Research Institute Research Articles

Smart investment framework for energy resilience: A case study of a campus microgrid research facility

Energy resilience is a vital consideration for ensuring the survivability of modern infrastructure systems. Achieving 100% resilience, however, is often impractical and economically burdensome. In this paper, we propose a smart investment framework that enables decision-makers to determine optimal investments in energy resilience based on available resources and desired levels of resilience. To illustrate the effectiveness of this framework, we present a case study of a campus microgrid research and testing facility. Using a real-time simulation approach conducted with Typhoon Hardware In Loop (HIL), we evaluate the performance of the microgrid system over 24 hours following 4 historically significant hurricanes that have affected Louisiana in the past few years. The microgrid is designed to power local loads during outages, providing an effective solution for enhancing energy resilience. Real solar data collected from our 1.1 Megawatt (MW) solar facility on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus is integrated into the simulation, enabling a realistic evaluation of the system’s performance under hurricane-induced disruptions. By employing the proposed smart investment framework, decision-makers can better identify and address resilience challenges. The framework facilitates informed investment decisions by considering available resources and aligning them with the desired level of resilience. This approach avoids over-investment in unnecessary redundancy while ensuring critical systems are adequately protected. Our research contributes to the field by demonstrating the practicality and benefits of a smart investment framework for energy resilience in a real-world scenario. The case study of the campus microgrid research facility provides valuable insights for decision-makers in similar contexts, highlighting the potential of this framework to guide resilient energy infrastructure planning and investment strategies.

Cost effectiveness analysis of a fixed dose combination pill for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease from an individual participant data meta-analysis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to impart a large burden on the global population, especially in lower income countries where affordability limits the use of cardiovascular medicines. A fixed dose combination strategy of at least 2 blood pressure lowering medications and a statin with aspirin in a single pill has been shown to reduce the risk of incident CVD by 38% in primary prevention in a recent meta-analysis. We report the in-trial (median follow-up: 5 years) cost-effectiveness of a fixed dose combination (FDC) pill in different income groups based on data from that meta-analysis. Countries were categorized using World Bank economic groups: Lower Middle Income Countries (LMIC), Upper Middle Income Countries (UMIC) and High Income Countries (HIC). Country specific costs were obtained for hospitalized events, procedures, and non-study medications (2020 USD). FDC price was based on the cheapest equivalent substitute (CES) for each component. For the CES-FDC pill versus control the difference in cost was $346 (95% CI: $294-$398) per participant in Lower Middle Income Countries, $838 (95% CI: $781-$895) in Upper Middle Income Countries and $42 (95% CI:-$155 to $239) (cost-neutral) in High Income Countries. During the study period the CES-FDC pill was associated with incremental gain in quality-adjusted life years of 0.06 (95% CI: 0.04-0.08) resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $5767 (95% CI: 5735-$5799), $13,937 (95% CI: $13,893-$14,041) and $700 (95% CI: $662-$738) respectively. In subgroups analyses, the highest 10 years CVD risk subgroup had ICERs of $2033, $7322 and-$6000/QALY. A FDC pill produced at CES costs is cost-neutral in HIC. Governments of LMI and UMI countries should assess these results based on the ICER threshold accepted in their own country and own specific health care priorities but should consider prioritizing this strategy for patients with high 10 years CVD risk as a first step. Population Health Research Institute.

Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a digital guided self-management intervention to support transition from intensive care to community care in anorexia nervosa (TRIANGLE): pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation

There is uncertainty regarding how best to support patients with anorexia nervosa following inpatient or day care treatment. This study evaluated the impact of augmenting intensive treatment with a digital, guided, self-management intervention (ECHOMANTRA) for patients with anorexia nervosa and their carers. In this pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation, patients with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa, aged 16+ and attending one of the 31 inpatient or day-patient services in the UK were randomised with one of their carers to receive ECHOMANTRA plus treatment as usual (TAU), or TAU alone. ECHOMANTRA was hosted on a digital platform and included a workbook, recovery-oriented video-clips and online facilitated groups (patients only, carers only, joint patient-carer). Participants were randomised on a 1:1 ratio using a minimisation algorithm to stratify by site (N=31) and severity (defined by BMI <15 and≥15kg/m2 at baseline). The primary outcome was patient depression, anxiety, and stress at 12months. Primary and secondary outcomes were compared between trial arms on an intention-to-treat basis (ITT). This trial is registered with the ISRSTN registry, ISRCTN14644379. Between July 01, 2017 and July 20, 2020, 371 patient-carer dyads were enrolled and randomly assigned to ECHOMANTRA+TAU (N=185) or TAU alone (N=186). There were no significant differences between trial arms with regards to the primary outcome (completed by N=143 patients in the TAU group, Mean=61.7, SD=29.4 and N=109 patients in the ECHOMANTRA+TAU group, Mean=58.3, SD=26.9; estimated mean difference 0.48 points; 95% CI-5.36 to 6.33; p=0.87). Differences on secondary outcomes were small and non-significant (standardised effect size estimates ≤0.25). Five patients died (2 from suicide and 3 from physical complications) over the course of the trial, and this was unrelated to their participation in the study. ECHOMANTRA added to TAU was not superior to TAU alone in reducing patient depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. This may be explained by limited engagement with the intervention materials and changes in usual care practices since the beginning of the trial. National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), under its Health Technology Assessment Programme (HTA) Programme (Grant Reference Number 14/68/09). NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, and King's College London. NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South London (NIHR ARC South London) at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Performance of Structured Packing for the Deuterated Water Distillation Process at Above Atmospheric Pressure

The National Research and Development Institute for Cryogenics and Isotopic Technologies (ICSI) was established in 1970 for research focused the industrial pilot plant. ICSI was created with the purpose of developing the heavy water production technology needed mainly for the operation of the CANDU reactors that equip the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant in Romania. This technology has been demonstrated and has been successfully transferred to the heavy water production plant. The accumulated experience in the field of isotopic separation allowed for the development of a second pilot plant, also for the purpose of heavy water, but this time for the purpose of separating deuterium and tritium for the recovery of tritium, mainly from the tritiated heavy water of the CANDU reactors. This experimental pilot is based on a technology that combines two hydrogen isotope separation processes: liquid-phase water-hydrogen catalytic isotopic exchange and hydrogen isotope cryogenic distillation. The success of the separation process consists of the technical solution given to the exchange area, its geometry (distillation-isotopic exchange), and last but not least, the performance of the hydrophilic packing, respectively, of the catalyst. Thus, an extensive research program was initiated and carried out over many years for the development of mixed catalytic packages consisting of a hydrophobic Pt/carbon catalyst (with different concentrations of platinum up to 2%) and hydrophilic packing (stainless steel or phosphorous bronze) manufactured within ICSI and made in different configurations (successive layers, random or structured). This program for the improvement of catalytic packages continues by implementing new solutions regarding the improvement of materials that ensure a large contact surface between the liquid and vapors, respectively, vapor and gas, thus increasing the isotopic separation performance. This paper presents an experimental analysis of two types of hydrophilic stainless steel packings developed for the purpose of separating hydrogen isotopes by water distillation to be used in the manufacture of mixed catalytic packages for the catalytic isotopic exchange process. This paper refers to the experiments performed with deuterated water on the hydrophilic packing in conditions of total reflux. The experiments were performed on a column equipped with two types of hydrophilic packing.

Scientific production in sexual and reproductive health and rights research according to gender and affiliation: An analysis of publications from 1972 to 2021.

Peer-reviewed literature is commonly used to assess academic progress and research excellency. However, representation in authorship of global health publications is biased and unfair. In order to shed light on current gaps towards attaining gender equality in scientific production and shift power asymmetries in global health research, we conducted an assessment of authorship trends from 1972 to 2021 with a focus on gender and geographic representation in scientific articles authored or co-authored by researchers affiliated with UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and HRP public reports for publications where at least one author was affiliated with HRP. Our main outcome measures were author gender and location of author affiliation, classified by region and country income group. We used descriptive statistics to characterize the publications under analysis as well as the total number of authors from the included papers. We applied a logistic regression model to explore associations between author gender and other characteristics of published articles and a time series analysis to assess how time can influence the inclusion of women as authors in a publication. Python and R were used for all analyses. A total of 1,484 publications with 14,424 listed authors representing 5,950 unique authors were included in our analysis: 42.5% were female, 35.1% male, and 22.4% unknown (p<0.0001). First authorship was more likely female (56.9%) and from a high-income country (74.6%, p<0.0001) while last authorship was mostly male (53.7%) also from a high-income country (82.5%, p<0.0001). Females more frequently published papers using qualitative data (61.4%) and reviews/estimates (59.4%) while men published more case control (70.7%) and randomised controlled studies (53.0%), p<0.0001. The adjusted odds of there being a female author increased 4% for every additional year that passed. While there are more females authoring articles as compared to the past, they are still lagging behind with regards to seniority and prestige. Likewise, female representation is closely tied to what institution they are affiliated with and where that institution is located. Global health research institutions need to actively promote change by ensuring women are included in research and research outputs, giving them opportunities to lead.

Determination of genomic regions associated with early storage root formation and bulking in cassava

Early cassava storage root formation and bulking is a medium of escape that farmers and processors tend to adopt in cases of abiotic and biotic stresses like drought, flood, and destruction by domestic animals. In this study, 220 cassava genotypes from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), local farmers (from farmer’s field), and NextGen project were evaluated in three locations (Umudike, Benue, and Ikenne). The trials were laid out using a split plot in a randomized incomplete block design (alpha lattice) with two replications in 2 years. The storage roots for each plant genotype were sampled or harvested at 3, 6, 9, and 12 month after planting (MAP). All data collected were analyzed using the R-statistical package. The result showed moderate to high heritability among the traits, and there were significant differences (p&amp;lt; 0.05) among the performances of the genotypes. The genome-wide association mapping using the BLINK model detected 45 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers significantly associated with the four early storage root bulking and formation traits on Chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17, and 18. A total of 199 putative candidate genes were found to be directly linked to early storage root bulking and formation. The functions of these candidate genes were further characterized to regulate i) phytohormone biosynthesis, ii) cellular growth and development, and iii) biosynthesis of secondary metabolites for accumulation of starch and defense. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) also revealed the presence of four pleiotropic SNPs, which control starch content, dry matter content, dry yield, and bulking and formation index. The information on the GWAS could be used to develop improved cassava cultivars by breeders. Five genotypes (W940006, NR090146, TMS982123, TMS13F1060P0014, and NR010161) were selected as the best early storage root bulking and formation genotypes across the plant age. These selected cultivars should be used as sources of early storage root bulking and formation in future breeding programs.

An Overview of Lean Six Sigma management applications in research animals facilities

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is recognized as a continuous improvement methodology that enhances operational processes by reducing waste, variability, and costs, while increasing the quality of products and services. Originating in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, it has been implemented in healthcare over the past three decades to improve operational performance, costs and excellence. In animal research facilities, LSS was first reported at Seattle Children’s Hospital, where tools and methods were applied in administrative and research support services. The objective of this study was to characterize the current knowledge regarding the application of LSS tools in animal research facilities, identifying the benefits and limitations of these practices. A database search identified 227 publications, of which 11 were selected. The results showed that LSS has notable applicability and should be incorporated associated with initiatives for cultural and organizational change despite limitations as resistance to implementation and difficulty in sustainment the gains.

Research hotspots and development trends of K-12 engineering education research: Bibliometric analysis based on CiteSpace

To comprehensively assess the impact of K-12 engineering education research (K-12 EER) and provide insights to stakeholders and policymakers, this study uses the scientometric analysis software CiteSpace to evaluate recent advances in K-12 EER. A search of 885 articles from the Web of Science Core Collection was conducted. This study analyzed publication trends, authors, countries, and research institutions to determine the trajectory of the K-12 EER. In addition, keyword co-occurrence and clustering maps were generated to identify major hotspots, and keyword burst detection was used to demonstrate development trends. The analysis reveals that global interest in the K-12 EER is growing, and the results are accumulating rapidly. However, cooperation between universities, institutions, experts, and scholars must be strengthened. Current significant topics in K-12 EER focus on the practical form of engineering education, its impact on learners, the centrality of engineering design, and teachers' professional development. Research frontiers primarily revolve around the nature of engineering. Future research efforts should promote the systematic integration of K-12 engineering education through the learning process, develop comprehensive measurement tools to assess its impact on learners, and expand research on teachers’ professional development in K-12 engineering education.

Predicting Driving Cessation Among Cognitively Normal Older Drivers: The Role of Alzheimer Disease Biomarkers and Clinical Assessments.

With the aging US population and increasing incidence of Alzheimer disease (AD), understanding factors contributing to driving cessation among older adults is crucial for clinicians. Driving is integral for maintaining independence and functional mobility, but the risk factors for driving cessation, particularly in the context of normal aging and preclinical AD, are not well understood. We studied a well-characterized community cohort to examine factors associated with driving cessation. This prospective, longitudinal observation study enrolled participants from the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center and The DRIVES Project. Participants were enrolled if they were aged 65 years or older, drove weekly, and were cognitively normal (Clinical Dementia Rating [CDR] = 0) at baseline. Participants underwent annual clinical, neurologic, and neuropsychological assessments, including β-amyloid PET imaging and CSF (Aβ42, total tau [t-Tau], and phosphorylated tau [p-Tau]) collection every 2-3 years. The primary outcome was time from baseline visit to driving cessation, accounting for death as a competing risk. The cumulative incidence function of driving cessation was estimated for each biomarker. The Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard model was used to examine the association between time to driving cessation and biomarkers adjusting for clinical and demographic covariates. Among the 283 participants included in this study, there was a mean follow-up of 5.62 years. Driving cessation (8%) was associated with older age, female sex, progression to symptomatic AD (CDR ≥0.5), and poorer performance on a preclinical Alzheimer cognitive composite (PACC) score. Aβ PET imaging did not independently predict driving cessation, whereas CSF biomarkers, specifically t-Tau/Aβ42 (hazard ratio [HR] 2.82, 95% CI 1.23-6.44, p = 0.014) and p-Tau/Aβ42 (HR 2.91, 95% CI 1.28-6.59, p = 0.012) ratios, were independent predictors in the simple model adjusting for age, education, and sex. However, in the full model, progression to cognitive impairment based on the CDR and PACC score across each model was associated with a higher risk of driving cessation, whereas AD biomarkers were not statistically significant. Female sex, CDR progression, and neuropsychological measures of cognitive functioning obtained in the clinic were strongly associated with future driving cessation. The results emphasize the need for early planning and conversations about driving retirement in the context of cognitive decline and the immense value of clinical measures in determining functional outcomes.

The neurophysiological brain-fingerprint of Parkinson’s disease

Research in healthy young adults shows that characteristic patterns of brain activity define individual "brain-fingerprints" that are unique to each person. However, variability in these brain-fingerprints increases in individuals with neurological conditions, challenging the clinical relevance and potential impact of the approach. Our study shows that brain-fingerprints derived from neurophysiological brain activity are associated with pathophysiological and clinical traits of individual patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). We created brain-fingerprints from task-free brain activity recorded through magnetoencephalography in 79 PD patients and compared them with those from two independent samples of age-matched healthy controls (N=424 total). We decomposed brain activity into arrhythmic and rhythmic components, defining distinct brain-fingerprints for each type from recording durations of up to 4min and as short as 30s. The arrhythmic spectral components of cortical activity in patients with Parkinson's disease are more variable over short periods, challenging the definition of a reliable brain-fingerprint. However, by isolating the rhythmic components of cortical activity, we derived brain-fingerprints that distinguished between patients and healthy controls with about 90% accuracy. The most prominent cortical features of the resulting Parkinson's brain-fingerprint are mapped to polyrhythmic activity in unimodal sensorimotor regions. Leveraging these features, we also demonstrate that Parkinson's symptom laterality can be decoded directly from cortical neurophysiological activity. Furthermore, our study reveals that the cortical topography of the Parkinson's brain-fingerprint aligns with that of neurotransmitter systems affected by the disease's pathophysiology. The increased moment-to-moment variability of arrhythmic brain-fingerprints challenges patient differentiation and explains previously published results. We outline patient-specific rhythmic brain signaling features that provide insights into both the neurophysiological signature and symptom laterality of Parkinson's disease. Thus, the proposed definition of a rhythmic brain-fingerprint of Parkinson's disease may contribute to novel, refined approaches to patient stratification. Symmetrically, we discuss how rhythmic brain-fingerprints may contribute to the improved identification and testing of therapeutic neurostimulation targets. Data collection and sharing for this project was provided by the Quebec Parkinson Network (QPN), the Pre-symptomatic Evaluation of Novel or Experimental Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease (PREVENT-AD; release 6.0) program, the Cambridge Centre for Aging Neuroscience (Cam-CAN), and the Open MEG Archives (OMEGA). The QPN is funded by a grant from Fonds de Recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS). PREVENT-AD was launched in 2011 as a $13.5 million, 7-year public-private partnership using funds provided by McGill University, the FRQS, an unrestricted research grant from Pfizer Canada, the Levesque Foundation, the Douglas Hospital Research Centre and Foundation, the Government of Canada, and the Canada Fund for Innovation. The Brainstorm project is supported by funding to SB from the NIH (R01-EB026299-05). Further funding to SB for this study included a Discovery grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada of Canada (436355-13), and the CIHR Canada research Chair in Neural Dynamics of Brain Systems (CRC-2017-00311).

Properties of Ni-B/B Composite Coatings Produced by the Electroless Method under Semi-Technical Line Conditions

Composite coatings have been successfully fabricated at the laboratory scale in many research centers around the world; however, it is still a major challenge to transfer the positive results of the work to the industrial scale. This paper presents the technology for the production of Ni-B and Ni-B/B composite coatings on a pilot experimental semi-technical line by chemical reduction. A process scheme for the fabrication of Ni-B layers and composite coatings with a nickel–boron matrix and a dispersive phase in the form of boron nanoparticles was developed. All stages of the fabrication process were described in detail. The dispersion phase of the boron particles was characterized, and the performance properties of the Ni-B and Ni-B/B composite coatings produced on a pilot electroplating line were studied. The structure and morphology of the Ni-B/B composite coatings were characterized for comparison with nickel–boron coatings. Their mechanical and tribological properties and adhesion to the substrate were studied. The influence of the dispersion phase of boron particles on the structure and functional properties of the composite coatings was evaluated. In order to improve the performance of the fabricated coatings, a heating process at 400 °C was carried out, and the performance of Ni-B and composite Ni-B/B coatings was studied after the heat treatment operation.

IMMU-22. B7-H3 NANOBODY CAR-T AND SOLUBLE TREM2 GENETICALLY ENGINEERED MYELOID CELL THERAPY IN MURINE SYNGENEIC GLIOBLASTOMA

Abstract BACKGROUND Myeloid immunosuppression can be a major impediment to CAR-T cell therapy for CNS tumors. Importantly, CAR-T cells are often evaluated in immunocompromised mice which cannot accurately recapitulate the tumor immune response or tumor microenvironment. CNS tumor macrophages express TREM2, an important driver of immunosuppression. This study combines B7-H3 targeting nanobody CAR-T cells which are cross reactive in humans and mice (currently being evaluated for clinical development) with genetically engineered myeloid cells (GEMys) expressing soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) in a syngeneic mouse model of glioblastoma (GBM), with the aim of blocking TREM2-mediated immunosuppression to enhance CAR-T cell function. METHODS Syngeneic murine GBM, designed to mimic human GBM and generated at the Center for Advanced Preclinical Research (CAPR), was used for all studies. B7-H3 nanobody CAR-T cells were generated from mouse splenic T cells. In vitro tumor killing assays were performed by xCELLigence. sTREM2 GEMys were generated from bone marrow progenitor cells using lentiviral transduction. For in vivo studies, mice underwent orthotopic implantation of tumors and placement of an MRI-compatible, permanent catheter-port system for serial intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of cell therapies. Mice were treated with CAR-T and/or GEMy therapies, evaluated weekly for tumor burden by MRI, and were monitored for survival. RESULTS Syngeneic GBM expression of B7-H3 was confirmed by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and western blot. B7-H3 nanobody CAR-T cells demonstrated effective killing of GBM by xCELLigence. sTREM2 GEMys were successfully generated and confirmed to produce sTREM2. Cell therapies were successfully infused ICV via the implanted catheter-port system, demonstrating safety and feasibility of this model for serial ICV cellular therapy. CONCLUSIONS B7-H3 nanobody CAR-T cells were validated against syngeneic GBM, and we have demonstrated safety and feasibility of ICV catheter administration of cellular therapies in vivo. Future studies will continue to evaluate in vivo timing and efficacy of CAR-T and GEMy therapy.

Sex and age distribution of the Hyperostosis frontalis interna (based on skulls analysis of tra-ditional societies in Eurasia)

Hyperostosis frontalis interna is an overgrowth on the inner surface of the frontal bone [Hershkovitz et al., 1999]. HFI is accompanied by hormonal and metabolic disorders usually [Hershkovitz et al., 1999]. The rate of HFI in historical groups is low (1–4 %) compared to the modern population, where the incidence of HFI can reach 70 % [Kolyasnikova, Buzhilova, 2023; Barber et al., 1997]. In the modern population, HFI is more common for women, predominantly elderly, which, at first glance, is explained by the general increase in women's life expectancy and the accumulation of various chronic pathologies in old age, including those related to metabolism. To examine the distribution of the HFI trait by sex and age, craniological material from representatives of traditional societies of farmers, hunters, nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralists living in different climatic zones was studied. Craniological series were divided into three main groups: inhabitants of the Arctic and subarctic, temperate and continental climatic zones. A total of 1912 skulls were studied from the funds of the Research Institute and the Museum of Anthropology of Moscow State University [Alexe-eva et al., 1986]. As a result, using the example of 4 traditional groups from three climatic zones, it was shown that the sign of frontal internal hyperostosis is equally pronounced in both women and men, regardless of ethnic origin, place of residence and type of activity. The age-related increase in the frequency of hyperostosis, taking into account gender, does not give a clear trend in all groups obtained from the analysis of combined samples, which can be explained by the relatively small number of HFI observations in individual subgroups. The pattern of distribution of the trait of frontal internal hyperostosis in the modern population, where the trait is more common in older women, does not correlate with the distribution of HFI in the population adapted to environmental conditions. The results obtained suggest that in tradi-tional societies that have been selected for factors of conditions and lifestyle, regardless of their origin, the distribution of the trait of frontal internal hyperostosis will demonstrate a natural profile that is most adequate to their lifestyle and diet.

ОЦЕНКА БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ И ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ МЕТОДИКИ МОБИЛИЗАЦИИ И СБОРА ГЕМОПОЭТИЧЕСКИХ СТВОЛОВЫХ КЛЕТОК У ДЕТЕЙ РАЗНЫХ ВОЗРАСТНЫХ ГРУПП СО ЗЛОКАЧЕСТВЕННЫМИ НОВООБРАЗОВАНИЯМИ: ОПЫТ ОДНОГО ЦЕНТРА

High dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) is used currently as a consolidating stage in cancer treatment protocols for children from different age groups with various malignant neoplasms. Auto-HSCT can improve both progression-free survival and overall survival of such patients. At the same time the optimization of the collection of autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) seems to be an important factor in the successful implementation of auto-HSCT. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the HSCs mobilization and collection method in children from different age groups with various malignancies. Materials and methods used: a single-center retrospective cohort study of 258 pediatric patients (median body weight 20.0 [13.8; 42.0] (7.0-95.0) kg and median height 116 [97; 155] (55.0-189) cm) with various cancers aged 1 to 18 y/o (median 78.0 [36; 144] (3-215) months old) who received treatment in Jan. 2020-Jan. 2023 at the Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology named after Academician L.A. Durnov with the N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center (Moscow, Russia). Patients were divided into 3 age groups: younger than 1 y/o, 1 to 10 y/o and 11 to 18 y/o. Results: 242 (93.8%) of HSC apheresis procedures were successful on the first attempt, 16 patients underwent repeated apheresis (a total of 274 procedures were performed). The median number of CD34+ cells obtained was 110.95 [45.6; 276.4] (0.70-2338.2) cells/µl, median apheresis duration was 253.5 [189; 338] (82-575) min. No serious complications were observed during the HSCs mobilization and collection in any patient. None of the patients developed hemodynamic disturbances. The main criteria for effectiveness was the CD34+/kg level, the median of which was 5.1 [2.4; 12.7] (0.01-95.6)•106. One of the safety criteria for the patients from all the three age groups was the absence of hemodynamic disorders and citrate reactions in the form of numbness, cyanosis of the skin and respiratory disorders. Another important safety criteria were the absence of a significant decrease in both platelet and hemoglobin levels. The median platelet levels prior to the procedure was 125.5 [68; 210] (14.0-815)•109/l and 129 [73; 210] (17.0-823)•109/l at the end of the procedure (p&lt;0.001). Hemoglobin levels before and after the procedure were 100 [94; 110] (75-242) g/l and 99 [93; 109] (70-142) g/l, respectively (p&lt;0.001). Considering it safe to reduce hemoglobin (g/l) and/or platelets (•109/l) by no more than 10 units in each measurement, in 87.6±4.1% (83.0-91.1) of observed cases the procedure was safe without statistically significant differences in all age groups. The effectiveness of the HSCs mobilization and collection method proposed by the Authors in children of the older age group (11 to 18 y/o) was the lowest and was statistically significantly different from the effectiveness in the group of children aged 1 to 10 y/o (p&lt;0.001) with cancer and amounted to 84.5±4.4% (79.6-88.4). Conclusion: with the multidisciplinary team of practitioners, HSC apheresis in children is a safe and effective technique used as part of the complex cancer treatment in patients from poor prognosis groups. The apheresis algorithm that the Authors have proposed allows high-quality collection of CD34+ positive cells in amounts sufficient for further auto-HSCT.

КЛИНИЧЕСКОЕ ЗНАЧЕНИЕ РЕАКТИВАЦИИ ГЕРПЕСВИРУСНЫХ ИНФЕКЦИЙ У ДЕТЕЙ С ОНКОЛОГИЧЕСКИМИ ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЯМИ

Herpesvirus infection (HVI) reactivation in children with cancer is a common complication during the period of postcytostatic immunosuppression and occurs mostly after courses of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Clinical manifestations can range from asymptomatic viral reactivation and chemo-induced cytopenia worsening to fatal outcomes of the disease coupled with multiorgan involvement. The purpose of the research was to analyze cases of HVI reactivation in oncological pediatric patients in order to identify the risk factors for HVI development, features of its clinical manifestations and the effectiveness of antiviral therapy. Materials and methods used: a single-center retrospective cohort study was provided. The register of HVI reactivation cases in patients receiving antitumor therapy at the V.A. Almazov National Medical Research Centre of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia (Saint Petersburg, Russia) in Jan. 2017-Jul. 2021 was analyzed. Routine monitoring of HVI reactivation (CMV, HHV-6A/B, EBV) included determination of viral DNA in patients’ biological materials by PCR using the AmpliSens test system on a Rotor-Gene device (amplifier). Results: 40 cases of HVI reactivation were registered, 22 (55%) were associated with cytomegalovirus infection (CMV), 4 (10%) with human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6A/B), 3 (7.5%) with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and 11 (27.5%) mixed. DNAemia was registered in 55%, organ damage in 45%. More often, reactivation of HVI developed after allogeneic HSCT (alloHSCT) (42,5%), autologous HSCT (autoHSCT) (40%). A statistically significant decrease of HVI reactivation cases was observed in patients after alloHSCT without TCRaβ depletion (53% v. 5,5%, p=0.036). Antiviral therapy was carried out in all patients. The first-line drug most often was ganciclovir (60%). Second line antiviral therapy was required in 10% of cases and those were the only CMV infection cases. Conclusion: a statistically significant decrease of HVI reactivation cases was observed in patients without TCRaβ depletion in alloHSCT. The clinical signs usually are not specific and require routine laboratory monitoring. Adequate antiviral therapy allowed achieving infectious control over HVI in most of the cases.

ПЕРЕВОД И МЕЖКУЛЬТУРНАЯ АДАПТАЦИЯ «ИНСТРУМЕНТА СКРИНИНГА ТРУДНОСТЕЙ С КОРМЛЕНИЕМ/ГЛОТАНИЕМ И НЕДОСТАТОЧНОСТИ ПИТАНИЯ У ДЕТЕЙ С ДЕТСКИМ ЦЕРЕБРАЛЬНЫМ ПАРАЛИЧОМ (FNST)»

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often have feeding and swallowing difficulties, which can lead to malnutrition and low body weight gain and negatively affect growth and development. In order to identify feeding difficulties and malnutrition in children with CP and timely access to specialists, the FNST (Feeding Nutrition Screening Tool) English-language questionnaire has been developed and validated. The purpose of the research was to translate into Russian and carry out a cross-cultural adaptation of the FNST screening tool. Methods used: the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the questionnaire content consisted of seven stages in accordance with the standards of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics Research and Evaluation of Results (ISPOR). Preliminary testing of the pre-final version of the tool was conducted with the participation of 30 parents/caretakers of CP patients and 10 practitioners. The stages of the work were carried out at the National Medical Research Center for Children’s Health, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University and Moscow State Linguistic University (all three are located in Moscow, Russia). The pre-final version was adopted with minor changes. Results: the final Russian-language adapted 4-point screening tool represents a short and simple questionnaire to identify feeding disorders and malnutrition in children with CP aged 2 to 19 y/o and to ensure the possibility of timely dietary intervention. The translation of the questionnaire into Russian and its cross-cultural adaptation have preserved functional, structural and operational equivalence. Conclusion: a Russian-language version of the FNST questionnaire has been created and adapted for screening for eating disorders in children with CP, which is the first necessary step for its further official validation and implementation.

Value Chain in the Production of Sacha Inchi Oil (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Plukenetia volubilis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) in Cuba

The seeds of Sacha Inchi (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Plukenetia volubilis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) contain vitamins, tocopherols and fatty acids, and are a natural source of omegas 3, 6 and 9. The crop was introduced in Cuba in 2016, by the Research Center on Proteic Plants and Bionatural Products (CIPB) and has been extended to currently reach 120 ha. Since 2019, a group from CIPB has been working to extract the oil from the seeds, which has proven nutritional values, pharmacological effects and safety, and also on its marketing. The aim was analyze the results of application of manage model as value chain during the two first years to produce Sacha Inchi oil in Cuba. The management model with a value chain approach, as an organizational innovation, favored the development of completely new products and the use of wastes from the main process, which is extracting the oil. In the different links of the chain, known technologies and process and product innovations have been applied. In the productive and commercial activity, the co-innovation with the National Center for Scientific Research (CNIC) stands out, by achieving a productive chain, which guarantees the production of soft oil capsules, which offers greater reliability and attractive appearance compared to other pharmaceutical forms. Reference is made to the experimental evidence that supports the Standard Operating Procedures, to the economic benefits for national sales and exports, to the social impacts and the environmental perspective. All of the above constitutes a scientific novelty for Cuba, since it is the first time that Sacha Inchi is cultivated, industrial oil is obtained from its seeds and it is marketed in the country.

The Sound/Image Cinema Lab, Long Way Back (dir. Brett Harvey): developing working principles for crewing feature film production with higher education students

Since 2009, students, graduates and staff from the School of Film and Television at Falmouth University in the UK have collaborated with professional partners in the development and production of over 20 short and feature-length narrative and documentary films, within the Sound/Image Cinema Lab research centre. This article makes use of a Sound/Image Cinema Lab co-production with Cornwall-based production company o-region – Long Way Back, directed by Brett Harvey, released in 2022 – as a case study to demonstrate both the successes of, and the challenges faced by, the Lab within a higher education environment. Interviews with staff, students and professional crew participants are used to contextualise the principles of work-integrated learning, and the processes that have sustained institutional support for professionally led film production framed by pedagogic practice.

Technical-scientific production and knowledge networks about medicinal plants and herbal medicines in the Amazon.

This paper explores the role of Brazilian research institutions in the global and national context of study of medicinal plants. Most of these plants have ethnopharmacological use and herbal medicines related to the Amazon. It highlights Brazil's position in scientific production and the importance of Amazonian resources in developing phytomedicines. The study aims to provide an overview of the technical-scientific production of medicinal plants and herbal medicines related to the Amazon, focusing on scientific impact, collaboration, Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of scientific production, and innovation system maturity. The study employs a comprehensive methodological approach, including data collection from Scopus covering the period from 2002 to 2022. The data was cleaned and analyzed using bibliometric and network analysis techniques. Advanced natural language processing techniques, such as Latent Dirichlet Allocation and Jaccard distance measure, were used for TRL classification. The findings reveal a predominant contribution from Brazilian institutions and authors, with 1,850 publications analyzed. Key areas identified include Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmaceuticals, Medicine, and Biochemistry. The study also uncovers various collaborative networks and technological maturity levels, with a significant focus on early-stage development phases. The research concludes that Brazilian institutions, particularly those in the Amazon region, play a significant role in the scientific exploration and development of medicinal plants and herbal medicines. Despite this, countries like the USA were proportionally more productive in clinical trial research. The study underscores the potential of Brazil's rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for neglected diseases. It suggests the need for stronger research systems and international collaboration to leverage these resources for global health benefits.

Co-design of health educational materials with people experiencing homelessness and support workers: a scoping review.

People experiencing homelessness are often marginalised and encounter structural barriers when seeking healthcare. Community-based oral health interventions highlighted the need of well-trained practitioners for the successful engagement of service users and behaviour change. However, a lack of adequate information and specific training has been previously reported. The adoption of inclusive approaches, such as co-design, to develop tailored and meaningful health promotion training and educational materials capable of addressing the specific needs of this group is required. Co-design entails active involvement of different groups in research processes that acknowledge participants' needs and expectations. This scoping review aims to identify the available literature on the participation of people experiencing homelessness and/or their support workers in co-designing health and oral health promotion training/educational materials, approaches adopted, and barriers and enablers to develop these materials. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Scoping Review Methodology informed the development of the scoping review. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework. Six electronic databases (Medline (OVID), PsychInfo (OVID), Scopus, Web of Science, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA) (ProQuest) and CINHAL) were systematically searched using MeSH terms. An extensive grey literature search, consultation with experts and hand searching of reference lists took place. Records were screened independently and in duplicate using the Rayyan Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) online tool, followed by qualitative content analysis involving descriptive data coding. Eight studies/materials were included. Key approaches adopted to co-design, enablers and barriers were captured. The enablers were inclusivity, a safe environment for positive participation, empowerment and flexibility, the barriers were difficulty in recruiting and sustaining participation, power differentials, and limited resources. The evidence in this area is limited. This scoping review provided foundations for further research to examine the impact of different components of the co-design process including the environment in which the co-design process is conducted. Further studies with experimental design and reported using appropriate study design frameworks detailing active components of the co-design process would strengthen the evidence base in this area.