bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diverse bacterial consortia: key drivers of rhizosoil fertility modulating microbiome functions, plant physiology, nutrition, and soybean grain yield
Authors: Moretti Luiz Gustavo , Crusciol Carlos Alexandre Costa , Leite Marcio Fernandes Alves , Momesso Letusa , Bossolani João William , Costa Ohana Yonara Assis , Hungria Mariangela , Kuramae Eiko Eurya
Published: July 2024

Soybean cultivation in tropical regions relies on symbioses with nitrogen-fixing Bradyrhizobium and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs), reducing environmental impacts of N fertilizers and pesticides. We evaluate the effects of soybean inoculation with different bacterial consortia combined with PGPBs or microbial secondary metabolites (MSMs) on rhizosoil chemistry, plant physiology, plant nutrition, grain yield, and rhizosphere microbial functions under field conditions over three growing seasons with four treatments: standard inoculation of Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens consortium (SI); SI plus foliar spraying with Bacillus subtilis (SI + Bs); SI plus foliar spraying with Azospirillum brasilense (SI + Az); and SI plus seed application of MSMs enriched in lipo-chitooligosaccharides extracted from B. diazoefficiens and Rhizobium tropici (SI + MSM). Rhizosphere microbial composition, diversity, and function was assessed by metagenomics. The relationships between rhizosoil chemistry, plant nutrition, grain yield, and the abundance of microbial taxa and functions were determined by generalized joint attribute modeling. The bacterial consortia had the most significant impact on rhizosphere soil fertility, which in turn affected the bacterial community, plant physiology, nutrient availability, and production. Cluster analysis identified microbial groups and functions correlated with shifts in rhizosoil chemistry and plant nutrition. Bacterial consortia positively modulated specific genera and functional pathways involved in biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites, amino acids, lipopolysaccharides, photosynthesis, bacterial secretion systems, and sulfur metabolism. The effects of the bacterial consortia on the soybean holobiont, particularly the rhizomicrobiome and rhizosoil fertility, highlight the importance of selecting appropriate consortia for desired outcomes. These findings have implications for microbial-based agricultural practices that enhance crop productivity, quality, and sustainability.

Graphical Abstract
Pathological mechanisms and novel drug targets in fibrotic interstitial lung disease
Authors: Nishioka Yasuhiko , Araya Jun , Tanaka Yoshiya , Kumanogoh Atsushi
Published: July 2024

Background

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a diverse group of conditions characterized by inflammation and fibrosis in the lung. In some patients with ILD, a progressive fibrotic phenotype develops, which is associated with an irreversible decline in lung function and a poor prognosis.

Main body

The pathological mechanisms that underlie this process culminate in fibroblast activation, proliferation, and differentiation into myofibroblasts, which deposit extracellular matrix proteins and result in fibrosis. Upstream of fibroblast activation, epithelial cell injury and immune activation are known initiators of fibrosis progression, with multiple diverse cell types involved. Recent years have seen an increase in our understanding of the complex and interrelated processes that drive fibrosis progression in ILD, in part due to the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing technology and integrative multiomics analyses. Novel pathological mechanisms have been identified, which represent new targets for drugs currently in clinical development. These include phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors and other molecules that act on intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling, as well as inhibitors of the autotaxin-lysophosphatidic acid axis and $$\alpha_v$$

α
v

 integrins. Here, we review current knowledge and recent developments regarding the pathological mechanisms that underlie progressive fibrotic ILD, including potential therapeutic targets.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the pathological mechanisms that drive progressive fibrosis in patients with ILD has expanded, with the role of alveolar endothelial cells, the immune system, and fibroblasts better elucidated. Drugs that target novel mechanisms hold promise for expanding the future therapeutic armamentarium for progressive fibrotic ILD.
Readmission rate among survived patients with acute respiratory failure: 1-year study
Authors: Elsayed Tamer Awad , Farrag Nesrine Saad , Abdelgawad Taha Taha
Published: July 2024

Context

Critically ill patients, especially those with respiratory failure associated with multiple comorbidities, are at risk of recurrent ICU admission and consuming a significant portion of medical resources.

Aim

To study the risk factors and common etiologies of readmission among surviving patients with acute respiratory failure in Mansoura University’s respiratory intensive care unit during the year 2023.

Settings and design

This was a retrospective cohort study.

Patients and methods

This study included all patients with acute respiratory failure who were admitted to Mansoura University’s respiratory intensive care unit (RICU), from January 2023 to December 2023. Deceased patients after initial admission or those with incomplete data were not included in the study. All data related to patient’s demographics, type of respiratory failure, type of respiratory support, associated comorbidities, length of ICU stay, and causes of readmission were collected from the registration system database.

Results

Eight-hundred-thirty (830) cases that were admitted to the Mansoura University’s RICU with respiratory failure in the year 2023 were enrolled in the study, and 84 cases (10.1%) of them were readmitted. COPD exacerbation was the most common cause of readmission (35.7%) followed by pneumonia (21.4%) and OSA exacerbation (20.2%). Results showed that the significant independent predictors of readmission were being male [AOR (95% CI): 1.8 (1.01–3.1), p: 0.046], having organ failure (renal/liver) [AOR (95% CI): 29.9 (7.9–113.4), p ≤ 0.001], and length of ICU stay more than 12 days [AOR (95% CI): 4.8 (2.6–8.6), p ≤ 0.001]. Also, the type of respiratory failure and the type of respiratory support received were significantly associated with readmission in the univariate analysis; however, they were insignificant in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

The rate of readmission was not high (only 10.3%). The most common causes of readmission were COPD exacerbation, followed by pneumonia and OSA exacerbation, respectively. Type of respiratory failure, male gender, the presence of other organ failure, and length of ICU stay are significant independent predictors of readmission in Mansoura University’s RICU during the year 2023. Therefore, higher-risk individuals should receive attention and careful assessment before discharge from the ICU to reduce the rate of readmission.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06291636.
Estrogen Plus Progestin and Colorectal Cancer: Long-Term Findings From the Women's Health Initiative Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Chlebowski Rowan T. , Aragaki Aaron K. , Pan Kathy , Luo Juhua , Rohan Thomas E. , Johnson Karen C. , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Jung Su Yon , Xiao Qian , Lavasani Sayeh , Manson JoAnn E. , Simon Michael S.
Published: July 2024

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in
JCO
or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.

We report long-term colorectal cancer findings from the Women's Health Initiative trial where 16,608 postmenopausal women with a uterus were randomly assigned to daily conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) 0.625 mg, plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) 2.5 mg, or placebo. When intervention ended after 5.6 years, although there were 44% fewer colorectal cancers in the intervention group (43
v
72,
P
= .003), the cancers were more commonly lymph node–positive (59.0%
v
29.4%,
P
= .003). Now after cumulative 24-year follow-up, with 431 colorectal cancers, CEE plus MPA no longer influenced colorectal cancer incidence (215 [0.15, annualized rate %]
v
216 [0.15], hazard ratio [HR], 0.95 [95% CI, 0.79 to 1.15]). Although not statistically significant, there were more colorectal cancer deaths with CEE plus MPA (87 [0.049]
v
69 [0.041] deaths, HR, 1.20 [95% CI, 0.87 to 1.65],
P
= .26). Vaginal bleeding (54.1%
v
5.2% at 6 months) and breast changes were more frequent in the intervention group. After adjusting for postrandomization vaginal bleeding and breast changes, bowel examinations were significantly delayed in intervention group participants (
P
= .005), potentially contributing to diagnostic delay. Taken together, the findings suggest no clinically meaningful benefit for about 5 years of CEE plus MPA use on colorectal cancer outcome.
Subcutaneous vs Intravenous Trastuzumab/Pertuzumab: A Time and Motion Substudy of a Phase II Trial of Adjuvant Trastuzumab/Pertuzumab for Stage I HER2+ Breast Cancer (ADEPT trial)
Authors: Waks Adrienne G. , Chen Emily L. , Graham Noah , Frey Anna Mae , Almeida Kenneth , Attaya Victoria , Ryding Cari , Abbass Ibrahim , Fung Anita , Sussell Jesse , Cortazar Patricia , Harvey Caroline , Leth Denise , Faggen Meredith , Sinclair Natalie , Walsh Jeanna , Tung Nadine , Sinclair Sarah , Lo Steve , Yardley Denise , Valero Vicente , Meisel Jane , Ballinger Tarah J. , Adams Sylvia , Carey Lisa A. , Rauch Julia K. , Abramson Vandana G. , Williams Nicole O. , Chen Wendy Y. , Leone Jose P. , Schumer Susan T. , Tayob Nabihah , Tolaney Sara M.
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE

The time required for in-clinic drug administration can substantially affect breast cancer patients' quality of life. Subcutaneous (SC) drug administration, as opposed to intravenous (IV), may reduce this time commitment. This study sought to estimate the difference in time burden between IV and SC administration of trastuzumab and pertuzumab (HP).

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled a subcohort of patients participating in the ADEPT trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04569747 , investigating adjuvant HP plus endocrine therapy for stage I human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive breast cancer) to this single-arm crossover time and motion substudy. Patients received two cycles of IV HP followed by two cycles of SC HP. During each cycle, time points in drug preparation and administration were captured. The primary end point was total patient time in the treatment chair. Additional end points included total patient treatment experience time and total pharmacy workflow time. A sample size of 22 patients was estimated to provide 90.7% power with two-sided alpha .05 to detect a difference of 70 minutes in the primary end point by treatment arm (IV v SC).

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were enrolled. The mean total patient time in the treatment chair was 61.8 minutes shorter with SC versus IV HP (22.5 v 84.3 minutes; P < .0001). The mean total patient treatment experience time (incorporating time spent waiting for treatment initiation and time spent in the treatment chair) was 81.8 minutes shorter for SC administration (96 v 177.8 minutes; P < .0001). The pharmacy workflow time was 78.2 minutes shorter for SC versus IV formulation (41 v 119.2 minutes; P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

SC administration of HP shortened patient time burden by approximately 1 hour. SC drug administration can facilitate faster workflows for health care professionals and improve patients' breast cancer treatment experience.
Impact of Neuraxial Preservative-Free Morphine in Vaginal Delivery on Opiate Consumption and Recovery: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Katz Daniel , Hyers Benjamin , Siddiqui Saher , Ouyang Yuxia , Hamburger Joshua , Knibbs Nakiyah , Beilin Yaakov
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Neuraxial opioids are commonly used after cesarean delivery (CD). However, they are not commonly used after vaginal delivery (VD) though some studies have suggested they may be beneficial from a pain perspective. However, they did not evaluate other potential benefits including patient satisfaction, impact on postpartum depression and breastfeeding (BF) success, or side effects such as pruritus.

METHODS:

Parturients who delivered vaginally with epidural analgesia were randomized to receive either 2 mg of preservative-free morphine (4 mL) or saline (4 mL) via the epidural catheter within 1 hour of VD. Routine analgesics were unchanged and included q 6-hour dosing of acetaminophen 975 mg orally and ketorolac 30 mg intravenous (IV). Hydromorphone 2 mg or oxycodone 10 mg were offered for breakthrough pain. Our primary outcome was opiate consumption in the first 24 hours after drug administration. Secondary outcomes included pain scores at 24 hours and 1 week postpartum as well as opiate consumption up to 1 week postpartum. Additional end points such as obstetric quality of recovery score (OBS-QOR10) breast feeding success, and an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) were also obtained.

RESULTS:

Data were analyzed for 157 parturients, 80 in the morphine group and 77 in the saline group. No difference was observed in the EDPS score predelivery or intention to BF. We found a statistically significant difference in the use of opioids in the first 24 hours, 3.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9%–11.3%) vs 14.3% (7.7%–24.5%) in the morphine and saline groups, respectively; and in total opioid dose, median (interquartile range, IQR [range]) of morphine milligram equivalent vs 0 (0–0 [0–47.5]) vs 0 (0–0 [0–72]), P = .023, in the morphine and saline groups, respectively. Verbal pain scores (0–10) at 24 hours were lower in the morphine group (median (IQR [range): 2.0 (1–4 [0–10]) vs 3.0 (1.5–5.0 [0–10]), P = .043. There was a greater incidence of pruritus in the morphine group versus saline group, 37.5% (95% CI, 27.1%–49.1%) vs 18.2% (95% CI, 10.6%–29.0%), P = .008. We did not find any differences in the OBS-QOR10, BF success, or EPDS at 6 weeks PP (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

A single epidural dose of 2 mg preservative-free morphine after VD was effective at decreasing pain and opioid use at 24 hours after VD but came at the cost of increased pruritus. We did not detect any differences in BF, recovery scores, or PPD. Future studies should focus on elucidating the role of neuraxial preservative-free morphine after VD.
End-Tidal Control Versus Manual Control of Inhalational Anesthesia Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial
Authors: McCabe Melissa D. , Dear Guy de L. , Klopman Matthew A. , Garg Kritika , Seering Melinda S.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Precise anesthesia delivery helps ensure amnesia, analgesia, and immobility. Conventionally, the end-tidal anesthetic concentration is maintained through manual adjustment of the fresh gas flow and anesthetic vaporizer output. Some anesthesia delivery systems can deliver and maintain clinician-selected end-tidal anesthetic agent (EtAA) concentration using a modified closed-loop system. We evaluated the performance of an End-tidal Control (EtC) system on the Aisys CS2 anesthesia machine (GE HealthCare). We hypothesized EtC anesthetic delivery would be noninferior to manually controlled anesthetic delivery.

METHODS:

The Multi-site Anesthesia randomized controlled STudy of End-tidal control compared to conventional Results (MASTER) Trial evaluated anesthetic delivery in 210 adult patients receiving inhaled anesthesia. Patients were randomized to either EtC or manual control (MC) anesthetic delivery. The primary objective was to determine whether, compared to conventional anesthesia practice, EtC achieves and maintains clinician-specified EtAA and end-tidal oxygen (Eto
2) concentrations within defined noninferiority limits. Noninferiority was concluded if the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference between the percent duration within the acceptable range (5% of steady state or a margin of ~10% of each agent’s minimum alveolar concentration) for EtC and MC was ≥ −5% for both EtAA and Eto
2. Secondary objectives included performance measures: response time: time required to attain 90% of the first desired EtAA, overshoot: amount the controller (or vaporizer delivery) exceeded the desired EtAA, and accuracy: average deviation from the desired EtAA.

RESULTS:

EtC achieved and sustained targeted EtAA and Eto
2 concentrations within the noninferiority threshold. The EtAA was within 5% of the desired value 98% ± 2.05% of the time with EtC compared to 45.7% ± 31.7% of the time with MC (difference 52.3% [95% CI, 45.9%–58.6%], P < .0001). For Eto
2, EtC was within the noninferiority limit 86.3% ± 22.8% of the time compared with MC at 41% ± 33.3% (P < .0001, difference 45.3% [95% CI, 36.1%–54.5%]). The median response time for achieving 90% of the initial EtAA desired value was 75 seconds with EtC and 158 seconds with MC (P = .0013). EtC exhibited a median overshoot of 6.64% of the selected EtAA concentration, whereas MC often failed to reach the clinician’s desired value. The difference in median percent deviation from desired EtAA value was 15.7% ([95% CI, 13.5%–19.0%], P < 0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

EtC achieves and maintains the EtAA and Eto
2 concentration in a manner that is noninferior to manually controlled anesthesia delivery.
Transcending Transcendental Homelessness: Exile and the Idea of the Primitive in Brazil
Authors: Cardoso Rafael
Published: July 2024

This article examines the relationship between exile and artistic primitivism, focusing on the experiences of European artists who sought refuge in twentieth-century Brazil. It begins by looking at broad issues of acculturation to Brazilian society, through a cursory examination of the biographies of artists Carybé, Hansen-Bahia, and Pierre Verger, all of whom engaged directly with Afro-Brazilian culture in Bahia. It then proceeds to a detailed discussion of the concept of transcendental homelessness, drawn from Lukács’s The Theory of the Novel, as an overarching category encompassing both exile and primitivism. It concludes with a case study of painter Dimitri Ismailovitch, born in Kyiv and active in Rio de Janeiro, whose work straddles the borderline between cultural appropriation and transculturation. The role of emulation, conversion, and the carnivalesque as strategies affording cultural conviviality is analyzed. How does the condition of exile overlap with racial difference, and can it play a role in overriding it? The intersection of the exilic imagination with diasporic imaginaries deserves further scrutiny.
Uma experiência de ensino e aprendizagem em processo civil a partir de um caso complexo: os fatos (não) estão só nos autos
Authors: Rocha Chiuzuli Danieli , De Araujo Asperti Maria Cecília
Published: July 2024

Objetivo: Os objetivos desse relato são registrar uma experiência de ensino e aprendizagem; problematizar uma dinâmica de ensino baseada estritamente em uma ideia de processo como documento e uma visão estritamente normativa sobre o tema; e estreitar diálogos com outras contextos universitários para interlocução pedagógica e possíveis impactos nos formatos de disciplinas no tema.
Escopo: Relatar uma experiência de ensino e aprendizagem sobre o tema de recursos no processo civil baseada em um caso complexo de um desastre e histórico na região de Barcarena (PA).
Relevância: A relevância da experiência está na convocação desafiadora de a turma ocupar diversas posições processuais com diferentes graus de complexidade e sua condução ao longo do semestre preocupada com uma perspectiva formativa das/os estudantes envolvidos.
Originalidade: A interdisciplinaridade do caso e a complexidade do contexto social que o circundam permitiram a construção de uma experiência crítica, contextualmente situada e com uma perspectiva aplicada do conhecimento jurídico-processual.
A prospective comparative study of preoperative and postoperative clinicopathological correlation of fibroadenoma of breast: A study protocol
Authors: Ramala Sandeep Reddy , Chandak Suresh R , Chandak Meenakshi
Published: July 2024

Fibroadenoma of the breast most often arises during the late teens and early reproductive years. It is the most prevalent tumor in women < 30 years. After the age of 40 to 45, fibroadenomas are rarely observed as new masses in women. Fibroadenomas are made up of both epithelial and stromal components. Fibroadenoma is the most frequent type of breast tumor. It is crucial to diagnose preoperatively, both clinically and pathologically, by using F.N.A.C. Postoperatively, Fibroadenoma is confirmed histopathology. However, malignant transformation is very rare in Fibroadenoma of the breast. Early identification, accurate analysis, and appropriate management are advantageous. The current study's goal is to examine preoperative and postoperative clinicopathological aspects of Fibroadenoma and to assess any differences between preoperative and postoperative diagnosis in patients admitted to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Sawangi (M), Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
Drug-related problems associated to antibiotic use in cesarean delivery: a retrospective analysis in a secondary care hospital.
Authors: Romero Viamonte Katherine , Salvent Tames Adrian , Bustillos Alberto , Rojo Manteca María Victoria , Martín-Suárez Ana
Published: July 2024

Background/Objectives A drug-related problem (DRP) is an event or circumstance involving drug therapy that actually or potentially interferes with desired health outcomes. The aim of this study is to identify and categorize the DRPs associated with the use of antibiotics in women undergoing cesarean delivery and to analyze the causes of these problems, making an improvement proposal of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) use in accordance with international guidelines. Methods Observational, retrospective, descriptive study of 814 women undergoing cesarean delivery. Prescription adequacy was assessed based on the selection, administration, dose and duration of the antibiotic therapy. DRP analysis and characterization was conducted using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) Classification V 9.1. Results DRPs were detected in all women (1125, 1.38 DRPs/patient), the most frequent ones associated to failure to administer PAP (30.10% of patients) and to unnecessary postsurgical antibiotic (100%). Of the 1935 possible causes for DRPs identified, most of them were related to inappropriate drug selection. Cefazolin was administered to 98.07% of women with PAP and 71.45% of patients received postsurgical cefalexin, with 13 different antibiotics being used in total. Conclusions The implementation of therapeutic protocols and early identification of DRPs is proposed in order to optimize antibiotic use in the institution.
A guide to selecting high-performing antibodies for Synaptotagmin-1 (Uniprot ID P21579) for use in western blot, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry
Authors: Biddle Michael S. , Alende Charles , Fotouhi Maryam , Jones Carolyn , Ayoubi Riham , Southern Kathleen , Laflamme Carl , Virk Harvinder ,   NeuroSGC/YCharOS/EDDU collaborative group,   ABIF consortium
Published: July 2024

Synaptotagmin-1 is a synaptic vesicle transmembrane protein that senses calcium influx via its tandem C2-domains, triggering synchronous neurotransmitter release. Disruption to SYT1 is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, highlighting the importance of identifying high-quality research reagents to enhance understanding of Synaptotagmin-1 in health and disease. Here we have characterized thirteen Synaptotagmin-1 commercial antibodies for western blot, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry using a standardized experimental protocol based on comparing read-outs in knockout cell lines and isogenic parental controls. These studies are part of a larger, collaborative initiative seeking to address antibody reproducibility issues by characterizing commercially available antibodies for human proteins and publishing the results openly as a resource for the scientific community. While use of antibodies and protocols vary between laboratories, we encourage readers to use this report as a guide to select the most appropriate antibodies for their specific needs.
"Life mapping" exploring the lived experience of COVID-19 on access to HIV treatment and care in Malawi
Authors: Harries Jane , Zolowere Ruby T. , Zokwana Khokhelwa , Lauer Krista , Bozinovski Jelena , Baptiste Solange L.
Published: July 2024

Background The COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi exacerbated, existing public health challenges including access to HIV treatment and care services. “Life Mapping,” a component of the Citizen Science community-led project in Malawi, documented the lived experiences and perspectives of people living with HIV in the context of COVID-19. Methods Citizen Science Life Maps is a three-year qualitative, longitudinal project utilizing collaborative and participatory research methods through digital storytelling to document peoples’ daily lives. Twenty participants living with HIV were recruited between 2022 and 2023 in two central regional districts of Malawi and two urban areas. The participants were given mobile smart phones to document the impact of COVID-19 on HIV prevention and treatment services, HIV treatment literacy, mental health and the COVID -19 vaccine. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results Access to HIV prevention and treatment slowly recovered yet introducing multi-month anti- retroviral dispensing raised concerns. In the absence of mental health care services, participants were resourceful in seeking alternative ways to deal with mental health. However, state sponsored violence in relation to COVID-19 public health measures impacted negatively not only on mental well-being but also on HIV treatment adherence. Whilst most recognized the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine, especially for people living with HIV, myths, misinformation, and conspiracy theories around the vaccine persisted especially religious themed misinformation. Conclusions This is the first study conducted in Malawi exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s everyday lives including HIV treatment using digital participatory community-based research methods. The relationship between misinformation and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is complex and medical and scientific approaches may not be sufficient to prevent misinformation. Fear and misinformation are likely attributed to global uncertainty during the pandemic and the speed at which vaccines were developed with minimal opportunity to prepare global communities.
ROLE OF CRYPTOCURRENCIES REGULATION IN CHINA-CEEC COOPERATION
Authors: Babic Zoran , Vidnjevic Marko
Published: July 2024

This paper explores the impact of cryptocurrencies on international trade, focusing on the regulatory challenges in China, the European Union, and Serbia. Cryptocurrencies offer promising opportunities for cost efficiency and transparency, yet their adoption in global trade encounters legal complexities, particularly in anti-money laundering efforts. This study aims to underscore the importance of a shared regulatory framework to strengthen trust and facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) for win-win cooperation. Through a comparative analysis of the regulatory landscapes, this study offers insights into aligning legal frameworks to navigate the intricacies of cryptocurrency adoption in global commerce. It argues that a unified approach to cryptocurrency regulation can significantly streamline trade, promote transparency, and strengthen economic relationships. By proposing harmonized regulatory measures, this research emphasizes the potential of cryptocurrencies to reshape international trade dynamics, while also stressing the importance of comprehensive legal structures to address the challenges posed by the digital financial landscape.
DIGITAL ECONOMY AND CYBERSECURITY ANALYSIS WITH A FOCUS ON CHINA AND SLOVENIA
Authors: Vukosavljevic Bogdan , Kralj Martin , Vidnjevic Marko
Published: July 2024

This paper explores the evolving landscape of digital economy cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs), set against the backdrop of the China-CEEC Cooperation Initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It highlights the untapped potential for digital economy projects, despite the absence of major projects under the BRI framework, and underscores China's strategic shift towards exploring new areas of collaboration, including the digital economy, artificial intelligence, financial technology, life sciences, and environmental protection. The paper delves into the rapid development of the digital economy, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on how both China and the CEECs are strengthening their digital economies to overcome current challenges and foster future growth. It examines China's commitment to digital economy expansion, digital governance, and international cooperation, including initiatives such as the "Global Initiative on Data Security" and the application to join the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). Additionally, the paper considers the digital economy in Slovenia, highlighting its strategic commitment to digitalization, cybersecurity efforts, and its role within the broader digital transformation landscape in Europe. Through this analysis, the paper aims to provide insights into the opportunities and challenges of China-CEEC digital economy cooperation, offering recommendations for fostering effective collaboration and advancing mutual benefits in the digital era.
Późnośredniowieczne księgi miejskie jako źródło do badań nad relacjami miasto – Kościół. Przykład średnich i małych miast dawnego województwa krakowskiego
Authors: Żurek Dorota
Published: July 2024

The article reveals issues related to the use of manuscript entry books created in medium-sized and small towns of the former Kraków province in the late Middle Ages. They constitute some of the oldest products of the municipal chancellery, and since few have survived they are all the more valuable. These books are an essential source for research into various aspects of urban history. The purpose of this article is to indicate the usefulness of the oldest surviving creations of this type for research into various aspects of the city-Church relationship, and above all the urban parish in the late Middle Ages. Reading the city books of selected towns allowed us to make some observations on the possibility of using the records contained in them for analyses related to the still marginal subject of the coexistence of secular and clerical authority in the city area. The observations made relate to issues of sacred topography and the formation of sacred space in the city and suburbs. Entries sometimes allow for clarification of the chronology related to the construction or renovation of a temple. Attention has also been paid to municipal institutions that were closely linked to the Church in the Middle Ages, namely the parish school and the city hospital. The analysed books often allow us to expand the state of our knowledge of the establishment and operation of these institutions, primarily in terms of their relationship with the city and the participation of the municipal authorities in their administration and maintenance. The question of the relationship between the economy of the city and the Church is also addressed, with special attention to the fabrica ecclesie fund. The books can also be used to study the broad religious life and piety of the inhabitants of medium-sized and small towns in the late Middle Ages, especially relating to the establishment and activities of religious brotherhoods. All this makes the city books an invaluable source of various information on city-Church relations and is thus a valuable complement to sources of other provenance, especially church sources.
A qualitative study of Samoan cancer patients’ experiences
Authors: Every Alice , Cuesta-Briand Beatriz , Hansell Dyxon , Burich Shelley , Tofilua Fuamatala , Crawford Gregory B , Collier Aileen
Published: July 2024

To investigate the palliative care experiences of Samoan patients with cancer and the impact these experiences have on their quality of life.

Methods:

This qualitative interview study was part of a larger study that interviewed19 participants recruited among patients with cancer registered with Samoa Cancer Society, or patients recently discharged from the main tertiary hospital in Samoa. Interview transcripts were reviewed, and the research team identified the key palliative-care-related themes.

Results:

Analysis led to the generation of the following key themes: living with pain; resource constraints; support from family and faith; and interactions with healthcare professionals. Most participants were experiencing unresolved pain as a result of poor health knowledge, lack of access to medications and practical issues, such as financial limitations and lack of transport. Participants also reported a lack of resources, including financial constraints, as a significant barrier to effective healthcare. Sources of support for patients with cancer were most commonly strong family relationships and religious faith. Although it was difficult for the participants to access care from healthcare professionals, they found that honest communication about their condition was comforting. However, they were frustrated if they felt communication was unsatisfactory.

Conclusion:

This study provides much needed evidence on the issues that affect the quality of life patients with cancer receiving palliative care and their families in Samoa. It also highlights the intersectionality of these issues and how this compounds the patient experience. Practical recommendations for improving palliative care lie in a few key areas, including a need for improved access to opioids and support for family caregivers. However, from a systemic perspective, the way forward should lie in harnessing the strengths of Samoan culture, including the strong sense of family and the role of religion, to provide support and care for palliative patients.
Concurrent occurrence of adenocarcinoma and urothelial carcinoma of the prostate gland: A case report
Authors: Hsu Jhe Yuan , Lin Yi Sheng , Huang Li Hua , Tsao Tang Yi , Hsu Chao Yu , Ou Yen Chuan , Tung Min Che
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype of prostate cancer. Prostatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) typically originates from the prostatic urethra. The concurrent occurrence of adenocarcinoma and UC of the prostate gland is uncommon.

CASE SUMMARY

We present the case of an 82-year-old male patient with simultaneous adenocarcinoma and UC of the prostate gland. The patient underwent a transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy, and the pathology test revealed UC. Subsequently, transurethral laser prostatectomy was performed, and the pathology test indicated adenocarcinoma of the prostate with a Gleason score of 3 + 4 and high-grade UC. Therefore, the patient was treated with androgen deprivation therapy, systemic chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Magnetic resonance imaging performed during follow-up revealed a prostate tumor classified as cT2cN1M0, stage IVA. Therefore, the patient underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection. The final pathology test of the prostate gland revealed acinar-type adenocarcinoma, Gleason pattern 4 + 3, pT2N0M0, and high-grade UC. The patient regularly presented to the clinic for postoperative follow-up evaluations. He did not experience any urinary discomfort.

CONCLUSION

According to our literature review, this is the first reported case of coexisting adenocarcinoma and UC of the prostate gland.
Bulgar Kralı Kaloyan (1197-1207): Bölgesel Bir Güç Olma Çabaları ve Haçlılara Karşı Mücadeleleri
Authors: Özdemir H. Ömer
Published: July 2024

1188’den tahta çıkışına kadar Bizans Sarayı’nda rehin tutulan Kaloyan, iktidarı eline aldığında emekleme aşamasında bulunan bir idare teslim almıştır. Henüz yeni tesis edilmiş olan bu idare Balkanlarda Sırp, Macar ve Bizans güçleri ile çatışma halindedir. İşte bu minvalde bölgede tutunma savaşı veren Kaloyan bir yandan bahse konu ülkelerle mücadele ederken diğer yandan Papa III. Innocent ile müzakerelere girişerek II. Bulgar Krallığı’nın meşruiyetini sağlamaya gayret etmiştir. Haçlıların gelişinden sonra ise coğrafyanın kaderini belirleyecek uzun soluklu çatışmalar baş göstermiştir.
Çalışmanın giriş kısmında Kaloyan’ın ağabeyleri olan Peter ve Asen’in, II. Bulgar Krallığı’nın kuruluşundaki rolleri incelenmiştir. Birinci başlıkta Kaloyan’ın, Balkanlardaki mücadelesi ve Papa ile yazışmaları kaleme alınmıştır. Burada onun iktidarını anlayabilmek için elzem bir konu olan mektuplaşmalar bilhassa ön plana çıkarılmıştır. İkinci başlık Bulgar Kralı’nın, Haçlılar ile girdiği ölüm-kalım mücadelelerine odaklanmıştır. İstanbul’u ele geçirmeyi başaran Latinlere karşı Kaloyan’ın beklenmedik yükselişi ve onun bölgenin geleceğine yaptığı etki, tafsilatlı bir şekilde aktarılmıştır. Müteakiben elde edilen verilerin ışığında çalışma tamamlanmıştır.
Körfez’de Kültür Politikasının Gelişimini Anlamak: Doha ve Dubai Üzerine Bir Değerlendirme
Authors: Doğan Oytun
Published: July 2024

Kültür politikaları, kültürün sadece sanat yönetimi açısından yorumlanmadığı gelişme, üretim ve pazarlama açısından ele alındığı bir alan olmuştur. Kültür politikaları kent kimliğine bağlı olduğu gibi ekonomiye ilişkin politikaları da oluşturmuştur. Bu araştırma küreselliğe yönelik olarak gelişen kültür politikalarını Doha ve Dubai örneklemi üzerinden değerlendirilmeyi amaçlamıştır. Bunun sebebi yeraltı yatırımlarından kaynaklı servete sahip ve nüfus yoğunluğu az olan bu kentlerin kültür politikalarını incelemektir. Ayrıca bölgenin en fazla turist çeken destinasyonları ve en çok turizm harcamasının yapıldığı kentler olması örneklem seçiminde etkili olmuştur. Bu değerlendirmede Dubaileşme ve Dohalaşma olarak iki kavram kullanılmış ve kültür politikalarının bu açıdan ele alınması amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma evreninin bu kentler özelinde seçiminde bölge üzerine hazırlanmış akademik araştırmalar nitel açıdan yorumlanmıştır. Literatür taraması kültür politikalarının sanat ve müzeler aracılığıyla incelenmesiyle sınırlandırılmıştır. İnceleme kültür politikası kavramının örneklem üzerinden değerlendirilmesidir.
Çorum’un Endüstriyel Miras Değerleri
Authors: Sökmen Emine , İpek Önder
Published: July 2024

Çorum kentinin endüstri tarihini yansıtan, hala kullanılmakta olan, yıkılmış ya da unutulmaya yüz tutmuş mimari ve donanımları bilinir kılmayı amaçlayan bu çalışma ile geleneksel endüstrilerden, sanayileşme ile birlikte kentin kalkınmasında lokomotif görevi üstlenmiş iş kollarına uzanan süreç ele alınmaktadır. Endüstriden turizm metası üretmeye dönüşen bakırcılık ve dericilik sektörüne, başlıca endüstriler olan kiremit üretimi, un üretimi, maden üretimi, makina üretimine, yok olmaya doğru giden tuz üretimine ve çimento sanayinin kentteki yiten temsiliyetine dönük olarak elde edilen bilgiler bir araya getirilmiştir. Söz konusu sektörlerinin en eski işletmelerinin günümüze ulaşan değerleri bu çalışma kapsamında ilk kez tespit edilmiştir. Çorum sanayi geçmişine dair bilinenleri toplamak ve yitmekte olan hafızasını kaydetmek amacıyla söz konusu endüstrilerin önde gelenleri ve emekçileri ile sözlü tarih görüşmeleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çorum’daki endüstri miras değerleri, yerel ham maddenin işlenmesine dönük olarak, devlet eliyle ve bölge insanlarının yerli sermaye ile kurup geliştirdiği tesisler olup kent kimliğinin inşasında yapı taşlarıdır. Bir sanayi kenti olarak bilinen Çorum için bu değerlerin bir kısmı yapısal ömürlerini yitirmemiştir ve kent ekonomisinin devindiği önemli konumlarda bulunurlar.
Rays of Death and Visions of Life: Ultrasound Narratives, Risk Evaluations, and Prenatal Imaging
Authors: Berg Annika
Published: July 2024

abstract: Diagnostic ultrasound visualization was initially developed and introduced as a more benign alternative to X-rays and is today established as a harmless routine procedure and tool for risk management, but as this article shows, it took several decades to overcome the popular notion that ultrasound itself was a high-risk technology, a potentially deadly weapon. Swedish newspaper material provides a window into internationally circulated narratives portraying ultrasound as both a frightening and promising phenomenon. These ideas also constituted an important context for risk assessment during the early adoption and development of obstetrical ultrasound imaging, as shown by the case of Lund, Sweden, where the still-experimental technology was first imported from Scotland in the early 1960s. The article repositions ultrasound in the history of risk and risk management in modern societies and also sheds new light on the history of ultrasound visualization by situating it in a broader context of media culture.
Optimizing spatial accuracy in electroencephalography reconstruction through diffuse optical tomography priors in the auditory cortex
Authors: Qin Yutian , Wu Jingyi , Bulger Eli , Cao Jiaming , Dehghani Hamid , Shinn-Cunningham Barbara , Kainerstorfer Jana M.
Published: July 2024

Diffuse optical tomography (DOT) enhances the localization accuracy of neural activity measured with electroencephalography (EEG) while preserving EEG’s high temporal resolution. However, the spatial resolution of reconstructed activity diminishes for deeper neural sources. In this study, we analyzed DOT-enhanced EEG localization of neural sources modeled at depths ranging from 11-25 mm in simulations. Our findings reveal systematic biases in reconstructed depth related to DOT channel length. To address this, we developed a data-informed method for selecting DOT channels to improve the spatial accuracy of DOT-enhanced EEG reconstruction. Using our method, the average absolute reconstruction depth errors of DOT reconstruction across all depths are 0.9 ± 0.6 mm, 1.2 ± 0.9 mm, and 1.2 ± 1.1 mm under noiseless, low-level noise, and high-level noise conditions, respectively. In comparison, using fixed channel lengths resulted in errors of 2.6 ± 1.5 mm, 5.0 ± 2.6 mm, and 7.3 ± 4.5 mm under the same conditions. Consequently, our method improved the depth accuracy of DOT reconstructions and facilitated the use of more accurate spatial priors for EEG reconstructions, enhancing the overall precision of the technique.
Comparative analyses of adsorbed circulating proteins in the PMMA and PES hemodiafilters in patients on predilution online hemodiafiltration
Authors: Islam Md. Shoriful , Ema Shingo , Nabi Md. Mahamodun , Rahman Md. Muedur , Waliullah A. S. M. , Yan Jing , Ferdous Rafia , Sakamoto Takumi , Takahashi Yutaka , Kato Akihiko , Sato Tomohito , Kahyo Tomoaki , Setou Mitsutoshi
Published: July 2024

Acute and chronic inflammation are common in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). So, the adsorption of pro-inflammatory cytokines by the hollow fiber of the dialysis membrane has been expected to modify the inflammatory dysregulation in ESKD patients. However, it remains to be determined in detail what molecules of fiber materials can preferably adsorb proteins from the circulating circuit. We aimed this study to analyze directly the adsorbed proteins in the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyethersulfone (PES) membranes in patients on predilution online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF). To compare the adsorbed proteins in the PMMA and PES hemodiafilters membrane, we initially performed predilution OL-HDF using the PES (MFX-25Seco) membrane while then switched to the PMMA (PMF™-A) membrane under the same condition in three patients. We extracted proteins from the collected hemodiafilters by extraction, then SDS-PAGE of the extracted sample, protein isolation, in-gel tryptic digestion, and nano-LC MS/MS analyses. The concentrations of adsorbed proteins from the PMMA and PES membrane extracts were 35.6±7.9 μg/μL and 26.1±9.2 μg/μL. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed distinct variations of adsorbed proteins mainly in the molecular weight between 10 to 25 kDa. By tryptic gel digestion and mass spectrometric analysis, the PMMA membrane exhibited higher adsorptions of β2 microglobulin, dermcidin, retinol-binding protein-4, and lambda-1 light chain than those from the PES membrane. In contrast, amyloid A-1 protein was adsorbed more potently in the PES membrane. Western blot analyses revealed that the PMMA membrane adsorbed interleukin-6 (IL-6) approximately 5 to 118 times compared to the PES membrane. These findings suggest that PMMA-based OL-HDF therapy may be useful in controlling inflammatory status in ESKD patients.
An ethnopharmacological approach to evaluate antiparasitic and health-promoting abilities of Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. in livestock
Authors: Mandal Suman Kalyan , Mukherjee Niladri , Ray Anindya Sundar , Hazra Samik , Saha Sathi , Das Swetarka , Joardar Nikhilesh , Saha Saradindu , Sinha Babu Santi Prasad , Rahaman Chowdhury Habibur
Published: July 2024

In eastern India, the tubers ofPueraria tuberosa(Willd.) DC. are used by the ethnic communities for its wide range of medicinal and nutritional value, especially to rejuvenate livestock health and to treat helminthiasis. The study is aimed to evaluate the ethnoveterinary medicinal importance ofP.tuberosaas anthelmintic, to verify its nontoxic nature and identify the most potent phytoconstituents aided byin silicomolecular docking technique. Ethnomedicinal data collected from 185 informants were quantitatively analyzed employing eight quantitative indices to highlight the use diversity and most frequently used part of the plant. High scores of certain indices employed, such as Use Value (UV = 0.52), Fidelity Level (FL = 68.42%) and Tissue Importance Value (TIV = 1) clearly illustrate an ethnomedicinal lead regarding medico-nutritional benefits of the tuber part used against intestinal helminthic diseases of veterinary animals. Based on this ethno-guided lead, root tuber has been investigated for its chemical profiling by the estimation of total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids, along with HPLC and GC-MS analyses. Anthelmintic property was evaluated with the tuber extracts byin vitrostudies on some helminths of livestock and poultry birds, and it showed promising results against the tested parasites namelyCotylophoron cotylophorum,Raillietina tetragonaandSetaria cervi. Toxicity assessments of tuber extract throughin vitroandin vivomethods were performed using Vero cells and BALB/c mice. Nontoxic nature of the studied tuber extract was observed even in higher experimental doses. Out of 12 phytocompounds identified by GC-MS analysis, one compound [Morphinan-4,5-epoxy-3,6-di-ol,6- (7-nitrobenzofurazan-4-yl) amino-] exhibited the best binding conformations in cost of the lowest binding energy values with six target proteins that include one anti-inflammatory, one antioxidant, and four anthelmintic proteins. The findings of our study are found very encouraging to evaluate this tuber drug furthermore intensively towards the development of anthelmintic veterinary medicine.