bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of quality of life and functional status in patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ali Abraish , Siddiqui Asad Ali , Shahid Izza , Van Spall Harriette G. C. , Greene Stephen J. , Fudim Marat , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb
Published: August 2024

Background

Functional health status is increasingly being recognized as a viable endpoint in heart failure (HF) trials. We sought to assess its prognostic impact and relationship with traditional clinical outcomes in patients with HF.

Methods

MEDLINE and Cochrane central were searched up to January 2021 for post hoc analyses of trials or observational studies that assessed independent association between baseline health/functional status, and mortality and hospitalization in patients with HF across the range of left ventricular ejection fractions to evaluate the prognostic ability of NYHA class [II, III, IV], KCCQ, MLHFQ, and 6MWD. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals were pooled.

Results

Twenty-two studies were included. Relative to NYHA I, NYHA class II (HR 1.54 [1.16–2.04]; p < 0.01), NYHA class III (HR 2.08 [1.57–2.77]; p < 0.01), and NYHA class IV (HR 2.53 [1.25–5.12]; p = 0.01) were independently associated with increased risk of mortality. 6MWD (per 10 m) was associated with decreased mortality (HR 0.98 [0.98–0.99]; p < 0.01). A 5-point increase in KCCQ-OSS (HR 0.94 [0.91–0.96]; p < 0.01) was associated with decreased mortality. A high MLHFQ score (> 45) was significantly associated with increased mortality (HR 1.30 [1.14–1.47]; p < 0.01). NHYA class, 6MWD (per 10 m), KCCQ-OSS, and MLHFQ all significantly associated with all-cause mortality in patients with HF.

Conclusion

Identifying such patients with poor health status using functional health assessment can offer a complementary assessment of disease burden and trajectory which carries a strong prognostic value.
Prevalence and characteristics of patients with incidental cardiac uptake on bone scintigraphy
Authors: Son Jihee , Han Yeon-Hee , Lee Sun Hwa
Published: August 2024

Background

Bone scintigraphy is emerging as a confirmatory diagnostic tool for transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA). This study aimed to investigate the frequency and clinical characteristics of patients with incidental cardiac uptake and incidental ATTR-CA on bone scintigraphy.

Methods

All bone scintigraphic studies performed at a tertiary teaching hospital between 2011 and 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients who underwent bone scintigraphy to confirm ATTR-CA were excluded. Patients with cardiac uptake of grade 2 or 3 were included and divided into two groups: possible ATTR-CA group and noncardiac amyloidosis (non-CA) group.

Results

Of the 61,432 bone scintigraphic studies performed on 32,245 patients, 23 (0.07%) had grade 2 or 3 cardiac uptake. Nine of 23 patients (39.1%) were assigned to the non-CA group because they showed cardiac uptake from definite other causes or focal uptake that did not match CA. The remaining 14 patients (60.9%) were classified as the possible ATTR-CA group, and five patients were referred to cardiologists and finally diagnosed with ATTR-CA. Two patients were treated with tafamidis. Patients in the ATTR-CA group were significantly older and had a less frequent history of end-stage renal disease than those in the non-CA group. Other characteristics were comparable in both groups.

Conclusions

Although incidental ATTR-CA in patients undergoing bone scintigraphy for noncardiac reasons is uncommon, if cardiac uptake is observed in elderly patients without metastatic calcification associated with end-stage renal disease, further diagnostic work-up for ATTR-CA as a cause of undiagnosed heart failure should be considered.
Ground-penetrating radar subsurface attenuation analysis based on a sparsity-promoting time-frequency transform
Authors: Cheng Qi , Cui Fan , Zhang Guixin , He Yunlan , Wang Ran , Ge Chengpeng , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: August 2024

The attenuation characteristics of a medium involve the absorption of electromagnetic wave energy during its propagation and represent a crucial parameter for describing the properties of subsurface media. Due to the complex nature of signal attenuation, demanding consideration of numerous parameters, quantitative analysis is challenging. Time-frequency (TF) analysis is a promising technique that simultaneously analyzes nonstationary signals in the time and frequency domains. Although the quantitative characterization of attenuation factors using TF tools can be challenging, TF analysis retains substantial potential for qualitatively estimating attenuation from ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data. The sparsity-promoting TF (SPTF) transform method with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] norms joint constraints has a significantly higher TF resolution than the linear TF transform in the time and frequency domains. We develop a method for high-resolution qualitative estimation of GPR attenuation based on the SPTF method. Synthetic experiments indicate that SPTF surpasses other methods regarding TF resolution, noise robustness, and fidelity to dominant frequencies. Subsequent qualitative attenuation results using synthetic and field data agree with synthetic model outcomes and actual leakage ranges. This alignment substantiates the superior resolution and accuracy of our approach compared with alternative methods, affirming its efficacy and superiority in GPR attenuation depiction.
Amplitude variation with azimuth direct inversion for effective pressure-sensitivity parameters in horizontal transversely isotropic media
Authors: Ji Lixiang , Qin Ning , Shang Wei , Wu Si , Luo Kun , Yang Yaming , Li Kun , Zhang Hongxue
Published: August 2024

Effective pressure prediction is of great significance for fracturability evaluation in unconventional reservoirs. Quantitative characterization of effective pressure remains a great challenge in the inversion prediction of subsurface media. Our goal is to develop a novel Bayesian amplitude varying with azimuth (AVAZ) inversion method to estimate fracture weaknesses and effective pressure for a horizontal transversely isotropic (HTI) medium. Using Schoenberg’s linear slip model and pore space compressibility theory, an anisotropic saturated stiffness matrix directly characterized by effective pressure is derived based on a weak-contrast interface separating two weakly anisotropic half-spaces of HTI medium. Based on the perturbation stiffness matrix and scattering theory, we derive a PP-wave reflection coefficient approximation directly characterized by fracture weaknesses and effective pressure-sensitive parameters, which establishes a quantitative relationship between seismic reflection coefficient and effective pressure. The analysis of accuracy and sensitivity is performed to verify the reliability and applicability of the constructed reflection coefficient. And then, the azimuth-amplitude-difference forward solver is constructed based on seismic reflection coefficients to eliminate the influence of isotropic background perturbations on seismic reflection coefficients and reduce the condition number of the forward solver. Finally, we present a novel Bayesian azimuth-amplitude-difference AVAZ inversion method for transversely isotropic media constrained by Cauchy and Gaussian regularization to directly estimate the fracture weaknesses and effective pressure-sensitive parameters. The application of synthetic data and field data verifies that the inversion results are in good agreement with the actual data, indicating that the method can effectively realize the stable prediction of anisotropic parameters and effective pressure-sensitive parameters of complex media.
A randomized, double-blind controlled trial of medicinal cannabis vs placebo for symptom management in patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care.
Authors: Hardy Janet Rea , Greer Ristan , Gurgenci Taylan , Kearney Alison , Ladwa Rahul , Huggett Georgie , Good Phillip
Published: August 2024

12020

Background: Medicinal cannabis remains very popular amongst cancer patients. In our previous study (JCO 2023; 41(7):1444-1452), cannabidiol (CBD) did not improve symptom management above that provided by standard palliative care alone. This study utilized the same design to test whether the addition of tetrahydrocannabinol(THC) to CBD resulted in improved symptom control. Methods: Patients with advanced cancer and a total symptom distress score (TSDS) of ≥10/90 as measured by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) who were receiving palliative care were randomised to a 10mg/ml THC:10mg/ml CBD combination oil (MC) or matched placebo. The dose was escalated according to tolerance and perceived efficacy from 2.5 to 30mg/day over 14 days and continued at that dose to day 28. The primary outcome was the change in TSDS from baseline at day 14. Secondary outcomes included change in individual symptoms, patient-selected dose, global impression of change, anxiety/depression, opioid use, quality of life and toxicity. Results: Of the 144 randomized from Sept 2019 to July 2023 (72 to MC, 72 to placebo), 56 and 65 participants reached the primary analysis point at 14 days, and 33 and 50 to day 28. The most common cancers were breast, lung and gynecological. Most participants were of reasonable performance status (AKPS 70%) and were taking opioids at baseline. Mean baseline TSDS scores were 37.6/90 (MC) and 36.5/90 (placebo). Mean TSDS scores fell over time with no difference between arms at day 14 (-6.3 (SD 12.3) MC and -6.98 (SD 12.6), p = 0.76) or day 28 (-9.24 (SD 15.3) and 8.42 (SD 13.6), p = 0.8). Adjusted for baseline, there was a significant improvement in pain score from baseline in favor of MC (-1.41 (2.15) vs -0.46 (2.82), p = 0.04) and in overall wellbeing in favor of placebo (-0.48 (2.78) and -1.29 (2.74), p = 0.02) at day 14. The median (range) patient selected dose of oil at day 14 was 1.5ml (0.5-3.0) (equivalent to a dose of 15mgTHC/15mg CBD) and 3.0ml (0.5-3.0) for placebo. Side-effects were generally mild. More participants on MC reported confusion (26/69 and 12/72, p = 0.005), feeling high (21/69 and 10/72, p = 0.02) and an exaggerated sense of well-being (10/69 and 2/72, p = 0.01) as worse than baseline. Those on MC reported an improved global impression of change over time but this lost significance when considering those who exited early. Conclusions: Although showing no advantage over placebo with respect to improving total symptom distress, a 1:1 THC:CBD medicinal cannabis oil resulted in a statistically significant improvement in cancer-related pain at the expense of increased psychomimetic toxicity. Trial registration: ACTRN 12619000037101. Sponsor: Australian Government Medical Research Future Fund. Clinical trial information: ACTRN12619000037101.
Phase II study of neoadjuvant ipilimumab and nivolumab in combination with paclitaxel following anthracycline-based chemotherapy in patients with treatment resistant stage III triple negative breast cancer (TNBC): BCT1702—Survival results.
Authors: Loi Sherene , Francis Prudence A. , Zdenkowski Nicholas , Gebski Val , Fox Stephen B. , White Michelle , Kiely Belinda Emma , Hui Rina , Redfern Andrew David , Calvert Raewyn , Rennie Lauren , Badger Heath , Boyle Frances M. ,   Breast Cancer Trials - Australia and New Zealand
Published: August 2024

608

Background: We examined the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant ipilimumab and nivolumab combined with paclitaxel following suboptimal response to anthracycline-based chemotherapy in patients with early-stage TNBC. Methods: This single arm phase 2 study enrolled 34 patients at 8 sites. Patients had stage 3 TNBC, after 4 cycles of anthracycline-based therapy, with ≥15mm of tumor remaining or ≥10mm of tumor with ≥1 positive lymph node. A suboptimal response at baseline was defined as <50% reduction in tumor volume after anthracycline-based therapy. Patients received neoadjuvant ipilimumab 1mg/kg IV 6 weekly for 2 doses and nivolumab 240mg every 2 weeks for 6 doses, with weekly paclitaxel at 80mg/m2 for 12 weeks, followed by surgery. Nivolumab (480mg 4-weekly) continued post operatively for a further 9 months. Primary endpoint was pathological complete response (pCR: ypT0/is, ypN0) in breast and axilla, with secondary endpoints pCR in the suboptimal responders, pCR in PD-L1 positive (≥1% by SP142) or TIL% high (≥30%), event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Between December 2018 and April 2020, 34 patients were enrolled, 33 were evaluable for the primary endpoint. Median age was 46.6yrs. At diagnosis, 97% patients were clinical stage III, 24/34 (70.5%) were clinically node positive, 9/31 (27%) were PD-L1 positive and 6/30 (20%) were TILs% high. At study entry (after anthracycline-based chemo), the median tumor size by ultrasound was 28mm (12-62). The pCR rate was 24.2% (95% CI, 11.09-42.26) in all evaluable, 44.4% [4/9] in PD-L1+ and 9.5% [2/21] in PD-L1- patients. In suboptimal responders, the pCR rate was 25% (95% CI,8.6-49.1) (3/16). At a median follow up of 36.6 months, 9 patients have died. The KM estimates for EFS and OS at 12 months were 96.8% and 93.7%, at 24 months were 84.4% and 84.4% and at 36 months 61.2% and 71.9%, respectively. Patients who achieved a pCR had numerically better EFS (HR 3.61 (0.47-28.2, p=0.2) and OS (HR 2.6 (0.33-21.08); p=0.34). Patients with PD-L1+ tumors vs PD-L1- had a 3-year EFS of 100% vs 52% (p=0.01) and 100% vs 67% OS (p=0.05). Results were similarly favorable for TIL high vs low. Conclusions: The addition of ipilimumab and nivolumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy resulted in 100% survival for high-risk patients with PD-L1+ and/or TIL% high tumors. Combination CTLA4 and PD-1 targeting agents should be further investigated in Stage 3 TNBC patients. Translational research is ongoing. Clinical trial information: ACTRN12617000651381. [Table: see text]
Efficacy, safety, and predictive biomarkers of dalpiciclib combined with letrozole, pertuzumab and trastuzumab as neoadjuvant therapy in HR+/HER2+ breast cancer: A phase II study.
Authors: Liang Xinrui , Wu Jing , Zhang Ningning , Zeng Xiaohua
Published: August 2024

e12621

Background: HR+/HER2+ breast cancer is a unique subtype of breast cancer. Between ER and HER2 crosstalk pathways may affect the sensitivity to both HER2-targeted and endocrine therapy in patients with HR+/HER2+ breast cancer. Current therapies for HER2-positive breast cancer have demonstrated limited efficacy in patients with HR+/HER2+ breast cancer. This Phase II trial aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a neoadjuvant regimen combining trastuzumab, pertuzumab, dalpiciclib (a cyclin dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor) and letrozole in patients with HR+/HER2+ breast cancer, alongside the exploration of efficacy biomarkers. Methods: Patients were administered six 28-day cycles of dalpiciclib (150 mg once daily on days 1-21) and letrozole (2.5 mg once daily), plus six 21-day cycles of trastuzumab (8 mg/kg loading dose followed by 6 mg/kg maintenance dose on day 1), pertuzumab (840mg loading dose followed by 420mg maintenance dose on day 1), prior to surgery. The primary endpoint was total pathological complete response (tpCR, ypT0/is, ypN0) rate. Secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), breast pathological complete response (bpCR; ypT0/is) rate, change in Ki-67 level from baseline to one cycle of treatment and to surgery, and safety. For biomarkers analysis, next-generation sequencing was performed on pre-treatment tissue and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) at various time points before surgery. Results: A total of 14 patients who completed the neoadjuvant treatment and surgery between July 12, 2022 and August 12, 2023 were enrolled. A 50.0% (7 out of 14) tpCR and bpCR rate was observed, with an ORR of 92.9%. Significant reductions in Ki-67 levels were noted after both one ( P<0.05) and six cycles of neoadjuvant therapy ( P<0.05). Grade 4 neutropenia was reported in one case, with no fatalities. The most common grade 3 adverse events were neutropenia (10 [71.4%]) and leukopenia (8 [57.1%]). NGS identified frequent mutations in TP53 (84.6%), PIK3CA (53.8%), and ARID1A (30.8%). Cell cycle pathway gene alterations correlated with a higher pCR rate (80% vs 25%, P=0.103). Eight (61.5%) patients had positive ctDNA at baseline, and ctDNA positivity decreased significantly post-neoadjuvant treatment ( P<0.05). Patients with positive ctDNA at baseline without clearance post-treatment exhibited a trend towards a lower pCR rate. Conclusions: This combination neoadjuvant regimen of dalpiciclib, letrozole, pertuzumab and trastuzumab demonstrated promising pathological responses and manageable safety in patients with HR+/HER2+ breast cancer. The predictive value of genetic alterations and ctDNA status for treatment efficacy warrants further investigation. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2200062114.
Pyrotinib plus taxanes or vinorelbine for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive metastatic breast cancer: A prospective study.
Authors: Xiong Weili , Zhang Lili , Yuan Yuan , Gu Quan , Hu Sainan , Huang Jiayuan , Dong Min , Feng Jifeng
Published: August 2024

e13004

Background: Pyrotinib in combination with capecitabine is recommended as the second-line treatment for human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in China. The efficacy and safety of pyrotinib combined with non-capecitabine chemotherapy regimens remain unclear. Thus, we conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pyrotinib combined with taxanes or vinorelbine in HER2-positive MBC. Methods: Patients with HER2-positive MBC were included to receive pyrotinib combined with taxanes or vinorelbine in Jiangsu Cancer Hospital. Patients received pyrotinib 400mg orally once daily plus taxanes (docetaxel 75-100 mg/m2 on day1, or nab-paclitaxel 125 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, every 3 week) or vinorelbine 25 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), overall survival (OS) and safety. Results: Between Nov 20, 2018, and Jan 11, 2023, a total of 101 patients were assigned to pyrotinib plus taxanes group (n=83) and pyrotinib plus vinorelbine group (n=18). The median number of pyrotinib therapy lines was 2 (IQR 1-7), the first line accounted for 23.8%, the second line, and third line and above was 34.6%, 41.6%, respectively. As of May 24, 2023, the median PFS in the total was 11.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.8-15.7). The median PFS was significantly longer in the pyrotinib plus taxanes group than in the pyrotinib plus vinorelbine group, with median PFS being 12.2 months (95% CI, 9.2-18.6) and 8.4 months (95% CI, 5.5-13.7) (HR=2.2 [95% CI, 1.2-3.9]; P=0.005), respectively. The median PFS in the first-line, second-line, and third-line and above treatment was 28.6 (95% CI, 10.6-NA), 12.2 (95% CI, 8.5-16.3), and 8.3 months (95% CI, 6.3-14.5), respectively. The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were diarrhea (22.8%), leukopenia (19.5%), and neutropenia (18.2%). Conclusions: The median PFS of pyrotinib plus taxanes or vinorelbine, especially taxanes, was not inferior even superior to that of pyrotinib combined capecitabine. No increase treatment-related side effects was reported. Thus, the combination of pyrotinib and taxanes or vinorelbine regimen can be an option for HER2-positive MBC. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2000041217.
The efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant sintilimab combined with chemotherapy in resectable locally advanced lymph node-positive esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A real world study.
Authors: Ye Peng , Rusidanmu Aizemaiti , Lin Shuang , Zhou Kun , Wu Xuhui , Huang Bin , Wu Gongzhi , Peng Congxiong , Peng Xuyang , Ding Jianyang , Huang Mingjiang , Yu Huanming , Zhi Shengxu
Published: August 2024

e16091

Background: Many phase III clinical trials (Keynote 590, Orient 15, etc) have all proved the role of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy and chemotherapy as neoadjuvant therapy for resectable locally advanced lymph node-positive esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: This is a multicenter, 2-cohort (IO+CT group & CRT group), real world study. In IO+CT group, patients(pts) will receive sintilimab 200 mg once on day 1, albumin-bound paclitaxel 260g/m2 from day 1 to 4, carboplatin 80mg/m2 on day 1, every 21 days(Q3W) for 2 cycles. Key eligibility criteria included resectable, locally advanced lymph node-positive esophageal squamous cell carcinoma conformed by histology, and aged ≥18 years old with ECOG PS 0-1. The primary endpoint was pathologic complete response (pCR) rate. The secondary endpoints were event free survival (EFS), objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS) and safety. Results: From 7/2022 to 9/2023, 30 pts were enrolled in IO+CT group. In IO+CT group, among 30 pts who underwent surgery, 9 (30%) achieved pCR. 93.3% pts (28/30) achieved R0 resection. In 20 evaluable pts, 3(15%) achieved complete response (CR), 15(75%) achieved partial response (PR), 2(10%) achieved stable disease (SD). ORR and DCR were 90.0% (18/20) and 100.0% (20/20), respectively. There were no grade ≥2 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) appeared. The most common grade 1 TRAEs was fatigue (13.3%). Conclusions: In the real world, sintilimab plus chemotherapy used as neoadjuvant therapy in resectable locally advanced lymph node-positive esophageal squamous cell carcinoma could be effective and manageable toxicity. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2200058565.
A phase IIA clinical trial to evaluate a reversible Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) HBW-3220 capsules in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL).
Authors: Lee Ning , Li Yingfu , Mao Yong , Liu Guanfeng , Li Jiang , Liu Qingchun
Published: August 2024

e19042

Background: This clinical study is to evaluate HBW-3220, a novel BTKi with an improved in vitro profile than the existing non-covalent drugs pirtobrutinib (approved) and nemtabrutinib (Phase III). HBW-3220 shows superior inhibition against BTK wild-type and several common mutants, such as C481S, C481R, T474I, T316A, and L528W (enriched in pirtobrutinib resistance), and hematopoietic cell kinase (HCK, a key contributor to BTKi resistance due to kinase-defective BTK). Methods: This phase IIA clinical study is conducted in R/R B-NHL patients who had received two or more prior lines of treatment. The dose escalation study adopts accelerated titration and a "3+3" design, with a daily single dose of 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, or 150 mg. During the dose escalation phase, the sponsor and investigators determine whether to expand the cohort of the previous dose based on the existing data. Adverse events (AEs) are assigned according to NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0. Response assessment is based on iwCLL 2018 guidelines for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), IWWM-7 consensus for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM), and Lugano 2014 guidelines for all other lymphomas, including small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), and follicular lymphoma (FL). Results: 29 patients have been enrolled, and the dose escalation study has been completed. No dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) occurred in any patient, implicating good tolerability. Adverse events (AEs), similar to other BTKis, were mostly Grade 1 or 2, including fever (36%), diarrhea (32%), headache (18%), anemia (39%), infectious pneumonia (18%), decreased neutrophils count (39%), decreased platelet count (29%), increased alanine aminotransferase (21%), etc. Drug-related Grade 3 AEs included decreased neutrophil count (n=3, 11%), increased lymphocyte count (n=2, 7%), and infectious pneumonia (n=2, 7%). 23 patients underwent at least 1 response assessment. The overall response rate (ORR) in CLL/SLL (all with prior irreversible BTKi treatment, and 4 of them with additional BCL2 inhibitor treatment), MZL, MCL, and DLBCL patients were 83% (5/6), 50% (2/4), 40% (2/5) and 33% (1/3), respectively. Among the ORR, 90% (9/10) were in the 90 mg and above dose group, regardless of previous BTKi treatment history or mutation status of p53 and BTK. After oral administration, the drug exposures showed dose-dependent increases. The time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) was 2 hours, and the elimination half-life (T1/2) was 19 hours. Conclusions: The current data show that HBW-3220 is well tolerated with no DLT occurred at daily doses up to 150 mg, displaying most promising efficacy in patients with CLL/SLL, MZL, and MCL. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2200062537.
Knowledge Production in the “Arab-Majority” World and Unlearning in the Field
Authors: Kassem Ali
Published: August 2024

This paper presents and autoethnographically analyzes three key sites in which the author—a Lebanese “Arabo-Muslim man”—failed to interpellate the lifeworlds of Lebanese “Arabo-Muslim” female participants during a research project in Lebanon: the public-private divide, gender, and the autonomous subject. Specifically, the article identifies key forces that produce this failure, including education, presence in the Westernized university, Westernized secularization, social class, family background, and urbanity, all situated within the larger structures of modernity/coloniality. Doing this, the article grates against the assumption that researchers who share a “race,” citizenship, language, or ethnicity and who are “from” the Arab region are de facto well placed to pursue decolonial knowledge production alongside the region and its dwellers. The article consequently posits the possibility of unlearning and relearning—disrupting this failure—through immersive embodied listening fieldwork within the material space of the Arab world, undoing the formation of an alienated, fractured, Westernized self. Moving beyond the cognitive and theoretical to the material, experiential, and embodied, the article accordingly underlines reflexive listening fieldwork's potential as a generative site (among others) from which alternative knowledges of/with/on the global South(s) can emerge.
Practical guidelines for Bayesian phylogenetic inference using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)
Authors: Barido-Sottani Joëlle , Schwery Orlando , Warnock Rachel C. M. , Zhang Chi , Wright April Marie
Published: August 2024

Phylogenetic estimation is, and has always been, a complex endeavor. Estimating a phylogenetic tree involves evaluating many possible solutions and possible evolutionary histories that could explain a set of observed data, typically by using a model of evolution. Values for all model parameters need to be evaluated as well. Modern statistical methods involve not just the estimation of a tree, but also solutions to more complex models involving fossil record information and other data sources. Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is a leading method for approximating the posterior distribution of parameters in a mathematical model. It is deployed in all Bayesian phylogenetic tree estimation software. While many researchers use MCMC in phylogenetic analyses, interpreting results and diagnosing problems with MCMC remain vexing issues to many biologists. In this manuscript, we will offer an overview of how MCMC is used in Bayesian phylogenetic inference, with a particular emphasis on complex hierarchical models, such as the fossilized birth-death (FBD) model. We will discuss strategies to diagnose common MCMC problems and troubleshoot difficult analyses, in particular convergence issues. We will show how the study design, the choice of models and priors, but also technical features of the inference tools themselves can all be adjusted to obtain the best results. Finally, we will also discuss the unique challenges created by the incorporation of fossil information in phylogenetic inference, and present tips to address them.
A framework for early-stage sustainability assessment of innovation projects enabled by weighted sum multi-criteria decision analysis in the presence of uncertainty
Authors: Henderson John , Peeling Robert
Published: August 2024

A two-level hierarchical framework for early-stage sustainability assessment (FESSA) amongst a set of alternatives applicable from the earliest stages of process or product development is introduced, and its use in combination with an improved method weighted-sum method multi-criteria decision analysis (WSM-MCDA) in the presence of uncertainty is presented through application to a case study based upon a real-world decision scenario from speciality polymer manufacture. The approach taken addresses the challenge faced by those responsible for innovation management in the manufacturing process industries to make simultaneously timely and rational decisions early in the innovation cycle when knowledge gaps and uncertainty about the options tend to be at their highest. The Computed Uncertainty Range Evaluations (CURE) WSM-MCDA method provides better discrimination than the existing Multiple Attribute Range Evaluations (MARE) method without the computational burden of generating heuristic outcome distributions via Monte-Carlo simulation.
Development of competencies and personal qualities of teachers – psychologists of primary education for the implementation  of extracurricular activities in conditions of FGOS NOO
Authors: Kol'tinova V.
Published: August 2024

The article considers the elements of the content of training future teachers-psychologists of primary education for the implementation of extracurricular activities: the theoretical and methodological basis for planning and designing extracurricular activities, the basic values, principles and functions of extracurricular activities, organizational models of extracurricular activities, the structure and content of extracurricular activities. The psychological support of the educational process, diagnosis, correction and development of the mental sphere and behavior of children, as well as counseling and support for teachers and parents, which can be carried out by a teacher – psychologist of primary education in extracurricular activities, is substantiated. The personal qualities of a specialist corresponding to the essence of extracurricular activities, its specifics, as well as ways of their formation in the process of professional training are studied.
Theoretical and methodological foundations  of the experiment on the formation of an ethnic picture of the world of preschoolers
Authors: Dzanayty Z.
Published: August 2024

The paper reveals the content of the subject-object field of the experiment conducted on the basis of preschool educational institutions in Vladikavkaz, aimed at the formation of ethnocultural awareness of children. The specification of the target installation and the main tasks of the experiment was carried out. The levels of formation of informational-cognitive, emotional-value and effective-practical criteria of ethno-cultural education of older preschoolers at the ascertaining stage of the experiment are determined.
Use of Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) analogs in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Osuch Dobromiła , Zatyka Piotr , Słomczyński Adam , Pawłowska Agata , Rabenda Michal , Janik Piotr , Opala Dominika
Published: August 2024

Introduction:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that involves long-term treatment and chronic idiopathic inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. The predominant forms of IBD are: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases cause significant physical as well as psychological dysfunction - patients with this condition are thought to have an increased risk of depression as well as anxiety. Standard treatment for IBD most commonly includes aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulatory drugs, and biologic therapy. In some cases, particularly when it comes to Crohn's disease, it is necessary to remove a portion of the inflamed bowel. Multiple segmental bowel resections can result in the rare but serious complication of short bowel syndrome, which leads to intestinal failure and necessitates parenteral nutrition.
Glucagon-like peptide-2 exhibits intestinotropic properties and also acts as a growth factor in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby increasing intestinal perfusion, causing increased absorption of nutrients, and enhancing proliferative mechanisms while inhibiting apoptotic processes.
Methods:
We carefully reviewed the medical literature on inflammatory bowel disease, short bowel syndrome and the potential treatment of this condition with GLP-2 and its analogs. The materials for the analysis we presented came from the PubMed database.
Conclusions:
Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) analogs may prove to be new treatments for short bowel syndrome (SBS). They exhibit growth-stimulating effects on the intestinal membrane and promote normal function.
Vital signs assessment in adults
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: August 2024

The fundamentals series is a collection of articles that present key procedures and competencies, as outlined in the Nursing and Midwifery Council's Future nurse: standards of proficiency for registered nurses. In this article, Ian Peate provides an overview of vital signs assessment in adults, covering pulse, blood pressure, respiration and temperature.
CUIDADO PRÉ-NATAL NA ESTRATÉGIA SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA: estudo transversal
Authors: Figueroa Pedraza Dixis , Morais da Silva Alberdânnya Jarbelly , Rodrigues Rosa Priscila Gabriela
Published: August 2024

Introdução: A qualidade da assistência pré-natal é essencial para a saúde materno-infantil, sendo sua avaliação uma potente fonte de informação para nortear gestores e profissionais de saúde. Para esses fins, a observação da consulta de pré-natal proposta para o atual estudo pode minimizar as limitações impostas pela obtenção dos dados a partir do usuário que é predominante nas pesquisas. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade da assistência pré-natal nos serviços de saúde da Estratégia Saúde da Família em dois municípios do Estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado em 40 equipes de saúde, com observação das consultas de pré-natal realizadas por médicos e enfermeiros, e avaliação da satisfação do usuário. Os resultados foram comparados segundo o município de atuação do profissional. Resultados: Dos 40 profissionais, 22 tinham vínculo por concurso público e 28 atuavam na equipe de saúde dois anos ou mais. No mínimo 1/3 das gestantes não recebeu a atenção esperada para a maioria dos procedimentos clínico-obstétricos, exames, tratamentos (suplementação) e aconselhamento preconizados, inclusive para práticas que dependem basicamente da atitude do profissional. Algumas práticas foram mais frequentes entre os profissionais do município com maior quantidade de médicos e enfermeiros concursados. A satisfação das gestantes foi de 61,7%, sem diferença entre os municípios. Conclusão: A avaliação apontou a necessidade de melhorias nas práticas profissionais preconizadas para um pré-natal de qualidade, inclusive aquelas que não representam grandes custos ao sistema de saúde. Revelam-se graves deficiências na realização de procedimentos de cuidados clínicos, exames, suplementação e aconselhamento.
Ethnobotany of medicinal plants in homegarden of Menoreh Karst Area, Purworejo District, Indonesia
Authors: IGUSTITA IGUSTITA , FATIKHA LAYYINATUSSYIFA A’YUNI , ASTIKASARI LUNA , KUSUMA DIAN , NUGRAHENI RACHEL SANISCARA , MURYANTO BEBI SYLVIA , ANSHORY DAFI AL , HIDAYAT SYAMSUL , SUJARTA PUGUH , YASA AHMAD , NAIM DARLINA MD , SETYAWAN AHMAD DWI
Published: August 2024

Abstract. Igustita, Fatikha LA, Astikasari L, Kusuma D, Nugraheni RS, Muryanto BS, Anshory DA, Hidayat S, Yasa A, Naim DM, Setyawan AD. 2023. Ethnobotany of medicinal plants in homegarden of Menoreh Karst Area, Purworejo District, Indonesia. Asian J Ethnobiol 6: 174-184. Many medicinal plants can grow in karst areas, one of which is found in the Menoreh karst mountain area, southern of Central Java, Indonesia. Therefore, this research was conducted to determine the diversity and utilization of medicinal plants in the homegarden of the Menoreh Karst area, i.e. Donorejo Village, Purworejo District, Indonesia. The data was collected from plant inventory and interview activities. The plant inventory is carried out through direct house-to-house surveys to observe existing plants and then record and document each species of plant, while interviews were conducted primarily to determine its use as a medicinal ingredient. 46 respondents (households) were interviewed, mostly farmers (47.8%). The result showed that there were 55 species of plants from 34 families used to treat various diseases, such as wounds, digestive disorders, diarrhea, cold/flu, hypertension, etc. The most commonly treated disease is wounds (7 species). The plants commonly used were ginger, turmeric, and vanilla, while the mostly plant family used was Zingiberaceae (7 species and 1 variety). The tree (36%) and shrub (31%) were the most plant habitus used, and the leaves (49%) were the most part used. Most medicinal plants were boiled and then drunk. Almost all species used was cultivated plant (90%). Knowledge about medicinal plants passed down from generation to generation, through trial processes by ancestors, was still maintained. This research shows that homegardens are very important for public health, because of the diversity of plants and the diversity of diseases they can treat.
Ethnomedicinal knowledge of Baiga and Gond Tribe and plant diversity in Jagmandal Forest, Mandla, India, with phytosociological diversity and utilization strategies
Authors: JHARIYA B. L. , PAWAR MANOHAR
Published: August 2024

Abstract. Jhariya BL, Pawar M. 2024. Ethnomedicinal knowledge of Baiga and Gond Tribe and plant diversity in Jagmandal Forest, Mandla, India, with phytosociological diversity and utilization strategies. Asian J Ethnobiol 7: 13-21. In the interior areas of the Mandla District, plants become the source of medicine because of a lack of facilities and remoteness. A medicinal exploration was made to find out the medicinal values of common plants present in the Jagmandal Forest of Mandla District (Mandla, India) during 2020-2023. During the survey, a total of 162 plant species belonging to 64 families were identified as being used for treatment of approximately 43 ailments or therapeutic indications which highest study done so far in the area. It has also been observed that more numbers of medicinal plants were recorded in the family Fabaceae. The majority of plant parts used to prepare treatments for various illnesses were leaves, as evidenced by the fact that leaves were the most often employed component of the plant against various diseases, followed by herbs (42%), trees (33%), climbers (14%), and shrubs (11%). The disease category with the highest ICF value (0.81) was the antiseptic. Aloe vera, Achyranthus aspera, and Azadirachta indica were highly preferred as treatments. More photochemical studies are needed before some of them can be used as drugs to benefit mankind. It is critical to explore, identify, and use new medicinal plants while also assisting in the conservation of existing but threatened species of rare medicinal plants in the area with the support of local communities.
Short Communication: Diversity, abundance, and utilization of bivalves on the south coast of Pamekasan, Madura Island, Indonesia
Authors: KURNIAWAN EKA RESI , AMBARWATI RENI , ISNANINGSIH NUR ROHMATIN
Published: August 2024

Abstract. Kurniawan ER, Ambarwati R, Isnaningsih NR. 2024. Short Communication: Diversity, abundance, and utilization of bivalves on the south coast of Pamekasan, Madura Island, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2454-2462. Bivalves are a group of mollusks that include clams, oysters, scallops, and mussels. Bivalves have vital roles both economically and ecologically. This study aims to analyze the diversity and abundance of bivalves in the intertidal zone of south coast of Pamekasan, Madura Island, Indonesia. Sampling was carried out at the lowest tide using the line transect method at four research stations located at Talang Siring Beach and its adjacent areas. Identification was conducted based on morphological characteristics. The data were analyzed descriptive-quantitatively. The results showed that in south coast of Pamekasan, there were 21 species of bivalves belonging to 13 genera and 8 families. The value of diversity index was 2.21 which included in the medium category. The results of the bivalve community index stated that the station 3 had the highest diversity value among other sampling stations, which was 2.2. The highest relative abundance value was found in the species Tellinides timorensis Lamarck 1818 which was 35.96%. Among the 21 species found at Talang Siring Beach and its adjacent areas, nine of them are frequently utilized by local people. Although Talang Siring Beach is managed as a tourism area, this beach is a potential habitat for bivalves.
New specific primer matK and rbcL region for DNA barcode pitcher plant Nepenthes spathulata
Authors: UTAMA MUHAMMAD NANDA , ETIKAWATI NITA , SUGIYARTO SUGIYARTO , SUSILOWATI ARI
Published: August 2024

Abstract. Utama MN, Etikawati N, Sugiyarto, Susilowati A. 2024. New specific primer matK and rbcL region for DNA barcode pitcher plant Nepenthes spathulata. Biodiversitas 25: 2515-2523. The matK and rbcL genes were proposed as the preferred plant barcoding loci by The Consortium for the Barcode of Life (CBOL). DNA barcoding efficiently identifies samples at the species level using short standard DNA sequences. The identification disclosure needs is an important basis given the confusion in systematics in Nepenthes spathulata. Therefore, this study aims to design matK and rbcL region-specific primers for DNA barcoding pitcher plants. The primary design uses Primer3Plus with a blueprint from the GenBank KDQ007081.1 for matK and MH346374.1 for rbcL. Following testing primary candidates with Oligo Analyzer and Primer-BLAST, the primers MkNs1, and RbNs4 were selected as the optimal criteria based on the values of ?G and primer specificity. Optimization of annealing temperature with PCR gradient shows that the temperature range 52-57°C produces a good band for both regions and corresponds to the matK and rbcL region with product sizes of 800-900 bp from seven samples, which could be observed from the gel electrophoresis. Sequence similarity using blast-N, the matK sequence has similarity to the N. spathulata matK gene of 99.64% and 99.63% for the rbcL gene of N. ventricosa x N. alata. This MkNs1 and RbNs4 primer can be used to discover the identity of N. spathulata and the Nepenthes genus.
The potency of yellow pigment extract from the marine bacterium Pseudomonas oryzihabitans SAB E-3 as an antioxidant agent
Authors: PUTRI DELFIANI ANGGIAS , ASTUTI RIKA INDRI , WAHYUDI ARIS TRI
Published: August 2024

Abstract. Putri DA, Astuti RI, Wahyudi AT. 2024. The potency of yellow pigment extract from the marine bacterium Pseudomonas oryzihabitans SAB E-3 as an antioxidant agent. Biodiversitas 25: 2565-2575. Metabolic processes in cells can produce byproducts in the form of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Excessive amounts of ROS are one of the causes of oxidative stress. Antioxidants are known to act as free radical-scavenging compounds. Pigment-producing bacteria associated with sponges have been widely reported to have antioxidant compounds. In this study, the marine bacterium Pseudomonas oryzihabitans SAB E-3 produced intracellular yellow pigments with potential antioxidant activity. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the in vitro antioxidant and mitochondrial activity at the cellular level and identify chemical compounds. The intracellular pigments produced by P. oryzihabitans SAB E-3 were extracted using methanol, acetone, chloroform, and ethyl acetate. The methanol pigment extract contained the highest number of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which may have contributed to its antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the active fraction obtained from the bioautographic TLC and harvested using preparative TLC had stronger antioxidant activity against DPPH radicals (75.71 µg/mL) than the crude pigment extract. However, the ABTS radical-reducing activity was lower (226.59 µg/mL) than the crude pigment extract. The maximum wavelength of the pigment extract was 453 nm, indicating the presence of carotenoids. In addition, the lowest concentration of the crude pigment extract (50 µg/mL) and selected active fractions (18.75 µg/mL) increased yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe ARC039 tolerance to oxidative stress and induced mitochondrial activity. Active fraction one extract analyzed using LC-MS/MS contained piceatannol, resveratrol, isorhapontigenin, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritin, and 2-Omethylisohemigossylic acid lactone, which may contribute to its antioxidant activity. Therefore, the yellow pigment extract and the active fraction produced by P. oryzihabitans SAB E-3 are potential candidates for natural antioxidant sources.
Microbial quality and macronutrient of vermicompost produced by Eisenia fetida in dairy wastewater solids
Authors: MARLINA EULIS TANTI , HIDAYATI YULI ASTUTI , HARLIA ELLIN , BADRUZZAMAN DEDEN ZAMZAM , MEYNADHEA NAOMI , RAHAYU NUR ARISTAWIDYA
Published: August 2024

Abstract. Marlina ET, Hidayati YA, Harlia E, Badruzzaman DZ, Meynadhea N, Rahayu NA. 2024. Microbial quality and macronutrient of vermicompost produced by Eisenia fetida in dairy wastewater solids. Biodiversitas 25: 2729-2737. Dairy Wastewater Solids (DWS) contain enough nutrients for the growth of earthworms and utilize the nutritional requirements of livestock waste for growth. The growth of earthworms affects the quality of vermicompost or castings that are useful as organic fertilizers. This research aimed to determine the growth of Eisenia fertida using DWS as a growth medium, and its effect on the quality of vermicompost produced. The organic material decomposed in DWS by indigenous microorganisms and earthworms can convert DWS into organic fertilizer through composting. Rice straw was added as a carbon source to obtain the ideal C/N ratio for the growth of decomposing microorganisms. Good growth of decomposer microorganisms can increase the availability of nutrients in DWS as a source of plant nutrition. E. fetida was used in vermicomposting for 14 days after the initial decomposition phase had passed. This research used the experimental method of Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three stocking density treatments (T1: 6.6 g/L; T2: 13.3 g/L; T3: 20.0 g/L ) and six replications. The results showed that higher stocking density promoted an increase in the biomass weight of earthworms. Various indigenous microorganisms act as decomposers and work with earthworms to convert organic matter into inorganic matter as a plant nutrient. The stocking density treatment had no significant effect on vermicompost production, total nitrogen content, and P2O5 vermicompost but had a significant effect on K2O, Ca, Mg, population of Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria (NFB) and Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB). Vermicomposting, DWS, and rice straw mixture produced vermicompost with high functional microbial and macronutrient concentrations.