bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitual salt preference worsens blood pressure in hospitalized hypertensive patients with omicron infection under epidemic-related stress
Authors: Wang Chenyi , Tan Wanhong , Liu Xiaoxiao , He Miao , Zeng Shi , Sun Maojie , Yan Lijuan , Li Min , Zhan Kun , Wang Kaifa , Li Qiang
Published: January 2024

Background

We investigated the synergistic effect of stress and habitual salt preference (SP) on blood pressure (BP) in the hospitalized Omicron-infected patients.

Methods

From 15,185 hospitalized Omicron-infected patients who reported having high BP or hypertension, we recruited 662 patients. All patients completed an electronic questionnaire on diet and stress, and were required to complete morning BP monitoring at least three times.

Results

The hypertensive group (n = 309) had higher habitual SP (P = 0.015) and COVID-19 related stress (P < 0.001), and had longer hospital stays (7.4 ± 1.5 days vs. 7.2 ± 0.5 days,P = 0.019) compared with controls (n = 353). After adjusting for a wide range of covariates including Omicron epidemic-related stress, habitual SP was found to increase both systolic (4.9 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.3–7.4] mmHg,P < 0.001) and diastolic (2.1 [95%CI, 0.6–3.6] mmHg,P = 0.006) BP in hypertensive patients, and increase diastolic BP (2.0 [95%CI, 0.2–3.7] mmHg,P = 0.026) in the control group. 31 (8.8%) patients without a history of hypertension were discovered to have elevated BP during hospitalization, and stress was shown to be different in those patients (P < 0.001). In contrast, habitual SP was more common in hypertensive patients with uncontrolled BP, compared with patients with controlled BP (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Habitual SP and psychosocial stress were associated with higher BP in Omicron-infected patients both with and without hypertension. Nonpharmaceutical intervention including dietary guidance and psychiatric therapy are crucial for BP control during the long COVID-19 period.
Automatic segmentation of ameloblastoma on ct images using deep learning with limited data
Authors: Xu Liang , Qiu Kaixi , Li Kaiwang , Ying Ge , Huang Xiaohong , Zhu Xiaofeng
Published: January 2024

Background

Ameloblastoma, a common benign tumor found in the jaw bone, necessitates accurate localization and segmentation for effective diagnosis and treatment. However, the traditional manual segmentation method is plagued with inefficiencies and drawbacks. Hence, the implementation of an AI-based automatic segmentation approach is crucial to enhance clinical diagnosis and treatment procedures.

Methods

We collected CT images from 79 patients diagnosed with ameloblastoma and employed a deep learning neural network model for training and testing purposes. Specifically, we utilized the Mask R-CNN neural network structure and implemented image preprocessing and enhancement techniques. During the testing phase, cross-validation methods were employed for evaluation, and the experimental results were verified using an external validation set. Finally, we obtained an additional dataset comprising 200 CT images of ameloblastoma from a different dental center to evaluate the model's generalization performance.

Results

During extensive testing and evaluation, our model successfully demonstrated the capability to automatically segment ameloblastoma. The DICE index achieved an impressive value of 0.874. Moreover, when the IoU threshold ranged from 0.5 to 0.95, the model's AP was 0.741. For a specific IoU threshold of 0.5, the model achieved an AP of 0.914, and for another IoU threshold of 0.75, the AP was 0.826. Our validation using external data confirms the model's strong generalization performance.

Conclusion

In this study, we successfully applied a neural network model based on deep learning that effectively performs automatic segmentation of ameloblastoma. The proposed method offers notable advantages in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and speed, rendering it a promising tool for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
The needs of healthcare personnel who provide home-based pediatric palliative care: a mixed method systematic review
Authors: Schröder Judith , Riiser Kirsti , Holmen Heidi
Published: January 2024

Background

Families with children who have life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses often prefer to receive care at home to maintain a sense of normalcy. However, caring for children at home is different from caring for them in a hospital, and we do not know enough about the needs of healthcare personnel who provide home-based pediatric palliative care.

Aim

The aim of this review was to systematically summarize, appraise and synthesize available quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research to identify the needs of healthcare personnel in home-based pediatric palliative care.

Methods

We used the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for mixed method systematic reviews and searched systematically in Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, AMED, and the Cochrane Library. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies from 2012 to 2021 reporting on healthcare personnel’s needs, experiences, perspectives, coping strategies, and/or challenges related to home-based pediatric palliative care were eligible for inclusion. The screening was conducted independently in pairs. The quantitative data were transformed into qualitative data and analyzed using thematic synthesis.

Results

Overall, 9285 citations were identified, and 21 studies were eligible for review. Most of the studies were qualitative and interview-based. Few studies included healthcare personnel other than doctors and nurses. Three analytical themes were developed: (1) being connected and engaged with the child and family, (2) being part of a dedicated team, and (3) ensuring the quality of home-based pediatric palliative care services. Healthcare personnel strived to deliver high-quality, home-based pediatric palliative care. Establishing a relationship with the child and their parents, collaborating within a committed team, and having sufficient resources were identified as important needs influencing healthcare personnel when providing home-based pediatric palliative care.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the importance of building trusting relationships among healthcare personnel, children, and families. It also emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration that is effective, along with the presence of enough skilled personnel to ensure high-quality home-based pediatric palliative care. Further research is necessary to include healthcare personnel beyond doctors and nurses, as palliative care requires a team of professionals from various disciplines. Addressing the needs of healthcare personnel can ensure safe and professional palliative care for children at home.
Prevalence and molecular characterization of extended-spectrum β–lactamase—producing Escherichia coli isolates from dairy cattle with endometritis in Gansu Province, China
Authors: Zhang Kang , Feng Haipeng , Zhang Jingyan , Guo Zhiting , Yan Zunxiang , Wang Guibo , Wang Xuezhi , Wang Lei , Li Jianxi
Published: January 2024

Background

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and molecular characterization of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)—producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from dairy cattle with endometritis in China. The prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in sample was detected using ChromID ESBL agar, and genotyping of the ESBL producers was performed by PCR and DNA sequencing.

Results

The results revealed that the proportion of positive pathogens tested was 69.76% (180/258) in samples obtained from cows diagnosed with clinical endometritis, with E. coli accounting for 170 out of the 180 positive samples. The infection rate of isolated E. coli was 39.14% (101/258), and co-infections with other pathogens were prevalent. Furthermore, among the 158 E. coli isolates, 50 strains were identified as ESBL producers, with TEM and CTX-M prevalence rates at 78.00% and 32.00%, respectively. Drug sensitivity experiments indicated that 50 isolates of ESBL- producing E. coli were multidrug resistance (MDR), with 48.0% of them exhibiting positive results for both the class 1 integron gene and five gene cassettes associated with resistance to trimethoprim (dfr1 and dfrA17) and aminoglycosides (aadA1, aadA5, and dfrA1), respectively.

Conclusion

This investigation demonstrated a substantial prevalence and heightened level of antimicrobial resistance among ESBL-producing E. coli isolates derived from dairy cattle infected with endometritis in China.
IR808@MnO nano-near infrared fluorescent dye’s diagnostic value for malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Wang Xiaoqiong , Yan Xingya , Zhang Zhipeng , Xu Chuchu , Du Fangbin , Xie Yanghu , Yin Xiaona , Lei Zubao , Jiang Yinling , Yang Wanchun , Zhou Xuan , Wang Yongsheng
Published: January 2024

Background

Malignant pleural effusion is mostly a complication of advanced malignant tumors. However, the cancer markers such as carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA 125), carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), and cytokeratin fragment 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) have low sensitivity and organ specificity for detecting malignant pleural effusion.

Research question

Is IR808@MnO nano-near infrared fluorescent dye worthy for the diagnosis in differentiating benign and malignant pleural effusions.

Study design and methods

This experiment was carried out to design and characterize the materials for in vitro validation of the new dye in malignant tumor cells in the A549 cell line and in patients with adenocarcinoma pleural effusion. The dye was verified to possess tumor- specific targeting capabilities. Subsequently, a prospective hospital-based observational study was conducted, enrolling 106 patients and excluding 28 patients with unknown diagnoses. All patients underwent histopathological analysis of thoracoscopic biopsies, exfoliative cytological analysis of pleural fluid, and analysis involving the new dye. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism, and the R language.

Results

The size of IR808@MnO was 136.8 ± 2.9 nm, with peak emission at 808 nm, and it has near-infrared fluorescence properties. Notably, there was a significant difference in fluorescence values between benign and malignant cell lines (p < 0.0001). The malignant cell lines tested comprised CL1-5, A549, MDA-MB-468, U-87MG, MKN-7, and Hela, while benign cell lines were BEAS-2B, HUVEC, HSF, and VE. The most effective duration of action was identified as 30 min at a concentration of 5 μl. This optimal duration of action and concentration were consistent in patients with lung adenocarcinoma accompanied by pleural effusion and 5 μl. Of the 106 patients examined, 28 remained undiagnosed, 39 were diagnosed with malignant pleural effusions, and the remaining 39 with benign pleural effusions. Employing the new IR808@MnO staining method, the sensitivity stood at 74.4%, specificity at 79.5%, a positive predictive value of 69.2%, and a negative predictive value of 82.1%. The area under the ROC curve was recorded as 0.762 (95% CI: 0.652–0.872). The confusion matrix revealed a positive predictive value of 75.7%, a negative predictive value of 75.6%, a false positive rate of 22.5%, and a false negative rate of 26.3%.

Interpretation

The IR808@MnO fluorescent probe represents an efficient, sensitive, and user-friendly diagnostic tool for detecting malignant pleural fluid, underscoring its significant potential for clinical adoption.
Cardiovascular and renal diseases in type 2 diabetes patients: 5-year cumulative incidence of the first occurred manifestation and hospitalization cost: a cohort within the French SNDS nationwide claims database
Authors: Blin Patrick , Joubert Michael , Jourdain Patrick , Zaoui Philippe , Guiard Estelle , Sakr Dunia , Dureau-Pournin Caroline , Bernard Marie-Agnès , Lassalle Régis , Thomas-Delecourt Florence , Bineau Sébastien , Moore Nicholas , Droz-Perroteau Cécile
Published: January 2024

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are common cardiovascular renal diseases (CVRD) manifestations for type 2 diabetes. The objective was to estimate the incidence of the first occurring CVRD manifestation and cumulative hospitalization costs of each CVRD manifestation for type 2 diabetes without CVRD history.

Methods

A cohort study of all type 2 diabetes free of CVRD as of January 1st 2014, was identified and followed-up for 5 years within the French SNDS nationwide claims database. The cumulative incidence of the first occurring CVRD manifestation was estimated using the cumulative incidence function, with death as a competing risk. Cumulative hospitalization costs of each CVRD manifestations were estimated from the perspective of all payers.

Results

From 2,079,089 type 2 diabetes without cancer or transplantation, 76.5% were free of CVRD at baseline with a mean age of 65 years, 52% of women and 7% with microvascular complications history. The cumulative incidence of a first CVRD manifestation was 15.3% after 5 years of follow-up with a constant linear increase over time for all CVRD manifestations: The most frequent was CKD representing 40.6% of first occurred CVRD manifestation, followed by HF (23.0%), then PAD (13.5%), stroke (13.2%) and MI (9.7%). HF and CKD together reached about one patient out of ten after 5 years and represented 63.6% of first CVRD manifestations. The 5-year global cost of all CVRD hospitalizations was 3.9 billion euros (B€), i.e. 2,450€ per patient of the whole cohort, with an exponential increase over time for each specific CVRD manifestation. The costliest was CKD (2.0 B€), followed by HF (1.2 B€), then PAD (0.7 B€), stroke (0.6 B€) and MI (0.3 B€).

Conclusions/interpretation

While MI, stroke and PAD remain classic major risks of complications for CVRD-free type 2 diabetes, HF and CKD nowadays represent individually a higher risk and cost than each of these classic manifestations, and jointly represents a risk and a cost twice as high as these three classic manifestations all together. This should encourage the development of specific HF and CKD preventive strategies.
Modified Gexia-Zhuyu Tang inhibits gastric cancer progression by restoring gut microbiota and regulating pyroptosis
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Yu Zhijian
Published: January 2024

Background

Gexia-Zhuyu Tang (GZT), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is used to treat a variety of diseases. However, its roles in gastric cancer (GC) remain unclear.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of modified GZT in GC.

Methods

The effects of modified GZT on GC were investigated by constructing mouse xenograft models with MFC cell line. The fecal samples from low-dose, high-dose, and without modified GZT treatment groups were collected for the 16S rRNA gene sequencing and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Histopathological alterations of mice were evaluated using the hematoxylin–eosin (HE). Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis with Ki67 and GSDMD was performed to measure tissue cell proliferation and pyroptosis, respectively. Proteins associated with pyroptosis, invasion, and metastasis were detected by Western blotting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess inflammation-related factors levels.

Results

Modified GZT inhibited GC tumor growth and reduced metastasis and invasion-related proteins expression levels, including CD147, VEGF, and MMP-9. Furthermore, it notably promoted caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis, as evidenced by a dose-dependent increase in TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18, and LDH levels, along with elevated protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1. Additionally, modified GZT increased species abundance and diversity of the intestinal flora. FMT assay identified that modified GZT inhibited GC tumor progression through regulation of intestinal flora.

Conclusions

Modified GZT treatment may promote pyroptosis by modulating gut microbiota in GC. This study identifies a new potential approach for the GC clinical treatment.
Characterization of a nuclear transport factor 2-like domain-containing protein in Plasmodium berghei
Authors: Niikura Mamoru , Fukutomi Toshiyuki , Mitobe Jiro , Kobayashi Fumie
Published: January 2024

Background

Plasmodium lacks an mRNA export receptor ortholog, such as yeast Mex67. Yeast Mex67 contains a nuclear transport factor 2 (NTF2)-like domain, suggesting that NTF2-like domain-containing proteins might be associated with mRNA export in Plasmodium. In this study, the relationship between mRNA export and an NTF2-like domain-containing protein, PBANKA_1019700, was investigated using the ANKA strain of rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei.

Methods

The deletion mutant Δ1019700 was generated by introducing gene-targeting vectors into the P. berghei ANKA genome, and parasite growth and virulence were examined. To investigate whether PBANKA_1019700 is involved in mRNA export, live-cell fluorescence imaging and immunoprecipitation coupled to mass spectrometry (IP-MS) were performed using transgenic parasites expressing fusion proteins (1019700::mCherry).

Results

Deletion of PBANKA_1019700 affected the sexual phase but not the asexual phase of malaria parasites. Live-cell fluorescence imaging showed that PBANKA_1019700 localizes to the cytoplasm. Moreover, IP-MS analysis of 1019700::mCherry indicated that PBANKA_1019700 interacts with ubiquitin-related proteins but not nuclear proteins.

Conclusions

PBANKA_1019700 is a noncanonical NTF2-like superfamily protein.
MET fusions are targetable genomic variants in the treatment of advanced malignancies
Authors: Sun Dantong , Xing Xiaoming , Wang Yongjie , Hou Helei
Published: January 2024

Targeted therapy for malignancies has developed rapidly in recent years, benefiting patients harboring genetic mutations sensitive to relevant tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). With the development of targeted sequencing techniques, an increasing number of detectable genomic alterations in malignancies, including MET fusions, have been revealed. MET fusions, although rare among malignancies, might be functional driver genes that participate in activating downstream signaling pathways and promoting cell proliferation. Therefore, it is believed that MET fusions could be targetable genomic variants of MET, and inhibition of MET is considered an optionable therapeutic choice for patients harboring MET fusions. According to the summary presented in this review, we recommend MET-TKIs as suitable treatment agents for patients harboring primary MET fusions. For patients harboring acquired MET fusions after the development of resistance to TKIs targeting primary genomic alterations, such as sensitive EGFR mutations, treatment with a MET-TKI alone or in combination with TKIs targeting primary genomic alterations, such as EGFR-TKIs, is hypothesized to be a reasonable option for salvage treatment. In summary, MET fusions, despite their low incidence, should be taken into consideration when developing treatment strategies for cancer patients.
Mutual regulation of PD-L1 immunosuppression between tumor-associated macrophages and tumor cells: a critical role for exosomes
Authors: Wang Banglu , Cheng Daoan , Ma Danyu , Chen Rui , Li Dong , Zhao Weiqing , Fang Cheng , Ji Mei
Published: January 2024

Tumor cells primarily employ the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway to thwart the anti-tumor capabilities of T lymphocytes, inducing immunosuppression. This occurs through the direct interaction of PD-L1 with PD-1 on T lymphocyte surfaces. Recent research focusing on the tumor microenvironment has illuminated the pivotal role of immune cells, particularly tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), in facilitating PD-L1-mediated immunosuppression. Exosomes, characterized by their ability to convey information and be engulfed by cells, significantly contribute to promoting TAM involvement in establishing PD-L1-mediated immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment. Exosomes, characterized by their ability to convey information and be engulfed by cells, significantly contribute to promoting TAM involvement in establishing PD-L1-mediated immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment. In addition to receiving signals from tumor-derived exosomes that promote PD-L1 expression, TAMs also exert control over PD-L1 expression in tumor cells through the release of exosomes. This paper aims to summarize the mechanisms by which exosomes participate in this process, identify crucial factors that influence these mechanisms, and explore innovative strategies for inhibiting or reversing the tumor-promoting effects of TAMs by targeting exosomes.
New absolute paleomagnetic intensity data from Cenozoic basalts of Northeast China and exploring rock-magnetic parameters for efficient sample preselection on the Tsunakawa–Shaw paleointensity method
Authors: Ahn Hyeon-Seon , Lee Youn Soo , Yamamoto Yuhji
Published: January 2024

Despite being essential in determining absolute paleomagnetic field intensity (API) with high fidelity over Earth science research topics, API determination still suffers little quantitative success. This is due to common nonideal magnetic behaviors in experiments using natural rocks caused by physiochemical changes in the magnetic minerals contained. Although linking rock-magnetic parameters to API results may be fundamental, negligible effort has been made using the Tsunakawa–Shaw (TS) API method despite its potentially high experimental success rate in overcoming nonideal magnetic effects. Here, we explore the relationships between rock-magnetic parameters retrieved using relatively rapid and widely pre-conducted measurements and TS API results from late Cenozoic basaltic rocks. We selected rock-magnetic parameters quantified from strong-field high-temperature thermomagnetic curves, magnetic hysteresis loops, and back-field isothermal remanent magnetization demagnetizations. We provide new data pairs of rock-magnetic parameters and TS API results for 41 basaltic rock samples from 8 sites (cooling units) in Northeast China. Then, by compiling them with published data of similar quality, we compiled 133 pairs of rock-magnetic and TS API data at the sample level (38 sites). Using this data compilation, the following topics of interest were identified: Magnetic coercivity (Bc) and remanence coercivity (Bcr) among the hysteresis parameters, and the thermomagnetic parameter ITC|m| (an index of thermal change quantifying an average of the differences in saturation magnetization at a full temperature range of during a single heating–cooling run) allow meaningful and efficient discrimination between data subsets divided by “success” or “failure” in the API results. We propose sample preselection criteria for the TS experiment: a minimal set of Bc ≥ 13 mT (or Bcr ≥ 26 mT) and ITC|m|≤ 0.15. Moreover, extended consideration based on the preselection criteria may allow the screening of potentially biased specimen/sample-level API estimates in the site-averaged determination of such a site with a large within-site API dispersion.

Graphical Abstract
Domain adaptation-based sparse time-frequency analysis and its application on seismic attenuation estimation
Authors: Liu Naihao , Zhang Yuxin , Yang Yang , Wang Zhiguo , Liu Rongchang , Gao Jinghuai
Published: January 2024

Time-frequency (TF) transform is a commonly used tool for geologic structure interpretation and attenuation estimation, mainly including the linear and nonlinear methods. The former consists of short-time Fourier transform, continuous wavelet transform, S-transform, etc., which can be efficiently implemented. However, they suffer from the Gabor uncertainty principle, which limits their TF readability. The latter can effectively enhance TF readability; nevertheless, it has several unavoidable drawbacks, such as low computational efficiency and parameter selection. For seismic sparse TF (STF) analysis (STFA), we develop a domain adaptation-based STFA (DASTFA) model. This model mainly contains two steps. First, we suggest an STF network (STFNet) for mapping a 1D seismic signal to a 2D STF spectrum, which is pretrained using synthetic traces and STF labels. Second, based on the pretrained STFNet, we design a DASTFA model for transferring to field data. Note that the synthetic traces are generated using well-log data and horizon at the study area, located in the Ordos Basin, China, which can reduce the gap between synthetic and field data. Afterward, we use synthetic traces with their STF labels for model pretraining in the first step and field data without STF labels for model transferring in the second step. Here, model transferring indicates transferring the pretrained model parameters based on field traces. Finally, to test the validity and effectiveness of DASTFA, we apply it to synthetic and field data. Moreover, we test the availability of seismic attenuation estimation by adopting the suggested model for 3D poststack field data volume, which achieved encouraging results.
Adjuvant Abemaciclib Plus Endocrine Therapy for Hormone Receptor–Positive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Negative, High-Risk Early Breast Cancer: Results From a Preplanned monarchE Overall Survival Interim Analysis, Including 5-Year Efficacy Outcomes
Authors: Rastogi Priya , O'Shaughnessy Joyce , Martin Miguel , Boyle Frances , Cortes Javier , Rugo Hope S. , Goetz Matthew P. , Hamilton Erika P. , Huang Chiun-Sheng , Senkus Elzbieta , Tryakin Alexey , Cicin Irfan , Testa Laura , Neven Patrick , Huober Jens , Shao Zhimin , Wei Ran , André Valérie , Munoz Maria , San Antonio Belen , Shahir Ashwin , Harbeck Nadia , Johnston Stephen
Published: January 2024

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical trial updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in
JCO
or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.

Two years of adjuvant abemaciclib combined with endocrine therapy (ET) resulted in a significant improvement in invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) and distant relapse-free survival (DRFS) that persisted beyond the 2-year treatment period in patients with hormone receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative, node-positive, high-risk early breast cancer (EBC). Here, we report 5-year efficacy results from a prespecified overall survival (OS) interim analysis. In the intent-to-treat population, with a median follow-up of 54 months, the benefit of abemaciclib was sustained with hazard ratios of 0.680 (95% CI, 0.599 to 0.772) for IDFS and 0.675 (95% CI, 0.588 to 0.774) for DRFS. This persistence of abemaciclib benefit translated to continuous separation of the curves with a deepening in 5-year absolute improvement in IDFS and DRFS rates of 7.6% and 6.7%, respectively, compared with rates of 6% and 5.3% at 4 years and 4.8% and 4.1% at 3 years. With fewer deaths in the abemaciclib plus ET arm compared with the ET-alone arm (208
v
234), statistical significance was not reached for OS. No new safety signals were observed. In conclusion, abemaciclib plus ET continued to reduce the risk of developing invasive and distant disease recurrence beyond the completion of treatment. The increasing absolute improvement at 5 years is consistent with a carryover effect and further supports the use of abemaciclib in patients with high-risk EBC.
Variation in Hospital Mortality After Complex Cancer Surgery: Patient, Volume, Hospital or Social Determinants?
Authors: Munir Muhammad Musaab , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Endo Yutaka , Dillhoff Mary , Cloyd Jordan , Ejaz Aslam , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

We sought to define the individual contributions of patient characteristics (PCs), hospital characteristics (HCs), case volume (CV), and social determinants of health (SDoH) on in-hospital mortality (IHM) after complex cancer surgery.

Methods

The California Department of Health Care Access and Information database identified patients who underwent esophagectomy (ES), pneumonectomy (PN), pancreatectomy (PD), or proctectomy (PR) for a malignant diagnosis between 2010 and 2020. Multi-level multivariable regression was performed to assess the proportion of variance explained by PCs, HCs, CV and SDoH on IHM.

Results

A total of 52,838 patients underwent cancer surgery (ES: n = 2,700, 5.1%; PN: n = 30,822, 58.3%; PD: n = 7530, 14.3%; PR: n = 11,786, 22.3%) across 294 hospitals. The IHM for the overall cohort was 1.7% and varied from 4.4% for ES to 0.8% for PR. On multivariable regression, PCs contributed the most to the variance in IHM (overall: 32.0%; ES: 21.6%; PN: 28.0%; PD: 20.3%; PR: 39.9%). Among the overall cohort, CV contributed 2.4%, HCs contributed 1.3%, and SDoH contributed 1.2% to the variation in IHM. CV was the second highest contributor to IHM among ES (5.3%), PN (5.3%), and PD (5.9%); however, HCs were a more important contributor among patients who underwent PR (8.0%). The unexplained variance in IHM was highest among ES (72.4%), followed by the PD (67.5%) and PN (64.6%) patient groups.

Conclusions

PCs are the greatest underlying contributor to variations in IHM following cancer surgery. These data highlight the need to focus on optimizing patients and exploring unexplained sources of IHM to improve quality of surgical care.
Comparative economies
Authors: Χασάπογλου Στέφανος
Published: January 2024

Η διδακτορική μου διατριβή με τίτλο “Comparative economies: patterns of trade and communication in Byzantium 641 – 741, 1025 – 1095” («Οικονομίες σε σύγκριση: μοτίβα εμπορίου κι επικοινωνιών στο Βυζάντιο 641 – 741, 1025 – 1095») έχει ως σκοπό της τη σύγκριση των τύπων του εμπορίου και των επικοινωνιών στις αντίστοιχες περιόδους και διερευνά την επιρροή και το ρόλο του βυζαντινού κράτους σε αυτό το πλαίσιο. Στόχος αυτής της μεθόδου είναι να απαντηθούν ερωτήματα σχετικά με το υπόβαθρο, τη φύση και το είδος του εμπορίου και της εξέλιξής του καθώς επίσης και ο τύπος των επικοινωνιών σε περιόδους κρίσης καθώς και η σύνδεση μεταξύ τους. Και οι δύο περίοδοι που αναλύονται στην εργασία αυτή (641 – 741, 1025 – 1095) υπήρξαν εποχές σημαντικότατων εσωτερικών και εξωτερικών εξελίξεων που επηρέασαν τη βυζαντινή αυτοκρατορία σε πολύ μεγάλο βαθμό. Το πρώτο κεφάλαιο της διατριβής περιγράφει το ιστορικό υπόβαθρο των δύο περιόδων. Πάνω σε αυτή τη βάση, στο δεύτερο κεφάλαιο αναπτύσσεται η ιστορική γεωγραφία, η εξέλιξη, το εμπόριο και οι επικοινωνίες των δύο «περιοχών-πυρήνων» της βυζαντινής αυτοκρατορίας. Οι περιοχές αυτές είναι με σειρά εμφάνισης στην εργασία, ο Εύξεινος Πόντος με τις τέσσερις υποδιαιρέσεις του, δηλαδή των Κριμαία, τον Καύκασο, τις βόρειες ακτές της Μικράς Ασίας και τις νότιες ακτές της Βαλκανικής χερσονήσου. Η δεύτερη «περιοχή-πυρήνας» είναι το Αιγαίο, δηλαδή η περιοχή που βρέχεται από το Αιγαίο Πέλαγος. Οι τέσσερις γεωγραφικές υποδιαιρέσεις είναι τα νησιά, οι νότιες ακτές της Βαλκανικής χερσονήσου, οι δυτικές ακτές της Μικράς Ασίας και η ανατολική ακτογραμμή της ελλαδικής χερσονήσου. Το τρίτο κεφάλαιο της διατριβής ασχολείται με την κρατική εποπτεία στο εμπόριο και τις επικοινωνίες, δηλαδή την κοπή και κυκλοφορία του νομίσματος και την νομοθεσία την αφορούσα τη φορολογία και το εμπόριο. Εκτός αυτών εξετάζεται συνοπτικά και η απόκλιση μεταξύ των θεωρητικών διατάξεων και της καθημερινής πραγματικότητας στην άσκηση του εμπορίου. Το τέταρτο κεφάλαιο παρουσιάζει τα τελικά συμπεράσματα της εργασίας. Δύο παραρτήματα με πίνακες και χάρτες ολοκληρώνουν τη διατριβή.
Ενδυναμώνοντας την ταυτότητα και την επικοινωνία εγκλείστων μέσω της Δραματικής Τέχνης στην Εκπαίδευση και της εμψύχωσης κουκλών: μια έρευνα-δράση στο Ειδικό Κατάστημα Κράτησης Νέων Βόλου
Authors: Βίτσου Μάγδα , Μάγος Κώστας
Published: January 2024

Το παρόν άρθρο, μέρος μιας μεταδιδακτορικής έρευνας υπό τον φακό της μετασχηματιστικής οπτικής, επιχειρεί να ρίξει φως στον θετικό αντίκτυπο που έχει η χρήση του εφαρμοσμένου κουκλοθεάτρου και της Δραματικής Τέχνης στην Εκπαίδευση (εφεξής ΔΤΕ) σε περιβάλλοντα εγκλεισμού. Η μελέτη διερευνά αν οι συμμετέχοντες ενδυναμώνονται συναισθηματικά, αν επαναπροσδιορίζουν τις στάσεις τους, αν αναπτύσσουν ισχυρότερους δεσμούς μεταξύ τους και αν δημιουργούν συνέργειες, αν επικοινωνούν πιο αποτελεσματικά και αν οξύνουν την επίγνωσή τους σε θέματα σχετικά με τον εαυτό τους και τις πραγματικότητές τους. Επίσης, θα αναδειχτεί μια πολυπρισματική προσέγγιση αυτή των ηθικών διλημμάτων μέσω του κουκλοθεάτρου και τεχνικών της ΔΤΕ, που μπορεί να συμβάλει στην επίλυση των ηθικών διλημμάτων τα οποία προκύπτουν στη ζωή στη φυλακή, στην ομαλή επανένταξη, στην αποτελεσματική αντιμετώπιση των διακρίσεων, των εντάσεων και την άμβλυνση των συγκρούσεων μέσα στον χώρο των φυλακών.
Do you remember your first drama lesson? Critical Incident methodologies for future practice
Authors: Pascoe Robin
Published: January 2024

Reading accounts of the summer camps for drama education organised by the Hellenic Theatre/Drama & Education Network reminded me of an early inciting incident in my own drama teaching: working as an intern on a summer camp for children from remote and regional Western Australia while I was a student at university. In reflecting on the experience, I thought it important to do more than indulge in an exercise in nostalgia. In my current work as a semi-retired teacher at Murdoch University, I work with students on Critical Incident methodology. This article merges reflection and reflexivity as a process of personal professional growth.
The quality and equality of personal and professional development in teacher-artist partnerships
Authors: McGrarth Vera
Published: January 2024

Partnership implies equality. However, while earlier iterations of Teacher-Artist Partnership (TAP) failed to acknowledge teacher professionalism in their structure and implementation, more recent TAP evaluations tend to focus exclusively on teacher professional development. There is little in the way of documented evidence of artists’ development in TAP, let alone efforts to describe it. Case studies of two Irish I-TAP-PD residencies are presented below to illuminate the nature of the learning both professionals experienced through the I-TAP-PD process. The premise is to generate dialogue about the quality and equality of learning in TAP for both artists and teachers and prompt further research into this important area of enquiry. The case studies indicate that ongoing dialogue and practice between partners of equal status are key in generating real insight into children’s learning through the arts. And such insights have much to contribute to evolving TAP practices for the betterment of our arts-in-education provision for children in our schools.
Ψηφίδες μνήμης για μια πρωτεργάτρια του Ερανιστή
Authors: Franghiskos Emm. N.
Published: January 2024

No abstract
Για την τύχη του έργου του Johannes Leunclavius Juris Graeco-romani στην Ανατολή
Authors: Apostolopoulos Dimitris G.
Published: January 2024

Sur le sort de l’oeuvre de Johannes Leunclavius Juris Graeco-romani en Orient. Le premier exemplaire de 1612

Le sort d’un livre imprimé rassemblant des textes en langue grecque, édité à Francfort en 1596, a déjà été évoqué dans des recherches scientifiques. L’æuvre de Johannes Leunclavius, Juris graeco-romani, tam canonici quam civilis, en deux volumes, contenant des textes de droit canon byzantin en version gréco-latine, a été utilisé en 1712 par le patriarcat de Constantinople pour une affaire du droit de la famille, comme on le savait déjà, et, presque à la même époque a été invoqué par un prêtre qui vivait dans le Péloponnèse, dans la ville de Mistra, afin de réaliser sa volonté de gravir les échelons de la hiérarchie. Le nouvel élément introduit par la présente étude tient à la redatation de l’époque d’apparition du livre en Orient : au lieu de 1712, il faut la placer en 1612. Un exemplaire de cet ouvrage, qui est conservé aujourd’hui dans la bibliothèque du monastère athonite de la Grande Lavra, provient de la bibliothèque de celui qui fut le patriarche de Constantinople au XVIIe siècle, du 21 juin 1662 au 21 octobre 1665. Ce patriarche, Dionysios III, a voulu léguer une partie de sa bibliothèque au monastère athonite. D’après les notes bibliographiques conservées dans le deuxième volume de l’ouvrage, on sait d’abord que Dionysios a acquis l’imprimé en 1650, avant même de devenir patriarche ; plus important encore, cet exemplaire a été acheté en 1612 en Pologne, à Lublin, par un marchand d’Épire Jean Simotas, afin de l’offrir au « seigneur » originaire de Chio, Michel Kavakos, habitant alors de Constantinople. En raison des relations étroites de Kavakos avec le patriarcat de Constantinople, on peut raisonnablement supposer que l’ouvrage a été connu par la chancellerie patriarcale, car quelques années plus tôt les traces d’un recueil légal similaire, celui qui a été appelé « Le ‘‘Nomimon’’ de la Grande Église » avaient été perdues. C’ est là une hypothèse de travail dont je pense qu’elle mérite d’être étudiée.
Τα κατασχεμένα του Πούπλιου Μαρκίδη Πούλιου
Authors: Athini Stessi
Published: January 2024

Les livres confisqués de Pouplios Markidis Poulios. Une clé pour le trafic du livre français pendant les années de maturation des Lumières néo-helléniques

L’aventure de l’imprimeur Pouplios Markidis Poulios à Bucarest en 1797 est bien connue : le fond de livres en langue étrangère qu’il avait illégalement importé a été confisqué par le consulat autrichien à la suite des actions entreprises par le souverain de Valachie, Alexandre Ypsilanti. Grâce à la liste des titres de ces livres conservée dans les archives autrichiennes(publiée par Hurmuzaki) et, surtout, grâce à la possibilité que nous avons d’accéder par Internet aux bibliographies, aux catalogues de bibliothèques et aux copies numérisées, il nous a été possible de reconstituer l’identité bibliographique de la quasi-totalité des æuvres confisquées. On constate que les livres français de l’Ancien Régime (traités philosophiques et/ou sur l’athéisme, ouvrages de politique et d’économie, satires anticléricales, chroniques scandaleuses, littérature érotique/pornographique, etc.) en constituent la plus grande partie. Il s’agit de «livres philosophiques» clandestins qui recensent l’inventaire de la mythologie de la décadence, du despotisme, de la corruption des mæurs, de l’hypocrisie sociale et de la transgression religieuse, tout en démasquant la spéculation et les scandales. Grâce à un réseau bien organisé ayant comme point de départ des imprimeries qui s’activaient hors des frontières françaises –la plus connue étant la Société Typographique de Neuchâtel– ils étaient distribués dans toute l’Europe. Une partie des livres confisqués de Poulios pourrait provenir du stock de Thomas Trattner, imprimeur notoire qui vendait des livres français clandestins à Vienne et des réimpressions pirates de ces livres sur le territoire des Habsbourg. Mais il se peut aussi que ces ouvrages soient des contrefaçons provenant de l’imprimerie de Poulios. À en juger par les traductions et les références repérées (Rétif de la Bretonne, Delisle de Sales, Mercier, D. Katartzis) il semble que le «monde souterrain» du livre philosophique français –dont une partie importante avait été interdite par la censure autrichienne– avait réussi à pénétrer les cercles non seulement de la diaspora grecque mais aussi des Principautés Danubiennes et ceci avant la «décennie cruciale des années 1790». L’interdiction de la circulation des livres en 1797 est liée à la conversion idéologique d’Ypsilanti et à son alignement sur la politique anti-française des Habsbourg. Les ouvrages confisqués de Poulios ouvrent un champ de recherche fructueux sur la contribution des livres clandestins français à la maturation des Lumières. Une liste des titres des livres confisqués est jointe en annexe.
Ιδιωτικός και δημόσιος βίος του Γρηγοράκη Σούτσου, Φαναριώτη (1796;-1829)
Authors: Politis Alexis
Published: January 2024

Grégoire Soutzo, Phanariote

Grégoire Soutzo est né en Constantinople vers 1796. Les premiers renseignements sur sa jeunesse nous sont connus par les divers mémoires du comte de Marcellus, qui était consul de France à l’Empire Ottoman les années avant 1821. Ces renseignements portent sur des détails, souvent inconnus et intéressants, de la vie contemporaine et littéraire.

Fin 1819 ou début 1820, Grégoire Soutzo est appelé à Bucarest par son oncle Alexandre N. Soutzo, prince de Moldavie. Il travaille làcomme son secrétaire, il devient membre de la “Société Amicale” [Philiki Etaireia], il prend part aux mouvements révolutionnaires d’Alexandre Hypsilanti. Il s’échappe à Odessa, et à 1822 il va à Paris, où il fait des études de droit et il s’associe aux circuits philhelléniques.

Au printemps de 1826 il vient en Grèce, et il sert comme juge, et, avec ses collaborateurs il prépare l’organisation juridique du nouvel état. Capodistrias le nomme membre de “Panhellénion” et lui confie des fonctions juridiques, mais leur collaboration est suspendue à cause des comportements amoureux de Soutzo qui ne sont pas acceptés par les mæurs de l’époque. Il meurt pendant l’épidémie de typhus à Nauplie en Octobre 1827.
Ο Αίσωπος στην οθωμανική γραμματεία του 19ου αι.
Authors: Balta Evangelia
Published: January 2024

Aesop in the Ottoman Literature of the 19th century

The study based on the Karamanlidika version of Aesop’s fables printed by Evangelinos Misailidis in 1854 offers a review of the Ottoman perception of Aesop in the 19th century. The Turkish versions of the fables released in various alphabets (Cyrillic, Arabic), and the Vita of Aesop, are presented and explored. The study also discusses the Turkish manuscript written in Greek characters, located by Ernst Otto Blau in Mariupol, today in southern Ukraine. His discovery proves that Aesop appeared in the handwritten form at least as far back as the 18th century and also indicates that Aesop was introduced to the Ottoman literature by the Turkish-speaking Rums. Unfortunately, the manuscript has not survived, but Blau added excerpts from the life of Aesop and two of his fables in his study published in 1874.
Ξανακοιτάζοντας το ευρετήριο του «Λόγιου Ερμή»
Authors: Franghiskos Emm. N.
Published: January 2024

No abstract
Η μεθοδολογία της «σχάρας διπολικών εννοιών» (repertory grid). Διερευνώντας τα οφέλη συμμετοχής σε Προγράμματα Erasmus+ ως παράδειγμα εφαρμογής της
Authors: Ευθυμίου Κυριακή , Χριστοδούλου Μιχαήλ
Published: January 2024

Ο σκοπός του άρθρου αυτού είναι διττός: από τη μια ερευνητικός, όπου επιχειρούμε να διερευνήσουμε τις πεποιθήσεις των εκπαιδευτικών πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης για τα οφέλη της συμμετοχής τους σε ένα πρόγραμμα Erasmus+ και από την άλλη μεθοδολογικός, όπου παρουσιάζουμε την χρησιμότητα της «σχάρας διπολικών εννοιών» (repertory grid) ως εργαλείου συλλογής ποιοτικών δεδομένων. Η «σχάρα διπολικών εννοιών» χρησιμοποιείται συνήθως συμπληρωτικά ή συνεργατικά με τις αφηγηματικές ή τις ημι-δομημένες συνεντεύξεις και έχει στόχο την αποτύπωση της ποικιλομορφίας των οπτικών των υποκειμένων αποφεύγοντας την επίδραση του/της ερευνητή/τριας, η οποία είναι πιθανό να προκύψει στις παραδοσιακές ημι-δομημένες συνεντεύξεις. Εφαρμόσαμε την «σχάρα διπολικών εννοιών» στην εν λόγω έρευνα, ώστε να αναδειχθεί η μεθοδολογική της συμβολή, καθώς ούτε στην Ελλάδα, ούτε στο εξωτερικό εντοπίστηκε κάποια αντίστοιχη εκπαιδευτική έρευνα για τα οφέλη της συμμετοχής των εκπαιδευτικών σε ένα πρόγραμμα Erasmus+ με αυτό το εργαλείο. Η ανάλυση των αποτελεσμάτων της έρευνας φανερώνει ότι, όταν οι εκπαιδευτικοί αναφέρονται στα οφέλη της συμμετοχής τους σε ένα πρόγραμμα Erasmus+ (στοιχεία-elements), ως κύρια οφέλη τονίζουν ό,τι αφορά σε πολιτισμικό πλαίσιο (κουλτούρα, φιλία, ταξίδια). Ωστόσο, όταν συζητάνε συνδυαστικά για τα οφέλη μεταξύ τους (δίπολα-constructs), έτσι ώστε να γνωστοποιηθούν οι μη φανερές πεποιθήσεις τους, κυρίως κάνουν λόγο για την ολόπλευρη ανάπτυξη του ατόμου, έπειτα τις σχέσεις-συνεργασία που αποκομίζουν από το πρόγραμμα, για την εκπαίδευση και τη διδασκαλία τους και στη συνέχεια για το ταξίδι, τον πολιτισμό και την επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη. Επίσης, μέσω της έρευνας δόθηκε η δυνατότητα να εντοπιστούν παράγοντες που μπορεί να επηρεάζουν τις πεποιθήσεις των εκπαιδευτικών για τα οφέλη ενός τέτοιου ευρωπαϊκού προγράμματος.
The one-humped camel: The animal of future, potential alternative red meat, technological suitability and future perspectives
Authors: Djenane Djamel , Aider Mohammed
Published: January 2024

The 2020 world population data sheet indicates that world population is projected to increase from 7.8 billion in 2020 to 9.9 billion by 2050 (Increase of more than 25%). Due to the expected growth in human population, the demand for meats that could improve health status and provide therapeutic benefits is also projected to rise. The dromedary also known as the Arabian camel, or one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius), a pseudo ruminant adapted to arid climates, has physiological, biological and metabolic characteristics which give it a legendary reputation for surviving in the extreme conditions of desert environments considered restrictive for other ruminants. Camel meat is an ethnic food consumed across the arid regions of Middle East, North-East Africa, Australia and China. For these medicinal and nutritional benefits, camel meat can be a great option for sustainable meat worldwide supply. A considerable amount of literature has been published on technological aspects and quality properties of beef, lamb and pork but the information available on the technological aspects of the meat of the one humped camel is very limited. Camels are usually raised in less developed countries and their meat is as nutritionally good as any other traditional meat source. Its quality also depends on the breed, sex, age, breeding conditions and type of muscle consumed. A compilation of existing literature related to new technological advances in packaging, shelf-life and quality of camel meat has not been reviewed to the best of our knowledge. Therefore, this review attempts to explore the nutritional composition, health benefits of camel meat, as well as various technological and processing interventions to improve its quality and consumer acceptance. This review will be helpful for camel sector and highlight the potential for global marketability of camel meat and to generate value added products.
Synthesis and optimization of ceria variants via sol-gel combustion method for environmental remediation
Authors: Chakraborty Triparna , Yadav Dharmveer , Bedar Amita , Pandey Manoj Kumar , Saxena Sumit , Shukla Shobha
Published: January 2024

The study delves into the comprehensive exploration of ceria nanoparticle synthesis, explicitly focusing on distinct variants: fuel-rich, fuel-deficient, and stoichiometric proportions. These ceria variants are meticulously investigated using the sol-gel combustion method to uncover their unique characteristics. The exceptional performance of stoichiometric ceria is particularly notable, as it exhibits a well-defined crystal structure and balanced elemental composition. Conversely, fuel-deficient and fuel-rich ceria variants display altered lattice structures due to variations in their oxygen-to-cerium ratios. The study extends to the incorporation of these variants of ceria nanoparticles into PVDF polymeric membranes by flat sheet membrane synthesis for water application. The different ceria variant’s surface charges and electronic vacancies play a significant role in water purification and emulsion separation. Capitalizing on their individual properties, ceria-modified membranes are systematically evaluated, for membrane performance in terms of flux, recovery ratio and reusability. Stoichiometric ceria-incorporated membranes emerge as superior performers with 1.7x oil-water separation efficiency and reusability compared to pristine membranes. Therefore, ceria nanoparticle incorporated membrane can be used for sustainable environmental remediation of pollutants from the water.