bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic impact of codon-specific KRAS mutational status on survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with TAS-102 or regorafenib.
Authors: Hsieh Meng-Che , Rau Kun-Ming , Liu Kuang-Wen , Chiu Chong-Chi , Chen Chih-I , Song Ling-Chiao , Chen Hsin-Pao
Published: August 2024

75

Background: Previous study demonstrated KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma virus) codon G12 mutation as a potential biomarker of resistance in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Our study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of codon-specific KRAS mutational status on survival in patients with mCRC treated with TAS-102 or regorafenib. Methods: mCRC Patients treated with TAS-102 or regorafenib were retrospectively enrolled into our study. Patients were classified into KRAS G12 (KRASG12) mutation and no KRASG12 mutation according to extended RAS testing. Survival was estimated for comparison, stratified by KRAS mutational status and treatment. Kaplan-Meier curves were estimated for overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 183 patients were enrolled into our study, with 91 patients treated with TAS-102 and 92 patients treated with regorafenib. The median age was 63 years old in our cohort. Most patients were male (54%) with left side colon (85%). After extended RAS/RAF mutational testing, 28% patients had KRASG12 mutation, 50% had RAS/RAFWT, 9% had KRASG13 mutation, 8% had KRASother mutation, 3% had NRAS mutation and 2% had BRAF mutation. For patients treated with TAS-102 group, 20% patients had KRASG12 mutation, while for regorafenib group, 38% patients had KRASG12 mutation. The median OS of TAS-102 was 4.5 versus 11.3 months for KRASG12 mutation and no KRASG12 mutation, respectively (p= 0.013). The median OS of regorafenib was 10.5 versus 6.3 months for KRASG12 mutation and no KRASG12 mutation, respectively (p= 0.183). Furthermore, 34% patients with KRASG12 mutation received TAS-102, while 56% patients without KRASG12 mutation received TAS-102. For patients with KRASG12 mutation, the median OS was 4.5 m versus 10.5 months for TAS-102 and regorafenib group, respectively (p= 0.113). For patients without KRASG12 mutation, the median OS was 11.3m versus 6.3 months for TAS-102 and regorafenib group, respectively (p= 0.047). Conclusions: The prognostic impact of KRASG12 was divergent between mCRC patients treated with TAS-102 and regorafenib. Codon-specific KRAS mutational status should be taken into consideration before treatment.
Research and analysis on the situation of diagnosis and treatment capabilities of breast cancer in China county.
Authors: Tan Xiang , Xin Yi , Yu Xiaohong , Zhang Huamao , Xu Youfu , Shen Biyu , Zhou Shunen , Liu Ling , Luo Fengmei , Kang Pengkun , Zhao Huarong , Zhang Zuowen
Published: August 2024

8

Background: 1. In 2016, 306,000 breast cancer cases were newly diagnosed in China, with one-third in rural areas. Breast cancer ranked second in incidence (22.47/105) among female cancers in Sichuan Province. 2. Health resources are unequally distributed in China, especially in Sichuan Province where 43.27% reside rurally. County hospitals play a vital role in rural patients' diagnosis, treatment, and referrals. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study surveyed 124 county-level hospitals that had treated breast cancer in 183 counties in Sichuan Province from December 2023 to January 2024. Outcomes include: 1) hospital level; 2) oncology certification; 3) availability of dedicated breast department and staffing; 4) breast cancer diagnosis and treatment technology; 5) pre-treatment TNM staging rate; 6) anti-neoplastic drugs and support Accessibility of medicines. Results: Out of 124 hospitals surveyed, 6 excluded for zero breast cancer cases in 2023. The remaining 118 hospitals revealed: 1) 78.81% tertiary, 93.22% public; 2) 75.42% with special outpatient qualifications, 57.63% with concurrent special antineoplastic drug designations, 17.80% with one qualification; 3) 57.63% with dedicated breast units, but only 16.1% with specialized breast cancer staff; 4) 31.36% with full breast imaging modalities, 78.23% lacking mammography; PET-CT and bone scan availability: 5.93% and 9.32%; 5) 71.19% with independent pathology, but only 30.65% providing comprehensive services; 6) Surgeries for breast cancer: 86.44% (44.07% breast conservation), radiation therapy availability: 39.83%; 7) AJCC TNM staging rate: 77.12%; 8) Antineoplastic accessibility: conventional chemotherapy (93.22%), anti-HER2 therapy (28.81%), endocrine therapy (47.46%), CDK4/6 inhibitors (26.27%, with 41.53% having only one); 9) Analgesics: 87.90% (morphine 94.92%, tramadol 88.98%, fentanyl patches 34.75%, oxycodone 46.61%); antiemetics (5-HT3 antagonists 69.49%, NK1 antagonists 72.88%, olanzapine 48.31%, metoclopramide 64.41%); medications for hematologic toxicity: 51.61%. Conclusions: Shortages exist in specialized breast care units and trained personnel among county hospitals in Sichuan, China. Special outpatient qualifications and antineoplastic prescription credentials concentrated mainly at tertiary centers. Enhancing imaging and histopathology capacities for breast cancer diagnosis is an urgent need. While conventional chemotherapies demonstrate good accessibility, anti-HER2 targeted therapies, endocrine therapies, and CDK4/6 inhibitors covered by national insurance have limited availability. Enhanced provision of new antiemetics and analgesics is needed. [Table: see text]
Effect of statin use on long-term survival after diagnosis of colorectal cancer: Emulating hypothetical target trials using a nationwide real-world database.
Authors: Woo Hyeong-taek , Shin Aesun
Published: August 2024

82

Background: Observational studies suggest that statin use after colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis is associated with improved survival. However, potential bias due to misalignment of time zero in observational studies may distort associations and therefore requires validation using robust epidemiological methods. We aimed to emulate a hypothetical randomized trial—a target trial—for estimating per-protocol effects of statin initiation in patients with incident colorectal cancer on long-term survival. Methods: To emulate a target trial using real-world data, we extracted information from 103,005 patients diagnosed with CRC between 2005 and 2015 from the Korean National Health Insurance (KNHI) database, encompassing health records for the entire Korean population. We excluded individuals who had been prescribed statins for at least 180 days before the CRC diagnosis or those with missing or incomplete demographic information. We set a 180-day grace period and compared the group that initiated statin treatment within 180 days after the CRC diagnosis with the non-statin group using the “clone-censor-weight” method. Patients' demographic and socioeconomic information, along with colorectal cancer treatment, were included as baseline covariates. Additionally, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score was included both as a baseline covariate and as a time-varying covariate. Hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality and CRC-specific mortality within 60 months of baseline were calculated using pooled logistic regression models. Results: Among the 103,005 patients diagnosed with CRC, 88,516 were finally analyzed after the exclusion process. A total of 2,071 (2.3%) individuals initiated statin treatment during the grace period and 86,445 (97.7%) patients did not. Statin initiators, compared with statin noninitiators tended to be older (mean age: 65.7 vs. 62.6) and had a higher CCI score at baseline (mean CCI score: 1.38 vs.1.26). Individuals who initiated statin treatment did not reduce the hazard of all-cause mortality (The adjusted HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.98-1.04) and CRC-specific mortality (The adjusted HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.97-1.04). Conclusions: The results of the analysis after removing potential biases showed that statin was not related to improving survival in CRC patients. The study results conflict with those of previous observational studies but are consistent with the findings of other recently conducted target trial emulations.
First-line (1L) anti-PD-1 plus chemotherapy in HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer: Real-world evidence from a single Korean center.
Authors: Shim Joosung Gabriel , Jung Minkyu , Kim Hyunwook , Kim Kyoo Hyun , Kim Taeho , Kim Youhyun , Shim Hyo Sup , Kim Hyunki , Kim Hyo Song , Lee Choong-kun , Rha Sun Young
Published: August 2024

83

Background: The implementation of immune checkpoint inhibitor combinations as first-line (1L) treatment has shown promising outcomes and is now the standard of care for HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer. However, real-world evidence supporting this approach as 1L treatment remains limited. Here, we present an analysis of real-world outcomes, comparing 1L anti-PD-1 combined with doublet chemotherapy to the previous standard chemotherapy. Methods: Patient from January 2005 to August 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The study defined the molecular epidemiology cohort (M cohort) as patients with results for HER2, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), mismatch repair (MMR), or PD-L1. HER2-negative patients who received palliative first-line chemotherapy doublet regimens with or without PD-1 inhibitor were included. Survival analysis included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), as well as subgroup analyses for molecular subtypes. Results: Total 3,028 were enrolled in the M cohort. The incidence rates of HER2-positive, EBV-positive, and deficient Mismatch Repair (dMMR) were 20.0% (606/3028), 3.8% (93/2432), and 4.7% (126/2660), respectively. PD-L1 testing was conducted on 1,394 patients, with 54.3% (1634/3028) having a CPS (Combined Positive Score) of ≥10, and 47.6% (664/1394) having a CPS of ≥1. Among these patients 1,527 had received chemotherapy doublet, and 153 had received chemotherapy doublet with PD-1 inhibitor as their 1L treatment. During a median follow-up of 56.5 months (95% CI,49.9-66.2), patients who had received PD-1 inhibitor combination therapy showed improved PFS (7.1 vs. 6.1 months; Hazard Ratio [HR], 0.77; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.64–0.93) and OS (18.1 vs. 14.6 months; HR 0.80; 95% CI, 0.63–1.01) compared to those without it. The benefits in PFS from PD-1 inhibitor combination therapy were particularly notable in patients with deficient MMR status (HR, 0.22 vs. 0.80 in those without PD-1 inhibitor combination; p for interaction <0.05) and in patients with signet ring cell carcinoma histology (HR, 0.58 vs. 0.92 in those without PD-1 inhibitor combination; p for interaction <0.05). Conclusions: We observed real-world efficacy of the combination of PD-1 inhibitor and chemotherapy doublet as 1L treatment for HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer, consistent with previous clinical trials. [Table: see text]
Does liver cirrhosis affect outcomes in non-metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) undergoing radiotherapy-based treatment?
Authors: Hua YuYang , Huang Shih Yu , Li Shau-Hsuan
Published: August 2024

89

Background: Liver cirrhosis frequently coexists with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), as both conditions share alcohol consumption as a common etiological factor. Surgical intervention is often contraindicated or associated with significant morbidity in patients with non-metastatic ESCC and liver cirrhosis. Consequently, radiotherapy-based therapy is commonly employed. This study aims to investigate prognostic factors for overall survival in such patients undergoing radiotherapy-based therapy. Additionally, we will evaluate predictors for the 90-day mortality rate, proposed as a measure to mitigate treatment-related toxicity and prevent unwarranted or excessive medical interventions. Methods: From January 2001 to December 2021, we conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of 1298 patients diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Within this cohort, we identified 103 patients with concomitant liver cirrhosis, diagnosed through abdominal ultrasonography, computerized tomography, and/or liver biopsy, as appropriate. Of these individuals, 78 patients with non-metastatic ESCC and liver cirrhosis were included in our analysis. We collected clinicopathologic parameters and examined their correlation with overall survival and the 90-day mortality rate. Results: Univariate analysis revealed several factors significantly associated with inferior overall survival: Child-Pugh classification B/C (P<0.001, compared to A), radiotherapy alone (P=0.03, compared to chemoradiotherapy), prothrombin time prolonged by ≥2 seconds (P=0.024), albumin levels ≤3.5g/dl (P<0.001), controlled/refractory ascites (P=0.01, compared to no ascites), and total bilirubin levels ≥1.5mg/dl (P=0.004). In multivariate analyses, albumin levels ≤3.5g/dl (P=0.001, odds ratio: 2.500) and total bilirubin levels ≥1.5mg/dl (P=0.019, odds ratio: 2.012) were identified as independent prognostic factors. Among the 78 patients receiving radiotherapy-based therapy, the 90-day mortality rate was 10.3% (n=8). Clinical 8th AJCC stage IVA (P=0.02), clinical T classification T3/4 (P=0.049), prothrombin time prolonged by ≥4 seconds (P=0.009), and albumin levels ≤3.5g/dl (P=0.027) were significantly correlated with higher 90-day mortality rate. The logistic model indicated that albumin levels ≤3.5g/dl (P=0.015, odds ratio: 16.129) and clinical 8th AJCC stage IVA (P=0.012, odds ratio: 17.544) were independently associated with higher 90-day mortality rate. Conclusions: In patients undergoing radiotherapy-based therapy for non-metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and liver cirrhosis, pretreatment hypoalbuminemia has been associated with increased 90-day mortality and unfavorable prognosis.
Association of aberrant expression of CD39 with the outcome of patients with cholangiocarcinoma.
Authors: Zheng Bohao , Ni Xiaojian , Liu Houbao
Published: August 2024

93

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma is defined as a kind of malignant tumor originating from bile ducts. Due to the lack of effective diagnostic and treatment methods, the prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma is dismal. Accumulating evidence indicates that CD39 could promote the progression of several types of cancer. However, the biological function and the underlying mechanism of CD39 in cholangiocarcinoma have not been well investigated. Methods: Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR), western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry staining was used to evaluate the expression level of CD39 in cholangiocarcinoma. Kaplan-Meier and Cox hazard ratio regression analyses were implicated to evaluate the prognostic significance of CD39. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was carried out to evaluate the proliferative capacity, while transwell assay was used to detect the migration and invasion ability. In addition, B-NDG mice were used for the in vivo assay. The potential protein binding with the CD39 was identified through co-immunoprecipitation. Results: We observed that CD39 was aberrantly expressed in the tumor tissue and cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. Our analysis indicated that the high expression level of CD39 correlated with aggressive clinicopathological characteristics, and CD39 was identified as an independent poor prognostic factor in cholangiocarcinoma. In addition, our in vitro and in vivo data indicated that the knockdown of CD39 could suppress the proliferation, migration, invasion ability, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of cholangiocarcinoma. Opposite results were observed when CD39 was overexpressed. Mechanistically, CD39 could bind with Annexin A2 (ANXA2), which influences the phosphorylation level of ANXA2 at the Tyr24 site, thereby promoting the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling, which resulted in the biological change in cholangiocarcinoma. Conclusions: Our data indicated that CD39 was overexpressed in the tumor tissue. Meanwhile, CD39 was identified as an independent prognostic factor of poor overall survival for patients withcholangiocarcinoma. In terms of the biological role of CD39, our data indicated that CD39 promoted the progression and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma through binding with ANXA2, and through activating the PI3K/AKT signaling. In brief, CD39 is a potential prognostic factor and therapeutical target for cholangiocarcinoma.
Effects of Aureobasidium Pullulans produced β-1,3-1,6-glucan on CA19-9, sCD44, IgA and sCD209 in patients undergoing surgical resection of malignant pancreatic tumors.
Authors: Abraham Samuel JK , Tsukada Akira , Miyajima Isao , Uchiyama Satomi , Tabe Daiki , Ikewaki Nobunao , Rajappa Senthilkumar , Ichiyama Koji , Iwasaki Masaru
Published: August 2024

96

Background: Pancreatic cancer is a highly refractory tumor with poor prognosis, which aggressively progresses by suppressing the immunity. Surgical procedure related stress further weakens the immunity and aids cancer stem cell metastases, warranting immune enhancement strategies. AFO-202 strain of Aureobasidium Pullulans produced β-1,3-1,6 glucan (Nichi BRITE), having yielded immune enhancement in earlier studies, we evaluated its effects in patients undergoing surgical resection of malignant pancreatic tumors. Methods: 30 subjects in two groups were enrolled; control arm (n=15, "P" group) received a placebo, and treatment arm (n=15, "G" group) received Nichi BRITE 250mg/day, in three divided doses, for 22 days from the pre-operative day. Serum beta glucan specific IgA2 (BG-IgA), total IgA (IgA), sCD209, Serum Amyloid A (SAA), sCD44 and CA19-9 were evaluated at base line and at periodic intervals. Results: sCD44 significantly decreased 48.94% in “G” group and only 4.58% in “P” group (p = < 0.0001) on day 21. sCD209 on day 21 in “G” group increased by 54.68% (p = 0.04) against 15.03% in “P”. BG-IgA at day 10 increased around 150% in “G”, and only by 6% in “P”. Total IgA, increased by 20.60% in “G” and only 5.73% in “P”. SAA increased to 251.32% in “G” on day 21 and in “P” it decreased by 6.11%. Decreased sCD44 when correlated against Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), a significant positive correlation was in “G” (r statistic= 0.758; p-value =0.006; 95% CI= 0.2907~0.9335), but a negative correlation in “P”. Pancreatic cancer marker CA19-9 decreased significantly in three months follow up in “G” (-86.02 U/ml) whereas it increased in “P” by +5.91 U/ml. Mean survival of Nichi BRITE group was 25.9 months against 22.3 months in “P” group. Conclusions: Administration of Nichi BRITE glucans to patients undergoing surgical resection of malignant pancreatic tumor was safe and it enhanced biomarkers of innate and adaptive immunity. Nichi BRITE significantly decreased the circulating cancer stem cell marker sCD44 implying a lesser recurrence risk, especially in patients with high NLR ratio who have a poor prognosis, and significantly reduced the CA 19-9 levels implying a better prognosis, making us recommend it as an adjuvant to patients undergoing surgeries for malignant tumors, and be included in the guidelines of clinical nutrition.
The role of P53 gene and p53 protein in non-Hodgkin malignant lymphoma.
Authors: Gorecki Gabriel Petre , Nica-Badea Delia , Udristioiu Aurelian
Published: August 2024

TPS177

Background: Background and study aim P53 gene mutations are the most common genetic abnormalities of cancer. They have been extensively studied in various mature B-cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In recent years, more attention has been paid to the importance of the p53-expressed protein in CLL, and a combination with low survival and non-response to classical conventional chemotherapy, due to mutations in the p53 gene, with progression to Richter Syndrome. Identifying different p53 gene mutations is very important because these mutations have an impact on the patient's clinical course in CLL. Methods: The frequency of p-53 protein expression in 85 patients diagnosed with CLL was analyzed by the Enzyme-Linked Immune-Absorbent Assay (ELISA) technique to investigate the relationship of this protein to the stage of the disease, as well as the impact on response to treatment and survival. Cell extracts 10³×10³/L in 100 μl lysis buffer were applied to ELISA plates coated with PAb 240 capture antibody. Clinical trial information: ISRCTN12539707 .
A single-arm, exploratory study of disitamab vedotin (DV) combined with camrelizumab and platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment in patients with HER2 expressing locally advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
Authors: Wu Meihong , Zhang Yingyi , Feng Dan , Wang Bin , Wang Wei , Chen Tianran , Zhao Anjing , Xu Meng , Zhang Linli , Zhan Xianbao
Published: August 2024

TPS217

Background: Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) being the predominant histological subtype. PD-1 blockades combined with chemotherapy are now standard-of-care in first-line setting for patients with ESCC. HER2 expression, prevalent in an estimated 7.6% to 28.5% of ESCC cases, correlates with diminished overall survival, suggesting HER2-targeted therapy as a potential novel approach. To our knowledge, there is currently no clinical trial regarding anti-HER2 therapy in ESCC. Clinical evidence has suggested the potential synergistic anti-tumor effect of Disitamab Vedotin (DV) with PD-1 inhibitors in HER2-expressing gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) cancers. This single-arm, exploratory study aimed to evaluate the safety and preliminary anti-tumor activity of DV combined with camrelizumab and platinum-based chemotherapy in ESCC. Methods: This is a single-arm, exploratory study (NCT06055153). Approximately 20 patients will be enrolled in this study, phase 1 will initiate with a 3+3 dose-escalation scheme (2.5mg/kg to 2.0mg/kg) to identify dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and establish a safe dosage of DV. The expansion cohort will subsequently evaluate this dose for both efficacy and safety. The study population will included both male and female patients over the age of 18 with histologically confirmed ESCC, and locally advanced unresectable, recurrent unresectable or metastatic EC verified by imaging examination. This group also includes those patients who have experienced relapse or progression more than six months post the conclusion of last therapeutic regimen. Required HER2 expression levels in tumor specimens range from IHC 1+ to 3+. According to RECIST v1.1, participants must have at least one measurable lesion, an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1, and a minimum expected survival of 12 weeks with suitable organ function. Treatment protocol includes intravenous administration of DV (either 2.5 mg/kg or 2.0 mg/kg on day 1), Camrelizumab (200 mg on day 1), and Cisplatin (75mg/m2) or Nedaplatin (75mg/m2) on a 21-day cycle, continued until disease progression or the advent of unacceptable toxicity. The primary outcomes for evaluation are DLT for safety and the objective response rate (ORR) for efficacy. Adverse events will be monitored in accordance with the CTCAE 5.0 criteria. Secondary endpoints encompass progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DoR), and time to response (TTR). Clinical trial information: NCT06055153 .
An investigator-initiated trial to evaluate safety and tolerability of YSCH-01 in patients with recurrent glioblastoma.
Authors: Raza Hafiz Khuram , Zhang Kang-jian , Wu Zanyi , Fang Xian-long , Cao Xue-ping , Jiang Shan , Shi Zhi-feng , Liu Yanqiu , Li Ruimei , Kang De-zhi
Published: August 2024

TPS33

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM), accounting for 55% of primary malignant brain tumors, is characterized by its highly aggressive nature, poor prognosis, and high recurrence rate. Surgical resection is the primary treatment, yet recurrence is common, and survival rates remain dismal. Recurrent GBM lacks established interventions and standardized therapies. YSCH-01 is an oncolytic adenovirus, developed based on cancer-targeting gene-viro-therapy strategy (1), that has been incorporated with an interferon-like immune anticancer gene (L-IFN). Our preclinical studies have demonstrated significant tumor inhibition by YSCH-01 in both cell-line derived xenograft and patient-derived xenograft models (2). This investigator-initiated trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of YSCH-01 in subjects with recurrent GBM. Methods: Six subjects with recurrent GBM are planned to be enrolled, receiving intracranial injections of YSCH-01 via Ommaya reservoir at a dosage of 5.0×1010 VP, once every 3 weeks for a total of 5 administrations, with a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) assessment period of 3 weeks. Ommaya reservoir implantation will precede drug administration by one day. Inclusion criteria specify pathology-confirmed recurrent GBM, age 18-75 years, expected survival ≥ 12 weeks, and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score ≥ 50 points, with at least one enhanced lesion of ≥ 1 cm diameter. Safety will be evaluated based on DLT and adverse events (AEs) assessed using CTCAE 5.0. Efficacy will be assessed every 5 weeks using Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria, with overall survival follow-up at 12 weeks for two years. Two of the planned six cases have been enrolled, completing the DLT period without DLTs. The trial is registered with Clinical Trial Registry under NCT05914935. Clinical trial information: NCT05914935 .
Quality Measurement in Oncology: Time to Take the Next Step!
Authors: Kline Ronald M. , Hughes Dora L. , Schreiber Michelle
Published: August 2024

Oncology is a complex clinical specialty often requiring the close interaction of teams of different medical specialists for a successful outcome. The field is rapidly evolving scientifically, with successive discoveries of oncologic driver mutations soon followed by therapeutic agents able to interrupt the neoplastic process. Unfortunately, objective quality measurement demonstrates that many patients are not receiving optimal care, from diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic, or end-of-life perspectives. Quality measurement, reporting, and payment programs have the potential to focus attention on these care gaps and drive improvement. The federal government, as the largest single payer of health care services in the United States, has a compelling national interest to ensure that the medical care of Americans is at the highest level achievable. Accordingly, quality reporting and payment programs have been established in federal health care payment programs to drive improvements in care. This article reviews the science of quality measurement, documented gaps in oncology care, and ways to use new information technologies to decrease clinician burden associated with quality reporting. The article reviews how a measure is developed and incorporated into a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) program. It also summarizes federal programs relevant to oncology care and the individual measures used in these programs. CMS looks forward to working jointly with the oncology community to drive continuous improvements in care.
Determinants of Health Care Dissatisfaction Among a US Population-Based Cohort of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Christ Jacob P , Blank Rachel , Huddleston Heather G
Published: August 2024

Context

The 2018 International Evidence-Based Guidelines (IEBG) for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were created, in part, in response to poor patient satisfaction on international surveys. Patient satisfaction in the United States before and after these guidelines has not yet been characterized.

Objective

To evaluate care patterns and patient attitudes among US women with PCOS before and after IEBG.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of a population-based community sample of US women with confirmed PCOS who completed standardized questionnaires on care patterns and satisfaction in care.

Results

Among 1056 respondents, aged 23 ± 6 years at diagnosis, 69.2% had to wait ≥ 1 year and 72.9% saw > 1 provider prior to receiving a diagnosis. Less than 45% strongly agreed or agreed with statements regarding trusting their doctor and < 27% were very or somewhat satisfied with care across all questions. In multivariable analyses, composite outcome of trusting your physician was associated with insurance type (uninsured vs private) (odds ratio [95% CI] 0.5 [0.3-0.9], P = .020), race (Hispanic vs Caucasian) (0.6 [0.5-0.9], P = .007), (Black vs Caucasian) (1.6 [1.0-2.4], P = .045) and timing of diagnosis (within 5 years vs > 5 years) (1.3 [1.0-1.7], P = .038). Care satisfaction was associated with insurance type (public vs private) (0.6 [0.4-0.9], P = .010), (uninsured vs private) (0.5 [0.3-0.9], P = .021), and timing of diagnosis (within 5 years vs > 5 years) (1.4 [1.1-1.9], P = .010).

Conclusion

Satisfaction and trust in care is overall poor among US patients with PCOS. Higher scores among those diagnosed within the past 5 years, compared to those with a more remote diagnosis, may indicate an improving trend in care.
Has COVID-19 affected the publication productivity of neurosurgeons in UK and Republic of Ireland? A bibliometric analysis
Authors: G Paremes Sivam Hariss , Moudgil-Joshi Jigi , Kaliaperumal Chandrasekaran
Published: August 2024

Background Our aim was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the publication productivity of neurosurgeons in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Methods Using bibliometric data we quantified and analysed the academic output of neurosurgeons in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland, between two time periods i.e., January 2017 to December 2019 and January 2020 to March 2022, as a representative capture of the academic climate before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The consultant neurosurgeons were grouped according to their departments, title, sex, subspecialities and additional research qualifications. Using data charts on Scopus author directory, the total number of publications, citations and h-indices of each neurosurgeon were obtained over the two time periods. The median and mean of these 3 parameters were computed and the median values were analysed and tested for significance using a Mann Whitney-U test according to the groups. Results Our analysis conveyed a statistically significant increase (2440 publications and between January 2020 and March 2022 there were 2548 publications p<0.05) in the total number of publications after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before. There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean number of citations (mean 55.24 vs 57.01, p<0.05), after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend was observed in both sexes, in authors without an additional MD/PhD and in authors who sub-specialized in neuro-oncology. Overall, there was a significant decrease in H-index after the start of the pandemic compared to before (median h-index:1.00 and 2.00; mean h-index:1.8 and 3.4 respectively). Conclusions There appears to be an apparent increase in total number of publications after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, most authors have registered a reduction in citations and h-indices, suggesting a lower impact and unequal distribution of the abovementioned increase.
The genome sequence of the hook-banded wasp hoverfly, Chrysotoxum festivum (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Falk Steven , Woodcock Katie J ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Chrysotoxum festivum (the hook-banded wasp hoverfly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Syrphidae). The genome sequence spans 870.80 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 5 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 18.45 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of the Mottled Beauty moth, Alcis repandata (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Boyes Douglas ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from a female Mottled Beauty moth, Alcis repandata (Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The nuclear genome has a total length of 396.40 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.47 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 18,231 protein-coding genes.
A GENERAL APPROACH TO SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF ENSURING THE EFFICIENCY OF TRACTORS IN THE AGRO-INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRY
Authors: Galiev Ilgiz , Ziganshin Bulat , Kalimullin Marat , Adigamov Nail , Gabdrafikov Fanil'
Published: August 2024

Agricultural production is characterized by the seasonality of mechanized work in the cultivation of crops. In addition, the amount of wear on aggregates and equipment systems is determined, on the one hand, by natural and climatic conditions and, on the other, by the nomenclature of operations performed in the planned period, organizational, production and technical conditions in a particular farm. Tractor units and systems are interconnect with each other and interdependent on each other, i.e. the amount of wear of some parts affects the wear of others. In this regard, the purpose of the research is to develop a concept for ensuring the operability of tractors in the agro-industrial complex by optimizing the resource consumption of aggregates and systems, taking into account the conditions of their operation. The most promising direction for improving the efficiency of tractor operation is the development of measures to optimize the resource consumption of their units and systems, taking into account the operating conditions of machinery in the agro-industrial complex. To predict changes in the physical parameter of a part, unit, and tractor system for the planned period of a certain amount of work, a concept is introduced - an indicator of resource consumption, which determines the amount of change in the diagnostic parameter of the unit state per unit of work performed. The assessment of the tractor condition is carry out by the level of equipment resource consumption, which makes it possible to promptly respond to the state of technical operation of equipment, the conditions of their operation and develop measures to optimize resource consumption. The resource consumption level (Urr) of the tractor, theoretically, can vary from 0 to 1. In this case, Urr=0 it is assumed that the tractor is written off from the balance sheet of the farm or is missing; with Urr=1, it is assumed that the tractor is in good condition and all tractor parameters have nominal values. With known patterns of changes in the level of resource consumption for various types of agricultural operations, it becomes possible to plan the range of work for each tractor for the planned period, taking into account the optimal resource consumption of their units and systems.
Polskie monografie przedsiębiorstw i historie korporacyjne z perspektywy analizy gatunkowej oraz historiografii
Authors: Olejniczak Tomasz , Pikos Anna , Staszek vel Staszewski Rafał
Published: August 2024

Celem artykułu jest charakterystyka kolekcji polskich monografii przedsiębiorstw i historii korporacyjnych jako gatunku literackiego w ramach polskiej historiografii. Tekst opiera się na systematycznej analizie gatunkowej formalnych cech 365 publikacji tego typu wydanych w latach 1797–2022. W dyskusji zaprezentowano potencjalne ścieżki przyszłych badań w kontekście analizy gatunkowej i historiografii.
Robert William Seton-Watson i Polacy w czasie I wojny światowej
Authors: Lis Tomasz Jacek
Published: August 2024

Artykuł prezentuje sylwetkę Roberta Williama Setona-Watsona (1879–1951), a także charakteryzuje jego najważniejsze geopolityczne koncepcje głoszone przed, jak i podczas I wojny światowej. Ponadto zajmuje się stosunkiem brytyjskiego dziennikarza do Polaków i sprawy polskiej w tym czasie.
Opóźniony sukces władzy ludowej. Wybór Włodzimierza Reczka na członka Międzynarodowego Komitetu Olimpijskiego
Authors: Pasko Artur
Published: August 2024

Po wyborze członka MKOl z Polski, prof. Jerzego Lotha, „władza ludowa” podejmowała nieudane próby usunięcia go i zastąpienia „swoimi” ludźmi. Zupełnie inny sposób działania przyjął Włodzimierz Reczek, kiedy w 1952 r. stanął na czele Głównego Komitetu Kultury Fizycznej i Polskiego Komitetu Olimpijskiego. Chociaż sprawa zmiany członka MKOl z Polski była ważna, stanowiła bowiem część planu działań Kremla wobec MKOl, Reczek pozornie zrezygnował z prób dokonania tej zmiany. Taktyka Reczka przyniosła pożądane przez komunistów skutki. W 1961 r. Reczek zastąpił profesora Lotha w MKOl.
Rewolucja odgórna? Kopalnia milionów, czyli historia sojuszu tygodnika „Po Prostu” z aparatczykami z Zakładów Wytwórczych Lamp Elektrycznych im. Róży Luksemburg w Warszawie w 1956 roku
Authors: Sasanka Paweł
Published: August 2024

Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie historii publikacji na łamach tygodnika „Po Prostu” głośnego artykułu Włodzimierza Godka i Ryszarda Turskiego, pt. Kopalnia milionów. W okresie „odwilży” prasa była na ogół wrogiem lokalnych aparatczyków, ale ten tekst to efekt współpracy dziennikarzy z aparatczykami powiązanymi z I sekretarzem Komitetu Warszawskiego PZPR Stefanem Staszewskim z frakcji „puławskiej” wymierzonej w przedstawiciela dogmatycznego skrzydła partii (natolińczyka) Juliana Tokarskiego. Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia przepływ idei, która doprowadziła do powstania ruchu rad robotniczych we wrześniu–październiku 1956 r. i sformowania kluczowego elementu programu Października ’56.
PRL i konflikt w Saharze Zachodniej: dekolonizacja, ekonomia i ograniczenia socjalistycznej solidarności z ruchami wyzwoleńczymi w czasie zimnej wojny
Authors: Gasztold Przemysław , Grudka Piotr
Published: August 2024

W artykule omówiono stanowisko PRL wobec konfliktu w Saharze Zachodniej oraz działalności Frontu Polisario w kontekście relacji politycznych i gospodarczych z Marokiem, Algierią oraz w odniesieniu do stanowiska ZSRR. Analizie poddano główne uwarunkowania polskiej polityki względem konfliktu, wskazując dominującą rolę czynników ekonomicznych w kształtowaniu strategii kierownictwa PZPR.
Wpływ kwestii prześladowań religijnych w komunistycznej Polsce na relacje polsko-hiszpańskie w latach 1944–1957
Authors: Gajda Mateusz
Published: August 2024

Polski Kościół katolicki w okresie największych prześladowań ze strony władz komunistycznych był wspierany przez wspólnotę katolicką na całym świecie. Kościół w Hiszpanii, który po zwycięstwie gen. Francisca Franco miał ustabilizowaną pozycję w swoim państwie, mocno interesował się relacjami pomiędzy rządem warszawskim a Kościołem w Polsce. W latach 1944–1957 w raportach dyplomatycznych hiszpańskiego MSZ wiele miejsca poświęcono właśnie kwestiom dotyczącym losu polskiego Kościoła.
Franciszkańska Wspólnota Ekologiczna przy kościele pw. św. Kazimierza Królewicza (Franciszkanów Reformatów) w Krakowie w latach 1984–1989
Authors: Kuta Cecylia
Published: August 2024

Franciszkańska Wspólnota Ekologiczna przy kościele pw. św. Kazimierza Królewicza w Krakowie powstała jesienią 1984 r. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie historii tej specyficznej organizacji o zróżnicowanym składzie wiekowym i społecznym, koncentrującej się na działalności ekologicznej, edukacyjnej oraz charytatywnej, a także odgrywającej ważną rolę w informowaniu i formowaniu społeczeństwa.
The latest reports on androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Łopuszyńska Anna , Ochyra Łukasz
Published: August 2024

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss among women and men.AGA is caused by a combination of genetic factors resulting in sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which binds to the androgen receptor (AR), mediating a series of biomolecular changes that lead to changes in the hair. There are many mechanisms that can lead to AGA, some of which remain undiscovered. Treatment of AGA is also important for psychological reasons, as it constitutes a significant psychosocial stressor in the lives of people affected by this disease and worsens the quality of life. The only medications approved for the treatment of AGA are oral finasteride and topical minoxidil. These drugs may be associated with side effects, hence the need to look for other treatment methods, especially for patients who cannot tolerate approved methods. The current review focuses on the latest reports on the pathogenesis and treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Code and Data Repository for An Efficient Scenario Reduction Method for Problems with Higher Moment Coherent Risk Measures
Authors: He Xiaolei , Zhang Weiguo
Published: August 2024

The goal of this software is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the scenario reduction method, as proposed in the paper, comparing to other reduction methods on both a simple portfolio optimization problem and a realistic one.
HOW CHARITIES ARE DOING MORE FOR LESS
Authors: Lamb Charlotte
Published: August 2024

The cost-of-living crisis means charities working with children and families have seen costs spiral as demand for services increases. Sector experts and charities discuss key challenges and solutions
Optimising patient care: comprehensive evaluation of inpatient hypokalaemia
Authors: Muthaluraj Gokul Prasanna , Sathyanarayanan Abinivesh , Larsen Niels , Fernandez Cornelius
Published: August 2024

Hypokalaemia is a common electrolyte disorder affecting hospitalised patients. It is associated with adverse outcomes including increased mortality. Inpatients with hypokalaemia need a different approach to workup and management as the aetiologies and progression of the hypokalaemia are distinct to outpatients. Potassium homeostasis is predominantly maintained by renal potassium handling. The clinical manifestations of hypokalaemia depend on the severity of hypokalaemia, however, most of the findings are non-specific. The approach to management is guided by the severity of the hypokalaemia and the underlying aetiology. Oral potassium replacement can be used in many cases of mild hypokalaemia. Intravenous replacement of potassium is necessary for many inpatients. Close monitoring is essential to ensure adequacy and to prevent adverse outcomes. An interdisciplinary approach with critical care input is needed in severe cases, and in patients where routine intravenous replacement may not be feasible (e.g., patients with heart failure). In addition to replacement, the cornerstone of management is a comprehensive review of the patient to identify the underlying cause of the hypokalaemia and the factors sustaining it. In patients in whom the cause is not apparent, or the potassium does not improve as anticipated, a referral to nephrology or endocrinology should be considered. This paper reviews the assessment of hypokalaemia in a hospital setting. It is aimed at early career doctors on the wards to help carry out a thorough evaluation. It also provides a useful framework for management.
INWED Challenges & Inspires
Authors: Fanning Paul
Published: August 2024

Taking a closer look at some of the real stories behind the latest International Women In Engineering Day.
Sustainable Maintenance
Authors: Green Charlie
Published: August 2024

What role can preventive maintenance play in carbon emission reduction? Can extending the lifespan of equipment also play a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions?
Robotics: Lost in Translation?
Authors: Camilleri Daniel
Published: August 2024

Why Robotics needs to find a common language and what doing so could mean for the sector inventory (VMI) partners can offer more value than ever.
Simply The BESS
Authors: Darlington Joe
Published: August 2024

What role do Battery Energy Storage Systems have to play in meeting Net Zero targets?
Which Is The Role of Social Media in Web-Based Adolescent NonSuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI)?
Authors: Longo Giulio , Cavallo Luciano , Orsolini Laura , Volpe Umberto
Published: August 2024

In recent years, there has been a significant surge in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)-related content on the Internet. In fact, the technology landscape rapidly evolved, with social media now playing a pivotal role in the lifestyle of the general population, particularly among youths and adolescents. The current review aims at overviewing all studies so far published investigating the relationship between social media and NSSI among adolescents, focusing on the motivations behind posting NSSI-related contents and the role that social media may play in the promotion and/or maintenance of NSSI behaviors. A comprehensive systematic literature review was carried out by using MEDLINE/PubMed. Following screening through established inclusion criteria, eleven studies were finally selected and here retrieved. Due to the high methodological heterogeneity, all studies were assessed and categorized, based on the type of data collection, in three groups: a) studies using direct data (e.g., interviews/surveys); b) indirect data (e.g., content analysis on social media); and, c) mixed data. Major findings reported that social media may significantly influence the development and maintenance of NSSI behaviors. Those victims of cyberbullying often seek out pro-self-harm contents, to both normalize the behavior and/or seek peer-to-peer emotional support. Social media platforms facilitate the dissemination of self-harm techniques and encourage competition among users, exacerbating the severity of self-injury. Interviews highlighted motivations such as attention-seeking, expressing emotions, and feeling part of a group. Other studies showed that social media contents often contain both supportive and harmful advice regarding self-harm. Social media could cover a dual role in both providing support and triggering self-harm through exposure to harmful content(s). Furthermore, social media could also offer opportunities for positive interventions (i.e., awareness campaigns, mental health resources, etc.). Mental health professionals should be aware about the impact of social media on youngsters, as well as providing a routine assessment on social media use in their clinical practice. Future research should explore the (bi)directional causal role of social media on NSSI and viceversa, as well as developing preventive and treatment strategies to support young people to disincentive NSSI behaviors via social media.
Supplemental graphs for "Comparison of Two Tile-Drain Methods in SWAT via Temporal and Spatial Testing for an Iowa Watershed"
Authors: Mattos Brighenti Tassia , Gassman Philip W. , Arnold Jeffrey , Thompson Janette R.
Published: August 2024

Tile drainage is a common practice to increase agricultural productivity in regions with high water tables. Ecohydrological models, such as the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), are key tools used to simulate these subsurface drainage structures and their corresponding management effects on water balance. This study is an investigation of the application of two different SWAT tile-drain calculation methods (empirically and physically-based) in simulating the streamflow of the Des Moines River Basin (DMRB), central Iowa, USA. The model was calibrated for the DMRB outlet and validated across 24 monitoring stations. We found that both empirical function and physically-based methods have satisfactory model performance for monthly and daily calibration (NSE > 0.5; KGE > 0.6; Pbias < ±25%). The daily validation process showed that the physically-based method had more accurate spatial variability in representing the hydrological processes and a better representation of the annual tile-drain flow. The findings in this study reinforce the importance of spatial validation in assessing model performance and ensuring its suitability for practical applications.