bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative infusion center assessments of chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicities: A pilot study supporting early and routine screenings as part of survivorship programs.
Authors: Rooker Jennessa , Anderson Matthew L. , Rutherford Thomas , Schwarzberg Rebecca , Sanchez Victoria Ann
Published: July 2024

e24102

Background: More than 50% of patients treated with taxane and platinum chemotherapy experience neurotoxic adverse events due to treatment, including neuropathy, hearing loss or cognitive impairment. However, because risk factors and clinical trajectory of these toxicities remain poorly understood, it is not yet clear how or when patients should be screened. Innovative technology, such as tablet-based screening tools, create unique opportunities to capture patient symptoms, better understand potentially long-lasting side effects, and determine when to start either preventive or treatment/rehabilitation options. Methods: We assembled a multidisciplinary team from oncology, nursing, and audiology. IRB permission was obtained to perform a longitudinal observational pilot to assess the feasibility of performing chair-side neurotoxicity screenings in the infusion center of an urban safety net health system. Five infusion center nurses were recruited to collect data using a tablet-based application on 55 patients who met the inclusion criteria including chemotherapy-naive patients and fluent in English. Neuropathy and cognitive impairment were measured by validated standardized subjective scales (the Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool, and the Attentional Function Index, respectively) and objective pure-tone audiometry (SHOEBOX Audiometry). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize outcome data. Results: Baseline assessments were completed on 48/55 patients with 37 completing at least one or up to 6 repeated assessments. All participants had baseline assessments before their first cycle by a chemo-certified RN in the infusion chair. Our sample included 55 adults aged 29 to 81 years, of whom 75% were females. 61% of participants were diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, and 51% consented to receive Paclitaxel and Carboplatin chemotherapy regimen, 29% consented to receive Cisplatin chemotherapy, the remaining 20% consented to receive Oxaliplatin, Docetaxel, or Carboplatin alone. Significant changes occurred in all 3 symptoms by cycle 6 of chemotherapy with 45% of participants experiencing neuropathy, 13% experiencing a clinically significant change in hearing, and 30% experiencing self-reported cognitive concern by the 6th cycle. Ototoxicity and neurotoxicity scores followed the same trajectory of an increase or worsening in scores over time from cycle 1 to cycle 6. Conclusions: Use of innovative, portable tablet-based screening tool can be effectively used to capture symptoms of neuropathy chair-side as patients undergo chemotherapy. These observations support the need to better assess these approaches so that they can be used to optimize clinical outcomes and patient quality of life.
Preventing 5-fluorouracil-induced ischemic events in very high-risk cardiac patients: A retrospective cohort analysis (SQCCCRC protocol).
Authors: Basuoni Ahmad , Ghoche Ahmad , Abu Omar Rami , d A Waleed , Al-Moundhri Mansour
Published: July 2024

e24112

Background: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a potent chemotherapy agent for various cancers, is linked to cardiotoxicity, particularly in patients with pre-existing ischemic heart disease. The incidence varies, necessitating effective preventive strategies. Among the several mechanisms responsible for 5-FU-induced myocardial ischemia are coronary vasospasm and endothelial injury. Therefore, prevention of ischemic events in very high-risk patients by controlling modifiable cardiac risk factors and good medical treatment including vasodilators are a potential strategy in preventing 5-FU ischemic events. Methods: To assess the effectiveness and safety of a protocol involving Amlodipine and Isosorbide dinitrate in preventing 5-FU-induced ischemic events in very high-risk cardiac patients with documented ischemic heart disease. Nineteen patients underwent 252 cycles of 5-FU chemotherapy, with 12 patients (181 cycles) following the pre-defined protocol (5-FU Protocol Group) and 7 patients (71 cycles) not adhering (Missed 5-FU Protocol Group). The primary outcome measure was the prevention of 5-FU-induced ischemic events, evidenced by the absence of chest pain, elevated Troponin levels, or ECG changes during 5-FU infusion. Results: The 5-FU Protocol Group demonstrated significant reductions in ischemic events, chest pain with p-values of 0.009 for both outcomes. Additionally, the occurrence of ECG changes post-5FU and an increase in Troponin levels was significantly lower in the 5-FU Protocol Group, with p-values of 0.036 for both parameters. Although not statistically significant, there was a lower 5FU-related mortality rate in the 5-FU Protocol Group compared to the missed 5-FU Protocol Group (0% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.37). The incidence of cancer-related mortality did not exhibit a statistically significant difference between the two groups. To evaluate this, we specifically examined and compared the occurrence of ischemic events in both the 5-FU Protocol Group and the Missed 5-FU Protocol Group. The comparison was conducted using the Fisher exact test. Conclusions: The use of vasodilators may be effective in preventing 5-Fluorouracil-Induced ischemic events in very high-risk cardiac patients with documented coronary artery disease. This approach may help reduce the risk of cardiac events and improve the safety of chemotherapy in this vulnerable patient population. Monitoring cardiotoxicity with maximum tolerated medical treatment and dedicated hospital protocols may be a good prophylaxis approach. Further studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of this approach in a larger patient population, and to assess its impact on long-term cardiac outcomes.
Integrated analysis of single-cell data on role of NKG7high CD8+ Teff cells in driving immune-related adverse events.
Authors: Zhang Minghui , Wen Ti , Qu Xiujuan
Published: July 2024

e24114

Background: Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) frequently occur during immunotherapy and can impact various organ systems, which dampen the clinical outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, the precise immune hallmarks associated with irAEs remain further explored. Methods: We collected public (Bukhari et al., Zhu et al., Su et al., and Ma et al.) and our own scRNA-seq data across patients with different irAE types or without irAEs. By comparing T cell compositions between irAE and no-irAE patients, the subcluster correlated with the occurrence of irAE was identified. Subsequently, the integrated analyses were performed to explore its mechanisms in driving irAEs in both peripheral blood and local tissues. Results: Compared to no-irAE patients, a subcluster of effector T (Teff) cells was observed to increase notably in the peripheral blood of irAE patients during immunotherapy. This specific subcluster, named "NKG7high CD8+ Teff cells," was characterized by the significant expression of effector genes such as GZMH, CCL5, and especially NKG7. In contrast to other CD8+ T cells, the NKG7high CD8+ Teff cells exhibited stronger cytotoxicity functions, increased exosome secretion, and enhanced MIF-CD74 interaction with monocytes, which suggests the mechanistic link between its increased infiltration and the development of irAEs. Further investigation showed these characteristics were more remarkable in NKG7high CD8+ Teff from irAE patients than no-irAE patients. Subsequently, the increase of NKG7high CD8+ Teff during immunotherapy was validated in our own scRNA from immune thyroiditis patients, which was not observed in no-irAE patients. Across various irAE types, NKG7high CD8+ Teff subsets, along with their NKG7 expression, demonstrated heightened infiltration and expression in immune-related arthritis and myocarditis samples. After investigating the role of NKG7high CD8+ Teff in peripheral blood, we focused on its distribution and roles in local irAE tissue. NKG7high CD8+ Teff cells accumulated in immune-related thyroiditis tissues, and recruited macrophages through the IFNG and CSF1 signaling pathways, thereby inducing an immune overreaction. Meanwhile, in immune-related myocarditis mice heart tissues, NKG7high CD8+ Teff cells could interact with macrophages via the SPP1 signaling pathway and cause endothelial cell damage through the FASL-FAS pathway. Conclusions: This comprehensive study revealed the intricate mechanisms of NKG7high CD8+ Teff in inducing irAEs, providing valuable insights into their roles and potential implications in irAE treatment.
Role of celecoxib in reducing cognitive impairment in patients receiving definitive chemoradiation for head and neck carcinoma: A phase II randomized placebo controlled trial (CELCI-HN study).
Authors: Sharma Aparna , SHARMA ATUL , Thakar Alok , Bhasker Suman , Sikka Kapil , Singh Amit Chirom , Kumar Rajeev , Pramanik Raja , Patil Vaibhav , kumar akash , Kataria Babita , Singhal Abhinav , Panda Smriti , Sharma Aman , Izzuddeen Yousra , R Chethan
Published: July 2024

TPS12150

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is common in the Indian subcontinent and majority (65%) patients present in an advanced stage. Chemotherapy related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a poorly defined and underestimated phenomenon in the HNSCC population. Through this study, we are attempting to establish evidence of activity of agents targeting neuro-inflammation in reducing or halting cognitive decline associated with definitive chemoradiotherapy for head and neck malignancies without adding to treatment-associated toxicity. This study can potentially aid in developing a cost effective approach with a readily available and cheap agent like celecoxib in improving the quality of life in this cohort of patients. Methods: This is a single center, double blinded placebo controlled phase 2 randomized trial. We intend to randomize 92 non metastatic HNSCC patients registered at a large tertiary cancer center of North India {Department of Medical Oncology (Head and Neck Cancer Clinic, All India Institute of Medical Sciences-National Cancer Institute, India)} planned for definitive chemoradiation (CTRT) with or without induction chemotherapy. Patients in the experimental arm will receive celecoxib 100 mg or matched placebo tablet orally twice a day starting with day 1 of initiation of definitive chemoradiotherapy/induction chemotherapy for a duration of 6 months or until unacceptable toxicity. Our primary objective is to determine the activity of celecoxib versus placebo in reducing cognitive decline in patients undergoing definitive CTRT with or without induction chemotherapy in HNSCC through patient reported outcome tools (FACT cog questionnaire). Secondary objectives include assessment of adverse event profile (measured using CTCAE v5.0), objective assessment of neurocognitive decline using neuropsychological battery of tests, to identify predictors of cognitive decline on the basis of site of malignancy, radiation dose to the base of skull and brainstem, age, comorbidities and educational status. Tertiary objective include evaluation of inflammatory biomarkers e.g serum COX-2, serum Interleukin and tumor necrosis factors-alpha levels at the end of therapy and on follow up. Clinical trial information: CTRI/2022/09/045579.
Improving Prediction of Survival and Progression in Metastatic Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer After Immunotherapy Through Machine Learning of Circulating Tumor DNA
Authors: Ding Haolun , Xu Xu Steven , Yang Yaning , Yuan Min
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE

To use modern machine learning approaches to enhance and automate the feature extraction from the longitudinal circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) data and to improve the prediction of survival and disease progression, risk stratification, and treatment strategies for patients with 1L non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using IMpower150 trial data on patients with untreated metastatic NSCLC treated with atezolizumab and chemotherapies, we developed a machine learning algorithm to extract predictive features from ctDNA kinetics, improving survival and progression prediction. We analyzed kinetic data from 17 ctDNA summary markers, including cell-free DNA concentration, allele frequency, tumor molecules in plasma, and mutation counts.

RESULTS

Three hundred and ninety-eight patients with ctDNA data (206 in training and 192 in validation) were analyzed. Our models outperformed existing workflow using conventional temporal ctDNA features, raising overall survival (OS) concordance index to 0.72 and 0.71 from 0.67 and 0.63 for C3D1 and C4D1, respectively, and substantially improving progression-free survival (PFS) to approximately 0.65 from the previous 0.54-0.58, a 12%-20% increase. Additionally, they enhanced risk stratification for patients with NSCLC, achieving clear OS and PFS separation. Distinct patterns of ctDNA kinetic characteristics (eg, baseline ctDNA markers, depth of ctDNA responses, and timing of ctDNA clearance, etc) were revealed across the risk groups. Rapid and complete ctDNA clearance appears essential for long-term clinical benefit.

CONCLUSION

Our machine learning approach offers a novel tool for analyzing ctDNA kinetics, extracting critical features from longitudinal data, improving our understanding of the link between ctDNA kinetics and progression/mortality risks, and optimizing personalized immunotherapies for 1L NSCLC.
Extracting work from two gravitational cat states
Authors: Hadipour Maryam , Haseli Soroush
Published: July 2024

Gravitational cat states in the context of gravity are superpositions of quantum states that exhibit macroscopically distinct gravitational fields. These states represent a unique blend of quantum mechanics and general relativity, providing insights into the behavior of quantum systems under gravitational influences. This study investigates the impact of thermal environments on the extractable work from gravitational cat states, which are quantum superpositions of distinct gravitational configurations. It aims to offer a comprehensive analysis of how temperature and gravitational interactions between states with masses m influence work extraction. The findings indicate that both an increase in temperature and the interactions between states reduce the amount of work that can be extracted from gravitational cat states, highlighting the delicate balance between thermal and gravitational effects in quantum systems.
Emergence Electroencephalography in an Unresponsiveness Geriatric Patient in the Postanesthesia Care Unit: A Case Report
Authors: Banerji Antara , Sleigh Jamie W. , Termaat Jonathan , Voss Logan J.
Published: July 2024

Incomplete neurological awakening manifested as aberrant patterns of electroencephalography (EEG) at emergence may be responsible for an unresponsive patient in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). We describe a case of an individual who remained unresponsive but awake in the PACU. Retrospective, intraoperative EEG analysis showed low alpha power and a sudden shift from deep delta to arousal preextubation. We explored parallels with diminished motivation disorders and anesthesia-induced sleep paralysis due to imbalances in anesthetic drug sensitivity between brain regions. Our findings highlight the relevance of end-anesthesia EEG patterns in diagnosing delayed awakening.
Accelerated hermaphrodite maturation on male pheromones suggests a general principle of coordination between larval behavior and development
Authors: Faerberg Denis F. , Aprison Erin Z. , Ruvinsky Ilya
Published: July 2024

Environment in general and social signals in particular could alter development. In Caenorhabditis elegans, male pheromones hasten development of hermaphrodite larvae. We show that this involves acceleration of growth and both somatic and germline development during the last larval stage (L4). Larvae exposed to male pheromones spend more time in L3 and less in the quiescent period between L3 and L4. This behavioral alteration improves provision in early L4, likely allowing for faster development. Larvae must be exposed to male pheromones in late L3 for behavioral and developmental effects to occur. Latter portions of other larval stages also contain periods of heightened sensitivity to environmental signals. Behavior during the early part of the larval stages is biased toward exploration, whereas later the emphasis shifts to food consumption. We argue that this organization allows assessment of the environment to identify the most suitable patch of resources, followed by acquisition of sufficient nutrition and salient information for the developmental events in the next larval stage. Evidence from other species indicates that such coordination of behavior and development may be a general feature of larval development.
CCL2 signaling promotes skeletal muscle wasting in non-tumor and breast tumor models
Authors: Alissa Nadia , Fang Wei Bin , Medrano Marcela , Bergeron Nick , Kozai Yuuka , Hu Qingting , Redding Chloe , Thyfault John , Hamilton-Reeves Jill , Berkland Cory , Cheng Nikki
Published: July 2024

Despite advancements in treatment, approximately 25% of patients with breast cancer experience long-term skeletal muscle wasting (SMW), which limits mobility, reduces drug tolerance and adversely impacts survival. By understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of SMW, we may be able to develop new strategies to alleviate this condition and improve the lives of patients with breast cancer. Chemokines are small soluble factors that regulate homing of immune cells to tissues during inflammation. In breast cancers, overexpression of C-C chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) correlates with unfavorable prognosis. Elevated levels of CCL2 in peripheral blood indicate possible systemic effects of this chemokine in patients with breast cancer. Here, we investigated the role of CCL2 signaling on SMW in tumor and non-tumor contexts. In vitro, increasing concentrations of CCL2 inhibited myoblast and myotube function through C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2)-dependent mechanisms involving JNK, SMAD3 and AMPK signaling. In healthy mice, delivery of recombinant CCL2 protein promoted SMW in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo knockdown of breast tumor-derived CCL2 partially protected against SMW. Overall, chronic, upregulated CCL2–CCR2 signaling positively regulates SMW, with implications for therapeutic targeting.
The role of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) guidelines in disease modeling
Authors: Juguilon Cody , Wu Joseph C.
Published: July 2024

Human stem cell-based modeling systems are valuable tools that can greatly improve the clinical translation of basic research. Importantly, the successful application of human stem cell-based models to biomedical research depends on the widespread adoption of ethical principles and practical standards. To achieve this outcome, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) provides a comprehensive set of recommendations that aim to promote the ethical usage of human stem cells and to ensure rigor and reproducibility within the field. Understanding and implementing these recommendations should be a top priority for investigators around the world.
Short transmembrane domains target type II proteins to the Golgi apparatus and type I proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Bian Claudie , Marchetti Anna , Dias Marco , Perrin Jackie , Cosson Pierre
Published: July 2024

Transmembrane domains (TMDs) contain information targeting membrane proteins to various compartments of the secretory pathway. In previous studies, short or hydrophilic TMDs have been shown to target membrane proteins either to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or to the Golgi apparatus. However, the basis for differential sorting to the ER and to the Golgi apparatus remained unclear. To clarify this point, we quantitatively analyzed the intracellular targeting of a collection of proteins exhibiting a single TMD. Our results reveal that membrane topology is a major targeting element in the early secretory pathway: type I proteins with a short TMD are targeted to the ER, and type II proteins to the Golgi apparatus. A combination of three features accounts for the sorting of simple membrane proteins in the secretory pathway: membrane topology, length and hydrophilicity of the TMD, and size of the cytosolic domain. By clarifying the rules governing sorting to the ER and to the Golgi apparatus, our study could revive the search for sorting mechanisms in the early secretory pathway.
Bayesian evidence synthesis for the analysis of biomedical data
Authors: Αψεμίδης Αναστάσιος
Published: July 2024

Στην εποχή άνθησης της Στατιστικής και της Επιστήμης των Δεδομένων, η ανάλυση βιοϊατρικών δεδομένων κερδίζει συνεχώς την προσοχή ερευνητών και επαγγελματιών, οι οποίοι προσπαθούν να χρησιμοποιήσουν την πληθώρα πληροφορίας σε διαδικασίες λήψης αποφάσεων. Η Μπεϋζιανή μεθοδολογία, της οποίας η δημοτικότητα έχει επίσης αυξηθεί τις τελευταίες δεκαετίες λόγω της υπολογιστικής και στατιστικής προόδου σε μεθόδους προσομοίωσης Μόντε Κάρλο, παρέχει ένα συνεκτικό πλαίσιο σύνθεσης πληροφορίας από διαφορετικές πηγές. Έτσι, στοχεύουμε στη χρήση Μπεϋζιανών μοντέλων, για να εκτιμήσουμε σημαντικές ποσότητες στα πεδία τόσο των λοιμωδών όσο και των μη λοιμωδών ασθενειών. Όσον αφορά τις λοιμώδεις ασθένειες, ασχολούμαστε με την πανδημία Covid-19 και, συγκεκριμένα, κατασκευάζουμε στοχαστικά διαμερισματικά μοντέλα διακριτού χρόνου βασισμένα στο λανθάνον επίπεδο των καταγεγραμμένων και μη κρουσμάτων, ώστε να εκτιμήσουμε τo ρυθμό αναπαραγωγής και το ποσοστό των παρατηρούμενων κρουσμάτων. Επίσης, αντιμετωπίζουμε το πρόβλημα υπό το πρίσμα των δυναμικών συστημάτων με στόχο την ανάπτυξη διορατικότητας, αλλά και την κατασκευή ποσοτήτων κατάλληλων για υποστήριξη λήψης αποφάσεων. Στο πλαίσιο των μη λοιμωδών ασθενειών, προτείνουμε μεθόδους παρεκβολής της καμπύλης επιβίωσης, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη προβολές της θνησιμότητας, με στόχο να εκτιμήσουμε τα χρόνια ζωής που κερδίζονται, όταν εφαρμόζεται μία θεραπεία αντί κάποιας άλλης. Η μεθοδολογία παρουσιάζεται μέσα από τρία παραδείγματα που απασχολούν την ιατρική κοινότητα και αφορούν τον καρκίνο του μαστού, το μεταστατικό μελάνωμα και την καρδιακή αρρυθμία.
Compression and enhancement of medical images and video
Authors: Ζέρβα Σταματία-Χριστίνα
Published: July 2024

Αυτή η διατριβή διερευνά την πρόοδο των τεχνολογιών ιατρικής απεικόνισης μέσω της ανάπτυξης καινοτόμων μεθοδολογιών για τη συμπίεση και την υπερ-ανάλυση ιατρικής εικόνας και βίντεο. Η έρευνα επικεντρώνεται στη βελτίωση της αποτελεσματικότητας και της ποιότητας της συμπίεσης ιατρικής εικόνας με την εισαγωγή μιας βελτιωμένης μεθόδου που βασίζεται στη Μείωση Διαφοράς Κυματιδίων (WDR). Επιπλέον, προτείνει νέες προσεγγίσεις για υπερ-ανάλυση βίντεο και μαγνητικής τομογραφίας που χρησιμοποιούν Plug-and-Play Priors (PnP) ενσωματωμένες στο πλαίσιο της Μέθοδος Εναλλασσόμενης Κατεύθυνσης των Πολλαπλασιαστών (ADMM). Τα αποτελέσματα καταδεικνύουν σημαντικές βελτιώσεις στον λόγο αιχμής σήματος προς θόρυβο (PSNR) και στο δείκτη δομικής ομοιότητας (SSIM) σε διάφορα σύνολα δεδομένων, δίνοντας έμφαση στην πρακτική εφαρμογή και την ανώτερη απόδοση των προτεινόμενων μεθόδων σε κλινικές συνθήκες. Οι μελλοντικές κατευθύνσεις περιλαμβάνουν περαιτέρω βελτιστοποίηση για εφαρμογές σε πραγματικό χρόνο, επέκταση των μεθοδολογιών σε άλλες μεθόδους ιατρικής απεικόνισης και ενσωμάτωση ισχυρών μέτρων ασφαλείας για την προστασία των δεδομένων των ασθενών.
Consumer protection and sustainable development: key green research areas
Authors: Paduszyńska Marta , Kozar Łukasz Jarosław
Published: July 2024

Motivation: Consumers are an important link in the socio-economic system. In the literature, there is a noticeable increase in interest on the part of researchers in shaping consumer attitudes and behaviour in various markets, including the issue of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviour. In the context of contemporary transformations and challenges of sustainable development, the importance of solutions aimed at providing consumers with adequate protection against a variety of unfair market practices misleading consumers on the issue of green products and services is growing. The motivation for undertaking this research was the need to highlight the complexity of green issues around consumer protection and, at the same time, to address them from a sustainability perspective. This can be an important step in discussing and setting further research directions in this area.
Aim: The aim of this article is to identify key green research areas undertaken around consumer protection issues while addressing them from a sustainable development perspective. The implementation of this objective consisted of a literature review of the subject listed in the Scopus database and the Web of Science database. The methods adopted were a Structured Literature Review with original Q1-Q4 queries and a Classic Literature Review.
Results: In economic reality, it can be observed that an increasing number of economic actors are offering products and services that are labelled green. They support the transformation of the current economy toward a green economy. However, the analyses show that consumers are increasingly confronted with the phenomenon of greenwashing. This requires the creation of new solutions to protect consumers against such unfair practices. The results of the considerations undertaken show the interdisciplinary character of the undertaken considerations around the issue of consumer protection in the field of greenwashing.
Increasing abdominal circumference in children – does it require diagnosis?
Authors: Miazga Małgorzata , Ostojska Magdalena , Stręk Wojciech , Maślana Marianna , Bogoń Aleksandra , Woźniak Magdalena Maria
Published: July 2024

Introduction and purpose: Wilms tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is the most prevalent malignant tumor of the kidney in the pediatric population. 90% of them are diagnosed in children before the age of 6. This tumor is more common in girls, and usually occurs unilaterally. The purpose of the study is to analyse and present the incidence of the patients with Wilms tumor in University Children’s Hospital in Lublin in comparison to other studies published on PubMed.
Material and methods: The study included 34 patients with the Wilms tumor in the past medical history. They were selected among patients who had a computed tomography (CT) scan in the Department of Pediatric Radiology between November 2012 and October 2021. 
Results: The average diagnostic age of Wilms tumor patients was 3 years and 9 months. The unilateral occurrence of the tumor was more common, also, the presence of a tumor in the left kidney was more frequent than in the right one. Metastases were mainly located in the lungs and liver. The less common sites of metastasis were pleural recesses and paraaortic lymph nodes. Treatment was mostly based on nephrectomy and chemotherapy, and less frequently, on radiotherapy. In the majority of patients, treatment resulted in regression of cancer lesions. Only a few recurrences of the disease were reported.
Conclusions: Successful treatment protocols for Wilms tumor (pre-operative chemotherapy and surgery) ensure a high survival rate. It is important to monitor the patient after treatment due to the risk of recurrence. During diagnostics, chest and abdominal CT should be considered because of the high incidence rate of lung and liver metastases.
Impact of Obesity on Respiratory Health: The Role of Sport and Physical Activity in Prevention and Management
Authors: Makuch Rafał , Kucharski Adam , Pilarski Konrad , Chrościcka Alicja , Gała Kamil , Czajka Andrzej , Lenard Paweł , Michalska Sara , Dewicka Martyna , Wawrzyniak Alicja Maria
Published: July 2024

Introduction and Objective: Obesity is a major social and economic problem. Since the 1980s, the number of overweight and obese people has doubled. Treatment of such patients is 30% more expensive than for people of normal weight. The main aim of the article is to present the impact of the occurrence of respiratory diseases and the deterioration of the system function. In addition, the article reviews the impact of physical activity and diet on weight loss and the prevention of further weight gain.
Review and Methods: Review and summary of studies and meta-analysis of studies available in open-source format on Google Scholar and PubMed.
Abbreviated Description of the State of Knowledge: One of the most common diseases in the population is bronchial asthma. People with excess body weight have a more severe course, and numerous studies have been carried out to explain the cause. The main mechanism that worsens respiratory function is mechanical compression by fatty tissue. It has also been observed that the inflammatory response, underlying the etiopathogenesis of asthma, may be caused by the secretion of inflammatory mediators by adipocytes. This is currently being investigated.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that results in a fragmentation of sleep, which has serious health consequences and leads to a reduction in quality of life. Obesity is a major risk factor. The severity of the condition is strongly related to excess body weight.
Obese hypoventilation syndrome is a condition in which obesity impairs alveolar
ventilation and CO2 removal, resulting in hypercapnia, which can lead to respiratory failure.
Summary: Weight loss and interventions to prevent weight gain in people with a baseline BMI >25 kg/m2 are fundamental to good health. For best results, a calorie-restricted diet should be combined with physical activity. The WHO has created recommendations for the amount of physical activity needed each week.
A participação da comunidade na elaboração de políticas de práticas esportivas no estado do Paraná
Authors: Ordonhes Mayara Torres , Zamboni Kaio Julio , Souza João Victor Moretti de , Mezzadri Fernando Marinho , Cavichiolli Fernando Renato
Published: July 2024

O presente estudo objetivou verificar a associação do aspecto demográfico, social e econômico e a participação da comunidade na elaboração de políticas de práticas esportivas no estado do Paraná. A pesquisa possui abordagem quantitativa e possui delineamento ecológico transversal, que buscou testar a associação entre as características demográficas (tamanho populacional), sociais e econômicas (Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal e o Produto Interno Bruto) dos 399 municípios paranaenses e a participação da comunidade na elaboração de políticas de práticas esportivas no estado do Paraná. Por meio dos dados, pode-se observar que a maior parte dos municípios da amostra não possui conselho municipal, porém, de forma predominante, os municípios permitem a participação da comunidade na elaboração de políticas de práticas esportivas no estado do Paraná por meio de diferentes estratégias, sendo a participação informal citada pela maioria. No caso analisado, embora não tenham sido evidenciadas relações entre o desenvolvimento econômico e a qualidade de vida dos moradores com a modificação na quantidade de estratégias elaboradas pelos municípios, pode-se perceber que existiu uma correlação entre os orçamentos geral e específico para o esporte dos municípios e a quantidade de estratégias com a comunidade ao realizar a elaboração de políticas de práticas esportivas no estado do Paraná.
Optimal No-Regret Learning in Repeated First-Price Auctions
Authors: Han Yanjun , Weissman Tsachy , Zhou Zhengyuan
Published: July 2024

In “Optimal No-Regret Learning in Repeated First-Price Auctions,” Y. Han, W. Tsachy, and Z. Zhou study online learning in repeated first-price auctions where a bidder, only observing the winning bid at the end of each auction, learns to adaptively bid to maximize her cumulative payoff. To achieve this goal, the bidder faces censored feedback: If she wins the bid, then she is not able to observe the highest bid of the other bidders, which we assume is i.i.d. drawn from an unknown distribution. In this paper, they develop the first learning algorithm that achieves a near-optimal regret bound, by exploiting two structural properties of first-price auctions, that is, the specific feedback structure and payoff function.
Application of Geographic Information System (GIS) Technology to Formulate Unused Spring Water Optimization Strategy
Authors: Lisan Ahmad Rifan Khoirul , Murdiyanto Eko , Harsana Minta
Published: July 2024

Background: This article presents the findings of a comprehensive community empowerment program that focused on the application of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology for the optimization strategy formulation of unused spring water.
Contribution:  The contribution of this program address the challenge for better utilization of unused spring water and promote sustainable water management practices.
Method:  The study employed GIS technology to identify and map unused springs, followed by hydrological analysis and water quality assessment to inform the development of optimization strategies.
Results:  This program suggested infrastructure development, water conservation measures, and distribution network design to enhance water availability.

Conclusion:  The findings show that GIS approach is suitable for further applications in other Indonesian mountainous villages with similarly shared community traits. However, further some locality aspects, including, but not limited to community leadership and economic power, need to be assessed further, as they play significant influences on the success of the program
Filling the gap: medium and large mammals from a Cerrado remnant in Central Brazil
Authors: Guimarães-Silva Marco Antonio , Barros Bittar Bruno , Fermino Beatriz , Vinhais Souza João Vitor , Vila de Carvalho Fabio Martins , Ribeiro de Morais Alessandro , Cordeiro Moreira Jãnio
Published: July 2024

La diversidad del bioma Cerrado está amenazada por la deforestación y el reemplazo de la vegetación nativa por áreas agrícolas y urbanas.  Desafortunadamente, áreas como parte del estado de Tocantins, permanecen como un vacío de muestreo para la fauna de mamíferos, que resulta en una falta de conocimiento.  El presente estudio contribuye con información sobre mamíferos medianos y grandes de la región de Río Formoso, Tocantins.  En enero de 2019, realizamos un levantamiento de campo en 7 puntos de muestreo en el municipio de Dueré, sur de Tocantins.  Instalamos 4 cámaras trampa las cuales permanecieron activas por un periodo de 7 días.  Adicionalmente, se realizaron censos activos diurnos y nocturnos.  La relativa completitud del inventario se evaluó a través de las curvas acumulativas de las especies.  Registramos 21 especies de mamíferos medianos y grandes durante 7 días de muestreo en una región bajo la influencia de actividades agrícolas, incluidas especies en peligro de extinción como jaguares, armadillos gigantes, nutrias gigantes y ciervos de los pantanos.  La presencia de especies de mamíferos grandes y medianos, que tienen un papel importante en el ecosistema evidencia que el entorno local del Cerrado mantiene cierto equilibrio aún con las acciones antrópicas en el paisaje.  Estos resultados muestran la importancia de los estudios de campo a nivel regional y brindan información sobre una región poco explorada.
The low chromosome number of a relict shrew (Cryptotis magnus) isolated in a cloud forest of México
Authors: Cervantes Fernando A. , Mata-González Stephanye , Ordaz-Téllez Ma. Guadalupe , Guevara Lázaro
Published: July 2024

Para conocer y conservar a las musarañas mexicanas es necesario conocerlas bien, aunque su identificación taxonómica es difícil.  Sin embargo, las herramientas citogenéticas pueden ayudar a discriminar las especies.  No se conocen cariotipos de musarañas de México, por lo que decidimos iniciar el estudio de sus cromosomas comenzando con Cryptotis magnus.  Se colectaron musarañas en bosque de niebla de Oaxaca y se prepararon metafases cromosómicas de médula ósea, se tiñeron con Giemsa, se examinaron microscópicamente y se fotografiaron.  Se contaron los cromosomas para calcular el 2n, se determinó su morfología, se estimó el FN y se elaboró un cariotipo.  Los especímenes de C. magnus fueron catalogados en la Colección Nacional de Mamíferos, Instituto de Biología, UNAM.  Los resultados mostraron numerosas células metafásicas y cromosomas conspicuos.  El número cromosómico diploide encontrado fue de 2n = 26, formado por 24 cromosomas autosómicos birrámeos (18 metacéntricos y 6 submetacéntricos) y 2 cromosomas sexuales (X: subtelocéntrico grande; Y: telocéntrico pequeño).  Sumando el número de brazos cromosómicos de los autosomas el número fundamental (FN) resultante es 48.  El complemento cromosómico de C. magnus es distintivo y su 2n es uno de los más pequeños de la familia Soricidae.  La conformación actual de su perfil cromosómico puede haberse originado a partir de reordenamientos cromosómicos Robertsonianos que redujeron el 2n ancestral (46) a 2n = 26 produciendo autosomas de morfología birrámea.  El aislamiento geográfico en una pequeña región geográfica de Oaxaca puede haber facilitado este proceso evolutivo.
Ampliación del límite noroeste de distribución de Phyllostomus hastatus y descripción de sus pulsos de ecolocalización
Authors: Kraker-Castañeda Cristian , Nuñez Lourdes , Guzmán Gerber , Arévalo Ana Lucía , Pernillo Lesly , Pérez-Consuegra Sergio G.
Published: July 2024

Phyllostomus hastatus es la segunda especie de murciélago de mayor tamaño en el continente americano.  Su límite de distribución norte se encuentra entre Belice y Guatemala.  En noviembre de 2022, capturamos un individuo con una trampa de arpa en la cueva Senahí, municipio de Lanquín, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala.  Determinamos su sexo, edad, condición reproductiva, longitud de antebrazo, peso, y obtuvimos grabaciones acústicas.  Caracterizamos los pulsos de ecolocalización y proveemos una contextualización geográfica.  Se trató de una hembra adulta, no reproductiva, con longitud de antebrazo de 92.74 mm y peso de 140 g.  Los pulsos de ecolocalización son de frecuencia modulada descendente con armónicos múltiples.  El segundo armónico presentó la mayor energía, sin alternancia, con frecuencias por debajo de los 50 kHz y duración entre 2.3 y 4.8 ms.  El sitio de captura se encuentra a una distancia aproximada de 119 km de la recolecta más cercana en el país, y ampliamos el límite noroeste de distribución de la especie.  La estructura de los pulsos de ecolocalización coincidió con lo reportado en la literatura, y para las diferencias encontradas de los parámetros acústicos explicamos las posibles fuentes de variación.  Por la ubicación de la captura, las recolectas previas y los tipos de vegetación donde se ha registrado esta especie, esperamos su presencia en sitios intermedios entre Alta Verapaz e Izabal, y la porción sureste de Petén, en Guatemala.  Finalmente, resaltamos la importancia de la investigación y acciones de conservación del ecosistema subterráneo en el país.
Comments on reproduction of Myotis dinellii in San Juan, Argentina
Authors: Rivero-Castro Gustavo A. , Ruiz-Estebes Elias G. , Sánchez-Castro Lilen , Maya Nicolás J. , Amoni-Sacchi Héctor J. , Pastrán-López Orlando G. A.
Published: July 2024

Myotis dinellii forma grupos de 3 a 80 individuos y habita en ambientes naturales y antrópicos.  A pesar de tener una amplia distribución en Argentina, la información disponible sobre su reproducción es escasa, por lo que el objetivo de este trabajo es proporcionar información referida a su actividad reproductiva y llenar algunos vacíos en el conocimiento de su biología.  Se registró la actividad reproductiva de una colonia de M. dinellii que habita en un puente (2.26 m de alto, 9.60 m de largo, 14 m de ancho) en el departamento de Ullum, San Juan, Argentina.  Se colocaron 2 redes de niebla en ambos lados del puente desde las 20:00 hr a 06:00 hr.  De cada ejemplar se registró el sexo, edad y condición reproductiva.  Desde marzo de 2018 a enero de 2020, con un esfuerzo de muestreo de 1,350 hr/red se capturaron 49 individuos, consistentes en 41 hembras (29 lactantes y 12 no lactantes) y 8 machos (4 con testículos escrotales y 4 con testículos abdominales). Se registraron 29 nacimientos en los primeros días del mes de diciembre y lactancia hasta los primeros días de enero.  La colonia ocupó el puente desde noviembre hasta principios de marzo.  Estos resultados constituyen los primeros datos reproductivos para M. dinellii basados en un seguimiento sistemático de una colonia.  Estos estudios son necesarios para incrementar el conocimiento general de los patrones reproductivos de las especies en Argentina.
New records of small mammals in American barn owl, Tyto furcata pellets from southeastern Ecuador
Authors: Cadena-Ortiz Héctor , Ríos María Cristina , Vargas Rocío , Castillo Fabián , Brito Jorge
Published: July 2024

El análisis de egagrópilas de búhos es una alternativa eficiente para evaluar la composición de la comunidad de pequeños mamíferos.  En Ecuador, existen análisis previos de egagrópilas de la lechuza de campanario americana, Tyto furcata en las tierras bajas del Pacífico y en los valles interandinos, resaltando un alto consumo de roedores.  Describimos por primera vez la dieta de T. furcata en la región amazónica, sureste del Ecuador, resaltando la abundancia y distribución de los mamíferos presa.  Colectamos egagrópilas de un individuo de T. furcata en Paquisha, cuenca del río Nangaritza, ladera oeste de la Cordillera del Cóndor.  Disgregamos las egagrópilas, separamos huesos y otros restos de presas. Usamos las estructuras únicas como los cráneos y pares de mandíbulas para identificar y estimar el número mínimo de individuos de presa.  Identificamos las presas usando claves taxonómicas y por comparación con material de referencia museológico.  Encontramos principalmente pequeños mamíferos como presas: 2 didelphidos y 5 cricétidos.  El ratón colilargo delicado, Oligoryzomys delicatus, es el registro más austral de su distribución; la marmosa esbelta de Bishop, Marmosops bishopi, es el primer registro en la provincia de Zamora Chinchipe.  El ratón campestre de las Yungas, Akodon aerosus y O. delicatus fueron las presas más abundantes, por lo que podemos sugerir como comunes en la localidad.  El análisis de las egagrópilas de T. furcata fue eficiente para registrar la diversidad de pequeños mamíferos en esta área previamente poco estudiada.  Los cráneos encontrados aumentaron el material museológico, antes poco representado para algunas especies y también en la provincia.  Finalmente destacamos a T. furcata como depredador de estos pequeños mamíferos, un aspecto importante de la historia natural del ave y de las presas.
Acoustics records of three Pteronotus species from Vichada, Colombia
Authors: Yantén Angélica V. , Hernández-Leal Orlando Fabián , Restrepo-Giraldo Carlos , Sánchez-Castrillon Jefferson , Martínez-Medina Daniela
Published: July 2024

Los murciélagos insectívoros del género Pteronotus son considerados raros o poco comunes por su difícil captura con métodos tradicionales (i.e., redes de niebla y trampas arpa).  Sin embargo, estos murciélagos emiten señales de ecolocalización distinguibles que facilitan su detección y reconocimiento mediante métodos acústicos.  En esta nota, reportamos la presencia de 3 especies de murciélagos del género Pteronotus a partir de registros acústicos en el departamento de Vichada, en Colombia y presentamos una breve caracterización de las señales de ecolocalización para cada una de las especies.  Realizamos un monitoreo acústico pasivo en 3 localidades y analizamos las secuencias de los pulsos de ecolocalización.  Adicionalmente, realizamos una búsqueda de registros de capturas en colecciones biológicas y artículos científicos para conocer la distribución actual de Pteronotus en Colombia.  Registramos acústicamente 3 especies de murciélagos del género Pteronotus: P. personatus, P. gymnonotus y P. cf. rubiginosus.  En cuanto a la búsqueda de registros en colecciones y artículos encontramos 59 registros a partir de capturas de especies de Pteronotus en Colombia, de los cuales 8 pertenecen al departamento de Vichada.  Este trabajo aporta evidencia a la noción de que los estudios con el uso de métodos acústicos en murciélagos son eficientes para el registro de especies insectívoras difíciles de capturar, como las del género Pteronotus.
Partnership working to drive person-centred change: a case study
Authors: Beaumont Jan
Published: July 2024

This article puts the stroke survivor's voice at the centre of improvement, by highlighting the development, challenges and rollout of the patient-reported experience measures pilot survey created by the NHS England and the Stroke Association. The aim of this pilot survey was to test the feasibility, methodology and acceptability of a national survey of patient experience across the whole stroke pathway.
Bringing the patient voice to life at this year's conference
Authors: Derbyshire Julie
Published: July 2024

This year's British Association of Neuroscience Nurses'conference will be held between 4–5 October, 2024, at Newcastle Upon Tyne, and will be bringing the patient voice to the fore. With two key-note speakers sharing their experiences as ex-patients with head injuries, the conference hopes to provide neuroscience nurses with a better understanding of patient perspective.
Use of SPY angiography in tissue assessment for wound healing outcomes after breast reconstruction
Authors: Wilson Anna C , Pisansky Andrew JB , Tessier Katelyn M , Hui Jane , Choudry Umar , Lassig Amy Anne D
Published: July 2024

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a systematic image assessment protocol using SPY Elite images (LifeCell Corp., US) of viable tissue at the periphery of the surgical field was associated with positive wound healing outcomes following mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

Method:

Patients undergoing mastectomy and subsequent breast reconstruction surgery at a single tertiary medical centre were included. SPY images were prospectively analysed using a systematic image assessment protocol, and an absolute value of mean fluorescence was calculated by measuring peripheral, in-situ tissue from each image. Patient medical records were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, surgical characteristics and postoperative outcomes. These variables were statistically tested for associations with mean fluorescence.

Results:

A total of 63 patients were included in the final analysis. We found that objectively determined mean fluorescence values were not statistically significantly associated with postoperative complications.

Conclusion:

In this study, objectively measured mean fluorescence values representing breast tissue remaining after dissection showed little utility in the assessment of postoperative wound healing outcomes as they did not identify patients who would later have complications of wound healing.

Declaration of interest:

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.