Research Institute Research Articles

Prevalence and survival of patients with nasopharyngeal malignancies (C11) (clinical and population-based study)

Introduction. In the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), the code for malignant neoplasms of pharynx (mNN) is C11. These tumors are rare. The state statistics only presents information on morbidity. Data on mortality due to mNN are absent, they are included into the group of other causes of death. The real assessment of the effectiveness of antitumor management of mNN can only be obtained from the population Cancer Registry Database (pCR DB) of the Northwestern federal District of the Russian federation (NwfD Rf) developed by us. This database allows to determine the main analytical values of any parameter included in the case report form. The most reliable criterion of evaluation of the effectiveness of antitumor management is calculation of observed and relative 1-year and corrected 5-year survival rates of patients at the population level and in accordance with international standards.Aim. To perform first in Russia assessment of the effectiveness of antitumor management of mNN with calculation of analytical values including survival (separately for men and women) and detailed characteristics of location and histological structure.Materials and methods. The data of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), as well as reference books of the p.A. Hertsen moscow Oncology Research Institute and the N.N. petrov National medical Research Center for Oncology were used. Data processing was preformed using mS Excel 2013–2016 and STATISTICA 6.1 licensed software. Survival rates were calculated using modified EuROCARE software. The study was based on the databases of the population cancer registry of Saint petersburg and NwfD Rf developed by us. In total, 950 observations were analyzed. Results. Data obtained during investigation of the incidence and survival rates of mNN confirmed the rarity of this pathology and positive morbidity dynamics, standardized values of which decreased in Russia between 2010 and 2022 by 19.35 %, in NwfD Rf by 27.59 %. The coronavirus pandemic had a significant negative effect on the record keeping. Additionally, between 2010 and 2022 1-year survival of patients with mNN in NwfD Rf increased from 58.5 to 80.6 % (by 22.1 %); 5-year survival increased between 2000 and 2018 from 25.4 to 35.4 % (by 10 %).Conclusion. Analysis of the incidence and survival of patients with malignant neoplasm of rare location can be performed only using a database of population cancer registry of a federal district in compliance with all international rules of its maintenance. unfortunately, currently this is possible only for NwfD Rf.

Partisan Punitive Practice in Varėna District (1944–1952)

One of the least analysed aspects of the partisan war in Lithuania between 1944 and 1953 is the punitive practice of partisans. The aim of Total Irreversible Human Loss in Lithuania Between 1944 and 1953, a programme conducted by the Special Investigation Department of the Genocide and Resistance Research Centre of Lithuania, is to explore in detail the relationship between the partisans and the population during the war, to reveal the variety of executions conducted by partisans, and to clarify the decision-making procedures of partisan organisations with respect to the population. The objectives of the programme are to carry out a complex historical-statistical study and to prepare a classification of cases and a statistical data set; to collect data on the relationship of partisan organisations with the population and on the activities of courts-martial and other partisan institutions; and to carry out historical and legal analysis of data and to assess the legitimacy, validity and effects of partisan decisions concerning the population. It is also necessary to clarify, supplement and correct errors in the Soviet era card files that are stored at the Genocide and Resistance Research Centre and serve as the database for people killed and injured by partisans. This article has been prepared on the basis of the study of death sentences, executions, and people killed in action by partisans in the period 1944–1952 in the district of Varėna, the area of former Varėna County. During the archival-historiographic study, cases of killings were examined in detail through the exploration of the circumstances, motives, and other information. An important part of the study was the analysis of partisan documents: court-martial reports, various proclamations, and warnings. The most serious areas of the punitive practices of partisans were also discussed: killings of families or minors, issues of guilt and innocence, and the circumstances of partisan warfare at the time. Between 1944 and 1952, 688 people were killed in the district of Varėna; a total of 858 recorded cases of executions or possible executions were studied. The social status of 497 victims and dates of birth of 443 victims were identified. The average age of victims was 35.6 years. Three main categories of victims can be identified: employees and officers of military and security forces (29.6%), Soviet administrative staff and employees (20.9%), and farmers and workers (a total of 30.6%; 22.1% and 8.5% respectively). Other categories by job, occupation, etc.: family members of employees of military and security organisations (2%), family members of administrative staff (4.8%), settlers (3%), informers and agents (3.2%), Soviet activists (2.8%), family members of activists (0.2%), members of Komsomol (0.8%), students (0.2%), and former partisans and people who were close to them (1.8%). Eighty convictions by partisan courts-martial were identified, and 23 other partisan documents (warnings, proclamations) were left at the places of execution. This accounts for 14.9% of all executions. Most soldiers, employees and officers of military and security forces perished or were executed in an ambush. The justification for killing Soviet administrative officials, employees, and other staff members was usually that those people were carrying out Soviet orders. Usually executions were carried out at people’s homes or outside homes and by giving a warning and providing a charge. Death penalties and executions of farmers and workers pose the most questions. Most are executions for collaboration with the Soviets and the sabotage of the partisan movement. Based on the information collected, it is however usually difficult to fully assess the legitimacy of such killings.

Increasing the effectiveness of total-skin electron beam therapy by reducing the manifestations of radiation dermatitis in patients with primary lymphomas. A comparative randomized prospective study

Background. One of the main adverse events that significantly reduce the quality of life of patients and limit the total focal dose is radiation-induced skin reactions (RISR). Their timely diagnosis, prevention, and treatment remain urgent tasks of modern radiotherapy. Aim. To improve the effectiveness of total skin irradiation (TSI) in patients with primary skin lymphomas by reducing the clinical manifestations of RISR by using additional therapy with a hydrogel containing active components with vasoprotective and anti-inflammatory action. Materials and methods. A comparative randomized prospective study was conducted, including data from 52 patients who received electron TSI by conventional fractionation at a total focal dose of 14 to 30 Gy for primary cutaneous lymphomas at the Granov Russian Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies from September 2021 to January 2024. Before the first TSI session, during treatment and 2 weeks after the end of radiation therapy, all patients underwent assessment for RISR, quantitative assessment of various degrees of severity of radiodermatitis using instrumental methods and assessment scales; for the observation group, a therapeutic regimen for the prevention and treatment of RISR was used, including a hydrogel with troxerutin (2%) and trolamine (0.07%), and in the control group, basic skin care using moisturizers. Results. Analysis of the physiological parameters of the skin showed statistically significant differences between the study groups: patients of the study group (group I; 30 subjects receiving the above-mentioned therapeutic regimen) compared with the control group (group II; 28 subjects who did not receive specific treatment for radiodermatitis) reported significantly lower rates of erythema (386±12.3 and 572±14.4; p=0.005), transepidermal water loss (25±0.3 and 38±0.4 g/m2/h; p0.001) and a decrease in peak endothelial-dependent vasodilation of microvasculature and blood flow in the skin. A lower proportion of severe radiodermatitis (86.3 and 73.3%; p0.05) and a statistically significant difference in the subjective quality of life scores by the 29-point Skindex-29 scale by an average of 22.2% were also found. Conclusion. A comparative analysis of the quantitative indicators of radiodermatitis in the study group and the control group showed that the topical application of the hydrocolloid gel containing troxerutin and trolamine reduces the clinical manifestations of RISR concerning objectively measured physiological parameters of the skin and blood flow parameters of the microvasculature measured by high-frequency ultrasound, thus improving the quality of life of patients during and after the course of radiation therapy.

On the Epistemic Roles of the Individualized Niche Concept in Ecology, Behavioral Biology, and Evolutionary Biology

Abstract We characterize four fruitful and underappreciated epistemic roles played by the concept of an individualized niche in contemporary biology, utilizing results of a qualitative empirical study conducted within an interdisciplinary biological research center. We argue that the individualized niche concept (1) shapes the research agenda of the center, (2) facilitates explaining core phenomena related to interindividual differences, (3) helps with managing individual-level causal complexity, and (4) promotes integrating local knowledge from ecology, evolutionary biology, behavioral biology, and other biological fields. We thereby also challenge arguments that the niche concept is superfluous in ecology.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of hematopoietic blood stem cell mobilization using empegfilgrastim (Extimia®, BIOCAD) in patients with lymphoproliferative diseases: the experience of several centers in the Russian Federation. A retrospective study

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of autologous hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization with empegfilgrastim in patients with lymphoproliferative diseases (LPDs) and to identify prognostic factors affecting the effectiveness of mobilization. Materials and methods. The paper analyzes the effectiveness of HSC mobilization with Extimia® by JSC "BIOCAD" (INN: empegfilgrastim) in patients with LPDs. The study included 89 patients with LPDs (Hodgkin's lymphoma, B- and T-cell lymphomas, plasma cell tumors) who were treated in 5 research centers of the Russian Federation (in Moscow and St. Petersburg). The median age of patients was 39 (18–67) years. In 26 (29%) patients, HSC mobilization was performed "in a stable state of hematopoiesis" using only pegylated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (PEG-G-CSF), and in 63 (71%) patients after chemotherapy (CT). Empegfilgrastim was administered as a single dose of 7.5 mg subcutaneously in two regimens: 24 hours after the end of CT or at a random time. Results. Two groups of patients were identified, analyzed, and compared: those with ineffective (n=23, 26%) and effective (n=66, 74%) HSC mobilization. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses (binary logistic regression and multiple bidirectional binary logistic regression, respectively) were sequentially performed to determine the factors associated with ineffective mobilization. In a one-factor analysis, we studied the sex, age, diagnosis, bone/bone marrow involvement, the number of previous CT lines, the status of the disease (remission/no remission), the history of radiation therapy, the time interval from the administration of empegfilgrastim to the decision to perform leukapheresis, the mode of granulocytopoiesis stimulation ("in a stable state of hematopoiesis" or after CT), the leukocyte and platelet counts. The subsequent multifactorial analysis of the two selected parameters (diagnosis and time interval from drug administration to the decision to perform leukapheresis) showed the following statistically significant risk factors for ineffective mobilization: T-cell lymphoma; T-cell lymphoma versus other (combination) diagnoses (B-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and plasma cell tumor): p=0.046, Wald test, odds ratio 4.18 (95% confidence interval 0.96–19.4). The time interval from the administration of empegfilgrastim to the first leukapheresis in the effective mobilization group depended on the diagnosis. The longest period was observed in patients with plasma cell tumors and the shortest in those with T-cell lymphomas: 10 (4–10) vs 5.5 (4–6) [p=0.01, Kruskal–Wallis test]. Empegfilgrastim proved equally effective for HSC mobilization both "on stable hematopoiesis" and after CT. Conclusion. The results of the first multicenter experience with Extimia® by JSC "BIOCAD" (INN: empegfilgrastim) to mobilize autologous HSCs in LPD patients demonstrate its high efficacy with a favorable safety and tolerability profile: 74% (66/89) successful mobilizations after a single administration of a fixed dose of the drug.

Response of Onion to Deficit Irrigation Levels at Different Growth Stages on Yield and Water Productivity

The Ethiopian vegetable sub-sector, particularly onion, is crucial for the economy due to its high productivity and ease of cultivation. However, water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions hinders its expansion. This study conducted at Wondo Genet Agricultural Research Center aimed to investigate the impact of deficit irrigation levels at various growth stages on onion yield and water productivity. The experiment employed a split plot design with four crop growing stages and three deficit irrigation levels. Results revealed that deficit irrigation significantly affected onion growth parameters and yield components. Bulb diameter, number of leaves per plant, and total bulb yield 5.84 cm, 6.85, 23.26 t/ha, respectively, were notably influenced by deficit irrigation levels, with the highest yields observed under full irrigation. Additionally, water use efficiency varied with deficit irrigation application timing, with the highest efficiency recorded during the maturation stage. Overall, deficit irrigation during initial and maturation stages at 55% ETc application level emerged as the most viable option, ensuring sustainable crop production in water-scarce areas. These findings underscore the importance of adopting deficit irrigation strategies to optimize water use efficiency and enhance onion yield in Ethiopia's vegetable sub-sector.

Compliance of a Tertiary Centre With Molecular Testing Strategies for Lynch Syndrome in Colorectal Cancer.

Introduction Lynch syndrome is one of the most common hereditary cancers associated with germline alterations of DNA mismatch repair genes. Recent advances have shed light on its molecular pathogenesis, leading to the development of various testing strategies. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether all colorectal adenocarcinomas undergo immunohistochemistry (IHC) and microsatellite instability (MSI) testing to identify potential Lynch syndrome patients. Methods This study evaluated the compliance of MSI and IHC testing for Lynch syndrome in a tertiary cancer research centre. All patients undergoing colorectal cancer resectionbetween April 2022 and December 2022were identified from a prospectively maintained register. The histology, MSI, and IHC testing reports for these patients were recorded to check if they were done and reported. Only patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma were included in this study. Results A total of 314 patients had colorectal cancer resections. A total of 301 were included in the study, with a median age of 65 years (IQR = 35-95). Thirteen (4.14%) patients did not have MSI and IHC testing reported on the system. Of these, eight (61.53%) did not have an MSI/IHC testing request, four (30.76%) did not have sufficient specimens to be sent for further testing, one (7.69%) had MSI and IHC testing but the final report was yet to be authorized. Out of the eight who did not have the testing done, three had early polyp cancer and one had a goblet cell adenocarcinoma. Conclusion According to the data, our hospital has a 97.45% compliance with current guidelines, not considering the insufficient sample for testing and the authorization of the final report. A more comprehensive proforma may be needed to provide a feedback loop for further MSI and IHC testing when entering data into the system. Further auditing is required to check the effectiveness of the proforma in achieving complete compliance.

Prediction Value of Bladder Deformity Index for Upper Urinary Tract Damage in Patients With Neurogenic Bladder.

This study aimed to assess the predictive value of the Bladder Deformity Index (BDI) in determining upper urinary tract (UUT) damage among patients with neurogenic bladder (NB). Clinical data of 132 NB patients admitted to the China Rehabilitation Research Center between January 2018 and December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into UUT damage and normal UUT function groups based on the MRU and ultrasound grading systems for hydronephrosis, patients with the grade greater than or equal to I degree were considered to have UUTD. Patient demographics, biochemical parameters, and video-urodynamics (VUDS) findings were collected, and BDI was calculated. Independent sample t tests were employed to compare general characteristics and VUDS parameters between groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to evaluate the predictive capability of UUT damage. The study comprised 132 patients (86 males and 46 females) with an average NB duration of 7.37 ± 9.37 years (range: 0.2-44 years). UUT damage was present in 40.91% (n = 54) of patients. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the UUT damage and normal groups in terms of the duration of LUTS (9.98 ± 10.52 vs. 4.83 ± 7.32 years), creatinine levels (135.58 ± 110.51 vs. 57.66 ± 12.26 μmol/L), and BDI (103.28 ± 71.6 vs. 19.23 ± 15.03%). No significant differences were noted in age, bladder volume, or residual urine between the groups (p > 0.05). The AUC for the duration of LUTS, creatinine, and BDI were 0.691, 0.786, and 0.908, respectively, with a BDI Yoden index of 77%. Long-term LUTS, elevated creatinine levels, and high BDI are associated with UUT damage. BDI demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing UUT damage, outperforming creatinine levels and NB duration. Patients with BDI values exceeding 77% are at a heightened risk of UUT damage. BDI facilitates quantitative evaluation of cystography and preliminary evaluation upper and lower urinary tract function in NB patients. Further research is warranted to validate BDI's feasibility in quantifying cystography and diagnosing UUT damage. This study is retrospective and does not require clinical trial registration.

Evaluation of Door-to-Needle Stroke Patients With Thrombolytic Activation Code in Imam Reza Educational Center in Tabriz

Objectives: To investigate the therapeutic process and golden times for treating stroke patients receiving thrombolytic therapy at Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Setting(s): The information for all patients entering the study was extracted from the stroke registry of the Neurosciences Research Center. Participants: Participants comprised all patients who were referred to Imam Reza Hospital emergency department (ED) in 2018, hospitalized as stroke patients, and had an indication for receiving thrombolytic therapy. Outcome measures: Data included demographic information, length of stay in the ED, time interval from the onset of symptom to ED arrival, time to CT scan, time to the start of thrombolytic therapy, outcomes (e.g., discharge, hospitalization, or death), and the use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy. Results: A total of 140 patients were studied, with a mean and median age of 66.19±12.68 and 67.5 years, respectively. The mode age was 73 years, with the maximum age being 91 years and the minimum age being 34 years. Moreover, 82 (58.6%) of patients were male, and 58 (41.4%) were female. The mean time interval from ED arrival to the start of thrombolytic injection was 54.49±27.42 minutes, with a median and mode of 51 and 60 minutes, respectively. The minimum time was 17 minutes, and the maximum time was 218 minutes. The modified ranking scale (mRS) score at 7 days was significantly related to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at arrival, NIHSS 36 hours after treatment, NIHSS at 7 days after treatment, the incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage, and hospitalization duration (P≤0.001). Conclusions: Initiating thrombolytic injection within 60 minutes is feasible, and patients’ status 7 days after discharge has a significant relationship with NIHSS at arrival, NIHSS 36 hours post-treatment, and NIHSS 7 days post-treatment. Moreover, there is a significant correlation between mRS at 7 days and an interval of less than 60 minutes from ED arrival to the start of thrombolytic injection. In such cases, mRS is lower.

PATH-14. UTILITY OF DNA METHYLATION ANALYSIS IN HISTOLOGICALLY-CONFIRMED PA PATIENTS WITH POOR PROGNOSIS

Abstract INTRODUCTION Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is a circumscribed low-grade astrocytic glioma, generally considered to be associated with a good prognosis. However, some PA patients experience unfavorable outcomes; advanced age was known as an independent poor prognostic factor. This study retrospectively reviewed PA patients and conducted molecular analyses for elderly patients. METHODS We analyzed data from 29 histologically confirmed PA patients treated at a single center from 2002 to 2021 and conducted integrated molecular analyses including DNA methylation profiling for elderly PA patients. RESULTS The median age at diagnosis was 14 years (range 3-82 years), with 4 patients (14%) being elderly (patients≥60years old). Elderly patients had significantly worse progression-free survival and overall survival. DNA methylation analysis was performed on 2 of the 4 elderly patients. Despite histological diagnoses of PA, methylation profiling classified one case as high-grade astrocytoma with piloid features (methylation class scores below 0.3 in both v11b4 and v12.5) and the other as glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype (score over 0.5 in both v11b4 and v12.5), using classifiers from the German Cancer Research Center and t-SNE analysis. CONCLUSION Elderly patients with PA morphology showed unfavorable outcomes in this cohort. In those patients, DNA methylation profiling revealed the possibility of high-grade astrocytic tumors, including newly defined entities.

Interdisciplinary research center programs positively impact graduate and postdoctoral training

Interdisciplinary research center programs positively impact graduate and postdoctoral training

Medium-term oncological outcome endoscopic surgery malignant tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses

Introduction. Transnasal endoscopic resection of sinonasal tumors is currently used in many clinics around the world. Short- and long-term oncological outcomes primarily depend on tumor histology. However, most currently existing studies are based on a small number of observations due to the rarity and heterogeneity of sinonasal malignancy.Aim. To evaluate short- and medium-term oncological outcomes of treatment of malignant sinonasal tumors. Materials and methods. The study is based on retrospective analysis of 95 patients who underwent endoscopic surgery for sinonasal malignancy between 2014 and 2023 at the N.N. Blokhin National medical Research Center of Oncology. Squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in 27 (28.4 %) patients, olfactory neuroblastoma in 13 (13.7 %), mucosal melanoma in 30 (31.6 %), adenocarcinoma in (6.3 %), adenoid cystic carcinoma in 7 (7.3 %), sarcomas in 12 (12.7 %). Results. In the study group, 2-years overall survival and recurrence-free survival were 81.3 and 61.4 % respectively, survival without local recurrence was 87.5 %. The outcomes significantly depended on tumor histology.Conclusion. Oncological outcomes of endoscopic resections of sinonasal tumors significantly depend on tumor histology, but in general they allow to achieve good local control. Small number of observations, variety of histological forms, and short follow-up periods do not allow to accurately evaluate the effectiveness of this approach for each tumor type. further research in large populations is needed to establish risk factors.

SURG-08. A PHASE III RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF GROSS TOTAL RESECTION VERSUS POSSIBLE RESECTION OF FLAIR HYPERINTENSITY LESION ON MR IMAGE FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED SUPRATENTORIAL GLIOBLASTOMA (JCOG2209)

Abstract BACKGROUND Complete resection of contrast-enhanced lesion (gross total resection: GTR) without severe neurological deficits has been generally accepted as the goal of surgery. However, it remains unclear if additional resection of surrounding FLAIR hyper-intense lesion combined with GTR (FLAIRectomy) has survival advantage of primary glioblastoma patients. Purpose: Multicenter, open-label, randomized phase III trial was commenced to confirm the superiority of FLAIRectomy to GTR alone followed by radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide in terms of overall survival (OS) for primary glioblastoma IDH-wildtype patients. This trial investigates not only survival but also postoperative neurological and neurocognitive deficits in detail. METHODS We assumed a 2-year OS of 50% in the GTR arm and expected a 15% improvement in the FLAIRectomy arm. A total of 130 patients is required with a one-sided alpha of 5%, power of 70%, and will be accrued from 49 Japanese institutions in 4 years and follow-up will last 2.5 years. Patients 18-75 years of age will be registered and randomly assigned to each arm with 1:1 allocation. The primary endpoint is OS, and the secondary endpoints are progression-free survival, frequency of adverse events, proportion of Karnofsky performance status preservation, proportion of National Institutes of Health stroke scale preservation, proportion of mini-mental state examination preservation and proportion of health-related quality of life preservation. The Japan Clinical Oncology Group Protocol Review Committee approved this study protocol in May 2023. Ethics approval was granted by the National Cancer Center Hospital Certified Review Board. Patient enrollment began in July 2023. DISCUSSION If FLAIRectomy is superior to GTR alone, aggressive surgery will become a standard surgical treatment for glioblastoma with resectable contrast-enhanced lesion. Trial registration: Registry number: jRCT1031230245. Date of registration: 19/July/2023. Date of first participant enrollment: 28/July/2023. Funding for this study is provided by National Cancer Center Research and Development Fund (2023-J-03).

DDDR-23. DECODING GLIOBLASTOMA DRUG RESISTANCE DYNAMICS USING NOVEL MICROFLUIDIC EX VIVO MODELS

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is clinically challenging due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. Current standard of care involves surgical resection and chemoradiation with temozolomide (TMZ). GBM, however, often returns post-treatment fueled by its complex biology and the presence of resilient GBM stem cells. Compounding the issue is the blood-brain barrier, which poses a formidable obstacle to drug delivery into the brain. Understanding the molecular dynamics post-therapy within the brain, influenced by the tissue microenvironment, is key for developing more effective therapeutic strategies. Unfortunately, existing research models have fallen short in capturing the complexity of GBM and its response to treatment. While animal models have been a mainstay in GBM research, their ability to predict human responses has been called into question, highlighted by the disappointing results seen in clinical trials. We are therefore advancing bioprinting-based approaches for modeling various components of the tumor microenvironment to gain insight into mechanisms of drug resistance. We report on the development of three novel microfluidic platforms to investigate and interrogate GBM biology. First, we have developed a novel microfluidic model of GBM, termed GlioFlow-3D, produced through a combination of 3D printing methods. GlioFlow-3D mimics specific aspects of the perivascular niche, including protection from circulating TMZ. Second, we have adapted GlioFlow-3D as part of a platform to investigate advanced ultrasound techniques for delivering novel therapeutics into the human brain. Third, we are developing a novel approach aimed at exploring the relationship between the brain extracellular matrix and tumoral cells using bioprinting of living tumor organoids obtained from patients with a history of recurrence. By integrating bioprinting technologies with patient-derived models to create novel ex vivo platforms, we aim to obtain new insights into the intricate dynamics of drug resistance in GBM, ultimately paving the way for more effective therapeutic strategies. Funding: The Brain Tumor Center Research Award (UCGNI) The ARC Project - CCHMC and UC joint Research Award

Responsive service design and workforce strengthening: Recommendations to improve aged care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This study aimed to develop innovative and practical strategies and recommendations for aged care policy and practice that support the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A research symposium was held in June 2023 on Kaurna Country at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. The symposium brought together 70 attendees including aged care consumers, Federal and State Government representatives, advocacy services, health, aged care and social service providers, and health and aged care researchers. Two roundtable sessions titled 'Responsive Service Design' and 'Workforce Strengthening' were conducted following a World Café approach. Data were analysed thematically. This paper proposes recommendations relating to innovation and improvement within aged care policy and practice. Recommendations for responsive service design and workforce strengthening include the following: (1) promote genuine engagement and involvement, (2) establish partnerships between sectors, (3) ensure compliance, (4) innovative communication and feedback pathways, (5) holistic approaches to well-being, (6) prioritise cultural safety and (7) flexible recruitment and retention strategies. Working together and building partnerships between diverse stakeholders including community members, workforce, service providers and policymakers is required for sustainable and meaningful innovation within the aged care sector. Our recommendations, driven by community needs, provide an opportunity to ensure the innovation and implementation of ongoing aged care reforms meet the needs and expectations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Corrigendum to “The report of ovarian tissue transplant in Iran: A case report” [Int J Reprod BioMed 2024; 22: 323–328

The publisher has been informed of an error that occurred on page 323 in which the third authors affiliation must be changed to Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. On behalf of the author, the publisher wishes to apologize for this error. The online version of the article has been updated on September 30, 2024 and can be found at https://doi.org/10.18502/ijrm.v22i4.16393.

Navigating institutional ethics processes: Insights from higher degree by research students and supervisors doing research in fragile contexts

Although gaining ethical approval is a conventional and established requirement for academic scholarship, institutional approaches remain subject to sustained critique. While not questioning the legitimacy of institutional ethical procedures, the dominance of legal frameworks and a focus on entry to ‘the field’ is inflexible and irresponsive to ethical complexities in practice. This is particularly evident in situations where participants experience ongoing trauma, marginalisation, and social and political precarity, or settings that we refer to in this paper as ‘ fragile contexts’. Responding to such ethical dilemmas, this article draws on Guillemin and Gillam’s (2004) notions of ‘ ethics-in-practice’ and ‘ethically important moments’ to examine how doctoral candidates and their supervisors navigate the compliance requirements of institutional ethics vis-à-vis the requirements of ethics-in-practice. Our findings foreground the need to attend to the linguistic and discursive challenges associated with research in fragile contexts, the temporalities of vulnerability, the management of community expectations, and a humbling of researchers and their institutional research ethics committees to avoid compounding injustices and power imbalances.

Assessment of growth and essential oil profiling in leafy coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) genotypes

Coriander is a versatile plant prized for its dual role as a culinary spice and a medicinal herb. Leafy coriander, an herbaceous plant, is particularly noted for its rich content of bioactive compounds, such as essential oils, flavonoids, and vitamins. The experiment was conducted at the Department of Spices and Plantation Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. A study was conducted using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two replications, focusing on critical growth and yield traits. Among the fifteen genotypes evaluated, the CSL1 genotype illustrates superior performance in various growth and yield parameters. Coriander leaves are extensively studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, underscoring their significance in nutritional and medicinal contexts. In this research, coriander leaf oil was extracted and analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine its chemical composition. The GC-MS analysis identified 60 distinct compounds in the essential oil, with the major constituents being 3-dimethylamino acrylonitrile, trans-2-Dodecen-1-ol, Cyclooctane, Decanal, 13-Octadecenal, 9-Decen-1-yl acetate and 2-Propen-1-amine. These results offer valuable insights into the unique chemical profile of coriander leaf oil, contributing to its distinctive aroma and potential applications in flavouring fragrance and therapeutic formulations.

ASSESSMENT OF SMALL HOLDERS FARMERS' ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE PRACTICES IN BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed smallholder farmers’ adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture practices in Borno State, Nigeria. Identified socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, assessed the respondents’ adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices and investigated the constraint by respondents in adopting climate-smart agriculture practices. Both primary and secondary sources were used. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 200 respondents as the sample size. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation and likert type scale were used. The findings indicated that, majority (67.5%) of the respondents were within the prime working age of 20-49 years with a mean age of 43 years. Majority (75.5%) were male, 63.5% married with 43.0% had 7-9 persons per household. However, more than half (56%) of the respondents had no formal education, and 56% earn less than 50,000 Naira annually. The study also found that 58% had more than 10 years of farming experience, but only 30% were members of association. Conservation agriculture practices such as reduced tillage, crop residue management, and crop rotation/intercropping were rated 1st with the highest (x = 4.29) implying strong agreement to adoption of conservation agriculture practices. The climate smart agricultural practices highly adopted by the respondents include; water retention and erosion control technique (89%) and efficient fertilizer application technique (79.5%), moderately adopted practices; home garden (63%) and compost making/green manuring (58%), whereas least adopted practices; early warning system (20.0%) and use of more efficient cooking stove (17%). The most severe constraint identified include lack of awareness and limited information about climate smart agriculture practices (x=1.87), as well as limited access to credit (x=1.80). High cost of labor for climate smart agriculture and policy inconsistencies (x=1.32, 1.44) were identified as not severe constraint compared to others. The study recommended that Extension agents and Research institute should create more awareness on impact of adopting Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices and improve easy accessibility to weather and climate information through provision of mobile-based platforms or community radio broadcasts that deliver timely and relevant information.

Identification and Molecular Analysis of Proteins Associated with Non-spinning Disease in the Silkworm Bombyx mori L Induced by BmNPV and BmDNV

Aims: The present study combines morphological and molecular biology investigations to uncover the underlying causes of the non-spinning syndrome in silkworms. To understand the molecular mechanism and immune mechanism after infection of viral pathogen in silkworm Bombyx mori L. Study Design: Infected silkworm samples were collected from the field and isolated the genomic DNA and total proteins. Analyzed the samples by using genomic tools and proteomic tools. Place and Duration of Study: Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Mysuru, Karnataka. 01.03.2023 to 31.07.2023 total 04 months. Methodology: Our findings indicate that infections of BmDNV and BmNPV are associated with abnormal growth of the silk gland, leading to the non-spinning phenotype. To confirm pathogen infection in non-spinning silkworms, we collected genomic DNA and conducted PCR analysis using specific primers for DNV and NPV. Results: Our results showed amplification of both viral infections in the isolated samples. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed differential regulation of several proteins involved in physiological and immunological processes in the hemolymph of non-spinning silkworms. MALDI-TOF/MS was used to identify an up-regulated protein of interest, which was found to be a Lepidopteran low molecular weight lipoprotein. This protein is known to play an important role in insect immune mechanisms. Conclusion: Major disease-causing agents such as BmDNV and BmNPV infections and investigate their impact on protein expression patterns in the hemolymph, shedding light on the factors contributing to non-spinning behavior in silkworms.