bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological characteristics of Porang (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) in Timor-Leste and their correlation with the climatic conditions
Authors: De Deus da Cruz Nice , Azrianingsih Rodiyati , Ribeiro da Costa Hermenegildo
Published: December 2024

Porang (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) is native to the forests of Timor-Leste, with cultivation starting in 2017. This study examined the morphological characteristics and nutrient content of porang from six gardens across Timor-Leste, assessing relationships with climatic factors. Various morphological traits and climate variables, including elevation, were measured. Nutrient analysis of porang tubers utilized chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques, while principal component analysis helped identify links between morphology, nutrient content, and abiotic factors. Despite some qualitative similarities, such as colour and leaf patterns, significant differences were noted in measurable traits. Findings indicated that environmental conditions significantly influenced porang growth. For instance, higher air humidity in the Bobonaro District positively affected plant height and canopy width. In contrast, elevated temperatures and soil conductivity in the Liquiça District influenced leaf venation. The Aileu District exhibited the highest bulbil abundance, while larger tubers were found in the Ermera District, which is at a higher elevation. The Manufahi District had rich organic carbon content, and porang in Manatuto, with higher soil pH, produced more bulbils. However, drought conditions in Manatuto led to moisture loss and partial tuber decay. The highest glucomannan concentration was found in tubers from Bobonaro (10.25%), followed by Liquiça (9.87%) and Ermera (9.81%). Overall, environmental factors like elevation, soil temperature, and humidity significantly impacted porang characteristics and yield.
Las Colecciones fotográficas en el Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes y el Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires
Authors: Magnetto Vanesa
Published: December 2024

Este artigo explora o surgimento e o desenvolvimento das coleções fotográficas do Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (MNBA) e do Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires (MAMBA). Com base em uma leitura do campo da arte fotográfica da década de 1990 na cidade de Buenos Aires, as características de cada coleção são estudadas dentro da estrutura do discurso curatorial que as promoveu. Também são analisados os diferentes perfis das coleções de acordo com as origens dos artistas que produziram as obras. A hipótese que orienta este trabalho é que a consolidação e a formação de ambas as coleções, sem precedentes em nível nacional, respondem a uma institucionalização inicial da fotografia argentina que promoveu a criação de coleções fotográficas, entre outras questões.
Virtudes da penitência, recompensas do amor: literatura conventual feminina no México do século XVIII
Authors: Cordiviola Alfredo
Published: December 2024

The genre of female conventual literature, which featured illustrious precursors such as medieval mystics and Santa Teresa, had acquired considerable momentum since the 17th century in New Spain and South America. Its topic alluded to strict penances, convulsive illuminations, periods of loneliness and waiting, and the dilemmas of describing intimate experiences with the divine that could not be described (although they should be described) with common language. For the nuns, writing was a practice always subjected to observation and censorship, but also an instrument to elucidate their fears and desires, and a way to assert a position and a voice among the rigid conditions that governed the cloister. In this work, we will focus on two nuns who lived and wrote in the Mexican convent of San Juan de la Penitencia in the 18th century, Sor Sebastiana Josefa de la Santísima Trinidad and Sor Maria de Jesús Felipa.
Breve abordagem ao ativismo evangélico Chiapaneco
Authors: Castellanos Villamil Nayive
Published: December 2024

En pleno auge del activismo evangélico en América Latina, este artículo recupera y analiza algunas de las disputas derivadas de la movilización evangélica chiapaneca en la vida de las comunidades locales, tradicional y confesionalmente vinculadas al catolicismo. En un territorio donde éstas habían manifestado patrones propios de organización social y política, la irrupción de los evangélicos los desestructuró e introdujo formas organizativas distintas. Asimismo, en dicho proceso, los líderes evangélicos crearon sus propias bases políticas o alianzas con los partidos nacionales. Se enfatizó en el período 2000-2020 por el contexto nacional de alternancia política, que fortaleció los lazos político-religiosos entre diversos grupos locales, partiendo del siglo XIX como marco histórico.
La construcción del horizonte feminista latinoamericano en el siglo XXI: una nueva geopolítica del conocimiento
Authors: Vargas Virginia
Published: December 2024

El artículo se inicia poniendo como base una breve referencia a lo que fueron las luchas y las reflexiones de las feministas de América Latina y el Caribe español en las tres últimas décadas del siglo XX (1970-2000), tejido sobre el que se asentarán los feminismos del siglo XXI. En el siglo XX, ellas tuvieron que confrontar las formas como la sociedad y el Estado ubicaban el rol secundario, tradicional, naturalizado de las mujeres. El hacerlo significó una profunda desobediencia epistémica frente a los “pensamientos únicos”, a las jerarquías de conocimiento, a la inexistencia del sujeto feminista y a la ausencia de su voz.  En el siglo XXI esta desobediencia epistémica se extiende a partir de las voces de nuevas actoras - o las antiguas, hoy con nueva audibilidad - que desde los cuerpos, las búsquedas de autonomía, la recuperación de las memorias de lucha, las cosmovisiones “otras”,  enriquecen el horizonte feminista con categorías sentipensantes. Dan cuenta así a las nuevas formas de entendimiento sobre las múltiples realidades que marcan la diversidad de experiencias y de formas de vida de las mujeres. Desde esta nueva geopolítica del conocimiento, se despliegan las luchas, los sentires, las subjetividades, las memorias, dando cuenta de la existencia de feminismos plurales, diversos que alimentan la teoría y la acción extendida a múltiples espacios, como características de los feminismos del siglo XXI.
Lithium’s Northern Buzz: Extractivism, Energy Transitions, and Resource Frontiers in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Québec
Authors: Kingsbury Donald
Published: December 2024

In the “buzz” before extraction begins in earnest, landscapes, financial interests, and communities are reshaped in anticipation of economic windfalls—even if a project never materializes. The buzz around critical minerals necessary for decarbonization technologies adds the existential threat of the climate crisis to the financial, social, and political pressures that normally drive resource extraction. As this article illustrates in its study of the emerging lithium frontier in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Québec, these processes are always overdetermined, blurring simple causal explanations—particularly in the early and sustaining “buzz” of extraction. Drawing from interviews with frontline communities and decision makers, I aim here to assess the relationship between extraction and energy transitions at emerging energy frontiers of the Global North. Path dependency, geopolitics, and local dynamics all inform the (re)formation of resource frontiers and, in the process, offer new ways to consider the politics of extraction and energy transitions in the context of intensifying climate crises.
Fertility and abortion: A population-based comparison between women with cancer and those in childbearing age
Authors: Maraschini Alice , Corsi Decenti Edoardo , Donati Serena , Francisci Silvia , Lopez Tania , Amodio Rosalba , Bianconi Fortunato , Bovo Emanuela , Bruni Rossella , Castaing Marine , Cirilli Claudia , De Vincenzo Rosa Pasqualina , Furgiuele Giuseppe , Guarda Linda , Iacovacci Silvia , Mangone Lucia , Mazzucco Walter , Melcarne Anna , Merlo Elisabetta , Mian Michael , Sampietro Giuseppe , Scambia Giovanni , Scuderi Tiziana , Sferrazza Ausilia , Stracci Fabrizio , Torrisi Antonina , Trojano Vito , Vitale Maria Francesca , Pierannunzio Daniela
Published: December 2024

Objectives:

Concurrence of pregnancy and cancer diagnosis is increasingly frequent in Italy. The study aimed to compare women with pregnancy-associated cancers (PACs) to those of childbearing age, focusing on fertility, induced abortion, and miscarriage.

Methods:

The population-based study included women aged 15-49 years, both with and without PAC, who were residents in the area covered by the 19 participating Cancer Registries between 2003 and 2015 and identified by individual deterministic linkage with the Hospital Discharge Database.

Results:

Overall, 2,218,139 obstetrics hospitalizations occurred, covering delivery (75%), induced abortion (14%), and miscarriage (11%). Among 2409 women with PAC, 69% gave birth, 16% had an induced abortion and 15% a miscarriage. Compared with the reference population, the fertility rate in women with PACs was steadily lower (mean values 25.7/1000 vs 37.7/1000), while induced abortion (from 359/1000 - SRR 1.99, 95%CI 1.32-3.00 - in 2003 to 147/1000 - SRR 1.11, 95%CI 0.59-2.09 - in 2015) and miscarriage ratios exhibited a decreasing trend.

Conclusion:

These results are consistent with international literature and are probably due to advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. This is the first Italian population-based study analysing fertility and pregnancy outcomes among women with PAC based on a reliable information on cancer diagnosis.
Assessing the Environmental Sustainability Corridor for BRICS Nations by Integrating Three SDGs, ‘Biocapacity’ and ‘Ecological Footprint’
Authors: Shahani Rakesh , Badaik Aishwarya
Published: December 2024

The present study makes an attempt to analyse the co-integrating relation between ‘ecological footprint’ on one hand and GDP, trade openness, forest area and biocapacity on the other for the period 1992–2015 for five BRICS economies with the objective of ascertaining whether the rapid growth achieved by the BRICS is along a ‘sustainable’ path. Further, the study also tries to lookout for signs of ‘convergence’ of ‘ecological footprint’ amongst all BRICS economies. The methodology employed includes ARDL Co-integration Model, TY Causality and Beta Convergence Models. The results showed existence of long run co-integration amongst four BRICS nations (except for India where no co-integration was proved) with fast speed of adjustment towards long run equilibrium. Further, short-run causality was seen moving from ‘GDP’ and ‘forest area’ towards ‘ecological footprint’ in three of the five BRICS nations, while variable ‘trade’ was not seen causing ‘ecological footprint’. ‘Beta convergence’ was also proved for ‘ecological footprint’ amongst all BRICS nations. These results thus provide a clear indication as to which variables need to be targeted to achieve a ‘sustainable’ growth. The results also reveal the pace of long-term adjustment as shown by ECM(1) term, which would enable policymakers to plan their action for fulfilment of the objective of tackling ‘environmental degradation’ in BRICS economies. Also, convergence of ‘ecological footprint’ across BRICS indicates that similar policies to tackle environmental degradation could be framed for BRICS at their group meetings.
A uremic patient with autogenous arteriovenous fistula developed tension blisters after initial puncture
Authors: Guo Yingdong , Wang Lili , Liang Liming , Wang Zunsong , Qin Shiyong , Kong Xianglei
Published: December 2024

Tension blisters usually occur in the presence of local swelling or excessive pressure. Tension blisters after puncture injury are relatively rare in uremic patients who use autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis treatment. In this report, the patient we reported developed tension blisters after the initial puncture injury. Arterial CTA revealed obvious stenosis of the right subclavian vein and the patient was diagnosed with venothoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS). In this case, the occurrence and development of tension blisters after dialysis puncture injury were observed. Furthermore, the etiology, treatment measures, and methods for preventing the occurrence of tension blisters are illuminated to further improve the quality of vascular access.
Impact of inter-species hybridisation on antifungal drug response in the Saccharomyces genus
Authors: Visinoni Federico , Royle William , Scholey Rachel , Hu Yue , Timouma Soukaina , Zeef Leo , Louis Edward J. , Delneri Daniela
Published: December 2024

Background

Antifungal drug resistance presents one of the major concerns for global public health, and hybridization allows the development of high fitness organisms that can better survive in restrictive conditions or in presence of antifungal agents. Hence, understanding how allelic variation can influence antifungal susceptibility in hybrid organisms is important for the development of targeted treatments. Here, we exploited recent advances in multigenerational breeding of hemiascomycete hybrids to study the impact of hybridisation on antifungal resistance and identify quantitative trait loci responsible for the phenotype.

Results

The offspring of Saccharomyces cerevisiae x S. kudriavzevii hybrids were screened in the presence of six antifungal drugs and revealed a broad phenotypic diversity across the progeny. QTL analysis was carried out comparing alleles between pools of high and low fitness offspring, identifying hybrid-specific genetic regions involved in resistance to fluconazole, micafungin and flucytosine. We found both drug specific and pleiotropic regions, including 41 blocks containing genes not previously associated with resistance phenotypes. We identified linked genes that influence the same trait, namely a hybrid specific ‘super’ QTL, and validated, via reciprocal hemizygosity analysis, two causal genes, BCK2 and DNF1. The co-location of genes with similar phenotypic impact supports the notion of an adaption process that limits the segregation of advantageous alleles via recombination.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the value of QTL studies to elucidate the hybrid-specific mechanisms of antifungal susceptibility. We also show that an inter-species hybrid model system in the Saccharomyces background, can help to decipher the trajectory of antifungal drug resistance in pathogenic hybrid lineages.
The accuracy of anatomic landmarks on the occlusal plane: a comparative study between conventional and 3D image method
Authors: Kingrungpetch Supak , Aunmeungtong Weerapan , Khongkhunthian Pathawee
Published: December 2024

Background

To establish the occlusal plane, the conventional methods for facial analysis to gain accurate alignment of the occlusal plane are inadequate, while 3D technologies are an ideal diagnostic tool. The aims of this research are to compare the difference accuracy of anatomic landmarks on the occlusal plane and ala-tragus line between the conventional clinical method and 3D image method in both non-orthodontic and orthodontic treatment volunteers.

Methods

A total of 44 volunteers (22 non-orthodontic and 22 orthodontic treatment volunteers) with normal occlusion were selected. All volunteers received 2 operative methods for occlusal plane determination. In conventional method, the occlusal plane was defined by the fox plane line. The ala-tragus line was defined by the radio-opaque markers. In the 3D image method, the volunteers were recorded intraoral images, 3D facial images and CBCT images. A 3D virtual picture was created using EXOCAD® software. The occlusal plane was generated by the incisal and occlusal surfaces of the teeth. Both methods, the angles and distances between the occlusal plane and ala-tragus line were measured and compared statistically on both sides of each volunteer.

Results

Both volunteers’ group, the mean angles and distances between the occlusal plane-ala tragus line in the conventional method were reported to be significantly greater than the 3D method (P < 0.05). The percentage difference of angles in conventional method were reported to be significantly higher by 13.61–21.58% (p < 0.05) compared to the 3D method. The percentage difference of distances in the conventional method were reported to be significantly greater than the 3D method by 4.73–7.51% (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Within the limitation of the study, it can be concluded that both conventional and digital methods for establishing the occlusal plane are not parallel to the occlusal plane. The occlusal plane and ala-tragus line in the conventional method and the 3D method were significantly different in terms of angles and distances in both non-orthodontic and orthodontic treatment volunteers. However, the deviation angle of both methods is approximately 13–20 degrees, which is clinically acceptable for occlusal plane establishment. The accuracy of both methods is still within the using in clinical implementation.
Peripheral artery disease, antithrombotic treatment and outcomes in European and Asian patients with atrial fibrillation: analysis from two prospective observational registries
Authors: Mei Davide Antonio , Romiti Giulio Francesco , Bucci Tommaso , Corica Bernadette , Imberti Jacopo Francesco , Bonini Niccolò , Vitolo Marco , Shantsila Alena , Tse Hung-Fat , Chao Tze-Fan , Boriani Giuseppe , Proietti Marco , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: December 2024

Background

In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the impact of peripheral artery disease (PAD) on oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy use and the risk of outcomes remains unclear.

Objective

To analyse the epidemiology of PAD in a large cohort of European and Asian AF patients, and the impact on treatment patterns and risks of adverse outcomes.

Methods

We analysed AF patients from two large prospective observational registries. OAC prescription and risk of outcomes were analysed according to the presence of PAD, using adjusted Logistic and Cox regression analyses. The primary outcome was the composite of all-cause death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Interaction analyses were also performed.

Results

Fifteen-thousand-four-hundred-ninety-seven patients with AF (mean age 68.9, SD 11.6 years; 38.6% female, 30% from Asia) were included in the analysis. PAD was found in 941 patients (6.1%), with a higher prevalence among European individuals compared to Asian (8.1% vs 1.2%, p < 0.001). On logistic regression analysis, European patients had sixfold higher odds of presenting with PAD compared with Asians (OR 6.23, 95% CI 4.75–8.35).

After adjustments, PAD was associated with lower use of OAC (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.50–0.69). On Cox regression analysis, PAD was associated with a higher risk of the primary composite outcome (HR 1.28, 95% CI: 1.08–1.52) and all-cause death (HR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.16–1.69). A significant interaction was observed between PAD and age, with higher effects of PAD found in younger patients (< 65 years) for the risk of the primary outcome (pint = 0.014).

Conclusions

In patients with AF, PAD is associated with lower use of OAC and a higher risk of adverse outcomes, with a greater risk seen in younger patients.
Exploring the ’EarSwitch’ concept: a novel ear based control method for assistive technology
Authors: Hoyle Anna C. , Stevenson Richard , Leonhardt Martin , Gillett Thomas , Martinez-Hernandez Uriel , Gompertz Nick , Clarke Christopher , Cazzola Dario , Metcalfe Benjamin W.
Published: December 2024

Background

Loss of communication with loved ones and carers is one of the most isolating and debilitating effects of many neurological disorders. Assistive technology (AT) supports individuals with communication, but the acceptability of AT solutions is highly variable. In this paper a novel ear based control method of AT, the concept of ’EarSwitch’, is presented. This new approach is based on detecting ear rumbling, which is the voluntary contraction of the tensor tympani muscle (TTM), resulting in observable movement of the eardrum and a dull rumbling sound. ’EarSwitch’ has the potential to be a discreet method that can complement existing AT control methods. However, only a subset of the population can ear rumble and little is known about the ability of rumbling in populations with neurological disorders.

Methods

To explore the viability of the ’EarSwitch’ concept as an AT control method we conducted in-depth online surveys with (N=1853) respondents from the general population and (N=170) respondents with self-declared neurological disorders including Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).This is the largest ever study to explore ear rumbling and the first to explore whether rumbling is preserved among individuals with neurological disorders. In addition, we validated rumbling, and investigated usability of the ’EarSwitch’ concept as a control input, using in-person otoscopic examination with a subset of participants.

Results

A significant proportion of the population with neurological disorders could benefit from ’EarSwitch’ controllable AT. The upper bound prevalence of the ability to rumble without accompanying movements was 55% in the general population, 38% in the neurological population, and 20% of participants with MND (N=95) reported this ability. During the validation procedure, participants achieved high accuracy in self-reporting the ability to rumble (80%) and proved concept of using the ’EarSwitch’ method to control a basic interface.

Discussion

’EarSwitch’ is a potential new AT control method control, either by itself or as a supplement to other existing methods. Results demonstrate self-reported ear rumbling is present among patients with different neurological disorders, including MND. Further research should explore how well the ability to rumble is preserved in different types and stages of neurological disorders.
Numerical algorithms based on splines for singularly perturbed parabolic partial differential equations with mixed shifts
Authors: Vivek K. , Nageshwar Rao R.
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we discuss singularly perturbed time-dependent convection–diffusion problems that arise in computational neuroscience. Specifically, we provide approaches for one-dimensional singularly perturbed parabolic partial differential difference equations (SPPPDDEs) with mixed shifts in the spatial variable using fitted operator spline in compression and adaptive spline. Temporal discretization is done by backward Euler’s method, and spline methods with exponential fitting on uniform mesh are implemented in the spatial domain. For better approximations, the Richardson extrapolation technique is used, which is demonstrated by two numerical examples. The convergence of the proposed methods is investigated and found to be uniform with respect to the perturbation parameter. Graphical representations are provided to show how the shifts affect the proposed solution to the problem.
Retraction Note: Dietary garcinol supplementation improves diarrhea and intestinal barrier function associated with its modulation of gut microbiota in weaned piglets
Authors: Wang Tongxin , Yao Weilei , Li Juan , Shao Yafei , He Qiongyu , Xia Jun , Huang Feiruo
Published: December 2024

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40104-020-0426-6.
Evaluation of bone health problems among a group of children with rheumatological diseases
Authors: Lotfy Hala , Mostafa Somaia , Seif Hadeel Mohamed , Shady Hend Mohamed Abu
Published: December 2024

Background

Bone health problems such as decreased bone mineral density (BMD), osteopenia, and osteoporosis are major concerns during childhood as this period is the most critical for the development of optimum bone mass which is an essential determinant of bone health in adulthood. Secondary bone health problems are common among children with chronic diseases especially autoimmune diseases due to the inflammatory mediators, lack of appropriate physical activity, nutritional deficiencies, and side effects of medications.

Aim of the work

To evaluate BMD among a group of Egyptian children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE), and to study the association between bone health problems with different disease parameters, disease activity, and severity.

Patients and methods

Twenty-one children with JIA and 21 children with JSLE were assessed for bone health problems by thorough history taking, clinical examination, laboratory investigations including 25 (OH) vitamin D level, and evaluation of lumbar spine bone mineral density (LSBMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). LSBMD z-score results were adjusted according to height for age z-score (HAZ), we compared the results of LSBMD z-score to the HAZ-adjusted LSBMD z-score (LSBMDhaz) and correlated both with different JSLE and JIA disease parameters.

Results

Patients’ mean age was 9.9 ± 3.0 years, 12 (28.6%) were males and 30 (71.4%) were females. Most patients had decreased LSBMD. Low BMD frequency was higher among JSLE than JIA patients (p-value = 0.03). Mean ± SD of LSBMD z-score was − 1.73 ± 1.98 while the mean of LBMDhaz z-score was − 1.31 ± 1.70, there was no statistically significant difference between the two methods (p-value = 0.073). The LBMDhaz score detected more frequent abnormal LSBMD than non-adjusted LSBMD 29 (69%) and 19 (54.2%) respectively. Low LSBMD was not correlated with JSLE and JIA activity scores (p-value = 0.376 and 0.786 respectively), or the glucocorticoids (GC) dose in SLE and JIA (p-value = 0.203, 0.056 respectively) and duration (p-value = 0.203, 0.056 respectively). Most patients had decreased 25 OH vitamin D levels, 17 (40%) had insufficient and 7 (16.7%) had deficient levels.

Conclusion

Decreased LSBMD and vitamin D levels were detected among most of our JSLE and JIA patients. BMD should be monitored frequently among children with JIA and JSLE independent of disease severity or dose and duration of steroid therapy. Early detection and management of bone health problems improve the quality of life of these children.
A spatial-frequency patching metasurface enabling super-capacity perfect vector vortex beams
Authors: Yu Zhipeng , Gao Xinyue , Yao Jing , Wang Zhiyuan , Zhong Tianting , Shi Yuzhi , Li Bo , Lai Puxiang , Li Xiangping , Song Qinghua
Published: December 2024

Optical vortices, featured with an infinite number of orthogonal channels of orbital angular momentum, have demonstrated marvelous potentials in optical multiplexing and associated applications. However, conventional vortex beams with global phase modulation approach usually possess a single topological charge (TC) and a uniform radial distance with the donut-shaped intensity, leaving unlimited spatial intensity information unexplored. Here, to break the spatial capacity limitation, we introduce an entirely new concept of a spatial-frequency patching metasurface by patching the field distribution piece-by-piece in the spatial-frequency domain, thereby breaking the symmetry of the beam morphology and allowing for local manipulation of spatial intensity and TC distributions. Moreover, by superimposing two orthogonal circular polarized perfect VBs, our breakthrough offers a super-capacity with at least 13 channels across a 3D parametric space, including morphology, polarization azimuth and ellipticity angle, namely super-capacity perfect vector vortex beams (SC-PVVBs). Furthermore, we have designed an optimized Dammann grating to facilitate an array of SC-PVVBs, thereby unleashing the full potentials across 13 channels/bits for multi-dimensional complex information communications. Our findings promise dense data transmission in an ultra-secure manner using VBs, opening up new avenues in super-capacity optical information technology in an integrated metasurface platform.
Application of Artificial Intelligence in Symptom Monitoring in Adult Cancer Survivorship: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tabataba Vakili Sanam , Haywood Darren , Kirk Deborah , Abdou Aalaa M. , Gopalakrishnan Ragisha , Sadeghi Sarina , Guedes Helena , Tan Chia Jie , Thamm Carla , Bernard Rhys , Wong Henry C.Y. , Kuhn Elaine P. , Kwan Jennifer Y.Y. , Lee Shing Fung , Hart Nicolas H. , Paterson Catherine , Chopra Deepti A. , Drury Amanda , Zhang Elwyn , Raeisi Dehkordi Shayan , Ashbury Fredrick D. , Kotronoulas Grigorios , Chow Edward , Jefford Michael , Chan Raymond J. , Fazelzad Rouhi , Raman Srinivas , Alkhaifi Muna ,   on behalf of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Survivorship Study Group
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE

The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care may afford new avenues for personalized and patient-centered care. This systematic review explored the role of AI in symptom monitoring for adult cancer survivors.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was performed from inception to November 2023 in seven bibliographic databases and three clinical trial registries. This PROSPERO registered review (ID: CRD42023476027) assessed reports of empirical research studies of AI use in symptom monitoring (physical and psychological symptoms) across all cancer types in adults.

RESULTS

A total of 18,530 reports were identified, of which 41 met review criteria and were analyzed. Included studies were predominantly published between 2021 and 2023, originated in the United States (39.0%) and Japan (14.6%), and primarily used cohort designs (80.5%), followed by cross-sectional designs (12.2%). The mean sample size was 617.14 (standard deviation = 1,401.37), with most studies primarily including multiple tumor types (31.7%) or breast cancer survivors (26.8%). Machine learning algorithms (43.9%) was the most used AI method, followed by natural language processing (29.3%), AI-driven chatbots (17.1%), and decision support tools (9.8%). The most common inputs to the AI algorithms were textual data, patient-reported symptoms, and physiologic measurements. The most examined symptom was pain (34.2% of studies), followed by fatigue and nausea (17.1% of studies each). Overall, the review showed increasing AI technology use in the prediction and monitoring of cancer symptoms.

CONCLUSION

AI is being used to enhance symptom monitoring in various cancer settings. When considering integration into clinical practice, standardization of data capture, the use of analytics, investing in infrastructure, and the end-user experience should be considered for successful implementation and monitoring the improvement of patient outcomes.
General Practitioners' Experiences With Implementing Colon or Prostate Cancer Survivorship Care in Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey Nested Within Two Randomized-Controlled Trials
Authors: Vos Julien A.M. , Wollersheim Barbara M. , van Weert Henk C.P.M. , van de Poll-Franse Lonneke V. , van Asselt Kristel M.
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE

To evaluate general practitioners' (GPs) experiences with providing cancer survivorship care and explore readiness for implementation.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey study was nested within two randomized-controlled trials conducted in the Netherlands between 2015 and 2023, comparing GP- with specialist-led survivorship care for patients with colon or prostate cancer. An adapted version of the normalisation measure development (NoMAD) survey was distributed among participating GPs. NoMAD assesses the implementation of complex interventions and includes seven items on experiences (score ranges, 0-10) and 19 core items (expressed as % agreement). Higher scores indicate greater normalization, that is, embedding in primary care.

RESULTS

In total, 214 GPs participated (response rate, 69%). The overall experience with providing survivorship care was 7.0 ± 1.6 for prostate cancer and 6.4 ± 1.8 for colon cancer. Lowest scores were seen for willingness to provide care (5.9 ± 2.4 and 5.0 ± 2.5, respectively), expected future involvement (6.6 ± 2.0 and 5.6 ± 2.5), and appropriateness of involvement (6.4 ± 2.1 and 5.6 ± 2.7). GPs in both trials agreed (±75%) there was potential value for patients, but not for their own work (±50%). Survivorship care for colon cancer was often perceived as different from usual care (74%). GPs' self-reported knowledge of care was high in the prostate cancer trial (62%), but not in the colon cancer trial (41%). GPs from both trials agreed that they could easily integrate management of physical and psychosocial effects into their work (±70%), but integrating routine check-ups was rated less positively (±55%). Financial compensation was deemed necessary (±80% agreed). Twenty-one percent was willing to provide care for other cancer types.

CONCLUSION

GPs recognize value of providing survivorship care for patients, but experiences differ on the basis of cancer type. Implementation of prostate versus colon cancer survivorship care appears more feasible.
Time From Screening to Treatment at Accredited Breast Centers in the United States
Authors: Thompson Danielle M. , Fefferman Marie L. , Nicholson Kyra M. , Baron Paul L. , Nguyen Toan T. , Schmitz Kathryn H. , Dietz Jill R. , Bleicher Richard J. , Kuchta Kristine , Simovic Sandra , Yao Katharine A.
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE

The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) launched the Patient-Reported Observations for Medical Procedure Timeliness quality collaborative to assess time intervals between screening and treatment for patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

Sites submitted monthly timeliness data in calendar days from 2019 to 2021 along with their perceptions of timeliness at their centers and facility characteristics. All patients were included in the interval from screening to diagnosis, whereas only patients with cancer were included in the biopsy to treatment intervals. Institutions were compared and assessed for differences and associations with center characteristics via the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

Three hundred seventy-three (64.5%) NAPBC-accredited breast centers enrolled, and 311 (83.3%) provided complete timeliness metrics. Two hundred nine (56%) sites did not have trainees, 154 (41.3%) sites were within 10 miles of a major city, and the median number of annual breast cancer cases was 280 (IQR, 189-366). From 2019 to 2021, the time between diagnosis and treatment was as follows: 11-12 days between screening mammogram (MGM) and diagnostic MGM, 8-9 days between diagnostic MGM and biopsy, 32-34 days between biopsy and neoadjuvant therapy, and 39-42 days between biopsy and surgery. The enrolled centers believe that these intervals should be 7, 7, 21, and 28 days, respectively. Higher annual case volume and a larger number of surgeons exclusively devoted to breast disease were significantly associated with longer time intervals.

CONCLUSION

Time from biopsy to first treatment is longer than that centers expected compared with time from screening to diagnosis. There is significant variability across NAPBC in time from screening mammogram to treatment, and some institutions will face more challenges with timely quality measures than others. Further investigation into whether these differences confer outcome differences should be pursued.
Μεταβολές των Τ κυτταρικών υποπληθυσμών μετά από θεραπεία με check point inhibitors
Authors: Σαλαμαλίκη Χριστίνα
Published: December 2024

Η παρούσα μελέτη έχει σκοπό να διερευνήσει το ρόλο κυκλοφορούντων λεμφοκυτταρικών υποπληθυσμών (Τ και Natural Killer) ως δυνητικών βιοδεικτών ανταπόκρισης στη θεραπεία με immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) ή ως βιοδεικτών πρόβλεψης του κινδύνου εμφάνισης αυτοάνοσων ανεπιθύμητων ενεργειών. Στη μελέτη εντάχθηκαν 21 ασθενείς, οι οποίοι επρόκειτο να ξεκινήσουν αγωγή με CPI (14 έλαβαν nivolumab και 7 ασθενείς pembrolizumab) και 8 υγιείς εθελοντές. Δείγματα περιφερικού αίματος συλλέχθηκαν από τους ασθενείς προ- και κατόπιν έναρξης θεραπείας σε 5 διαδοχικά χρονικά σημεία (μέχρι και 6 μήνες μετά). Από το περιφερικό αίμα των ασθενών απομονώθηκαν τα μονοπύρηνα κύτταρα και οι υπό μελέτη υποπληθυσμοί προσδιορίστηκαν ποσοτικά σε κάθε χρονικό σημείο με κυτταρομετρία ροής. Τα ολικά CD3+CD4+ λεμφοκύτταρα βρέθηκαν σημαντικά μειωμένα, ενώ τα ρυθμιστικά και τα T helper 17 λεμφοκύτταρα στατιστικώς σημαντικά αυξημένα κατά την έναρξη της ανοσοθεραπείας στους ασθενείς που εν τέλει δεν ανταποκρίθηκαν συγκριτικά με αυτά των υγιών μαρτύρων. Τα παραπάνω αποτελέσματα καταδεικνύουν τον εν δυνάμει ρόλο των ανωτέρω υποπληθυσμών ως βιοδεικτών πρόγνωσης σε ασθενείς που ξεκινούν θεραπεία με PD-1 αναστολείς. Ωστόσο, παρά τα στατιστικώς σημαντικά αποτελέσματα, περαιτέρω επιβεβαίωσή τους σε μια μεγαλύτερη κοόρτη ασθενών είναι επιβεβλημένη.
Systematic review of ethics and legislation of a Global Patient co-Owned Cloud (GPOC)
Authors: Lidströmer Niklas , Herlenius Eric
Published: December 2024

Background The use of cloud-based storage for personal health records (PHRs) has significantly increased globally over the past thirty years. The four recently published GPOC Series articles introduced the concept of a Global Patient co-Owned Cloud (GPOC) for personal health records. The series includes a systematic review and meta-analysis, a summit, a sandbox, and a survey, with 100% participation from UN member states and key international health organisations. GPOC aims to establish patient co-ownership of PHRs, addressing integration and access challenges. Methods This study is built upon the published GPOC systematic review and meta-analysis that focused on examining cloud-based personal health records and elements such as data security, efficiency, performance, privacy and cost-based factors. However, this study selectively reviews the ethical, legislative and potential human rights dimensions of GPOC. Thus, it includes ethical aspects of co-ownership, rights, privacy, policies, and AI integration. The original study was PROSPERO registered with CRD42022342597, which serves as the foundation for the current study. Results This study offers a comprehensive global overview of ethics, legislation and initiatives by states and organisations. We analyse AI integration and future challenges for GPOC implementation. We present principles from ‘Ethics by Design’ and the ‘Principles of Biomedical Ethics’ by Beauchamp and Childress alongside the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The study presents a global overview of the relevant global latticework of legislation. Conclusions This study suggests that GPOC could potentially establish a new human right to patient co-ownership of personal health information. GPOC aims to facilitate global AI integration in healthcare and address existing challenges in PHR integration. A decentralised GPOC, supported by blockchain consensus, may offer benefits such as enhanced data security, interoperability, and equitable access to healthcare information globally. Thus, GPOC may have a positive impact on global health.
The genome sequence of the Gold Spot moth, Plusia festucae (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Prescott Tom , Hill David , Bence Stuart ,   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: December 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male specimen of Plusia festucae (Gold Spot; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 422.50 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.92%) is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.3 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 19,273 protein-coding genes.
Public geography after 2030: outlines of new directions
Authors: Blanutsa Viktor
Published: December 2024

The monograph is devoted to the prospects for the development of social geography. After about 2030, new technologies capable of transforming the territorial organization of society will begin to be introduced. This is the sixth generation wireless communication, ubiquitous artificial intelligence, the Internet of everything and the tactile Internet. In order to understand the consequences of the deployment of these technologies, new scientific directions will have to be formed. As a first attempt, about forty directions have been proposed related to the study of linear nodal structure, critical infrastructure, wireless communications, digital platforms, machine-to-machine interactions, "big data", spatially distributed artificial intelligence, tactile communication and national development goals.
It is intended for professionals and students.
Dawna Ruś w twórczości rosyjskich katolików wieku XIX. Wprowadzenie do problematyki
Authors: Cierniak Urszula
Published: December 2024

After converting to Catholicism, many Russian converts left their country and settled in Western Europe, including France and Italy. Scholars studying Russian Catholicism have often posited that its adherents, captivated by Western culture, renounced their native roots. However, an examination of the literature produced by Russian Catholics prompts a re-evaluation of such claims. This article analyses selected literary works by Princess Zinaida Volkonskaya (1783-1852) and texts by Jesuits Ivan Martynov (1821- 1894) and Paul Pierling (1840-1922). It demonstrates the presence of Old Russian themes in their works and explores how these themes were received in Western Europe. This paper aims to offer a preliminary analysis of texts that reflect the genuine cultural identity of Russian Catholic converts and their attachment to their national heritage despite the influence of Western European culture on them.
Z translatorskiego dorobku Profesora Ryszarda Łużnego. Przekład Opowieści apokryficznych Aleksego Riemizowa
Authors: Woźniak Anna
Published: December 2024

This article discusses the problem of the translation into Polish of Aleksei Riemizov’s Apocryphal Tales by Professor Ryszard Luzhny. The publication appeared in 2000 by Wydawnictwo KUL. Professor Luzhny was the initiator of this translation, made the selection of texts and thematic arrangement and translated seventeen stories from this collection. The introduction discusses some of the translation issues Professor Luzhny
faced, with his earlier attempts recalled. The main part of the article introduces the basic elements of Luzhny’s translations. His theoretical works on translations from Russian into Polish of early Slavic religious texts and folklore works are recalled. With reference to Luzhny’s translation practice as applied to the translation of Riemizov’s short stories, some translation problems are discussed, including the issue of linguistic style. In addition, the issue of semantic and stylistic equivalents is addressed. Particular attention was paid to the translation of the category of humour in some of the stories of this collection. It is perfectly reflected in the translation by Ryszard Luzhny through the equivalent lexis of colloquial language. The important problem of translating the names of Russian saints was also analysed.
Święta Ruś w prozie Borysa Zajcewa. Literatura w kręgu wpływu hezychazmu
Authors: Kuffel Józef
Published: December 2024

The article considers the possibilities and limitations of reflecting the spiritual experience described by Orthodox theology and asceticism in the discourse of fiction literature. The prose of Boris Zaitsev, a prominent literary representative of the “first wave” of Russian emigration after the 1917 revolution served as the material for the study. The aforementioned author represents the neorealistic current in the prose of the early 20th century, referring to the classics of 19th century Russian literature. The traumatic experiences of the Revolution and the Civil War became for him, as indeed for the entire generation of Russian émigrés, a turning point in reevaluating his worldview, leading to a religious revival. Consequently, B. Zaitsev became a continuator of the Orthodox tradition in literature, whose exponent was the author of The Brothers Karamazov. Despite the dissimilarity of the discourses of patristics and literary fiction, the hypothesis contained in the title of the article that the mentioned artist, same as F. Dostoevsky, both in worldview and literary aspects, was within the circle of influence of Hesychasm (elders), is confirmed. This mystical-ascetic spiritual current, traditionally associated with Orthodox monasticism, played an important role in his life and significantly defined the form and ideological message of the works of the author under consideration.
Dinámica y determinantes del consumo de los hogares en Colombia durante la postpandemia del Covid-19
Authors: Sánchez Jabba Andres , Arias Fernando , Lozano Ignacio , Granger Clark , Vásquez Diego , Vargas Carmiña , Rodríguez Norberto
Published: December 2024

Este documento analiza el comportamiento del consumo privado en Colombia durante la postpandemia del COVID-19. Inicialmente se compara la severidad de los confinamientos y las respuestas fiscales entre países. Se evalúan los principales determinantes macroeconómicos del consumo, destacándose el ingreso disponible de los hogares, su ahorro y riqueza, la tasa de interés real y el crédito, las remesas y las transferencias monetarias del gobierno. Los resultados muestran un rebote excepcional que registró el consumo en 2021 y 2022, impulsado por el crecimiento de estos factores. Para 2023 se prevé una desaceleración del consumo explicada por la contracción de sus principales determinantes.
PRECIFICAÇÃO DO SEGURO AUTOMÓVEL COM MACHINE LEARNING E MODELOS LINEARES GENERALIZADOS
Authors: C. Cabral Josemar , Fraga Lima de Melo Eduardo
Published: December 2024

Neste trabalho, aplicamos modelos de Machine Learning (árvores de regressão, random forest, boosting e XGBoost) para precificação ou tarifação de uma carteira de seguro automóvel e comparamos com modelos lineares generalizados (GLM) em dados de sinistros de seguro automóvel considerando as principais características do segurado e do veículo. Com base em critérios de avaliação de peformance fora-da-amostra, os resultados indicaram que o XGBoost é o melhor método preditivo tanto para frequência como para severidade, apresentando ganhos na predição quando comparado ao GLM comumente utilizado em tarifação de seguros.
Experimentação Natural, Formação de Professores e Democracia: Uma Experiência Realizada na Escola de Aperfeiçoamento (1945)
Authors: Bravo Riviane Borghesi , De Assis Raquel Martins , Campos Regina Helena de Freitas
Published: December 2024

O artigo é uma pesquisa em História da Psicologia que descreve como Helena Antipoff, professora da Escola de Aperfeiçoamento de Belo Horizonte, se apropriou do método da Experimentação Natural de Alexandre Lazurski como instrumento didático de formação de professoras, criando um exercício de educação democrática. A fonte selecionada evidencia a apropriação do método, permitindo discutir uma utilização diversa daquela realizada na URSS. A análise da fonte obedeceu às seguintes etapas: leitura e descrição da Experimentação Natural proposta por Antipoff; comparação com o método de Lazurski a fim de investigar possíveis apropriações e transformações; análise do uso do instrumento para fins de formação de professores e de criação de exercício de democracia. Entendeu-se apropriação a partir de Chartier: uma operação ativa caracterizada por maneiras específicas de internalizar um motivo intelectual, transformando-o e fazendo usos diversos desse material. Os dados obtidos dessa experiência evidenciam uso de conceitos como autojulgamento, heterojulgamento e egocentrismo e possibilitaram que Antipoff trabalhasse o tema da personalidade, evidenciasse a importância do método científico para avaliar diferenças individuais e propusesse a reflexão sobre o desenvolvimento do espírito democrático.