Interdisciplinary Discussion Research Articles

AI-driven ethical issues in the development of personalised therapy for pediatric SIRS patients

Abstract Background Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is a rare disease often presenting emergency. While the aetiology varies, current diagnostic criteria do not allow differentiation. Hopes are placed on OMICs research and development of Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for personalised disease management. Our report aims at identification and analysis of AI-driven ethical issues within the bigger ERA PerMed funded project of development of tailored immunotherapy for paediatric SIRS patients (TIPS) coordinated by Prof. Catharina Schütz from Technic University Dresden. Methods Systematic literature review followed by qualitative research methodology. Ten experts with different backgrounds were interviewed. Subsequent thematic analysis was performed by two independent researchers. Results Experts were on the opinion that AI can lead to a depart from individual approach in the medicine, as the physician may be induced to only act based on algorithms that are more or less representative (N = 2). Interviewees were aware that AI can lead to changes in the assessment of reality, as it is dependent on data quality (N = 4). AI-aided decision-making might be useful for special therapeutic situations, although it may not always capture the subtleties of individual situations (N = 2). Positive implications of AI were significantly more emphasised, though current frameworks were perceived as more limiting than enabling. Conclusions Personalised therapy is making its first steps while the ethical apprehensions has already been there with a strong emphasis on precautionary principle and resulting limitations on the application of AI-algorithms. The multifaceted nature of the AI-driven ethical issues in personalised medicine research requires an interdisciplinary discourse, strengthened ethics training of all professionals involved in the technology development and more active involvement of physicians in the shaping of AI. Key messages • AI algorithms promise therapeutic benefits, not achievable by other means, for specific categories of vulnerable pediatrics patients. • The multifaceted nature of the AI-driven ethical issues in personalised medicine research requires an interdisciplinary discourse and further ethics training of all stakeholders.

Systemic and Anthropological Characteristics of Thinking

The article describes such systemic anthropological characteristics of thinking as multidimensionality, projectivity, inclusion in life relationships, transtemporality, and nonlinearity. On the one hand, these characteristics are inconvenient phenomenological "anomalies" for the classical psychology of thinking. On the other hand, in the context of progressive anthropologization of psychological cognition and interdisciplinary discourse, they make it possible to study thinking in a more holistic and human context, as well as to establish new conceptual links between the psychology of thinking and the psychology of human existence. Thinking is a multidimensional and nonlinear act that simultaneously unfolds in several registers of one’s mentality, capturing a variety of temporal, active, and noetic aspects of one’s being. The projective function of thinking consists in overcoming event uncertainty, building a semantic markup of living space, and producing semantic orientations in the activity and existential dimensions of the living environment. The fact that thinking is part of one’s life relationships ensures the integrity and transtemporal continuity of one’s life world. According to the polyphonic principle of mental dynamics, the dialectic unity of its spatial-temporal and modal correlations unfolds at each moment of thinking.

P10.06.A AGENT-BASED MODELING FOR PATIENT-CENTERED CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT IN NEURO-ONCOLOGY

Abstract BACKGROUND Complex clinical decision-making in neuro-oncology is a multifaceted process involving numerous specialties influenced by various objective factors and patient preferences. Modeling these multidisciplinary neuro-oncology discussions presents significant challenges, particularly given the multimodal nature of the data. Recent advancements in large language models (LLMs) have enabled the development of LLM “agents”. These agents pave the way for multi-agent systems capable of simulating interacting components, thus capturing the nuances of interdisciplinary clinical discussions. MATERIAL AND METHODS Utilizing GPT-4, we developed conversational agents with an agent-based modeling (ABM) approach; each agent was assigned a specific specialty. We simulated their interactions in various clinical decision-making scenarios. Lastly, we simulated 30 patient-agents and included them in the ABM system. We applied this ABM approach to a dataset of 16 clinical vignettes extracted from the UCSF Clinical Data Warehouse of primary adult glioma patients who underwent tumor board (TB) reviews. The TB decision was used as ground truth for quantitative evaluation. Seven independent clinicians evaluated the final decisions. RESULTS Our quantitative assessment showed that, when blinded to whether ABM or TB generated responses, evaluators preferred ABM recommendations 47.8% of the time, followed by TB recommendations (38%). The highest recommendation concordance was between TB and ABM (50.6%). The ABM was deemed clinically accurate in 76.8% of cases and provided clinically appropriate reasoning in 73.2%. Our qualitative assessment showed that including the patient agent significantly influenced the course of discussions, notably when the patient agents participated in the system by stating their healthcare goals. The most recommended individual treatment was standard-of-care chemotherapy, followed by targeted therapies, clinical trials, immunotherapy, and palliative care. The least frequently recommended management options were radiation, surgery, consultation with other specialties, and devices. CONCLUSION This study underscores the potential of ABM in neuro-oncology, particularly in simulating complex, real-world scenarios. ABM not only empowers patients but also offers clinicians a novel tool for understanding and navigating the multifaceted landscape of patient preferences and treatment options. It provides a platform for clinicians to visualize the potential impacts of various decisions, enhancing their ability to provide personalized, effective care. We envision future work where ABM systems are patient-centric, enabling patients to explore the potential impacts of their individual characteristics on clinical management options.

Therapy adherence after interdisciplinary tumour board discussion is associated with improved outcome in soft tissue sarcoma: A Charité Comprehensive Cancer Centre analysis.

Centralising soft tissue sarcoma (STS) treatment in expert centres and implementing comprehensive therapy concepts through interdisciplinary tumour boards (ITB) has led to significant treatment progress. However, our knowledge on the implementation of the ITB recommendations and its impact on patient outcome is limited. In this retrospective analysis, we examined a cohort of 222 adult patients (pts) with primary STS who were presented to the ITB of the Charité Comprehensive Cancer Centre between 2015 and 2020. In localised disease (n = 188), resection was recommended in 71% (n = 134) of pts. The treatment modalities chemotherapy with or without regional deep hyperthermia, and radiotherapy were recommended in 37% (n = 69), 26% (n = 48) and 52% (n = 97), respectively. Complex multidisciplinary concepts were established in 29% (n = 54) including ≥3 treatment modalities. Only partial adherence, either by choice of patient or treating physician, was associated with a higher risk of both progression (HR 4.0 95%-CI 1.6-9.7 p < .01) and mortality (HR 5.3 95%-CI 1.7-16.4 p < .01). Pts inable to follow the ITB recommendations due to complications or rapid progression showed a high-risk profile with increased mortality and progression rates (HR 18.1 95%-CI 8.5-38.2 p < .001; HR 21.5 95%-CI 8.5-54.7 p < .001). To our knowledge, this represents the first German Comprehensive Cancer Centre analysis of therapy adherence in STS. It provides further real-world evidence that full adherence to ITB recommendations and the ability to adhere to them are of prognostic value for patient outcome and underlines the importance of interdisciplinary decision-making and treatment planning for STS patients.

2024 International Conference on Education, Economics, Management, and Social Sciences(EMSS 2024)

Welcome to the official website of the 2024 International Conference on Education, Economics, Management, and Social Sciences (EMSS 2024), scheduled to take place from September 25-26, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia! EMSS 2024 offers a prestigious platform for scholars, educators, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of education, economics, management, and social sciences to share their latest research insights, innovative methodologies, and cutting-edge solutions. This conference serves as a global forum to foster interdisciplinary discussions, collaborations, and the exchange of ideas on some of the most critical and emerging issues in these fields. We are proud to gather participants from various sectors who will engage in thought-provoking discussions and debates on topics of major societal relevance, including advances in educational practices, economic strategies, management approaches, and social sciences. The conference aims to provide valuable contributions to both academic research and practical applications. EMSS 2024 is committed to highlighting original, high-quality research papers that advance theoretical understanding, offer practical implications, and contribute to policy-making. Each paper has been rigorously reviewed based on its technical merit, research significance, and real-world impact, ensuring a high standard of academic excellence. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the esteemed members of the technical and organizing committees, whose diligent efforts in reviewing and improving the submissions have significantly elevated the quality of the conference proceedings. Additionally, we express our heartfelt thanks to the authors for their contributions, collaboration in adhering to the conference guidelines, and for sharing their unique insights and innovative research. We look forward to the intellectual exchange, networking opportunities, and collaborative potential that EMSS 2024 will bring. We hope you enjoy the conference! EMSS 2024 Conference Chairs

Insights from the "Acoustics Workshop in Educational Buildings" by Turkish Acoustical Society

This paper focuses on "Acoustics Workshop in Educational Buildings" organized by the Turkish Acoustical Society as part of International Noise Awareness Day 2023 Activities. The workshop brought together 34 participants, including designers, acoustic experts, teachers, and health and occupational safety professionals. Through interdisciplinary discussions, participants identified and prioritized acoustic problems, expectations and requirements for educational buildings, focusing on improving the quality of education. The workshop unfolded in two stages: firstly, participants were grouped by profession to identify primary acoustic challenges. Subsequently, multi-disciplinary teams collaboratively developed mitigation strategies to address these challenges. The results revealed profession-specific insights into main acoustic issues and proposed actionable solutions. This paper specifically provides insights into the use of qualitative content analysis to have a deeper understanding of different professions, people's experiences, behavior and priorities in relation to acoustics in school.

Visual pathology reports for communication of final margin status in laryngeal cancer surgery

BackgroundPositive margins are frequently observed in total laryngectomy (TL) specimens. Effective communication of margin sampling sites and final margin status between surgeons and pathologists is crucial. In this study, we evaluate the utility of multimedia visual pathology reports to facilitate interdisciplinary discussion of margin status in laryngeal cancer surgery. MethodsEx vivo laryngeal cancer surgical specimens were three-dimensional (3D) scanned before standard of care pathological analysis. Using computer-aided design software, the 3D model was annotated to reflect inking, sectioning, and margin sampling sites, generating a visual pathology report. These reports were distributed to head and neck surgeons and pathologists postoperatively. ResultsFifteen laryngeal cancer surgical specimens were 3D scanned and virtually annotated from January 2022 to December 2023. Most specimens (73.3%) were squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Among the cases, 26.7% had final positive surgical margins, whereas 13.3% had close margins, defined as <5 mm. The visual pathology report demonstrated sites of close or positive margins on the 3D specimens and was used to facilitate postoperative communication between surgeons and pathologists in 85.7% of these cases. Visual pathology reports were presented in multidisciplinary tumor board discussions (20%), email correspondences (13.3%), and teleconferences (6.7%), and were referenced in the final written pathology reports (26.7%). Conclusions3D scanning and virtual annotation of laryngeal cancer specimens for the creation of visual pathology reports is an innovative approach for postoperative pathology documentation, margin analysis, and surgeon–pathologist communication.

Theoretical and methodological orientations and positions of the problem of translation: on the example of philosophical texts

In the article the basics of the affiliation between philosophy and translation in connection with modern developments and changes in philosophy and translation were examined. The authors highlight the main reasons contributing to the deep transformation of humanitarian meanings, which are of particular interest and relevance. The purpose of the study is a philosophical view of the changing factors in the translation problem. The explanation of the concepts of “philosophy and translation” was reviewed. The authors interpret translation as a category of social philosophy. The main growth points for thoughts about the transfer of one of the central concepts of linguistics to the core of a broad interdisciplinary scientific discussion and its elevation to the category of social philosophy were reflected in its changed role and function. The authors also consider translation as an important factor in reviving cultural diversity and stimulating the growth of human creativity. It is concluded that the interpretation of translation as a factor that has a significant impact on a person requires consideration by the social philosophymethods. A methodology for analyzing important sociocultural phenomena, based on the dialectical ideais proposed. The main research method is the double opposition “philosophy—translation”. This approach includes the need to pay close attention to the connections between the whole and its important parts, which increases the relevance of analyzing the connections between them. Within this idea, the key conclusion is that philosophical categories are derived from real relations to science.

Could deep-sea mining sustain sustainability? The international seabed authority and the UN 2030 agenda

Madureira et al. (2023)published a timely article about the role of deep-sea mining in sustainable development – UN Agenda 2030. We take the opportunity to join the discussion initiated by the authors and highlight the known challenges in deep-sea mining discussions using rich, empirical social and natural science literature. Our premise is the following: sustainable development depends on careful assessment of pressing, known issues that need attention. Local problems require context-specific, local solutions to make propositions about the future and sustainability unambiguous and workable. Meaningful discussions on sustainability in relation to ocean and terrestrial mining depend on engagement with a broad body of literature, from anthropology to human geography, policy and governance research, among others. In sum, we hope to contribute to a more comprehensive interdisciplinary discussion on the contested topic of deep-sea mining and its role in sustainability.

Integrating Interdisciplinary Competence Development into Business English Curriculum: Strategies and Best Practices

This study focuses on analyzing effective strategies for integrating interdisciplinary skills into business English courses, including selecting interdisciplinary topics, conducting project-based learning, organizing interdisciplinary discussions and debates, utilizing modern technological tools, collaborating with enterprises, inviting industry experts to give lectures, and providing additional learning support. Subsequently, based on best practices, the importance of integrating interdisciplinary competence development into business English courses is fully revealed, which enhances the overall quality of education and students' comprehensive competitiveness, laying a solid foundation for students' future development.

Creation by Means of Loss and the Paradox of Expenditure—A Contribution of Theology to the Vulnerability Dispositive

This article argues that the COVID-19 pandemic has created a new dispositive of power, the vulnerability dispositive, and it clears up what a power dispositive is. It then explains what theology can contribute to this new dispositive. The paradox of expenditure (creation by means of loss) plays a special role here. Human vulnerability is an unprecedented power in personal and political life, social and cultural life, and not least in religion. It is therefore not surprising that it has become a key concept in international, interdisciplinary research in recent decades. At least since the 1980s, it has resulted in an enormous number of scientific publications in almost all scientific disciplines. For Christian theology, this has particular significance because of the doctrine of the Incarnation: when God becomes human in Jesus Christ, God risks being wounded. Christianity ascribes salvific significance to this path into vulnerability. But what significance does this have for interdisciplinary discourse beyond theology? What can theology contribute to interdisciplinary vulnerability research? The starting point for the following considerations is a specific point in vulnerability discourse: the new dispositive of vulnerability that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. It made vulnerability an important argument in social, political, and religious debates. The vulnerability paradox is particularly important in this context. This paradox holds that strategies designed to protect against certain dangers paradoxically intensify the damage if that damage nevertheless occurs. Theology can supplement this paradox, which is highly destructive, with a paradox that in turn promotes and strengthens life: the expenditure paradox that says that creation can occur by means of loss.

How different religiosity facets affect materialism, hedonistic shopping values, and compulsive buying: Toward mediation‐moderation effects

AbstractThis study offers interdisciplinary theoretical discussion connecting consumer behavior, values, self‐regulation, self‐determination, and religiosity concepts, and develops a conceptual model of the effects of consumer religiosity on compulsive buying. Complex sequential mediational mechanisms are investigated, involving the effects of unique religiosity facets on compulsive buying through materialistic values and hedonistic shopping values. Results show that intrinsic religiosity is negatively related with materialistic and hedonistic shopping values and compulsive buying, while the social extrinsic religiosity and personal extrinsic religiosity are positively related with these consumer values and the resulting compulsive buying. Compared with prior research, this study examines the three religiosity facets separately. This work also identifies the moderating role of gender, with all facets of religiosity exhibiting stronger relationships for women as compared with men. Theoretical and practical implications for consumers, policy makers, and marketers focus on the importance of maintenance of intrinsic religiosity orientation in personal life.

Does the Media’s Partisanship Influence News Coverage on Artificial Intelligence Issues? Media Coverage Analysis on Artificial Intelligence Issues

This study aims to analyze news coverage on artificial intelligence (AI) issues and highlight the characteristics and differences in reporting based on media partisanship. By examining AI-related news in the South Korean media, this study reveals how conservative and progressive outlets frame the issue differently. The analysis found that conservative media coverage predominantly focuses on positive aspects, emphasizing development value frames such as the benefits and societal progress brought by AI. In contrast, progressive media often highlight crisis value frames, focusing on issues like side effects, ethical concerns, and legislation surrounding AI. These partisan differences reflect fundamental societal priorities and influence public discourse and policy agendas. Understanding media framing is crucial for fostering informed public dialogue on the societal significance of AI and promoting evidence-based decision-making. By recognizing partisan biases and critically evaluating media coverage, citizens can engage in constructive discourse beyond ideological divides. This study underscores the role of the media in promoting interdisciplinary discussions about the future trajectory of AI and in preparing society for its impacts. Ultimately, evidence-based public discourse is essential for shaping responsible AI policies and mitigating potential risks in the digital age.

Looking at things strangely: Defamiliarisation as a design approach for media literacy education

Design methods have long been proposed as educational devices and, increasingly, as approaches for engaging with societal issues. While media, cultural and political narratives continue to debate best practices for challenging disinformation, with some countries embedding media literacy within formal education, this article speculates on how design approaches might be repurposed for media literacy education. Drawing on theories of defamiliarisation from creative practice and design research, the article postulates graphic design’s intrinsic communicative nature as a potential approach for engaging with media literacy. By interweaving diverse academic discussions, alongside case studies, the article scrutinizes defamiliarisation’s efficacy, alongside graphic design, as a research and pedagogical tool, foregrounding innovative design strategies that may be responsive to contemporary media literacy challenges. In doing so, the article speculates how such practices might be combined, leveraged, and repurposed as educational tools for media literacy, as well as for future interdisciplinary discussions and social design research.

Gaining Traction on Social Aspects of E-Biking: A Scoping Review

E-biking is alluring for its various physical, environmental, and financial benefits and the ability to travel farther and faster, and being physically easier to ride than astride an analog (traditional) bicycle. E-bikes are also a source of controversy, especially in places where analog bicycles have been allowed but e-bikes represent a “slippery slope” of technology permissions and/or in situations where the function of e-bikes may increase concerns about safety. Despite an increase in use and conversation about such use, academic literature focused on e-bikes’ social aspects remains sparse. The objective of this work is to describe the existing literature on the characteristics of social aspects of e-biking, particularly in leisure contexts. Analyzing the literature on e-bike social research is crucial considering e-bikes’ rapid rise in popularity and potential effects on access, inclusion, leisure, and sustainability. As e-bike prevalence and use increases worldwide, it is important to understand what topics characterize the existing e-bike literature, and, particularly in leisure-focused studies, to ascertain where studies may lend insight toward aims of inclusive and sustainable access, and related policy considerations. The Integrated Recreation Amenities Framework (IRAF) provides a conceptual framework for considering this question, as it focuses on the topical, spatial, and temporal scales of outdoor leisure-related activities toward sustainable conditions and explicitly provides an opportunity for emergent and case-specific factors to be considered alongside established ones. In this work, we explore the following: (1) How are e-bikes discussed across disciplines? and (2) How are e-bikes discussed in leisure-focused articles? Using a scoping review approach, we analyzed a corpus of 279 peer-reviewed articles relevant to the social aspects of e-bikes. Primarily using the IRAF for conceptual framing, our results center the geographies and contexts, topical areas, interdisciplinarity, and emergent additional social considerations of e-biking in general and in leisure-specific studies. The results enable us to connect interdisciplinary topic discussions and suggest where foundational and connective studies are warranted. This can inform decision making related to e-bike adoption, encourage multi-scalar thinking, and extend interdisciplinary research.

“Nothing about Us without Us” Meets the “All Teach, All Learn” Model: Autistic Self-Advocates as Leaders and Collaborators in Project ECHO

Those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), especially autism, represent an often misunderstood and underserved population. In order to address health disparities faced by those with I/DD in Washington state, the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (Project ECHO) model was implemented to build capacity to serve these individuals and their families in their home communities. Through this year-long telementorship and learning community, expert teams lead clinics based on interdisciplinary case-based discussion and knowledge sharing with medical, behavioral, and mental healthcare providers. A cornerstone of these expert teams are autistic self-advocates, who provide insight into lived experience. In this paper, we will discuss how the inclusion of six autistic self-advocates across four different ECHO programs has allowed ECHO participants to broaden their horizons and gain new insight into supports for their I/DD clients across multiple aspects of care. In addition to the unique knowledge provided by self-advocates, their participation illustrates the potential for all people with I/DD to live rich and fulfilling lives. The initial implementation and on-going success of including lived experience within the ECHO model can be used as an example of how to create partnerships that meaningfully inform decisions and improve equitable outcomes in service provision.

Biomarker-stratified first-line treatment of right-sided metastatic colon cancer with interdisciplinary collaboration in the IVOPAK II trial.

Patients with right-sided metastatic colon carcinoma have a significantly worse prognosis than those with left-sided colorectal cancer (CRC), regardless of treatment. The aim of the prospective IVOPAK II study was to implement an interdisciplinary guideline-conform personalized CRC palliative therapy of metastatic colorectal carcinoma and to improve the overall survival (OS) by multidisciplinary approach via secondary metastatic resection. We present the efficacy data of first-line treatment and the benefit of interdisciplinary collaboration of right-sided metastatic colon carcinoma patients: n = 25. RAS mutation: n = 20 (80%): received systemic first-line treatment: FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab. All-RAS-wildtype: n = 5 (20%): received systemic first-line treatment: FOLFIRI plus cetuximab. Last date evaluation: 31 January 2024. Median age: 59.6 years (range 42-71), men/women: 14/11. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) index: 0/1/2 : 11/10/4. Evaluable for response: n = 25. Complete response: n = 0, partial response: n = 14 (56%), stable disease: n = 8 (32%), progressive disease: n = 3 (12%), early tumor shrinkage: n = 13 (52%), estimates progression-free survival: 13 months (95% CI 8-17 months), estimated OS: 48 months (95% CI 25-71 months), median follow-up: 26 months (1-61 months), no evidence of disease: n = 4 (16%). A chemotherapy doublette regimen with FOLFIRI plus a biological as first-line treatment shows promising efficacy and secondary metastatic resection after interdisciplinary discussion was associated with a survival benefit in right-sided metastatic colon carcinoma.

Evaluation of score-based tertiary triage policies during the COVID-19 pandemic: simulation study with real-world intensive care data.

The explicit prohibition of discontinuing intensive care unit (ICU) treatment that has already begun by the newly established German Triage Act in favor of new patients with better prognoses (tertiary triage) under crisis conditions may prevent saving as many patients as possible and therefore may violate the international well-accepted premise of undertaking the "best for the most" patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities set up lockdown measures and infection-prevention strategies to avoid an overburdened health-care system. In cases of situational overload of ICU resources, when transporting options are exhausted, the question of atertiary triage of patients arises. We provide data-driven analyses of score- and non-score-based tertiary triage policies using simulation and real-world electronic health record data in aCOVID-19 setting. Ten different triage policies, for example, based on the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPSII), are compared based on the resulting mortality in the ICU and inferential statistics. Our study shows that score-based tertiary triage policies outperform non-score-based tertiary triage policies including compliance with the German Triage Act. Based on our simulation model, aSAPSII score-based tertiary triage policy reduces mortality in the ICU by up to 18percentage points. The longer the queue of critical care patients waiting for ICU treatment and the larger the maximum number of patients subject to tertiary triage, the greater the effect on the reduction of mortality in the ICU. ASAPSII score-based tertiary triage policy was superior in our simulation model. Random allocation or "first come, first served" policies yield the lowest survival rates, as will adherence to the new German Triage Act. An interdisciplinary discussion including an ethical and legal perspective is important for the social interpretation of our data-driven results.

Disappearance of femoral head shortly after femoral neck fracture: a case report and literature review.

This case report describes a woman in her 70s who presented with a 3-month history of hip pain and inability to walk. Upon admission, she was diagnosed with the extremely rare condition of complete femoral head disappearance. A comprehensive examination was conducted to determine the cause and devise an effective treatment strategy, taking the patient's medical history into account. Through interdisciplinary discussions, occult infection and other potential causes were ruled out. The femoral head disappearance was ultimately determined to be due to wear, ischemia, and absorption following a fracture. After informing the patient of the diagnosis and treatment plan, total hip arthroplasty was proposed. This case highlights the rarity and severity of femoral head disappearance in patients with femoral neck fractures, emphasizing the effectiveness of total hip arthroplasty and appropriate joint prostheses in managing such cases. This case has significant implications for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and complication prevention. The report also discusses the causes of acquired femoral head disappearance, relevant diagnostic assessments, and alternative treatment options.

Pattern Theory of Selflessness: How Meditation May Transform the Self-Pattern

For many centuries, scholars and philosophers from wisdom traditions in different cultures have reported and discussed non-self states of consciousness. These states can be both short-term (state, transitory) and long-term (trait, lasting) conditions. However, in psychology, the importance of a healthy self is usually emphasized, and some theorists have dismissed the idea of “selfless” modes of functioning. This disagreement hinders further empirical progress in the study of self and the way it might be affected by meditation. This paper addresses this issue by providing an interdisciplinary conceptual discussion, grounded in the pattern theory of self (PTS). According to PTS, what we call “self” is a complex pattern of dynamically related constituent processes, which include embodied, experiential (prereflective), affective, psychological/cognitive, reflective, narrative, intersubjective, ecological, and normative processes. We propose that Buddhist and secular meditative practices induce a reorganization of the self-pattern, allowing individuals to experience a “selfless” state, both temporarily and persistently. We then put forward a heuristic model, the pattern theory of selflessness (PTSL), possibly experienced through meditation practices. The proposed PTSL model consists of six transformations that contribute to self-pattern reorganization in a nonlinear and iterative manner: consolidating and integrating the self-pattern; cultivating concentration and present-moment awareness; cultivating mindful awareness; self-deconstruction (non-self) states; self-flexibility; and self-liberation as a trait. This conceptual analysis and integrative view contributes to the growing field of consciousness and contemplative research by advancing the contemporary understanding of non-self experience and its relation to Buddhist and secular meditation. The proposed model serves as a basis for interdisciplinary efforts to guide empirical research in this area.