bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome: a CAPS-tivating hematologic disease
Authors: Salter Brittany M. , Crowther Mark Andrew
Published: December 2024

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare but life-threatening form of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) defined by the rapid onset of large and small vessel thrombosis occurring simultaneously across multiple sites, resulting in multiorgan dysfunction. The presence of underlying immune dysfunction causing activation of coagulation and, in many cases, abnormal complement regulation predisposes these patients to thrombotic events. CAPS is often preceded by triggering factors such as infection, surgery, trauma, anticoagulation discontinuation, and malignancy. Given the high mortality rate, which may exceed 50%, prompt recognition and initiation of management is required. The detection of antiphospholipid antibodies and the histopathologic identification of microvascular ischemia via tissue biopsy are required to diagnose CAPS. However, these patients are often too unwell to obtain results and wait for them. As such, investigations should not delay CAPS therapy, especially if there is strong clinical suspicion. Management of CAPS requires “triple therapy” with glucocorticoids, intravenous heparin, therapeutic plasma exchange, and/or intravenous immunoglobulin. Treatment for refractory disease is based on poor-quality evidence but includes anti-CD20 (rituximab) or anticomplement (eculizumab) monoclonal antibodies and other immunosuppressant agents, either alone or in combination. The rarity of this syndrome and the subsequent lack of randomized clinical trials have led to a paucity of high-quality evidence to guide management. Continued international collaboration to expand ongoing CAPS registries will allow a better understanding of the response to newer targeted therapy.
Treatment of VTE in the thrombocytopenic cancer patient
Authors: Moik Florian , Ay Cihan
Published: December 2024

Thrombocytopenia is a frequent complication in patients with cancer, mostly due to the myelosuppressive effects of antineoplastic therapies. The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer is increased despite low platelet counts. The management of cancer-associated VTE in patients with thrombocytopenia is challenging, as the risk of both recurrent VTE and bleeding complications is high. Moreover, the time-dependent nature of thrombocytopenia over the course of antineoplastic therapies further complicates the management of patients in clinical practice. In the absence of evidence from high-quality studies, the management of anticoagulation therapy for VTE must be personalized, balancing the individual risk of VTE progression and recurrence against the risk of hemorrhage. In the present case-based review, we highlight the clinical challenges that arise upon managing cancer-associated VTE in the setting of present or anticipated thrombocytopenia, summarize the available evidence, and provide a comparative overview of available guidelines.
Anticoagulation at the end of life: whether, when, and how to treat
Authors: Parks Anna L.
Published: December 2024

Nearly 2 out of 3 patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and 1 out of 4 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) will die within the year. Whether, when, and how to manage anticoagulation at the end of life requires many trade-offs. Patients and clinicians must balance symptom burden, greatly elevated bleeding and thrombosis risks, competing comorbidities and medications, and changing goals over time. This review uses cases of VTE and AF to present a framework for care that draws upon existing disease-specific data and cutting-edge palliative care science. It reviews strategies for the difficult task of estimating a patient's prognosis, characterizes the enormous public health burden of anticoagulation in serious illness, and analyzes the data on anticoagulation outcomes among those with limited life expectancy. Finally, an approach to individualized decision-making that is predicated on patients' priorities and evidence-based strategies for starting, continuing, or stopping anticoagulation at the end of life are presented.
Diagnosis and management of hereditary hemochromatosis: lifestyle modification, phlebotomy, and blood donation
Authors: Girelli Domenico , Marchi Giacomo , Busti Fabiana
Published: December 2024

The term hemochromatosis refers to a group of genetic disorders characterized by hepcidin insufficiency in the context of normal erythropoiesis, iron hyperabsorption, and expansion of the plasma iron pool with increased transferrin saturation, the diagnostic hallmark of the disease. This results in the formation of toxic non–transferrin-bound iron, which ultimately accumulates in multiple organs, including the liver, heart, endocrine glands, and joints. The most common form is HFE-hemochromatosis (HFE-H) due to p.Cys282Tyr (C282Y) homozygosity, present in nearly 1 in 200 people of Northern European descent but characterized by low penetrance, particularly in females. Genetic and lifestyle cofactors (especially alcohol and dysmetabolic features) significantly modulate clinical expression so that HFE-H can be considered a multifactorial disease. Nowadays, HFE-H is mostly diagnosed before organ damage and is easily treated by phlebotomy, with an excellent prognosis. After iron depletion, maintenance phlebotomy can be usefully transformed into a blood donation program. Lifestyle changes are important for management. Non-HFE-H, much rarer but highly penetrant, may lead to early and severe heart, liver, and endocrine complications. Managing severe hemochromatosis requires a comprehensive approach optimally provided by consultation with specialized centers. In clinical practice, a proper diagnostic approach is paramount for patients referred for hyperferritinemia, a frequent finding that reflects hemochromatosis only in a minority of cases.
Pegylated interferon: the who, why, and how
Authors: Kiladjian Jean-Jacques
Published: December 2024

Interferon alpha (IFN-α) is a fascinating molecule with many biological properties yet to be fully understood. Among these properties, several have demonstrated usefulness for targeting malignant cells, including hematopoietic cells from patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. Indeed, IFN-α has been used for decades across all myeloproliferative neoplasms, but only recently a new form, ropegIFN-α2b, was approved to treat patients with polycythemia vera. Many phase 2 and more recently phase 3 studies have demonstrated IFN-α's promise in treating patients with essential thrombocythemia and early-stage myelofibrosis. In addition, although not approved in that situation, IFN-α is the only cytoreductive therapy that can be used during pregnancy. Today, IFN-α is a key medicine for polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia, while its place in the management of myelofibrosis must be better defined. The advantages of IFN therapy include a well-known safety profile, high rates of clinical and molecular responses, and a unique ability to deeply reduce the mutant allele burden of most of the driver mutations causing myeloproliferative neoplasms. Recent preliminary data from prospective studies suggest that molecular responses may be correlated with prolonged event-free survival, raising the hope that IFN therapy may ultimately alter the natural history of many diseases.
Novel conditioning and prophylaxis regimens for relapse prevention
Authors: Mancusi Antonella , Ruggeri Loredana , Pierini Antonio
Published: December 2024

The last 20 years witnessed relevant clinical advancements in the field of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for leukemia patients. The introduction of novel conditioning regimens, a better prophylaxis and management of graft- versus-host disease, and an ameliorated posttransplant support system improved safety and, therefore, outcomes. On the other hand, leukemia relapse remains the major cause of allogeneic HCT failure. Efforts have been made to understand the mechanisms of leukemia relapse, and new insights that clarify how donor immunity exerts graft-versus- leukemia (GVL) activity are available. Such studies set the base to design novel transplant strategies that can improve disease control. In our review we begin by discussing the most relevant criteria to choose a donor that provides a strong GVL effect. We also report some of the novel conditioning regimens that aim to deliver and extend myeloablation in order to reduce the disease burden at time of graft infusion. Finally, we discuss how the graft can be manipulated to limit the use of immune suppression and ensure potent antileukemic activity.
On the horizon: upcoming new agents for the management of ITP
Authors: Lambert Michele P.
Published: December 2024

Treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) has evolved over the last 20 years in response to our increased understanding of the pathophysiology of this complex immune disorder. New treatments in development have taken advantage of our evolving understanding of the biology of this disease to target new mechanisms and expand the available ways in which to approach patients with this disorder. This review focuses on novel therapeutics in the ITP pipeline and discusses the pathophysiology of ITP that has led to their development.
Risk-stratification in frontline CLL therapy: standard of care
Authors: Tausch Eugen , Schneider Christof , Stilgenbauer Stephan
Published: December 2024

The treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has been transformed over the past decade based on a better understanding of disease biology, especially regarding molecular genetic drivers and relevant signaling pathways. Agents focusing on B-cell receptor (in particular Bruton tyrosine kinase [BTK]) and apoptosis (BCL2) targets have replaced chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) as the treatment standard. BTK and BCL2 inhibitor−based therapy has consistently shown prolonged progression-free survival and in some instances even increased overall survival against CIT in frontline phase 3 trials. This improvement is particularly pronounced in high-risk CLL subgroups defined by unmutated IGHV, deletion 17p (17p−), and/or the mutation of TP53, making CIT in these subgroups essentially obsolete. Despite remarkable advances, these markers also retain a differential prognostic and predictive impact in the context of targeted therapies, mandating risk-stratification in frontline management. Furthermore, BTK- and BCL2-targeting agents differ in their adverse event profiles, requiring adjustment of treatment choice based on patient characteristics such as coexisting conditions, comedications, and delivery-of-care aspects.
Your chemo is no good here: management of high-risk MCL
Authors: Sawalha Yazeed , Maddocks Kami
Published: December 2024

Historically considered a lymphoma with limited treatment options and poor outcomes, the treatment landscape in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) has evolved remarkably in the last decade. Chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) remains the primary frontline treatment for most patients with MCL, typically with an intensive approach in younger and fit patients. The role of consolidative autologous stem cell transplantation remains controversial, with recent data further questioning its benefit. Novel agents have shown promising results in recent frontline clinical trials and challenge the current paradigm in MCL, particularly in high-risk patients who generally have poor outcomes with CIT. Risk stratification is key to incorporating novel agents in the frontline treatment of MCL, identifying patients who do not benefit from or could be spared CIT, guiding treatment intensity and duration, and improving overall outcomes, including safety and quality of life. The MCL International Prognostic Index and Ki-67 play an important role in identifying patients with high-risk MCL. TP53 aberrations, particularly mutations, currently identify patients with the highest risk, limited benefit from CIT, and greatest need for novel therapies. Other genetic aberrations and biological clusters are being identified but currently have limited clinical utility.
Quantifying menorrhagia and overview of nonsurgical management of heavy menstrual bleeding
Authors: Wheeler Allison P. , Hemingway Celeste O.
Published: December 2024

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common problem, presenting in 1 in 5 females. The quantification of menstrual blood loss and the subsequent treatment of HMB are both nuanced tasks that require the physician to consider the patient perspective. The individualization of care and transition to methods that fit each individual patient are critical to building a successful relationship with the patient to facilitate follow-up care and evaluation of response to treatment. In this review we outline various methods of quantification of menstrual blood loss, including considerations of accuracy and practicality. These methods, all of which have the potential for clinical benefit, vary from pictorial assessment charts to the gold standard alkaline hematin method to asking the patient about their average amount of blood loss and how it affects their quality of life. Next, we outline nonsurgical treatments for HMB, including hormonal and nonhormonal options, and consider the potential for success, as well as treatment considerations and contraindications. Overall, options for the evaluation and nonsurgical management of menstrual blood loss and HMB are presented along with quality-of-life considerations.
The POD24 challenge: where do we go from here for early progressors?
Authors: Mondello Patrizia , Casulo Carla
Published: December 2024

Follicular lymphoma is the most common indolent lymphoma, with a favorable prognosis and survival measured in decades. However, approximately 15% to 20% of patients encounter early disease progression, termed POD24, within 24 months from diagnosis or treatment initiation. Recognizing the correlation between POD24 and a heightened risk of lymphoma-related death has sparked intensive investigations into the clinical and biological determinants of POD24 and the development of innovative treatment strategies targeting this group. Research is also ongoing to understand the varying impact of POD24 based on different clinical contexts and the implications of early histologic transformation on POD24 prognosis. Recent investigations have uncovered potential new predictors of POD24, including genetic and nongenetic alterations as well as some conflicting F-fludeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography characteristics such as maximum standardized uptake value and total metabolic tumor volume. These developments, together with clinical predictors, have led to the emergence of several clinicopathologic tools to help identify at diagnosis patients who may be at higher risk for POD24. As these models are not routinely used, more work is needed to develop new risk-stratification strategies integrating clinical and molecular risk profiling that can be easily implemented in clinical practice to drive therapeutic choice. This review aims to delineate the modest but incremental progress achieved in our understanding of POD24, both clinically and biologically. Furthermore, we offer insights into the best practices to approach POD24 in the current era, aspiring to chart a new path forward to optimize patient outcomes.
Neurological manifestations of MGUS
Authors: Cibeira M. Teresa , Rodríguez-Lobato Luis Gerardo , Alejaldre Aida , Fernández de Larrea Carlos
Published: December 2024

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a highly prevalent disorder characterized by a small bone marrow plasma cell or lymphoplasmacytic clone (less than 10%) that produces a small amount of monoclonal paraprotein without associated organ damage. Most patients with MGUS display benign behavior indefinitely, but some progress to an overt malignancy, and others develop organ damage despite no increase in monoclonal protein, resulting in the so-called MG of clinical significance (MGCS). This concept includes different disorders depending on the organ involved, and among them, MG of neurological significance (MGNS) constitutes a real challenge from both a diagnostic and therapeutic point of view. Diagnosis is particularly difficult due to MGNS's heterogeneous clinical presentation and common lack of a diagnostic biopsy. On the other hand, the complexity of treatment lies in the lack of standardized regimens and the common irreversibility of neurological damage. Focusing on the neurological manifestations of MGUS affecting the peripheral nervous system, we describe 3 illustrative cases from daily practice and discuss different aspects of diagnosis to treatment, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary management based on the close collaboration of neurologists and hematologists.
Association of inflammation and nutrition-based indicators with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and mortality
Authors: Cao Kaiqiang , Miao Xiaoyang , Chen Xiaorong
Published: December 2024

Background

Inflammation and nutrition are strongly linked to respiratory diseases, but the link between inflammation and nutrition-based indicators and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its mortality has not been reported.

Methods

We recruited adults no younger than 20 years old from the NHANES 1999–2018. Inflammation and nutrition-based indicators included NAR, PNI, MAR, RAR, HALP, and ALI. COPD were assessed through a self-report questionnaire. Participants’ mortality rates were determined by association with the National Death Index.

Results

A total of 46,572 individuals were collected in this study, including 1,549 COPD patients. NAR, MAR, and RAR were positively linked with the prevalence of COPD. However, PNI and HALP were negatively linked with the prevalence of COPD. In participants with COPD, the highest quartile of NAR (HR = 1.43 [1.04–1.97]), MAR (HR = 1.66 [1.23–2.26]), and RAR (HR = 2.45 [1.90–3.17]) were linked with an increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to the lowest quartile. However, the highest quartile of PNI (HR = 0.48 [0.38–0.61]) and HALP (HR = 0.56 [0.44–0.71]) were linked with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality compared to the lowest quartile. Randomized survival forests (RSF) showed that RAR had the strongest predictive power for all-cause mortality in COPD individuals among all indicators.

Conclusion

We found that inflammation and nutrition-based indicators were linked to prognosis in COPD patients, with RAR having the highest predictive value.
Elevating Marginalized Student Experiences of Belonging in the Life Sciences: A Qualitative Case Study Approach
Authors: Harry Dion T. , Crawford Ashtin , Pamintuan Chaterlee , Singh Abhishek , Thomas Dana , Cooke Natalie K. , Oliver Colleen , Gordy Claire L. , Lubischer Jane L.
Published: December 2024

By elevating marginalized student voices, our study explores how curricular and co-curricular experiences impact undergraduate students'; sense of belonging and perceptions of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the biology department at a large, predominantly-white research institution in the Southeast U.S.
Symptom Monitoring App Use Associated With Medication Adherence Among Woman Survivors of Breast Cancer on Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy
Authors: Krukowski Rebecca A. , Hu Xin , Arshad Sara , Anderson Janeane N. , Stepanski Edward , Vidal Gregory A. , Schwartzberg Lee S. , Graetz Ilana
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE

Oral adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and death for women with hormone receptor–positive (HR+) breast cancer. Because of adverse symptoms and socioecologic barriers, AET adherence rates are low. We conducted post hoc analyses of a randomized trial of a remote symptom and adherence monitoring app to evaluate characteristics associated with higher app use, satisfaction, and how app use was associated with AET adherence.

METHODS

Patients prescribed AET were randomly assigned to receive one of three intervention conditions: app, app + feedback, or enhanced usual care. Baseline and 6-month follow-up surveys, app use, and pillbox-monitored AET adherence data for app and app + feedback participants were used. Logistic regression evaluated the association between sociodemographic/clinical characteristics and app utilization and satisfaction, and how app use was associated with AET adherence (>80%).

RESULTS

Overall, 163 women with early-stage HR+ breast cancer were included; 35.0% had high app use (≥75% of weeks enrolled). No sociodemographic characteristics were associated with app use. Satisfaction with the app was higher among those who were younger (88.9% for age 31-49 years
v
54.9% for age 65+ years,
P
< .001), identified as White (76.8%
v
60.1% for Black,
P
= .045), had lower health literacy (85.4%
v
68.2% with higher health literacy,
P
= .017), or were nonurban residents (85.7%
v
68.6% for urban,
P
= .021). Most participants (90.3%) with high app use were AET-adherent compared with 66.8% for those with lower app use (
P
< .001).

CONCLUSION

Use of a remote monitoring app was similar across sociodemographic characteristics, and more frequent app use was associated with a higher likelihood of 6-month AET adherence. Encouraging women to monitor medication adherence and communicate adverse symptoms could improve AET adherence.
Circulating Tumor DNA as a Prognostic Biomarker for Recurrence in Patients With Locoregional Esophagogastric Cancers With a Pathologic Complete Response
Authors: Lander Eric Michael , Aushev Vasily N. , Huffman Brandon M. , Hanna Diana , Dutta Punashi , Ferguson Jenifer , Sharma Shruti , Jurdi Adham , Liu Minetta C. , Eng Cathy , Klempner Samuel J. , Gibson Michael K.
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE

After neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) and surgery, up to one third and one half of patients with esophagogastric adenocarcinoma with a pathologic complete response (pCR; tumor regression grade 0 [TRG-0]) and near-pCR (TRG-1) will recur, respectively. Our study aims to evaluate postoperative circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a predictor of recurrence in patients with pCR or near-pCR after curative-intent neoadjuvant chemotherapy or neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified patients from 11 institutions with stages I-IV esophagogastric cancers (EGCs) who completed NAT and had TRG-0/1 scores at the time of curative-intent surgery. Postoperative plasma samples were collected for ctDNA analysis within a 16-week molecular residual disease (MRD) window after definitive surgery, and during surveillance from January 7, 2020, to November 9, 2023, at the provider's discretion. ctDNA was assessed using a clinically validated, personalized, tumor-informed ctDNA assay (Signatera, Natera, Inc). The primary outcome was recurrence-free survival (RFS).

RESULTS

We obtained 309 blood samples from 42 patients with esophagogastric adenocarcinoma with a pCR after neoadjuvant treatment over a median follow-up time of 28.5 months (range, 0.2-81.7). Detectable ctDNA in the 16-week MRD window (N = 23) correlated with higher rates of recurrence (67%; 2/3) compared with undetectable ctDNA (15%; 3/20). Detectable ctDNA within the MRD window was associated with a significantly shorter RFS (hazard ratio [HR], 6.2;
P
= .049). Among 32 patients who had ctDNA analyzed in the surveillance setting, the recurrence rate was 100% (5/5) in the ctDNA-positive cohort compared with 7.4% (2/27) in ctDNA-negative patients and was associated with shorter RFS (HR, 37.6;
P
< .001).

CONCLUSION

Within the subgroup of patients with EGC and favorable pathologic responses (TRG 0-1) after NAT, the presence of postoperative ctDNA identified patients with elevated recurrence risk.
Thought Experiments, Literary Fiction, and Science Fiction: The Example of Isaac Asimov's Robot Cycle
Authors: Bartolotta Simona
Published: December 2024

Literary cognitivism can be broadly defined as the claim that literary texts can be a source of knowledge. This article proposes the concept of aimless argumentativity to denote a paradoxical epistemic activity performed by fictional narratives. This concept is conceptualized and explored through an engagement with recent philosophical work on the epistemology of thought experiments and their similarities, or lack thereof, with literary fiction. These points are then illustrated through examples drawn from science fiction, and specifically Isaac Asimov's Robot series, which deploys its thought-experimental character in a specific form of nonlinear seriality, thus providing a clear and articulated demonstration of the oxymoronic, aimlessly argumentative power of fictional texts.
Writing as Deletion, Erasure as Inscription: Life, Death, and Afterlife in Sayed Kashua's Track Changes
Authors: Makhoul Manar H.
Published: December 2024

Stepping beyond prior analyses of Sayed Kashua's work, this article examines his most recent novel Track Changes (2017) as a turning point in his career. It reveals a shift in his relationship with Hebrew and his engagement with Palestinian memory, both personal and collective. Read from the perspective of contemporary Palestinian literature, Track Changes emerges as a powerful indictment of Jewish-Israeli indifference to the Palestinian fear of erasure and discontinuity.
Gerenciando a colaboração entre organizações
Authors: Costa Souza Fontenelle Sily de Assis Mariela , Wood Jr. Thomaz
Published: December 2024

Objetivo: contribuir para um melhor entendimento sobre a colaboração entre organizações assimétricas no ecossistema de inovação e alertar para aspectos do lado sombrio desses relacionamentos, apresentando um framework com dimensões importantes a serem observadas nessas colaborações.
Estado da arte: os estudos científicos sobre o tema da colaboração interorganizacional ajudam a compreender seus motivadores, processos e impactos, e a identificar fatores de sucesso e de fracasso.
Originalidade: este artigo apresenta um framework para aplicação prática, reunindo aspectos ligados ao gerenciamento da colaboração entre organizações, assim como às manifestações do lado sombrio desses relacionamentos.
Impacto: o framework proposto pode ajudar os gestores na compreensão da dinâmica da colaboração entre organizações e suas armadilhas, contribuindo para um gerenciamento mais efetivo dessas associações.
Fortalecendo os ecossistemas de inovação no Brasil
Authors: Wilner Adriana , Hashiba Luciana , Oliveira Junior Moacir de Miranda , Faccin Kadígia , Santos Juliana Bonomi
Published: December 2024

Pesquisadores e gestores têm dedicado crescente atenção para os ecossistemas de inovação. É evidente o interesse em entender como empresas, universidades, governo e sociedade civil interagem nesses ambientes para gerar inovação e desenvolvimento de atividade empreendedora. A literatura acadêmica vem avançando significativamente, ao mostrar o que são exatamente esses ecossistemas, como são criados e evoluem ao longo do tempo[iv], quais as formas de orquestrar e estabelecer governança entre participantes tão diversos e como obter resultados em relações de interdependência nem sempre fáceis, entre outros aspectos. O caderno especial desta edição da GV-executivo procura trazer contribuições à discussão ao apontar como a crescente base conceitual pode direcionar a prática.
Non-infectious lung diseases associated with cavities formation
Authors: Avdeev Sergey Nikolaevich , Anaev Eldar Khuseevich , Belevskiy Andrey Stanislavovich , Vizel Alexander Andreevich , Vizel Irina Yuryevna , Ibavov Ibragim Ullubievich , Karchevskaya Natalia Anatolyevna , Kevorkova Marina Semenovna , Makarova Marina Alekseevna , Tarabrin Evgeniy Аleksandrovich , Tyurin Igor Evgenievich , Chaltsev Bogdan Dmitrievich
Published: December 2024

The first monograph in the history of medical publications devoted to non-infectious lung diseases associated with cavities formation was prepared by leading specialists in this field.
The monograph is intended for pulmonologists, phthisiologists, therapists, pediatricians, radiation diagnosticians, pathologists, students and residents of medical universities, as well as other specialists interested in difficult questions of pulmonology.
The Modern Concept of Published Non-Financial Reporting in the Russian Federation
Authors: Gadzhieva P.
Published: December 2024

The article analyzes the modern concept of published non-financial accounting in the Russian Federation, examines the key aspects of non-financial reporting. The statistics of non-financial reports detailed by industry and types of reports are presented.
The influence of mindfulness training in virtual reality on symptom severity and cognitive functioning of patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective psychosis – a case series pilot study
Authors: Plencler Iga , Radoń Stanisław , Cechnicki Andrzej , Stankiewicz Przemysław , Daren Artur , Kalisz Aneta , Błądziński Piotr , Siwek Marcin
Published: December 2024

Cel pracy

Ocena metodą idiograficzną skuteczności włączenia treningu uważności w wirtualnej rzeczywistości do terapii pacjentów z zaburzeniami z kręgu schizofrenii (Mindfulness Skills Training in Virtual Reality, MST -VR) i jej porównanie z wynikami analizy efektów grupowych.

Metoda

25 pacjentów chorujących na schizofrenię i psychozę schizoafektywną oceniono w odstępach 4-tygodniowych: miesiąc przed treningiem, w chwili rozpoczęcia i po jego zakończeniu za pomocą: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS–6), Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) oraz Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III). Do oceny statystycznej wykorzystano rzetelny wskaźnik zmiany (ang. Reliable Change Index, RCI), a do oceny wielkości efektu wskaźnik d Cohena.

Wyniki

Większość pacjentów (20 osób, 80%) osiągnęła poprawę w zakresie nasilenia objawów ogólnych, pozytywnych, negatywnych, stresu, lęku, depresji oraz funkcjonowania poznawczego. U pojedynczych pacjentów zaobserwowano pogorszenie w zakresie lęku (2 osoby, 8%) i stresu (1 osoba,4%). Metoda RCI wykazała większą czułość w wykrywaniu zmian niż standardowe monograficzne metody statystyczne.

Wnioski

Interwencja MST-VR jako wspomagająca leczenie pacjentów z zaburzeniami z kręgu schizofrenii jest bezpieczna i korzystna. Metoda RCI jest wartościowa w ocenie dynamiki indywidualnych wyników pacjentów.
Effects of Dance Movement Therapy and Other Dance-Based Interventions on Depressive Disorders
Authors: Ptak Anita , Szyc Michał
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Depression is a medical condition affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. It can affect different age groups, both children and the elderly. The principal treatments for depression are pharmacotherapy based mainly on SSRIs and SNRIs and psychotherapy (e.g. cognitive-behavioural). Researchers are looking for interventions that can support the treatment of depressive disorders and complement primary therapy. One of the issues being explored is the impact of Dance Movement Therapy and other dance- based interventions on depressive symptoms and general well-being.
Aim of the study: Analysis of the available research on the effects of Dance Movement Therapy and other dance- based interventions on depressive symptoms and general psychological well-being including anxiety and stress symptoms.
Methods: Review of the available literature available in the scientific databases PubMed and Google Scholar by searching with key words such as: dance movement therapy, dance, depression, depressive disorders, stress. In addition, a review of specialised literature from the field of psychiatry was performed.
Conclusion: According to the available data, the introduction of DMT or other forms of dance generally has positive effects, alleviating depressive symptoms in many study groups. In some trials, a reduction in anxiety and stress was also noted among those who underwent the intervention. The best effects of the therapy have been found among people with mild depression. The effects among people with severe depression are not as clear. The inclusion of dance in people with depressive disorders is likely to be a good intervention in patients with mild depressive symptoms and can be used as an adjunctive therapy to appropriate psychiatric treatment. The positive effects of DMT and dance on the wellbeing of cancer patients have also been noted.
Instrumentalizacja migrantów jako forma destabilizacji bezpieczeństwa na wschodniej granicy zewnętrznej UE w kontekście wojny w Ukrainie
Authors: Szachoń-Pszenny Anna , Zaręba Agnieszka
Published: December 2024

INSTRUMENTALISATION OF MIGRANTS AS A FORM OF SECURITY DESTABILIZATION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE WAR IN UKRAINE
The instrumentalization of migrants is a relatively recent phenomenon occuring at the EU’s eastern external border with Belarus. Its objective is to use migration flows as a tool in Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy aimed at destabilizing EU member states. The aim of this article is to examine the instrumentalisation of migrants as a form of security destabilization at the EU’s eastern external border in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The war in Ukraine is one of the factors that have directly influenced the instrumentalization of migrants along the border with Belarus. This relationship, although appearing non-obvious at first glance, demonstrates no less than several factors indicative of the interdependence of the two processes. Firstly, it should be understood within the broader objective of instrumentalisation, which seeks to destabilize the European Union. Undoubtedly, one of the objectives of the Russian aggression against Ukraine is to destabilize the EU’s security.
Co to jest citizen science?
Authors: Jakubowski Jakub , Janczak Jarosław
Published: December 2024

WHAT IS CITIZEN SCIENCE? A DISCUSSION ON THE ELEMENTS OF ONTOLOGY, EPISTEMOLOGY AND METHODOLOGY OF CS IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
The primary goal of this article is to undertake a critical examination of the Citizen Science (CS) concept, with a specific focus on its comprehension, evolution, as well as its purported and observed role within the realm of social sciences. The authors formulate several research inquiries pertaining to: (1) the contemporary understanding of CS in science; (2) the mechanisms shaping CS as an increasingly recognised approach in scientific research; and (3) the feasibility of applying CS in research within social sciences disciplines. Methodologically, the analysis relies on an interdisciplinary literature review, further enriched by employing the method of critically deliberating with representatives across a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines, showcasing diverse European academic traditions. The derived conclusions shed light on prevalent narratives concerning the core of CS, the mapping of its practical implementation, and both the constraints and opportunities within the field of social sciences.
Patterns of opioid use for lower limb trauma patients during the first 6 months after discharge
Authors: Blackburn Alison
Published: December 2024

Guidance recommends that prescribed opioids for acute pain should not be continued beyond the expected period of healing and may lead to long-term use if a large supply is provided or repeat prescriptions are requested. This project investigated how opioids are used by opioid-naïve trauma patients in the first 6 months following discharge from hospital. The findings indicate that patients are frequently discharged from hospital with an opioid prescription and for some this will continue beyond the recommended maximum duration of 3 months and will include dose escalation. Clinicians should be aware of the potential risks associated with prolonged opioid use, including the increased risk of accidental overdose and potential death, and be able to identify which patients are at most risk. Screening for indicators for long-term use may prove more useful than formal risk stratification tools in an acute pain population.
Medical emergencies in primary dental practice
Authors: Huxley Emma , Randell Leigh-Ann , McKernon Sarah
Published: December 2024

Background:

Medical emergencies can and do present in primary care dental practices. Approximately 60% of dentists experience at least one emergency a year. This article was prompted by several recent interactions; one being an anaphylaxis where the responding paramedics were unfamiliar with dental therapists and, most recently, where first responders were unfamiliar with the availability of oxygen within a primary dental practice.

Aims:

This article aims to enhance paramedics’ knowledge of dental team members that may be present, their scope of practice, what qualifications they may have, what equipment is available, what drugs can be administered and the most frequently presenting medical emergencies.

Methods:

This article reviews and consolidates medical emergency guidance and regulations for primary dental practice.

Findings:

There is limited guidance concerning what drugs dental care professionals can and cannot administer during a medical emergency. Going forward, additional guidance from regulators is needed.

Conclusion:

Responding emergency services need to be aware of all dental professionals they may encounter as well as their qualifications and limitations to ensure patients receive gold standard care.
Prehospital treatment of autonomic dysreflexia
Authors: Devlin Shane , Lane Olivia
Published: December 2024

Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially life-threatening condition that can affect people with established spinal cord injuries above the level of T6. If left untreated, it can lead to uncontrolled hypertension causing stroke, seizures, pulmonary oedema and death. In Ireland and the UK, there are approximately 60 000 people living with spinal cord injuries who are at risk of developing autonomic dysreflexia. Despite this, there are no prehospital guidelines on treating the condition to date. This educational article aims to address this gap in knowledge and offer potential treatment options for paramedics and ambulance clinicians, which can be effectively applied to this cohort of patients in the future.
The other side of a rut
Authors: Cochrane Alice
Published: December 2024

Alice Cochrane reflects on having found herself in a rut and the importance of sharing experiences and sometimes shifting perspectives to come through to the other side
Settling into my role
Authors: Green Jennifer
Published: December 2024

As more paramedics transition across various roles, Band 6 paramedic, Jennifer Green shares her journey in a monthly column as she makes her way from the ambulance setting into general practice.
Learn from the best
Authors: Hale Mike
Published: December 2024

Mike Hale speaks to Luke Stevens-Burt, chief executive at the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) and Debarun Dutta, council member at BCLA, about the organisation's student ambassadors programme
CPD: Contact lenses interactive
Authors: Harvey Bill , Retallic Neil
Published: December 2024

Bill Harvey introduces an interactive CPD exercise developed with Neil Retallic aimed at encouraging discussion about contact lens patient education and handling issues. (C101585, suitable for logging as one interactive CPD point for optometrists, dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians)
Diary of a spectacle designer
Authors: Davies Tom
Published: December 2024

Tom Davies has to balance the conflict in Ukraine with keeping the company on an even keel
Framing an activity
Authors: Hale Mike
Published: December 2024

Mike Hale presents some of the best eyewear to help patients stay active this spring and summer
Biomimetic surface enhancement
Authors: Ishihara Kazuhiko , Papas Eric , Pruitt John , Kunnen Carolina , Mack Carla , Bauman Erich , Hong Ye
Published: December 2024

In anticipation of the launch of a new monthly contact lens, Dr Kazuhiko Ishihara, Professor Eric Papas, Dr John Pruitt, Dr Carolina Kunnen, Dr Carla Mack, Dr Erich Bauman and Dr Ye Hong consider the concept of biomimicry and, in particular, how this may be employed to enhance the interface between a contact lens and the ocular surface
Defining the profession's future
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: December 2024

Andrew McClean looks at the reaction to the GOC's review of the Opticians Act
How the pandemic changed community optometry
Authors: Mcallister Maria
Published: December 2024

Maria Mcallister muses on the gradual return to professional normality
CPD: Sight impairment
Authors: Tooth Cirta
Published: December 2024

Cirta Tooth takes a look at sight impairment registration and what knowledge and skills can help the eye care professional to decide for which patients a referral is warranted for certification (C-102141, suitable for one distance learning CPD point for optometrists and dispensing opticians)
Diary of a spectacle designer
Authors: Davies Tom
Published: December 2024

Tom Davies revels in the return of in-person trade shows at Vision Expo East
Right to work checks
Authors: Smyrl Nicola
Published: December 2024

Nicola Smyrl outlines changes to right to work checks and the the steps necessary to prepare for them
Opticians in solidarity with Ukraine
Authors: Patchett Lucy
Published: December 2024

Lucy Patchett reports on how the optical sector is taking action to help Ukraine's citizens during the war
Space and time
Authors: Hale Mike
Published: December 2024

Mike Hale presents some of the pieces of equipment and instruments that allow for safer practise in the post pandemic world by cutting time spent by patients in practice and allow for distancing during eye examinations
CPD: Fundamentals of ophthalmic dispensing 27
Authors: Black Peter , Black Tina Arbon
Published: December 2024

Presbyopes, especially those new to a reading addition for the first time, often get a raw deal from their spectacles, and suffer visual discomfort and disappointment at far greater rates than their pre-presbyopic peers. Here Peter Black and Tina Arbon Black discuss some common, but perhaps not necessarily obvious, causes for complaint (C102552, suitable for logging as one provider-led distance learning CPD point for optometrists and dispensing opticians)
CLEAR Interactive – 1
Authors: Harvey Bill , Retallic Neil
Published: December 2024

Bill Harvey and Neil Retallic have a look at some of your discussions concerning the first interactive CPD exercise relating to the BCLA CLEAR publications (C102054)
Presbyopia publications
Authors: Retallic Neil , Dutta Debarun
Published: December 2024

Neil Retallic and Dr Debarun Dutta introduce an exciting new series based on BCLA CLEAR presbyopia publications
Return to Paris
Authors: Cosby Zoe
Published: December 2024

Zoe Cosby looks ahead to the upcoming Silmo exhibition and considers some of the key trends of 2024
On the frontline 7
Authors: Douglass Tony
Published: December 2024

Tony Douglass discusses how to create connections with clients that can build sales success stories
Seasonality and Generalist Plant Resource Use Drive Bee Community (Hymenoptera, Apidae) composition in herbaceous restinga and dune environments
Authors: Tietz Allison Leandro , Mouga Denise Monique Dubet da Silva
Published: December 2024

Few bee inventories have investigated the interaction between bees and plants in the restinga in Santa Catarina State, a highly anthropized coastal environment, due to its value. In this context, in the southern coastal region of the State, the bee community and their foraging resources were ecologically analyzed, aiming to obtain data that support their conservation. For sampling, bees were collected over one year in herbaceous restinga and Laguna (SC) dunes, using entomological nets, trap dishes, and aromatic baits. The bees and plants were prepared, identified, and quantified. Ecological indices were calculated. Eighteen species of bees and sixteen species of associated plants were found. The collector’s curve stabilized, and richness estimators indicated a possible richness of 21.57 to 26.25 species. The five subfamilies of bees occurring in Brazil were found, with Halictinae having the highest richness and Apinae having the greatest abundance. Andreninae showed only one species (Callonychium luteimaculatum), as abundant as Apis mellifera. The plants most visited in terms of bee diversity are typical of the restinga and are highly attractive to bees. The periods with the highest results were spring and summer. The variation in temperature and the increase in plant richness increased bee abundance and richness, highlighting the region’s seasonality. The bee community showed a conservative generalist condition, which is favorable for species living in inhospitable conditions, providing moderate robustness. Due to the lack or absence of nesting resources, the studied bee community appears to originate from nearby adjacent areas.
“An Atypical Presentation of Tuberculosis Elbow” – A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, Sree Balaji Medical College Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India,, Palasseril Aizel Sherief , Chegu Madhukar ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Sree Balaji Medical College Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India,, Shahul Mymoonah Risha ,   Department of Microbiology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India., Ganesh M T ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Sree Balaji Medical College Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India,
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Elbow joint is the most common affliction in upper limb tuberculosis (TB). A review of literature shows varying clinical presentations of TB in the elbow, with and without detectable primary foci.

Case Report: We report a rare case of post-traumatic reactivation of latent TB of elbow which mimicked septic arthritis, in a healthy adult who suffered an elbow contusion injury following an road traffic accident. It was misdiagnosed as septic arthritis elsewhere and was going non-responsive to broad-spectrum antibiotics. At our center, we suspected TB and magnetic resonance imaging done showed joint destruction and fibrous ankylosis. He underwent joint debridement with removal of fibrous tissue and synovectomy. The synovial biopsy and polymerase chain reaction were consistent with TB. At 1-year follow-up on anti-tuberculosis treatment, he was relatively pain free and regained functional range of movement.

Conclusion: Post-traumatic reactivation of TB in joints, though a rare entity, should be kept in mind in patients who are non-responsive to routine antibiotics, especially in endemic areas. Early and accurate diagnosis prevents progression to articular destruction and fibrous ankylosis.

Keywords: Latent tuberculosis, trauma, elbow, reactivation, osteoarticular tuberculosis.
Towards the development of an algorithm for automatic analysis and detection of shock waves in the schlieren visualization technique
Authors: VRABIE George Ionut , COJOCEA Andrei V. , GALL Mihnea , ANTON Constantin , ASOLTANEI Daniel C. , PORUMBEL Ionut
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the development of an algorithm for identifying shock waves formed during the supersonic combustion process, detonation, in a pulsed detonation chamber. The algorithm is based on image binarization techniques, followed by the identification of regions of interest in the images, the detection and isolation of the edges of these regions, and the determination of the wave speed between two consecutive frames. The advantage of this automation process is the efficiency in analysing the repeated detonation cycles of a pulsed detonation chamber. Additionally, it can provide a more accurate evaluation of the data, making it a valuable tool for researchers and engineers in various scientific fields and shock wave applications.