno L. , Liu Kuan , De Grooth Harm Jan , Burry Lisa , Munshi Laveena , Mehta Sangeeta , Celi Leo , Elbers Paul , Thoral Patrick , Brochard Laurent , Wunsch Hannah , Fowler Robert A. , Sung Lillian , Tomlinson George
Published: February 2023

Background

The optimal thresholds for the initiation of invasive ventilation in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure are unknown. Using the saturation-to-inspired oxygen ratio (SF), we compared lower versus higher hypoxemia severity thresholds for initiating invasive ventilation.

Methods

This target trial emulation included patients from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV, 2008–2019) and the Amsterdam University Medical Centers (AmsterdamUMCdb, 2003–2016) databases admitted to intensive care and receiving inspired oxygen fraction ≥ 0.4 via non-rebreather mask, noninvasive ventilation, or high-flow nasal cannula. We compared the effect of using invasive ventilation initiation thresholds of SF < 110, < 98, and < 88 on 28-day mortality. MIMIC-IV was used for the primary analysis and AmsterdamUMCdb for the secondary analysis. We obtained posterior means and 95% credible intervals (CrI) with nonparametric Bayesian G-computation.

Results

We studied 3,357 patients in the primary analysis. For invasive ventilation initiation thresholds SF < 110, SF < 98, and SF < 88, the predicted 28-day probabilities of invasive ventilation were 72%, 47%, and 19%. Predicted 28-day mortality was lowest with threshold SF < 110 (22.2%, CrI 19.2 to 25.0), compared to SF < 98 (absolute risk increase 1.6%, CrI 0.6 to 2.6) or SF < 88 (absolute risk increase 3.5%, CrI 1.4 to 5.4). In the secondary analysis (1,279 patients), the predicted 28-day probability of invasive ventilation was 50% for initiation threshold SF < 110, 28% for SF < 98, and 19% for SF < 88. In contrast with the primary analysis, predicted mortality was highest with threshold SF < 110 (14.6%, CrI 7.7 to 22.3), compared to SF < 98 (absolute risk decrease 0.5%, CrI 0.0 to 0.9) or SF < 88 (absolute risk decrease 1.9%, CrI 0.9 to 2.8).

Conclusion

Initiating invasive ventilation at lower hypoxemia severity will increase the rate of invasive ventilation, but this can either increase or decrease the expected mortality, with the direction of effect likely depending on baseline mortality risk and clinical context.
A randomised controlled trial investigating the effect of improving the cleaning and disinfection of shared medical equipment on healthcare-associated infections: the CLEaning and Enhanced disiNfection (CLEEN) study
Authors: Browne Katrina , White Nicole , Tehan Peta , Russo Philip L , Amin Maham , Stewardson Andrew J. , Cheng Allen C. , Graham Kirsty , O’Kane Gabrielle , King Jennie , Kiernan Martin , Brain David , Mitchell Brett G.
Published: February 2023

Background

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a common, costly, yet largely preventable complication impacting patients in healthcare settings globally. Improving routine cleaning and disinfection of the hospital environment has been shown to reduce the risk of HAI. Contaminated shared medical equipment presents a primary transmission route for infectious pathogens, yet is rarely studied. The CLEEN study will assess how enhanced cleaning and disinfection of shared medical equipment affects the rate of HAIs in a tertiary hospital setting. The initiative is an evidence-based approach combining staff training, auditing and feedback to environmental services staff to enhance cleaning and disinfection practices.

Methods

The CLEEN study will use a stepped wedge randomised controlled design in 10 wards of one large Australian hospital over 36 weeks. The intervention will consist of 3 additional hours per weekday for the dedicated cleaning and disinfection of shared medical equipment on each ward. The primary outcome is to demonstrate the effectiveness of improving the quality and frequency of cleaning shared medical equipment in reducing HAIs, as measured by a HAI point prevalence study (PPS). The secondary outcomes include the thoroughness of equipment cleaning assessed using fluorescent marker technology and the cost-effectiveness of the intervention.

Discussion

Evidence from the CLEEN study will contribute to future policy and practice guidelines about the cleaning and disinfection of shared medical equipment. It will be used by healthcare leaders and clinicians to inform decision-making and implementation of best-practice infection prevention strategies to reduce HAIs in healthcare facilities.

Trial registration

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12622001143718.
Reduced frequency of migraine attacks following coronavirus disease 2019: a case report
Authors: Houben Roland
Published: February 2023

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a virus affecting different organs and causing a wide variety and severity of symptoms. Headache as well as loss of smell and taste are the most frequently reported neurological manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Here we report on a patient with chronic migraine and medication overuse headache, who experienced remarkable mitigation of migraine following coronavirus disease 2019.

Case presentation

For many years prior to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, a 57-year-old Caucasian male suffered from very frequent migraine attacks and for control of headaches he had been taking triptans almost daily. In the 16-month period before the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019, triptan was taken 98% of the days with only a 21-day prednisolone-supported triptan holiday, which, however, had no longer-lasting consequences on migraine frequency. Upon severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, the patient developed only mild symptoms including fever, fatigue, and headache. Directly following recovery from coronavirus disease 2019, the patient surprisingly experienced a period with largely reduced frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Indeed, during 80 days following coronavirus disease 2019, migraine as well as triptan usage were restricted to only 25% of the days, no longer fulfilling criteria of a chronic migraine and medication overuse headache.

Conclusion

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection might be capable of triggering mitigation of migraine.
Block-sparse recovery and rank minimization using a weighted $l_{p}-l_{q}$ model
Authors: Nigam H. K. , Yadav Saroj
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we study a nonconvex, nonsmooth, and non-Lipschitz weighted $l_{p}-l_{q}$

l
p

−

l
q

($0< p\leq 1$
0
<
p
≤
1
, $1< q\leq 2$
1
<
q
≤
2
; $0\leq \alpha \leq 1$
0
≤
α
≤
1
) norm as a nonconvex metric to recover block-sparse signals and rank-minimization problems. Using block-RIP and matrix-RIP conditions, we obtain exact recovery results for block-sparse signals and rank minimization. We also obtain the theoretical bound for the block-sparse signals and rank minimization when measurements are degraded by noise.
Global weak solutions to a nonlinear equation with fourth order nonlinearities
Authors: Tang Jiangang , Liu Miao , Lai Shaoyong
Published: February 2023

Global weak solution for a nonlinear model with forth order nonlinearities and conserved quantities is considered. Assuming its initial value satisfies certain assumptions that are weaker than the sign condition, we derive a higher integrability estimate and an upper bound estimate about the space derivatives of its solutions and then prove that the equation has global weak solutions.
The only surviving Medieval codex of Galician-Portuguese secular poetry: tracing history through luxury pink colors
Authors: Vieira Márcia , Nabais Paula , Hidalgo Rafael Javier Díaz , Melo Maria J. , Pozzi Federica
Published: February 2023

The Ajuda Songbook is an exceptional illuminated manuscript being the only surviving codex of Galician-Portuguese secular poetry; it was produced in the end of the thirteenth century, beginning of the fourteenth century. The diversity of colors accentuated by the presence of lapis lazuli blue and brazilwood pink, demonstrates the desire to produce a sumptuous manuscript. Pink is, in this context, a luxury color and its identification attests to one of the earliest known occurrences of brazilwood in artworks. Scientific analysis showed, for the light pinks, a different formulation from that found in fifteenth-century books of hours and from all historical reconstructions of these colors prepared to date. This knowledge was used to further expand a database previously built in our laboratory and applied to the characterization of pink shades in the Ajuda Songbook. Thirteen brazilwood recipes were selected from seven Medieval treatises and reference materials were prepared based on such historical information. Three types of colors were achieved, defined as translucent rose, rose, and red. The translucent rose was obtained from recipes where egg white is used for extraction, and no other additives are present; rose from recipes with calcium carbonate; and red from a wider range of recipes, in which these ingredients are not mentioned. These colors were then prepared as paints, and analytical results were thus compared with data from the light pinks seen in the Ajuda Songbook’s architectural backgrounds. We were able to reproduce the pink very well using infrared spectroscopy, identifying its main ingredients: calcium carbonate as filler; lead white as the pigment that produces light pink; and the binder as a polysaccharide with a fingerprint similar to mesquite gum. For the chromophore color, the application of chemometrics approaches to molecular fluorescence spectra highlighted a high degree of similarity with the paint reconstructions.
Merging citizen science with epidemiology: design of a prospective feasibility study of health events and air pollution in Cologne, Germany
Authors: Soja Sara-Marie , Wegener Robert , Kille Natalie , Castell Stefanie
Published: February 2023

Background

Citizen science as an approach to merge society and science is not a new paradigm. Yet it is not common in public health, epidemiology, or medical sciences. SMARAGD (Sensors for Measuring Aerosols and ReActive Gases to Deduce health effects) assesses air pollution at participants’ homes or workplaces in Cologne, Germany, as feasibility study with a citizen science approach. Personal exposure to air pollutants is difficult to study, because the distribution of pollutants is heterogeneous, especially in urban areas. Targeted data collection allows to establish connections between air pollutant concentration and the health of the study population. Air pollution is among the most urgent health risks worldwide. Yet links of individualized pollution levels and respiratory infections remain to be validated, which also applies for the feasibility of the citizen science approach for epidemiological studies.

Methods

We co-designed a prospective feasibility study with two groups of volunteers from Cologne, Germany. These citizen scientists and researchers determined that low-cost air-quality sensors (hereafter low-cost sensors) were to be mounted at participants’ homes/workplaces to acquire stationary data. The advantage of deploying low-cost sensors is the achievable physical proximity to the participants providing health data. Recruitment started in March 2021 and is currently ongoing (as of 09/22). Sensor units specifically developed for this study using commercially available electronic sensor components will measure particulate matter and trace gases such as ozone, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. Health data are collected using the eResearch system “Prospective Management and Monitoring-App” (PIA). Due to the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, we also focus on COVID-19 as respiratory infection.

Discussion

Citizen science offers many benefits for science in general but also for epidemiological studies. It provides scientific information to society, enables scientific thinking in critical discourses, can counter anti-scientific ideologies, and takes into account the interests of society. However, it poses many challenges, as it requires extensive resources from researchers and society and can raise concerns regarding data protection and methodological challenges such as selection bias.
Understanding the role of adipokines and adipogenesis family in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Singh Prithvi , Gurung Rishabh , Sultan Armiya , Dohare Ravins
Published: February 2023

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. It has the sixth most incident cases with poor prognosis. Adipokines are known to have been linked with oncogenesis and progression of HCC.

Methods

We extracted TCGA-HCC data and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using R. Genes of adipokines and adipogenesis family were scrutinized from DEGs and expression of genes in normal versus tumor patients was studied. Prognostic and stage plot analyses were performed, and key genes were selected. Pathway and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was conducted. Expression analysis based on nodal metastasis, tumor protein p53 (TP53) mutation and tumor grade, and mutation analysis was performed using UALCAN and cBioPortal. Tumor infiltration analysis was performed to study the correlation of gene expression with tumor-infiltrating immune cells.

Results

We found four genes apelin (APLN), aldehyde dehydrogenase, mitochondrial (ALDH2), E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, cytosolic (PCK1) highly associated with HCC. APLN and E2F1 were upregulated and ALDH2 and PCK1 were downregulated in HCC patients. High expression of APLN and E2F1 and low expression of ALDH2 and PCK1 resulted in poor prognosis of HCC patients. In expression analysis, ALDH2 showed significant change in all three categories. PCK1 showed highest mutation of out all $$4$$

4

genes in HCC patients. T cell CD8+ is found to be positively correlated with APLN, ALDH2 and E2F1 and macrophages showed a positive correlation with APLN and E2F1.

Conclusions

ALDH2 and PCK1 are great prognostic biomarkers and play a vital role in the development of HCC. Overexpression of ALDH2 and PCK1 can be a potential treatment strategy for HCC.
Infective endocarditis complicating rituximab in a lupus patient with lupus nephritis and dilated cardiomyopathy: case report and review of literature
Authors: Saad Moustafa Ali , Yacoub Rania Farid , El Gendy Hala Ibrahem
Published: February 2023

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic multisystem disease that has a considerable morbidity and mortality. Rituximab is used in treating some severe manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus; however, it may expose patients to serious infections. We report a case of post rituximab infective endocarditis as the second case in literature described in patients with SLE.

Case presentation

A 17-year-old male diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus with lupus nephritis and dilated cardiomyopathy received rituximab and underwent upper endoscopy and colonoscopy investigating iron deficiency anemia. Later on the patient developed septic shock secondary to infective endocarditis and passed away.

Conclusions

Infective endocarditis is a possible complication after rituximab therapy in lupus patients with lupus nephritis and dilated cardiomyopathy. Prophylactic antibiotics may be considered in those patients in the settings of gastrointestinal endoscopies.
ASCO's Leadership Development Program: Focusing on the Next Generation of Leaders in Asia Pacific
Authors: de Guzman Roselle B. , Chua Melvin L.K. , Goldstein David , Aung Soe , Eaton Vanessa , Park Keunchil
Published: February 2023

PURPOSE

The demand for high-quality and more comprehensive oncology care will continue to rise globally. Effective leadership is particularly important.

METHODS

The evolving endeavor of ASCO to reach out globally has covered the development of the next-generation leaders from Asia Pacific. Through the Leadership Development Program, the untapped talent of the region and the future leaders in oncology will gain the knowledge and skill sets, which prepares them to navigate the complex dynamics of oncology health care.

RESULTS

The region is the largest and the most populous with more than 60% of the world's population. It has 50% of cancer cases and is estimated to account for 58% of cancer deaths worldwide. The demand for high-quality and more comprehensive oncology care will continue to rise in the years to come. This growth will intensify the need for capable leaders. Leadership styles and behaviors are different. These are shaped within the context of cultural and philosophical views and beliefs. The pan-Asian interdisciplinary group of young leaders are expected to gain knowledge and skillsets through the Leadership Development Program. They will learn to work on strategic projects within a team and gain knowledge about advocacy. Communication and presentation skills and conflict management are also important components of the program. Through learning culturally relevant skills, participants can effectively collaborate with others, build relationships, and lead within their own institutions and societies and within ASCO.

CONCLUSION

Institutions and organizations need to have a deeper and more sustained focus on leadership development. Successfully addressing the challenges on leadership development in Asia Pacific is important.
A phase 2, open-label study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus tislelizumab followed by radiotherapy-based, bladder-preserving treatment for high risk/locally advanced muscle invasive urothelial bladder cancer (HOPE-02).
Authors: Wen Feng , Lin Tianhai , Zhang Peng , Tan Ping , Zheng Xiaonan , Shen Yali
Published: February 2023

516

Background: Tri-modality therapy (TMT) is an alternative to radical cystectomy for selected muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients with bladder-preserving will. Neoadjuvant treatment makes chance for imperfect patients to turn into ideal bladder-sparing patients. This phase 2 study aimed to explore the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus tislelizumab followed by radiotherapy as a strategy of bladder-sparing therapy for high risk/locally advanced MIBC (Trial registration number: ChiCTR2100045213). Methods: Pathological and imaging diagnosed cT2-4bN0-3M0-1a MIBC received 3-4 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (gemcitabine and cisplatin or carboplatin) plus tislelizumab (200mg every three weeks for one year). Radiotherapy (60.4-64.4 Gy /1.8Gy/33-35f to bladder with 50.4 Gy/1.8Gy/28f to pelvic) were given to patients with non- progressed disease (PD) after neoadjuvant therapy. The primary endpoint was complete response rate (CR, including T0/Ta/Tis), and the secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), bladder-intact disease free survival (BI-DFS), overall survival (OS) and toxicity. Results: The simple size is 43 participants. Until now, 28 patients were included, of which 23 patients received radiotherapy and 16 patients finished efficacy evaluation with imaging and cystoscopic biopsy after radiotherapy. Median follow-up time was 14.2 (1.5-17.4) months (m). Two of the 16 patients were Tis and 14 were T0 after radiotherapy, indicating the primary CR rate were 100%. For the 2 patients with Tis received BCG vaccine intravesical perfusion, and T0 was achieved when the second therapy evaluation. No patient died and only one patient had distant metastasis. The one-year PFS rate, one-year BI-DFS and one-year OS were 100%. Grade 3 and 4 hematological system adverse events were 23.3% and 2.3%. One patient had reduced bladder capacity (100-200 mL) with 2-h intervals of micturition, and 3 patients had frequency with urgency, nocturia and dysuria. Three patients had grade1 immunotherapy related abnormality of thyroidal function and 3 patients suffered from grade 2 myositis. The current bladder-preserving therapies research were well-tolerated with acceptable and manageable toxicities. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus tislelizumab followed by radiotherapy showed perfect efficacy and acceptable toxicities, which maybe an optimal strategy for high risk/locally advanced MIBC patients with bladder-preserving willingness. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2100045213 .
A Reappraisal of Suspicious Sonographic Features of Thyroid Nodules: Shape Is Not an Independent Predictor of Malignancy
Authors: Grani Giorgio , Del Gatto Valeria , Cantisani Vito , Mandel Susan J , Durante Cosimo
Published: February 2023

Context

For the correct clinical application of the sonographic risk-stratification systems, the definition of independent risk features that are foundational to each system is crucial.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the gray-scale sonographic features independently associated with malignancy, and to compare different definitions.

Methods

This prospective, diagnostic accuracy study took place in a single thyroid nodule referral center. All patients consecutively referred to our center for fine-needle aspiration cytology of a thyroid nodule between November 1, 2015 and March 30, 2020, were enrolled before cytology. Each nodule was examined by 2 experienced clinicians to record the sonographic features on a rating form. Histologic (when available) or cytologic diagnosis was used as the reference standard. For each single sonographic feature and definition, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) were calculated. The significant predictors were then included in a multivariable regression model.

Results

The final study cohort consisted of 903 nodules in 852 patients. A total of 76 nodules (8.4%) were malignant. Six features were independent predictors of malignancy: suspicious lymph node (DOR 16.23), extrathyroidal extension (DOR 6.60), irregular or infiltrative margins (DOR 7.13), marked hypoechogenicity (DOR 3.16), solid composition (DOR 3.61), and punctate hyperechoic foci (including microcalcifications and indeterminate foci; DOI 2.69). Taller-than-wide shape was not confirmed as an independent predictor.

Conclusion

We identified the key suspicious features of thyroid nodules and provided a simplified definition of some debated ones. Malignancy rate increases with number of features.
Making Love (and Maps), Not War
Authors: Willis Kedon
Published: February 2023

The 1918 anti-Chinese riots, which saw scores of Chinese-owned stores destroyed by largely Afro-descended peasant community members, are popularly remembered as one of the worst acts of interracial violence in Jamaica's postemancipation history. However, by examining the coverage of the riots by the Gleaner, Jamaica's newspaper of record, the author embarks on a mapping project to help show the network of nonconforming and anticolonial collaborations within these communities that existed in tandem with interracial tensions. The aim is to show how recapturing these productive collaborations from the past can animate intersectional forms of activism in the present. Furthermore, the article explores how Patricia Powell, as a queer Caribbean writer, uses her novel The Pagoda to perform the same work as the map in creating a counterhistory that gives voice to the anticolonial, nation-building strategies of subaltern groups lost in the gaps of official colonial archives.
Single-molecule RNA in situ detection in clinical FFPE tissue sections by vsmCISH
Authors: Jiang Meng , Wei Kaipeng , Li Meiqing , Lin Chen , Ke Rongqin
Published: February 2023

Although RNA plays a vital role in gene expression, it is less used as an in situ biomarker for clinical diagnostics than DNA and protein. This is mainly due to technical challenges caused by the low expression level and easy degradation of RNA molecules. To tackle this issue, methods that are sensitive and specific are needed. Here, we present an RNA single-molecule chromogenic in situ hybridization assay based on DNA probe proximity ligation and rolling circle amplification. When the DNA probes hybridize into close proximity to the RNA molecules, they form a V-shape structure and mediate the circularization of circle probes. Thus, our method was termed vsmCISH. We successfully applied our method to assessHER2mRNA expression status in invasive breast cancer tissue and investigated the utility of albumin mRNA ISH for differentiating primary from metastatic liver cancer. The promising results on clinical samples indicate that our method has great potential for application in diagnosing diseases using RNA biomarkers.
Intelligent Traffic Routing Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks in Agricultural Environment
Authors: Tshilongamulenzhe Tshimangadzo M. , Mathonsi Topside E. , Plessis Deon P. Du , Mphahlele Maredi I.
Published: February 2023

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is an area that has attracted a lot of attention currently worldwide. WSNs are implemented to monitor temperature, humidity, and pressure, among others within the agricultural environment. This paper addresses the traffic congestion that occurs within WSNs in the agricultural environment during packet transmission that is normally caused by head-of-line blocking. As a result, packet loss, packet delay, and network performance impairment occurred during packet distribution in the network. This paper proposed an Intelligence Traffic Routing (ITR) algorithm to manage packet flow to avoid traffic congestion in WSNs within the agricultural environment while improving Quality of Service (QoS). The LBRM (Load Balancing Routing Management) and MLCC (Machine Learning Congestion Control) algorithms were integrated to develop the proposed ITR algorithm. Network Simulator 2 (NS-2) was used to test the effectiveness of the proposed ITR algorithm. The simulation results showed that the proposed ITR algorithm reduced packet loss by 27.3%, packet delay by 43.4%, and improved network throughput by 98.4% when compared with LBRM and MLCC algorithms.
Energy and Nvidia Sionna-Based Signal Integrity: Selection Design for Off-the-Shelf Synthetic Aperture Radar-Capable Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors:   Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, Gokongwei College of Engineering, De La Salle University, Philippines, Jr. Victor B. Calinao , Sybingco Edwin , Bandala Argel A. , Materum Lawrence
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the relationship between energy and signal integrity of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capabilities for a more informed off-the-shelf selection design. The energy is expressed in the UAV and SAR power consumption, whereas signal integrity is expressed in Bit-Error Rate (BER). Low-end, mid-end, and highend—categorized in terms of their market cost—commercial UAVs and SAR modules were considered. The energy relations are based on the UAV flight path and power ratings. The signal processing and decomposition of the reconstructed objects for the model simulations are based on a transmit channel-receive chain of 16-quadrature-amplitude, low-density parity check, Rayleigh response, and single-antenna directivity done through Nvidia Sionna. The results indicate that far-reaching flight spatial path scanning is achieved with high-end UAVs and low-cost SARs, but the accuracy is relatively low. Higher accuracy is achieved with low-end UAVs with high-cost SARs. Further, the results point out that selecting UAV-SAR is critical in terms of energy and accuracy for a specific target application. The outcomes show tradeoffs in the selection design.
Intergenerational Solidarity Revisited: Migrant Families in the Dilemma of Providing Family or Elderly Care in the Context of the Covid-19 Pandemic and its Challenges
Authors: Ślusarczyk Magdalena
Published: February 2023

The assumption that people live in one place with their lives guided by a singular set of national and cultural norms no longer holds true. The same applies for migrating due to various reasons with the aim of finding a better place to live. Instead, contemporary transnational migrants are accustomed to operating in several contexts of employment, leisure and political interests that extend beyond national borders. Yet, state borders still cut through the very core of the family life, forcing migrants to take difficult decisions about leaving, separation or arranging care of children and elderly, but also creating a certain degree of choice between two or more socio-political social and cultural contexts. Events of recent years have shaken established beliefs about the potential of transnational care networks. As the experience of the Covid-19 pandemic has shown, what once seemed to be enduring rules can be suspended for long periods of time.

For Poland, one of the countries affected by intense mobility to and from the country, discussions about the effects of migration on care networks are of paramount importance. As a direct consequence of mobility, the expectations and obligations that migrants (especially women) have towards the family they leave behind may change, shift or even remain unrestricted in spite of living abroad. Yet, establishing family care strategies for elderly family members in ageing societies is also based on the assumption of availability of migrant labour. Drawing on two sets of data, this article asks how intergenerational obligations were negotiated during the Covid-19 pandemic and whether the associated long-term restrictions on crossing national borders caused changes in patterns of care provision.

* This article belongs to a special issue on “Demographic Developments in Eastern and Western Europe Before and After the Transformation of Socialist Countries”.
Gummy smile - causes and modern treatment methods
Authors: Blicharz Monika , Blicharz Agnieszka , Bartosik-Zielińska Diana , Swatko Tomasz , Bartosik Magdalena
Published: February 2023

Introduction and purpose: Nowadays, patients come to doctors and dentists not only with pain complaints, but also to improve their appearance. Gummy smile, or overexposure of the gums when smiling, is one of the most common aesthetic problems they report. Gummy smile occurs primarily in young people and more often affects women.    

Brief description of the state of knowledge: A gummy smile is a condition in which a patient exposes more than 2 mm of gum during smiling. There are many causes of excessive gum exposure during smiling. These include gingival hypertrophy, hyperactive muscles, a disproportionately long upper lip, altered passive eruption, or excessive vertical growth of the jaw. Examination of the patient is aimed at determining the cause of the condition and choosing the appropriate treatment method. In cases of gingival hyperplasia and altered passive eruption, a gingivectomy or excision of part of the gingiva is used. Muscle hyperactivity is an indication for treatment with botulinum toxin or hyaluronic acid. The long lip can be treated with surgical methods, while vertical hypertrophy of the jaw requires orthodontic treatment or orthognathic surgery. Depending on the treatment method chosen, the patient's appearance can change to varying degrees. The most striking changes are seen when orthognathic surgery is performed. Not only the patient's smile is changed, but also the facial features. 

Summary: It is the doctor's job to thoroughly examine the patient, make an appropriate diagnosis and choose the treatment method that will bring the best results. The multitude of treatment methods for gummy smiles allows them to be combined to achieve the best results. The choice of therapy should be based directly on the source of the problem. The patient should be informed about the course of treatment and possible side effects and take informed consent to the treatment.
Adherence to treatment recommendations of patients with chronic non-communicable respiratory diseases – a narrative review
Authors: Homętowska Henryka
Published: February 2023

Despite modern therapeutic solutions, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma do not achieve therapeutic benefits due to emerging obstacles to compliance. This review aimed to present and analyze the results of available studies evaluating the influence of sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors on the level of adherence of patients with COPD and asthma. This narrative review was based on papers indexed in the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus. The analyzed studies showed that the adherence level of patients with COPD and asthma is unsatisfactory, ranging from 23.6 to 80%. The main factors increasing the level of adherence of COPD patients mentioned in the analyzed studies were: unemployment, taking LAMA, not smoking cigarettes, belief that medication is necessary, higher education, use of multi-dose DPI and MDI inhalers, a greater sense of self-efficacy, and longer duration of disease. Independent determinants of good adherence of patients with asthma were better quality of life, high level of disease control, treatment with ICS + LABA or FF/UMEC/VI, good knowledge about asthma, and positive attitude towards the disease. According to available studies, determinants lowering adherence among patients with COPD were overweight or obesity, depression, poor quality of life, belief that treatment is harmful, frequent hospitalizations, lack of knowledge about the disease and treatment, sleep disorders, and use of ICS, LABA/ICS. Patients with asthma who received infrequent functional support consumed alcohol and were convinced of the harm and lack of need for treatment were non-adherent. In addition, an association was shown between high levels of adherence and a reduction in ED visits and hospitalizations in asthma and COPD patients.
Przywództwo polityczne I sekretarzy w okresie realnego socjalizmu
Authors: Wojnicki Jacek
Published: February 2023

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP OF THE FIRST SECRETARIES IN THE PERIOD OF REAL SOCIALISM
The subject of the analysis is the issue of the political leadership of the leaders of communist parties in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Formed and functioning political systems were characterized by an undemocratic and centralized internal character. Although the degree of repressiveness of the system evolved and changed (from the condemnation of crimes and the so-called distortion of Stalinism), the above features characterized the analyzed countries until the end of the 1980s, becoming an inherent element of the power system. In the discussed context, the states of the region in question (except for Yugoslavia after 1948 and Albania after 1961) remained in the so-called In the Soviet sphere of influence, external factors are an important element of leadership, i.e. the degree of dependence (or autonomy) of bloc politicians from the Kremlin and politicians from the leadership of the USSR.
Przywództwo polityczne a przepisy Konstytucji RP z 1997 roku
Authors: Litwin Tomasz
Published: February 2023

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP AND THE RULES OF THE CONSTITUTION OF REPUBLIC OF POLAND FROM 1997
The main aim of this article is the analysis of how “political leadership” – a theoretical category from the political science – could be used in the legal analysis of the rules of the Polish Constitution from 1997. There are three research paths analysing the rules of the Constitution inspired by the studies concerning political leadership. The first one attempts to answer the question: which public office possessing competences regulated in the Constitution allows its holder to be a political leader. The next path faces the problem if constitutional rules require special qualifications for holders of the most important public offices in Poland. The last path is the analysis whether the rules of the Constitution are against the political leadership regarded as the ability of one person (political leader) to undertake autonomous decisions crucial for the state and citizens. The conclusions of this analysis are as follows: (1) holding the office of President of the Council of Ministers is best suited for performing the role of political leader, (2) the rules of the Constitution do not require special qualifications for holding the office of the President of Republic or Prime Minister and (3) they are against the conception of political leadership as understood above.
Konsep Dan Pengelolaan Kolam Renang Berbasis Nilai-Nilai Syariah : Studi Kasus Telaga Alam Boyolali
Authors: Alam Azhar , Zulkifli Muhammad , Nurrahman Aditya
Published: February 2023

This study aims to find out how the concept and management of Telaga Alam swimming pools and how Telaga Alam swimming pools apply the DSN-MUI fatwa. The research method used is qualitative and descriptive. The types of data used are primary and secondary data. Primary data were obtained through interviews with the pool manager and one pool employee and three swimming pool visitors. The secondary data was obtained through literature related to the concept and management of swimming pools. The results of this study indicate that the concept and management of the Telaga Alam swimming pool has several facilities in it such as a separate swimming pool for men and women, a canteen that provides halal food and drinks, and other facilities such as: pavilion, and a therapy pool. fish. However, there needs to be an improvement in the management of the Telaga Alam swimming pool to meet halal aspects, as regulated in the DSN-MUI for example the separation of fish therapy pools between men and women as well as providing proper worship facilities. Thus, this research is expected to provide an overview of the concept and management of halal tourism in the Telaga Alam swimming pool area or in other areas in accordance with Sharia or the DSN-MUI fatwa.
LOW-COST LIDAR TLS-100 COMPARISON WITH LIDAR IPAD PRO FOR 3D MAPPING
Authors: Budisusanto Yanto , Rizki Ubaidillah Muchammad , Nur Cahyadi Mokhamad , Wahyu Imani Daud , Wahyudi Farid Imam
Published: February 2023

Currently, creating a 3D model of an object has undergone relatively rapid development, especially in technology. Several technologies that can be used to create 3D models are total stations, LiDAR, UAVs, terrestrial laser scanners, and various other products. There are also various methods for obtaining 3D models, such as aerial photogrammetry, close-range photogrammetry, terrestrial, and satellites. This study focuses on comparing the TLS-100 from aerial portraits with the iPad Pro LiDAR product from Apple Inc. The results to be analyzed are the resulting data format, the speed of data retrieval, the quality of the data obtained, and statistical analysis. This study is expected to assist in proving the quality of low-cost LiDAR and iPad Pro LiDAR products.
Developing wound services through digitising wound assessment: the benefits and challenges in a rural community nursing service
Authors: Porter Michelle
Published: February 2023

The documentation of wound assessments are an integral part of the holistic care of a patient and form the foundation of effective wound care. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about challenges in delivering services. Telehealth was at the forefront of the agenda in many organisations, but within wound care services the physical interaction between clinician and patient needed to continue. With the nurse staffing crisis hitting most areas, there is an ongoing threat to deliver safe and effective care. The aim of this study was to review the benefits and challenges of digital wound assessment technology in clinical practice. The author looked at reviews and guidance on the integration of technology within clinical practice. It was found that utilising digital tools in daily practice can empower clinicians in many ways. The most immediate aim of digitised assessment would be to streamline documentation and assessment processes. However, there are multiple factors in embedding this type of technology into daily practice that can cause challenges, dependent on clinical area and clinician uptake.
Sustainable Electronics
Authors: Tyler Neil
Published: February 2023

With the issue of sustainability once again coming under the spotlight at COP 27 how can electronics, one of the world’s most polluting industries, reduce emissions and cut waste?
Employment Law SOS
Authors: Beswick David
Published: February 2023

This month, our legal expert takes a look at responsibility when a school child is injured on a site visit, potential ways of mitigating the loss of a valuable prototype and an international liability case spanning across three continents
Developing The Right Skills for Industry 4.0
Authors: Lewin Neil
Published: February 2023

Manufacturers have to consider the impact that implementing Industry 4.0 will have on their workforce, and the skills that will be needed in the future
Around The Regions: The South West
Authors: Tulip Stephen
Published: February 2023

As part of a new series looking at the challenges facing the manufacturing industry around the UK, EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, examines how the country’s regions have been faring in the first few months of 2018