bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incident and recurrent herpes zoster for first-line bDMARD and tsDMARD users in seropositive rheumatoid arthritis patients: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Jeong Seogsong , Choi Seulggie , Park Sang Min , Kim Jinseok , Ghang Byeongzu , Lee Eun Young
Published: July 2022

Background

There is limited information regarding disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-dependent risks of overall, incident, and recurrent herpes zoster (HZ) during first-line biologic DMARD (bDMARD) or targeted synthetic DMARD (tsDMARD) treatment among patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in terms of HZ risk.

Methods

A total of 11,720 patients with seropositive RA who were prescribed bDMARD or tofacitinib between January 2011 and January 2019 from the Korean Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service database were studied. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was adopted to evaluate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the risk of HZ dependent on the choice of first-line bDMARDs or tsDMARD, including etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, tocilizumab, rituximab, tofacitinib, and abatacept.

Results

During the 34,702 person-years of follow-up, 1686 cases (14.4%) of HZ were identified, including 1372 (11.7%) incident and 314 (2.7%) recurrent HZs. Compared with that of the abatacept group, tofacitinib increased the overall risk (aHR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.61–3.76; P<0.001), incidence (aHR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.18–3.37; P=0.011), and recurrence (aHR, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.77–7.69; P<0.001) of HZ. Infliximab (aHR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.06–1.74; P=0.017) and adalimumab (aHR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.02–1.64; P=0.032) also increased the overall HZ risk. Moreover, a history of HZ was found to be an independent risk factor for HZ (aHR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.33–1.78; P<0.001).

Conclusions

HZ risk is significantly increased in RA patients with a history of HZ after the initiation of bDMARDs or tsDMARD. The risk of incident and recurrent HZ was higher after tofacitinib treatment in patients with RA than that after treatment with bDMARDs. Individualized characteristics and history of HZ should be considered when selecting bDMARDs or tsDMARD for RA patients considering HZ risks.
Correction of hyperglycemia after surgery for diabetic foot infection and its association with clinical outcomes
Authors: Moret Céline S. , Schöni Madlaina , Waibel Felix W. A. , Winkler Elin , Grest Angelina , Liechti Bettina S. , Burkhard Jan , Holy Dominique , Berli Martin C. , Lipsky Benjamin A. , Uçkay Ilker
Published: July 2022

Objective

Constantly high glycemia levels might influence outcomes in the management of patients undergoing surgery for diabetic foot infections (DFI). In our center for DFI, we performed a case–control study using a multivariate Cox regression model. Patients developing a new DFI could participate in the study several times.

Results

Among 1013 different DFI episodes in 586 individual adult patients (type I diabetes 148 episodes [15%], 882 [87%] with osteomyelitis; median antibiotic therapy of 21 days), professional diabetes counselling was provided by a specialized diabetes nurse in 195 episodes (19%). At admission, blood glucose levels were elevated in 110 episodes (11%). Treatments normalized glycemia on postoperative day 3 in 353 episodes (35%) and on day 7 for 321 (32%) episodes. Glycemia levels entirely normalized for 367 episodes (36%) until the end of hospitalization. Overall, treatment of DFI episodes failed in 255 of 1013 cases (25%), requiring surgical revision. By multivariate analysis, neither the provision of diabetes counseling, nor attaining normalizations of daily glycemic levels at day 3, day 7, or overall, influenced the ultimate incidence of clinical failures. Thus, the rapidity or success of achieving normoglycemia do not appear to influence the risk of treatment failure for operated DFI episodes.
A critical appraisal of clinical epigenetics
Authors: Horsthemke Bernhard
Published: July 2022

Modern epigenetics emerged about 40 years ago. Since then, the field has rapidly grown. Unfortunately, this development has been accompanied by certain misconceptions and methodological shortcomings. A profound misconception is that chromatin modifications are a distinct layer of gene regulation that is directly responsive to the environment and potentially heritable between generations. This view ignores the fact that environmental factors affect gene expression mainly through signaling cascades and the activation or repression of transcription factors, which recruit chromatin regulators. The epigenome is mainly shaped by the DNA sequence and by transcription. Methodological shortcomings include the insufficient consideration of genetic variation and cell mixture distribution. Mis- and overinterpretation of epigenetic data foster genetic denialism ("We can control our genes") and epigenetic determinism ("You are what your parents ate"). These erroneous beliefs can be overcome by using precise definitions, by raising the awareness about methodological pitfalls and by returning to the basic facts in molecular and cellular biology.
Distinct modulation of IFNγ-induced transcription by BET bromodomain and catalytic P300/CBP inhibition in breast cancer
Authors: Hogg Simon J. , Motorna Olga , Kearney Conor J. , Derrick Emily B. , House Imran G. , Todorovski Izabela , Kelly Madison J. , Zethoven Magnus , Bromberg Kenneth D. , Lai Albert , Beavis Paul A. , Shortt Jake , Johnstone Ricky W. , Vervoort Stephin J.
Published: July 2022

Background

Interferon gamma (IFNγ) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that directly activates the JAK/STAT pathway. However, the temporal dynamics of chromatin remodeling and transcriptional activation initiated by IFNγ have not been systematically profiled in an unbiased manner. Herein, we integrated transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling to characterize the acute epigenetic changes induced by IFNγ stimulation in a murine breast cancer model.

Results

We identified de novo activation of cis-regulatory elements bound by Irf1 that were characterized by increased chromatin accessibility, differential usage of pro-inflammatory enhancers, and downstream recruitment of BET proteins and RNA polymerase II. To functionally validate this hierarchical model of IFNγ-driven transcription, we applied selective antagonists of histone acetyltransferases P300/CBP or acetyl-lysine readers of the BET family. This highlighted that histone acetylation is an antecedent event in IFNγ-driven transcription, whereby targeting of P300/CBP acetyltransferase activity but not BET inhibition could curtail the epigenetic remodeling induced by IFNγ through suppression of Irf1 transactivation.

Conclusions

These data highlight the ability for epigenetic therapies to reprogram pro-inflammatory gene expression, which may have therapeutic implications for anti-tumor immunity and inflammatory diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Detection of distant metastases and distant second primary cancers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: comparison of [18F]FDG PET/MRI and [18F]FDG PET/CT
Authors: Katirtzidou Eirini , Rager Olivier , Varoquaux Arthur Damien , Poncet Antoine , Lenoir Vincent , Dulguerov Nicolas , Platon Alexandra , Garibotto Valentina , Zaidi Habib , Becker Minerva
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This prospective study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of [18]FDG PET/MRI and PET/CT for the detection of distant metastases and distant second primary cancers in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

A total of 103 [18F]FDG PET/MRI examinations immediately followed by PET/CT were obtained in 82 consecutive patients for staging of primary HNSCC (n = 38), suspected loco-regional recurrence/follow-up (n = 41) or unknown primary HNSCC (n = 3). Histology and follow-up > 2 years formed the standard of reference. Blinded readers evaluated the anonymized PET/MRI and PET/CT examinations separately using a 5-point Likert score. Statistical analysis included: receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, jackknife alternative free-response ROC (JAFROC) and region-of-interest (ROI)-based ROC to account for data clustering and sensitivity/specificity/accuracy comparisons for a score ≥ 3.

Results

Distant metastases and distant second primary cancers were present in 23/103 (22%) examinations in 16/82 (19.5%) patients, and they were more common in the post-treatment group (11/41, 27%) than in the primary HNSCC group (3/38, 8%),p = 0.039. The area under the curve (AUC) per patient/examination/lesion was 0.947 [0.927–1]/0.965 [0.917–1]/0.957 [0.928–0.987] for PET/MRI and 0.975 [0.950–1]/0.968 [0.920–1]/0.944 [0.910–0.979] for PET/CT, respectively (p > 0.05). The diagnostic performance of PET/MRI and PET/CT was similar according to JAFROC (p = 0.919) and ROI-based ROC analysis (p = 0.574). Sensitivity/specificity/accuracy for PET/MRI and PET/CT for a score ≥ 3 was 94%/88%/89% and 94%/91%/91% per patient, 96%/90%/91% and 96%/93%/93% per examination and 95%/85%/90% and 90%/86%/88% per lesion, respectively,p > 0.05.

Conclusions

In HNSCC patients, PET/MRI and PET/CT had a high and similar diagnostic performance for detecting distant metastases and distant second primary cancers.
Human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells transplantation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by COVID-19 (phase I clinical trial): safety profile assessment
Authors: Aghayan Hamid Reza , Salimian Fatemeh , Abedini Atefeh , Fattah Ghazi Samrand , Yunesian Masud , Alavi-Moghadam Sepideh , Makarem Jalil , Majidzadeh-A Keivan , Hatamkhani Ali , Moghri Maryam , Danesh Abbas , Haddad-Marandi Mohammad Reza , Sanati Hassan , Abbasvandi Fereshteh , Arjmand Babak , Azimi Pourya , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir , Sarrami-Forooshani Ramin
Published: July 2022

Background

High morbidity and mortality rates of the COVID-19 pandemic have made it a global health priority. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the most important causes of death in COVID-19 patients. Mesenchymal stem cells have been the subject of many clinical trials for the treatment of ARDS because of their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative potentials. The aim of this phase I clinical trial was the safety assessment of allogeneic placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PL-MSCs) intravenous injection in patients with ARDS induced by COVID-19.

Methods

We enrolled 20 patients suffering from ARDS caused by COVID-19 who had been admitted to the intensive care unit. PL-MSCs were isolated and propagated using a xeno-free/GMP compliant protocol. Each patient in the treatment group (N = 10) received standard treatment and a single dose of 1 × 106 cells/kg PL-MSCs intravenously. The control groups (N = 10) only received the standard treatment. Clinical signs and laboratory tests were evaluated in all participants at the baseline and during 28 days follow-ups.

Results

No adverse events were observed in the PL-MSC group. Mean length of hospitalization, serum oxygen saturation, and other clinical and laboratory parameters were not significantly different in the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that intravenous administration of PL-MSCs in patients with COVID-19 related ARDS is safe and feasible. Further studies whit higher cell doses and repeated injections are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this treatment modality.

Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT); IRCT20200621047859N4. Registered 1 March 2021, https://en.irct.ir/trial/52947.
Human fibroblasts facilitate the generation of iPSCs-derived mammary-like organoids
Authors: Dai Xueqin , Wang Xinye , Yang Chuanyu , Huang Maobo , Zhou Zhongmei , Qu Ying , Cui Xiaojiang , Liu Rong , Chen Ceshi
Published: July 2022

Background

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide, and its treatment largely depends on mastectomy. Patients after mastectomy suffer from crippled body image, self-esteem, and quality of life. Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction can improve patients’ psychosocial health. Although silicone and fat have been widely used for breast reconstruction, they have remarkable limitations. Our study aimed to establish an improved method for breast reconstruction from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Methods

We used a two-step procedure to induce mammary-like organoids (MLOs) from iPSCs and applied transcriptome sequencing to analyze the gene expression profiles during the development process from embryoid bodies (mEBs) to MLOs. Moreover, we evaluated the in vitro effect of fibroblasts cell line HFF (human foreskin fibroblasts) on the size and morphology of MLOs and explored the in vivo effect of HFF on regeneration rate of MLOs.

Results

MLOs had a similar gene expression profile and morphogenesis as the normal mammary glands. Furthermore, the addition of HFF increases the branching ratio and organoid diameters and facilitates the formation of multiple cell layers duct-like structures in MLOs in vitro. Finally, orthotopical transplantation of the MLOs to cleared mammary gland fad pad of NSG mice showed that HFF increases the formation of mammary gland-like structures.

Conclusions

Fibroblasts facilitate iPSC-derived MLOs to generate mammary gland-like structures in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Our findings lay a foundation for breast reconstruction by using iPSCs.
The potential use of mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes in Parkinson’s disease treatment
Authors: Heris Reza Mosaddeghi , Shirvaliloo Milad , Abbaspour-Aghdam Sanaz , Hazrati Ali , Shariati Ali , Youshanlouei Hamed Rahmani , Niaragh Farhad Jadidi , Valizadeh Hamed , Ahmadi Majid
Published: July 2022

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most predominant neurodegenerative disease worldwide. It is recognized clinically by severe complications in motor function caused by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons (DAn) and dopamine depletion. As the current standard of treatment is focused on alleviating symptoms through Levodopa, developing neuroprotective techniques is critical for adopting a more pathology-oriented therapeutic approach. Regenerative cell therapy has provided us with an unrivalled platform for evaluating potentially effective novel methods for treating neurodegenerative illnesses over the last two decades. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are most promising, as they can differentiate into dopaminergic neurons and produce neurotrophic substances. The precise process by which stem cells repair neuronal injury is unknown, and MSC-derived exosomes are suggested to be responsible for a significant portion of such effects. The present review discusses the application of mesenchymal stem cells and MSC-derived exosomes in PD treatment.
All-trans retinoic acid modulates pigmentation, neuroretinal maturation, and corneal transparency in human multiocular organoids
Authors: Isla-Magrané Helena , Zufiaurre-Seijo Maddalen , García-Arumí José , Duarri Anna
Published: July 2022

Background

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) plays an essential role during human eye development, being temporally and spatially adjusted to create gradient concentrations that guide embryonic anterior and posterior axis formation of the eye. Perturbations in ATRA signaling can result in severe ocular developmental diseases. Although it is known that ATRA is essential for correct eye formation, how ATRA influences the different ocular tissues during the embryonic development of the human eye is still not well studied. Here, we investigated the effects of ATRA on the differentiation and the maturation of human ocular tissues using an in vitro model of human-induced pluripotent stem cells-derived multiocular organoids.

Methods

Multiocular organoids, consisting of the retina, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and cornea, were cultured in a medium containing low (500 nM) or high (10 µM) ATRA concentrations for 60 or 90 days. Furthermore, retinal organoids were cultured with taurine and T3 to further study photoreceptor modulation during maturation. Histology, immunochemistry, qPCR, and western blot were used to study gene and protein differential expression between groups.

Results

High ATRA levels promote the transparency of corneal organoids and the neuroretinal development in retinal organoids. However, the same high ATRA levels decreased the pigmentation levels of RPE organoids and, in long-term cultures, inhibited the maturation of photoreceptors. By contrast, low ATRA levels enhanced the pigmentation of RPE organoids, induced the opacity of corneal organoids—due to an increase in collagen type IV in the stroma— and allowed the maturation of photoreceptors in retinal organoids. Moreover, T3 promoted rod photoreceptor maturation, whereas taurine promoted red/green cone photoreceptors.

Conclusion

ATRA can modulate corneal epithelial integrity and transparency, photoreceptor development and maturation, and the pigmentation of RPE cells in a dose-dependent manner. These experiments revealed the high relevance of ATRA during ocular tissue development and its use as a potential new strategy to better modulate the development and maturation of ocular tissue through temporal and spatial control of ATRA signaling.
Some hyperstability and stability results for the Cauchy and Jensen equations
Authors: Moghimi Mohammad Bagher , Najati Abbas
Published: July 2022

In this paper we give some hyperstability and stability results for the Cauchy and Jensen functional equations on restricted domains. We provide a simple and short proof for Brzdȩk’s result concerning a hyperstability result for the Cauchy equation.
Virtual opioid agonist treatment: Alberta’s virtual opioid dependency program and outcomes
Authors: Day Nathaniel , Wass Maureen , Smith Kelly
Published: July 2022

Background

Virtually delivered healthcare (telehealth, telemedicine) has the potential to reduce gaps in access to opioid agonist therapy (OAT). Barriers to accessing OAT such as lack of transportation, in-person induction requirements, employment demands and limited childcare options reduce treatment opportunities for clients. A completely virtual model of care has been developed in Alberta, Canada. This paper introduces the unique virtual clinic model and describes outcomes from that model.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted using datasets within existing electronic health records and databases from Alberta’s Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP). Outcome data were extracted at admission to ongoing care by Case Management within the VODP and at 3, 6 and 12 months for the duration of treatment. Utilization trends over three years were analyzed, including admissions, discharges and active client information. Data regarding clinical outcomes for clients engaged in ongoing care with the VODP were aggregated for analysis over four time periods, including treatment retention rates at 6 and 12 months.

Results

A total of 440 client records were included in the study sample. Descriptive analysis showed rapid growth in utilization over three fiscal years. Despite rapid growth in utilization, median wait days for treatment decreased from 6 to 0 days with the initiation of a Same Day Start service to support low barrier immediate access to treatment. Treatment retention rates for clients in ongoing care were comparable to published reports, with 90% of the study sample remaining in treatment over 6 months, and 58% showing retention over 12 months. Clients reported high levels of satisfaction (90%) and outcomes reflected reductions in drug use and overdose as well as improved social functioning.

Conclusions

The VODP model demonstrated high levels of client satisfaction, rapid growth in utilization and positive preliminary clinical outcomes. Entirely virtual delivery of opioid agonist therapy is a promising option to facilitate access to evidence based treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) in the context of a fentanyl overdose crisis, particularly for individuals living in rural or underserved areas.
Ultrasound-guided transversus thoracic muscle plane-pectoral nerve block for postoperative analgesia after modified radical mastectomy: a comparison with the thoracic paravertebral nerve block
Authors: Zhao Ying , Jin Weilin , Pan Peng , Feng Shuquan , Fu Danyun , Yao Junyan
Published: July 2022

Background

Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) is the most effective and common type of invasive surgery for breast cancer. However, it causes moderate to severe acute pain and even lasts for a long postoperative period. Transversus thoracic muscle plane-pectoral nerve block (TTP-PECS) is a novel and promising interfacial plane block which can provide analgesia for MRM while thoracic paravertebral nerve block (TPVB) is also widely used for this purpose. This study compared the postoperative analgesia between the ultrasound-guided TTP-PECS and TPVB in patients undergoing MRM.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, eighty female breast cancer patients undergoing unilateral MRM with sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) and axillary dissection (ALND) were enrolled. Patients were randomized to receive either ultrasound-guided TTP-PECS (TTP-PECS group, n = 40) or TPVB (TPVB group, n = 40) with 0.5% ropivacaine 30 ml. Evaluated variables included 24 h postoperative total PCA fentanyl consumption, including PCA background consumption and PCA press consumption (per bolus dosage multiply by the effective pressing times), and intraoperative fentanyl consumption, as well as postoperative flurbiprofen axetil requirement, duration of analgesia, blocking area, pain intensity at rest and during activity, ability to reduce the inflammatory response, and the quality of recovery 40 (QoR-40) score of patients.

Results

Compared with the TPVB, the main blocking area was T2–T6 in the TTP-PECS group, which was more suitable for the MRM. TTP-PECS has a longer analgesia duration than TPVB; 24 h postoperative total PCA fentanyl consumption, especially the PCA press consumption, and the postoperative flurbiprofen axetil requirement were decreased in the TTP-PECS group than those in the TPVB group. Furthermore, the VAS scores at rest and during activity and inflammatory response were lower in the TTP-PECS group compared with the TPVB group at 12 h postoperatively. Finally, the total QoR-40 score, especially for the scores of pain; emotional state; and patient support were better in the TTP-PECS group.

Conclusion

Compared with the TPVB, TTP-PECS can provide better postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing MRM, simultaneously reduce the inflammatory response, and prompt early recovery. These results suggest that TTP-PECS is an attractive alternative to TPVB for postoperative analgesia of modified radical mastectomy.
Addiction medicine in modern contexts: hot topics from around the globe
Authors: Elkholy Hussien
Published: July 2022

Addiction is a chronic yet treatable disorder. Patterns of addiction, whether substance related or behavioural, vary among countries and regions. Addiction medicine practice and approaches used in management are not only different from one country to another but are influenced by other factors, including environmental ones. The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the major environmental changes that had an impact on addiction. In this editorial, light will be shed on three articles covering recent updates in addiction medicine, ranging from types of substances and service provision to inclusion of gaming disorder in ICD-11.
Sleep Factors in Relation to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese
Authors: Yang Jialu , Luo Shiyun , Li Rui , Ju Jingmeng , Zhang Zhuoyu , Shen Jichuan , Sun Minying , Fan Jiahua , Xia Min , Zhu Wei , Liu Yan
Published: July 2022

Context

Accumulating evidence implies that sleep disturbance is involved in metabolic disorders.

Objective

We comprehensively evaluated the association between various dimensions of sleep behaviors and the risk for metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study of 5011 participants with self-reported sleep behaviors and radiologically diagnosed MAFLD, a comprehensive healthy sleep score was generated to evaluate the associations between sleep behaviors and MAFLD risk using multivariate logistic regression adjusting for demographics, lifestyles, medication, and metabolic comorbidities. Furthermore, mediation analysis was utilized to assess the extent to which obesity explains the effect of sleep quality on MAFLD risk.

Results

Late bedtime, snoring, and daytime napping for over 30 minutes significantly associated with an increased risk of MAFLD, with odds ratios (OR) of 1.37 (95% CI 1.10, 1.70), 1.59 (95% CI 1.33, 1.91), and 1.17 (95% CI 1.02, 1.35), respectively, after full adjustments including obesity. Participants with disturbance in nighttime sleep and prolonged daytime napping showed the highest risk for MAFLD (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.73, 3.27). Each additional increase of healthy sleep score was associated with a 16% reduction in MAFLD risk. Further stratified analysis revealed that people with a sedentary lifestyle and central obesity experienced more prominent adverse effects from poor sleep quality than others. Moreover, obesity accounted for only 20.77% of the total effect of sleep quality on MAFLD risk.

Conclusions

Sleep behaviors, both cumulatively and individually, are associated with MAFLD risk. Public health awareness and strategies should be encouraged to curb MAFLD.
Life, Labor, and a Coolie Picturesque in Jamaica
Authors: Sharpe Jenny
Published: July 2022

Although the signs of Indo-Jamaican and Afro-Jamaican cohabitation are present in a late-nineteenth-century photographic archive, the visual power of an imperial picturesque obscures the evidence that exists in plain view. The illusion of self-contained villages of imported Indian workers that photographs create is informed by even as it reinforces a colonial order of racial segregation. By identifying the photographic traces of Indians’ indentureship, this essay introduces time and motion into still photography that reduces Indian lives to single ethnographic instances. It also deploys dougla—the name for people of mixed Indian and African descent who exist as a “flaw” in the British colonial hierarchy of race—as a critical lens for exposing photographic flaws that rupture the smooth surface of the picturesque in ethnographic tableaux of “coolies” and Orientalizing portraits of “coolie belles.”
When Tía Ate the Telegram
Authors: Rivera-Rideau Petra R.
Published: July 2022

This essay applies Ren Ellis Neyra’s concepts of defiance, solidarity, and mulitpoetic sensorial listening from The Cry of the Senses: Listening to Latinx and Caribbean Poetics (2020) to the author’s own family story about how her great-aunt ate the telegram announcing her brother’s death in the Korean War. Through interpreting the story with multipoetic sensorial listening as a potential methodology, the author uncovers how this brief act so ingrained in her family lore might serve as a form of defiance against colonialism and militarization in Puerto Rico. The essay also questions what it means to have a productive form of defiance and protest. Overall, the author uses the story of her aunt eating the telegram to demonstrate how Ellis Neyra’s multipoetic sensorial listening could excavate alternative archives and ways of knowing left out of Western modernity.
Paraisópolis pede passagem - O que podemos aprender sobre gestão com a experiência da comunidade no combate à Covid-19
Authors: Wilner Adriana , Dos Santos Aline Lilian , Alves Mario Aquino
Published: July 2022

Mais de 13 milhões de favelados esquecidos”. “Omissão vai empilhar muito caixão”. “Governo lento mata o povo”. “O Brasil é nosso”. As frases estão em cartazes espalhados pelo pavilhão da União dos Moradores e do Comércio de Paraisópolis, que virou o centro das ações de combate à Covid-19 nessa comunidade que, ao lado de Heliópolis, é uma das duas maiores da cidade de São Paulo.Desse pavilhão, partiram 12 iniciativas contra a pandemia que ganharam espaço na mídia brasileira e internacional, com destaque para a organização voluntária de 652 presidentes de rua, os quais foram designados para monitorar 50 casas cada um. Segundo o Instituto Pólis, a taxa de mortalidade local era de 21,7 por 100 mil habitantes em Paraisópolis até o dia 18 de maio, contra 56,2 na média da cidade de São Paulo e superior a 100 em distritos vulneráveis como Pari e Brás.Quem está à frente das ações é Gilson Rodrigues, 36 anos, líder comunitário e presidente da união de moradores. Gilson nasceu em Itambé, assim como boa parte dos habitantes da comunidade − 53% da população local veio da mesma região sudoeste da Bahia. Sua mãe, surda-muda, por falta de condições, teve de dar seus 14 filhos, mas a avó materna conseguiu ter Gilson de volta. Aos 5 anos, vivia de casa em casa de parentes, já em Paraisópolis. Depois de trabalhar na feira como carregador e vendedor de temperos, Gilson precisou voltar à Bahia e, ao ganhar um porquinho, não teve dúvidas: engordou e vendeu o bicho para comprar uma passagem de volta a São Paulo. Seu trabalho de liderança começou na montagem do grêmio escolar e, aos 23 anos, passou a presidir a associação de moradores.Nesta entrevista exclusiva à GV-executivo, Gilson explica que as iniciativas contra a Covid-19 foram baseadas na ideia de que, na falta de ações governamentais, as comunidades devem ser protagonistas para mudar sua própria realidade. E, ao buscar ajuda de empresas e pessoas, precisam se posicionar não como pedintes, mas como estruturas organizadas, potentes e capazes de entregar bons resultados.
Como avaliar a governança corporativa
Authors: Cunha Júnior Décio
Published: July 2022

Proposta de metodologia para mensurar o valor da governança reduz a subjetividade na análise e considera os resultados do planejamento estratégico.
Algorithms and scenarios for efficient and secure big data delivery, management, and analysis over the Internet of Things
Authors: Πλαγεράς Ανδρέας
Published: July 2022

Όλα τα πρόσφατα τεχνολογικά ευρήματα θα μπορούσαν να συνδυαστούν για να ενισχύσουν και να υποστηρίξουν τον τομέα του «Διαδικτύου των Αντικειμένων» (IoT). Η νέα τεχνολογία του "Multi-Access Edge Computing" ή "Mobile Edge Computing" (MEC) εξελίσεται ραγδαία στη βιομηχανία καθώς και στα "Ψηφιακά Δίδυμα". Το MEC είναι το ενδιάμεσο επίπεδο μεταξύ κινητών συσκευών και υπολογιστικής νέφους, το οποίο προσφέρει επεκτασιμότητα, αξιοπιστία, ασφάλεια, αποτελεσματικό έλεγχο και αποθήκευση πόρων. Επιπλέον, τα ψηφιακά δίδυμα σχηματίζουν ένα μοντέλο επικοινωνίας που βελτιώνει ολόκληρο το σύστημα βελτιώνοντας την καθυστέρηση, το κόστος γενικότερα και την κατανάλωση ενέργειας. Η συνολική εργασία επικεντρώνεται στις μεγαλύτερες προκλήσεις που πρέπει να ξεπεράσουν οι ερευνητές στον τομέα του IoT προκειμένου να αποκτήσουν ένα πιο αποτελεσματικό περιβάλλον επικοινωνίας όσον αφορά την ενοποίηση των τεχνολογιών, την ενεργειακή απόδοση, την παράδοση των δεδομένων, τους χώρους αποθήκευσης, την ασφάλεια και τον έλεγχο σε πραγματικό χρόνο και την ανάλυση. Πρώτον, το IoT, η επιτήρηση, οι απτικές και άλλες συσκευές έχουν διαμορφωθεί, εγκατασταθεί και προγραμματιστεί με κατάλληλους αλγόριθμους. Στη συνέχεια, οι βάσεις δεδομένων και οι συσκευές ενδιάμεσου λογισμικού έχουν επίσης εγκατασταθεί και προγραμματιστεί ώστε να λειτουργούν αποτελεσματικά με τις συσκευές IoT. Επιπλέον, έχει προταθεί ένα πλαίσιο για τη μείωση της κίνησης και της καθυστέρησης με τη συγχώνευση της επεξεργασίας των δεδομένων που παράγονται από τις συσκευές IoT στα άκρα του δικτύου. Οι αλγόριθμοι μηχανικής μάθησης έχουν επίσης δοκιμαστεί και συγκριθεί προκειμένου να γίνει η καλύτερη επιλογή για κάθε περίπτωση. Η αξιολόγηση κρίσιμων τμημάτων των προτεινόμενων συστημάτων IoT έχει πραγματοποιηθεί τόσο με λογισμικό εξομοίωσης/προσομοίωσης όσο και σε πραγματικά περιβάλλοντα με πραγματικές συσκευές. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι η παράδοση και η εκφόρτωση δεδομένων έχουν γίνει πιο αποτελεσματικά, η κατανάλωση ενέργειας και η επεξεργασία έχουν βελτιωθεί και η ασφάλεια, η πολυπλοκότητα, ο έλεγχος και η αξιοπιστία έχουν επίσης βελτιωθεί.
Η ανάδειξη και διαχείριση του νεότερου πολιτισμού της Ζακύνθου μέσα από τα μνημεία και τα μουσεία της
Authors: Μπουγά Χριστίνα
Published: July 2022

Η Ζάκυνθος, αν και διαθέτει ένα πλούσιο πολιτιστικό και φυσικό απόθεμα, το αφήνει ανεκμετάλλευτο, ακολουθώντας το πρότυπο του τυποποιημένου μαζικού τουρισμού με κίνδυνο να απωλέσει την ιδιαίτερη φυσιογνωμία της. Με το παρόν πόνημα επιχειρείται για πρώτη φορά η διατύπωση ενός σχεδίου διαχείρισης του πολιτιστικού και φυσικού αποθέματος της Ζακύνθου με ολιστικό χαρακτήρα, το οποίο θα μπορούσε να συμβάλει επί της ουσίας στην απαρχή της βιώσιμης ανάπτυξης του νησιού. Μέσα από την καταγραφή της ιστορίας, της άυλης και της υλικής κληρονομιάς του νησιού, επιχειρείται μία ανασύνθεση του πολιτισμικού του τοπίου στη διαχρονία του, καταδεικνύοντας παράλληλα τις δυνατότητες αξιοποίησής του. Η αναφορά στη διαμόρφωση της ταυτότητας του κάθε χώρου ή μνημείου, την πρόσβαση και τη μοναδικότητα/αντιπροσωπευτικότητά του, συνιστά για πρώτη φορά μία συνολική αποτίμηση της πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς της Ζακύνθου, που παράλληλα με τη συνεξέταση του ιδιαίτερου φυσικού της περιβάλλοντος, συνιστούν τη φυσιογνωμία του τόπου. Σε θεωρητικό επίπεδο, επιχειρείται η χάραξη ενός μοντέλου διαχείρισης των πολιτιστικών πόρων της περιοχής, που αποσκοπεί στην αειφόρο ανάπτυξή της.
Οι επιδράσεις του συστήματος εσωτερικού ελέγχου, της δραστηριότητας εσωτερικού ελέγχου, της εταιρικής διακυβέρνησης και των βέλτιστων πρακτικών στη λειτουργία του δημόσιου τομέα
Authors: Ροδάκος Ηρώδης-Ανδρέας
Published: July 2022

Στόχος της διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι η μελέτη των επιδράσεων του συστήματος εσωτερικού ελέγχου, της δραστηριότητας εσωτερικού ελέγχου, της εταιρικής διακυβέρνησης και των βέλτιστων πρακτικών στις δραστηριότητες και τη γενική λειτουργία των Δημόσιων Μονάδων Υγείας στην Ελλάδα. Ως εκ τούτου, η έρευνα επικεντρώθηκε στο σύγχρονο επιχειρησιακό περιβάλλον του Δημόσιου Τομέα, και ειδικότερα στις Δημόσιες Μονάδες Υγείας, οι οποίες καλούνται υποχρεωτικά πλέον να συμμορφώνονται με συγκεκριμένους κανόνες εταιρικής διακυβέρνησης, εσωτερικού ελέγχου, βέλτιστων πρακτικών αλλά και κώδικες ηθικής και δεοντολογίας. Για την εκπλήρωση του ερευνητικού σκοπού και την απάντηση των ερευνητικών ερωτημάτων, χρησιμοποιήθηκε ποσοτική έρευνα σε ένα δείγμα 128 ατόμων, τα οποία απασχολούνται σε νοσοκομειακές μονάδες της Αττικής, της ηπειρωτικής αλλά και της νησιωτικής Ελλάδας. Από τις απαντήσεις του δείγματος προέκυψε μια γενική εικόνα της λειτουργίας κάθε μονάδας συμπεριλαμβανομένων των αδυναμιών και των δυσλειτουργιών που εντοπίστηκαν. Ως εργαλείο έρευνας χρησιμοποιήθηκε το δομημένο ερωτηματολόγιο, με ανοικτού και κλειστού τύπου ερωτήσεις.Για την εκπλήρωση του ερευνητικού στόχου και την απάντηση των ερευνητικών ερωτημάτων πραγματοποιήθηκε ποσοτική ανάλυση με τη χρήση του στατιστικού προγράμματος SPSS. Τα βασικά συμπεράσματα της έρευνας είναι τα εξής: α) Όσο μικρότερη τείνει να είναι η καταγραφή της τιμής p-value για την αξιολόγηση & διαχείριση κινδύνων, τόσο ισχυρότερη αποδεικνύεται η σχέση (σημαντικότητα) αυτής ως προς τη δραστηριότητα εσωτερικού ελέγχου. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, παρατηρείται ότι και οι δύο είναι θετικής κατεύθυνσης και ταυτοχρόνως στατιστικά σημαντικοί, καθώς το επίπεδο σημαντικότητας p-value=0,000<0,05, απορρίπτοντας κατ’ αυτόν τον τρόπο τη μηδενική υπόθεση και την έλλειψη γραμμικής συσχέτισης, β) η παλινδρόμηση ανέδειξε ότι η ποσοτική και ποιοτική επάρκεια των στελεχών συμβάλλει σημαντικά στην πρόβλεψη της εξαρτημένης μεταβλητής, που είναι η δραστηριότητα εσωτερικού ελέγχου καθώς το αντίστοιχο p-value=0,002<0,05, γ) από το μοντέλο παλινδρόμησης προέκυψε ότι η ανεξάρτητη μεταβλητή που έχει οριστεί ως η επάρκεια πληροφοριακής δομής συμβάλλει σημαντικά στην πρόβλεψη της εξαρτημένης μεταβλητής που αντιπροσωπεύει το σύστημα εσωτερικού ελέγχου, δ) μεγάλης σημασίας κρίθηκε ο τρόπος που επιδρά ο εσωτερικός έλεγχος και η δραστηριότητα αυτού ως προς την επάρκεια εσωτερικού περιβάλλοντος λειτουργίας και ελέγχου του φορέα και της εταιρικής διακυβέρνησης και, όπως διαπιστώθηκε επίσης μέσα από τους ελέγχους συσχετίσεων που πραγματοποιήθηκαν, διαπιστώθηκε η ύπαρξη θετικής συσχέτισης μεταξύ των υπό εξέταση παραγόντων, ε)η έρευνα ανέδειξε σημαντικές προτάσεις ως προς την ορθολογική αξιοποίηση της δραστηριότητας του εσωτερικού ελέγχου προς όφελος των δημόσιων μονάδων υγείας και στ) προτάσεις βελτίωσης και ενδυνάμωσης του συστήματος εσωτερικού ελέγχου.
Παρανοήσεις των μαθητών στις αριθμητικές πράξεις μέσα από την προσέγγιση της εννοιολογικής αλλαγής
Authors: Χρήστου Κωνσταντίνος Π.
Published: July 2022

Στην παρούσα εργασία χρησιμοποιείται το θεωρητικό πλαίσιο της εννοιολογικής αλλαγής στη μελέτη των λαθών των μαθητών με την έννοια του ρητού αριθμού και πιο συγκεκριμένα, στις παρανοήσεις που εμφανίζονται στις αριθμητικές πράξεις με δοσμένους αριθμούς και αριθμούς που λείπουν (π.χ., 14:_=5). Εξετάστηκε η υπόθεση ότι η «προκατάληψη του φυσικού αριθμού»- δηλαδή η τάση να χρησιμοποιείται η αρχική, διαισθητική αντίληψη για τον αριθμό που είναι οργανωμένη σε μία έννοια του αριθμού με ιδιότητες φυσικού αριθμού σε καταστάσεις που εμπλέκονται μη-φυσικοί αριθμοί- θα έχει διπλή επίδραση στις αριθμητικές πράξεις με αριθμούς που λείπουν: α) θα επηρεάζει τους μαθητές να θεωρούν ότι ο πολλαπλασιασμός πάντα μεγαλώνει, ενώ η διαίρεση πάντα μικραίνει τον διαιρετέο, και β) θα επηρεάζει την τάση τους να θεωρούν ότι οι αριθμοί που λείπουν θα μπορούσε να είναι μόνο φυσικοί αριθμοί. Το μοντέλο Εξισώσεων Γενικευμένης Εκτίμησης (GEE: Generalized estimated equations) εφαρμόστηκε στις απαντήσεις 300 μαθητών Ε’ και Στ’ Δημοτικού ενός ενοποιημένου δείγματος δύο προηγούμενων μελετών που εξέτασαν την ίδια υπόθεση. Στους συμμετέχοντες δόθηκαν έργα που ήταν συμβατά ή μη-συμβατά με τις διαισθητικές πεποιθήσεις τους για τις ιδιότητες των αριθμών στις πράξεις. Τα αποτελέσματα υποστήριξαν την υπόθεση της μελέτης. Στα έργα που ήταν συμβατά με τις διαισθητικές πεποιθήσεις για το μέγεθος των αποτελεσμάτων κάθε πράξης, αλλά και για το ότι οι αριθμοί που λείπουν πρέπει να είναι φυσικοί αριθμοί, σημειώθηκαν στατιστικώς υψηλότερες επιδόσεις σε σχέση με τα έργα που διέψευδαν αυτές τις πεποιθήσεις.
The role of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in determining survival rates of lung cancer patients in the population of North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Soeroso Noni Novisari , Ananda Fannie Rizki , Sitanggang Johan Samuel , Vinolina Noverita Sprinse
Published: July 2022

Background: Gaining a better understanding of molecular alterations in the pathogenesis of lung cancer reveals a significant change in approach to the management and prognosis of lung cancer. Several oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes have been identified and have different roles related to survival rates in lung cancer patients. This study aims to determine the role of KRAS, EGFR, and TP53 mutations in the survival rate of lung cancer patients in the population of North Sumatra.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study involving 108 subjects diagnosed with lung cancer from histopathology specimens. DNA extractions were performed using FFPE followed by PCR examinations for assessing the expressions of EGFR, RAS, and TP53 protein. Sequencing analysis was carried out to determine the mutations of EGFR exon 19 and 21, RAS protein exon 2, and TP53 exon 5-6 and 8-9. Data input and analysis were conducted using statistical analysis software for Windows. The survival rate analysis was presented with Kaplan Meier.

Results:

52 subjects completed all procedures in this study. Most of the subjects are male (75%), above 60 years old (53.8%), heavy smokers (75%), and suffer from adenocarcinoma type of lung cancer (69.2%). No subjects showed KRAS exon 2 mutations. Overall survival rates increased in patients with EGFR mutations (15 months compared to 8 months; p=0.001) and decreased in patients with TP53 mutations (7 months compared to 9 months; p=0.148). Also, there was increasing Progression-Free Survival in patients with EGFR mutations (6 months compared to 3 months) (p=0.19) and decreasing PFS in patients with TP53 mutations (3 months compared to 6 months) (p=0.07).

Conclusions: There were no KRAS mutations in this study. EGFR mutations showed a higher survival rate, while TP53 mutations showed a lower survival rate in overall survival and progression-free survival.
A Convex Form That Is Not a Sum of Squares
Authors: Saunderson James
Published: July 2022

Every convex homogeneous polynomial (or form) is nonnegative. Blekherman has shown that there exist convex forms that are not sums of squares via a nonconstructive argument. We provide an explicit example of a convex form of degree 4 in 272 variables that is not a sum of squares. The form is related to the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality over the octonions. The proof uses symmetry reduction together with the fact (due to Blekherman) that forms of even degree that are near-constant on the unit sphere are convex. Using this same connection, we obtain improved bounds on the approximation quality achieved by the basic sum-of-squares relaxation for optimizing quaternary quartic forms on the sphere.

Funding: This work was supported by the Australian Research Council [Grant DE210101056].
Technical Note—Assortment Planning for Two-Sided Sequential Matching Markets
Authors: Ashlagi Itai , Krishnaswamy Anilesh K. , Makhijani Rahul , Saban Daniela , Shiragur Kirankumar
Published: July 2022

Two-sided platforms, which enable two distinct groups of agents to match and transact with each other, are now ubiquitous in a variety of markets, such as those for labor, dating, and accommodation rentals. Many such online platforms, rather than determining who matches with whom in a centralized fashion, operate by presenting users with a set of recommended partners and allowing them to choose which of these to pursue a match with. Therefore, a question that is central to the operations of these platforms is how to optimize over the recommendations for potential partners that are presented to their users. A natural objective in many markets is to maximize the total number of transactions matches (e.g., the number of tasks completed) that occur through the platform. The platform must account for the fact that a match between two users occurs only when both users find each other acceptable and that when many conflicting requests are received at the same time, not all such requests can be accepted. To describe the tradeoff that then arises, let us refer to the two sides of the market as customers and suppliers, respectively, where we assume that customers (potential guests or clients) are presented with recommended assortments of potential suppliers (properties or freelancers) from which to choose. Naturally, increasing the number and mix of potential suppliers that a customer sees increases the chances that she finds an acceptable one to contact, instead of choosing not to pursue a match through the platform at all. However, if, as a result, the same supplier is shown to many customers, this would increase the chances that a supplier is contacted by many customers with conflicting requests at the same time, resulting in collisions when only one such request can be accepted. In a setting where suppliers are indeed products and do not have preferences, these collisions are bad for the platform, as the number of transactions could have been increased by redirecting some of these customers to other products. However, in a two-sided market, having a supplier receiving many requests might indeed increase the number of matches, as this may increase the chances she finds a customer she prefers to her outside option. Motivated by the above discussion, we study how to optimize over the assortments of recommended potential partners that are shown to each user to maximize the number of matches. Our contributions are twofold: We propose a novel stylized model that captures the aforementioned tradeoffs, and we construct a simple algorithm that achieves a constant-factor approximation to the optimal number of matches.
UJI EFEK LARVASIDA INFUSA BIJI SRIKAYA (Annona squamosa L.) TERHADAP LARVA Aedes aegypti
Authors: Mulasari Surahma Asti , Subastian Riris
Published: July 2022

Indonesia as a tropical country has optimal humidity and temperature that are favorable for survival, larval growth, and disease transmission. One of them is dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). The use of chemical insecticides does provide effective and optimal results in eradicating disease-causing vectors. So that control is carried out with biological (vegetable) insecticides which are safer, simpler and environmentally friendly. One of the most effective plant-based insecticides against Aedes aegypti larvae is sugar apple or Annona squamosa L. which is effective as a stomach poison and contact poison because of its active ingredients, namely annonain and squamosin. This study aims to determine the effect of larvicidal infusion of srikaya seeds (Annona squamosa L.) on Aedes aegypti larvae. The object of this research is 40 larvae of Aedes aegypti instar IV. Aedes aegypti larvae were exposed to infusion of Annona squamosa L. seeds for 16 hours with well water as a negative control and abate as a positive control. Data analysis used regression analysis to determine the effect of infusion on larvae and probit analysis to determine LC50.The results of this study showed that the infusion of Annona squamosa L. seeds had a killing power of Aedes aegypti larvae of p=0.001 with a straight line equation Y=9.095+67.143X. Probit analysis showed that LC50. is 17%. Meanwhile, Annona squamosa L. seed infusion was not as effective as abate.Conclusion: The infusion of Annona squamosa L. seeds has the power to kill Aedes aegypti larvae, LC50. The concentration of Annona squamosa L. seed infusion to kill Aedes aegypti larvae after 16 hours of treatment was at a concentration of 17%, and abate was more effective than Annona squamosa L. seed infusion.
Cost-effectiveness of pulse oximetry and integrated management of childhood illness for diagnosing severe pneumonia
Authors: Tesfaye Solomon H. , Loha Eskindir , Johansson Kjell Arne , Lindtjørn Bernt
Published: July 2022

Pneumonia is a major killer of children younger than five years old. In resource constrained health facilities, the capacity to diagnose severe pneumonia is low. Therefore, it is important to identify technologies that improve the diagnosis of severe pneumonia at the lowest incremental cost. The objective of this study was to conduct a health economic evaluation of standard integrated management of childhood illnesses (IMCI) guideline alone and combined use of standard IMCI guideline and pulse oximetry in diagnosing childhood pneumonia. This is a cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in health centres in southern Ethiopia. Two methods of diagnosing pneumonia in children younger than five years old at 24 health centres are analysed. In the intervention arm, combined use of the pulse oximetry and standard IMCI guideline was used. In the control arm, the standard IMCI guideline alone was used. The primary outcome was cases of diagnosed severe pneumonia. Provider and patient costs were collected. A probabilistic decision tree was used in analysis of primary trial data to get incremental cost per case of diagnosed severe pneumonia. The proportion of children diagnosed with severe pneumonia was 148/928 (16.0%) in the intervention arm and 34/876 (4.0%) in the control arm. The average cost per diagnosed severe pneumonia case was USD 25.74 for combined use of pulse oximetry and standard IMCI guideline and USD 17.98 for standard IMCI guideline alone. The incremental cost of combined use of IMCI and pulse oximetry was USD 29 per extra diagnosed severe pneumonia case compared to standard IMCI guideline alone. Adding pulse oximetry to the diagnostic toolkit in the standard IMCI guideline could detect and treat one more child with severe pneumonia for an additional investment of USD 29. Better diagnostic tools for lower respiratory infections are important in resource-constrained settings, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic.