bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract B042: Socioeconomic and racial disparities in pediatric cancer outcomes in the Ghanaian health sector: Challenges and strategies for equitable care
Authors: Agyapomaa Mavis
Published: September 2024

Objectives This study aims to investigate the socioeconomic and racial disparities in pediatric cancer outcomes within the Ghanaian health sector. The objectives are to identify the specific challenges faced by different socioeconomic and racial groups, assess the impact of these disparities on diagnosis and treatment outcomes, and propose strategies for achieving more equitable care for pediatric cancer patients in Ghana. Methods A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative analysis of patient data from national cancer registries and hospitals with qualitative interviews of healthcare providers and affected families. The quantitative component focused on variables such as socioeconomic status, race, stage of cancer at diagnosis, treatment received, and survival rates. The qualitative component explored personal experiences, barriers to care, and perceptions of the healthcare system. Data were collected from multiple regions to ensure a representative sample of the diverse population in Ghana. Results The study found significant disparities in pediatric cancer outcomes based on socioeconomic status and race. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and minority racial groups were more likely to be diagnosed at later stages and had lower survival rates compared to their higher-income and majority-race counterparts. Key challenges identified included limited access to specialized oncology care, financial barriers, inadequate health insurance coverage, and cultural beliefs affecting treatment-seeking behavior. Additionally, there was a shortage of trained healthcare professionals and insufficient infrastructure in rural areas. Conclusion Socioeconomic and racial disparities significantly impact pediatric cancer outcomes in Ghana. Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach, including policy interventions to improve healthcare access and affordability, targeted outreach programs to educate communities, and investment in healthcare infrastructure and workforce training. Implementing these strategies can promote more equitable care and improve survival rates for all pediatric cancer patients in Ghana. Collaboration between government, healthcare providers, and non-governmental organizations is essential to overcome these challenges and ensure that every child has the opportunity for a healthy future.

Citation Format: Mavis Agyapomaa. Socioeconomic and racial disparities in pediatric cancer outcomes in the Ghanaian health sector: Challenges and strategies for equitable care [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research; 2024 Sep 5-8; Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(17 Suppl):Abstract nr B042.
Abstract B060: Clonal composition of αβ and γδ T cells in primary human neuroblastoma tumors – Is every child unique?
Authors: Verhoeven Bronte Manouk , Ye Kewei , Stenman Jakob , Kogner Per , Johnsen John Inge , Reina Oscar Bedoya , Kreslavskiy Taras , Baryawno Ninib
Published: September 2024

Alpha beta (ab) T cells are immune cells that play a key role in the adaptive immune system. Over the years many different ab T cell subtypes have been defined including cells with anti-tumor cytotoxic functions. Gamma delta (gd) T cells are considered the bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. While rules of antigen recognition by gd T cells remain poorly understood, this recognition takes place in the absence of classical antigen presentation on MHC molecules. In neuroblastoma (NB), the most common and deadly extracranial tumor in children, different subtypes of T cells have been identified in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and their presence is correlated to improved prognosis. However, it remains unknown whether T cells in the TME have clonally expanded, and if yes, which antigens they recognize. Our aim is thus to uncover the clonal composition of T cells in primary human NB tumors including to elucidate ligand recognition in gd T cells. To address these questions, we performed flow cytometry analysis to elucidate gd T cell composition in 14 patient samples, and additionally performed single-cell (sc) RNA/VDJ-seq experiments to characterize clonal composition and functional states of ab and gd T cells infiltrating NB tumors from 11 patients for which 4 had a matched blood sample. In patients' blood, as expected, most gd T cells detected were Vg9Vd2+ cells. In contrast, the majority of detected infiltrating gd T cells in NB tumors were Vd1+ cells. scRNA/VDJ-seq experiments revealed prominent clonal expansion of both ab and gd T cells varying between patients. Clonal expansion was particularly prominent for gd T cells in one female intermediate risk patient’s tumor where nearly half of the cells represented one of the two top expanded clones with unique Vd1 and Vd3 TCRs. Interestingly, we detected Vd1/ Vd3 expanded clones with both a clear cytotoxic signature and with a possible wound healing phenotype. Taken together, drastic clonal expansion of both ab and gd T cells in NB suggests that these cells may recognize antigens present in the TME providing possibilities for immunotherapy.

Citation Format: Bronte Manouk Verhoeven, Kewei Ye, Jakob Stenman, Per Kogner, John Inge Johnsen, Oscar Bedoya Reina, Taras Kreslavskiy, Ninib Baryawno. Clonal composition of αβ and γδ T cells in primary human neuroblastoma tumors – Is every child unique [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research; 2024 Sep 5-8; Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(17 Suppl):Abstract nr B060.
Figure 3 from Inferring Characteristics of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment of Patients with HNSCC from Single-Cell Transcriptomics of Peripheral Blood
Authors: Cao Yingying , Chang Tiangen , Schischlik Fiorella , Wang Kun , Sinha Sanju , Hannenhalli Sridhar , Jiang Peng , Ruppin Eytan
Published: September 2024

The expression levels of 17% to 47% of the genes expressed in TME immune cells can be predicted from the blood. A, Distribution of correlations between the predicted and true expression values of all expressed genes in each immune cell type in the TME, with and without clinical information. B, Number of expressed genes and predictable genes in each cell type with and without the consideration of clinical variables. The gray bars represent the number of genes that can be predicted using expression alone, whereas the colored bars indicate the additional number of genes that can be predicted by incorporating clinical variables (see the corresponding colored labels). Statistical notation: ***, FDR < 0.001; **, FDR < 0.01; *, FDR < 0.05. The FDRs are calculated using the Benjamini–Hochberg correction method. info., information.
Generalized representations of Jordan algebras
Authors: Kantor Issai , Shpiz Gregory
Published: September 2024

In the talk we will introduce the notion of a generalized representation of a Jordan algebra with unit which has the following properties: 1) Usual representations and Jacobson representations correspond to special cases of generalized representations. 2) Every simple Jordan algebra has infinitely many nonequivalent generalized representations.
Generalised Euler Characteristics of Varieties of Tori in Lie Groups
Authors: Lehrer G.I.
Published: September 2024

Generalised Euler Characteristics of Varieties of Tori in Lie Groups.
From Qumran Caves to Swiss Vaults
Authors: Justnes Årstein
Published: September 2024

When first announced, many of the post-2002 Dead Sea Scrolls-like fragments were depicted as experienced travelers having moved over long distances. Some of Martin Schøyen’s fragments had allegedly been to Bethlehem, Lebanon, and Zurich before they eventually came to Norway. According to Weston W. Fields, the so-called Butterfly fragment—William Kando’s fabled Genesis scroll—was first sent to Germany before it “made its way to the vault [in Switzerland]” in 1965 or 1966. Other fragments had traveled from Bethlehem to Beirut, from Beirut to Cyprus, and from Cyprus to Zurich, but no one seemed to know exactly how. In most cases the fragments “appeared,” “found/made their way,” “turned up,” “saw the light,” or “surfaced” in the fulness of time. More recently, the Israel Antiquities Authority’s (IAA) sensational (and unprovenanced) “Ishmael Papyrus” was even said to have “come to the awareness of epigraphists” 50 years after an unnamed Montana woman hung it on the wall in her living room. The fragment’s last trip from Montana to the IAA’s Dead Sea Scrolls lab managed to transform the living room decoration into a Dead Sea Scroll fragment of great scientific interest. In this article, I analyze some of these itineraries—the routes between the ideal starting point (Khirbet Qumran or, more specifically, Qumran Cave 4) and the ideal laundering point (Zurich, a Swiss vault, the IAA’s Dead Sea Scrolls lab)—and discuss their function. My main interest is to show how stories of long-distance mobility transform the status of fake and unprovenanced fragments.
“And He Gives Her a Bill of Divorcement”
Authors: Michaels Marc
Published: September 2024

This essay explores the halakhic precedents that can be drawn upon concerning the need for, and possible form of, a גט geṭ (Jewish religious divorce) when one of the parties involved has undergone gender transition. Does a geṭ need to be written at all? If so, can the transgender partner (in the case considered, the former husband) give a geṭ? If so, what names should be used on the geṭ? Here we examine the reactions of the various Jewish denominational movements to this growing societal phenomenon and study how the denominational setting impacts the answers to those questions.
Absent Women Philosophers from Past to Present in Indian Thought: Ṛṣikās, Sarojini Naidu, and Jaishree Odin
Authors: Ali Muzaffar , Shukla Richa , Rathour Mansi
Published: September 2024

This essay seeks to retrace, retrieve, recover, and reclaim the voices of women thinkers and philosophers throughout the history of Indian philosophy. The aim is to initiate a discussion on the conventional and ‘malestream’ character of established knowledge in philosophy. We focus on a few women thinkers to underline the fact that by acknowledging and elevating their previously erased and marginalized works, an alternative, and enriched, trajectory of the entire philosophical corpus of Indian thought is possible. To create a slice of such an alternate trajectory, we discuss the contributions of Ṛṣikās (women sages), Sarojini Naidu, and Jaishree Odin in the ancient, modern, and contemporary domains of Indian philosophy to argue and underline that these otherwise erased and absent women are thinking-beings actively involved in the give and take of philosophical progress in the Indian context.
Taxonomy of Japanese Gonatopus (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae), with description of a new species
Authors: MITA TOSHIHARU
Published: September 2024

A new species of Gonatopus, G. tagoi sp. nov., is described from Japan. Previously uncertain species, Agonatopus gracilis Esaki & Hashimoto, 1932 is redescribed based on newly collected females. Currently A. gracilis is included in Gonatopus, however, the name Gonatopus gracilis is preoccupied by Kieffer, 1905. Therefore, Gonatopus gigantostratiotes nom. nov. is provided as a replacement name. An updated key to the females of Japanese Gonatopus is given.
A new genus and a new species of Cladonotinae (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: TAN MING KAI , TUMBRINCK JOSEF , RIVERA RODRIN R. , NUÑEZA OLGA MACAS
Published: September 2024

A new genus and a new species of Cladonotinae (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) is described from Mount Malindang in Mindanao, Philippines: Fartmanntettix undulatus Tan & Tumbrinck, gen. et sp. nov. Tentatively, we classify this new genus under the tribe Trusmaditetrigini Storozhenko, 2023 consisting of eight genera (including the new genus described here). This new genus is characterised from other representatives of the tribe by the distinctly undulated and raised carinae on the pronotum and femora. A key to the genera of the tribe is also provided.
New species of little-known crickets from the subfamily Pteroplistinae (Orthoptera, Grylloidea) from Sabah and contribution to their bioacoustics
Authors: TAN MING KAI , GOROCHOV ANDREI , JAPIR RAZY , CHUNG ARTHUR Y.C. , ROBILLARD TONY
Published: September 2024

Recent fieldwork in eastern Sabah led to the discovery of new little-known crickets from the subfamily Pteroplistinae (Orthoptera, Grylloidea). Three new species are described: Tembelingiola biaculeata sp. nov. and Tembelingiola kabili sp. nov. from Sepilok; Pteroplistes silam sp. nov. from Mount Silam. Previously, the calling song of only one species of Pteroplistinae was known. Here, the calling songs of the three new species, as well as that of Pteroplistes lagrecai Gorochov, 2004, are also described for the first time. Therefore, distinctive calling songs for five species and three genera of Pteroplistinae are presently known.
FIRST REPORT OF ANISANDRUS MAICHE (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE: SCOLYTINAE) INFESTING APPLE TREES
Authors: TOBIN KELSEY N. , MOORE M. ELIZABETH , LIZARRAGA SANDRA , PETZOLDT JANE , REESE COREY , LOVETT BRIAN , RIVERA MONIQUE J.
Published: September 2024

Ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are among the most devastating pests of orchards, nurseries, and forest ecosystems. Anisandrus maiche (Kurentzov) has been regularly captured in ethanol-baited traps along woody edges of apple (Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh.) orchards in western New York alongside a known apple pest, Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford). However, this species has yet to be a confirmed pest of apple trees. In winter 2024, we conducted a series of dissections of potted apple trees with visible ambrosia beetle attacks (i.e. entry holes, exit holes). Our examination revealed the presence of active A. maiche galleries housing mainly larvae, a few adults, and the fungal symbiont Ambrosiella cleistominuta C. Mayers & T.C. Harr This is a first report of Anisandrus maiche attacking apple trees.
Two new species of the genus Ennearthron Mellié, 1847 (Coleoptera: Ciidae) from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: LI NAN , MO DA-RUI , MAO BEN-YONG , XU JI-SHAN
Published: September 2024

Ennearthron acuticornum sp. nov. and Ennearthron jizushanense sp. nov. are described and illustrated from Yunnan Province, China. The two new species have a pair of long horns on the anterior edge of the pronotum (the former with pronotal horns slender and acute, the latter develops thick and slightly shorter pronotal horns than the former) and with relatively large body size in the current known species of the genus Ennearthron Mellié.
Inference of single-cell network using mutual information for scRNA-seq data analysis
Authors: Chang Lan-Yun , Hao Ting-Yi , Wang Wei-Jie , Lin Chun-Yu
Published: September 2024

Background

With the advance in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology, deriving inherent biological system information from expression profiles at a single-cell resolution has become possible. It has been known that network modeling by estimating the associations between genes could better reveal dynamic changes in biological systems. However, accurately constructing a single-cell network (SCN) to capture the network architecture of each cell and further explore cell-to-cell heterogeneity remains challenging.

Results

We introduce SINUM, a method for constructing the SIngle-cell Network Using Mutual information, which estimates mutual information between any two genes from scRNA-seq data to determine whether they are dependent or independent in a specific cell. Experiments on various scRNA-seq datasets with different cell numbers based on eight performance indexes (e.g., adjusted rand index and F-measure index) validated the accuracy and robustness of SINUM in cell type identification, superior to the state-of-the-art SCN inference method. Additionally, the SINUM SCNs exhibit high overlap with the human interactome and possess the scale-free property.

Conclusions

SINUM presents a view of biological systems at the network level to detect cell-type marker genes/gene pairs and investigate time-dependent changes in gene associations during embryo development. Codes for SINUM are freely available at https://github.com/SysMednet/SINUM.
Perioperative pain management interventions in opioid user patients: an overview of reviews
Authors: Vadeghani Ava Tavakoli , Grant Margaret , Forget Patrice
Published: September 2024

Background

Every year, many opioid users undergo surgery, experiencing increased postoperative complications, inadequate pain control, and opioid-related adverse effects. This overview aims to summarise and critically assess the systematic reviews about perioperative pain management interventions, identify the knowledge gaps, and potentially provide high-quality recommendations to improve postoperative analgesia and surgical outcomes.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted from the following databases, PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, AMED, Scopus, PROSPERO, ProQuest, and Epistemonikos, in June 2023. Additionally, reference lists were reviewed. The identified studies were assessed based on eligibility criteria and data extracted by a self-designed form and two independent reviewers. Qualitative data were synthesised, and all included studies were assessed by The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2) checklist.

Results

Nine studies were included. The methodological quality of the studies was mostly critically low. Various interventions were identified, including perioperative management of buprenorphine, ketamine administration, multimodal analgesia, higher doses of medications, patient education, and interprofessional collaboration. The level of certainty of the evidence ranged from very low to high. One high-quality study showed that ketamine administration may improve perioperative analgesia supported with moderate to very low-quality evidence, and low and critically low studies indicated the efficacy of perioperative continuation of buprenorphine with low to very low-quality evidence.

Conclusion

Perioperative continuation of buprenorphine and ketamine administration as a multimodal analgesia approach, with moderate to very low-quality evidence, improves pain management in opioid users and decreases opioid-related adverse effects. However, high-quality systematic reviews are required to fill the identified gaps in knowledge.
High expression of small nucleolar host gene RNA may predict poor prognosis of Hepatocellular carcinoma, based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Authors: Du Sheng-qi , Liu Ya-Tong , Yang Fen , Wang Pei-xue , Zhang Jun
Published: September 2024

Background

The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular cancer is substantially correlated with the abnormal expression of growing long non-coding RNA small nucleolar host gene RNA (SNHG) families in liver cancer tissues. This study aimed to examine the relationship between SNHG expression and liver cancer prognosis.

Methods

After searching six internet databases, pertinent manuscripts were found based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. To determine whether SNHG expression levels affect liver cancer prognosis, raw data were collected and hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. The results were examined for potential publication bias using the sensitivity analysis and Beeg’s test.

Results

Most SNHG family members were up-regulated in liver cancer tissues. High SNHG expression predicts poor liver cancer outcomes of, including overall survival (OS) (HR: 1.697, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.373–2.021), especially SNHG5 (the HR of OS is 4.74, 95%CI range from 1.35 to 6.64), progression-free survival (HR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.25–2.73), tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage (OR: 1.696, 95% CI: 1.436–2.005), lymph node metastasis (OR: 2.383, 95% CI: 1.098–5.173), and tumor size (OR: 1363, 95% CI: 1.165–1.595). The OS results were found to be reliable and robust, as indicated by the sensitivity analysis. Additionally, Beeg’s test demonstrated the absence of any potential publication bias for each result.

Conclusion

In liver cancer tissues, most SNHGs are highly expressed, which may signal poor prognosis. SNHG has the potential to be an intriguing predictive marker and a prospective therapeutic target for liver cancer.
Food and beverage manufacturing and retailing company policies and commitments to improve the healthfulness of Canadian food environments
Authors: Gaucher-Holm Alexa , Chan Jasmine , Sacks Gary , Vaillancourt Caroline , Vergeer Laura , Potvin Kent Monique , Olstad Dana Lee , Vanderlee Lana
Published: September 2024

Background

Food and beverage companies play a central role in shaping the healthfulness of food environments.

Methods

The BIA-Obesity tool was used to evaluate and benchmark the specificity, comprehensiveness and transparency of the food environment-related policies and commitments of leading food and beverage manufacturing and retailing companies in Canada. Policies and commitments related to the healthfulness of food environments within 6 action areas were assessed: 1) corporate nutrition strategy; 2) product (re)formulation; 3) nutrition information and labelling; 4) product and brand promotion; 5) product accessibility; and 6) disclosure of relationships with external organizations. Data were collected from publicly available sources, and companies were invited to supplement and validate information collected by the research team. Each company was then assigned a score out of 100 for each action area, and an overall BIA-Obesity score out of 100.

Results

Overall BIA-Obesity scores for manufacturers ranged from 18 to 75 out of 100 (median = 49), while scores for retailers ranged from 21 to 25 (median = 22). Scores were highest within the product (re)formulation (median = 60) followed by the corporate nutrition strategy (median = 59) domain for manufacturers, while retailers performed best within the corporate nutrition strategy (median = 53), followed by the disclosure of relationships with external organizations (median = 47) domain. Companies within both sectors performed worst within the product accessibility domain (medians = 8 and 0 for manufacturers and retailers, respectively).

Conclusions

This study highlights important limitations to self-regulatory approaches of the food and beverage industry to improve the healthfulness of food environments. Although some companies had specific, comprehensive, and transparent policies and commitments to address the healthfulness of food environments in Canada, most fell short of recommended best-practice. Additional mandatory government policies and regulations may be warranted to effectively transform Canadian food environments to promote healthier diets and prevent related non-communicable diseases.
Breaking the cycle of reoccurring low back pain with integrated motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy to facilitate education and exercise advice: a superiority randomised controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Watson Estelle D. , Marshall Paul W. , Morrison Natalie M. V. , Moloney Niamh , O’Halloran Paul , Rabey Martin , Niazi Imran Khan , Stevens Kirk , Kingsley Michael
Published: September 2024

Background

Non-specific low back pain is a common and costly global issue. Many people with low back pain live for years with ongoing symptom recurrence and disability, making it crucial to find effective prevention strategies. Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based patient-centred counselling style that helps motivate individuals to change their behaviours. In combination, MI and cognitive-behavioural therapy (MI-CBT) has the potential to yield long term improvements in pain and disability and reduce incidence of recurrence.

Method

This is a two-arm superiority randomised controlled trial comparing MI-CBT and Education (n = 83) with Education only (n = 83). Participants that have recovered from a recent episode of non-specific low back pain (7th consecutive day with pain ≤ 2 on a 0–10 numeric pain rating scale) will be eligible for inclusion into the study. Both groups will receive five 30-min sessions over a 10-week period as well as the Navigating Pain booklet, homework book and a standardised exercise programme. In the intervention group, MI-CBT techniques will be used to provide individualised support, identify beliefs, and increase engagement with the resources provided. Outcomes measures include pain (current and in the last 7 days) as rated on the numeric pain rating scale. This will be used to determine recurrence (number of participants who report back pain ≥ 3 out of 10 on the numeric pain rating scale). Furthermore, self-reported (1) pain intensity; (2) pain catastrophizing; (3) fear-avoidance beliefs; (4) pain self-efficacy; (5) depression and anxiety; (6) disability will be measured. All outcomes will be measured at baseline, and again at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post allocation.

Discussion

The effective delivery of self-management strategies to prevent recurrence of low back pain is an important aspect that requires urgent attention. This study will provide new information on the effectiveness of using an MI-CBT approach to facilitate self-management through education and exercise to improve low back pain outcomes. Evidence emerging from this trial has the potential to inform clinical practice and healthcare management of non-specific low back pain.

Trial registration

Prospectively registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12623000746639 (10/07/2023).
Moderating effect of family structure on the relationship between early clinical exposure and emotional labor of nursing students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Li , Xu Ruiyang , Wang Shan , Zhao Meng , Peng Sijing , Peng Xinning , Ye Qingyuan , Wu Chen , Wang Kefang
Published: September 2024

Background

Emotional labor is an essential component of nursing practice and is important for Generation Z nursing students born from the mid-1990s to early 2010s. They will become the backbone of the nursing workforce but present more emotional regulation problems. Studies on emotional labor are limited to clinical nurses and influencing factors at the individual level. The impacts of external systems on emotional labor of nursing students have not been explored. This study aimed to quantify the relationship between early clinical exposure and emotional labor and test the moderating effect of family structure on the relationship.

Methods

The cross-sectional study recruited 467 nursing students using convenience sampling from seven colleges and universities in mainland China. An e-survey created on WJX.CN was used to collect data in January 2023. Emotional labor (surface acting and deep acting) was measured with the Emotional Labor scale. Early clinical exposure (exposure or not and times of exposure) and family structure (nuclear family, extended family, and single-parent family) were assessed with self-reported questions. Descriptive statistics and the linear mixed-effects modeling were used to do the analyses.

Results

The mean scores of surface acting and deep acting were 26.66 ± 5.66 and 13.90 ± 2.40, respectively. A significant difference in scores of surface acting was not observed for exposure or not, whereas such a significant difference was found for times of exposure. Nursing students from extended families demonstrated significantly lower scores on surface acting while exposed to clinical practice compared with those from nuclear families. Family structure moderated the relationship between times of exposure and surface acting of nursing students when exposed to clinical practice for one time, but the significance disappeared when the times of exposure increased. No significant findings of early clinical exposure on deep acting were observed.

Conclusions

Early clinical exposure influenced emotional labor, and students from extended families were more likely to get benefits from early clinical exposure. Studies are needed to help students from nuclear families get comparable benefits on emotional labor as those from extended families, and improve deep acting by early clinical exposure.
Circulating microRNAs targeting coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients with severe COVID-19
Authors: Helin Tuukka A. , Lemponen Marja , Immonen Katariina , Lakkisto Päivi , Joutsi-Korhonen Lotta
Published: September 2024

Background

Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) frequently causes coagulation disturbances. Data remains limited on the effects of microRNAs (miRNAs) on coagulation during COVID-19 infection. We aimed to analyze the comprehensive miRNA profile as well as coagulation markers and blood count in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Methods

Citrated plasma samples from 40 patients (24 men and 16 women) hospitalized for COVID-19 were analyzed. Basic coagulation tests, von Willebrand factor (VWF), ADAMTS13, blood count, C-reactive protein, and 27 miRNAs known to associate with thrombosis or platelet activation were analyzed. MiRNAs were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT qPCR), with 10 healthy controls serving as a comparator.

Results

Among the patients, 15/36 (41%) had platelet count of over 360 × 109/L and 10/36 (28%) had low hemoglobin of < 100 g/L, while 26/37 (72%) had high VWF of over 200 IU/dL. Patients had higher levels of the miRNAs miR-27b-3p, miR-320a-3p, miR-320b-3p, and miR-424-5p, whereas levels of miR-103a-3p and miR-145-5p were lower than those in healthy controls. In total, 11 miRNAs were associated with platelet count. Let-7b-3p was associated with low hemoglobin levels of < 100 g/L. miR-24-3p, miR-27b-3p, miR-126-3p, miR-145-5p and miR-338-5p associated with high VWF.

Conclusion

COVID-19 patients differentially express miRNAs with target genes involved in fibrinolysis inhibition, coagulation activity, and increased inflammatory response. These findings support the notion that COVID-19 widely affects hemostasis, including platelets, coagulation and fibrinolysis.
Transcriptome dataset of Metroxylon sagu palms from multiple sago plantations in Sarawak
Authors: Pendi Fifi Hafizzah , Hussain Hasnain
Published: September 2024

Objective

Sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) is one of the most important economic crops abundantly found in Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia. The robustness of the palm triggered the Sarawak government’s selection as one of the state’s commodity crops, with the opening of several sago palm plantations. However, stunted (non-trunking) palms were reported in several sago palm plantations despite attaining a maturity period of more than ten years after cultivation. Research targeting this problem has been conducted in various fields, yet information on molecular mechanisms is still scarce. This study aimed to determine the genes responsible for sago palm’s normal phenotype (trunking) by attaining leaf transcriptomes from samples of all trunking sago palms from different sago palm plantations.

Data description

The conventional CTAB method was employed in the present investigation to extract total RNA from leaf tissues. Transcriptome sequencing was conducted on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. Differential expression analysis was performed using the DESeq2 package. A total of 6,119 differentially expressed genes, comprising 4,384 downregulated and 1,735 upregulated genes, were expressed in all three sago palm datasets. The datasets provide insights into the commonly expressed genes among trunking sago palms.
Τίτλος στα ελληνικά Παναγιώτης Λ. Βοκοτόπουλος ‒ Πολυξένη Δημητρακοπούλου ‒ Διαμάντω Ρηγάκου ‒ Δημήτριος Δ. Τριανταφυλλόπουλος ‒ Ιωάννης Π. Χουλιαράς, Εὑρετήριο Βυζαντινῶν Τοιχογραφιῶν Ἑλλάδος. Ἰόνια Νησιά.
Authors: ΓΚΙΟΛΕΣ (Nikolaos GIOLES) Νικόλαος
Published: September 2024

Παναγιώτης Λ. Βοκοτόπουλος ‒ Πολυξένη Δημητρακοπούλου ‒ Διαμάντω Ρηγάκου ‒ Δημήτριος Δ. Τριανταφυλλόπουλος ‒ Ιωάννης Π. Χουλιαράς, Εὑρετήριο Βυζαντινῶν Τοιχογραφιῶν Ἑλλάδος. Ἰόνια Νησιά, Ακαδημία Αθηνών, Κέντρο Έρευνας της Βυζαντινής και Μεταβυζαντινής Τέχνης, Αθήνα 2018, 249 σελ., 4 χάρτες (σ. 57-60), 239 εικόνες εντός κειμένου, εκ των οποίων 203 έγχρωμες και 36 ασπρόμαυρες, 56 σχέδια, Ευρετήρια, γενικό και εικονογραφικό (σ. 241-249), Συντομογραφίες – Βιβλιογραφία (σ. 13-18). 30×20 εκ. ISBN 978-960-404-342-2.
Μετασχηματισμοί του αστικού χώρου της Θεσσαλονίκης κατά την ύστερη αρχαιοτητα (4ος-6ος αι.) μέσα απο τα ανασκαφικά δεδομένα στον σταθμό Αγίας Σοφίας του μητροπολιτικού σιδηρόδρομου
Authors: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΑΔΟΥ (Stella VASILEIADOU) Στέλλα , ΤΖΕΒΡΕΝΗ (Stavroula TZEVRENI) Σταυρούλα
Published: September 2024

Μέσα από τα ανασκαφικά δεδομένα στον σταθμό Αγίας Σοφίας του Μητροπολιτικού Σιδηροδρόμου Θεσσαλονίκης, ακολουθώντας σταθερά τον decumanus maximus στο ύψος της σημερινής Εγνατίας και με τοπόσημο το μνημειακό νυμφαίο στη συμβολή δύο κεντρικών οδών, σκιαγραφείται η μετάβαση από τις οικιστικές νησίδες με τις πολυτελείς αστικές επαύλεις του 4ου αιώνα στις μνημειακές διαμορφώσεις του δημόσιου χώρου, με τις άγνωστες ‒μέχρι πρότινος‒ κιονοστήρικτες, μαρμαρόστρωτες πλατείες (φόρα), που ανοίγονται κατά τον 6ο αιώνα ανάμεσα στην Αχειροποίητο και την επισκοπική βασιλική, στη θέση του ναού της Αγίας Σοφίας.
Byzantine mural painting in its architectural setting
Authors: OUSTERHOUT Robert
Published: September 2024

This paper explores the architectural setting of monumental imagery in Byzantine churches. A close analysis reveals that the collaboration between masons and painters cannot be taken for granted. The lack of coordination, however, could lead to innovative solutions. By paying closer attention to the relationship between architecture and wall decoration, we may gain a better understanding of changes in the Byzantine conceptions of sacred space and the aesthetic choices underpinning the creation of new formats of monumental imagery.
The discreet charm of a brand: methodological considerations for attributing unsigned icons to Cretan painters of the 15th-17th centuries
Authors: ΔΡΑΝΔΑΚΗ (Anastasia DRADAKI) Αναστασία
Published: September 2024

In this article the author examines the methodological difficulties involved in attributing unsigned works to famous Cretan painters of the 15th-17th centuries. It is deemed necessary to systematise art historical criteria specific for icons in order to attempt creditable attributions, and make good use of technical analysis, first and foremost of signed works, in order to achieve a better understanding of the pictorial technique of each painter. However, a large number of good quality but rather uninspired Cretan icons essentially impose their ‘anonymity’ due to the standardization of their mass production.
Painters from Western Macedonia active in the Romanian Principalities. The brothers Ioannis and Georgios (floruerunt c. 1640-1655)
Authors: NEGRĂU Elisabeta
Published: September 2024

The study analyses the works of two virtually unknown Greek painters from the mid-seventeenth century. The names of the two painters, the brothers Ioannis and Georgios, are known from a letter addressed to Patriarch Nikon of Moscow, dated July 25 1655, in which they enumerate several churches they painted in Kiev and Wallachia: Berestovo, Căldărușani, Brebu, Strehaia, Cornățel, Plumbuita, Plătărești, Soveja. The study concludes that the two painters were trained in (nowadays) Western Macedonia. It also discusses the connections between the two painters, their patrons and the theologian Meletios Syrigos.
Saint Mavra in Koilani, Limassol prefecture: cult, iconography, interpretations
Authors: KONTOPANAGOU (Κατερίνα ΚΟΝΤΟΠΑΝΑΓΟΥ ) Katerina
Published: September 2024

The church of Saint Mavra in Koilani, Lemessos became a center of veneration for the saint of the same name from the Byzantine period onwards. It is a pilgrimage site of Mavra, who is honored throughout the island. The first architectural phase of the church is dated to the 11th-12th century but the church was renovated in the 15th century. The greater part of the painted decoration, including the biographical scenes of the honored saint, is dated to the second half of the 15th century, part of the renovative trend throughout Cyprus before the gradual political and cultural dominance of the Venetians.
Από την Κύπρο στην Κίμωλο. Εικόνα Δέησης με τον Χριστό πλαισιωμένο από τον άγιο Ανδρόνικο και την αγία Αθανασία
Authors: ΔΗΛΕ (Nancy DILE) Νάνση
Published: September 2024

Η εικόνα της Κιμώλου με τον Χριστό Παντοκράτορα και τους αγίους Ανδρόνικο και Αθανασία δεομένους είναι η μόνη γνωστή με αυτό το θέμα. Τα εικονογραφικά και τεχνοτροπικά στοιχεία της σύνθεσης δείχνουν ότι πρόκειται για υψηλής ποιότητας έργο –κατασκευασμένο περί το 1400– κυπριακού εργαστηρίου, στο οποίο εργάζονταν ζωγράφοι από την Κωνσταντινούπολη. Πρόκειται πιθανότατα για μια αναθηματική εικόνα που προσεφέρθη, με αφορμή κάποια επιδημία ή ξηρασία, σε άγνωστο, σήμερα, προσκύνημα των δύο αγίων στην Κύπρο, όπου τιμώνται ιδιαίτερα. Η μετακίνησή της στην Κίμωλο συνδέεται με το προσφυγικό ρεύμα Κυπρίων, που ακολούθησε την τουρκική κατάκτηση της Μεγαλονήσου (1571) και με τις νέες οικονομικές συνθήκες που διαμορφώνονται στο Αιγαίο στο τέλος του 16ου αιώνα και οδηγούν στη δημιουργία του οικισμού του Κάστρου Κιμώλου.
A “greek whispers” parody in the vernacular Voyage of Charlemagne to Jerusalem and Constantinople
Authors: AGRIGOROAEI Vladimir
Published: September 2024

Starting with an analysis of a curious description of a Byzantine church’s middle and upper registers, including the Dodekaorton painted scenes, in the 12th-century Old French poem Voyage of Charlemagne to Jerusalem and Constantinople, the present study explores this parody’s links with its Medieval Latin sources of inspiration –and with the “Descriptio qualiter” written in the abbey of Saint-Denis in particular–, focusing on the use of late antique heritage in 11th and 12th century narratives about events happening during Carolingian times. The confusion between Byzantium and Antiquity is a cultural reflection of a wider mind-set, linked with the ideas of “translatio imperii” and “translatio studii”.
Oρισμένες παρατηρήσεις και ερωτήματα σχετικά με την πρωτοβυζαντινή αρχιτεκτονική στη Θεσσαλονίκη: Δημόσιο κτήριο βορείως της επισκοπικής βασιλικής
Authors: ΡΑΠΤΗΣ (Konstantinos T. RAPTIS) Κωνσταντίνος Θ. , ΦΑΝΤΙΔΟΥ (Eleftheria FANTIDOU) Ελευθερία
Published: September 2024

Αρχιτεκτονικά κατάλοιπα ενός πρωτοβυζαντινού κτηρίου μνημειακού χαρακτήρα με μαρμάρινους μονολιθικούς πεσσούς και ολόπλινθες πλευρικές τοιχοποιίες αποκαλύφθηκαν προσφάτως, βορείως του ανατολικού τμήματος της πρωτοβυζαντινής επισκοπικής βασιλικής της Θεσσαλονίκης. Στο άρθρο παρουσιάζονται τα νέα ευρήματα και διατυπώνονται παρατηρήσεις, σκέψεις και ερωτήματα σχετικά με τον αρχιτεκτονικό σχεδιασμό του άγνωστου έως τώρα δημόσιου οικοδομήματος και τις πιθανές μνημειακές διαμορφώσεις του αστικού χώρου στην περιοχή κατά την πρωτοβυζαντινή περίοδο
Recent evidence about the church of Panagia Scripou in Boeotia
Authors: VOYADJIS (Σωτήρης ΒΟΓΙΑΤΖΗΣ) Sotiris
Published: September 2024

The Panagia Skripou is the well-known Boeotian monument securely dated in 873/74. In this paper we present observations made in 2000-2001 during the extensive restoration works and parallel archaeological research undertaken after the 1995 fire which seriously damaged the building. New findings illuminate several aspects of the monument, although they do not alter its former perspective. The structural arrangement of the building is examined and its vulnerability to the earthquakes that caused extensive damage in the past are also examined. Finally, the exact form and position of the church’s templon was revealed.
Ὁ ναὸς τῶν Ἁγίων Ἀποστόλων στὴν Ἀρχαία Ἀγορὰ τῶν Ἀθηνῶν καὶ τὰ ἀρχιτεκτονικά του πρότυπα
Authors: ΓΚΙΟΛΕΣ (Nikolaos GKIOLES) Νικόλαος
Published: September 2024

Ὁ ναὸς τῶν Ἁγίων Ἀποστόλων Σολάκη στὴν Ἀρχαία Ἀγορὰ τῶν Ἀθηνῶν (π. 1000) συνδυάζει στοιχεῖα ἑνὸς περίκεντρου σχεδίου, ἑνὸς τετρακόγχου μὲ μικρότερες γωνιακὲς κόγχες μεταξὺ τῶν μεγάλων καὶ ἑνὸς τετρακιονίου σταυροειδοῦς ἐγγεγραμμένου πυρήνα. Τὰ πρωιμότερα παραδείγματα συνδυασμοῦ σταυροειδοῦς ἐγγεγραμμένου μὲ τέσσερεις ἐξέχουσες κόγχες ἀπαντοῦν σὲ μνημεῖα τῆς Ἀρμενίας, ἐνῶ διαφορετικὰ χαρακτηριστικὰ ἐμφανίζονται σὲ μνημεῖα τοῦ Καυκάσου. Ἀρμενικὰ στοιχεῖα, ὅπως ὁ κεντρικὸς ὀκταγωνικὸς πυρήνας ἢ ὁ σταυροειδὴς ἐγγεγραμμένος μὲ τέσσερεις ἐξέχουσες κόγχες ὑπάρχουν στὴν Κωνσταντινούπολη καὶ τὴν εὐρύτερη περιοχή της. Σὲ κωνσταντινουπολίτικη ἐπίδραση ὀφείλεται πιθανὸν αὐτὸ τὸ ἰδιότυπο ἀθηναϊκὸ μνημεῖο.
Ο ναός του Αγίου Ιωάννη στην Κέρια της Μέσα Μάνης. Η μαρτυρία των υστεροβυζαντινών τοιχογραφιών
Authors: ΜΕΞΙΑ (Angeliki MEXIA) Αγγελική
Published: September 2024

Ο σταυροειδής εγγεγραμμένος ναός του Αγίου Ιωάννη στην Κέρια της Μέσα Μάνης διατηρεί τμήματα του αρχικού ζωγραφικού διακόσμου του, αδημοσίευτα μέχρι σήμερα. Εικονογραφικές και τεχνοτροπικές παρατηρήσεις οδηγούν στη χρονολόγηση των τοιχογραφιών στο δεύτερο μισό του 13ου αιώνα, πιθανώς στη δεκαετία 1270-1280. Παρά την αποσπασματική διατήρηση και τις εκτεταμένες φθορές, πρόκειται για έργο δεξιοτέχνη ζωγράφου, ο οποίος υπερβαίνει τη γραμμική απόδοση και το σχηματικό πλάσιμο που διακρίνει την πλειονότητα των ζωγραφικών στρωμάτων της εποχής στη Μάνη, ακολουθώντας τις νεωτερικές τάσεις της μητροπολιτικής τέχνης.
Strategos Leon Chitzilakes of the inscription from the seawalls of Thessaloniki. An unusual case of military patronage and prosopography
Authors: ZARRAS (Nεκτάριος ΖΑΡΡΑΣ) Νektarios
Published: September 2024

The inscription from the seawalls of Thessaloniki which mentions the general Leon Chitzilakes, documents archaeologically the historical sources and especially Ioannes Kaminiates, who gives a revealing testimony for the ktetoric activity of the strategos with respect to the defensive works in the city before the attack by the Saracens in 904. This rare interaction between historical text and epigraphical material contributes to defining the role of military officials in financing the construction of defensive works through their fiscal authority. Additionally, the paper offers new data on Leon’s origins, creating an interesting prosopographical image of a military official.
Revisiting the epigrams in the church of Saint Peter, Kalyvia, Attica (1231/32)
Authors: KATSAFADOS (Παναγιώτης Σ. ΚΑΤΣΑΦΑΔΟΣ) Panayotis S. , PETROU (Δήμητρα ΠΕΤΡΟΥ) Demetra
Published: September 2024

The present study reviews in some detail the reading of the well-known dedicatory inscription in the narthex of the church of Saint Peter at Kalyvia, Attica and attempts as far as the state of preservation allows, the reconstruction of the long, lesser known, epigram on the north wall of the church’s narthex, by paying close attention to its poetic structure. Preliminary conclusions are drawn regarding the person who had the initiative to commission the epigrams, and the historical context that framed their composition.
Η γραφή των επώνυμων ζωγράφων της βενετικής Κρήτης. Η περίπτωση του Θεοδώρου Δανιήλ
Authors: ΒΕΛΕΝΗΣ (Georgios VELENIS ) Γεώργιος , ΙΩΑΝΝΙΔΟΥ (Theodora IOANNIDOU) Θεοδώρα , ΤΡΟΥΠΚΟΥ (Nicoleta TROUPKOU) Νικολέτα
Published: September 2024

Ο γραφικός χαρακτήρας του ζωγράφου Θεοδώρου Δανιήλ, όπως αυτός αποτυπώνεται στα δύο ενυπόγραφα έργα του, στην Παναγία Φανερωμένη στον Άγιο Ιωάννη Μυλοποτάμου και στον Χριστό στα Μεσκλά Κυδωνίας, του έτους 1303, αποτελεί το θέμα της μελέτης. Προτείνονται βελτιωμένες αναγνώσεις για τις κτητορικές επιγραφές των υπό εξέταση ναών και επισημαίνεται η σημασία της κατανόησης της μορφολογίας των γραμμάτων, διότι αποτελεί ένα επιπλέον μέσο ταύτισης του έργου ενός ζωγράφου.
A middle Byzantine sword from Corinth
Authors: ATHANASOULIS (Δημήτριος ΑΘΑΝΑΣΟΥΛΗΣ) Demetrios , MANOLESSOU (Ελένη ΜΑΝΩΛΕΣΣΟΥ) Eleni
Published: September 2024

Ιn 2014, in a plot of land in Ancient Corinth, excavations by the local Ephorate of Antiquities brought to light a sword. It is an iron sword with a bronze cross-guard and pommel, and may be dated, on the basis of the excavation data and of comparisons with relevant parallels, to the second half of the 9th century AD. Judging from its decoration, it could be attributed to an imperial weapon smithy. This sword constitutes one of the most important finds of Byzantine Corinth, since the discovery of such objects is extremely rare.
Παλαιολόγειο ανάγλυφο του Χριστού Εμμανουήλ από τη συλλογή της Βιβλιοθήκης του Αδριανού στην Αθήνα
Authors: ΠΑΛΛΗΣ (Georgios PALLIS) Γιώργος
Published: September 2024

Στη συλλογή του αρχαιολογικού χώρου της Βιβλιοθήκης του Αδριανού στην Αθήνα φυλάσσεται ένα αποσπασματικά σωζόμενο ανάγλυφο με παράσταση του Χριστού Εμμανουήλ σε προτομή. Σύμφωνα με τα εικονογραφικά και τεχνοτροπικά χαρακτηριστικά του, προέρχεται πιθανότατα από τον διάκοσμο ενός ταφικού μνημείου και φιλοτεχνήθηκε σε εργαστήριο της Κωνσταντινούπολης κατά τις πρώτες δεκαετίες του 14ου αιώνα. Ο τρόπος και ο χρόνος κατά τον οποίο έφτασε στην Αθήνα αυτό το υψηλής ποιότητας δείγμα της παλαιολόγειας γλυπτικής, αποτελούν ερωτήματα για τα οποία δεν είναι εύκολο να δοθεί απάντηση.
Ανάπτυξη ολοκληρωμένης μεθόδου για την αξιολόγηση αναπτυξιακών προγραμμάτων
Authors: Φούντζουλα Χριστίνα
Published: September 2024

Αντικείμενο της διατριβής είναι η ανάπτυξη μιας ολοκληρωμένης μεθοδολογίας για την αξιολόγηση αναπτυξιακών προγραμμάτων στα πλαίσια της συστημικής προσέγγισης λήψης αποφάσεων. Η εργασία επικεντρώθηκε στη διερεύνηση των παραγόντων που θα συμβάλλουν στη μέγιστη απορρόφηση και αξιοποίηση πόρων, καθώς και σε μέτρα για την αποτελεσματικότερη διαχείριση αναπτυξιακών προγραμμάτων. Παράλληλα, κατέληξε σε προτάσεις βελτιστοποίησης των διαδικασιών για την ένταξη έργων στα αναπτυξιακά προγράμματα και την επιτυχή ολοκλήρωση τους. Αναλυτικότερα, για την επίτευξη των παραπάνω στόχων, πραγματοποιήθηκε εκτεταμένη βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση των πολυκριτηριακών μεθόδων αξιολόγησης προγραμμάτων και έργων που έχουν εφαρμογή στο δημόσιο τομέα την τελευταία δεκαετία. Πραγματοποιήθηκε μελέτη και ανάλυση τυπικών δομών και λειτουργιών της δημοσίας διοίκησης και εκτεταμένη βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση για τον προσδιορισμό των κριτηρίων και υποκριτηρίων που καθορίζουν την αποτελεσματικότητα και επίδραση των αναπτυξιακών προγραμμάτων σε όλους τους επηρεαζόμενους τομείς.Τα κριτήρια και τα υποκριτήρια που προσδιορίστηκαν χρησιμοποιήθηκαν σε ένα μοντέλο αξιολόγησης προγραμμάτων που αναπτύχθηκε ως συνδυασμός τριών μεθόδων αξιολόγησης, της Διαδικασίας Αναλυτικής Ιεράρχησης (AHP), της μεθοδολογίας ταξινόμησης/προτεραιοποίησης Likert scale και της μεθόδου σταθμισμένης βαθμολόγησης Weighted score method (Wsm). Πιο συγκεκριμένα, η AHP χρησιμοποιήθηκε για τον υπολογισμό των βαρών των κριτηρίων και των υποκριτηρίων που σχετίζονται με τη βέλτιστη διαχείριση αναπτυξιακών προγραμμάτων, ενώ η κλίμακα Likert χρησιμοποιήθηκε για την ιεράρχηση των επιλογών ορισμένων εκ των παραπάνω κριτηρίων. Με βάση αυτά τα κριτήρια δημιουργήθηκε ένα ηλεκτρονικό ερωτηματολόγιο διαχείρισης αναπτυξιακών προγραμμάτων που βασίζεται στο μοντέλο σταθμισμένης βαθμολόγησης (weighted score method) και βαθμολογεί την αποτελεσματικότητα τους. Το ερωτηματολόγιο έχει ηλεκτρονική μορφή και χρησιμεύει ως ένα εργαλείο ηλεκτρονικής διακυβέρνησης για την αξιολόγηση αναπτυξιακών προγραμμάτων. Η μεθοδολογία που αναπτύχθηκε εφαρμόστηκε σε συγχρηματοδοτούμενα περιφερειακά ή τομεακά επιχειρησιακά προγράμματα ΕΣΠΑ 2014-2020, και σε συγκεκριμένα παραδείγματα προγραμμάτων προκειμένου να αξιολογηθεί η αποτελεσματικότητα της.