he was ready to believe whatever Kitala's runes said





when they sent children out to gather the shapeliest throwing-stones





the Outer Hebrides of my superstitions,
a cricket behind the couch




listening in on the billionaire's supplicating prayer




the grounds crew moving like impressed sailors in the outfield




resting in the flat-lit meadow
the absolutist and the clouded sulphur butterfly




they were afraid to wake the drunken man on the beach




moving on from fatalistic inevitability
to sharing Dippin' Dots




time traveling on the sun-freckled deer paths of the Shawnee



Bio: Patrick Sweeney is a short-form poet and devotee of the public library.

The Soft Warrior 

You see me standing

before you and

all you see is

softness.

You think my softness

makes me weak

and easy to

control.

Yes, I wear my

heart on my sleeve.

You tell me to

harden my heart.

I tried to harden

my heart.

It felt like toxins

moving through

my body.

So I softened

my heart back.

You say that the

softness in my

eyes and my

face

is weakness.

And that wearing my

heart on my sleeve

is weakness.

I am stronger than

you’ll ever

understand.

And just maybe

my softness is

meant to help soften 

your heart.  

July 26, 2026

Shannon Scoates is a Canadian poet and intuitive writer whose work is rooted in nature, mysticism, and channeled guidance. Influenced by childhood storytellers like Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, as well as poets such as Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou, E.E. Cummings, W.B. Yeats, Robert Frost, and RR Token author Terry Brooks, she began writing at age ten as a way to express emotion and truth. Shannon is also an energy healer trained in Reiki, colour, sound, and vibrational therapy, and she is passionate about helping women find their voice through writing and spiritual connection. A devoted advocate for children’s literature and animal rights, she carries forward the encouragement of her Grampa and Grama, whose spirit continues to guide her creative path. Her first book is currently in development.

DIGITAL AND AI-DERMATOSCOPIC MONITORING OF THE EFFICACY OF BIOLOGICAL THERAPY IN PSORIASIS

Feruza Jumanazar qizi Boymurodova

3rd-year student, Faculty of Medicine

 Karshi State University

ABSTRACT

This thesis analyzes the efficacy of applying AI-dermatoscopy and digital monitoring systems in the treatment of psoriasis with biological agents (monoclonal antibodies). Due to the subjective nature of traditional clinical assessment methods (such as the PASI index), the necessity of utilizing digital technologies to detect microvascular and vascular changes in the skin at an early stage is highlighted. The study results demonstrated that AI-dermatoscopic analysis and digital monitoring allow for an objective evaluation of therapy efficacy 2 weeks earlier than visual signs appear, enabling timely adjustment of the treatment regimen and accurate prediction of the remission period.

Keywords: Psoriasis, medications, AI-dermatoscopy, biological therapy, antibodies, digital monitoring.

INTRODUCTION

Relevance of the topic. In recent years, the use of biological therapy—specifically monoclonal antibodies (IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors)—has represented a major breakthrough in dermatovenerology for the treatment of severe and treatment-resistant forms of psoriasis. These targeted drugs selectively act on the immunopathogenetic cascade of the disease, demonstrating high clinical and laboratory efficacy. While the introduction of biological agents (monoclonal antibodies) plays a crucial role in modern medicine, assessing treatment efficacy with the naked eye does not always yield accurate results. The routinely used PASI index remains subjective and largely dependent on the specialist’s experience. To detect microscopic changes in the skin layers and positive dynamics during the initial weeks of treatment, there is a growing need to utilize dermatoscopy based on modern digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.

 Objective of the study: To demonstrate the accuracy and efficacy of evaluating skin recovery dynamics via AI-dermatoscopy and digital monitoring in psoriasis patients receiving biological therapy (monoclonal antibodies), thereby improving overall treatment outcomes.

Tasks of the study:

To analyze dermatoscopic parameters of the skin in psoriasis patients undergoing monoclonal antibody therapy using an AI neural network.To identify the correlation between AI-dermatoscopic parameters and the traditional PASI index.To evaluate the practical significance of digital monitoring systems in improving treatment compliance and predicting remission periods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 30 patients (18 males, 12 females; aged 18 to 65 years, mean age: 42.5 ± 8.3 years) diagnosed with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis receiving biological therapy (IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors). Affected skin areas were evaluated using a digital dermatoscope at baseline (week 0) and at weeks 2, 4, and 12 of treatment. Images capturing erythema, vascular pattern, and plaque thickness were analyzed using a dedicated AI neural network, complemented by a home-based digital monitoring application.The acquired images (erythema degree, vascular structure, and layer thickness) were analyzed using a specialized AI neural network. Additionally, patients were enrolled in a mobile application monitoring system to capture and send general skin condition images from home.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

AI-assisted dermatoscopic analysis demonstrated early vascular reduction and subclinical resolution of inflammatory features as early as Week 2 in 86.7% (n = 26) of patients, significantly preceding visible clinical improvement. The AI-based quantitative metrics showed a strong positive correlation with traditional PASI scores (r = 0.84, p < 0.001), providing objective, high-sensitivity detection of early therapeutic response and optimizing patient compliance.The developed digital and AI-monitoring approach enables physicians to make timely adjustments to treatment tactics, prevent complications, and achieve medical and social cost-effectiveness by reducing inpatient hospital visits. Furthermore, the digital monitoring system improved patient treatment compliance by reducing the need for frequent clinic visits.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of AI-dermatoscopy and digital monitoring systems in psoriasis patients receiving biological therapy (monoclonal antibodies) provides an objective and precise evaluation of treatment efficacy. The results confirmed that analyzing dermatoscopic images via an artificial intelligence neural network possesses higher sensitivity compared to traditional visual examination and the PASI index. It is recommended to integrate AI-dermatoscopic scanning into clinical practice at dermatovenerology clinics and specialized centers as a mandatory monitoring criterion for patients undergoing biological therapy.

REFERENCES

1.https://med24.uz

2.https://avitsenna.uz

3.Diagnosis of skin diseases through AI programs in dermatology. Journal of Science and Technology.  

4. A. (2009). Skin and Venereal Diseases. Aripov, S. S. (2010). Dermatology Textbook.

Feruza Boymurodova Jumanazar qizi was born on May 22, 2005, in the Kitob district of the Qashqadaryo region. She is currently a student at the Faculty of Medicine at Qarshi State University, actively conducting research at the intersection of medicine and social projects.

She has participated in the “AI Girls Bootcamp” startup program in Tashkent, as well as the “RISE & GLOW” and “Kelajak” platforms. She has served as a volunteer in the “Salomatlik”, “Vitamed”, and “Oltin Qanot” organizations, and took part in the “Eng yaxshi targ‘ibotchi” (Best Promoter) competition. On an international level, she has been accepted into the Argentine Writers’ Union, and her scientific articles have been published in international collections.

In her submitted article, as a future physician and researcher, she places a strong emphasis on strengthening public health, advancing medical knowledge, and addressing pressing issues in practical medicine.

The Questions Children Ask

Our teacher says

every story

should begin

with hope.

I keep wondering

if hope still remembers

the road to our street.

The swing

in the playground

moves only

when the wind comes

looking for children.

My little brother

still asks

whether schools

can grow back

the way trees do

after the rain.

The grown-ups

keep talking

about borders,

victory and history.

Their voices

are so loud

they never hear

the questions children ask.

My friend

used to race me

to the corner shop.

Now,

his football

waits alone

beside a broken wall,

still expecting his feet.

Every night,

my mother counts us

before she sleeps.

Every morning,

she counts us again.

No child should learn

to tell the difference

between thunder

and falling shells.

No mother

should have to

kiss a forehead

as though

it might be

the last time.

The world says

we are tomorrow.

Then let tomorrow

grow old enough

to walk home

without fear.

Leave the iron

to bridges.

Let mornings

begin again

with birds arriving

before sirens.

What Survives The Fire

I have carried you all –

the child

learning to whistle,

the farmer

waiting for rain,

the mother

humming sleep

into restless eyes,

the soldier who was once

someone’s baby.

I have never minded

the weight

of your footsteps,

only the ashes

they leave behind.

Yet every season,

you bury your anger

inside me

and call it history.

You carve

new borders

across my skin,

then ask why rivers

no longer know

where to flow.

You fill my mornings

with sirens

and my nights

with names

children were never

meant to become.

I can grow another forest,

heal a burned field,

persuade flowers

to return to places

that have forgotten their colors.

But I cannot grow

back a childhood.

I cannot replace

the first laugh

war steals,

the dream it buries,

the first home

it teaches

a child to fear.

Stop depriving

children a future.

They have already

paid for the fire

they never ignited.

Leave behind the metals.

Before you stitched

colors into cloth,

you knew one another

by heartbeat.

Remember this

and I will answer

with green mornings,

rivers finding their voices

and children singing

a new song.

Chidimma Ewelukwa is a Nigerian writer whose work explores memory, belonging, identity, and the quiet tensions of everyday life. She has been published in Writer Monk Literary Magazine.

My National Identity – My Pride

National identity is the spiritual image, historical memory, and invaluable heritage of a nation that has been shaped over centuries. It not only reflects a person’s ethnic belonging but also represents their worldview, values, culture, and moral development. The true strength of a nation is measured not only by its economic or political achievements but also by its ability to preserve its national values, remain faithful to its history, and educate future generations in the spirit of patriotism and national pride.

The national identity of the Uzbek people is vividly reflected in our rich culture and unique traditions. Our elegant traditional clothing made of atlas and adras fabrics, the art of embroidery and gold embroidery, traditional skullcaps (doppi), exquisite jewelry, and other examples of folk craftsmanship demonstrate the refined taste and artistic thinking of our ancestors. These are not merely decorative objects; they symbolize the history, worldview, and spiritual heritage of our people.

The modesty, dignity, kindness, and strong moral values traditionally associated with Uzbek women are among the finest examples of our national upbringing. These qualities have been passed down from generation to generation and have contributed to the strength of families, the moral stability of society, and the preservation of our national identity. Therefore, protecting these values and instilling them in the younger generation remains one of the most important responsibilities of our time.

The ancient cities of Khorezm, Samarkand, Bukhara, Shahrisabz, Termez, and Kokand are recognized as priceless treasures of world civilization. For centuries, these cities have served as centers of science, education, culture, and enlightenment. Every historical monument and every street bears witness to the intelligence, creativity, and architectural genius of our ancestors.

It was on this land that great scholars and statesmen such as Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, Abu Ali Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Mirzo Ulugh Beg, Alisher Navoi, Bahauddin Naqshband, Amir Temur (Tamerlane), and Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur were born and flourished. Their remarkable achievements in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, literature, philosophy, and statecraft continue to serve humanity and inspire people throughout the world. Their names are forever engraved in the history of global civilization.

Our ancestors left us not only magnificent architectural monuments but also a priceless legacy of knowledge, wisdom, patriotism, and high moral values. Preserving this rich heritage, studying it deeply, and passing it on to future generations is both our responsibility and our honor. A nation that respects its history and takes pride in its ancestors will always have the strength to build a prosperous future.
In today’s era of globalization, when different cultures interact more closely than ever before, preserving national identity has become increasingly important. Respecting our native language, protecting our customs and traditions, and safeguarding our historical heritage are sacred duties for every citizen. A nation that loses its identity gradually loses its historical roots.

I am deeply proud to belong to the Uzbek nation—a nation with a glorious history, a rich culture, and outstanding scholars who made invaluable contributions to world civilization. My national identity gives me strength, confidence, and inspiration. Continuing the legacy of our ancestors, preserving our national values, and contributing to the development of our homeland should be the highest goal of every citizen.

Indeed, national identity is not only a reflection of our past but also the foundation of our present and the guarantee of our future. A nation that knows its history, honors its heritage, and remains faithful to its values will always move confidently toward progress. Therefore, preserving our national identity and passing it on to future generations in all its richness is our sacred duty.

My national identity is my pride, my honor, and the true meaning of my life.

 

Hopeful Feathers

A blooming flower in a dying garden,

Is a blooming hope to the butterflies.

A sparkling river in a drying forest,

Is a sparkling hope to the wild lives.

A glowing moon in a darkening sky,

Is a glowing hope to the night lives.

A breathing life in a fighting ground,

Is a breathing hope to the worrying souls.

A warming fire in a freezing house,

Is a warming hope to the shaking souls.

A soothing heart in a fading world,

Is a soothing hope to the suffering hearts.

A gleaming light in an unending tunnel,

Is gleaming hope to the tiring eyes.

A floating feather in a sinking life,

Is a floating hope to the reaching hands.

A hope can come in any shape and colour,

If you trust yourself even in a stormy weather.

— Kushi Nanayakkara, Sri Lanka. 

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Kushi Nanayakkara is a Sri Lankan born poetess who brings nature, human experiences, and creativity together through poetry.

She studied Graphic Design/Information Technology before finding her way into poetry in 2020. Her work often revolves around themes such as nature, art, life, love, mind, death, philosophy, and social themes such as justice and humanity.

Her poetry was featured in literature websites in USA and India and newspapers in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Her poetry was also published in poetry anthologies and magazines in India, Iraq, USA and the Philippines. Her sincere wish is to inspire hearts to stay creatively conscious and continue refining her craft. 

On Neil Flory’s locust blindfold stompchant rain (Arteidolia Press, 2026)

Joshua Martin

(nothin said)

                  lockedtrunk/         any

every

language flickering floodstage blindfold searing

gelatinous

       conceivable/

                                             over plus

Neil Flory takes language to the edge and then pushes it over, crashing down, words splitting into shards and fragments which are reassembled to create the poems that make up locust blindfold stompchant rain, his latest collection released by Arteidolia Press. This is no ordinary assembly, instead Flory shakes and jumbles his broken pieces and recreates language, pulverizing it, smashing words, symbols, phrases, and punctuation together into something entirely unique. 

ALASDelphi>basi      n’s/motor

METHINKS thetemp.est nightofSP

        /ent evi/dent chancely prince>ss>ly Persephone

Flory’s work requires the reader to remain active; his wonderfully dense concoctions forcing us to read closely so as to decipher the gloriously complicated montage-like poems he has created for us to joyfully sink our intellectual teeth into. These pieces soar, swirl, confuse (in the best possible sense!), cajole, misdirect, and flow wildly across the page. There is no sense of grounding here, instead Flory wants us to strap in and hang on for the ride. 

                 variablesCON/VOKE of variegrated 

VOXviscerality planked &HALT

Phrases and words are both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. We can recognize the language and sometimes we can understand it, though oftentimes we don’t even care to because the verbal dexterity, the jarring juxtapositions, the mash-ups, and clever portmanteaus enthrall us. Neil Flory’s poetics is enthralling! A spattering, crowded, endlessly inventive mélange. 

his FreeJazz 

doublequartet EXPLODING]/(/(/[/[/( 

in brasscharging dissona

                                              ncefre[renzy[(/([( 

Flory is also a composer and musician and locust blindfold stompchant rain has the quality of musique concrete or free jazz: the polyrhythmic, atonal, cubist style of a Cecil Taylor rendered onto the page. And it’s just as jarring and just as fascinating and demanding and musical. One poem is appropriately titled “listening to Ornette Coleman” and it adequately captures the feel of listening to the great jazz innovator. Flory’s words carry our consciousness along raging rapids of furiously inventive linguistic visions. Flory’s work does what all great experimental work should do: makes us read, see, think, and hopefully understand differently. 

(or just how many

frontloaded clusterchords can you

craminto craminto cram 1feeble slimy

silver sli 

                                                            ver of time anyw

                ay    just1          )

Language is not static but dynamic. Words are free and malleable. The endless combinations and collisions both reduce language to its most primitive state but also reveal all its complexities and possibilities. Poetics is not a dead form for Flory nor is language. It lives and breathes and transmogrifies relentlessly. Poetry, for Flory, is an art still capable of surprise, still seeking another way, another form. This book demands that its reader surrender to it. This book wants an active reader, someone who doesn’t require sense, logic, easy answers, or other traditional literary forms to spoon feed them more cliched poetics. The ideal reader of locust blindfold stompchant rain will thrive on its convulsions, disruptions, rhythms, and deconstructions. 

haggard convulsiontooth jackhammer. concluding paragraph

&all proven theses tossed in a cementmixer.

Flory’s works offers the reader something other than the bland mediocrity and conformity that contemporary literary (all!) culture tries to shove down our throats. locust blindfold stompchant rain gives our eyes, ears, and brains that rarest of things: difficult, innovative, playful, stimulating, provocative work that demands we read and think differently and that’s a beautiful thing!

locust blindfold stompchat rain can be ordered here from Arteidolia Press.