bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on the effects of hydrochemistry and periodic changes in temperature and humidity on sandstone weathering in the Longshan Grottoes
Authors: Sun Bo , Li Xingyue , Cui Kai , Hong Jie , Chen Rui , Jia Chen , Peng Ningbo
Published: August 2023

Changes in precipitation, temperature and humidity can lead to the weathering of rock masses in grottoes; these changes are common in sandstone grottoes. To simulate this cyclic process, different salt solutions were designed according to the main precipitated components. Sandstone specimens taken from Longshan Grottoes were soaked in these solutions for 48 h and then placed in a simulated environment with temperature and humidity changes for 5 cycles (50 h) to study the effects of hydrochemical, temperature and humidity changes on the sandstone. Physical indexes, such as mass, wave velocity, surface hardness and tensile strength, of the rock samples were measured every three cycles, and the damage characteristics and mechanisms of the sandstone were discussed based on SEM and XRD test results. The results showed that the macroindicators and microstructures of the samples gradually decreased with increasing number of cycles. The physical indexes of the rock samples in different solutions changed at different rates, the changes in surface hardness and tensile strength were consistent, and the responses were less sensitive to deterioration than to longitudinal wave velocity. In different solutions, the microstructures and mineral compositions of the samples showed different trends with increasing number of cycles. This damage was caused by a combination of various actions, such as feldspar dissolution, chemical erosion, water scouring, clay mineral expansion and disintegration, and salt crystallization, which increased the number of pores, enlarged the holes and expanded the cracks inside the rock samples.
Prompt penetration effects on Equatorial Electrojet from the Indian sector
Authors: Archana R. K. , Arora Kusumita , Nagarajan Nandini
Published: August 2023

The morphology of prompt penetration effects (PP) in the Equatorial Electrojet (EEJ) at Vencode (VEN, Geomagnetic latitude 0.29ºN) was studied using 5-min samples of EEJ and interplanetary Ey component data from 2011 to 2015. In contrast to previous studies that mainly focused on storm-time PP events, our study investigated the characteristics of PP effects on EEJ during both quiet and disturbed periods. Our findings reaffirm earlier reports of high PP efficiency during local noon for both quiet and disturbed days. Moreover, PP amplitudes were greater when IMF-Bz was oriented northward compared to southward, indicating the presence of overshielding effects even during quiet conditions. Additionally, we examined seasonal variations in PP amplitudes and observed weaker PP during the solstice compared to the equinox. Furthermore, our study analysed the equatorial counter electrojet (CEJ) caused by PP events associated with northward-turning IMF-Bz. We report 15% of CEJs at VEN associated with PP effects; a few PP events were observed while the equatorial electric field at VEN was already westward (i.e. PP within CEJ), indicating the combined effects of magnetospheric and ionospheric perturbations. Identifying CEJs caused by PP during quiet days helps to differentiate between magnetospheric and ionospheric mechanisms/processes. Additionally, we investigated the spatial variability in PP amplitudes at closely spaced sites, utilizing one year of concurrent data from Minicoy (MNC, Geomagnetic latitude 0.19ºN), VEN, and Campbell Bay (CBY, Geomagnetic latitude 0.29ºN) situated at geographic longitudes 72º, 77º and 93º, respectively. Our results showed significant differences in PP amplitudes between VEN-CBY and MNC-CBY, separated by 15º and 20º longitude, respectively. Observations from the three equatorial sites demonstrated a longitudinal trend, with PP amplitudes increasing westward towards MNC, inverse to the amplitudes of EEJ.

Graphical Abstract
Interpretability of radiomics models is improved when using feature group selection strategies for predicting molecular and clinical targets in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma: insights from the TRACERx Renal study
Authors: Orton Matthew R. , Hann Evan , Doran Simon J. , Shepherd Scott T. C. , Ap Dafydd Derfel , Spencer Charlotte E. , López José I. , Albarrán-Artahona Víctor , Comito Francesca , Warren Hannah , Shur Joshua , Messiou Christina , Larkin James , Turajlic Samra ,   on behalf of the TRACERx Renal Consortium, Koh Dow-Mu
Published: August 2023

Background

The aim of this work is to evaluate the performance of radiomics predictions for a range of molecular, genomic and clinical targets in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and demonstrate the impact of novel feature selection strategies and sub-segmentations on model interpretability.

Methods

Contrast-enhanced CT scans from the first 101 patients recruited to the TRACERx Renal Cancer study (NCT03226886) were used to derive radiomics classification models to predict 20 molecular, histopathology and clinical target variables. Manual 3D segmentation was used in conjunction with automatic sub-segmentation to generate radiomics features from the core, rim, high and low enhancing sub-regions, and the whole tumour. Comparisons were made between two classification model pipelines: a Conventional pipeline reflecting common radiomics practice, and a Proposed pipeline including two novel feature selection steps designed to improve model interpretability. For both pipelines nested cross-validation was used to estimate prediction performance and tune model hyper-parameters, and permutation testing was used to evaluate the statistical significance of the estimated performance measures. Further model robustness assessments were conducted by evaluating model variability across the cross-validation folds.

Results

Classification performance was significant (p < 0.05, H0:AUROC = 0.5) for 11 of 20 targets using either pipeline and for these targets the AUROCs were within ± 0.05 for the two pipelines, except for one target where the Proposed pipeline performance increased by > 0.1. Five of these targets (necrosis on histology, presence of renal vein invasion, overall histological stage, linear evolutionary subtype and loss of 9p21.3 somatic alteration marker) had AUROC > 0.8. Models derived using the Proposed pipeline contained fewer feature groups than the Conventional pipeline, leading to more straightforward model interpretations without loss of performance. Sub-segmentations lead to improved performance and/or improved interpretability when predicting the presence of sarcomatoid differentiation and tumour stage.

Conclusions

Use of the Proposed pipeline, which includes the novel feature selection methods, leads to more interpretable models without compromising prediction performance.

Trial registration

NCT03226886 (TRACERx Renal)
In vitro characterisation of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-C595 as a novel radioimmunotherapy for MUC1-CE positive pancreatic cancer
Authors: Hull Ashleigh , Hsieh William , Tieu William , Bartholomeusz Dylan , Li Yanrui , Bezak Eva
Published: August 2023

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to be a malignancy with an unmet clinical demand. Development of radioimmunoconjugates which target cancer-specific receptors provides an opportunity for radioimmunotherapy of both metastatic and primary PDAC. In this study, we characterised the in vitro behaviour of a novel beta-emitting radioimmunoconjugate [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-C595 as a therapeutic agent against PDAC. [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-C595 is designed to target cancer-specific mucin 1 epitopes (MUC1-CE) overexpressed on most epithelial cancers, including PDAC.

Results

A series of in vitro experiments were performed on PDAC cell lines (PANC-1, CAPAN-1, BxPC-3 and AsPC-1) exhibiting strong to weak MUC1-CE expression. [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-C595 bound to all cell lines relative to their expression of MUC1-CE. [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-C595 was also rapidly internalised across all cell lines, with a maximum of 75.4% of activity internalised within the PANC-1 cell line at 48 h. The expression of γH2AX foci and clonogenic survival of PANC-1 and AsPC-1 cell lines after exposure to [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-C595 were used to quantify the in vitro cytotoxicity of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-C595. At 1 h post treatment, the expression of γH2AX foci exceeded 97% in both cell lines. The expression of γH2AX foci continued to increase in PANC-1 cells at 24 h, although expression reduced in AsPC-1. Clonogenic assays showed a high level of cell kill induced by [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-C595.

Conclusion

[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-C595 has favourable in vitro characteristics to target and treat MUC1-CE positive PDAC. Further investigations to characterise the in vivo effects and potential value of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-C595 in other MUC1-CE expressing malignancies such as lung, ovarian and colorectal adenocarcinoma are warranted.
Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics, dosimetry, and therapeutic efficacy for the α-particle-emitting transarterial radioembolization (αTARE) agent [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-TDA-Lipiodol® against hepatic tumors
Authors: Josefsson Anders , Cortez Angel G. , Rajkumar Harikrishnan , Latoche Joseph D. , Jaswal Ambika P. , Day Kathryn E. , Zarisfi Mohammadreza , Rigatti Lora H. , Huang Ziyu , Nedrow Jessie R.
Published: August 2023

Background

The liver is a common site for metastatic disease for a variety of cancers, including colorectal cancer. Both primary and secondary liver tumors are supplied through the hepatic artery while the healthy liver is supplied by the portal vein. Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) using yttrium-90 glass or resin microspheres have shown promising results with reduced side-effects but have similar survival benefits as chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This highlights the need for new novel agents against HCC. Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) is highly potent treatment due to the short range (sparing adjacent normal tissue), and densely ionizing track (high linear energy transfer) of the emitted α-particles. The incorporation of α-particle-emitting radioisotopes into treatment of HCC has been extremely limited, with our recent publication pioneering the field of α-particle-emitting TARE (αTARE). This study focuses on an in-depth evaluation of the αTARE-agent [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-TDA-Lipiodol® as an effective therapeutic agent against HCC regarding pharmacokinetics, dosimetry, stability, and therapeutic efficacy.

Results

[225Ac]Ac-DOTA-TDA was shown to be a highly stable with bench-top stability at ≥ 95% radiochemical purity (RCP) over a 3-day period and serum stability was ≥ 90% RCP over 5-days. The pharmacokinetic data showed retention in the tumor of [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-TDA-Lipiodol® and clearance through the normal organs. In addition, the tumor and liver acted as suppliers of the free daughters, which accumulated in the kidneys supplied via the blood. The dose limiting organ was the liver, and the estimated maximum tolerable activity based on the rodents whole-body weight: 728–3641 Bq/g (male rat), 396–1982 Bq/g (male mouse), and 453–2263 Bq/g (female mouse), depending on an RBE-value (range 1–5). Furthermore, [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-TDA-Lipiodol® showed significant improvement in survival for both the male and female mice (median survival 47-days) compared with controls (26-days untreated, and 33–35-days Lipiodol® alone).

Conclusions

This study shows that [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-TDA-Lipiodol® is a stable compound allowing for centralized manufacturing and distribution world-wide. Furthermore, the result of this study support the continue development of evaluation of the αTARE-agent [225Ac]Ac-DOTA-TDA-Lipiodol® as a potential treatment option for treating hepatic tumors.
Needs and contents of a customized digital tool for retention in care and medication adherence among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV in Kilimanjaro
Authors: Maro Rehema Anenmose , Ngowi Kennedy , Martin Haikael , Dillip Angel , Masika Lyidia , Mtenga Alan , Mtesha Benson , Boer Marion Sumari-de
Published: August 2023

Background

Retention in care and adherence to medication among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV (PBWLH) are crucial for preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. Wide coverage of mobile phones, digital tools, including internet-enabled medication dispensers and short message service (SMS), have been recommended as potential interventions to improve adherence to medication by PBWLH. The main objective of the study was to understand the needs and contents for a customized digital tool for retention in care and medication adherence among PBWLH.

Method

A mixed-methods study was conducted from September 2021 to March 2022 at five health facilities in the Kilimanjaro region. We interviewed 142 pregnant and breastfeeding women, receiving PMTCT services, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Among the interviewed, twenty breastfeeding women were purposively selected and enrolled to use an internet-enabled Wisepill medication dispenser for one month. They received different types of SMS reminders for one month, and feedback on their adherence patterns was received after one month using an adherence graph from the Wisepill digital tool. Later, exit and in-depth interviews were conducted to explore the needs and contents of a future customized digital adherence tool. Descriptive analyses for quantitative data and thematic content analyses for qualitative data were also done.

Results

Among 142 women interviewed, 42(30%) were pregnant and 100 (70%) were breastfeeding. Most 136 (95%) had access to mobile phones and used SMS daily, while 90% were interested in receiving reminder messages. Qualitative findings revealed more insights into reminders’ content and educational SMS. Most people preferred neutral SMS, which does not contain the word “medication”. Health educational SMS content was preferred to be on breastfeeding, opportunistic diseases, nutrition and entrepreneurship education. Overall, SMSs were regarded as helpful to remind clients of medication time and the medication dispenser provided them with privacy and safe storage for their medication.

Conclusions

This study's findings will help construct useful content for future digital adherence tools to support the health of pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV.
Consensus on pediatric epilepsy surgery for young children: an investigation by the China Association Against Epilepsy task force on epilepsy surgery
Authors: Cai Lixin , Zhang Kai , Zhou Wenjing , Shao Xiaoqiu , Guan Yuguang , Yu Tao , Wu Ye , Chen Shuhua , Zhao Rui , Liang Shuli , Wu Xun , Luan Guoming , Jiang Yuwu , Zhang Jianguo , Liu Xiaoyan
Published: August 2023

Researchers have widely acknowledged the therapeutic value of epilepsy surgery for drug-resistant epilepsy. Nonetheless, there is a substantial gap in the surgical treatment for appropriate candidates owing to several factors, particularly in the population of young children. To standardize the protocols of preoperative evaluation and surgery of young children for epilepsy surgery, the China Association Against Epilepsy has appointed an expert task force to standardize the protocols of preoperative evaluation and surgery in pediatric epilepsy patients. It adopted the modified Delphi method and performed two rounds of surveys through an anonymous inquiry among 75 experts from four subgroups including pediatric neurologists, epileptologists, pediatric epilepsy surgeons, and functional neurosurgeons. The survey contents contained: (1) the participants, comprising children aged ≤ 6 years; (2) adopted DRE definition proposed by the International League Against Epilepsy in 2010; and (3) investigated epilepsy surgery, principally referring to curative epilepsy surgeries. The neuromodulation therapies were excluded because of the differences in treatment mechanisms from the above-mentioned surgeries. According to the Delphi process, a consensus was achieved for most aspects by incorporating two rounds of surveys including preoperative assessment, surgical strategies and techniques, and perioperative and long-term postoperative management, despite controversial opinions on certain items. We hope the results of this consensus will improve the level of surgical treatment and management of intractable epilepsy in young children.
Factors associated with recurrent endometriomas after surgical excision
Authors: Atwa Khaled A. , Ibrahim Zakia M. , Bassuony Eman M. El , Taha Omima T.
Published: August 2023

Background

Endometriosis affects women in reproductive age and causes a great impact on their lives. When affecting the ovary, excision represents the main management option. However, recurrence represents a challenging situation for patients and physicians. This study aimed to determine factors contributing to endometriomas recurrence after surgical excision.

Results

This was a quasi-experimental study recruiting 60 patients with ovarian endometrioma. The mean age was 30.33 ± 7.95 years. The mean parity was 1.27 ± 0.69. The recurrence rate after excision was 11/60 (18.3%) after a mean follow-up period of 22.62 ± 4.96 months. None of the patients’ characteristics or endometriosis-related characteristics were significant factors contributing to cyst recurrence (age, parity, history of infertility, preoperative endometrioma diameter, preoperative AFC, preoperative AMH, degree of pelvic pain, degree of dysmenorrhea, degree of dyspareunia, pelvic tenderness, and induration) (p value > 0.05).

Conclusion

The patient’s related factors and endometrioma characteristics did not predict its recurrence.
Critical variables affecting the layering method of pelletization
Authors: Maniyar Drashti , Kadu Pramod , Baig Mirza Ilyas Rahim
Published: August 2023

The oral route of delivery is the most preferred route for administering most of the drugs. Pellets have gained importance since they offer numerous advantages like decreased dose dumping, improved patient compliance since dosing frequency is reduced, and ease of administering multiple chemically incompatible drugs immediately without the possibility of them interacting with each other. The critical variables related to process and equipment are identified and what impact they have on the quality of pellets formed is discussed. The position of the spray nozzle also affects the pellets and their yield. A complete guideline has been drawn which makes the process of pelletization using the Wurster method easier. The process variables affecting the pelletization process include inlet and product temperature, relative humidity, batch size; spray rate, and atomization air pressure and the equipment variables include column height, air distribution plate, a type of filter, and shaking interval. All these variables have a low, medium, or high impact on the process and they all together contribute to the quality of pellets formed. This review article focuses on critical process and equipment variables affecting the process of pelletization and the quality of pellets formed when using the Wurster equipment. The main objective is to review critical variables affecting the layering method of palletization and to sketch some basic problems encountered during pelletization and their troubleshooting.
Feasibility of the pupillary pain index as a guide for depth of analgesia during opioid-sparing anesthesia with continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine
Authors: Stefanini Martino , Cagnazzi Elena , Calza Stefano , Latronico Nicola , Rasulo Francesco A.
Published: August 2023

Background

The pupillary dilation reflex (PDR) is an objective indicator of analgesic levels in anesthetized patients. Through measurement of the PDR during increasing tetanic stimulation (10–60 mA), it is possible to obtain the pupillary pain index (PPI), a score that assesses the level of analgesia.

Objectives

The depth of analgesia during opioid-sparing anesthesia (OSA) with continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine in addition to general anesthesia was assessed.

Design

Observational prospective feasibility pilot study

Setting

This study was performed in the operating rooms of the Spedali Civili University-affiliated hospital of Brescia, Italy.

Patients

Forty-five adults who underwent elective open (5-cm incision) surgery under general anesthesia (78% inhalation anesthesia), from Feb. 18th to Aug. 1st, 2019, were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were as follows: implanted pacemaker or ICD, ophthalmological comorbidities, chronic opioid use, peripheral neuropathy, other adjuvant drugs, epidural analgesia, or locoregional block.

Main outcome measures

The first aim was to verify the feasibility of applying a study protocol to evaluate the depth of analgesia during intraoperative dexmedetomidine administration using an instrumental pupillary evaluation. The secondary outcome was to evaluate appropriate analgesia, drug dosage, anesthesia depth, heart rate, blood pressure, transient side effects, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and pain numerical rating scale (NRS) score.

Results

Thirty out of 50 patients (60%) treated with dexmedetomidine during the study period were included in the DEX group (8 males, age 42 ± 13 years, BMI 45 ± 8), and 15 other patients were included in the N-DEX group (8 males, age 62 ± 13 years, BMI 26 ± 6). Patients who underwent bariatric, abdominal, or plastic surgery were enrolled. At least 3 pupillary evaluations were taken for each patient. PPI ≤ 3 was observed in 97% of patients in the DEX group and 53% in the N-DEX group. Additionally, the DEX group received less than half the remifentanil dose than the N-DEX group (0.13 ± 0.07 vs 0.3 ± 0.11 mcg kg−1 min−1). The average dose of dexmedetomidine administered was 0.17 ± 0.08 mcg kg−1 h−1.

Conclusion

The feasibility of applying the protocol was verified. An OSA strategy involving dexmedetomidine may be associated with improved analgesic stability: a randomized controlled trial is necessary to verify this hypothesis.

Trial registration

Trial.gov registration number: NCT05785273
High-stress surgery in severely frail patients: a case report of personalized and multidisciplinary shared decision-making
Authors: Sanna Andrea , Miori Sara , Lassola Sergio , Umbrello Michele , De Rosa Silvia , Bellani Giacomo
Published: August 2023

We report the case of a 65-year-old severely disabled man diagnosed with advanced renal neoplasm who was scheduled for major urologic surgery. Through a multidisciplinary approach, a shared decision-making process and mutual listening of all the health professionals involved, it was decided not to have major surgery due to the high risk of worsening the patient’s health and quality of life.
Parity of esteem within the biopsychosocial model: is psychiatry still a psychological profession?
Authors: O'Reilly Jo , Gibbons Rachel , Heyland Simon , Yakeley Jessica
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has been engaged in activities to ensure parity of esteem for mental health within the National Health Service, seeking to bring resources and services more in line with those available for physical health conditions. Central to this has been the promotion of psychiatry as a profession that takes a biopsychosocial approach, considering all aspects of the patient's presentation and history in the understanding and treatment of mental disorders. However, there has been a drift away from considering the psychological aspects of the patient's difficulties in recent years. This potentially has profoundly negative consequences for clinical care, training, workforce retention and the perception of our identity as psychiatrists by our colleagues, our patients and the general public. This editorial describes this issue, considers its causes and suggests potential remedies. It arises from an overarching strategy originating in the Royal College of Psychiatrists Medical Psychotherapy Faculty to ensure parity of esteem for the psychological within the biopsychosocial model.
Germline EGFR Mutations and Familial Lung Cancer
Authors: Oxnard Geoffrey R. , Chen Ruthia , Pharr Jennifer C. , Koeller Diane R. , Bertram Arrien A. , Dahlberg Suzanne E. , Rainville Irene , Shane-Carson Kate , Taylor Kelly A. , Sable-Hunt Alicia , Sholl Lynette M. , Teerlink Craig C. , Thomas Alun , Cannon-Albright Lisa A. , Fay André P. , Ashton-Prolla Patrícia , Yang Hao , Salvatore Mary M. , Addario Bonnie J. , Jänne Pasi A. , Carbone David P. , Wiesner Georgia L. , Garber Judy E.
Published: August 2023

PURPOSE

The genomic underpinnings of inherited lung cancer risk are poorly understood. This prospective study characterized the clinical phenotype of patients and families with germline EGFR pathogenic variants (PVs).

METHODS

The Investigating Hereditary Risk from T790M study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01754025 ) enrolled patients with lung cancer whose tumor profiling harbored possible germline EGFR PVs and their relatives, either in person or remotely, providing germline testing and follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 141 participants were enrolled over a 5-year period, 100 (71%) remotely. Based upon previous genotyping, 116 participants from 59 kindreds were tested for EGFR T790M, demonstrating a pattern of Mendelian inheritance with variable lung cancer penetrance. In confirmed or obligate carriers of a germline EGFR PV from 39 different kindreds, 50/91 (55%) were affected with lung cancer with 34/65 (52%) diagnosed by age 60 years. Somatic testing of lung cancers in carriers revealed that 35 of 37 (95%) had an EGFR driver comutation. Among 36 germline carriers without a cancer diagnosis, 15 had computed tomography (CT) imaging and nine had lung nodules, including a 28-year-old with >10 lung nodules. Given geographic enrichment of germline EGFR T790M in the southeast United States, genome-wide haplotyping of 46 germline carriers was performed and identified a 4.1-Mb haplotype shared by 41 (89%), estimated to originate 223-279 years ago.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first prospective description of familial EGFR-mutant lung cancer, identifying a recent founder germline EGFR T790M variant enriched in the Southeast United States. The high prevalence of EGFR-driver lung adenocarcinomas and lung nodules in germline carriers supports effort to identify affected patients and family members for investigation of CT-based screening for these high-risk individuals.
Serum Klotho Modifies the Associations of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D With All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality
Authors: Chen Zhuohui , Liu Menghui , Xu Xingfeng , He Lixiang , Wang Peng , Cai Xiaojie , Huang Rihua , Zhang Shaozhao , Xu Xinghao , Lai Yuhui , Huang Yiquan , Li Miaohong , Lin Yifen , Xie Peihan , Liao Xinxue , Zhuang Xiaodong , Guo Yue
Published: August 2023

Background

The association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and mortality remains controversial. Klotho, a biomarker of vitamin D activation and metabolism, may play a key role in this association. However, it is unclear whether the association between vitamin D deficiency and mortality risk is modified by klotho levels. Therefore, this study investigated the joint association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and klotho with mortality risk in American community-dwelling adults.

Methods

A total of 9870 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2016) were included in our study. Mortality data were ascertained by linking participants to National Death Index records. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association among serum 25(OH)D, serum klotho, and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.

Results

We found a significant interaction between klotho and serum 25(OH)D in all-cause mortality (P = .028). With klotho > 848.4 pg/mL (risk threshold on mortality), no significant all-cause and CVD mortality risk was observed at any level of serum 25(OH)D. However, with klotho < 848.4 pg/mL, a significant all-cause and CVD mortality risk was observed with serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L [hazards ratio (HR), 1.36; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10-1.69; HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.16-3.45) and serum 25(OH)D of continuous variable (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, .97-.99; HR, 0.98; 95% CI, .98-.99). In addition, vitamin D metabolism disruption accessed by the combination of decreasing serum 25(OH)D (<50 nmol/L) and klotho (<848.4 pg/mL) was associated with significant all-cause mortality (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.11-1.96) and CVD mortality (HR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.48-3.75).

Conclusions

Vitamin D-associated mortality risk is observed only with concurrently decreasing klotho, indicating that vitamin D metabolism dysfunction increases the risk of mortality. Klotho levels could help predict long-term mortality outcomes and thus may be useful concurrently for guiding vitamin D supplementation therapy decision-making in populations with vitamin D deficiency.
Retroperitoneal Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor Mimicking Adrenal Malignant Tumor in a 67-Year-Old Man
Authors: Ishii Takahiro , Terasaka Tomohiro , Nishida Kenji , Wada Jun
Published: August 2023

Solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) is a low-grade malignant tumor of the pancreas. SPT typically affects women and can occur in ectopic pancreatic region; however, it also occurs rarely in retroperitoneum. The tumor may be bulky at the time of diagnosis since there is no specific clinical manifestation. Here we present an older male case with retroperitoneal SPT. A 67-year-old man consulted for intermittent fever and lumbago. His basal hormonal profile screened out a functional tumor. Computed tomography (CT) showed a gigantic mass in his left adrenal region. A normal left adrenal gland was not identified, and the tumor's feeding artery was recognized as the left adrenal artery by the contrast-enhanced CT. Adrenal malignant tumor was suspected, and tumor resection was performed. The resected tumor size was 15 × 10 × 9 cm. Histologically, epithelial-like cells with round nuclei and a small amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm proliferated in papillary (around the blood vessels) or uniformly solid form. By immunostaining, tumor cells were vimentin, CD56, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, CD10, β-catenin in the nucleus, cyclin D1, and PgR positive. These findings led to the diagnosis of SPT. Although rare, SPT should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of a mass arising from the adrenal region.
Coexisting in Intolerance under the Edict of Pacification
Authors: Kang Sukhwan
Published: August 2023

This article examines the legal battle between Catholics and Huguenots over the articles of the Edict of Nantes from 1650 to 1685 in Normandy. Their legal disputes show us how seventeenth-century French people perceived the issues of religious tolerance and coexistence by focusing on how the edict's articles controlling Protestant worship spaces were interpreted and implemented. Norman Catholics attempted to outlaw Protestant temples, but they had to move within the edict's authority. Norman Huguenots still could deflect unfavorable decisions through legal recourse based on the edict. Even if confessional antagonism remained alive, and the Revocation finally upended the legal cohabitation of the two confessions, the legal battle reveals that by transforming the main character of religious conflict from a deadly fight to a judicial matter, French Catholics and Protestants bit by bit adapted into a new type of confessional relationship: coexisting with “abominable heretics.”
Securofeminism
Authors: Abu-Lughod Lila
Published: August 2023

This chapter examines the gendering of the global security agenda as women's rights advocates and governance feminists in the 21st century clamored for inclusion in initiatives to Counter/Prevent Violent Extremism (CVE/PVE). When these securofeminists, despite cautions about threats to human rights, promote themselves as uniquely positioned to combat “extremism,” they contribute to the dominant security logic that links violence to Muslims. The embrace of this phantom category “extremism” blocks specific historical and political analyses of how gender and violence are linked and erases the violence of securitization and counter-terrorism. The counterintuitive case of Muslim women who chose to travel to Syria and Iraq to support ISIS puzzled securofeminists since their case for leadership roles depended on their expertise on violence against women.
The Politics of Legislating “Honor Crime” in Contemporary Pakistan
Authors: Khoja-Moolji Shenila
Published: August 2023

This chapter contemplates the ambivalent politics of human rights in Pakistan, particularly as it relates to legislating “honor crimes.” Using the 2016 killing of Qandeel Baloch, a social media celebrity in Pakistan, as a trampoline for theoretical reflection, this chapter undertakes the difficult task of both acknowledging how the frame of honor killing and the language of rights has created space for activists in Pakistan to coerce the state into instituting important measures to protect women and arguing that these frames reiterate the state as a purveyor of women's rights, effectively masking the complicity of the state and religious elites in creating the conditions for women's subordination.
Dressed Up, Stripped Down
Authors: Berman Nina
Published: August 2023

This chapter explores the visual depiction of conflict rape through the photographic representation of survivors published in major American media. It looks at how aesthetic approaches to documenting gender violence are influenced by imperial framing, the attention economy and the role of humanitarian organizations in the depoliticization of narratives. The chapter critiques recent examples of media companies and journalists who validate ethical and aesthetic practices in reporting on gender violence through the redefinition of the photographic encounter from one of documentation to one of liberation
Prologue
Authors: Cole Johnnetta Betsch
Published: August 2023

The prologue takes the form of an intimate “Dear Reader” letter from Johnnetta Betsch Cole to her audience of readers. She discusses the origins of the term “speechifying,” as well as memories of giving her first speech during a church service in Florida. She also discusses a bit of her process in giving speeches; she explains her choice to change her name from Johnnetta B. Cole to Johnnetta Betsch Cole, as well as how her thinking and choice of language has evolved since delivering more speeches; and she describes some of the patterns in her speeches, such as citing African proverbs and the words of leaders, heroes, and sheroes, sharing personal experiences, and ending speeches with stories and moral lessons.
The Practical Ethics of Johnnetta Betsch Cole
Authors: Williams Erica Lorraine
Published: August 2023

In the summer of 2018, Erica Lorraine Williams interviewed Johnnetta Betsch Cole at the annual Democratizing Knowledge Summer Institute, held at Spelman College. Reprinted from the journal Feminist Anthropology, this conversation offers an opportunity for readers to reflect on the insights and wisdom that Cole has to offer a new generation of engaged Black feminist anthropologists in a time of increasing neoliberalization and corporatization of the academy.
The dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol disrupts behavioral responses of sea urchins and sea stars
Authors: Howell Emma , Lancaster Abigail , Besh Jordan , Richardson Bea , Gomez Eileen , Harnew-Spradley Sophia , Shelley Chris
Published: August 2023

Despite lacking a brain and having an apparent symmetrically pentaradial nervous system, echinoderms are capable of complex, coordinated directional behavioral responses to different sensory stimuli. However, very little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these behaviors. In many animals, dopaminergic systems play key roles in motivating and coordinating behavior, and although the dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol has been shown to inhibit the righting response of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, it is not known whether this is specific to this behavior, in this species, or whether dopaminergic systems are needed in general for echinoderm behaviors. We found that haloperidol inhibited multiple different behavioral responses in three different echinoderm species. Haloperidol inhibited the righting response of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus and of the sea star Luidia clathrata. It additionally inhibited the lantern reflex of S. purpuratus, the shell covering response of L. variegatus and the immersion response of L. variegatus, but not S. purpuratus or L. clathrata. Our results suggest that dopamine is needed for the neural processing and coordination of multiple different behavioral responses in a variety of different echinoderm species.
Beat the heat: thermal respites and access to food associated with increased bumble bee heat tolerance
Authors: Quinlan Gabriela M. , Feuerborn Cody , Hines Heather M. , Grozinger Christina M.
Published: August 2023

Climate change poses a threat to organisms across the world, with cold-adapted species such as bumble bees (Bombus spp.) at particularly high risk. Understanding how organisms respond to extreme heat events associated with climate change as well as the factors that increase resilience or prime organisms for future stress can inform conservation actions. We investigated the effects of heat stress within different contexts (duration, periodicity, with and without access to food, and in the laboratory versus field) on bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) survival and heat tolerance. We found that both prolonged (5 h) heat stress and nutrition limitation were negatively correlated with worker bee survival and thermal tolerance. However, the effects of these acute stressors were not long lasting (no difference in thermal tolerance among treatment groups after 24 h). Additionally, intermittent heat stress, which more closely simulates the forager behavior of leaving and returning to the nest, was not negatively correlated with worker thermal tolerance. Thus, short respites may allow foragers to recover from thermal stress. Moreover, these results suggest there is no priming effect resulting from short- or long-duration exposure to heat – bees remained equally sensitive to heat in subsequent exposures. In field-caught bumble bees, foragers collected during warmer versus cooler conditions exhibited similar thermal tolerance after being allowed to recover in the lab for 16 h. These studies offer insight into the impacts of a key bumble bee stressor and highlight the importance of recovery duration, stressor periodicity and context on bumble bee thermal tolerance outcomes.
Isolation, morphological characterization, and screening a virulence of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium robertsii as bioagents
Authors: Geremew Dereje , Shiberu Tadale , Leta Ararsa
Published: August 2023

Background: Entomopathogenic fungi exists naturally in plants as an asymptote and has the potential to reduce the population of insect pests through indirect interactions. This study was conducted to detect and characterize the endophytic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium robertsii from the rhizosphere soil of tomato plants and their virulence effect on Galleria melonella.

Methods: From the rhizosphere soil of 40 tomato fields, three Beauveria bassiana and seven Metarhizium robertsii isolates were identified using the galleria bait method. All fungi isolates were morphologically characterized by their colony color, shape, and surface texture. Isolates with the highest percentages of germination, conidial yield, and radial growth were selected, and their pathogenicity was evaluated on second instar larvae of Galleria melonella under laboratory conditions.

Results: In this study, Beauveria bassiana showed white colony color and aseptate hyphae, whereas Metarhizium robertsii showed dark green to light green colony color and septate hyphal structures. Maximum spore production and conidial length were obtained by Beauveria bassiana isolate APPRC-27 with 2.67x107 spores ml-1 and 3.24 µm, respectively. Colony radial growth rates ranged from 1.73 to 3.24 mm day-1. The results revealed that the highest mortality rate of Galleria melonella (100%) was obtained by Metarhizium robertsii isolates K-61 and K-102 at a concentration of 1x108 conidial ml-1 at 7 days post-inoculation. The lowest mortality rate was registered by Metarhizium robertsii isolate RST-11.

Conclusions: In the present study, isolates that produced the most spores and had the highest germination rates were the most virulent to Galleria mellonella second instar larvae. Therefore, virulent entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium robertsii, are promising bioagents for the control of pests.
Pendampingan Kantin Kejujuran Berbasis Halal Sekolah Dasar Negeri di Kecamatan Rungkut Surabaya
Authors: Altway Saidah , Zuchrillah Daril Ridho , Qomariyah Lailatul , Suprapto Suprapto , Wardhani Rivai , Atletiko Faizal Johan
Published: August 2023

Mekanisme produksi produk halal telah diatur UU No. 33 tahun 2014 tentang Jaminan Produk Halal. Keberadaan sertifikat halal memberikan rasa aman bagi konsumen terutama bagi keluarga muslim. Pentingnya mengkonsumsi produk halal harus ditekankan sejak dini. Pengetahuan tentang produk halal harus diajarkan pada siswa-siswi sekolah dasar. Surabaya memiliki 650 sekolah dasar yang menyebar merata dimana kecamatan Rungkut memiliki 24 sekolah dasar. Mitra kami adalah SDN Penjaringansari 2, SDN Rungkut Kidul 1 dan SDN Kedung Baruk Surabaya. Setiap sekolah dasar memiliki beberapa kantin yang menjual produk makanan dan minuman. Namun, kantin tersebut belum bisa menjamin bahwa produk makanan dan minuman yang dijual belum memiliki sertifikat halal. Selain itu, konsep kantin masih bersifat konvensional yang berfungsi jual beli. Oleh karena itu, kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk membangun kantin kejujuran yang berbasis halal. Dengan kehadiran kantin kejujuran berbasis halal pada sekolah dasar masing-masing mendukung Pendidikan karakter integritas bermasyarakat serta menerapan gaya hidup halal berdasarkan syariat islam.
Diseminasi Media Tanam Jamur Tiram dan Alat Sterilisasi (Autoklaf) Baglog pada Kelompok Tani “Jempolan” Kelurahan Lontar, Kecamatan Sambikerep, Surabaya
Authors: Fatmawati Sri , Purnomo Adi Setyo , Hakim Muhammad Lukman , Alkas Taufiq Rinda , Asranudin Asranudin , Rohmah Alya Awinatul , Pratama Silvia Abdi , Azzahra Nabilah Farah , Mayangsari Irma Citra , Muhammad Ferdy , Salsabila Zakiyyah Yasmin , Abdullah Muhammad Rasyid
Published: August 2023

Jamur tiram (Pleorotus ostreatus) merupakan salah satu jenis jamur primadona dimana konsumsi dan permintaannya saat ini sedang meningkat. Jenis jamur ini mudah tumbuh di daerah sejuk, umumnya habitatnya di pohon-pohon yang telah lapuk, dan dibudidayakan di baglog yang berisi serbuk kayu. Kelompok Tani “Jempolan” yang berada di Kelurahan Lontar, Kecamatan Sambikerep, Surabaya sudah sejak lama memproduksi jamur tiram. Alat sterilisasi yang digunakan masih sederhana dengan menggunakan drum, kompor dan LPG. Hal tersebut sangat berdampak pada pemasukan yang diperoleh dan kualitas dari media tanam yang diperoleh karena suhu yang digunakan hanya berkisar 90oC sehingga masih terdapat bakteri yang hidup. Tim Abmas Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) telah membuat alat sterilisasi media tanam jamur tiram atau yang biasa disebut autoklaf. Alat sterilisasi tersebut menggunakan prinsip yang hampir sama dengan presto sehingga waktu yang dibutuhkan untuk sterilisasi lebih cepat. Tim Abmas ITS telah menyerahkan 1 unit autoklaf kepada Kelompok Tani “Jempolan” dimana diharapkan akan memberikan dampak signifikan terhadap kualitas media tanam jamur tiram yang diperoleh, sehingga meningkatkan kualitas jamur tiram yang dihasilkan. Selain itu, kegiatan ini diharapkan dapat memaksimalkan sterilisasi media tanam jamur tiram karena waktu yang dibutuhkan relatif singkat.
Peningkatan Penjualan Produk UMKM Mysneakersby melalui Platform E-Commerce dengan Pendekatan Sistem Dinamik
Authors: Suryani Erma , Hendrawan Rully Agus , Viontita Serra Charisma , Muhayat Hanifan , Al-Aziz Faiq Najib , Rafi Haris , Mufliq Achmad , Chandra Alvisi Aura
Published: August 2023

Saat ini UMKM terus bersaing dalam memberikan pelayanan yang maksimal. Salah satu upaya dalam memberikan pelayanan dilakukan menggunakan teknologi informasi. Sehingga saat ini teknologi informasi juga digunakan dalam kegiatan promosi hingga perhitungan keuntungan penjualan. Namun saat ini masih terdapat kurangnya pengetahuan pengelolaan teknologi informasi khususnya sosial media dalam pemanfaatannya untuk meningkatkan penjualan produk UMKM. Sehingga pada kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini akan mengukur keuntungan UMKM saat ini dengan menggunakan model sistem dinamik dikembangkan dengan menggunakan aplikasi Ventana Simulation (Vensim), dan simulasi dilakukan untuk memvalidasi model yang telah dibangun. Hasil simulasi digunakan untuk menyusun skenario-skenario kebijakan yang dapat mendukung peningkatan penjualan di masa depan. Manfaat dari kegiatan ini termasuk terciptanya modul penggunaan teknologi untuk peningkatan penjualan serta strategi peningkatan penjualan berdasarkan model simulasi sistem dinamik. Dampak yang diharapkan adalah peningkatan penjualan melalui pemanfaatan teknologi sebagai alat bantu dalam mempercepat dan memperluas jangkauan konsumen, serta memberikan rekomendasi strategi yang efektif dalam meningkatkan penjualan bisnis Mysneakersby. Hasil kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat faktor-faktor yang signifikan yang mempengaruhi tingkat penjualan produk Mysneakersby, yaitu promo, harga produk, keragaman produk, dan pelayanan toko.
New Framework to Support Light Rail
Authors: Knight Helen
Published: August 2023

Design will allow services to carry extra passengers and reduce energy
Electronic Skin has the Human Touch
Authors: Knight Helen
Published: August 2023

Wootzkin will give robots greater dexterity to complete tougher tasks
UK to Use Robots and AI to Tackle Nuclear Waste
Authors: Wade Andrew
Published: August 2023

The UK's National Centre for Nuclear Robotics is developing machine vision, artificial intelligence and advanced robots to decommission 4.9 million tonnes of material, as Andrew Wade reports
All-Electric Nikola Lorry Paves the Way for Fossil Free Freight
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: August 2023

Battery-powered truck precedes fuel-cell lorry
Southampton Spin-Out Finds Right Fit for Prosthetic Devices
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: August 2023

CES 2020 launch for ‘right first time’ software solution
Winds of Change
Authors: Excell Jon
Published: August 2023

Could a new generation of innovative propulsion technologies that harness the power of the wind help the shipping industry clean up its act?
Engineering A Skills Shortage Solution
Authors: Excell Jon
Published: August 2023

Employer led skills body Enginuity, formerly known as Semta, is on a mission to reshape the way that industry attracts and nurtures key skills. Jon Excell spoke to the organisation’s CEO, Ann Watson.
Semi-Active Suspension
Authors: Pickering Chris
Published: August 2023

Engineers are increasingly turning to semi-active suspension systems to optimise the seemingly-conflicting balance between ride and handling
Q&A: Driven by Demand
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: August 2023

Industry leaders from ABB, Rockwell and Siemens reveal customer requirements and overall trends that are shaping the evolution of drives
Guided Weapons
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: August 2023

WWII saw the successful introduction of a rocket-propelled air-to-sea bomb
Driving a New Era of Collaboration in Engineering Skills Outreach
Authors: Leevers Hilary
Published: August 2023

Joined up action across industry and education is key to meeting tomorrow's engineering skills requirements. A new code of practice, shaped by more than 100 organisations, provides a framework for making this happen, writes Dr Hilary Leevers, CEO of Engineering UK