bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual dimorphism in colorectal cancer: molecular mechanisms and treatment strategies
Authors: Rodríguez-Santiago Yair , Garay-Canales Claudia Angelica , Nava-Castro Karen Elizabeth , Morales-Montor Jorge
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Sexual dimorphism significantly influences cancer incidence and prognosis. Notably, females exhibit a lower risk and favorable prognosis for non-reproductive cancers compared to males, a pattern observable beyond the scope of risk behaviors such as alcohol consumption and smoking. Colorectal cancer, ranking third in global prevalence and second in mortality, disproportionately affects men. Sex steroid hormones, particularly estrogens and androgens, play crucial roles in cancer progression, considering epidemiological in vivo and in vitro, in general estrogens imparting a protective effect in females and androgens correlating with an increasing risk of colorectal cancer development.

Main body

The hormonal impact on immune response is mediated by receptor interactions, resulting in heightened inflammation, modulation of NF-kB, and fostering an environment conducive to cancer progression and metastasis. These molecules also influence the enteric nervous system, that is a pivotal in neuromodulator release and intestinal neuron stimulation, also contributes to cancer development, as evidenced by nerve infiltration into tumors. Microbiota diversity further intersects with immune, hormonal, and neural mechanisms, influencing colorectal cancer dynamics. A comprehensive understanding of hormonal influences on colorectal cancer progression, coupled with the complex interplay between immune responses, microbiota diversity and neurotransmitter imbalances, underpins the development of more targeted and effective therapies.

Conclusions

Estrogens mitigate colorectal cancer risk by modulating anti-tumor immune responses, enhancing microbial diversity, and curbing the pro-tumor actions of the sympathetic and enteric nervous systems. Conversely, androgens escalate tumor growth by dampening anti-tumor immune activity, reducing microbial diversity, and facilitating the release of tumor-promoting factors by the nervous system. These findings hold significant potential for the strategic purposing of drugs to fine-tune the extensive impacts of sex hormones within the tumor microenvironment, promising advancements in colorectal cancer therapies.
Improvement in depressive symptoms in a patient with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa and comorbid major depressive disorder using psychotherapy-assisted IV ketamine : a case report
Authors: Timek Amanda , Daniels-Brady Catherine , Ferrando Stephen
Published: June 2024

Background

Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening psychiatric illness with a high mortality rate and limited treatment options. This illness is frequently comorbid with major depressive disorder, leading to additional obstacles in patient quality of life, and increasing the mortality rate further due to risk of suicide. Ketamine, a competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, has been shown to be beneficial in depression given its effects on neuroplasticity. There are few cases in the literature describing ketamine use in patients with eating disorders, and even fewer that describe psychotherapy-assisted ketamine use in this patient population. We present the case of a 33-year-old woman with a history of severe and enduring anorexia nervosa and comorbid major depressive disorder who we treated safely with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy using intravenous ketamine in a general hospital setting.

Case presentation

Our patient is a 33-year-old woman with past psychiatric history of severe and enduring anorexia nervosa and major depressive disorder with comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions who presented to the hospital due to malnutrition. She had an extensive psychiatric history as well as multiple medical hospitalizations due to her eating disorder. She had tried numerous psychiatric treatments, including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, electroconvulsive therapy, and multiple types of therapies without significant improvement in symptoms. She agreed to try ketamine for treatment-resistant depression and received it intravenously for seven sessions in a closely monitored setting, and simultaneously engaged in acceptance and commitment therapy during sessions. She demonstrated increased cognitive flexibility, disappearance of suicidal ideation, and reduction in Beck Depression Inventory Scores.

Conclusions

Our case is unique in that it demonstrates the successful usage of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in a hospital setting with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa and comorbid major depressive disorder. Her body mass index was profoundly low at 13, whereas the lowest documented in the literature was 16.9. This case shows that ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may be a promising treatment modality for patients with anorexia nervosa with co-morbid depression who have failed other interventions.
Comprehensive multiomics analysis reveals distinct differences between pediatric choroid plexus papilloma and carcinoma
Authors: Choi Yeonsong , Choi Seung Ah , Koh Eun Jung , Yun Ilsun , Park Suhyun , Jeon Sungwon , Kim Yeonkyung , Park Sangbeen , Woo Donggeon , Phi Ji Hoon , Park Sung-Hye , Kim Dong-Seok , Kim Se Hoon , Choi Jung Won , Lee Ji Won , Jung Tae-Young , Bhak Jong , Lee Semin , Kim Seung-Ki
Published: June 2024

Choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) are intraventricular tumors derived from the choroid plexus epithelium and occur frequently in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the genomic and epigenomic characteristics of CPT and identify the differences between choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) and choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC). We conducted multiomics analyses of 20 CPT patients including CPP and CPC. Multiomics analysis included whole-genome sequencing, whole-transcriptome sequencing, and methylation sequencing. Mutually exclusive TP53 and EPHA7 point mutations, coupled with the amplification of chromosome 1, were exclusively identified in CPC. In contrast, amplification of chromosome 9 was specific to CPP. Differential gene expression analysis uncovered a significant overexpression of genes related to cell cycle regulation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways in CPC compared to CPP. Overexpression of genes associated with tumor metastasis and progression was observed in the CPC subgroup with leptomeningeal dissemination. Furthermore, methylation profiling unveiled hypomethylation in major repeat regions, including long interspersed nuclear elements, short interspersed nuclear elements, long terminal repeats, and retrotransposons in CPC compared to CPP, implying that the loss of epigenetic silencing of transposable elements may play a role in tumorigenesis of CPC. Finally, the differential expression of AK1, regulated by both genomic and epigenomic factors, emerged as a potential contributing factor to the histological difference of CPP against CPC. Our results suggest pronounced genomic and epigenomic disparities between CPP and CPC, providing insights into the pathogenesis of CPT at the molecular level.
The role of moisture and salt distribution in the weathering of the medieval cave town of Uplistsikhe, Georgia
Authors: Sass Oliver , Heil Stefanie
Published: June 2024

Knowledge of salt and moisture distribution is a key factor for understanding rock decay at cultural heritage sites. The cave town of Uplistsikhe in Georgia, carved from sandstone in late bronze age to medieval times, suffers from progressive scaling and flaking processes. Multi-method investigations of rock moisture and salt distribution were carried out in order to better understand the patterns of decay. Salt distribution was investigated using drill dust samples and paper pulp poultices; moisture was determined by 2D-resistivity and handheld microwave sensors, supplemented by infrared thermography. The combined results from the different methods revealed a complex pattern of salt and moisture distribution. At most sites, K2SO4 (arcanite) and its hydrates dominate, sometimes in combination with CaSO4 (gypsum). At one site (Grandhall), halite (NaCl) and niter (KNO3) prevail. Sulphates are assumed to be a legacy of air pollution; origin of halite and niter remains unsolved but might be due to concrete reinforcements. Two main sources of moisture were evidenced depending on season and spatial situation: (1) Condensation of air humidity at cool cave backwalls in spring (combined with and aided by salt hygroscopicity), evidenced by 2D-resistivity and infrared thermography; (2) seepage along joints particularly at the cave backwalls and roofs, evidenced by handheld microwave sensors. Further investigations should focus on identifying seepage pathways and on clarifying the origin of destructive halite and nitrates.
Mapping and assessment of karst landscape aesthetic value from a world heritage perspective: a case study of the Huangguoshu Scenic area
Authors: Zhang Meng , Xiong Kangning , Zhao Xi , Lyu Xiaoxi
Published: June 2024

Aesthetic value is an essential component of outstanding universal value (OUV) for natural world heritage (NWH) site. However, comparisons of aesthetic value lack a set of effective evaluation systems. In the identification of aesthetic value, there is subjectivity and difficulty in quantifying the methodology suggested by the IUCN in the operation manual, and it is difficult to compare in different NWH sites. This study focused on establishing a universal system to map and assess the aesthetic value of karst NWH sites. The research focused on three dimensions: naturalness, diversity, and uniqueness. The final combination of the three is achieved by geographic information system (GIS)-based spatial map overlay analysis with multisource data. To verify the rationality of the model, the aesthetic value of a case study in the Huangguoshu Scenic Area in China at the WH nominated site was evaluated. The results revealed that the areas with low, relatively low, medium, relatively high, and high values accounted for 12.2%, 20.2%, 32.4%, 21.4% and 13.8%, respectively. The distribution of aesthetic value is basically consistent with the boundary division of the NWH site, and high scores are mostly distributed in areas with high protection levels. Moreover, the impacts of naturalness, uniqueness and diversity on aesthetic value in the research area are in decreasing order. Furthermore, the research analyses the aesthetic characteristics and causes at different levels. The research area combines the quintessential nature of karst, hills and water, caves, fenglin and historic villages; it unifies sturdiness, peculiarity, precipitousness, and peace. Among the 7 nominated NWH sites, the Huangguoshu Waterfall has the highest aesthetic value, while those of Tiantaishan Ancient Temple and Getuhe are relatively low. The rationality of the evaluation system for extracting areas with high aesthetic value was demonstrated. This study compensates for the limitation of the inability of existing studies to quantify the aesthetic value. This approach fills a previous gap in the research on the aesthetic value of WH and can provide a useful reference for better protection and management decisions.
Repair of a right coronary artery rupture with perforated right ventricle following spontaneous pseudoaneurysm: a case report
Authors: Furui Masato , Matsumura Hitoshi , Hayashida Yoshio , Kuwahara Go , Shimizu Masayuki , Morita Yuichi , Matsuoka Yuta , Ito Chihaya , Hayama Masato , Wakamatsu Kayo , Wada Hideichi
Published: June 2024

Background

Following the rupture of a coronary artery, a patient’s condition usually deteriorates rapidly due to cardiac tamponade. A pseudoaneurysm due to a coronary artery rupture is rare; however, when a spontaneous coronary artery pseudoaneurysm occurs without tamponade, it creates a fistula in the right ventricle, often requiring surgical repair.

Case presentation

This report describes the case of a 68-year-old man who presented with chest discomfort after a 12-day course of antibiotic treatment for bacteremia. Following coronary angiography, echocardiography, and enhanced computed tomography, he was diagnosed with a right coronary artery pseudoaneurysm accompanied with perforation of the right ventricle. Severe adhesions were observed during emergency surgery surrounding the entire heart. The patient presented with risk factors for coronary artery disease, including hypertension and smoking history. His coronary artery was severely calcified due to end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis; thus, a covered stent could not fit inside the arterial lumen. Consequently, coronary artery bypass grafting to the right coronary artery and right ventricle repair were performed. Unfortunately, the patient died postoperatively due to sepsis from intestinal translocation. This rare development was hypothesized to be an incidental result of the combination of severe post-inflammatory adhesions, extensive coronary artery calcification, and rupture of the calcification crevices.

Conclusions

In the case of a severe post-inflammatory response, shock without cardiac tamponade may require further scrutiny by assuming the possibility of inward rupture. For patients in poor condition, two-stage surgical treatment might be considered after stabilization with a covered stent.
Second-degree atrioventricular block induced by electrical stimulation of transcranial motor-evoked potential: a case report
Authors: Murakami Toru , Tanaka Satoshi , Tanaka Ryusuke , Ito Mariko , Ishida Takashi , Kawamata Mikito
Published: June 2024

Background

Although several complications of transcranial motor-evoked potentials (Tc-MEPs) have been reported, reports of arrhythmias during Tc-MEP are very rare.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old woman underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion under general anesthesia, with intraoperative Tc-MEP monitoring. Preoperative electrocardiography showed an incomplete right bundle branch block but no cardiovascular events in her life. After induction of anesthesia, Tc-MEP was recorded prior to the surgery. During the Tc-MEP monitoring, electrocardiography and arterial blood pressure showed a second-degree atrioventricular block, but it improved rapidly at the end of the stimulation, and the patient was hemodynamically stable. Tc-MEP was recorded seven times during surgery; the incidence of P waves without QRS complexes was significantly higher than before stimulation. The surgery was uneventful, and she was discharged eight days postoperatively without complications.

Conclusions

Our case suggests that electrical stimulation for Tc-MEP can cause arrhythmia. Electrocardiography and blood pressure must be closely monitored during Tc-MEP monitoring.
Correlation analysis of energy consumption, carbon emissions and economic growth
Authors: Wang Xiaofei
Published: June 2024

In today's highly advanced industrialised and modernised world, China's economy is still growing, and its demand for energy is increasing daily. It is crucial to examine the connection between energy consumption, carbon emissions, and economic growth in order to promote economic growth based on energy conservation and emission reduction. Using Dezhou City in Shandong Province as an example, the study builds a VAR model of carbon emission, energy consumption, and economic growth in Dezhou City based on simplified macroeconomic sub-models, energy sub-models, and environmental sub-models. It then determines the correlation and influence mechanism between the three using tests like ADF unit root and Granger causality. The pertinent elements affecting Dezhou's carbon emissions were then investigated using grey correlation analysis. Finally, based on the study's findings, policy suggestions are made regarding energy use, carbon emissions, and economic expansion. It is necessary not only to restrain high-energy consumption industries and fundamentally optimize the energy consumption structure, but also to find new economic growth points and improve economic growth channels, so as to optimize the industrial structure. In this process, increasing the proportion of the tertiary industry is a key measure. In addition, the government needs to advocate the citizens to adopt a low-carbon lifestyle, and the concept of low-carbon environmental protection will be deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. This study will provide suggestions and theoretical guidance for China's energy consumption and carbon emissions, and help achieve high-quality growth of China and even the world economy.
Ensemble learning based anomaly detection for IoT cybersecurity via Bayesian hyperparameters sensitivity analysis
Authors: Lai Tin , Farid Farnaz , Bello Abubakar , Sabrina Fariza
Published: June 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) integrates more than billions of intelligent devices over the globe with the capability of communicating with other connected devices with little to no human intervention. IoT enables data aggregation and analysis on a large scale to improve life quality in many domains. In particular, data collected by IoT contain a tremendous amount of information for anomaly detection. The heterogeneous nature of IoT is both a challenge and an opportunity for cybersecurity. Traditional approaches in cybersecurity monitoring often require different kinds of data pre-processing and handling for various data types, which might be problematic for datasets that contain heterogeneous features. However, heterogeneous types of network devices can often capture a more diverse set of signals than a single type of device readings, which is particularly useful for anomaly detection. In this paper, we present a comprehensive study on using ensemble machine learning methods for enhancing IoT cybersecurity via anomaly detection. Rather than using one single machine learning model, ensemble learning combines the predictive power from multiple models, enhancing their predictive accuracy in heterogeneous datasets rather than using one single machine learning model. We propose a unified framework with ensemble learning that utilises Bayesian hyperparameter optimisation to adapt to a network environment that contains multiple IoT sensor readings. Experimentally, we illustrate their high predictive power when compared to traditional methods.
Parallel processing model for low-dose computed tomography image denoising
Authors: Yao Libing , Wang Jiping , Wu Zhongyi , Du Qiang , Yang Xiaodong , Li Ming , Zheng Jian
Published: June 2024

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has gained increasing attention owing to its crucial role in reducing radiation exposure in patients. However, LDCT-reconstructed images often suffer from significant noise and artifacts, negatively impacting the radiologists’ ability to accurately diagnose. To address this issue, many studies have focused on denoising LDCT images using deep learning (DL) methods. However, these DL-based denoising methods have been hindered by the highly variable feature distribution of LDCT data from different imaging sources, which adversely affects the performance of current denoising models. In this study, we propose a parallel processing model, the multi-encoder deep feature transformation network (MDFTN), which is designed to enhance the performance of LDCT imaging for multisource data. Unlike traditional network structures, which rely on continual learning to process multitask data, the approach can simultaneously handle LDCT images within a unified framework from various imaging sources. The proposed MDFTN consists of multiple encoders and decoders along with a deep feature transformation module (DFTM). During forward propagation in network training, each encoder extracts diverse features from its respective data source in parallel and the DFTM compresses these features into a shared feature space. Subsequently, each decoder performs an inverse operation for multisource loss estimation. Through collaborative training, the proposed MDFTN leverages the complementary advantages of multisource data distribution to enhance its adaptability and generalization. Numerous experiments were conducted on two public datasets and one local dataset, which demonstrated that the proposed network model can simultaneously process multisource data while effectively suppressing noise and preserving fine structures. The source code is available at https://github.com/123456789ey/MDFTN.
A phase I/IIa of [212Pb]VMT01 targeted a-particle therapy for unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
Authors: Morris Zachary Scott , Puhlmann Markus , Johnson Frances , Hanna Alaa , Cho Steve Y.
Published: June 2024

TPS9610

Background: Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with potential to metastasize early in disease development. Unresectable and metastatic melanoma accounts for 12% of cases and, despite recent advances in treatment, 5-year overall survival for this disease remains low at 35%. The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is highly expressed in melanoma with low expression in normal tissues and is therefore a target for radiopharmaceutical therapy. We developed [212Pb]VMT01, a MC1R-targeting peptide conjugated to a lead-specific chelator. Targeted therapy with 212Pb has the potential to be efficacious due to the high relative biological effectiveness of α-particles emitted upon its decay. The short physical half-life of 212Pb (10.6 h) and fast tumor targeting and clearance properties of [212Pb]VMT01 can achieve highly efficient delivery of α-particles to MC1R-expressing cancers while sparing healthy tissues. We hypothesize that [212Pb]VMT01 can be safely administered to patients with metastatic or unresectable melanoma and can enable disease control. Methods: This is an open-label, multi-center, dose-escalation/dose expansion, phase I/IIa clinical trial evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of [212Pb]VMT01 (NCT05655312). Phase I of the trial follows a mTPI-2 design. The first two cohorts incorporate dosimetry, where participants receive up to 925 MBq or 278 MBq of the therapeutic surrogate [203Pb]VMT01 or [68Ga]VMT02, respectively, prior to receiving treatment cycles. In these participants, SPECT/CT or PET/CT imaging is obtained up to 24 hours post-injection. Up to 3 treatment cycles of [212Pb]VMT01, co-administered with renal protective amino acids, are given 8 weeks apart, with a dose-limiting toxicity observation period of 6 weeks. The cohort 1 dose was 111 MBq, while the ongoing cohort 2 utilizes 185 MBq. Eligibility criteria include MC1R+ disease as determined by SPECT or PET, melanoma stage III or IV and progressive disease by RECIST 1.1. Study participants must have progressed on at least one prior SOC therapy. As part of the study, CT and/or MRI, and FDG PET are acquired at baseline, during, and at the end of treatment. Safety is assessed weekly during cycle 1 and bi-weekly for subsequent cycles. The total in-trial follow-up period is 18 months following final administration of drug. Efficacy is assessed by RECIST 1.1 criteria. The primary objectives are evaluation of the safety of [212Pb]VMT01, determination of the maximum tolerated or maximum feasible dose, and determination of the anti-tumor efficacy of [212Pb]. All primary, secondary, and exploratory objectives’ data will be collected for all participants. An interim futility evaluation may be performed after ~10 participants in the dose escalation phase for participants who have completed their first post-treatment response assessment. The trial is open for recruitment. Clinical trial information: NCT05655312 .
Η ανάπτυξη της ελπίδας σε υγειονομικό προσωπικό και η επίδρασή της στην ικανοποίηση των ασθενών σε μονάδες υγείας
Authors: Παυλάκου Ευγενία
Published: June 2024

Στην παρούσα Διδακτορική Διατριβή εξετάζεται ο αντίκτυπος που έχει η διεξαγωγή δύο εκπαιδευτικών παρεμβάσεων με στόχο την ανάπτυξη της Ελπίδας σε επαγγελματίες υγείας. Συγκεκριμένα, διερευνάται κατά πόσον η ενδεχόμενη βελτίωση της Ελπίδας στους επαγγελματίες υγείας είναι εφικτό να βελτιώσει και τις άλλες διαστάσεις του Ψυχολογικού Κεφαλαίου, αλλά και αν μία τέτοια βελτίωση μπορεί να συνεισφέρει στην βελτίωση της ικανοποίησης των ασθενών. Κατ’αρχάς, πραγματοποιείται επισκόπηση της θεωρίας της Θετικής Ψυχολογίας, η οποία αποτελεί την βάση της Θετικής Οργανωσιακής Συμπεριφοράς, κατά την οποία η καλλιέργεια μίας θετικής εταιρικής κουλτούρας συμβάλλει στο να απολαμβάνουν οι εργαζόμενοι την εργασία τους και να είναι αποδοτική. Η Θετική Οργανωσιακή Συμπεριφορά περιλαμβάνει τέσσερις διαστάσεις: Ελπίδα, Αυτεπάρκεια, Ανθεκτικότητα και Αισιοδοξία, οι οποίες συγκροτούν το μοντέλο HERO (Hope-Efficacy-Resilience-Optimism). Προέκτασή της αποτελεί η θεωρία του Ψυχολογικού Κεφαλαίου, το οποίο επίσης σχετίζεται με την βελτίωση της ψυχολογικής κατάστασης των εργαζομένων. Η παρούσα διατριβή εστιάζει στον ρόλο της Ελπίδας και του Ψυχολογικού Κεφαλαίου στον χώρο της υγειονομικής περίθαλψης και συγκεκριμένα στην επίπτωση που έχουν καταρχήν στο υγειονομικό προσωπικό, το οποίο με τη σειρά του έρχεται σε επαφή με τους ασθενείς. Στην συνέχεια περιγράφεται η δομή και η διεξαγωγή των εκπαιδευτικών παρεμβάσεων και αναλύονται τα αποτελέσματά τους, από τα οποία προκύπτει ότι υπάρχει σαφής βελτίωση όχι μόνο στην Ελπίδα, αλλά και συνολικά στις διαστάσεις του Ψυχολογικού Κεφαλαίου στις ομάδες υγειονομικών που έλαβαν μέρος στις εκπαιδευτικές παρεμβάσεις. Επιπλέον στις ομάδες αυτές κατεγράφη και αυξημένο επίπεδο ικανοποίησης των ασθενών, τους οποίους διαχειρίστηκαν. Τέλος, αναλύονται εκτενώς οι περιορισμοί της έρευνας, αλλά και προτείνονται μελλοντικές εφαρμογές παρεμβάσεων με στόχο την βελτίωση της Ελπίδας.
"Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality in Adjunct to Conventional Physiotherapy on Static Balance, Dynamic Balance and Vertical Jump in Futsal Players with Lateral Ankle Sprain: A Protocol for Randomized Control Trial"
Authors: Rathi Bharat , Ramteke Swapnil
Published: June 2024

Background As there is high expense of treatment and potential long-term consequences including chronic ankle instability (CAI), lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are common among athletes and represent a substantial healthcare burden. In terms of preventing more injuries and encouraging a full recovery, traditional treatments frequently fall short. Methods At the Department of Sports Physiotherapy, futsal athletes with grade I and grade II lateral ankle sprains will participate in a parallel-group, 1:1 allocation ratio trial. Individuals who fulfil the eligibility requirements will be randomized at random to either the experimental or control group. Conventional physiotherapy treatments will be administered to the control group, and IVR sessions utilizing certain games will be administered to the experimental group in addition to the same therapies. The Y Balance Tool is used to measure dynamic balance, the X Sens MVN system is used to measure vertical jump, and the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is used to assess static balance. Result This study aims to offer a new way to improving results for futsal players recovering from lateral ankle sprains by utilizing IVR technology in conjunction with traditional physiotherapy. The results could lead to the creation of more efficient sports-related injury rehabilitation programs, which would improve athlete performance and lessen the incidence of ankle sprains in athletic populations. CTRI Registration Number: CTRI/2024/04/065627 Name of registry: CTRI (Clinical Trials Registry) No. CTRI/2024/04/065627 Date: 12/04/2024 URL: https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/rmaindet.php?trialid=102982&EncHid=78848.18761&modid=1&compid=19
Aortic valve replacement through right anterior mini-thoracotomy in patients with chronic severe aortic regurgitation: a retrospective single-center study
Authors: Jung Eun Yeung , Im Ji Eun , Min Ho-Ki , Lee Seok Soo
Published: June 2024

Background: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) has recently been performed at many centers using a minimally invasive approach to reduce postoperative mortality, morbidity, and pain. Most previous reports on minimally invasive AVR (MiAVR) have mainly focused on aortic stenosis, and those exclusively dealing with aortic regurgitation (AR) are few. The purpose of this study was to investigate early surgical results and review our experience with patients with chronic severe AR who underwent AVR via right anterior mini-thoracotomy (RAT).Methods: Data were retrospectively collected in this single-center study. Eight patients who underwent RAT AVR between January 2020 and January 2024 were enrolled. Short-term outcomes, including the length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, postoperative complications, and echocardiographic data, were analyzed.Results: No in-hospital mortalities were observed. Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred temporarily in three patients (37.5%). However, none required permanent pacemaker implantation or renal replacement therapy. The median values of ventilator time, length of intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay were 17 hours, 34.5 hours, and 9 days, respectively. Preoperative and postoperative measurements of left ventricular ejection fraction were similar. However, the left ventricular end systolic and diastolic diameters significantly decreased postoperatively from 42 mm to 35.5 mm (p=0.018) and 63 mm to 51 mm (p=0.012), respectively.Conclusion: MiAVR via RAT is a safe and reproducible procedure with acceptable morbidity and complication rates in patients with chronic severe AR. Despite some limitations such as a narrow surgical field and demanding learning curve, MiAVR is a competent method for AR.
Dekomunizacja i przemianowywanie ulic w Polsce – próba wykorzystania analizy danych ilościowych w badaniach pamięcioznawczych
Authors: Różycki Bartłomiej , Reder-Zirkelbach Katrin
Published: June 2024

Decyzja o przemianowaniu ulicy nie wynika jedynie z kwestii natury organizacyjnej, ale jest również motywowana politycznie i zależy od woli aktorów politycznych, dążących do promowania określonych aspektów dziedzictwa historycznego i kulturowego. W rezultacie toponimia staje się istotnym elementem krajobrazu symbolicznego i wskazuje, jaki typ narracji historycznej dominuje na określonym obszarze. W niniejszym artykule dane ilościowe Głównego Urzędu Statystycznego wykorzystano do ukazania pewnych tendencji dotyczących przemianowywania ulic w Polsce, szczególnie w kontekście drugiej fali dekomunizacji, do jakiej doszło po 2016 roku.
Szachiści umysłów. Wpływ walki informacyjnej na rosyjską kulturę strategiczną
Authors: Modrzejewski Zbigniew , Dejnacki Maciej
Published: June 2024

Celem artykułu jest przybliżenie czytelnikom trzech kluczowych dla próby zrozumienia charakteru i mentalności Rosjan publikacji, których autorami są: Feliks Koneczny, Włodzimierz Bączkowski i Jewgienij Messner. Umożliwi to ukazanie źródeł współcześnie prowadzonej przez Federację Rosyjską walki informacyjnej. W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań dotyczące cywilizacji turańskiej, która zgodnie z opisem zawartym w dziele Feliksa Konecznego w zbliżonej formie występuje współcześnie w Federacji Rosyjskiej. W dalszych rozważaniach dokonano również charakterystyki siły rosyjskiej, pokazując, że Rosja w rzeczywistości jest daleka od wartości europejskich. Sposób myślenia, kultura strategiczna oraz sposób prowadzenia polityki przez Rosję są bliższe cywilizacji azjatyckiej. Wskazano, że walka informacyjna jest elementarną formą prowadzenia walki oraz podstawą budowania potęgi państwa rosyjskiego. Osobne miejsce autorzy poświęcili wojnie buntowniczej według koncepcji Jewgienija Messnera, w której granica między regularnym wojskiem a społeczeństwem jest zatarta. Autorzy doszli do wniosku, że kluczem do osiągnięcia sukcesu w wojnie buntowniczej są skutecznie realizowane działania informacyjne.
Dokumentacja miasta Torunia na listę światowego dziedzictwa UNESCO – uwarunkowania, proces tworzenia, treść i forma
Authors: Zimna-Kawecka Karolina
Published: June 2024

W artykule przedstawiono okoliczności procesu powstawania i cechy przygotowanej dokumentacji do wniosku o wpis obszaru staromiejskiego Torunia na listę światowego dziedzictwa UNESCO, autorstwa dr. hab. Mariana Arszyńskiego wraz z zespołem. W ubiegłym roku obchodzony był jubileusz 25-lecia uznania wyjątkowych, powszechnych wartości miasta. Choć niektóre osoby związane z tym procesem publikowały już swoje wspomnienia, to sama dokumentacja nie była dotąd przedmiotem analizy, a stanowiła jedno z pierwszych opracowań przygotowywanych na potrzeby wniosku w nowej formie. Przede wszystkim jednak prezentuje ona interesujący przykład metodologii, gdyż przed wpisem Torunia jako średniowiecznego miasta – nie było takiego odpowiednika, którego analiza wartościująca, a w konsekwencji dokumentacja mogłaby posłużyć za wzór dla toruńskiego opracowania. Na potrzeby niniejszego artykułu sięgnięto do szeregu dokumentów związanych z początkiem procesu zgłoszenia kandydatury Torunia, a także materiałów roboczych – w tym roboczego egzemplarza dokumentacji przechowywanych w Katedrze Konserwatorstwa UMK. Treść dokumentów skonfrontowano z informacjami uzyskanymi podczas wywiadów: z pomysłodawcą i autorem – prof. M. Arszyńskim, ale też z dwoma byłymi pracownikami Katedry bezpośrednio zaangażowanymi w powstanie samego dokumentu: Wiesławem Kanią i Henrykiem Ratajczakiem.
Escenarios forenses, estética material y agencias performativas. (A propósito de las desapariciones forzadas y las búsquedas por las y los familiares)
Authors: Diéguez Ileana
Published: June 2024

En este texto exploramos la constitución de lo que llamamos escenarios forenses mexicanos como escenarios de búsquedas en tensión con el teatro de operaciones bélicas de los ejércitos que hoy controlan el trasiego de sustancias y cuerpos en México. Es constituyente de estos escenarios la dimensión estética material que evidencia las violencias y la agencia performativa de los familiares devenidos excavadores, peritos y forenses por cuenta propia como parte de una larga batalla por encontrar y exigir a las autoridades la identificación de los restos. Desde la noción de “estética forense” desarrollada por Eyal Weizman y Thomas Keenan, interesa leer las que consideramos como configuraciones estéticas que emergen en estos escenarios.
Direct Trade Sourcing Strategies for Specialty Coffee
Authors: Webster Scott , Kazaz Burak , Gheibi Shahryar
Published: June 2024

Problem definition: Leading specialty coffee roasters rely on direct trade to source premium coffee beans. We examine a roaster who sells two basic types of roasts: (1) a single-origin roast sourced from a specific locale and (2) a blend roast that uses a mix of beans from sources that vary over the course of a year. The prices of blend roasts are lower than those of single-origin roasts and appeal to a larger market. We study how characteristics of the operating and market environment affect the optimal sourcing strategy for single-origin beans. Methodology/results: We develop a two-stage stochastic program with recourse that reflects these characteristics. A roaster has the option to allocate some of the single-origin beans for sale under a blend label, known as downward substitution. We identify three distinct optimal sourcing strategies—specialized (no downward substitution), diversified (consistent downward substitution), and mixed (between these extremes)—and show that they are robust under different definitions of yield and demand. Managerial implications: We identify four main insights: (1) Two factors determine which strategy is optimal: the mean price of the inferior product (blend label) and the marginal cost of the superior product (single-origin label). (2) When compared with the newsvendor model, we find distinct structural differences across strategies. For example, whereas the effects of increasing uncertainty on optimal quantity align with the newsvendor model under a mixed strategy, the effects are distinctly different under specialized and diversified strategies (e.g., monotonic decreasing behavior for specialized, no change in quantity under diversified). (3) The weighted average price of an agricultural product is decreasing in negative yield–price correlation. We coin this as the “farmer’s curse,” which carries lessons for direct trade sourcing (e.g., advocating against paying the grower at postharvest market prices). (4) We find evidence of a virtuous feedback loop wherein the grower–roaster relationship becomes stronger over time. Our findings also point to a simple signal that policymakers may use to identify coffee growing locales where targeted interventions can improve grower welfare.

Funding: B. Kazaz is thankful for summer support provided by the Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2021.0586 .
Supporting older people to vote in the upcoming general election
Authors: Ashurst Adrian M
Published: June 2024

Adrian Ashurst discusses the importance of providing care home residents with information regarding the general election and helping them to vote.
The Free Market between Constitutionalism and Dictatorship: on the Adaptation and Radicalization of Friedrich von Hayek’s Thought in Argentina
Authors: Ciolli Matilde
Published: June 2024

Abstract: The essay aims to reconstruct the early dissemination of neoliberal ideas in Argentina, particularly focusing on the thought of Friedrich A. von Hayek between 1955 and 1983. It argues that outside the regions where this theory was originally conceived, namely Europe and United States, its conservative and authoritarian core was accentuated and radicalized by both Western and Argentine neoliberal intellectuals. Specifically, on the one hand, Hayek’s thought was interpreted in continuity with the Argentine liberal-conservative tradition and used to validate and restore its most elitist and anti-democratic aspects. On the other hand, it was adopted to oppose Peronism, developmentalism, and socialism as well as to justify, dictatorial regimes tasked with temporarily restoring the conditions for a free-market society. The first part of the essay, therefore, examines the institutions, think tanks, and journals that allowed the initial circulation of neoliberal ideas in Argentina, illustrating how they were adapted to the local context. While the second part analyzes Hayek’s visits to Argentina and the content of his lectures, the last part examines how Hayek’s thought was interpreted by Álvaro Alsogaray, Carlos Sanchez Sañudo, and Alberto Benegas Lynch, shedding light on how they reinforced and pushed its conservative and authoritarian nucleus to its extreme consequences.
Economic burden of varicella in Bangkok, Thailand: A multicenter medical chart review study
Authors: Samant Salome , Pawaskar Manjiri , Chaisavaneeyakorn Sujittra , Kamolratanakul Supitcha , Limpadanai Sujane , Jackson Bianca , Stephens Jennifer , Sukarom Isaya , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya
Published: June 2024

Our multicenter, medical chart review, cost-of-illness study used a micro-costing approach to evaluate the economic burden associated with varicella in Bangkok, Thailand, from a societal perspective. We reviewed medical charts of adults and children with a primary diagnosis of varicella (2014–2018) from 4 hospitals in Bangkok. Reported healthcare resource utilization and missed school or workdays were extracted from medical charts. Mean direct, indirect, and total costs per patient were estimated for overall, adult, and pediatric patients (2020 USD). Of the 200 children and 60 adults, 99.6%, 5.4%, and 5.4% had a varicella-related outpatient visit, emergency department visit, and hospitalization, respectively. The mean direct medical cost was 33 USD for pediatric and adult patients. The mean cost of outpatient visits (8 vs 13 USD, P<0.001) and medications (7 vs 9 USD, P<0.001) was significantly lower among pediatric patients. Forty-eight children reported a mean of 5.8 school days lost, and 32 adult patients reported a mean of 7.4 workdays lost. The mean total cost per varicella patient was 89 USD, with the mean total cost higher for adult than pediatric patients (145 vs 72 USD, P<0.001). Indirect cost accounted for 63% of the total cost per patient (54% for pediatric patients and 77% for adult patients). There is a substantial economic burden associated with patients seeking varicella-related healthcare in Thailand, including considerable indirect costs.
“Let him die. He caused it”: A qualitative study on cancer stigma in Tanzania
Authors: Mwobobia Judith M. , Knettel Brandon A. , Headley Jennifer , Msoka Elizabeth F. , Tarimo Clotilda S. , Katiti Victor , Juhlin Erika , Osazuwa-Peters Nosayaba
Published: June 2024

Cancer stigma presents a critical barrier to care seeking, contributing to delayed presentation and poor cancer outcomes worldwide. The burden of cancer in Tanzania is on the rise, with cancer being the third-leading cause of death in the country. Despite rising incidence and poor outcomes of cancer, cancer-related stigma interventions have received low prioritization. There is a need for sound research that focuses on understanding attitudes driving stigma, its impact on care-seeking and treatment adherence, and intervention models to reduce stigma. We used a cross-sectional qualitative study design. We administered three open-ended qualitative questions to 140 adults newly diagnosed with cancer in Moshi, Tanzania. The questions explored common attitudes toward people with cancer, the perceived impact of cancer-related stigma on care engagement, and ideas for reducing cancer stigma. Patients were recruited during routine appointments at the Cancer Center at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center. Data were analyzed using a team-based, applied thematic approach and NVivo 12 software. All participants described stigma as a significant challenge for treatment and receiving support from their social networks. Perceptions of financial burden, misconceptions about cancer, such as the belief that it is contagious, and fear of death, were common attitudes driving cancer stigma. Most participants feared that symptoms would prevent them from being able to work and that the cost of cancer care would drive away loved ones. Stigma was not a ubiquitous response, as some participants reported increased care and social support from family members after a cancer diagnosis. Experiences of stigma contributed to feelings of shame, fear of burdening the family, reduced resources to access treatment, and disengagement from care. Common substitutes to medical therapies included religious interventions and traditional medicine, perceived as less expensive and less stigmatizing. Many participants felt they would benefit from improved financial support, professional counseling, and education for families and communities to reduce stigmatizing attitudes and enhance social support. There is a need for intervention studies focused on improving cancer literacy, community advocacy to reduce cancer stigma, and increasing emotional and practical support for people with cancer and their families. There is also a clear need for policy efforts to make cancer care more affordable and accessible to reduce the financial burden on patients and families.
Place, displacement, and health-seeking behaviour among the Ugandan Batwa: A qualitative study
Authors: Brubacher Laura Jane , Berrang-Ford Lea , Clark Sierra Nicole , Patterson Kaitlin , Lwasa Shuaib , Namanya Didacus , Twesigomwe Sabastian ,   IHACC Research Team, Harper Sherilee L.
Published: June 2024

For many Indigenous Peoples, relationships to the land are inherent in identity and culture, and to all facets of health and wellbeing, physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. The Batwa are Indigenous Peoples of rural, southwest Uganda who have experienced tremendous social and economic upheaval, due to relatively recent forced displacement and land dispossession. This loss of physical connection to their ancestral lands has significantly impacted Batwa health, and also affected available healthcare options for Batwa. This exploratory study (1) identified and characterized factors that influence Batwa health-seeking behaviour, using acute gastrointestinal illness, a critical public health issue, as a focal point for analysis; and (2) explored possible intersections between the Batwa’s connection to place–and displacement–and their health-seeking behaviour for acute gastrointestinal illness. Twenty focus group discussions, stratified by gender, were conducted in ten Batwa settlements in Kanungu District, Uganda and eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with primary healthcare workers, community health coordinators, clinical officers, and development program coordinators. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed using a constant comparative method. Batwa identified several significant motivators to engage with Indigenous and/or biomedical forms of healthcare, including transition to life outside the forest and their reflections on health in the forest; ‘intellectual access’ to care and generational knowledge-sharing on the use of Indigenous medicines; and Batwa identity and way of life. These nuanced explanations for health-seeking behaviour underscore the significance of place–and displacement–to Batwa health and wellbeing, and its relationship to their health-seeking behaviour for acute gastrointestinal illness. As such, the results of this study can be used to inform healthcare practice and policy and support the development of a culturally- and contextually-appropriate healthcare system, as well as to reduce the burden of acute gastrointestinal illness among Batwa.
Pyramiding of bacterial blight resistance genes into promising restorer BRRI31R line through marker-assisted backcross breeding and evaluation of agro-morphological and physiochemical characteristics of developed resistant restorer lines
Authors: Akter Anowara , Hassan Lutful , Nihad Sheikh Arafat Islam , Hasan Md. Jamil , Robin Arif Hasan Khan , Khatun Mahmuda , Tabassum Anika , Latif Mohammad Abdul
Published: June 2024

BRRI31R is one of the Bangladesh’s most promising restorer lines due to its abundant pollen producing capacity, strong restoring ability, good combining ability, high outcrossing rate and genetically diverse from cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) line. But the drawback of this line is that it is highly susceptible to bacterial blight (BB) disease of rice caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. The present study highlighted the pyramiding of effective BB resistance genes (xa5, xa13 and Xa21) into the background of BRRI31R, through marker–assisted backcrossing (MABC). Backcross progenies were confirmed and advanced based on the foreground selection of target genes. Pyramided lines were used for pathogenicity test against five Bangladeshi Xanthomonas oryzae (BXo) races (BXo93, BXo220, BXo822, BXo826, BXo887) and confirmed the dominant fertility restore genes, Rf3 and Rf4 and further validated against SNP markers for more confirmation of target resistance genes. All pyramided restorer lines consisted of Xa4 (in built), xa5, xa13, Xa21, and Chalk5 with two fertility restorer genes, Rf3, Rf4. and these restorer lines showed intermediate amylose content (<25%). Restorer lines BRRI31R-MASP3 and BRRI31R-MASP4 showed high levels of resistance against five virulent BXo races and SNP genotyping revealed that these lines also contained a blast resistance gene Pita races. Gene pyramided restorer lines, BRRI31R-MASP3 and BRRI31R-MASP4 can directly be used as a male parent for the development of new BB resistant hybrid rice variety or could be used as a replacement of restorer line of BRRI hybrid dhan5 and 7 to enhance the quality of hybrid seeds as well as rice production in Bangladesh.