bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of racial disparity in pivotal poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor trials.
Authors: John Elizabeth , Sekhon Simranjit , Bagchi Arindam
Published: May 2024

e13737

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed worldwide. Breast cancer related mortality has decreased in the US, however this did not extend equally to African American women (AAW). According to CDC mortality rate from breast cancer in AAW is 20% higher than other ethnic groups. Younger age at diagnosis in AAW, higher incidence of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), and higher incidence of AA males with breast cancer suggest genetic predisposition plays an important role in the disparate outcomes based on race. In an unbiased analysis of TNBC cases, the prevalence of pathogenic germline BRCA 1 & 2 mutations are twice as high as in breast cancer overall. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have proven to be effective in germline BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutation associated breast cancer. However, data regarding the enrollment of racial and ethnic minorities in these pivotal trials that lead to the approval of these drugs is limited. Methods: We examined the demographic data reporting in Phase II/ III clinical trials of PARP inhibitors in breast cancer from 2016 to 2023. In order to highlight the disparities in the enrollment of minority groups we calculated an enrollment percentage of various racial groups in these trials. We conducted a systematic review of Phase II/III clinical trials of PARP inhibitors in BRCA 1 & 2 mutated breast cancer reported studies with sources from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, CENTRAL and Cochrane. 56 full text studies were identified, out of which 14 met inclusion criteria. The total number of patients included was N=5,067. Five trials did not include racial data. Results: Among trials that reported race and ethnicity (N=4004), the enrollment percentage was lowest for racial and ethnic minorities. AA: 3.4%, N=136. Non- Hispanic Whites were the most common to be enrolled: 71.05%, N=2845, Asians were 16.53% N= 662, Hispanics 2.03 %; N=83 and other 6.17%, N=247. Conclusions: Racial minorities are consistently underrepresented in all the pivotal PARP inhibitor trials and contributing to the race-based disparities in breast cancer. [Table: see text]
Increased NGS testing and real-world clinical usage of targeted therapy: All dressed up, nowhere to go.
Authors: Batra Ullas , Nathany Shrinidhi , Sharma Mansi , Patel Amrith , Mattoo Sakshi , Mehta Anurag
Published: May 2024

e13758

Background: National and International recommendations mandate panel- based biomarker testing for all advanced cases of NSCLC. However, analogous to uptake of many other state of the art cancer management strategies, the uptake of NGS based testing and subsequent targeted therapy varies greatly across socio-demographic groups, explained by awareness and economic restraints. This study investigates the potential differences in uptake of NGS based testing and precision medicine in advanced NSCLC patients from India. Methods: This is a single center non-interventional study where retrospective review of patient data of biomarker driven advanced NSCLC patients was carried out. The records were recovered from electronic health records of the hospital. Single gene testing for EGFR and ALK are performed using Roche Cobas V2 and D5F3 Ventana systems respectively. A machine learning algorithm: Classification and Regression Tree (CART) was employed. Results: A total of 5894 patients of advanced NSCLC were identified. Of these 33% received NGS based biomarker testing at diagnosis. The proportion of patients who received NGS tests increased over calendar time from 2014-2023, with an average increment of 15.8% every year, and peak increase in 2022 of 51%. NGS based testing yielded a positive result in 80% cases with a median turnaround time of 18.2+/-3 days. NGS detected 10.2% cases more in EGFR, 3.2% cases less in ALK, 3.1% more in ROS1. Overall NGS was able to detect 37.8% extra cases of biomarker driven cases. Among the biomarker driven, uptake of targeted therapy was 65% for MET, 83% for ROS1, 52% for RET, 17.6% for ERBB2, 63% for BRAF V600E, 75% for EGFR and 79% for ALK at any given point in the disease. None of the G12C KRAS received selective treatment owing to drug unavailability in the country. Applying the CART model, targeted therapy was received by patients younger than 68 years of age, male gender, with ECOG status 0-2, and absence of brain metastases at diagnosis. Patients with brain metastases at diagnosis, females and those >69 years of age were less likely to opt for TKI(p<0.02*). Conclusions: This is the largest cohort from India reporting real world uptake of NGS based biomarker testing and targeted therapy. There is a clear disparity in terms of gender and age group, possibly attributable to social stigmata and taboos prevailing in rural parts of the country. Despite increased detection rates, access to targeted therapy is still a concern owing to inaccessibility to drugs/ lack of global clinical trials in India as well as lack of patient support programs/groups.
Visualizing veterans’ care: Understanding the breadth of older veterans’ paid and family support network and implications for cancer care in the older adult population.
Authors: Ali Imran Yousuf , Koufacos Nicholas , Franzosa Emily , Hall Lauren
Published: May 2024

e13777

Background: Many older adults rely on a complex network of paid and unpaid caregivers to age safely at home. Strong social networks have been long associated with improved cancer treatment outcomes in older adults. Yet medical records often only capture a primary family caregiver, and assessing support networks has not been a routine part of the equation in cancer treatment planning. We tested a novel visual tool, care mapping, with older veterans to better understand the scope of their caregiving networks. Methods: We created collaborative care maps with 10 dyads/triads of veterans and their primary paid and family caregivers receiving care at a large, urban, Veterans Health Administration medical center. Veterans were age 65+ and eligible for VA-paid home care. 50% of the veteran cohort had a cancer diagnosis. We compared the maps to veterans’ electronic medical records (EMRs) and assessed care network structure, function and adequacy. Results: For most veterans, care maps identified a larger number of care partners than EMRs alone. Functional, medical, socioemotional and spiritual supports included family, paid aides, neighbors, veteran service organizations and community groups. Unmet needs included inadequate home health workers to assist with functional decline associated with malignancy diagnosis. Veterans and caregivers largely described their networks as adequate, but mapping conversations surfaced a need for contingency care plans to relieve caregiver strain or if a caregiver could no longer provide support. Conclusions: Cancer care in older adults requires a broad, comprehensive approach and innovative ways to identify caregiver support. Such collaborative care maps can impact clinical outcomes by ensuring treatment adherence and symptom surveillance.
Fertility Preservation and Assisted Reproduction in Patients With Breast Cancer Interrupting Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy to Attempt Pregnancy
Authors: Azim Hatem A. , Niman Samuel M. , Partridge Ann H. , Demeestere Isabelle , Ruggeri Monica , Colleoni Marco , Saura Cristina , Shimizu Chikako , Saetersdal Anna B. , Kroep Judith R. , Mailliez Audrey , Warner Ellen , Borges Virginia F. , Amant Frédéric , Gombos Andrea , Kataoka Akemi , Rousset-Jablonski Christine , Borstnar Simona , Takei Junko , Lee Jeong Eon , Walshe Janice M. , Ruíz-Borrego Manuel , Moore Halle C.F. , Saunders Christobel , Bjelic-Radisic Vesna , Susnjar Snezana , Cardoso Fatima , Klar Natalie J. , Spanic Tanja , Ruddy Kathryn , Piccart Martine , Korde Larissa A. , Goldhirsch Aron , Gelber Richard D. , Pagani Olivia , Peccatori Fedro A.
Published: May 2024

PURPOSE

We investigated time to pregnancy, efficacy and safety of fertility preservation, and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in women with early hormone receptor–positive breast cancer (BC) desiring future pregnancy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

POSITIVE is an international, single-arm, prospective trial, in which 518 women temporarily interrupted adjuvant endocrine therapy to attempt pregnancy. We evaluated menstruation recovery and factors associated with time to pregnancy and investigated if ART use was associated with achieving pregnancy. The cumulative incidence of BC-free interval (BCFI) events was estimated according to the use of ovarian stimulation at diagnosis. The median follow-up was 41 months.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-three patients (53%) reported amenorrhea at enrollment, of whom 94% resumed menses within 12 months. Among 497 patients evaluable for pregnancy, 368 (74%) reported at least one pregnancy. Young age was the main factor associated with shorter time to pregnancy with cumulative incidences of pregnancy by 1 year of 63.5%, 54.3%, and 37.7% for patients age <35, 35-39, and 40-42 years, respectively. One hundred and seventy-nine patients (36%) had embryo/oocyte cryopreservation at diagnosis, of whom 68 reported embryo transfer after enrollment. Cryopreserved embryo transfer was the only ART associated with higher chance of pregnancy (odds ratio, 2.41 [95% CI, 1.75 to 4.95]). The cumulative incidence of BCFI events at 3 years was similar for women who underwent ovarian stimulation for cryopreservation at diagnosis, 9.7% (95% CI, 6.0 to 15.4), compared with those who did not, 8.7% (95% CI, 6.0 to 12.5).

CONCLUSION

In POSITIVE, fertility preservation using ovarian stimulation was not associated with short-term detrimental impact on cancer prognosis. Pregnancy rates were highest among those who underwent embryo/oocyte cryopreservation followed by embryo transfer.
Apelin and Copeptin Levels in Patients With Chronic SIAD Treated With Empagliflozin
Authors: Monnerat Sophie , Drivakos Nikolaos , Chapman Fiona A , Dhaun Neeraj , Refardt Julie , Christ-Crain Mirjam
Published: May 2024

Background

Empagliflozin increases sodium levels in patients with a chronic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD), and dapagliflozin increases apelin levels in patients with diabetes mellitus. Exogenous apelin increases sodium levels in rats with SIAD. We aimed to investigate whether an increase in plasma apelin concentration may contribute to the efficacy of empagliflozin in SIAD.

Methods

Post hoc secondary analysis of a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial performed from December 2017 to August 2021 at the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, investigating the effect of 4-week treatment with empagliflozin 25 mg/day as compared to placebo in 14 outpatients with chronic SIAD (NCT03202667). The objective was to investigate the effect of empagliflozin on plasma apelin and copeptin concentrations and their ratio.

Results

Fourteen patients, 50% female, with a median [interquartile range] age of 72 years [65–77] were analyzed. Median apelin concentration was 956 pmol/L [853, 1038] at baseline. Median [interquartile range] apelin relative changes were +11% [0.7, 21] and +8% [−5, 25] (P = .672) at the end of the placebo and empagliflozin phases, respectively. Median copeptin concentration was 2.6 [2.2, 4.5] pmol/L at baseline and had a relative change of +5 [−2. 11]% and +25% [10, 28] (P = .047) over the placebo and empagliflozin phases, respectively.

Conclusion

Empagliflozin did not lead to significant changes in apelin or the apelin/copeptin ratio in patients with chronic SIAD but led to an increase in copeptin. This suggests that the efficacy of empagliflozin in SIAD is independent of apelin and is not blunted by the adaptative increase in copeptin.
Dead but Not Buried
Authors: Powell Julie M.
Published: May 2024

On April 12, 1919, Paris police arrested Henri Désiré Landru, a man who had spent the last four years of war luring women into engagements and confiscating their assets. Many of them were never seen again. Landru, charged with their murders, became an international media sensation—the inspiration for popular crime stories, including books, articles, films, television and radio programs, and theatrical performances, from his execution in 1922 to 2020. This article examines these stories for the revealing ways they bring together conceptions of war and violent crime. It considers a 1926 nonfiction account of Landru by the South African journalist and military veteran William Bolitho, the film Monsieur Verdoux (1947) written by Charlie Chaplin, Claude Chabrol's film Landru (1963), and a 2006 graphic novel by Christophe Chabouté. These narratives suggest, and this article argues, that stories about Landru—and the multiple murders he committed for profit—have served, at various times and in various places, as vehicles for critiquing warfare and the societies that embrace it.
Hybrid Clot Histomic–Transcriptomic Models Predict Functional Outcome After Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Santo Briana A. , Poppenberg Kerry E. , Ciecierska Shiau-Sing K. , Baig Ammad A. , Raygor Kunal P. , Patel Tatsat R. , Shah Munjal , Levy Elad I. , Siddiqui Adnan H. , Tutino Vincent M.
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Histologic and transcriptomic analyses of retrieved stroke clots have identified features associated with patient outcomes. Previous studies have demonstrated the predictive capacity of histology or expression features in isolation. Few studies, however, have investigated how paired histologic image features and expression patterns from the retrieved clots can improve understanding of clot pathobiology and our ability to predict long-term prognosis. We hypothesized that computational models trained using clot histomics and mRNA expression can predict early neurological improvement (ENI) and 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale Score, mRS) better than models developed using histological composition or expression data alone.

METHODS:

We performed paired histological and transcriptomic analysis of 32 stroke clots. ENI was defined as a delta-National Institutes of Health Stroke Score/Scale > 4, and a good long-term outcome was defined as mRS ≤2 at 90 days after procedure. Clots were H&E-stained and whole-slide imaged at 40×. An established digital pathology pipeline was used to extract 237 histomic features and to compute clot percent composition (%Comp). When dichotomized by either the ENI or mRS thresholds, differentially expressed genes were identified as those with absolute fold-change >1.5 and q < 0.05. Machine learning with recursive feature elimination (RFE) was used to select clot features and evaluate computational models for outcome prognostication.

RESULTS:

For ENI, RFE identified 9 optimal histologic and transcriptomic features for the hybrid model, which achieved an accuracy of 90.8% (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.98 ± 0.08) in testing and outperformed models based on histomics (AUC = 0.94 ± 0.09), transcriptomics (AUC = 0.86 ± 0.16), or %Comp (AUC = 0.70 ± 0.15) alone. For mRS, RFE identified 7 optimal histomic and transcriptomic features for the hybrid model. This model achieved an accuracy of 93.7% (AUC = 0.94 ± 0.09) in testing, also outperforming models based on histomics (AUC = 0.90 ± 0.11), transcriptomics (AUC = 0.55 ± 0.27), or %Comp (AUC = 0.58 ± 0.16) alone.

CONCLUSION:

Hybrid models offer improved outcome prognostication for patients with stroke. Identified digital histology and mRNA signatures warrant further investigation as biomarkers of patient functional outcome after thrombectomy.
Intellectual Life in the Ḥijāz before Wahhabism Ibrāhīm al-Kūrānī’s (d. 1101/1690) Theology of Sufism, Naser Dumairieh
Authors: Akbulut Didar Ayşe
Published: May 2024

Intellectual Life in the Ḥijāz before Wahhabism Ibrāhīm al-Kūrānī’s (d. 1101/1690) Theology of Sufism aslı kitabın değerlendirmesi
Nedensellik ve Hesaplayıcı Düşünme: Heidegger’e İbn Sînâcı Bir Cevap
Authors: Varlık Selami
Published: May 2024

Heidegger, şeylere bağlanmamaya izin veren meditatif düşünme ile onlarla araçsal ve çıkarcı bir ilişki kuran hesaplayıcı düşünme arasında bir ayrım yapar. Ona göre yeter neden ilkesi, mevcut şeylere hükmetmenin temel yoludur. O, metafiziğin varlık-mahiyet ayrımını da hazır varlık fikrine hizmet eden bu nedensellik paradigmasına indirger; zira Hristiyanlık’ın yaratma kuramı bu ayrımı Yunan felsefesinden uzaklaştıramamıştır. İbn Sînâ ise, İslâm’ın yoktan yaratma kuramını sahiplenerek, yaratılmış dünyanın özüne ontolojik bir fakirlik yerleştirir, zira her şey varlığını kendinde zorunlu varlığa borçludur. Kendinden başkasıyla zorunlu varlık, var edildikten sonra bile kendinde mümkün olma halini korur. Böylece, nedenin bilgisi, bir şey üzerinde hakimiyet kurmak yerine, onun varlığının bizatihi zorunlu varlığa bağımlı olduğunu anlayıp, ona kayıtsız ve ilgisiz kalmayı sağlar. Heidegger’in tersine, nedensel bilgi bir ontolojik yoksulluğun bilgisine dönüşür. Üstelik Heidegger’in meditatif düşünme için referans olarak sunduğu Meister Eckhart, varlık-mahiyet ayrımının sağladığı ontolojik yoksulluk fikrini İbn Sînâ sayesinde geliştirmiştir. İbn Sînâ’nın Heidegger’e yapabileceği bu itirazı ele almakla birlikte, amacımız, nedensellik ilkesinin ve genel olarak aklın etik ve çıkarsız bir şekilde kullanımının imkânını incelemektir.
Η πολιτική οικονομία της τουριστικής πολιτικής στην Γ΄ Ελληνική Δημοκρατία
Authors: Πελοποννήσιος Μιλτιάδης
Published: May 2024

Το αντικείμενο της διδακτορικής διατριβής εστιάζεται στο νομοθετείν της Τρίτης Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας, συγκεκριμένα στην καταγραφή του τρόπου νομοθέτησης των μεταρρυθμιστικών νομοθετικών δράσεων στον τομέα της τουριστικής πολιτικής. Στόχος είναι η εξέταση των χαρακτηριστικών των νόμων, να διευκρινιστεί η ύπαρξη ή μη ελλείμματος υλοποίησης αλλά και να καθοριστεί ο ρόλος που κατέχουν οι παίκτες αρνησικυρίας στο ελληνικό πολιτικό σύστημα, δίδοντας έμφαση στο ρόλο της Κυβέρνησης, στην παραγωγή δημοσίων πολιτικών. Εντάσσεται στην ευρύτερη συζήτηση, στην ελληνική και την διεθνή επιστημονική κοινότητα των μελετητών της θεσμικής οργάνωσης του κράτους από την πολιτική και νομική επιστήμη, για την μεταρρυθμιστική του επίδοση και την σύνδεση της με τον τρόπο νομοθέτησης και στηρίζεται στα σχετικά αναλυτικά εργαλεία της νεοθεσμικής ανάλυσης και πιο συγκεκριμένα της θεωρίας των παικτών αρνησικυρίας και αυτής που ερμηνεύει την επιλογή μιας κυβέρνησης στο νομοθετείν ανάμεσα σε πρωτογενή και δευτερογενή νομοθέτηση.
Human digital twin technology for individual profiling using LC-MS untargeted metabolomics analysis of dried blood spot samples
Authors: Fradin Manon , Noël Louis-Philippe , Talbot-Lachance Gabriel , Snell Pierre , Voyer Keven , Rhéaume Caroline
Published: May 2024

Background Digital twins in healthcare enable the creation of accurate, real-time replicas of individual patients, allowing for personalized, data-driven diagnostics, treatment plans, and monitoring to enhance patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. This transformative shift could significantly enhance our ability to comprehend and address individual well-being and health needs in a more personalized and preventive manner. This study aims to highlight the approach developed by BioTwin Inc., designed to assist and empower healthcare providers in their clinical practice. Methods Through the integration of dried blood samples (DBS), biometric data, untargeted metabolomics liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis, and a data-driven workflow, BioTwin Inc. holds the potential to generate insights into individual health, potentially catalyzing a transformative shift in healthcare. To achieve this, a cross-sectional study was conducted to collect DBS samples from 277 volunteers over 30 months across Canada and the United States of America. Samples were collected using standardized protocols and analyzed using LC-MS. Subsequently, a machine learning approach was employed for further analysis and refinement of prediction models. Results The results of the experiment demonstrate the dynamic nature of metabolism, revealing its variability within individuals over time and its uniqueness across different individuals. The precision for predicting sample ownership was 80% accuracy when users provided 5 samples and 92% accuracy when users provided 10 samples. These findings underscore the importance of understanding temporal variations and individuality in metabolomics research. Conclusions In conclusion, the use of digital twins in healthcare, coupled with untargeted metabolomics and advanced machine learning techniques, has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery. The emphasis on individuality, dynamic metabolic profiles, and precision in patient care opens new frontiers in personalized and preventive medicine. Moving forward, the integration of multiple data sources and the synergy between metabolic and biometric data will benefit both providers and patients.
The identification of retro-DNAs in primate genomes as DNA transposons mobilizing via retrotransposition
Authors: Tang Wangxiangfu , Liang Ping
Published: May 2024

Background Mobile elements (MEs) constitute a major portion of the genome in primates and other higher eukaryotes, and they play important role in genome evolution and gene function. MEs can be divided into two fundamentally different classes: DNA transposons which transpose in the genome in a “cut-and-paste” style, and retrotransposons which propagate in a “copy-and-paste” fashion via a process involving transcription and reverse-transcription. In primate genomes, DNA transposons are mostly dead, while many retrotransposons are still highly active. We report here the identification of a unique group of MEs, which we call “retro-DNAs”, for their combined characteristics of these two fundamentally different ME classes. Methods A comparative computational genomic approach was used to analyze the reference genome sequences of 10 primate species consisting of five apes, four monkeys, and marmoset. Results From our analysis, we identified a total of 1,750 retro-DNAs, representing 748 unique insertion events in the genomes of ten primate species including human. These retro-DNAs contain sequences of DNA transposons but lack the terminal inverted repeats (TIRs), the hallmark of DNA transposons. Instead, they show characteristics of retrotransposons, such as polyA tails, longer target-site duplications (TSDs), and the “TT/AAAA” insertion site motif, suggesting the use of the L1-based target-primed reverse transcription (TPRT) mechanism. At least 40% of these retro-DNAs locate into genic regions, presenting potentials for impacting gene function. More interestingly, some retro-DNAs, as well as their parent sites, show certain levels of expression, suggesting that they have the potential to create more retro-DNA copies in the present primate genomes. Conclusions Although small in number, the identification of these retro-DNAs reveals a new mean for propagating DNA transposons in primate genomes without active canonical DNA transposon activity. Our data also suggest that the TPRT machinery may transpose a wider variety of DNA sequences in the genomes.
Effect of family-centered care interventions on well-being of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Poojari Deepalaxmi Paresh , Umakanth Shashikiran , Maiya G. Arun , Rao Bhamini Krishna , Khurana Sonia , Kumaran D Senthil , Attal Radhika , Brien Marie
Published: May 2024

Background Caring for a child with long-term functional limitations can have a negative impact on the physical and psychological well-being of the caregiver. Family-centered care (FCC) interventions have the potential to empower caregivers and contribute to their well-being. This systematic review aimed to synthesize existing evidence on the effectiveness of FCC interventions in improving the well-being of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP), and identify the key components of such interventions that are most commonly practiced and deemed effective. Methods This review systematically searched seven databases for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of any FCC intervention on the well-being of caregivers of children with or at risk of CP. We used the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool to assess risk of bias and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for critical appraisal. Due to high heterogeneity of studies, narrative synthesis was used to summarize the data. Results The review consists of 11 studies which were categorized into five sections based on the components of FCC intervention provided in each individual study: 1. Information provision, and Enabling and partnership (n= 5); 2. Information provision, and Respectful and supportive care (n= 1); 3. Enabling and partnership (n= 2); 4. Enabling and partnership, and Respectful and supportive care (n= 2); 5. Information provision, Enabling and partnership and Respectful and supportive care (n= 1). Risk of bias was low in four studies, unclear in two studies, and high in five studies. Conclusion FCC interventions were found to be effective in improving caregivers’ satisfaction with attainment of child and caregiver goals. Evidence from multiple studies does not strongly support the effectiveness of FCC interventions on caregiver’s mental health, parenting and personal outcomes. Limited evidence precludes a conclusion on the effectiveness of the components of FCC on well-being of caregivers of children with CP.
Establishment and development of the Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology in Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Authors: Gechev Tsanko , Kazakov Petar , Ivanova Asia , Ivanova Tsvetomira , Mircheva Marina , Kolev Vasil , Ganeva Daniela , Tabakova-Komsalova Veneta , Ruseva Margarita , Kantardjieva Elitsa , Kazashka Vesela S.
Published: May 2024

The Bulgarian research landscape, presented mainly by the research institutes that are part of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Agricultural Academy, needs diversification to match the research and innovation potential of the other European Union (EU) countries. This article describes the establishment of the Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB), a new innovative type of independent research organization that is changing the research landscape in Bulgaria. Supported by the EU Commission, Bulgarian Government, and Plovdiv Municipality, CPSBB has quickly become the leading plant science institute in Bulgaria, creating knowledge in diverse fields such as bioinformatics, biotechnology, genetics and genomics, metabolomics, and systems biology. We outline the organizational structure of CPSBB, the development of its infrastructure, and its scientific productivity. Finally, we compare CPSBB with other similar research establishments in Europe and we conclude that such new types of institutes have a bright future in Bulgaria due to their operational flexibility, productivity, and connections with academia and industry.
The NOMAD mini-apps: A suite of kernels from ab initio electronic structure codes enabling co-design in high-performance computing
Authors: Mas Magre Isidre , Grima Torres Rogeli , Cela Espín José María , Gutierrez Moreno José Julio
Published: May 2024

This article introduces a suite of mini-applications (mini-apps) designed to optimise computational kernels in ab initio electronic structure codes. The suite is developed from flagship applications participating in the NOMAD Center of Excellence, such as the ELPA eigensolver library and the GW implementations of the exciting, Abinit, and FHI-aims codes. The mini-apps were identified by targeting functions that significantly contribute to the total execution time in the parent applications. This strategic selection allows for concentrated optimisation efforts. The suite is designed for easy deployment on various High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems, supported by an integrated CMake build system for straightforward compilation and execution. The aim is to harness the capabilities of emerging (post)exascale systems, which necessitate concurrent hardware and software development — a concept known as co-design. The mini-app suite serves as a tool for profiling and benchmarking, providing insights that can guide both software optimisation and hardware design. Ultimately, these developments will enable more accurate and efficient simulations of novel materials, leveraging the full potential of exascale computing in material science research.
The prevalence of orthorexia nervosa in patients with selected chronic diseases
Authors: Ciulkiewicz Łukasz , Figurowska Patrycja , Małek Natalia , Kwiatkowska Anita , Pluta Patryk , Karłowicz Konrad , Brożyna Aleksandra , Emerla Sara , Hermanowska Maria , Lubomirska Julia , Bydliński Arkadiusz , Obrębski Michał
Published: May 2024

Introduction and aim. Orthorexia nervosa is described as an obsession with consuming solely healthy foods accompanied by restrictive behaviors. Patients with chronic conditions frequently require dietary interventions alongside medication to manage symptoms and slow down disease progression. However, when dietary restrictions are taken to extremes, individuals may develop orthorexia nervosa, resulting in malnutrition and weight loss. This poses risks during treatment, where maintaining a balanced diet is vital. In this review we aim to display the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa in patients suffering from selected chronic diseases.Material and methods. A literature review was performed to investigate the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa in individuals with type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.Description of the State of Knowledge. The occurrence of orthorexia reaches up to 7% in the general population, 72% in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 77% in case of inflammatory bowel disease, 71% among individuals suffering from celiac disease, 75% in those with rheumatoid arthritis, and 50% in case of cancer. Orthorexia nervosa mostly affects females who are younger, have higher education levels, select organic foods, prepare their own meals, and have concurrent chronic illnesses. Distress associated with diagnosis is the primary factor contributing to the development of this condition. Orthorexia ultimately leads to malnutrition, weight loss, impaired social functioning, and poses a risk of complications in chronically ill patients.Conclusion. The prevalence of orthorexia nervosa in patients suffering from chronic illnesses is significantly higher compared to the general population. Therefore, early detection of this condition and intervention are necessary to improve patient management. Further research is needed to assess the frequency of orthorexia among individuals suffering from other chronic diseases.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of myocardial infarctions: an overview of current research
Authors: Roman Jakub , Gondko Daniel , Dębiec Patrycja , Pietrzak Nikodem
Published: May 2024

Introduction and Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, particularly impacting the management of critical non-COVID conditions such as myocardial infarction (MI). This review aims to explore the alterations in the management of MI during the pandemic and assess how these changes have influenced patient outcomes. State of Knowledge: Numerous studies have reported delays in MI treatment during the pandemic due to healthcare resource reallocation towards COVID-19 care and patient hesitance in seeking timely medical help. Innovations such as telemedicine have been integrated into patient care to overcome barriers. However, these changes have varied impacts on clinical outcomes, including increased mortality and complication rates among MI patients during the pandemic. This review consolidates findings from recent studies focusing on altered treatment protocols, patient care strategies, and overall health system response during this period. Summary: The management of myocardial infarction during the COVID-19 pandemic has witnessed substantial shifts, leading to both challenges and innovations in cardiac care. While some adjustments have provided temporary solutions, the overall impact on MI outcomes has highlighted the need for more resilient healthcare strategies that ensure the continuity of care for acute cardiac events during global health emergencies.
Epidemiology of pediatric hand lacerations: a retrospective cohort study focusing on age and injury-causing objects
Authors: Lee Dong Chul , Kim Yeon Wook , Koh Sung Hoon , Kim Jin Soo , Roh Si Young , Lee Kyung Jin
Published: May 2024

Purpose: This study analyzed the epidemiology of pediatric hand lacerations in children under 6 years old, focusing on age-related characteristics and the household objects that caused these injuries.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients under 6 years old who presented with hand lacerations at our emergency department from January 2016 to December 2023. Data were collected on demographics, injury-related factors (the affected hand and finger, injury location, and injury-causing object), need for surgical intervention, and damage to deep structures. Patients were categorized as infants (0–1 years), toddlers (1–3 years), or preschoolers (3–6 years). We recorded the frequency, surgical intervention rates, and affected deep structures for each injury-causing object.Results: Of 153 children treated for hand lacerations, toddlers were the most frequently injured (47.7%), followed by preschoolers (44.4%) and infants (7.8%). The index and middle fingers were particularly vulnerable in toddlers and preschoolers, while infantile injuries more commonly affected the palm. Among 31 identified objects, knives/blades, particularly cutting knives (13.7%) and broken glass (13.1%), were the leading causes, with injuries occurring primarily at home. Surgical intervention was necessary in 11.1% of cases, with eyebrow razors (33.3%) most often requiring surgery and causing damage to deep structures, including arteries, nerves, and flexor tendons.Conclusion: The study highlights the significant role of developmental behaviors in pediatric hand laceration risk. Many injuries were caused by everyday household objects, including eyebrow razors, that are often underestimated as potential dangers. Preventive measures and guardian education are crucial to reduce the incidence of these injuries.
Propriedades Psicométricas do Questionário de Gratidão (GQ-6) para o Brasil
Authors: Zanon Cristian , De Souza Júlio , Remor Eduardo
Published: May 2024

Este estudo investigou as propriedades psicométricas do Questionário de Gratidão (GQ-6) na população Brasileira. Participaram 1850 respondentes com média de idade de 25,13 anos (DP = 5,36), sendo 50% do sexo feminino e 50% do sexo masculino e com representação de todos os estados brasileiros. Foram rodadas análises fatoriais exploratória (EFA) e fatorial confirmatória (CFA), e correlações entre gratidão (GQ-6) e satisfação com a vida (SWLS), otimismo (LO-R), esperança (AHS), felicidade subjetiva (SHS), afetos positivos e negativos (PANAS) e personalidade (BFI). Os resultados da EFA e da CFA indicaram uma solução unidimensional com os itens carregando com cargas adequadas (λ > 0,39) no fator e ajuste aceitável para a solução unifatorial (χ2 (9) = 59, p < 0,001; CFI = 0,956, RMSEA = 0,078). As correlações indicaram relações com variáveis externas relevantes. Conclui-se que a escala apresenta evidências de validade e fidedignidade para uso em pesquisa no Brasil.
Derecho al medio ambiente: una mirada general a algunos parámetros necesarios de protección en Colombia
Authors: Benavides López Lola Elisa
Published: May 2024

Este trabajo tiene como propósito visibilizar la categoría que revisten las zonas de reserva ambiental en Colombia, protegidas por el ordenamiento interno y por los instrumentos internacionales, aunque se echa de menos normativamente su carácter de derecho fundamental, que a la vez comporte un “coto vedado” para el legislador y la Administración cuando desarrollan y regulan la materia a través de disposiciones legales y reglamentarias.
Fatores clínicos do bem-estar de mulheres em parturição: perspectivas deontológicas e da bioética principialista
Authors: Biondo Chrisne Santana , Anjos Neta Maria Madalena Souza dos , Yarid Sérgio Donha
Published: May 2024

Objetivo: avaliar os fatores clínicos associados ao bem-estar das mulheres durante o trabalho de parto e parto à luz da bioética principialista e da deontologia. Método: estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa. Participaram 396 puérperas internadas em um hospital municipal do sudoeste da Bahia, e os dados foram coletados no período de janeiro a maio de 2023, após aprovação do comitê de ética em pesquisa. Os dados foram organizados no software Excel e analisados via SPSS v.25. a partir da regressão logística multinomial. Resultados: a maior parte da amostra apresentou bem-estar com assistência em saúde, mulheres que tiveram parto realizado por profissionais não médicos apresentaram mais chances de níveis de bem-estar “adequado”. E mulheres que não tiveram a via de parto cesárea apresentaram aumento de chances de bem-estar. Conclusão:  é necessário que os profissionais reflitam sobre suas ações, condicionando-as à humanização no parto, em observância aos princípios bioéticos.
The Power of Light and Electric Shock: How Soviet Children Unravelled the Electric Plot Line
Authors: Dimova Polina
Published: May 2024

Abstract: The article traces the tropes of electricity — hydroelectric plants, powerlines, transmission towers, electricians and lightbulbs — in early Soviet illustrated childrens’ books. It shows how the books counterintuitively synthesize fairy-tale elements and productivist themes while teaching Soviet children about the science, technology and ideology of electricity. The article thus argues that these early Soviet picturebooks use electricity in profoundly subversive ways. By drawing on the fairy-tale model, these books perpetuated Russian modernist associations of pre-revolutionary electricity with irrationality and magic, foregrounded the subversive ambiguity of electricity as an enlightening and dangerous energy and transmitted essentially modernist modes of synaesthetic reading to define Soviet modernity.
Wielopole, Tadeusz Kantor (1915–1990) and Reverend Julian Śmietana (1908–1995)
Authors: Pawlikowska Wioletta
Published: May 2024

Abstract: In 1983 Tadeusz Kantor briefly returned to Wielopole, his place of birth, to stage an extraordinary performance of his play, Wielopole, Wielopole . After an interval of almost fifty years he renewed his acquaintance with the parish priest, Reverend Julian Śmietana, who presented the playwright with his own work about Wielopole. The study of Śmietana’s unpublished writings and his biography, verifying the information given in local histories and the literature on Kantor against official and ecclesiastical sources, permits the clearing up of errors and contradictions concerning Kantor’s childhood and youth, his return to Wielopole and his relationship with Śmietana. The degree of incomprehension, even outrage, with which some inhabitants of Kantor’s birthplace experienced the performance of his play, is also revealed.
"Against Interpretation": Actor-Driven Shakespeare and a Love for Scholarship
Authors: Thomas Aaron C.
Published: May 2024

Abstract: This article argues that José Zayas's 2022 production of Romeo and Juliet at the American Shakespeare Center (ASC) used Carla Freccero's essay "Romeo and Juliet Love Death" as a touchstone, and that this decision was an enormous departure for the ASC, which has made avoiding productions with clear directorial intention central to its brand. The essay takes readers through the history of that avoidance by finding an animosity toward critical theory, especially that related to gender and sexuality, in the scholarship of J. L. Styan and John Russell Brown that inspired the ASC's founding. I find, to the contrary, that Zayas's queerly focused production articulates a new step for the ASC which opens new doors for collaboration between directors and scholars. This production marked not only a new moment of directorial intervention at the ASC but is also a call for scholarship that explicitly aims itself toward production.
The Division of Labor in Conversational Repair in a Family Sign Language from Guatemala: Who Makes It Work?
Authors: Horton Laura
Published: May 2024

Abstract: The term repair refers to strategies deployed by language users to resolve breakdowns in communication. In this study, I ask what strategies for conversational repair are deployed, and who takes responsibility for their execution, when a language is used in a small local signing ecology. I focus on signers from a single family within a larger speech community that does not use a national signed language and analyze conversations from four dyads of signers who engaged in a director-matcher referential communication task. I find that for three of the four dyads, there is a preference for restricted repairs that closely matches studies of repair in other signed and spoken languages. I also find a strong connection between participant role and repair type—with matchers more likely to use other-initiated repairs while directors produced self-repairs. The findings from this study highlight the complex relationship between participant identities and pragmatic strategies and the complicated social function of different types of repair in interaction.
High harmonic generation in condensed and engineered materials: introduction
Authors: Ramunno Lora , Larsen Esben Witting , Lin Nan , Zaïr Amelle
Published: May 2024

The emerging field of high harmonic generation in condensed matter systems lies at the confluence of strong-field physics, ultrafast optics, and nanotechnology and offers numerous avenues for fundamental research and applications. The goals of this JOSA B feature issue on high harmonic generation in condensed and engineered materials are to facilitate interaction between the different communities and to provide an up-to-date snapshot of the current status of this rapidly developing interdisciplinary field at the frontier of condensed materials and ultrafast physics.
Highly sensitive photoacoustic gas sensor based on near-concentric cavity
Authors: Si Ganshang , Wang Yanchun , Liu Xu , Sun Changwei , Xu Haichun , Li Zhengang
Published: May 2024

The precise detection of trace gases in the atmosphere is vital for both environmental preservation and human health. Addressing the inherent challenges in enhancing the sensitivity of photoacoustic spectroscopy, a highly sensitive photoacoustic gas detection method utilizing a near-concentric cavity was proposed. By constructing a near-concentric optical cavity, laser reflections within the photoacoustic cell were substantially amplified, resulting in enhanced sensitivity of photoacoustic signal detection. Additionally, to align with the optical path characteristics of the near-concentric cavity, a miniaturized dumbbell-like photoacoustic cell was designed. Characterized by its high-frequency resonance, this design effectively mitigated background noise while maintaining a high sound pressure level. Experimental results demonstrated a remarkable enhancement in both signal intensity and signal-to-noise ratio by factors of 22.06 and 21.26, respectively, compared to traditional excitation methods. According to the 1σ standard, with a laser power of 21 mW, the setup achieved a detection limit of 10.15 ppb for NO2. The corresponding normalized noise equivalent absorption was calculated to be 2.84 × 10−9 cm−1WHz−1/2, with a gas consumption rate of merely 15.19 mL.
Mode-bases gain difference for Different phase profiles in Few-mode
Erbium-doped Fiber Amplifiers
Authors: Zhang Jie , Gao She , Tu Jiajing , Li Wei , Du Cheng , Liu Weiping , Li Zhaohui
Published: May 2024

In few-mode erbium-doped fiber, which is key sections in space division multiplexing (SDM) communication system, linearly polarized (LP) and orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode as two groups of mode-bases with different phase profile can be transformed into each other for the fiber’s weakly guiding condition. In principle, the LPand OAM modes have different mode spatial intensity distribution and a gain difference for FM -EDF amplifier. How to analyze and characterize the differential mode-bases gain (DMBG) is important but still an issue. Here, we build for the first time a local analysis model composed of discrete elements of the FM-EDF cross-section in mode spatial intensity distribution azimuthal variations areas. Using the model during the two mode-bases, the description of local gain difference details and the analysis of local particle number distribution is realized, and the overall gain difference is obtained. By building the amplifier system based on mode phase profile controlling, the gain of two mode-bases is characterized experimentally. The measured DMBG is about 0.8dB in the second-order mode, which is consistent with the simulation result. This DMBG can be used to improve the performance of SDM communication system by switching the mode-bases with controlling the mode phase profile.
Programmable silicon-photonic quantum simulator based on a linear combination of unitaries
Authors: Yu Yue , Chi Yulin , Zhai Chonghao , Huang Jieshan , Gong Qihuang , Wang Jianwei
Published: May 2024

Simulating the dynamic evolution of physical and molecular systems in a quantum computer is of fundamental interest in many applications. The implementation of dynamics simulation requires efficient quantum algorithms. The Lie-Trotter-Suzuki approximation algorithm, also known as the Trotterization, is basic in Hamiltonian dynamics simulation. A multi-product algorithm that is a linear combination of multiple Trotterizations has been proposed to improve the approximation accuracy. However, implementing such multi-product Trotterization in quantum computers remains challenging due to the requirements of highly controllable and precise quantum entangling operations with high success probability. Here, we report a programmable integrated-photonic quantum simulator based on a linear combination of unitaries, which can be tailored for implementing the linearly combined multiple Trotterizations, and on the simulator we benchmark quantum simulation of Hamiltonian dynamics. We modify the multi-product algorithm by integrating it with oblivious amplitude amplification to simultaneously reach high simulation precision and high success probability. The quantum simulator is devised and fabricated on a large-scale silicon-photonic quantum chip, which allows the initialization, manipulation, and measurement of arbitrary four-qubit states and linearly combined unitary gates. As an example, the quantum simulator is reprogrammed to emulate the dynamics of an electron spin and nuclear spin coupled system. This work promises the practical dynamics simulations of real-world physical and molecular systems in future large-scale quantum computers.