bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disparities in diagnosis and access to care in patients with young-onset rectal cancers in northeast Ohio.
Authors: Patel Rohan , Price Alex , Steinhagen-Golbig Emily , Conces Madison , Dorth Jennifer Anne , Miller-Ocuin Jennifer , Selfridge J. Eva , Mohamed Amr , Chakrabarti Sakti , Mahipal Amit , Bajor David L , Henke Lauren E. , Lumish Melissa Amy
Published: June 2024

e15521

Background: The rising incidence of young-onset colorectal cancers (YO-CRC) in individuals < 50 years old is alarming. Despite the updated USPSTF recommended age for CRC screening ( < 45) in 2021, disparities in receiving proper care for YO-CRC remained largely under addressed. We sought to identify modifiable disparities to be addressed with future interventions for patients with YO-rectal cancer (YO-RC). Methods: We analyzed a cohort of patients with newly diagnosed YO-RC from 2001 to 2023 at a large academic center in Northeast Ohio. Demographic data included sex, race, age, smoking status, and poverty index. A retrospective chart review was completed to assess diagnosis date and time from symptom onset to diagnosis. Access to guideline-concordant care was assessed via clinic visits with specialty providers in medical oncology, radiation oncology, colorectal surgery, genetics, and onco-fertility. Chi-square testing and Cox regression modeling was used for statistical analyses. Results: We identified 83 patients with YO-RC, 52% female (n = 43) and 48% male (n = 40), of which 76% were White (n = 63), 21% Black (n = 17), 2% Hispanic (n = 2), and 1% Asian (n = 1). Median age at diagnosis was 44 years (IQR[39-49]). Non-White (NW) patients had a greater delay from symptom onset to diagnosis compared to White (W) patients, with an average time of 6.9mo vs 1.3mo (p < 0.00001). Colonoscopy completion rates after symptom onset for NW and W patients at 2-months was 11% vs 81% and 33% vs 98% at 4-months (p < 0.0001, respectively). Rate of access to specialty care once diagnosed was not statistically significant for either groups, but there is a lower percentage of all YO-RC patients who accessed onco-fertility (13%, n = 11) or genetics services (46%, n = 38). The median 1-year overall survival was 50% for NW patients vs 85.7% for W patients, which was statically significant on univariate analysis (p = 0.04), but not on multivariate analysis. Conclusions: We found significant disparities for YO-RC from symptom onset to diagnosis with longer delays noted in NW patients. Such delays in diagnosis may lead to higher staging upon presentation and impact survival. Once a diagnosis was made, access to specialty oncology care rates was similar across groups. This study encourages further evaluation and consideration of socioeconomic factors and care access patterns to address disparities in diagnosis, access, and treatment of YO-CRC. [Table: see text]
Cost-effectiveness of targeted vs. multi-cancer blood tests for colorectal cancer.
Authors: Meester Reinier G.S. , Piscitello Andrew J. , Baldo Lance , Griffin Noelle , Grady William
Published: June 2024

e15526

Background: Recent research suggested that current blood tests are not cost-effective for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in patients declining other options, i.e., compared to not screening those patients.(1) The findings were from a new decision-analytic model evaluating a multi-cancer detection (MCD) test. Relative to this MCD test, emerging “targeted” CRC blood tests have higher suggested sensitivity for CRC precursors and lower specificity for subjects without any adenomas or CRC. We examine the cost-effectiveness of these emerging tests. Methods: An established CISNET model was replicated, validated, and then used to evaluate blood testing from age 45 to age 75 years, at 1, 2 or 3-year intervals. An MCD test (Galleri®) with 99.5% specificity, 0.5% advanced adenoma (AA) sensitivity, and 82.0% CRC sensitivity (99.5%, 0.5%, 82%) was compared to two hypothetical targeted CRC tests: a low-sensitivity blood test (lsBT) just meeting U.S. national coverage criteria (90%, 10%, 74%), and a high-sensitivity blood test (hsBT) with performance assumptions based on published data (90%, 20%, 90%). Galleri costs $949 per test; lsBT and hsBT costs were varied ($100-$1500). Outcomes included the estimated mortality reduction, and the discounted quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) gained, costs of screening, follow-up colonoscopy and treatment, and costs/QALY gained vs. no screening. Results: Estimated lifetime CRC incidence and mortality without screening were 85.9 and 32.9 per 1000, respectively. Triennial screening with Galleri reduced estimated CRC mortality by 15.6%, yielded 26.9 QALYs gained per 1000, and cost $191,135/QALY gained. Annual screening increased benefit to 28.9% mortality reduction and 46.6 QALYs gained, at $300,254/QALY gained. In contrast, at $1000 per test, lsBT every 1-3 years reduced mortality by 50.2-76.4%, yielded 71.0-109.5 QALYs gained, and cost $51,330-$67,420/QALY gained. hsBT testing further improved outcomes to 60.8-80.9% mortality reduction, 88.1-119.6 QALY gained, and $35,519-$58,125/QALY gained. Costs per QALY gained were lower for lsBT and hsBT vs. Galleri irrespective of the assumed unit costs, and never exceeded $82,902 for triennial testing. Conclusions: Emerging targeted blood tests for CRC can be cost-effective for screening and could be important in reaching underserved populations, once available. Targeted tests and MCD tests differ meaningfully in their accuracy, clinical interpretation, and use, and should not be treated as a similar type of screening test.
Liquid biopsy multiomics enable clinical triage for early colorectal cancer diagnosis.
Authors: Sha Michael , Tanaka Hiromi , Chuang Rachel , Shen Shuo , Pastor Larry , Scimia Mauro , Bianco Maria Antonia , Troncone Giancarlo , Scimia Simone , Malapelle Umberto , Pepe Francesco , Russo Gianluca , Fu Andrew Y. , Li Di , Zhang Aiguo
Published: June 2024

e15599

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United State. Despite advancements in screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the disease remains a formidable public health issue. In 2023, approximately 153020 individuals were diagnosed with CRC and 52550 will die from the disease. In order to meet early diagnostic, we developed this multiomics assay to enable clinical triage for liquid biopsy screening. Methods: Xenonucleic acid (XNAs) are artificial genetic polymers that retain the Watson-Crick base-pairing capability and exhibit high chemical and biological stability. They can be employed as molecular clamps in RT-qPCR due to the stronger hybridizing/binding capability seen in XNA/DNA duplexes than DNA/DNA duplexes. We are developing an XNA-based multiplex RT-qPCR assay for APC, BRAF, CTNNB1, KRAS, NRAS, PIK3CA, SMAD4 and TP53 gene mutation panel and CRC 9 genes methylation panel combined with multiplex protein panel, called ColoscapeTM Plus. We enrolled in FIT positive subjects of both genders, aged 50-74, attending the CRC screening program, we tested 152 plasma samples, 75 health, 50 AA and 27 early CRC with this multiomics assay. Results: The assay results showed that its sensitivity was about 44% (95% CI: 0.302- 0.587) and specificity about 80% (95%CI: 0.689- 0.880) for advanced adenoma (AA). For CRC stage I and II, its sensitivity is about 63% and 78% with 80% specificity separately. Conclusions: The primary data has shown that this low cost and rapid turnaround time multiomics assay has a comparable sensitivity for early colorectal cancer diagnostic.
A phase I/II, first-in-human study of VLS-1488, an oral KIF18A inhibitor, in patients with advanced cancer.
Authors: Gaillard Stephanie , Starodub Alexander , O'Neil Bert , Mathews Cara Amanda , Dumbrava Ecaterina Elena , Friedman Claire Frances , Swiecicki Paul , Oh Cindy , Andreu Celia , Lee Linda , Campbell Jacqueline , Bowler Timothy Geoffrey , Drutman Scott , LoRusso Patricia
Published: June 2024

TPS3181

Background: Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of cancer characterized by high rates of chromosomal segregation errors during mitosis. This creates structural and numerical changes to chromosomes, driving genetic heterogeneity and cancer evolution. KIF18A is a mitotic kinesin protein shown to be important for successful division of cancer cells with CIN but not required for mitosis in normal diploid cells. Pre-clinical studies demonstrated that treatment of chromosomally unstable cancer cells in vitro and in xenograft models (HCC15 and OVCAR-3) with a KIF18A inhibitor resulted in failure of chromosomal congression, mitotic arrest, cell death and dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth. VLS-1488 is an oral small molecule inhibitor of KIF18A that is being examined in an open-label, phase I/II, first-in-human study evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and preliminary anti-tumor activity in advanced solid tumors with high prevalence of CIN. Methods: Key eligibility criteria include specific histologically confirmed metastatic or advanced tumor types with at least one site of measurable disease per RECIST 1.1, adequate organ function, and mismatch repair proficient/microsatellite stable.Eligible tumor types include high grade serous ovarian/fallopian tube/primary peritoneal cancer, squamous non-small cell lung cancer, triple negative breast cancer, gastric adenocarcinoma, gastroesophageal cancer, esophageal cancer, colorectal adenocarcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma of bladder, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, ovarian or uterine carcinosarcoma, and uterine serous carcinoma. Subjects will receive VLS-1488 monotherapy continuously for 28-day cycles once daily. The study consists of two parts, Dose Escalation and Dose Expansion. Utilizing a Bayesian Optimal Interval (BOIN) design, Dose Escalation will examine the safety and tolerability of VLS-1488 at various dose levels (DLs) to identify the Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) and to select DLs for Dose Expansion. Dose Expansion may commence after the MTD or DLs of interest are identified. Dose Expansion will examine the safety, tolerability, preliminary efficacy and preliminary drug-drug interaction (DDI) and food effect risk of VLS-1488 in selected tumor types. Subjects enrolled to specific tumor type cohorts may be randomized to DLs of interest. Enrollment to Dose Escalation began in September 2023 and is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT05902988 .
Phase I/II study of pegylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG 20) in combination with gemcitabine and docetaxel in non-small cell and small cell lung cancers.
Authors: Auberle Christine , Cohen Jared , Waqar Saiama Naheed , Morgensztern Daniel , Fischer Kaitlyn , Cole Tamara , Gordon Allison , Porzel Jessica , Fogal Cynthia , Kraft Katlyn , Liu Jingxia , Haarberg Sasha , Bomalaski John S. , Govindan Ramaswamy , Van Tine Brian Andrew
Published: June 2024

TPS3189

Background: Arginine is essential to neoplastic growth and development, yet many cancer cells do not express argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1), an enzyme necessary to produce arginine. ADI-PEG 20 is a microbial enzyme that degrades arginine causing arginine auxotrophy in cancer cells that are ASS1 negative. Preclinical data suggests that ADI-PEG 20 in combination with docetaxel (D), resulted in increased expression of hENT, the transporter for gemcitabine (G) as well upregulation of dCK to trap G inside of cancer cells. A phase II trial of ADI-PEG 20, G and D was shown to be a safe and efficacious combination in soft tissue sarcoma (STS). We are conducting a phase I/II trial examining the safety, tolerability, to determine the recommended phase II dose (R2PD) and evaluate the efficacy of this combination in patients with previously treated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) with an alternative dosing regimen than that used in STS based on the mechanism of action. Methods: Eligible pts include previously treated metastatic NSCLC and SCLC with performance status 0-1 with adequate organ function. Pts are excluded if previously treated with G; however, prior use of docetaxel is permitted. Up to 12 patients will be enrolled in an open-label phase I trial with a 3 + 3 dose escalation design with ADI-PEG 20 in combination with G and D. Primary objectives of the phase I portion are to determine the safety, tolerability and recommend phase II dose (RP2D) of combination ADI-PEG 20, G and D. Pts will be treated with ADI-PEG 20 intramuscularly at 36mg/m2 on day -7 of cycle 1 and then on days 1, 8, and 15 of each subsequent cycle with dose-escalated G (600, 750, 900 mg/m2) on day 2 and D (60, 75, 75 mg/m2) on day 1 of each 21-day cycle for up to 8 cycles then will continue with combination therapy at provider discretion for up to 34 cycles. The phase II will consist of two cohorts (NSCLC and SCLC) receiving the triplet treatments at the RP2D determined during phase I. Primary objective of the phase II portion is to determine the objective response rate (ORR) in each cohort. Phase II uses a Simon optimal two-stage design per cohort for ORR with a minimum of 12 patients and a maximum of 36 patients per cohort. In the phase I, patient accrual at the maximum tolerated dose level is nearing completion and ADI-PEG in combination with G and D will be further evaluated in the phase II with separate cohorts for NSCLC and SCLC. Clinical trial information: NCT05616624 .
Combined Germline and Mosaic SDHA Mutation Is Associated With a Multicancer Syndrome Including Neuroblastoma, Renal Cancer, and Multifocal GI Tumor
Authors: Cranmer Lee D. , Konnick Eric Q. , Yoshida Jennifer R. , Jacobson Angela L. , Malik Bilal A. , Mogal Harveshp , Sullivan Lucas B. , Handfrod Cynthia L. , Pritchard Colin C. , Dubard-Gault Marianne E.
Published: June 2024

Highlighting here a patient case with neuroblastoma, renal cancer & GIST from germline SDHA.
Modeling Extraordinary Response Through Targeting Secondary Alterations in Fusion-Associated Sarcoma
Authors: Vanoli Fabio , Song Evan , Dermawan Josephine K. , Fishinevich Eve , Sung Patricia , Min Soe S. , Xie Ziyu , de Traux de Wardin Henry , Hwang Sinchun , Maki Robert G. , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: June 2024

PURPOSE

Targeted therapy in translocation-associated sarcomas has been limited to oncogenic activation of tyrosine kinases or ligands while gene fusions resulting in aberrant expression of transcription factors have been notoriously difficult to target. Moreover, secondary genetic alterations in sarcomas driven by translocations are uncommon, comprising mostly alterations in tumor suppressor genes ( TP53, CDKN2A/ B). Our study was triggered by an index patient showing a dramatic clinical response by targeting the secondary BRAF V600E mutation in a metastatic angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) harboring the typical EWSR1::CREB1 fusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patient, a 28-year-old female, was diagnosed with an AFH of the thigh and followed a highly aggressive clinical course, with rapid multifocal local recurrence within a year and widespread distant metastases (adrenal, bone, liver, lung). The tumor showed characteristic morphologic features, with histiocytoid cells intermixed with hemorrhagic cystic spaces and lymphoid aggregates. In addition to the pathognomonic EWSR1::CREB1 fusion, targeted DNA sequencing revealed in both primary and adrenal metastatic sites a hot spot BRAF V600E mutation and a CDKN2A/ B deletion. Accordingly, the patient was treated with a BRAF-MEK inhibitor combination (encorafenib/binimetinib) showing an excellent but short-lived response.

RESULTS

Using a CRISPR-Cas9 approach, we introduced the BRAF c.1799 T>A point mutation in human embryonic stem (hES) cells harboring a conditional EWSR1 (exon7):: CREB1 (exon7) translocation and further differentiated to mesenchymal progenitors (hES-MP) before fusion expression. The cells maintained the fusion transcript expression and the AFH core gene signature while responding to treatment with encorafenib and binimetinib.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight that additional targeted DNA NGS in chemotherapy-resistant translocation-associated sarcomas may reveal actionable oncogenic drivers occurring as secondary genetic events during disease progression.
Xu Bing's The Character of Characters and the Possibilities of Calligraphic Animation
Authors: Yang Panpan
Published: June 2024

This article examines contemporary Chinese artist Xu Bing's (b. 1955) 2012 animation video, The Character of Characters, which remediates Zhao Mengfu's (1254–1322) calligraphy and painting. The video, in which Chinese written words become the true protagonists, was originally a commissioned installation presented at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco from October 2012 to January 2013. The article aims to model a form of extremely close analysis of new media art, which borrows vocabulary and methodologies from both art history and media studies. While making a timely contribution to Xu Bing scholarship by focusing on an understudied work in his oeuvre, it also adds new lines of inquiry: first, with regard to text-image reciprocity, which continues to be a focal point in studies of contemporary Chinese art; and second, with regard to animation-calligraphy reciprocity, which begs more critical attention. The Character of Characters, I argue, invokes a double vision that sees words on screen simultaneously as linguistic texts and pictorial shapes, a vision through which and because of which the activities of looking and reading are combined into one.
To Fill “a Gap in Indian History”
Authors: Shaffer Holly , Sharma Yuthika
Published: June 2024

This essay examines the category of “Company” painting, shorthand for painting associated with the East India Company, which dominates the art historiography of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century South Asia. Using the archive of Mildred Archer (1911–2005), the British Library curator who formalized this approach in Western scholarship in tandem with scholarly commentaries by art enthusiasts P. C. Manuk (1873–1946) and Rai Krishnadas (1892–1980), we highlight the complexities of Company painting as both modality and practice. Providing insight into the little-recognized role of Ishwari Prasad (1870–1949), whom Archer and Manuk lauded as the last living artist of the Mughal tradition, we examine his vanguard formulation of a Kampani qalam (“Company style”), where he reframed Mughal art in the era of Company mercantilism and thriving exchange between European and Indian artists at Patna. Further, Prasad emerges as a key interlocutor between the critic and educator E. B. Havell (1861–1934) and the artist Abanindranath Tagore (1871–1951), integrating Mughal and Company lineages within the growing pan-Asian sensibility at the Calcutta School of Art. Foregrounding Prasad's obscured history illuminates how ideas of Mughal, Company, and Modern art belonged to a common intellectual ferment; yet these approaches took separate paths in post-independence India. In tracing the genealogy of Archer's Company painting, we recover multiple voices and strands of artistry informing its gestation in addition to its colonial legacy, complicating Archer's focus on it as an artistic inheritance of the British Empire.
The Rumors Are True
Authors: Baer Nicholas
Published: June 2024

This essay examines the role of rumors in F. W. Murnau’s films as well as in later writings about his life and career. While Murnau perpetuates long-standing figurations of gossip as a frivolous or even malicious activity, he also grants unverified information a truth value. Where Heidegger claimed that Gerede (idle talk) is based on “groundlessness” and “indifferent intelligibility,” this essay shows that rumors in Murnau’s films are often well-founded and also essential to a nuanced understanding of his work. Bringing together film analyses, archival materials, and philosophical texts, the essay sheds light on an underexamined aspect of Murnau’s oeuvre and addresses broader questions about the status of speculative, uncertain, or contested knowledge. A study of Gerede does not entail a concealment of authentic discourse but illuminates Murnau’s philosophy of rumors as part of a dialectic of destabilized knowledge.
Issues pertaining to posology in ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine medical texts
Authors: Valiakos Elias , Marselos Marios , Diamandopoulos Athanasios
Published: June 2024

Researching medical texts of the past reveals that the preparation of a therapeutic recipe usually involved the use of several active ingredients. There are many detailed reports on the ratio of the ingredients in a recipe, but also on the dosage administered to the patient. In this article, we recorded the use of units of weight and volume in therapeutic recipes from antiquity, the Hellenistic era, the Roman Empire, Byzantium, and also empirical medical texts of the 19th century. The changes emerging over time from the growing trade in the wider Mediterranean area, with the introduction of both new products and new units of measurement, did not affect the basic principles of the therapeutic methods. Through the centuries, the main concern of physicians was to fight the disease without burdening the patient with any unwanted effects. In this context, we observe even dosage modifications when it comes to special vulnerable population groups, such as children, the elderly and pregnant women. The period covered is very large, which means that the approach is impressionistic not aiming to the philologists. We hope that this does not pose a problem to the interested historians of medicine.
Surgical instruments for plastic surgery operations in Ancient Greek and Byzantine times
Authors: Papadakis Marios
Published: June 2024

Background-Objective: Even though the term “plastic surgery” was first introduced in the 19th century, the study of ancient Greek and Byzantine medical manuscripts reveals a significant number of plastic surgery operations performed during these periods. The aim of this work is to present the surgical instruments that were used to conduct such operations.Material-Method: The original manuscripts of ancient Greek and Byzantine physicians, including Hippocrates, Galen, Oribasius, Aetius, Paul of Aegina and Alexander of Tralles, were studied and analysed. The references concerning plastic surgery instruments were marked and are presented.Results-Discussion: Ancient Greek and Byzantine physicians performed several plastic surgery procedures, i.e. reconstructions of defects in the nose, ears, eyelids, lips, cheeks, and forehead, while surgical restoration of female breasts, hypospadias, elderly loose jawbone, penile tumours, syndactyly, and polydactyly was also described in detail. Several surgical instruments with various functions were used for these procedures, such as tools for tissue cutting (scalpels, chisels), for tissue grasping (forceps), tissue preparation, haemostasis (cauteries), as well as tissue suturing. Many of these tools had a wide range of uses, while others appear to have been specifically designed for plastic surgery procedures.Conclusion: Ancient Greek and Byzantine physicians possessed a comprehensive set of surgical instruments that effectively supported a wide range of plastic surgery procedures.
Zawartość wybranych metali w owocnikach boczniaka ostrygowatego (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Authors: Kondratowicz-Pietruszka Elżbieta , Krochmal-Marczak Barbara , Cebulak Tomasz , Piądłowska Katarzyna , Vambol Viola , Betlej Izabela
Published: June 2024

Przedmiotem badań były owocniki boczniaka ostrygowatego (Pleurotus ostreatus), pochodzące z uprawy własnej zlokalizowanej na terenie województwa podkarpackiego (50°82’ N 23°54’ E). Gotowe podłoże do uprawy grzyba zakupiono w wyspecjalizowanym sklepie detalicznym. Pierwsze owocniki zebrano po 10 dniach od zakupu podłoża. W zebranych owocnikach boczniaka ostrygowatego badano zawartość Cd, Pb, Fe, Mn, Zn i Cu. Do analizy metali wykorzystano atomową spektrometrię absorpcyjną (ASA) w wersji metody płomieniowej oraz kuwetowej. Uzyskane wyniki wskazują na niskie zawartości Fe, Mn, Zn i Cu w boczniakach z uprawy własnej. Przeprowadzone badania wykazały, że stężenie wybranych metali w analizowanych grzybach maleje następująco: Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cd > Pb. W grzybach Pleurotus ostreatus z własnej uprawy nie stwierdzono nadmiernej kumulacji badanych metali: Fe, Zn, Mn i Cu. Średnie stężenie Cd było na granicy zalecanego limitu 0,05 mg∙kg-1. Natomiast zawartość Pb była niska, zarówno w kapeluszu, jak i w trzonie grzyba, poniżej wartości dopuszczalnej 0,30 mg∙kg-1.
Summing multilinear operators and sequence classes
Authors: Botelho Geraldo , Freitas Davidson
Published: June 2024

We construct a general framework that generates classes of multilinear operators
between Banach spaces which encompasses, as particular cases, the several
classes of summing type multilinear operators that have been studied individually
in the literature. Summing operators by blocks in the isotropic and anisotropic
cases are taken into account. The classes we create are shown to be Banach ideals
of multilinear operators and applications to coherence and coincidence theorems
are provided.
La acción de cumplimiento: una acción desdibujada en el ordenamiento jurídico colombiano
Authors: Sánchez-Quintero Anamaría , Lozano-Amaya María Alejandra
Published: June 2024

En el presente capítulo se analiza si la acción de cumplimiento se desnaturaliza o se desdibuja a partir de la incorporación de disposiciones en el ordenamiento jurídico que afectan la esencia de la acción. Para ello, se realiza una revisión de los antecedentes en el derecho comparado y la normativa nacional, con el propósito de sentar las bases que permitan identificar los elementos normativos que pueden desnaturalizar el mecanismo constitucional como instrumento idóneo para conseguir la eficacia de la ley y los actos administrativos. Esto con el fin de definir si los condicionamientos para su ejercicio que se promueve desde el legislativo transgreden el espíritu del mecanismo, que no es otro distinto a garantizar la efectividad de las disposiciones jurídicas como realidades asibles que se apartan de concepciones meramente teóricas.
Identificación de áreas de importancia ecológica y proyectos de minería: el caso de los páramos
Authors: Güiza-Súarez Leonardo , Aristizabal-González Juan David
Published: June 2024

Se estima que en Colombia la producción de oro aumentará en la próxima década y llegará a ser de más de 60 toneladas anuales, lo cual seguirá potenciando el crecimiento del país. Para que esto ocurra, el Estado colombiano debe identificar cuáles son las Áreas de Importancia Ecológica (AIE) del país, áreas en las que no se pueden adelantar explotaciones mineras, ya que este asunto ha generado incertidumbre en las empresas para la ejecución de sus proyectos. Para abordar este problema, se efectuó una revisión de literatura científica en bases de datos, así como documentos de entidades públicas y privadas, y de la legislación nacional. Se documentaron las características de las aie en el contexto nacional e internacional, y se encontró que no existe claridad sobre lo que constituyen estas áreas en el país. Por ello, se presentó una interpretación conforme a las aproximaciones jurídicas que se han hecho sobre ellas. Así mismo, se pone en evidencia el problema que ha ocasionado la titulación minera en estas áreas. Al tomarse como caso de estudio la situación de los páramos, se realizó una descripción de estos ecosistemas y las medidas que se han adoptado para su protección en los últimos años. Se encontró que la delimitación de ellos ha generado grandes controversias con las comunidades, lo cual ha retrasado este proceso. Finalmente, se documentó la discusión que al respecto ha suscitado el proyecto aurífero Soto Norte, que, aunque los estudios técnicos indican que se encuentra por fuera del páramo de Santurbán, en algunas regiones distantes a la zona de incidencia del proyecto se ha configurado el mito de que el proyecto se adelantaría en este ecosistema, lo que ha llevado a su rechazo por la ciudadanía. Con este capítulo se evidencia que el Estado está llamado a aprovechar el potencial aurífero del país recuperando la confianza de las empresas y las comunidades, y el primer paso para ello es establecer con claridad en cuáles áreas está restringida la explotación de oro.
Vertimientos tóxicos relacionados con la minería aurífera
Authors: Chaparro-Ávila Eduardo , Güiza-González Sonia
Published: June 2024

Este capítulo se ocupa de uno de los mitos más mencionados, el de una inevitable y permanente contaminación por causa de la minería del oro y sus vertimientos con severos daños a la salud y al ambiente. Este texto revisa el continuado y complejo desarrollo del manejo y procesamiento de los componentes químicos del mineral del oro, que requiere, de un completo y profundo conocimiento químico y geológico, para aplicarlo en el laboreo de un depósito mineral y en la tarea de seleccionar el método adecuado de beneficio. Los proyectos de gran y mediana minería llevan a cabo estudios de factibilidad que además de considerar la recuperación del metal abarcan la prevención de cualquier riesgo de afectación medioambiental. Los métodos que funcionan para una mineralización aurífera específica se adoptan después de realizar un minucioso estudio mineralógico, que define las medidas precisas y exactas de las sustancias químicas requeridas en los procesos, tales como la flotación y lixiviación reduciendo el grado de exposición. Uno de esos procesos es la cianuración, hoy muy conocido y cuyo riesgo se encuentra en prácticas descuidadas cuya secuela son los pasivos mineros huérfanos. Con respecto del mercurio, es preciso recordar que la ley ha prohibido de forma gradual su uso industrial y la minería fue la primera actividad en estar sujeta a esa disposición, prohibición que se complementa con campañas de sustitución de métodos de concentración y de enseñanza de métodos alternativos que acompañen su erradicación. El mito establece que, de manera fatal, no hay remediación posible en sitios afectados por el abandono de depósitos de colas y estériles, desconociendo que existen los protocolos para el depósito de estos que cumplen con la normatividad y que se usan biotecnologías basadas en la acción bacteriana y la selección de plantas como indicadores y absorbentes del mercurio y arsénico, entre otros. En vista de que los procesos de cianuración son utilizados desde hace más de una centuria, son bien conocidos y resulta fácil determinar el procedimiento de remediación para reducir las consecuencias por prácticas sin control alguno realizadas en el pasado.
Empleo de explosivos en proyectos de minería aurífera
Authors: Giraldo-Villada Omar , León-Castillo John Alexander
Published: June 2024

En actividades de voladuras, el uso de explosivos es fundamental, dado que a través de la detonación, debido a sus propiedades físico-químicas, se generan de manera instantánea gases a alta presión y temperatura, lo que permite la fragmentación de la roca de forma rápida y dirigida. Esto controla efectivamente la energía y permite el aprovechamiento adecuado de los recursos del subsuelo. Sin embargo, esta técnica se ha estigmatizado, pues se ha relacionado con una serie de mitos como la supuesta relación causa-efecto que hay entre el uso de explosivos y la generación de una onda, capaz de producir sismos o derrumbes y proyección de fragmentos sobre montañas cercanas, entre otros aspectos. Estos mitos surgen desde el desconocimiento de la técnica y los procesos de control que hay alrededor de la actividad. En el caso del control de vibraciones y la onda aérea, se ha establecido que ejerciendo un control adecuado del tiempo de detonación estas ondas presentan una propagación y atenuación en diferentes direcciones; además, a mayor distancia del punto de origen de la detonación, estas ondas decrecen rápidamente. En el aspecto de normatividad y medidas de seguridad e higiene laboral, estas actividades se centran en la aplicación de protocolos internacionales en torno a las características propias de las empresas, dado que para el territorio colombiano no existe normatividad en ninguna institución reguladora en la que se definan los parámetros técnicos o protocolos de fiscalización.
Mecanismos de participación ciudadana en el sector minero: una mirada desde el derecho constitucional
Authors: Bolívar-Herrera Lorena , Güiza-Suárez Leonardo
Published: June 2024

El crecimiento del sector minero en Colombia ha estado mediado por los desafíos del desarrollo sostenible —desde una perspectiva amplia que incluye dimensiones sociales, humanas, culturales, ambientales y económicas—. En los últimos años, diversas comunidades, autoridades locales, líderes sociales y sectores políticos y académicos han reclamado la ampliación de espacios y mecanismos de participación ciudadana, por lo que se ha creado el imaginario de que en el país y en las operaciones del sector minero no se garantiza ni promueve el derecho a la participación ciudadana. Sin embargo, la creación de nuevos mecanismos e instrumentos, como: 1) el Programa de Relacionamiento con el Territorio de la ANM; 2) los procedimientos y requisitos de participación en los Planes de Gestión Social; y 3) los estándares y disposiciones en materia de derechos humanos y empresas, debida diligencia y conducta empresarial responsable, evidencian que desde lo constitucional y la política pública, el sector minero colombiano y los proyectos de minería aurífera cuentan con una diversidad de mecanismos de participación ciudadana. En razón del contexto global, de las actuales demandas sociales y las órdenes judiciales existentes, se requiere ahora sumar su divulgación y comunicación para que se refuerce su acceso y aplicación efectiva. Adicionalmente, la participación ciudadana se seguirá robusteciendo, en el marco, por ejemplo, del cumplimiento del Acuerdo de Escazú, de las normas y leyes que deben expedir respectivamente el Gobierno Nacional y el Congreso de la República, en cumplimiento, de exhortos y órdenes como las contenidas en las sentencias de unificación su-123 de 2018 y su-095 de 2018. Tales acciones deben repercutir en el bienestar, el mejoramiento de la calidad de vida y las condiciones socioeconómicas de las comunidades asentadas en el territorio, donde se realizan las operaciones de la industria, y de la población en general.
Beneficios económicos de la minería de oro en Colombia
Authors: González Tomás , Ponce-Muriel Álvaro , Escobar Daniela , Gamba Patricia
Published: June 2024

La conveniencia de desarrollar en el país proyectos auríferos a nivel industrial suele ser cuestionada argumentando que sus escasos beneficios no compensan sus potenciales impactos negativos. Frente a este tipo de opiniones, en el presente capítulo se analizan el ciclo y los impactos económicos de esta clase de proyectos, su contribución a las finanzas públicas y las usuales prácticas empresariales en materia de responsabilidad social. En tal sentido, se examinan las cifras de la última década (2009-2019) de los principales indicadores macroeconómicos (PIB, exportaciones, inversión extranjera, pagos de regalías e impuestos y generación de empleo) asociados a la minería aurífera en general y a la producción industrial de oro en particular. A la fecha, son cinco las empresas que vienen produciendo oro a nivel industrial y su participación agregada en la producción total nacional registra durante los últimos diez años una tendencia creciente, al pasar del 6,5% en 2010 al 31,0% en 2019. También en el presente se conoce de cinco proyectos de producción industrial de oro (como producto principal o accesorio) que podrían entrar en operación en algún momento de la presente década. Para tener una apreciación integral de lo que podrían ser las contribuciones de estos proyectos, se utilizó una metodología que incorpora al cálculo tanto la aleatoriedad propia de las variables que las determinan como el hecho de que ellas interactúan simultáneamente a lo largo del horizonte de análisis. Las estimaciones muestran que en la próxima década la producción industrial de oro en Colombia debería estar entre 5,44 y 8,24 millones de onzas, con unas contribuciones fiscales anuales (correspondientes a impuesto de renta, IVA, ICA y regalías) que oscilarían, a precios de hoy, entre 1,6 billones y 2,97 billones de pesos.
Trading Gamification and Investor Behavior
Authors: Chapkovski Philipp , Khapko Mariana , Zoican Marius
Published: June 2024

We study the effect of gamification on retail traders’ behavior using a randomized online experiment. Participants with lower financial literacy prefer platforms with hedonic gamification elements, such as confetti and achievement badges. On average, hedonic gamification increases trading volume by 5.17%. However, the difference in trading activity between gamified and nongamified platforms is driven primarily by self-selection (70%) rather than gamification (30%). Participants who prefer hedonic gamification exhibit noisy trading strategies, whereas those favoring nongamified platforms display stronger contrarian behavior. Further, price trend notifications enhance learning for investors with accurate beliefs, but they reinforce trading mistakes for those with incorrect beliefs.

This paper has been This paper was accepted by Jean-Edouard Colliard for the special issue on the human-algorithm connection.

Funding: P. Chapkovski acknowledges funding from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft [Germany’s Excellence Strategy—EXC 2126/1-390838866]. M. Khapko and M. Zoican acknowledge the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada [Insight Development Grant 430-2018-00125] and the Canadian Securities Institute Research Foundation [research grant]. M. Zoican acknowledges financial support from the Quantitative Management Research Initiative (QMI) under the aegis of the Fondation du Risque, a joint initiative by Université Paris-Dauphine, l’École Nationale de la Statistique et de l’Administration ParisTech, and LFIS, France.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.02650 .
Indicator Films Containing Dendrobium Orchid Flower Extract and TiO2 Nanoparticles for Monitoring Fish Fillet Spoilage
Authors:   Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Chiang Mai, 50300, Thailand, Jaimun Ratchadaporn , Kanha Nattapong ,   Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand,   Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand, Sangsuwan Jurmkwan ,   Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50100, Thailand
Published: June 2024

This work aimed to study a novel pH indicator film prepared from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/tapioca starch (TS) incorporating Dendrobium orchid flowers and TiO2 nanoparticles for monitoring fish fillet freshness. The films were prepared based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and tapioca starch (TS) blend (CMC/TS) incorporated with TiO2 nanoparticles and Dendrobium orchid flower (DOF) extract. The result showed that the DOF extract contained peonidin-3,5-O-diglucoside and exhibited distinguishable color changes in different pH buffers. Likewise, the CMC/TS+TiO2+DOF film’s color changed corresponding to the extract. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the expansion of the film’s amorphous region, due to the intermolecular interactions. Analyzing scanning electron microscope images showed the effects of TiO2 and DOF extract on the surface morphology of films. The incorporation of TiO2 and DOF extract into the film formulation improved various film properties, such as redness, opacity, tensile strength, and water solubility. For the sensitivity testing, the color of the CMC/TS+TiO2+DOF film responded to ammonia vapor more than acetic acid vapor, suitable for monitoring seafood spoilage behavior. In addition, the application of film for monitoring the freshness of fish fillets was conducted. The CMC/TS+TiO2+DOF film color changed from purple to bluish-purple corresponding to the spoilage of samples. Indicating its potential as an indicator for monitoring fish fillets' freshness.
Applying Box-Behnken Design in Herbal Product Development: Semha-Pinas Plain Tablets
Authors:   Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rangsit University, Pathum Thani 12000, Thailand, Suksaeree Jirapornchai , Monton Chaowalit ,   Drug and Herbal Product Research and Development Center, College of Pharmacy, Rangsit University, Pathum Thani 12000, Thailand,   Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Rangsit University, Pathum Thani 12000, Thailand
Published: June 2024

Phlegm production is a common symptom of upper respiratory tract infections and some allergies. A traditional Thai herbal formula called Semha-Pinas offers an alternative treatment option for managing this symptom. This study aimed to optimize the formulation of Semha-Pinas plain tablets using the Box-Behnken design. Three factors were identified as potentially influencing tablet properties: compressional force, quantity of spray-dried lactose, and quantity of croscarmellose sodium. Initial screening with a one-factor-at-a-time approach helped narrow down the relevant ranges for each factor. Subsequently, the Box-Behnken design was employed with compressional forces ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 psi, spray-dried lactose quantities from 0 to 10%, and croscarmellose sodium quantities from 2 to 4%. Results showed that the optimal formulation, achieving a hardness of 5 to 8 kP, disintegration time of at least 0.5 minutes, and friability of not more than 0.4%, was found at 1,500 psi compressional force, 6% spray-dried lactose, and 3% croscarmellose sodium. This optimized formulation exhibited the following characteristics: tablet weight of 381.23 ± 0.80 mg, diameter of 9.66 ± 0.01 mm, thickness of 4.20 ± 0.04 mm, hardness of 7.50 ± 0.41 kP, disintegration time of 0.67 ± 0.07 minute, and friability of 0.22% ± 0.04%. Verification data confirmed the accuracy of the predictions, with all percent errors falling below 10%. In conclusion, this study successfully applied the Box-Behnken design to develop Semha-Pinas plain tablets that meet the relevant pharmacopoeial criteria.
Digital Media Consumption Patterns and Development of Preschool Children: Developing a Manual to Enhance Media Literacy in Parents of Children Facing Developmental Challenges
Authors:   National Institute for Child and Family Development, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand, Permpoonputtana Kannika , Doungsri Jongkon ,   Master of Science Program in Human Development, National Institute for Child and Family Development, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand, Kunwittaya Sarun ,   National Institute for Child and Family Development, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand, Khamnong Thirata ,   National Institute for Child and Family Development, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand, Kleebpung Nonthasruang ,   National Institute for Child and Family Development, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
Published: June 2024

This study examined parents' and preschool digital media consumption, formulating a manual to enhance media literacy in parents of preschool children with developmental challenges. In the first phase, the research explored digital media patterns among Thai parents and preschoolers, investigating their association with developmental outcomes. Questionnaires and the Denver II test assessed digital media usage and child development. Following phase 1, the media literacy manual was developed and validated using item-objective congruence. The second phase evaluated the manual's effectiveness using a media literacy questionnaire with six elements. In the first phase, 97 parent-child pairs participated, with 48 (49.48%) children experiencing developmental delays. The results offer insights into digital media usage patterns, revealing that the majority of parents use digital media daily for 1-3 hours, with no significant difference between normal and delayed development groups. Regarding children's habits, a significant majority engage daily, with most spending less than 30 minutes. Children with normal development use digital media more frequently but for shorter durations compared to those with delayed development. The media literacy manual for parents of children facing developmental challenges underwent evaluation using an IOC, ensuring its reliability validity with values ranging from 0.66 to 1.00. Phase 2, the participants included 41 parents from Phase 1. In Phase 2, 41 parents of children with developmental delays who participated in Phase 1 were included. Initially, the sample group scored 15.89 on overall media literacy knowledge. After studying the media literacy manual, their score increased to 19.02, indicating a statistically significant improvement at the 0.001 level, as determined by paired t-test statistics. Initially, the sample group scored 15.89 on overall media literacy knowledge, and after the training program, the media literacy score increased to 19.02, signifying a statistically significant improvement at the 0.001 level according to paired t-test statistics.
Effect of dapagliflozin on uric acid in patients with chronic heart failure and hyperuricemia
Authors: Lin Meng-Jiao , Zou Shu-Bin , Zhu Bai-Xiang
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) frequently develop hyperuricemia, an elevated serum uric acid level, associated with adverse outcomes. Dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, demonstrates reduction in cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization in patients with CHF and ejection fraction (HFrEF), irrespective of diabetes. However, dapagliflozin’s effect on the uric acid levels in patients with CHF and hyperuricemia remain unclear.

AIM

To investigate the effects of dapagliflozin on uric acid levels in CHF patients with hyperuricemia.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 200 patients with CHF and hyperuricemia, with HFrEF and serum uric acid levels ≥ 7 mg/dL (≥ 416 μmol/L). The participants were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of 10 mg dapagliflozin or placebo for 24 months. The primary endpoint was the change in serum uric acid level from baseline to 24 months. Secondary endpoints included changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and quality of life (QoL) scores, as well as the incidence of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure.

RESULTS

At 24 months, dapagliflozin significantly reduced serum uric acid levels by 1.2 mg/dL (71 μmol/L) compared with placebo (95%CI: -1.5 to -0.9; P < 0.001). Dapagliflozin also significantly improved LVEF by 3.5% (95%CI: 2.1-4.9; P < 0.001), NT-proBNP by 25% (95%CI: 18-32; P < 0.001), and QoL scores by 10 points (95%CI: 7-13; P < 0.001) and reduced the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure by 35% (95%CI: 15–50; P = 0.002) compared with the placebo. Adverse events were similar between the two groups, except for a higher rate of genital infections in the dapagliflozin group (10% vs 2%, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Dapagliflozin significantly lowered serum uric acid levels and improved the clinical outcomes in patients with CHF and hyperuricemia. Therefore, dapagliflozin may be a useful therapeutic option for this high-risk population.