bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gynecologic Adnexal Tumors and Tumor-Like Lesions in Children and Adolescents: Experience at a Cancer Center
Authors: Costa João , Alves Sara , Silva Fernanda , Leite Filipa , Bartosch Carla
Published: February 2024

Introduction. Tumors and tumor-like lesions of the uterine adnexa in children and adolescents are uncommon but may carry devastating consequences. Methods. We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study, to describe patients aged 0 to 19 years diagnosed with tumors and tumor-like lesions of the uterine adnexa at our institution between 2000 and 2018. Results. Eighty-nine patients with 105 adnexal lesions were included. Thirty-seven (42%) patients presented with benign tumors, 13 (15%) with borderline tumors, 25 (28%) with malignant tumors and 14 (16%) with tumor-like lesions. Germ cell tumors (n = 45|43%) were the most frequent, followed by epithelial tumors (n = 30|29%). No significant differences were found in the age distribution of the lesions by malignant potential or histologic group. Most patients (n = 80|90%) were treated primarily with conservative surgery, including cystectomy (n = 25|28%) and unilateral oophorectomy/adnexectomy (n = 54|61%). Thirty-four (38%) underwent surgical staging (partial omentectomy and peritoneal biopsies). Twenty (23%) patients with borderline and malignant tumors were submitted to chemotherapy. Four (5%) patients with borderline or malignant tumors relapsed, one of whom died from disease. Conclusion. Gynecological lesions in children and adolescents encompass a wide range of rare histological tumor subtypes, requiring evaluation by experienced pathologists. Most tumors were diagnosed at early stages, with low relapse and mortality rates. Conservative management, with fertility sparing surgery and limited use of adjuvant chemotherapy, is of utmost importance.
Elusive and Aggressive: Unraveling SMARCB1/INI1-Deficient Undifferentiated Carcinoma With Rhabdoid Features Arising From the Colon: A Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Liu Xiaoqin (Lucy) , Agostini-Vulaj Diana
Published: February 2024

Undifferentiated carcinomas are highly aggressive tumors with a dismal prognosis. A subset of these tumors has been associated with inactivation or mutations of the Switch/Sucrose Nonfermenting (SWI/SNF) remodeling complex. Our understanding of the relationship between the clinicopathological features and molecular profiling of SWI/SNF-deficient undifferentiated carcinoma is still evolving due to its rarity. We herein present a rare tumor of undifferentiated carcinoma with SMARCB1/INI1 deficiency arising from the colon. The histology revealed a tumor composed of sheets of discohesive, high-grade epithelioid cells with rhabdoid morphology along with anaplastic giant cells. Additionally, there was a significant infiltration of inflammatory cells in the background. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis supported the diagnosis of carcinoma with loss of INI1 expression, the tumor was mismatch repair protein proficient. Molecular analysis demonstrated an oncogenic KRAS mutation (p.G12D), whereas it was wild-type BRAF, and wild-type NRAS. The diagnosis of SWI/SNF-deficient undifferentiated carcinoma can be challenging. Correlation with clinical findings, in conjunction with IHC work-up and molecular analysis, is of utmost importance to arrive at the appropriate diagnosis and exclude potential mimics.
Ways That Qualitative Researchers Engage in “Technological Reflexivity”: A Meta-Synthesis
Authors: Paulus Trena M. , Pope Elizabeth M. , Bower Kyle L.
Published: February 2024

While the use of digital qualitative methods has increased, we do not yet know to what extent researchers are engaging in intentional reflexivity around the consequences of this shift. In this systematic thematic synthesis, we analyzed journal articles that reported use of digital methods for data collection. We found four circumstances in which authors reported engaging in “technological reflexivity” and two rhetorical moves for doing so. These strategies for engaging in technological reflexivity are useful for making the consequences of adopting digital research workflows visible and open for further inquiry.
The Role of Intersectionality and Context in Measuring Gender-Based Violence in Universities and Research-Performing Organizations in Europe for the Development of Inclusive Structural Interventions
Authors: Humbert Anne Laure , Strid Sofia , Tanwar Jagriti , Lipinsky Anke , Schredl Claudia
Published: February 2024

The aim of the article is to discuss how thinking about gender-based violence intersectionally and in context can not only enrich our understanding but also lead to transformative change in organizations. The article argues that to better understand gender-based violence in universities and research institutions, analyses need to be intersectional and contextual. Such approaches go beyond binary understandings of gender and narrow legalistic definitions of gender-based violence. The article reflects on how to operationalize this to derive starting points for intersectional categories to consider and contextual factors to measure at micro-, meso-, and macro-levels. It concludes that a multilevel intersectional analysis leads to more nuanced knowledge on experiences of gender-based violence and is, therefore, better equipped to inform the development of measures to eradicate the problem in an inclusive way.
Who Is Centered in the Humanitarian Response to Gender-Based Violence? A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Survivor-Centered Approach
Authors: Michelis Ilaria , Makepeace Jane , Reis Chen
Published: February 2024

Since the 1990s, the international humanitarian system has developed approaches, tools, and standards for addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in emergencies premised on the survivor-centered approach (SCA). Utilizing critical discourse analysis, we explore how articulation of SCA within humanitarian discourse aligns with its stated intent to return control to survivors. The analysis reveals that humanitarian system power dynamics distort the application of SCA, leaving humanitarian service providers in charge of assessing the best course of action or severely limiting survivors’ choices. We propose a survivor led approach as more aligned with the feminist and transformative goals of humanitarian action against GBV.
Evaluation of vitamin D status in adult patients with newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Ciftciler Rafiye , Ciftciler Ali Erdinc , Yıldırımel Cevdet
Published: February 2024

It has been shown that 25-OH vitamin D not only preserves calcium and bone homeostasis but also has immunomodulatory effects. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between adult patients with recently diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and vitamin D levels. Retrospective technique was employed in this study. The associations between 25(OH)D value and platelet count, as well as the clinical symptoms of ITP upon diagnosis and 25(OH)D value, were our main findings. A total of 60 patients diagnosed and followed up in our clinic were included in the study. Forty-one patients (68.3%) were female and 19 (31.7%) were male. The median age of the patients was 52.5 (19–88). The median vitamin D level of all patients at diagnosis of ITP was 11.5 (3–86). There was no statistically significant difference between the patients divided into three groups according to their vitamin D levels, in terms of laboratory parameters. There was no statistically significant difference in clinical findings according to vitamin D status in ITP patients. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of relapse-free survival in all three groups (p = 0.71). In conclusion, in our study, no correlation was found between laboratory and clinical findings at diagnosis and vitamin D levels in adult ITP patients. Additional investigations, particularly randomized controlled trials, are required to examine the relationship between 25(OH)D and the incidence and severity of ITP.
Lateral instability of sandwich beams under uniform bending
Authors: Wurf Avi , Rabinovitch Oded , Frostig Yeoshua
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the lateral-torsional instability of soft-core sandwich beams. This physical phenomenon, which has received limited attention in the framework of sandwich structures, is investigated here in the context of fully nonlinear analysis for the first time. The research addresses, quantifies, and explores the lateral-torsional instability with emphasis on the unique features of the sandwich structure and its geometrically nonlinear response. The research questions relate to the nature of the instability and to the role of the deformability of the core layer in the unique mechanism. The results of the investigation include a new, high-order, nonlinear model for the analysis of the torsional-lateral response as well as new insight into the evolution of the phenomenon in sandwich beams.
Repeatability of swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography automated macular vessel density
Authors: Monferrer-Adsuara Clara , Remolí-Sargues Lidia , Navarro-Palop Catalina , Cervera-Taulet Enrique , Montero-Hernández Javier , Medina-Bessó Pascual , Castro-Navarro Verónica
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Ratio Analysis (OCTARA) is capable of visualizing inner and outer retinal vascular plexuses, choriocapillaris, and larger choroidal vasculature in vivo without contrast injection. The aim of this study was to assess the intrasession repeatability of automated vessel density measurements using Triton Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) innovative algorithm OCTARA in retinal and choroidal vasculature.

Methods

To study population between 65–90 years old with no eye diseases. For each subject measurements were performed four times. The intraclass correlation coefficient and the coefficient of variation were calculated to analyze repeatability of the OCTARA automatically generated vessel density measurements.

Results

A total of 35 eyes were included in the study. The intraclass correlation coefficient of the global vessel density in the superficial capillary plexus and the deep capillary plexus were 0.963 and 0.975, respectively, and the coefficient of variation were 5.4% and 4.4%, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient of the rest of the global measurements was indicative of good reliability with the exception of the deep choroid layer with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.6 indicative of moderate reliability.

Conclusions

Our results proved excellent repeatability of automated vessel density measurements in the superficial and deep capillary plexus layers in our cohort using a OCTARA algorithm indicating that it may be a reliable diagnostic tool. It also showed good reliability in choriocapillary and mid choroid layer. These findings may be of value in assessing the significance of differences in capillary density measurements over time and across different settings.
Effects of full-thickness wedge resection on ocular surface and in vivo confocal microscopy findings in floppy eyelid syndrome patients
Authors: Sabur Huri , Arslan Nese , Kabatas Emrah Utku , Acar Mutlu
Published: February 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effect of full-thickness wedge resection (FTWR) on ocular surface and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) findings in patients with floppy eyelid syndrome (FES).

Methods

The study included two groups: a surgical treatment (ST) group (26 eyes) consisting of patients who underwent FTWR surgery, and a conservative treatment (CT) group (30 eyes). Pre-treatment and post-treatment ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), IVCM findings along with the body mass index (BMI), FES grade, the presence and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) were recorded and compared between the groups.

Results

The groups were comparable in terms of BMI, FES grade, and OSAS data. After six months, TBUT in the ST group significantly increased to 12.92 ± 1.15, compared to 8.10 ± 1.60 in the CT group ( p = 0.000). The CFS and OSDI scores were significantly lower in the ST group (0.15 ± 0.37, 18.0 ± 8.3, respectively) compared to the CT group (0.90 ± 0.61, 27.3 ± 9.3, respectively) ( p = 0.000). IVCM analysis revealed a significant decrease in dendritic cell count (ST: 22.0 ± 12.4, CT: 39.5 ± 15.1, p = 0.000) and nerve tortuosity (ST: 1.38 ± 0.64, CT: 2.00 ± 0.59, p = 0.000), with a significant increase in total nerve density (ST: 4.27 ± 0.83, CT: 3.57 ± 0.90, p = 0.002) in the ST group compared to the CT group after six months.

Conclusion

In our retrospective cohort, FTWR surgery was shown to be an effective and reliable surgical treatment for FES, improving both ocular surface and IVCM findings. Patients with moderate to severe stages of FES not responding to conservative treatment may benefit from eyelid tightening.
Heritage tourism and local prosperity: An empirical investigation of their controversial relationship
Authors: Cerisola Silvia , Panzera Elisa
Published: February 2024

Cultural heritage and local attractiveness entertain an inextricable relationship. Cultural visitors and tourists are willing to discover and admire different, unique, and outstanding forms of culture and local inhabitants recognize themselves in the symbolic meanings and values carried by their heritage, which inspires proudness and sense of belonging. Furthermore, cultural tourism represents a contributor to local economic conditions and a resource to support cultural heritage maintenance and preservation costs. However, concerns related to excessive flows of tourists towards cultural destinations have been raised from many parts. In fact, over-tourism might generate social, cultural, environmental, and economic costs, mainly affecting and damaging local communities. This paper aims at investigating the nexus between cultural tourism and local economic development. A Structural Regression Model is applied to Italian provincial (NUTS3) data to simultaneously identify the direct effects of cultural tourism on economic conditions as well as its indirect and potentially controversial effects.
Adverse drug reactions attributed to generic substitution of antiretroviral medications among HIV treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis clients in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Lepik Katherine J , Hunt Olivia L , Bacani Nic , Wang Lu , Harris Marianne , Toy Junine , McLinden Taylor , Sereda Paul , Akagi Linda J , Ready Erin , Montaner Julio SG , Barrios Rolando
Published: February 2024

Background

In British Columbia, antiretrovirals (ARVs) for HIV treatment (HIV-Tx) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are free-of-charge through publicly-funded Drug Treatment Programs (DTPs). When available, less costly generics are substituted for brand-name ARVs. We describe the incidence and type of product substitution issue (PSI) adverse drug reactions (ADRs) attributed to generic ARVs.

Methods

Cohorts included DTP clients ≥19 years who received generic ARVs for HIV-Tx (abacavir-lamivudine, emtricitabine-tenofovir DF, efavirenz-emtricitabine-tenofovir DF, atazanavir or darunavir between 01 Jun 2017 and 30 Jun 2022) or PrEP (emtricitabine-tenofovir DF, 01 Apr 2018 to 30 Jun 2022). Demographic, ARV and ADR data were extracted from DTP databases and summarized by descriptive statistics. PSI incidence was calculated for each product during the year following brand-to-generic and generic-to-generic transitions (first-year-post-rollout), and compared between generic versions using generalized estimating equations. For context, incidence of any ARV product-related ADR was calculated in the same 1-year periods.

Results

During first-year-post-rollout periods, 5339 HIV-Tx (83% male, median age 52 years) and 8095 PrEP (99% male, median 33 years) clients received generic ARVs, and reported 78 and 23 generic PSIs, respectively. PSI incidence was <1% for most generic ARVs, with mild-moderate symptoms including gastrointestinal upset, headache, dizziness, fatigue/malaise and skin rash. In HIV-Tx clients, the efavirenz-containing product had higher PSI incidence than other ARVs (2.2%, p = .004), due to more neuropsychiatric adverse reactions. Any ADR incidence was stable across measurement periods, and generic PSIs represented less than one third of all product-related ADRs.

Conclusions

Generic substitution of antiretrovirals for HIV-Tx and PrEP was well tolerated, with ≤2% incidence of mild-moderate PSI ADRs.
Producing indefinite drafts of history: Journalists’ roles in historic revisionism in Europe and beyond
Authors: Hoxha Abit , Andresen Kenneth , Paschalidis Panagiotis , Fiedler Anke
Published: February 2024

This paper seeks to explore to what degree revisionism and journalism interact in a European context. By looking at countries with troubled pasts, such as Greece and Spain, which are well into the European Union and also the euro-public sphere, and Kosovo, which uses European Integration as a framework to deal with its conflicting past, we aim to answer the crucial questions of what historical revisionism in journalistic productions is; how it emerges and how it is addressed by journalistic productions in such discourses. We use data from 22 semi-structured in-depth interviews with selected journalists who cover ‘troubled past,’ identified by searching content on the media with the same keywords. These journalists represent a pool of professionals who research the past and forensically deconstruct events and documents to come to new conclusions or re-interpretations of the past through present journalistic productions. Our data suggest that journalists indeed have a narrative of the past in their minds and are eager to explore it further in seeking an ideal professional role of finding out the truth as a counter-revisionist measure. In doing so, journalists also face competing loyalty between their identity and professionalism, belonging, and political situation. Greece, Spain, and Kosovo have suffered very different past conflicts and have different ways of dealing with the past, but journalists in all three countries compete for the true narratives of war and the past. Writing the first draft of history, they argue that the latter is continuously under revision.
Nepalese tourism from the lens of residents: An assessment of impact perception, attitude, and action towards tourism development in Gandaki province, Nepal
Authors: Baral Rekha , Saini Vinod Kumar
Published: February 2024

Residents’ perception, attitude, and support towards the tourism industry are the key determinants of tourism success. Therefore, understanding residents’ perceptions is critically important for the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry. However, such studies are meagre in the context of Nepalese tourism, one of the most popular nature and culture-based tourism destinations in the global tourism arena. In this study, we assessed the residents’ perception towards tourism impact, and their attitude and subsequent action towards future tourism development in three popular destinations: Pokhara, Ghandruk, and Ghorepani of Gandaki province, Nepal. Data were collected on a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 7 via a questionnaire survey with 600 randomly selected local residents. The result revealed that irrespective of differences in demographic variables, all the residents showed a high level of agreement that the benefits of tourism outweigh the prevalent costs. The result also revealed that both residents’ attitude and support were significantly influenced by socio-economic impacts and thus most residents despite having few anticipated concerns showed prevalent positive attitude and strong support for tourism promotion. However, residents not directly benefited from tourism and the residents of farther distance from the core touristic regions showed reluctancy for the further promotion of tourism. Thus, it suggests that diverse group of people have no equitable access to the resources and benefits of tourism. Therefore, to maintain the long-term sustainability of tourism industry in this region, the stakeholders are required to involve diverse group of local residents not only in devising effective strategies for mitigating anticipated concerns and assuring equitable benefits to the diverse group of people but also in formulating tourism policy and in the process of tourism development. Had this approach been successful, it would be instrumental in devising sustainable tourism plans and policies for similar other destinations across the entire country.
Exploring the value of family shared reading with young people who have Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD)
Authors: Doak Lauran
Published: February 2024

Shared reading with young children is promoted as good practice in national and international policy. Existing literature explores cognitive and developmental benefits of family shared reading for young, typically developing children, but much less is known about benefits for young people with learning disabilities. Additionally, the analysis of ‘benefit’ is often cast in economic terms to society rather than through the sociological lens of everyday ‘family practice’. This paper explores the significance of shared reading for two young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD), a group traditionally characterised as having a developmental age of 24 months or less and who may therefore continue to enjoy shared reading far beyond early childhood. Drawing on iterative qualitative data analysis of semi-structured interviews with two mothers, findings suggest that shared reading is a valued everyday practice fulfilling a range of functions such as emotional regulation, marking time and routine, and inclusion with siblings. The paper considers ways to support shared reading within PMLD families in research, policy and practice.
Computer Vision and Machine-Learning Techniques for Automatic 3D Virtual Images Overlapping During Augmented Reality Guided Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
Authors: Amparore Daniele , Sica Michele , Verri Paolo , Piramide Federico , Checcucci Enrico , De Cillis Sabrina , Piana Alberto , Campobasso Davide , Burgio Mariano , Cisero Edoardo , Busacca Giovanni , Di Dio Michele , Piazzolla Pietro , Fiori Cristian , Porpiglia Francesco
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The research's purpose is to develop a software that automatically integrates and overlay 3D virtual models of kidneys harboring renal masses into the Da Vinci robotic console, assisting surgeon during the intervention.

Introduction

Precision medicine, especially in the field of minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy, aims to use 3D virtual models as a guidance for augmented reality robotic procedures. However, the co-registration process of the virtual images over the real operative field is performed manually.

Methods

In this prospective study, two strategies for the automatic overlapping of the model over the real kidney were explored: the computer vision technology, leveraging the super-enhancement of the kidney allowed by the intraoperative injection of Indocyanine green for superimposition and the convolutional neural network technology, based on the processing of live images from the endoscope, after a training of the software on frames from prerecorded videos of the same surgery. The work-team, comprising a bioengineer, a software-developer and a surgeon, collaborated to create hyper-accuracy 3D models for automatic 3D-AR-guided RAPN. For each patient, demographic and clinical data were collected.

Results

Two groups (group A for the first technology with 12 patients and group B for the second technology with 8 patients) were defined. They showed comparable preoperative and post-operative characteristics. Concerning the first technology the average co-registration time was 7 (3–11) seconds while in the case of the second technology 11 (6–13) seconds. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded. There were no differences in terms of functional outcomes between the groups at every time-point considered.

Conclusion

The first technology allowed a successful anchoring of the 3D model to the kidney, despite minimal manual refinements. The second technology improved kidney automatic detection without relying on indocyanine injection, resulting in better organ boundaries identification during tests. Further studies are needed to confirm this preliminary evidence.
Can Computerized Simulation be Used to Assess Surgical Proficiency in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgeries? A Systematic Review
Authors: Chang Si Yuan , Chan Kai Siang , Oo Aung Myint
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Computerized simulation (CS) of surgery in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) settings are used to teach foundational skills, but its applicability in advanced training is to be determined. This review aims to summarize the types of CS available for laparoscopic colorectal surgery (CRS) and its utility in assessment of proficiency.

Methods

A systematic review of CS in laparoscopic CRS was done on PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases.

Results

Eleven relevant observational studies were identified. The most common procedure simulated was laparoscopic colectomy. Assessment using performance metrics measured by the simulator such as path length moved by laparoscopic tools, procedure time and number of discrete movements had the most consistent differentiating ability between expert and non-expert cohorts. Surgeons fared similarly in proficiency scores in assessment with CS compared to assessment with traditional cadaveric or porcine models.

Conclusion

CS of laparoscopic CRS may be used in assessment of proficiency using performance metrics measuring economy of movement. CS may be a viable assessment tool in advanced surgical training, but further studies should assess utility of incorporating it as a formal assessment tool in training programs.
Including People Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Qualitative Research: Can You Hear Us?
Authors: Walsh Megan , Harman Izzi , Manning Penny , Ponza Brenton , Wong Shirley , Shaw Brodie , Sellwood Darryl , Anderson Kate , Reddihough Dinah , Wallen Margaret
Published: February 2024

People who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) are frequently excluded from research, yet their voices can significantly enhance the applicability, acceptability, and translation of qualitative research findings. Accessible and adapted research methods welcome and empower participants who use AAC, and enable meaningful involvement. In this article, we describe the collaborative development of a framework to conceptualise inclusive research and aspects of an accompanying inclusive research toolkit. The framework identifies balancing power as a critical factor, primarily achieved by ensuring that research methods and materials are accessible to people who use AAC. We propose that this is achieved through three interacting elements: collaboration with AAC users, skills and knowledge to achieve accessibility, and ensuring adequate time is available to achieve involvement. We identify five areas where applying these elements has impact for AAC users: recruiting AAC users, working with communication supporters, adapting research methods, securing ethics approval, and consent. In presenting the framework, we demonstrate how qualitative researchers can foster a research environment that values and actively includes AAC users, ultimately advancing the field towards more comprehensive and inclusive research practices. While our work is situated in the cerebral palsy and AAC communities, our proposed framework and toolkit can be applied by researchers seeking perspectives from individuals with communication disabilities more broadly. We have created a corresponding plain language video of this article as an additional means of optimising accessibility of the content. See supplemental material .
Individual-Specific Animated Profiles of Mental Health
Authors: Zilcha-Mano Sigal
Published: February 2024

How important is the timing of the pretreatment evaluation? If we consider mental health to be a relatively fixed condition, the specific timing (e.g., day, hour) of the evaluation is immaterial and often determined on the basis of technical considerations. Indeed, the fundamental assumption underlying the vast majority of psychotherapy research and practice is that mental health is a state that can be captured in a one-dimensional snapshot. If this fundamental assumption, underlying 80 years of empirical research and practice, is incorrect, it may help explain why for decades psychotherapy failed to rise above the 50% efficacy rate in the treatment of mental-health disorders, especially depression, a heterogeneous disorder and the leading cause of disability worldwide. Based on recent studies suggesting within-individual dynamics, this article proposes that mental health and its underlying therapeutic mechanisms have underlying intrinsic dynamics that manifest across dimensions. Computational psychotherapy is needed to develop individual-specific pretreatment animated profiles of mental health. Such individual-specific animated profiles are expected to improve the ability to select the optimal treatment for each patient, devise adequate treatment plans, and adjust them on the basis of ongoing evaluations of mental-health dynamics, creating a new understanding of therapeutic change as a transition toward a more adaptive animated profile.
Accurate analysis for univariate-based filter methods for microarray data classification
Authors: Rebbah Fatima Ezzahra , Chamlal Hasna , Ouaderhman Tayeb
Published: February 2024

Microarray expression datasets generate a huge number of genes, but only a few genes provide information about cancer diseases. In this context, feature selection approaches have been developed to deal with this problem. Filter-based methods, in particular, select the relevant genes and remove the irrelevant ones using different evaluation metrics. In this study, we shed light on nine univariate filter methods. Three categories of filter methods were investigated using eight microarray datasets, including binary and multi-class samples. The support vector machine and Naive Bayes classifiers were used to assess classification accuracy. Different comparison methods were used to assist the researchers in visualizing the performance of each studied filter. Precisely, statistical tests were applied in terms of classification accuracy, and the feature ranking similarity of the filter methods was studied based on a rank correlation measure.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Context and the Perceived Soundscape: A Grounded Theory Approach
Authors: Orhan Cemre , Yilmazer Semiha
Published: February 2024

Background:

Studies address excessive sound levels and their adverse effects on infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). However, objective measurements represent merely one aspect of the acoustic environment, and investigations into staff’s perceptions of the acoustic environment remain scarce in the NICU context. A holistic approach, soundscape, is needed to explore the acoustic environment in-depth.

Aim:

This study aims to (1) contribute to indoor soundscape literature and inform decision-makers of future NICU design and research by focusing on staff members’ perceptions of the soundscape and (2) explore whether there is a relationship between staff members’ perceptions of soundscapes and the built and acoustic environments of one NICU.

Methods:

Following the ISO/TS 12913-2/3 protocols, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 NICU staff members and analyzed using the grounded theory to generate a conceptual framework for NICU soundscapes.

Results:

The results indicated that the task-related sounds, including false alarms, were neutrally responded to as they evoked acceptance and adaptation behaviors. The sound sources perceived as irrelevant were responded to negatively. NICU staff indicated that although they expect to hear alarms clearly, specific features of alarms caused several physiological and psychological problems.

Conclusions:

The findings of the study revealed the importance of conducting a soundscape approach to investigate NICU acoustic environment in detail. The study showed that staff members’ perceptions and responses primarily depend on the context rather than on sound levels.
The lactosocial at Data Saheb’s Shrine (Lahore-Pakistan): Piety, flows, commons, and the community
Authors: Mehmood Asif , Hasnain Sajjad
Published: February 2024

In this visual intervention, we show how a traditional community ( Gujjars) associated with livestock and dairy business enables and sustains milk commons as an articulation of their devotion to Lahore's city saint Data Ganj Bakhsh. We argue that the flows of milk at the shrine (monthly/annually) operate not only as a special purpose vehicle of piety for centuries but also as a device for Gujjar identity formation. The commoning practices reveal that identity, spirituality, and rituals are key cultural drivers of the urban commons and associated metabolic circulations, therefore, establishing themselves as important markers and analytical categories within the broader urban-nature-society debates. We seek to foreground constituent elements of the local commoning and the socio-nature at the shrine—milk, community, identity, and rituals of piety. We call their interplay the “ lactosocial” and show that it goes beyond the shrine, and its monthly/annual assemblies, and manifests itself throughout the year in other places, representations, and portrayals vis-à-vis Gujjar community. Through this work, we suggest that the lactosocial may be taken as a broader theoretical trope. It essentially moves our focus towards more-than-humans and the forms of power and social differentiation that cut across, inter alia, animal lifeworlds, traditional ecological knowledge, and neoliberal food policy domain.
The Role of the Social Partners and the ‘Overall protection of temporary agency workers’: The ECJ decision in the TimePartner case and the legal and actual situation in Germany
Authors: Ulber Daniel
Published: February 2024

This article critically examines the European Court of Justice's (ECJ) decision in the TimePartner case and its implications for labour market integration in the context of temporary agency work. The author supports the ECJ's position on the rule-exception relationship within Directive 2008/104/EC, emphasising equal treatment for temporary agency workers. The analysis explores the alignment between the ECJ's approach and the Directive's goal of creating a non-discriminatory, transparent, and proportionate framework for worker protection. Within the German legal landscape, where there has been reluctance to implement the Directive, complex collective agreements have led to substantial remuneration disparities between regular employees and temporary agency workers. The absence of statutory regulations on overall protection for temporary agency workers, coupled with reluctance on the part of courts to intervene in collective agreements, presents challenges for labour market integration. The article also addresses the assumption of an inherent warranted correctness of collective agreements and its potential implications for EU law enforcement, recognising this may limit the judicial review of collective agreements for compliance with EU Directives, potentially undermining EU law effectiveness. In conclusion, this analysis sheds light on the consequences of the ECJ's TimePartner case decision, particularly in Germany, and suggests the need for more detailed, industry-specific collective agreements to better meet the Directive's requirements.
Interferons in the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Vachhani Pankit , Mascarenhas John , Bose Prithviraj , Hobbs Gabriela , Yacoub Abdulraheem , Palmer Jeanne M. , Gerds Aaron T. , Masarova Lucia , Kuykendall Andrew T. , Rampal Raajit K. , Mesa Ruben , Verstovsek Srdan
Published: February 2024

Interferons are cytokines with immunomodulatory properties and disease-modifying effects that have been used to treat myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) for more than 35 years. The initial use of interferons was limited due to difficulties with administration and a significant toxicity profile. Many of these shortcomings were addressed by covalently binding polyethylene glycol to the interferon structure, which increases the stability, prolongs activity, and reduces immunogenicity of the molecule. In the current therapeutic landscape, pegylated interferons are recommended for use in the treatment of polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis. We review recent efficacy, molecular response, and safety data for the two available pegylated interferons, peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) and ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft (BESREMi). The practical management of interferon-based therapies is discussed, along with our opinions on whether to and how to switch from hydroxyurea to one of these therapies. Key topics and questions related to use of interferons, such as their safety and tolerability, the significance of variant allele frequency, advantages of early treatment, and what the future of interferon therapy may look like, will be examined. Pegylated interferons represent an important therapeutic option for patients with MPNs; however, more research is still required to further refine interferon therapy.
Validity of a video-analysis-based app to detect prefrailty or frailty plus sarcopenia syndromes in community-dwelling older adults: Diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Montemurro Alessio , Rodríguez-Juan Juan J , Martínez-García María del Mar , Ruiz-Cárdenas Juan D
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Sarcopenia and frailty have been associated with an increased risk of suffering health-related adverse events but the combination of both conditions results in worse health-related outcomes than either condition alone. Since both syndromes are reversible states, their early detection is fundamental. This study aims to validate a video analysis-based App to detect the presence of frailty or prefrailty plus sarcopenia syndromes and to analyze its construct validity with health-related risk factors.

Methods

A total of 686 community-dwelling older adults (median-age: 72, 59% female) were enrolled. Muscle power generated during a sit-to-stand test using the App and calf circumference were considered the index test. The reference standards were the EWGSOP2 criteria (five-chair stand test plus appendicular skeletal mass or skeletal muscle index) and Fried's frailty phenotype. Area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were calculated.

Results

The prevalence of both syndromes varied from 2.9% to 7.2% depending on the diagnostic criteria used for sarcopenia assessment. Excellent-to-outstanding AUC values were observed (range 0.80–0.92). Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 75% to 100% and 81.7% to 87.2%, respectively. PPV and NPV ranged from 12.1% to 37.5% and 97.9% to 100%, respectively. Individuals diagnosed by the App showed an increased risk of polypharmacy, depression, comorbidities, falls, hospitalization, low socioeconomical and educational levels, and smoking and poor self-perceived health compared to their healthy counterparts.

Conclusions

This App seems to be reliable to detect the simultaneous presence of both syndromes in community-dwelling older adults. Individuals diagnosed by the App showed more odds to have health-related risk factors.
A randomized controlled pilot study of a cognitive–behavioral video game intervention for the promotion of active aging
Authors: Otero Patricia , Cotardo Tania , Blanco Vanessa , Torres Ángela J. , Simón Miguel A. , Bueno Ana M. , Vázquez Fernando L.
Published: February 2024

Background

Due to the accessibility barriers of in-person programs for active aging, the development of programs that use innovative technologies is needed. Video games can be an engaging tool for disseminating active aging interventions.

Objective

The objective of this pilot study was to analyze the feasibility of a cognitive–behavioral intervention to promote active aging administered through a video game.

Methods

Fifty-five participants (63.6% women, mean age = 53.0 years) were randomly assigned to a cognitive–behavioral intervention to promote active aging administered through an interactive multimedia online video game with a complementary app (CBI-V; n = 29) or to a control group that received nonspecific online information (CG; n = 26).

Results

Only 3.6% of the participants dropped out of the study (6.9% in CBI-V and 0.0% in CG; without significant differences between groups). The mean number of modules completed was 7.6 (SD = 0.9) out of 8 in the CBI-V and 7.9 (SD = 0.5) in the control group (CG), without significant between-group differences. In the CBI-V, the mean total time dedicated to the game was 516.8 min (SD = 94.3), including 143.2 min (SD = 31.6) of cognitive training tasks, and the mean of completed tasks was 206.2 (SD = 33.7) out of 259. Participants were highly engaged (M = 39.9, SD = 8.6) and satisfied (M = 25.8, SD = 4.5) with the intervention. After the intervention, the CBI-V group significantly improved on SF-36 dimensions of General Health (p = .0386), Vitality (p = .0283), Social Functioning (p = .0130), and Physical Summary Index (p = .0370) compared to the CG, with medium effect sizes (d = 0.56–0.75).

Conclusions

The results demonstrate the feasibility of the video game intervention to promote active aging and encourage conducting a large-scale randomized controlled trial.
Enhancing digital health services: A machine learning approach to personalized exercise goal setting
Authors: Fang Ji , Lee Vincent CS , Ji Hao , Wang Haiyan
Published: February 2024

Background

The utilization of digital health has increased recently, and these services provide extensive guidance to encourage users to exercise frequently by setting daily exercise goals to promote a healthy lifestyle. These comprehensive guides evolved from the consideration of various personalized behavioral factors. Nevertheless, existing approaches frequently neglect the users’ dynamic behavior and the changing in their health conditions.

Objective

This study aims to fill this gap by developing a machine learning algorithm that dynamically updates auto-suggestion exercise goals using retrospective data and realistic behavior trajectory.

Methods

We conducted a methodological study by designing a deep reinforcement learning algorithm to evaluate exercise performance, considering fitness-fatigue effects. The deep reinforcement learning algorithm combines deep learning techniques to analyze time series data and infer user's exercise behavior. In addition, we use the asynchronous advantage actor-critic algorithm for reinforcement learning to determine the optimal exercise intensity through exploration and exploitation. The personalized exercise data and biometric data used in this study were collected from publicly available datasets, encompassing walking, sports logs, and running.

Results

In our study, we conducted the statistical analyses/inferential tests to compare the effectiveness of machine learning approach in exercise goal setting across different exercise goal-setting strategies. The 95% confidence intervals demonstrated the robustness of these findings, emphasizing the superior outcomes of the machine learning approach.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the adaptability of machine learning algorithm to users’ exercise preferences and behaviors in exercise goal setting, emphasizing the substantial influence of goal design on service effectiveness.
Enhancing elderly care: Efficient and reliable real-time fall detection algorithm
Authors: Wang Yue , Deng Tiantai
Published: February 2024

Background and Objective

Falls pose a significant risk to public health, especially for the elderly population, and could potentially result in severe injuries or even death. A reliable fall detection system is urgently needed to recognise and promptly alert to falls effectively. A vision-based fall detection system has the advantage of being non-invasive and affordable compared with another popular approach using wearable sensors. Nevertheless, the present challenge lies in the algorithm's limited on-device operating speed due to extremely high computational demands, and the high computational demands are usually essential to improve the performance for the complex scene. Therefore, it is crucial to address the above challenge in computational power and complex scenes.

Methods

This article presents the implementation of a real-time fall detection algorithm with low computational costs using a single webcam. The suggested method optimises precision and efficiency by synthesising the strengths of background subtraction and the human pose estimation model BlazePose. The biomechanical features, derived from body key points identified by BlazePose, are utilised in a random forest model for classifying fall events.

Results

The proposed algorithm achieves 89.99% accuracy and 29.7 FPS with a laptop CPU on the UR Fall Detection dataset and the Le2i Fall Detection dataset. The algorithm shows great generalisation and robustness in different scenarios.

Conclusion

Due to the low computational power of the system, the findings also suggest the potential for implementing the system in small-scale medical monitoring equipment, which maximises its practical value in digital health.
Motivation and Pleasure Deficits Undermine the Benefits of Social Affiliation in Psychosis
Authors: Blanchard Jack J. , Smith Jason F. , Bennett Melanie E. , Orth Ryan D. , Savage Christina L. G. , McCarthy Julie M. , Coan James A. , Shackman Alexander J.
Published: February 2024

In psychotic disorders, motivation and pleasure (MAP) deficits are associated with decreased affiliation and heightened functional impairment. We leveraged a transdiagnostic sample enriched for psychosis and a multimethod approach to test the hypothesis that MAP deficits undermine the stress-buffering benefits of affiliation. Participants completed the social-affiliation-enhancement task (SAET) to cultivate affiliation with an experimental partner. Although the SAET increased perceived affiliation and mood, individuals with greater negative symptoms derived smaller emotional benefits from the partners, as indexed by self-report and facial behavior. We then used the handholding functional MRI paradigm, which combines threat anticipation with affiliative physical contact, to determine whether MAP deficits undermine the social regulation of distress. Individuals with greater MAP deficits showed diminished neural “benefits”—reduced dampening of threat-elicited activation—from affiliative touch in key frontoparietal nodes of the dorsal attention network. In short, MAP symptoms disrupt the emotional and neuroregulatory benefits of affiliation.