bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving a process of managing dynamic occupational risks
Authors: Tsopa V. A , Cheberiachko S. I , Yavorska O. O , Deryugin O. V , Borovytskyi О. M
Published: August 2023

Purpose. To improve the process of managing dynamic occupational risks, which considers changes in time in hazardous factors of the organization’s environment in the occupational safety and health management system. Methodology. To improve the process of managing occupational risks, we have applied a well-known “Bow-Tie” model (ISO 31010:2018). The model allows assessing occupational risks as the product of the probability of hazardous event occurrence and severity of the consequences, taking into account the influence of hazardous external and internal factors, hazardous actions or dangerous inactions, which, according to the requirements of Clause 4.1 of the ISO 45001:2018 standard, are interconnected and subject to the influence of time. Findings. A model of the connection of hazardous factors of the internal and external environment of an organization, related to their negative influence on the growing probability of hazardous event (incident) occurrence and a degree of severity in time, has been developed. The process of managing occupational risks is proposed, taking into account changes in the time of exposure to hazardous factors, which will allow determining the acceptability or unacceptability of the occupational risk in time. The analysis of changes in occupational risks is proposed to be considered in the following time intervals (specifically in those where there is a corresponding change in risk factors): time of the day, day of the week, month of the year, quarter, half year, year, years etc. All the proposed professional risks were divided into two groups of professional risks considering the changes in their levels in time: static and dynamic ones. To calculate the occupational risk level, it is also proposed to determine all combinations of hazardous factors that can occur simultaneously in time within the corresponding intervals of the time under analysis. Originality. It has been determined that identification of the acceptable level of an occupational risk in the maximum combination of all hazardous factors acting simultaneously at a certain point in time will lead to the fact that all other combinations of hazardous factors will also have an acceptable level of occupational risk. This provision follows from the fact that the level of occupational risk from a smaller number of hazardous factors will not exceed the indicator of occupational risk from the exposure to a larger number of hazardous factors in time. Practical value. The forms for dynamic occupational risk assessment have been developed; a matrix has been proposed for determining the number of combinations of hazardous factors acting simultaneously in time.
АКУСТИЧНЕ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ФЛАЖОЛЕТНИХ ЗАКІНЧЕНЬ У СПІВІ: ДЕКІЛЬКА УКРАЇНСЬКИХ ТА БІЛОРУСЬКИХ ПРИКЛАДІВ
Authors: Ambrazevičius Rytis
Published: August 2023

Метою статті є ознайомлення з можливостями акустичного аналізу в інтерпретації флажолетних звукових закінчень українського та білоруського традиційного співу. Магістральним питанням актуальності презентованого наукового дослідження є максимальність аналітичного розгляду традиційного співацького феномену, а саме – деяких українських та білоруських співацьких прикладів, що повинні допомогти в більш інтонаційно чистій і точній ідентифікації такого роду співацьких традиційних характеристик, а також типологізації індивідуальних рис традиційного співу. Основним методом цього дослідження є акустичний аналіз; зокрема, аналіз зміни висоти та тембру (який, у фактичному випадку, визначається здебільшого звуковим спектром). Наукова новизна роботи полягає в тому, що вперше в східнослов’янській етномузикології досліджено акустичними методами феномен флажолетних звукових закінчень; це дозволяє точніше розкрити явище, що розглядається. Висновки. Традиційні вокальні «стрибки» у високий регістр бувають різних типів. Цей вокальний прийом вже спостерігався у попередніх дослідженнях колег. Однак саме акустичний аналіз дозволяє чітко диференціювати ці типи і візуалізувати їх тонкі відмінності, які не помітні на слух. Перспективою презентованого наукового дослідження є імплементація сучасних наукових праць (особливо тих, що використовують акустичний та приналежний до сприйняття наукові методи дослідження) на питання стосовно флажолетних технік, з метою покращення усвідомлення цього феномену, а також еволюціонування практичного аспекту традиційного вокального виконавства у сучасному музичному мистецтві.
ЕВОЛЮЦІЯ ТА ВИКОРИСТАННЯ «РОЗШИРЕНИХ ТЕХНІК» ГРИ У МУЗИЦІ ДРУГОЇ ПОЛОВИНИ ХХ – ПОЧАТКУ ХХІ СТОЛІТТЯ
Authors: Ostrovskyi Stanislav
Published: August 2023

Висвітлено питання застосування в музиці другої половини ХХ ‑ початку ХХІ століття розширених технік, як художнього прийому і як ладо-гармонічної форми організації музичного матеріалу. На основі акустичних закономірностей обертонового ряду здійснено спробу пояснити закономірності історичного розвитку музичного мистецтва. Особливу увагу в цьому процесі приділено еволюції та використанню розширених технік у другій половині ХХ – на початку ХХІ століття. Мета статті – розглянути феномен розширених технік, висвітлити принципи та прийоми їх використання, встановити взаємопов’язаність їх еволюції з розвитком музичного мистецтва другої половини ХХ – початку ХХІ століття. Методологічною основою статті є комплексний підхід, заснований на історико-теоретичному методі та методі музикознавчого аналізу. Іншими методами в роботі є загальнонаукові теоретичні – систематизація (класифікація), узагальнення, та практичні – збір інформації та описування. Наукова новизна статті. У статті здійснено одну із перших спроб дослідити еволюцію й використання розширених технік у композиторській творчості другої половини ХХ – початку ХХІ століття та пояснити цим розвиток музичного мистецтва зазначеного періоду. Висновки. У другій половині ХХ – на початку ХХІ століття широкого застосування в музичному мистецтві знайшли новітні прийоми гри та співу, так звані, розширені техніки, принципово відмінні від традиційних засобів звукоутворення (ordinario). Протягом ХХ – початку ХХІ століть впроваджена велика кількість альтернативних прийомів звуковидобування, що продовжує невпинно збільшуватися. Загалом розширені техніки поділяються на два основні види: 1) з невизначеною висотою тону (переважно шумові та перкусійні прийоми); 2) з визначеною висотою тону (безліч прийомів звуковидобування, велику частину яких становить гра обертонами). В останні десятиліття все більше привертають увагу композиторів мультифоніки та обертонові прийоми гри, що засновуються на спектральній складовій звуку. Розширені інструментальні техніки отримали широке застосування у творчості таких композиторів, як М. Андре, К. Бекхолд, П. Дусапін, Дж. Крам, Я. Ксенакіс, Г. Лагенман, К. Ланг, Д. Лігеті, К. Пендерецький, Р. Саундерс, Г. Тульве, Б. Фуррер, М. Хорькова, Т. Хосокава, С. Шарріно та ін. Завдяки їх використанню ці композитори змогли реалізувати нові ідеї і концепції сучасної творчості.
A Case of Bilateral Sequential Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Protein S Deficiency and Successful Recovery of Hearing After Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Lee Dabin , Park Euyhyun , Jung Hak Hyun , Im Gi Jung
Published: August 2023

Bilateral sequential sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is a rare and challenging clinical condition, but its association with protein S deficiency has received limited attention. This paper reports a case of bilateral sequential SSHL in a patient with protein S deficiency who underwent cochlear implantation and achieved significant improvement in hearing. The patient received high-dose systemic corticosteroids and anticoagulation therapy before the implantation, which had no significant effect. Cochlear implantation was then performed in the left ear, and the patient showed significant improvement in speech understanding and overall hearing ability. A year later, the patient underwent surgery for the opposite ear with favorable outcome. This case highlights the potential benefits of cochlear implantation in patients with bilateral sequential SSHL and protein S deficiency and emphasizes the importance of considering cochlear implantation as a treatment option in such patients.
Techniques of Ultrasound-Guided Ethanol Ablation for Thyroglossal Duct Cysts
Authors: Cho Heungrae , Ahn Dongbin , Kwak Ji Hye , Oh Minji , Oh Eun Jung , Jung Boseung
Published: August 2023

Thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) is the most common congenital neck mass caused by remnants of the thyroglossal duct during fetal development and migration. Traditionally, the Sistrunk procedure has been recommended as the standard surgical treatment for TGDC. However, this procedure is associated with several surgical burdens such as the need for general anesthesia, surgical scarring, and possible postoperative complications. Recently, ultrasoundguided ethanol ablation (US-EA) has been suggested as a good alternative for treating TGDC and has shown excellent treatment outcomes in terms of treatment efficacy and cosmetic satisfaction. Here, we introduce detailed techniques of US-EA for head and neck surgeons to use as a primary treatment of TGDC.
Age- and Sex-Specific Trends in Oral Cavity Cancer Cancers in a Single Institution From 2000 to 2019 in Korea
Authors: Bang Jooin , Park Jeong-Hae , Lee Oh-Hyeong , Kim Geun-Jeon , Kim Sang-Yeon , Sun Dong-Il
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives Head and neck cancer (HNC) represents a significant public health challenge worldwide, impacting mortality rates and economic resources. This study aimed to analyze the age- and sex-specific trends in the prevalence and prognosis of HNCs over two decades.Subjects and Method A retrospective analysis was conducted utilizing data collected during the period of 2000 to 2019 from the hospital’s Head and Neck Cancer Center.Results We observed that, of the 4167 HNC patients analyzed, the proportion of female with this cancer has remained unchanged over the past two decades. However, the proportion of patients under 40 years of age with oral cavity cancer has significantly increased. We observed a significant improvement in the 3-year overall survival (OS) in HNCs during 2010-2019 compared to 2000-2009. This improvement was particularly pronounced in male, whereas no significant change was observed in female. Notably, the 3-year OS has significantly improved over the past decade for advanced-stage (III & IV) patients.Conclusion The incidence of oral cavity cancer has increased among patients under 40 years of age over the past two decades. Additionally, the prognosis of oral cavity cancer patients notably improved, particularly in male under 40 years of age.
The Demand for Freedom and Equality in the Street Below the Movement of Woman, Life, Freedom (August 2022)
Authors: Zarbighalehhammami Shakib , Abbasi Fatemeh
Published: August 2023

This research, which explores the role of street protests in the freedom and equality movement of the 2022 urban uprising, was conducted using a secondary analysis approach and references to related sources, documents and theories. What drove people to the streets at the time was the protest against the death of Mrs. Mahsa Amini, which triggered massive protests in many parts of the country. It is clear that the initial public links to economic, social, political and governing conditions are formed on the pavement. People's movements that take the form of common goals such as freedom and reform demands are the main drivers of street protests. In the protests of 2022, social constraints such as forced veiling and guidance of monitoring mechanisms were also the source of dissatisfaction, which formed a circle of protesters in the streets that quickly expanded to broader issues of economic and political concerns. Despite the fact that this movement was formed with a central slogan of "social inequality", with emphasis on lifestyle and against forced veiling, and continued to exist, probably with the smallest stimulus it will be resumed and this time the central slogan of protests will be "nothing" and thus will provide the necessary incentives for the presence of wider segments of people, especially the youth.
Congenital Myasthenia Gravis in Newborn
Authors: Alhojaili Najia , Alzahrani Attia , Kutbi Ibrahim , Almalki Helal , Alabasi Laila , Zubani Amal , HAMID Samah Sami
Published: August 2023

Congenital myasthenia gravis are very rare, which is an autosomal recessive disease originating from rare genetic disorders. Symptoms of congenital MG usually start at birth and are lifelong. Our case weakness started from birth, need respiratory support and failure of extubation many times, and absent fetal movements with positive family history his cousin was neonatal myasthenia gravis and died.
Enhancing recovery in older patients undergoing abdominal surgery: Examining the effect of a preoperative preparation program using a quasi-experimental design
Authors: Penphumphuang Issarapong , Matchim Yaowarat , Mahawongkhajit Prasit , Boontoi Thanyarat
Published: August 2023

Background: Older adult patients often experience delayed postoperative recovery due to a lack of self-efficacy in engaging in physical activities during early rehabilitation. Concurrently, family caregivers play a crucial role in caring for older adults. However, the extent of family involvement in improving self-efficacy and facilitating recovery following major abdominal surgeries in older adults remains largely unexplored.
Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of a preoperative preparation program on the recovery of older patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a two-group, pretest-posttest design was conducted. The participants included 60 older adult patients undergoing abdominal surgeries at Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand, between September 2019 and March 2020. Participants were selected by purposive sampling with the inclusion criteria and were assigned to the experimental (n = 30) or the control (n = 30) groups using matched pair according to the type of operation. The control group received standard care, while the intervention group underwent a two-week preoperative preparation program developed based on self-efficacy theory and family support. Data were collected using validated tools. Recovery was assessed at one week and two weeks after surgery. Descriptive statistics, as well as dependent and independent t-tests, were used for data analysis.
Results: The results revealed that the intervention group had significantly higher mean recovery scores than the control group at one week (M = 56.93, SD = 16.42; M = 44.60, SD = 16.30, t = -2.92, df = 58, p <0.01) and two weeks after surgery (M = 66.64, SD = 8.63; M = 61.68, SD = 7.86, t= -2.33, df = 58, p <0.05) when comparing between the two groups.
Conclusion: The preoperative preparation program effectively enhanced recovery one week and two weeks after surgery. The study findings can be valuable for nurses in implementing the preoperative preparation program to facilitate recovery among older adult patients undergoing abdominal surgeries.
Prevalence and influencing factors of fatigue among patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Maninet Surachai , Nakrit Bangaorn , Suttavat Phasuk
Published: August 2023

Background: Fatigue is one of the most commonly reported symptoms among patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). However, only a few studies have addressed the prevalence of fatigue and its influencing factors within this population in Thailand.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of fatigue and its influencing factors, including duration of CAPD initiation, body mass index, insomnia, social support, functional status, and depression among patients undergoing CAPD.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 136 participants from the outpatient department of a general hospital in Thailand. Data were collected from January to March 2023, utilizing validated self-reported questionnaires, which included the Center for Epidemiologic Study Depression Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Functional Status Scale, and Fatigue Severity Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product-moment correlation, and Stepwise multiple regressions.
Results: The study achieved a 100% participation rate among the selected participants. The prevalence of fatigue among patients undergoing CAPD was 55.88%, including mild fatigue (20.59%), moderate fatigue (19.85%), and severe fatigue (15.44%). Bivariate analysis indicated that fatigue-related factors were insomnia, depression, body mass index, social support, and functional status. However, the multiple regression analysis revealed that only insomnia (β = 0.399, p <0.001), social support (β = -0.302, p <0.001), depression (β = 0.201, p = 0.003), and functional status (β = -0.149, p = 0.021) jointly influenced fatigue among patients undergoing CAPD, explaining 50.10 percent of the variance (R2 = 0.501, F(4, 131) = 32.871, p <0.001).
Conclusion: The findings indicated that more than half of the participants experienced fatigue. Insomnia, social support, depression, and functional status emerged as significant predictive factors of fatigue. Therefore, it is advisable for nurses and other healthcare providers to evaluate fatigue and its associated factors routinely. Nursing interventions to alleviate fatigue should prioritize improvements in sleep quality, reduction of depression, preservation of functional status, and promotion of family engagement.
PENGARUH MODAL MINIMAL, PENGETAHUAN INVESTASI DAN PRESEPSI RISIKO INVESTASI TERHADAP MINAT INVESTASI MAHASISWA DI PASAR MODAL
Authors: Hendrayanti Silvia , Shavira Paramitha Dyan
Published: August 2023

Banyak hal yang dapat mempengaruhi minat Investasi mahasiswa dapat dari berbagai macam-macam faktor antara lain seperti modal minimal, pengetahuan investasi dan presepsi risiko. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui faktor modal minimal, pengetahuan investasi dan presepsi risiko yang mempengaruhi minat mahasiswa STIE Semarang terhadap investasi di pasar modal. Dalam penelitian ini, peneliti menggunakan metode analisis kuantitatif dan untuk pengambilan sampel pada penelitian menggunakan teknik sampling purposive dengan menggunakan seluruh populasi sebanyak 46 Mahasiswa STIE Semarang. Dari hasil olah data diperoleh, uji t pada modal minimal memiliki nilai signifikansi 0,031 < 0,050 artinya variabel modal minimal berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap minat investasi. Untuk variabel pengetahuan investasi memiliki nilai signifikansi 0,118 > 0,050 artinya variabel pengetahuan investasi berpengaruh positif dan tidak signifikan terhadap minat investasi. Dan variabel presepsi risiko memiliki nilai signifikansi sebesar 0,038 < 0,050 artinya variabel presepsi risiko berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Minat Investasi. Dari hasil penelitian juga di dapat hasil uji F 24,664 > 2,83 dengan nilai signifikansi 0,000 < 0,050. Saran untuk pihak kampus dan galeri investasi yaitu, diharapkan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan dan memberi edukasi kepada mahasiswa mengenai pengetahuan investasi agar menarik minat investasi mahasiswa.
ANALISIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PENGUNGKAPAN PELAPORAN KEUANGAN MELALUI INTERNET FINANCIAL REPORTING (IFR)
Authors: Marhamah Marhamah , Widyartati Penta
Published: August 2023

Internet adalah suatu jaringan komunikasi yang berfungsi  untuk menghubungkan antar media elektronik dengan cepat dan tepat. Jaringan komunikasi akan menyampaikan  beberapa informasi yang dikirim melalui transmisi sinyal  dengan frekuensi yang telah disesuaikan untuk standar  global dalam penggunaan jaringan internet sendiri menggunakan Transmission Control Protocol/Internet  Protocol. Perusahaan memanfaatkan internet  sebagai  media  pelaporan keuangan yang tepat dan dinilai dapat  meningkatkan keefektifan operasianal perusahaan. Internet  Financial  Reporting  (IFR)  adalah  sebuah  pengungkapan  laporan keuangan  melalui  internet  secara  sukarela  oleh  perusahaan. Penerapan IFR dilakukan sesuai tujuan  perusahaan yang dimaksudkan untuk meningkatkan  kredibilitas perusahaan. Dampak positif dari Internet  Financial Reporting (IFR) adalah penyajian data secara tepat waktu dan akurat sangat berguna bagi calon investor/ investor dalam mengambil keputusan investasi pada perusahaan.

Populasi penelitian ini perusahaan perbankan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) tahun 2019-2021 sebanyak 43 perusahaan, dengan metode purposive sampling diperoleh sampel 25 perusahaan. Data yang digunakan adalah data sekunder dari Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) dengan metode analisis regresi linier berganda.

Hasil analisis diperoleh bahwa variabel leverage berpengaruh signifikan terhadapInternet Financial Reporting (IFR), sedangkan variabel profitabilitas, reputasi auditor, dan ukuran perusahaan tidak berpengaruh terhadap Internet Financial Reporting (IFR). Perbankan diharapkan menggunakan Internet Financial Reporting (IFR) agar masyarakat dapat melihat kinerja perbankan terutama pada pengungkapan laporan keuangan agar kepercayaan pada perbankan semaik baik.
Web3 Is the Opportunity We Have Had All Along
Authors: Schneider Nathan
Published: August 2023

The class of technology variously referred to as Web3 or crypto has been heralded as a democratizing force for economics and governance. This essay argues that, to the extent such hype is justified, it is only partly due to the affordances of the technology itself. Perhaps more important is the amnesia it has induced, as an innovative paradigm whose novelty inclines people to neglect once-stable norms. In both economics and governance, crypto offers opportunities for greater democracy, but following through on them is guaranteed by neither the technology nor the amnesia it invites.
An optimized artificial neural network for estimating design effort of jigs and fixtures used in aviation industry
Authors: AKTAN Umut Nazmi , DİKMEN Mehmet
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the usefulness of the machine learning methods to predict the design effort of jigs and fixtures used in the aviation industry. Reaching the best possible result by determining the ideal machine learning model to obtain the best estimate and the most appropriate set of inputs and parameters forms the basis of this study. To that end, most popular machine learning models that can be used for regression are combined with various data encoding methods. The best combination is optimized as well. The results showed that an optimized Artificial Neural Network architecture with binary encoding applied to the input data can be applied satisfactorily in the aviation industry for the solution of the given problem.
O currículo e a construção de conhecimentos profissionais mediada por recursos digitais na formação inicial do professor de Química
Authors: Cavassani Thiago
Published: August 2023

Para a atuação profissional, os professores apropriam-se de determinadas ferramentas pedagógicas e constroem diferentes compreensões sobre as diretrizes curriculares que contribuem para moldar particularmente suas formas de ação em sala de aula. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é analisar os modos de interação de professores em formação com as ferramentas páginas de Internet, buscando evidências da constituição de conhecimentos docentes mediados pela tecnologia digital na interface entre conteúdos conceituais e a proposta curricular da disciplina de Química para o ensino médio. Suportados metodologicamente por uma investigação do tipo intervenção pedagógica, os resultados encontrados permitiram relacionar modos de apropriação das diretrizes curriculares e da tecnologia digital com as oportunidades e condicionantes produzidas ao processo de planejamento do ensino pelos licenciandos. A experiência interventiva realizada revelou-se favorável ao desenvolvimento de aspectos relacionados ao conhecimento tecnológico, pedagógico e de conteúdo (TPACK) dos licenciandos, ainda que dificuldades latentes para a compreensão e fluência no trabalho pedagógico com a proposta curricular oficial de Química tenham sido identificadas. Tais aspectos podem ser compreendidos como relevantes entraves à meta-aprendizagem da tecnologia enquanto recurso apto ao processo de ensino e aprendizagem de ciências em geral e Química em particular. Assim, ressalta-se as contribuições de momentos guiados de interação e reflexão crítica dos licenciandos com propostas curriculares mediadas com tecnologias digitais para a constituição do TPACK dos professores em formação. Por fim, reforça-se a necessidade de uma reflexão mais profunda e compromissada com a (re)definição do papel da formação inicial e continuada dos professores no que diz respeito aos significados atribuídos pelos sujeitos e a importância institucional conferida às tecnologias digitais da informação e comunicação (TDICs) na mediação pedagógica em prol de uma melhor experiência formativa dos estudantes.
COMMENT Linara R. Khabibullina, Alexander Yu. Razumovsky, Olga V. Shсherbakova Surgical treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis in children: crosssectional study
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: August 2023

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Comparative characteristics of scales for assessing the quality of life of stoma patients (review)
Authors: Babazada R. I. , Vaganov A. A. , Morozov V. P. , Korolkov A. Yu.
Published: August 2023

AIM: to compare various scales for assessing the quality of life of stoma patients in order to provide the most complete and objective assessment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: literature sources from the medical databases PubMed, MedLine, Scopus were analyzed. The studied literature sources were published in different countries, which made it possible to identify both global and country-specific criteria for assessing the quality of life of patients.

CONCLUSION: the specific SQOLS and Stoma-QOL scales are of the greatest scientific and practical value, and the nonspecific SF-36 scale does not lose its scientific significance. These scales are most often used in various medical and scientific institutions to study the life of ostomy patients. They are simple and easy to use, their reliability and validity have been proven by specially conducted studies.
Dam failure environmental standards in China based on ecosystem service value
Authors: Li Wei , Yi Jianni , Liu Jie , Zhang Hexiang , Jiao Yutie
Published: August 2023

Dam failure risk standards are the foundation of risk decision-making for dam managers. However, as an important component of dam failure risk standards, there are currently no unified environmental risk standards. Drawing on research ideas of ecological economics on ecosystem service values and equivalent factor methods, this study quantified environmental values and effectively connected environmental standards with existing standards using the ALARP principle and the F-N curve. Considering the differences in environmental and economic conditions in different regions, a risk preference matrix was constructed to determine the risk preference of each region and formulate the dam failure environmental risk standards for China. This study presents a preliminary exploration of the formulation of dam failure environmental risk standards, providing new methods and ideas for subsequent research.
Radiotherapy for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer in the immunotherapy era
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Zhao Yangzhi , Ma Tiangang , Shao Hao , Wang Tiejun , Jin Shunzi , Liu Zhongshan
Published: August 2023

Currently, chemoimmunotherapy is the first-line treatment for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). However, only 0.8%–2.5% of the patients presented complete response after chemoimmunotherapy. Considering that ES-SCLC is highly sensitive to radiotherapy, the addition of radiotherapy after first-line treatment for ES-SCLC could further improve local control, which may be beneficial for patients’ survival. Prior studies have shown that consolidative thoracic radiotherapy (cTRT) can decrease disease progression and improve overall survival in patients with ES-SCLC who respond well to chemotherapy. However, the efficacy and safety of cTRT in the immunotherapy era remain unclear owing to a lack of prospective studies. Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) has been shown to decrease brain metastasis (BM) and prolong survival in patients with limited-stage SCLC in previous reports. However, according to current guidelines, PCI is not commonly recommended for ES-SCLC. Immunotherapy has the potential to reduce the incidence of BM. Whether PCI can be replaced with regular magnetic resonance imaging surveillance for ES-SCLC in the era of immunotherapy remains controversial. Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is the standard treatment for BM in SCLC patients. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has shown promise in the treatment of limited BM. Considering the potential of immunotherapy to decrease BM, it is controversial whether SRS can replace WBRT for limited BM in the immunotherapy era. Additionally, with the addition of immunotherapy, the role of palliative radiotherapy may be weakened in patients with asymptomatic metastatic lesions. However, it is still indispensable and urgent for patients with obvious symptoms of metastatic disease, such as spinal cord compression, superior vena cava syndrome, lobar obstruction, and weight-bearing metastases, which may critically damage the quality of life and prognosis. To improve the outcome of ES-SCLC, we discuss the feasibility of radiotherapy, including cTRT, PCI, WBRT/SRS, and palliative radiotherapy with immunotherapy based on existing evidence, which may offer specific prospects for further randomized trials and clinical applications.
Case Report: Four cases of SARS-CoV-2-associated Guillain-Barré Syndrome with SARS-CoV-2-positive cerebrospinal fluid detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing: a retrospective case series from China
Authors: Guan Yalin , Yu Changshen , Fei Yunhan , Wang Qiushi , Wang Pan , Zuo Wenchao , Wu Hao , Qi Xuemei , Shi Qiyun
Published: August 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is often absent or at low levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with previous SARS-CoV-2-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). This has led to speculation that SARS-CoV-2-associated GBS is more likely mediated by post-infectious immunity or a parainfection. This understanding has influenced the development of treatment regimens for SARS-CoV-2-associated GBS. This paper reports our experience with four Chinese patients with SARS-CoV-2-associated GBS who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the CSF. They developed symptoms of peripheral nerve damage 4–15 days after fever and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, all of whom presented with progressive weakness of both lower limbs; three with autonomic nerve function impairment such as constipation and urination disorder; and one with polycranial neuritis and Miller–Fisher syndrome. Three patients were tested for anti-ganglioside antibodies, and one tested positive for GD1a-IgG. Four patients recovered well after treatment with anti-viral drugs combined with intravenous immunoglobulin. The present results showed that SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected via mNGS in the CSF of some patients with SARS-CoV-2-associated GBS, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2-associated GBS may have multiple pathogeneses.
Recent advances in microbiological and molecular biological detection techniques of tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Cao Wen-Feng , Leng Er-Ling , Liu Shi-Min , Zhou Yong-Liang , Luo Chao-Qun , Xiang Zheng-Bing , Cai Wen , Rao Wei , Hu Fan , Zhang Ping , Wen An
Published: August 2023

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most common type of central nervous system tuberculosis (TB) and has the highest mortality and disability rate. Early diagnosis is key to improving the prognosis and survival rate of patients. However, laboratory diagnosis of TBM is often difficult due to its paucibacillary nature and sub optimal sensitivity of conventional microbiology and molecular tools which often fails to detect the pathogen. The gold standard for TBM diagnosis is the presence of MTB in the CSF. The recognised methods for the identification of MTB are acid-fast bacilli (AFB) detected under CSF smear microscopy, MTB cultured in CSF, and MTB detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Currently, many studies consider that all diagnostic techniques for TBM are not perfect, and no single technique is considered simple, fast, cheap, and efficient. A definite diagnosis of TBM is still difficult in current clinical practice. In this review, we summarise the current state of microbiological and molecular biological diagnostics for TBM, the latest advances in research, and discuss the advantages of these techniques, as well as the issues and challenges faced in terms of diagnostic effectiveness, laboratory infrastructure, testing costs, and clinical expertise, for clinicians to select appropriate testing methods.
Novel therapeutic for multiple sclerosis protects white matter function in EAE mouse model
Authors: Zerimech Sarah , Nguyen Hung , Vandenbark Arthur A. , Offner Halina , Baltan Selva
Published: August 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease with prominent axon dysfunction. Our previous studies in an MS mouse model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), demonstrated that major histocompatibility complex Class II constructs can reverse clinical signs of EAE. These constructs block binding and downstream signaling of macrophage migration inhibitory factors (MIF-1/2) through CD74, thereby inhibiting phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation and tissue inflammation and promoting remyelination. To directly assess the effects of a novel third generation construct, DRhQ, on axon integrity in EAE, we compared axon conduction properties using electrophysiology on corpus callosum slices and optic nerves. By using two distinct white matter (WM) tracts, we aimed to assess the impact of the EAE and the benefit of DRhQ on myelinated and unmyelinated axons as well as to test the clinical value of DRhQ on demyelinating lesions in CC and optic myelitis. Our study found that EAE altered axon excitability, delayed axon conduction and slowed spatiotemporal summation correlated with diffuse astrocyte and microglia activation. Because MS predisposes patients to stroke, we also investigated and showed that vulnerability to WM ischemia is increased in the EAE MS mouse model. Treatment with DRhQ after the onset of EAE drastically inhibited microglial and astrocyte activation, improved functional integrity of the myelinated axons and enhanced recovery after ischemia. These results demonstrate that DRhQ administered after the onset of EAE promotes WM integrity and function, and reduces subsequent vulnerability to ischemic injury, suggesting important therapeutic potential for treatment of progressive MS.
Tracking by segmentation with future motion estimation applied to person-following robots
Authors: Jiang Shenlu , Cui Runze , Wei Runze , Fu Zhiyang , Hong Zhonghua , Feng Guofu
Published: August 2023

Person-following is a crucial capability for service robots, and the employment of vision technology is a leading trend in building environmental understanding. While most existing methodologies rely on a tracking-by-detection strategy, which necessitates extensive datasets for training and yet remains susceptible to environmental noise, we propose a novel approach: real-time tracking-by-segmentation with a future motion estimation framework. This framework facilitates pixel-level tracking of a target individual and predicts their future motion. Our strategy leverages a single-shot segmentation tracking neural network for precise foreground segmentation to track the target, overcoming the limitations of using a rectangular region of interest (ROI). Here we clarify that, while the ROI provides a broad context, the segmentation within this bounding box offers a detailed and more accurate position of the human subject. To further improve our approach, a classification-lock pre-trained layer is utilized to form a constraint that curbs feature outliers originating from the person being tracked. A discriminative correlation filter estimates the potential target region in the scene to prevent foreground misrecognition, while a motion estimation neural network anticipates the target's future motion for use in the control module. We validated our proposed methodology using the VOT, LaSot, YouTube-VOS, and Davis tracking datasets, demonstrating its effectiveness. Notably, our framework supports long-term person-following tasks in indoor environments, showing promise for practical implementation in service robots.
Temporal-frequency-phase feature classification using 3D-convolutional neural networks for motor imagery and movement
Authors: Fan Chengcheng , Yang Banghua , Li Xiaoou , Zan Peng
Published: August 2023

Recently, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been widely applied in brain-computer interface (BCI) based on electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Due to the subject-specific nature of EEG signal patterns and the multi-dimensionality of EEG features, it is necessary to employ appropriate feature representation methods to enhance the decoding accuracy of EEG. In this study, we proposed a method for representing EEG temporal, frequency, and phase features, aiming to preserve the multi-domain information of EEG signals. Specifically, we generated EEG temporal segments using a sliding window strategy. Then, temporal, frequency, and phase features were extracted from different temporal segments and stacked into 3D feature maps, namely temporal-frequency-phase features (TFPF). Furthermore, we designed a compact 3D-CNN model to extract these multi-domain features efficiently. Considering the inter-individual variability in EEG data, we conducted individual testing for each subject. The proposed model achieved an average accuracy of 89.86, 78.85, and 63.55% for 2-class, 3-class, and 4-class motor imagery (MI) classification tasks, respectively, on the PhysioNet dataset. On the GigaDB dataset, the average accuracy for 2-class MI classification was 91.91%. For the comparison between MI and real movement (ME) tasks, the average accuracy for the 2-class were 87.66 and 80.13% on the PhysioNet and GigaDB datasets, respectively. Overall, the method presented in this paper have obtained good results in MI/ME tasks and have a good application prospect in the development of BCI systems based on MI/ME.
A bibliometric and knowledge-map analysis of the glymphatic system from 2012 to 2022
Authors: Hou Changkai , Ren Wen , Wang Bangyue , Fu Xi’an , Liu Quanlei , Li Jian , Zhang Hao , Wang Weihan , Yang Xinyu , Wei Penghu , Zhao Guoguang
Published: August 2023

Objective

To explore the development context, research hotspots and frontiers in the glymphatic system (GS) field from 2012 to 2022 by bibliometric analysis.

Methods

The Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database was searched for articles published between 2012 and 2022. Microsoft Excel was used to manage the data. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, GraphPad Prism, the Web of Science, and an online analysis platform for bibliometrics (http://bibliometric.com/) were used to analyze the countries, institutions, journals, and collaboration networks among authors and the types of articles, developmental directions, references, and top keywords of published articles.

Results

A total of 412 articles were retrieved, including 39 countries/regions, 223 research institutes and 171 academic journals. The subject classifications related to the GS were Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience and Radiology/Nuclear Medicine/Medical Imaging. The United States has maintained its dominant and most influential position in GS research. Among research institutions and journals, the Univ Rochester and Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism had the highest number of academic articles, respectively. Nedergaard M had the most published article, and Iliff JJ had the most co-citations. The top two keywords with the highest frequency were “glymphatic system” and “cerebrospinal fluid.”

Conclusion

This research provides valuable information for the study of the GS. The bibliometric analysis of this area will encourage potential collaborations among researchers, defining its frontiers and directions for development.
Are genetic drift and stem cell adherence in laboratory culture issues for cultivated meat production?
Authors: Jaime-Rodríguez Manuel , Cadena-Hernández Ana Laura , Rosales-Valencia Lorena Denisee , Padilla-Sánchez Juan Miguel , Chavez-Santoscoy Rocio Alejandra
Published: August 2023

Mesenchymal stem cell-based cultivated meat is a promising solution to the ecological and ethical problems posed by traditional meat production, since it exhibits a protein content and composition that is more comparable to original meat proteins than any other source of cultivated meat products, including plants, bacteria, and fungi. Nonetheless, the nature and laboratory behavior of mesenchymal stem cells pose two significant challenges for large-scale production: genetic drift and adherent growth in culture. Culture conditions used in the laboratory expose the cells to a selective pressure that causes genetic drift, which may give rise to oncogene activation and the loss of “stemness.” This is why genetic and functional analysis of the cells during culture is required to determine the maximum number of passages within the laboratory where no significant mutations or loss of function are detected. Moreover, the adherent growth of mesenchymal stem cells can be an obstacle for their large-scale production since volume to surface ratio is limited for high volume containers. Multi-tray systems, roller bottles, and microcarriers have been proposed as potential solutions to scale-up the production of adherent cells required for cultivated meat. The most promising solutions for the safety problems and large-scale obstacles for cultivated meat production are the determination of a limit number of passages based on a genetic analysis and the use of microcarriers from edible materials to maximize the volume to surface proportion and decrease the downstream operations needed for cultivated meat production.
A customized anthropomorphic 3D-printed phantom to reproducibility assessment in computed tomography: an oncological case study
Authors: Cavaliere Carlo , Baldi Dario , Brancato Valentina , Aiello Marco , Salvatore Marco
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Studies on computed tomography (CT) reproducibility at different acquisition parameters have to take into account radiation dose administered and related ethical issues. 3D-printed phantoms provide the possibility to investigate these features deeply and to foster CT research, also taking advantage by outperforming new generation scanners. The aim of this study is to propose a new anthropomorphic 3D-printed phantom for chest lesions, tailored on a real patient CT scan, to investigate the variability of volume and Hounsfield Unit (HU) measurements at different CT acquisition parameters.

Methods

The chest CT of a 75-year-old patient with a paramediastinal lung lesion was segmented based on an eight-compartment approach related to HU ranges (air lung, lung interstitium, fat, muscle, vascular, skin, bone, and lesion). From each mask produced, the 3D.stl model was exported and linked to a different printing infill value, based on a preliminary test and HU ratios derived from the patient scan. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology printing was chosen with filament materials in polylactic acid (PLA). Phantom was acquired at 50 mAs and three different tube voltages of 80, 100, and 120 kVp on two different scanners, namely, Siemens Somatom Force (Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany; same setting of real patient for 80 kVp acquisition) and GE 750 HD CT (GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL). The same segmentation workflow was then applied on each phantom acquisition after coregistration pipeline, and Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) and HU averages were extracted and compared for each compartment.

Results

DSC comparison among real patient versus phantom scans at different kVp, and on both CT scanners, demonstrated a good overlap of different compartments and lesion vascularization with a higher similarity for lung and lesion masks for each setting (about 0.9 and 0.8, respectively). Although mean HU was not comparable with real data, due to the PLA material, the proportion of intensity values for each compartment remains respected.

Discussion

The proposed approach demonstrated the reliability of 3D-printed technology for personalized approaches in CT research, opening to the application of the same workflow to other oncological fields.
Interactions between microglia and glioma in tumor microenvironment
Authors: Tao Jin-Cheng , Yu Dong , Shao Wei , Zhou Dong-Rui , Wang Yu , Hou Shi-Qiang , Deng Ke , Lin Ning
Published: August 2023

Gliomas, the most prevalent primary tumors in the central nervous system, are marked by their immunosuppressive properties and consequent poor patient prognosis. Current evidence emphasizes the pivotal role of the tumor microenvironment in the progression of gliomas, largely attributed to tumor-associated macrophages (brain-resident microglia and bone marrow-derived macrophages) that create a tumor microenvironment conducive to the growth and invasion of tumor cells. Yet, distinguishing between these two cell subgroups remains a challenge. Thus, our review starts by analyzing the heterogeneity between these two cell subsets, then places emphasis on elucidating the complex interactions between microglia and glioma cells. Finally, we conclude with a summary of current attempts at immunotherapy that target microglia. However, given that independent research on microglia is still in its initial stages and has many shortcomings at the present time, we express our related concerns and hope that further research will be carried out to address these issues in the future.