bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FIGURE 2 from Tusamitamab Ravtansine in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors: Phase I Study of Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Antitumor Activity Using Alternative Dosing Regimens
Authors: Tabernero Josep , Bedard Philippe L. , Bang Yung-Jue , Vieito Maria , Ryu Min-Hee , Fagniez Nathalie , Chadjaa Mustapha , Soufflet Christine , Masson Nina , Gazzah Anas
Published: August 2023

Pharmacokinetic profile of tusamitamab ravtansine during the first cycle of treatment in patients with advanced solid tumors. Plasma concentration over time is shown for patients receiving an LD (120–170 mg/m2) followed by 100 mg/m2 every 2 weeks (cohort Q2W-LD, A) and for patients receiving fixed doses (120–190 mg/m2) every 3 weeks (cohort Q3W, B). The dotted line indicates the lower limit of quantitation (0.5 μg/mL). Q2W-LD, cohort receiving tusamitamab ravtansine as a loading dose at day 1, cycle 1, followed by a fixed dose every 2 weeks; Q3W, cohort receiving tusamitamab ravtansine every 3 weeks.
FIGURE 1 from Tusamitamab Ravtansine in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors: Phase I Study of Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Antitumor Activity Using Alternative Dosing Regimens
Authors: Tabernero Josep , Bedard Philippe L. , Bang Yung-Jue , Vieito Maria , Ryu Min-Hee , Fagniez Nathalie , Chadjaa Mustapha , Soufflet Christine , Masson Nina , Gazzah Anas
Published: August 2023

Dose-escalation schematic for the entire phase I dose-escalation study in patients with advanced solid tumors. Results of cohorts Q2W-LD and Q3W are included in the current report. The results of the main dose-escalation phase are published elsewhere (13). Dose escalation was terminated before reaching the DLs and LD-DLs shown in the shaded boxes. Numbers are the actual number of patients enrolled and treated. C1, cycle 1; DL, dose level; LD-DL, loading dose dose level; MTD, maximum tolerated dose; Q2W, every 2 weeks; Q3W, every 3 weeks.
Data from Tusamitamab Ravtansine in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors: Phase I Study of Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Antitumor Activity Using Alternative Dosing Regimens
Authors: Tabernero Josep , Bedard Philippe L. , Bang Yung-Jue , Vieito Maria , Ryu Min-Hee , Fagniez Nathalie , Chadjaa Mustapha , Soufflet Christine , Masson Nina , Gazzah Anas
Published: August 2023

Purpose:
Tusamitamab ravtansine is an antibody–drug conjugate that targets carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) and delivers a cytotoxic maytansinoid payload. In a phase I dose-escalation study, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was 100 mg/m2 every 2 weeks (Q2W). Here we report results for two alternative schedules.
Experimental Design:
Adults ages ≥18 years (range, 34–73) with locally advanced/metastatic solid tumors (N = 43; colon/rectum, 29; stomach, 7; pancreas, 4; other, 3) expressing/likely to express CEACAM5 received intravenous tusamitamab ravtansine 120–170 mg/m2 [loading dose (LD)], then 100 mg/m2 Q2W (Q2W-LD, n = 28), or 120–190 mg/m2 fixed dose [every 3 weeks (Q3W), n = 15]. The primary endpoint was dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) during cycles 1–2 (Q2W-LD) and cycle 1 (Q3W).
Results:
Reversible DLTs were observed in 2 of 9 patients (grade 2 keratopathy; grade 2 keratitis) with 170 mg/m2 in Q2W-LD and in 2 of 3 patients (grade 2 keratopathy; grade 3 transaminase elevation) with 190 mg/m2 in Q3W. Nineteen (67.9%) patients in Q2W-LD and 13 (86.7%) patients in Q3W experienced treatment-related adverse events (AE); 3 of 43 patients discontinued treatment because of AEs. The most common AEs were asthenia, gastrointestinal complaints, keratopathy, keratitis, and peripheral sensory neuropathy. In this small, heavily pretreated population, no confirmed responses were observed; however, stable disease occurred in 35.7% of patients in Q2W-LD and 40.0% of patients in Q3W.
Conclusions:
Tusamitamab ravtansine had a favorable safety profile with both alternative administration schedules; MTDs were 170 mg/m2 (LD) followed by 100 mg/m2 Q2W, and 170 mg/m2 Q3W as a fixed dose. (NCT02187848).
Significance:
The collective results of this phase I dose-escalation study will inform further studies of tusamitamab ravtansine in patients with solid tumors with CEACAM5 expression, including patients with non–small cell lung cancer.
In Memory of Ivo Brosens: Reflections on the Pathophysiology of Neonatal Uterine Bleeding
Authors: Habiba Marwan , Guo Sun-Wei , Benagiano Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

Background: The occurrence of vaginal bleeding in early neonatal life has been observed for centuries and was considered a consequence of the sudden drop in circulating hormones following birth. As such, neonatal uterine bleeding was dismissed as having no clinical significance. Interest in the phenomenon was renewed when a new theory suggested a link between neonatal uterine bleeding (NUB) and accelerated endometrial maturation. This theory was based on the observation of a higher incidence of NUB in babies born post-term or after pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, or blood group incompatibility. Objective: The objective of this study was to review of available evidence on the pathogenesis of NUB. Method: Review of available literature using Medline search (August 2022, no limit on start date or language) to identify articles that may link NUB with features of the uterus and/or endometrium. Outcome: The fetal endometrial responses differ from that of the adult. In the fetus, the endometrium features progestogenic response only in a minority of cases. The endometrium in most newborn girls does not exhibit secretory or decidual changes which indicate lack of progesterone response. Most newborn girls do not have visible bleeding. Animal studies linked exogenous progestogen exposure during the period of organogenesis to poor endometrial gland development, progesterone resistance, and to alterations of reproductive performance. Although the fetal endometrium may not exhibit a full proliferative response, it is clearly sensitive to circulating estrogens. Molecular mechanisms involved in NUB may include “ontogenetic progesterone resistance.” Conclusion and Outlook: Endometrial development and its response to withdrawal of hormones at birth varies and may be affected by intrauterine stressors and gestational age. Factors that affect endometrial development during fetal life and in preterm neonates can have implications on future reproductive performance.
Two new species of soldier beetles (Coleoptera: Cantharidae) from Eocene Baltic amber, including one with a rare type of antennae
Authors: PANKOWSKI MAXIMILIAN G.
Published: August 2023

Two new species of the family Cantharidae from Baltic amber are described and illustrated: Sucinorhagonycha fabrizioi sp. nov. (Cantharinae, Cacomorphocerini) and Cantharis (Cantharis) samsocki sp. nov. (Cantharinae, Cantharini). The former is particularly notable because it has 12 antennomeres, a characteristic that is relatively rare among the world’s extant beetles, particularly in soldier beetles. This fascinating characteristic and why it may have evolved are explored here.
The first water treader (Heteroptera: Mesoveliidae) from the mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber
Authors: BODERAU MATHIEU , NGO-MULLER VALERIE , NEL ANDRÉ , GARROUSTE ROMAIN
Published: August 2023

Myanmarvelia pankowskiorum gen. et sp. nov., is the first occurrence of the aquatic bug family Mesoveliidae in the mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. This new taxon is described and illustrated based on a well-preserved female specimen. Although numerous morphological characters confirm its placement in the Mesoveliidae its position within the family is unclear. The presence of claws inserted pre-apically and head extended in front of eyes would suggest a placement in the Mesoveliinae but we consider it putative. The fossil record of this family is very poor, ranging between the late Jurassic and the Miocene.
New record of Libanochlites neocomicus Brundin, 1976 from the lower Barremian amber outcrop of Bqaatouta, Lebanon
Authors: AZAR DANY , TABAKIAN HAIG , MAALOUF MOUNIR
Published: August 2023

Amber, dubbed by Ross (1998, 2010) as a “natural time capsule”, is a fossil resin renowned for its remarkable preservation fidelity of biological inclusions. Its unique property to capture organisms in pristine condition has offered scientists the opportunity to access to some minute details permitting as such to better evaluate the evolutionary stages of different animal and vegetal groups, and to open a portal to past environments and ecological dynamics of early periods in the natural history of the Earth (Azar et al., 2010).
A new fossil insect locality from the Upper Triassic of Jiyuan, Henan Province, Central China
Authors: XU MIN-MIN , CAI CHEN-YANG , HUANG DI-YING
Published: August 2023

The Triassic insects are relatively abundant from the Anisian to Rhaetian stages. Several well-known Triassic insect localities are distributed worldwide. Examples include the Anisian Grès à Voltzia in France, the Ladinian–Carnian Madygen Formation in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, the Cow Branch Formation of the latest Triassic in the USA, and the Carnian Molteno Formation in South Africa (Grimaldi & Engel, 2005).
From Priabonian to Selandian: a new species of Eocenostenus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Steninae) from the Paleocene Menat Formation of France
Authors: JENKINS SHAW JOSH , NEL ANDRÉ , JOUAULT CORENTIN
Published: August 2023

A new species of the extinct genus Eocenostenus Cai, Clarke, Huang & Nel, 2014, is described from the middle Paleocene (Selandian) of Menat (France). Eocenostenus vanja sp. nov. is the second known species of the genus, the first being Eocenostenus fossilis Cai et al., 2014 described from the late Eocene (Priabonian) of Monteils, France. The discovery of E. vanja has implications for our understanding of the evolution of Eocenostenus because it pushes back the origin of the genus by several tens of millions of years (i.e., from the Priabonian to the Selandian). Additionally, it possibly sheds light on the cuticular colouration of this genus, which is putatively similar to some extant Steninae, particularly those from the tropical regions of the world. An updated checklist of fossil Steninae is provided.
A new shrew mole species of the genus Uropsilus (Eulipotyphla: Talpidae) from northwestern Vietnam
Authors: BUI HAI TUAN , OKABE SHINYA , LE LINH TU HOANG , NGUYEN NGAN THI , MOTOKAWA MASAHARU
Published: August 2023

A new medium-sized shrew mole species of the genus Uropsilus from Mount Fansipan, Hoang Lien National Park, Lao Cai Province, northwestern Vietnam is described based on morphological and molecular differences. Uropsilus fansipanensis sp. nov. is distinguished from the other Uropsilus species by the combination of the following features: the dorsum is lightly reddish-brown and venter is dark gray; the dark gray tail is long and slender, with a scattered white base and short bristle hairs; orbital process is oriented upwards posteriorly; lacrimal foramen is well developed and much larger than infraorbital foramen; the lower first premolar is approximately the same size as the lower third premolar. Genetic distances in terms of mitochondrial cytochrome b from other Uropsilus species presented pairwise divergences from 8.63 to 20.70%. To date, the new species is known to exist only in the type locality of Mt. Fansipan, a wet and cold temperate climate area with an upper montane forest at an elevation of approximately 2900 m, forming the southernmost distribution of the genus Uropsilus.
A new leafhopper genus with description of a new species of Scaphoideini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from Saudi Arabia
Authors: EL-SONBATI SAAD A. , WILSON MICHAEL R. , DHAFER HATHAL M. AL
Published: August 2023

The genus Paranataretus El-Sonbati gen. n. is described from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with P. juwayriyae El-Sonbati sp. n. as the type species. Grammacephalus brevis Gnezdilov, 2020 from Madagascar, is placed here in this new genus, as Paranataretus brevis (Gnezdilov) comb. n. A key to the species of Paranataretus is also provided.
Self-Efficacy, Goal Orientation, and Relationship Ideologies Among Incarcerated Men and Their Romantic Partners
Authors: Tadros Eman , Fahmy Chantal , Jordan Sara S. , Guajardo Antonia
Published: August 2023

Previous research has found that self-efficacy may be higher during incarceration, which may be a time when individuals reflect, leading incarcerated individuals to create lasting behavioral changes. Self-efficacy may be used to prepare for upcoming community reentry and improve other life outcomes while managing stress during and after incarceration. Utilizing a solution-focused brief therapy conceptualization and data from the Multi-Site Family Study of Incarceration, Parenting, and Partnering, we assess the relationship between self-efficacy, goal orientation, and romantic relationship ideologies with incarcerated men and their non-incarcerated partners. The results indicate that self-efficacy and goal orientation skills cultivated while incarcerated are strongly associated with overall relationship ideologies between the incarcerated male partner and his non-incarcerated partner. While these results substantiate the importance of romantic relationship building during time in prison, they speak to greater capabilities of incarcerated men to form other, non-romantic relationships with their children and family members upon release. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.
Effects of a Passive Back-Support Exosuit on Erector Spinae and Abdominal Muscle Activity During Short-Duration, Asymmetric Trunk Posture Maintenance Tasks
Authors: Kang Sang Hyeon , Mirka Gary A.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To examine the effects of asymmetry and lower extremity mobility restrictions on the effectiveness of a passive back-support exosuit in short-duration, static trunk flexion postures.

Background

The effectiveness of trunk exoskeletons/suits for sagittally symmetric trunk posture maintenance has been investigated, but there has been limited study of the effects of asymmetric trunk postures or lower extremity motion restriction.

Method

Sixteen participants held trunk flexion postures involving trunk flexion (20°, 40°, 60°), asymmetry (0°, 30°), and lower extremity mobility (Free, Restricted) for 3 s. Participants held these postures with and without an exosuit while erector spinae and abdominal muscle activities were collected.

Results

There were no significant interactions between exosuit and asymmetry or exosuit and lower extremity motion restrictions, indicating no significant effects of these factors on the effectiveness of the exosuit at reducing trunk muscle activity. The exosuit was found to be effective at reducing erector spinae muscle activity regardless of asymmetry of posture or lower extremity restrictions (average 21%, from 11.2% MVC to 8.8% MVC). The magnitude of the erector spinae activity at 60° of trunk flexion with the exosuit was similar to that seen at 20° without the exosuit.

Conclusion

The exosuit consistently provided biomechanical benefit through reduced activation of the erector spinae muscles and neither asymmetry of trunk posture nor lower extremity restriction influenced this effectiveness.

Application

Trunk exoskeletons/suits can reduce trunk muscle activation and understanding how characteristics of the trunk postures assumed impact these responses may help target tasks wherein these devices may be effective.
Rohingya Refugee Crisis: Emerging Threats to Bangladesh as a Host Country?
Authors: Sakib A. B. M. Najmus
Published: August 2023

This paper highlights the security challenges that the Rohingya crisis poses to the host nation Bangladesh. As a humanitarian gesture, the Bangladesh government allowed Rohingya minority people in the south-eastern part of its land. Unfortunately, these large numbers of displaced people misuse the blessing and engage in various terrorist activities, fraudulence, smuggling, including drugs, arms, human trafficking, and so on. Based on secondary sources and interviewing Law Enforcement officials of Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar, the paper aims to identify and analyze the notions of diversified intimidation in Bangladesh. Since the Rohingya camps are close to Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India’s border areas, the uncertainty produced by the crisis is also becoming a vital threat to regional stability. It generates ambiguity regarding the extent to which the victims are responsible for scaring the nation that has sheltered them. Unfortunately, the local populations became xenophobic due to the refugees’ uncertain repatriation. It is crucial to relocate the Rohingya refugees rationally and diplomatically within a short time to assure Bangladesh’s safety and security as a host country. Meanwhile, the Government of Bangladesh should improve surveillance in the camps. Besides, the enormous number of refugees should be engaged in some productive work to keep them aside from participating in criminal activities.
Beyond the Number Games: Understanding the Farmer Producer Companies in India and the Way Forward
Authors: Surendran-Padmaja Subash , Ojha Jaya Kritika
Published: August 2023

The paper analyses the trends, patterns and performance of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in India. The paper aims at understanding what determines the success of FPCs and also explore whether the current policy focus on a targeted development of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) a good idea. The study tries to identify the critical common factors of successful FPC ventures. The study also analyses the issues, challenges and bottlenecks faced by selected FPCs and attempts to understand the best practices, the interventions and alternatives of the selected FPCs. The paper would help in understanding the existing and expected institutional arrangements for and around FPCs in order to make the business ventures robust. We used data provided by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC) to explore the trends and patterns. A cross-case analysis was done to assess the performance and to draw inferences on critical common factors for success. The study shows that FPCs are emerging among other legal forms of FPOs. They are prominent in few states, which have enabling environment, enterprising farmers and have a history of collective action. The study shows heterogeneity in the product, functioning, how they work, deal with the issues and mechanisms of FPCs. The paper proposes establishing ‘incubators’ to handhold and support FPCs and different modes and categories for financing them. The macro- and micro-level understanding of FPCs drawn on the country-level data and the specific cases would add to the existing knowledge around FPCs in India. The contextual analysis of FPCs is of interest to global researchers and agri-development professionals, to identify the sectoral challenges, bottlenecks and the issues, which FPCs experience as business ventures. The paper creates possibilities for policy makers to design effective policy responses and strategies to strengthen FPCs in India and also benefit the global south by suggesting the learning from the model.
How change-making teachers create bottom-up reforms
Authors: Sebastian Rose
Published: August 2023

Within our schools are change-making teachers who innovate and find ways to make their schools better for students. Rose Sebastian shares the stories of two change-making teachers who taught at high schools where integration within the school stopped at the classroom doors. With perseverance, a strong sales pitch, and a willingness to compromise, both teachers were able to create new, more integrated courses at their schools. By looking closely at their paths to change, we can gain new insights into how bottom-up reforms are created and into how we can support more teachers in becoming change-makers.
First Person: Our students want to volunteer. We can show them the way.
Authors: Melcher Jamey
Published: August 2023

Students want to volunteer, but they may not know how to find appropriate opportunities that will motivate them to participate regularly. Jamey Melcher writes about how she harnessed he students’ desire to volunteer by talking about volunteer opportunities in the classroom, doing some of the activities with students, and posting a current list organizations and events.
A simulation model for resource allocation in port towage services
Authors: Özkan Emin Deniz , Nas Selçuk
Published: August 2023

In the face of developments in maritime transportation due to globalization, ports are tending toward new tugboat investments in order to respond to the increasing demand. Due to the high costs of tugboats, organizations may face high investment costs. It is important to determine the most suitable number of tugboats, considering the variables in a port area where towage services will be provided. In this study, a simulation model was developed to determine sufficient tugboat allocation according to some variables in ports. The simulation model was subjected to various experiments, and statistical analyses of the obtained results were performed. The relationships between the variables affecting the level of towage service were revealed.
‘He is My Refuge’: Upward Mobility, Class Dislocation and Romantic Relationships
Authors: Fercovic Malik
Published: August 2023

A voluminous sociological literature sheds light on the multiple consequences of upward mobility on individuals’ psychological, emotional and relational lives. Much less studied, however, are the relationships, particularly romantic ones, potentially easing the class dislocation often tied to upward mobility. In this article, I draw upon 60 life-history interviews to examine how long-range upwardly mobile individuals relate and develop romantic ties in contemporary Chile. My findings reveal how romantic partners act as key bonds helping to mitigate the dislocating effects accompanying upward mobility, offering a ‘refuge’ and providing multifaceted support to the upwardly mobile, both in their adjustment to their class destination and when negotiating demands and ties with their class origins. These findings call for a new research agenda in the study of class, social mobility and intimacy.
Performing the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos
Authors: Slaughter Aimee
Published: August 2023

Los Alamos, New Mexico has an enduring and complicated relationship with its past. During World War II, its residents worked to create the world’s first atomic weapons. The nuclear legacies of the Manhattan Project are global, but in contemporary Los Alamos the Project is often primarily considered a local history before a national or international one. The community’s modern identity is constructed in part through creating its history, and this article studies two children’s performances of the Manhattan Project past. The plots of these performances attempt to sidestep difficult history by avoiding nuclear weapons, which can ironically raise their uncanny specter in the imagination of the audience. The community history created in the performances privileges white scientist perspectives and at times flattens differences between past and present. This performed Manhattan Project is not only domestic – Los Alamos domesticates its complex history through these performances.
Hiding in Plain Sight: The Invisibilized Challenges of Black Girlhood in Elite Independent Schools
Authors: Odim Chinyere
Published: August 2023

Background/Context:

The experiences of Black girls navigating elite, predominantly white independent schools remain underresearched in the academy despite this issue being integral in disciplines such as sociology, education, and African American studies. Within such institutions, Black girls must navigate the duality of their privilege in having access to the highest quality and resourced education with the marginality of being a demographic minority within a space controlled by cultural elites.

Purpose:

This study investigates the experiences of Black girls in independent schools via the accounts of Black-woman-identifying alumni of such institutions. This study utilizes a Black feminist framework for understanding the often overlooked excess challenges that Black girls are forced to face.

Research Design:

Through qualitative semi-structured, conversational interviews with 13 Black women graduates of 10 Mid-Atlantic and New England boarding and day schools, this study explores how the graduates reflect on their experiences navigating elite schooling during formative adolescent years, decision-making processes, and management of Black girl identities within the exceedingly white and wealthy context of independent schools.

Conclusions:

Significant themes that emerged from the qualitative data generated by this study include feelings of rootlessness from Black and white communities, difficulty navigating a racialized and gendered social hierarchy, and heightened levels of social anxiety and self-consciousness about physical and ideological selves. Through a thematic retelling from those who have lived through the challenges and understand how they are presented in these contexts, the significance of this study’s exploration of Black girls in independent school is the (1) liberation of these historically marginalized voices and (2) potential to provide current school leaders a framework for how best to support their students.
The evolution of the method of ‘oral and heart-to-heart teaching’ in contemporary times: Based on the observation of Shandong opera classroom
Authors: Yun Xia
Published: August 2023

As the main way of inheriting traditional Chinese art, oral and heart-to-heart teaching (OAHTHT) has survived in all kinds of art inheritance activities. However, the existing literature fails to provide a clear explanation of the applicability and evolution of OAHTHT in contemporary school music classrooms. This article reports on a project of ‘local opera in the classroom’ carried out in primary and secondary schools in six regions of Shandong Province from 2017 to 2020. It attempts to research the presentation and evolution of OAHTHT in contemporary music classrooms through classroom observation and semi-structured interviews with teachers and artists participating in the project. Findings show that the change in OAHTHT is not only reflected in the differences of material media, teaching space and spiritual space, but also in the relationship between ‘oral instruction’ and ‘heart to heart teaching’(Xin Chuan): from the past gradual relationship from skill to mind to parallel relationship of mutual subjects. Meanwhile, under the new OAHTHT inheritance mode, a new form of campus opera performance with children as the principal part is taking shape.
Governance considerations and non-linear international scale-up behaviour among INVs
Authors: Crick James M , Crick Dave , Chaudhry Shiv
Published: August 2023

Underpinning this instrumental case study is an effectuation lens. It investigates how a firm’s governance affects decision-making within international new ventures (INVs), which rapidly withdrew from markets abroad, regarding their re-internationalisation activities. Interviews with founding owners, exhibiting growth-oriented objectives, provide unique insights regarding a combination of effectuation and causation-oriented decision-making. In comparison to earlier studies that focus on the role and mind-set of the founding management team, findings suggest stakeholders like angel investors may exhibit an influence on certain INVs’ internationalisation decisions. Some decision-makers view risks/rewards against objectives in subjective ways like ‘loss of credibility’ and the ‘fear of missing out,’ rather than simply economic terms like growth. New light is shed on the importance of decision-makers validating internationalised business models and exhibiting an ability to pivot product-market strategies. Non-linear international scale-up behaviour may include a temporary domestic market focus and potentially re-internationalising to different countries targeted prior to de-internationalisation.
Effects of coagulation function indicators and tumor markers on diagnosis and clinicopathological characteristics of endometrial cancer
Authors: Li Huayan , Liao Huifeng , Jing Bilin , Wang Yifeng
Published: August 2023

Background

Endometrial cancer is currently the prevalent malignant cancer worldwide. Diagnostic efficiency of tumor markers is limited, and coagulation function indicators in endometrial cancer are less concerned.

Methods

This study attempted to evaluate the effects of coagulation function indicators and tumor markers on the clinical diagnosis and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with endometrial cancer. The retrospective analysis compared the differences in coagulation function indicators and tumor markers among 175 patients with endometrial cancer and 170 healthy women from January 2020 to October 2022.

Results

Compared to the healthy control, the levels of D-dimer, fibrinogen, human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), CA153, and CA199 in patients with endometrial cancer were significantly higher ( P < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses revealed that abnormal levels of D-dimer, fibrinogen, HE4, CA125, CA153, and CA199 were related risk factors affecting the incidence of endometrial cancer. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis exhibited that the area under the curve (0.931) and accuracy (85.2%) of combined diagnosis of coagulation function indicators (D-dimer, fibrinogen) and tumor markers (HE4, CA125, CA153, CA199) were the highest, and its sensitivity (82.3%) and specificity (88.2%) were higher than any single or combined indicators of four tumor markers. Moreover, relative expression levels of the combined indicators were significantly different among clinicopathological characteristics that had the highest predictive value in the FIGO stage ( P < 0.001).

Conclusions

D-dimer and fibrinogen represent potential diagnostic factors for endometrial cancer. The combination of coagulation function indicators and tumor markers exhibited high diagnostic value in endometrial cancer, as well as predictive value for clinicopathological characteristics.
Bending behavior of 3D printed continuous fiber reinforced composite sandwich cylindrical shells
Authors: Liu Baosheng , Jiang Hong , Lou Ruishen , Liu Xin , Wang Yulin , Li Huimin
Published: August 2023

Continuous carbon fiber reinforced composite sandwich cylindrical shells (CFRCSs) have been widely used in aerospace and automotive fields due to their excellent load-bearing performance. However, traditional manufacturing methods involve complex processes and expensive molds. This study uses 3D printing technology to manufacture CFRCSs with sinusoidal, triangular, and trapezoidal core. The sample surface and inside fiber distribution is inspected by the optical microscope and X-ray microscope, respectively. It is found that the samples have the defects of uneven resin distribution, fiber breaking, and fiber waviness. The bending behaviors of CFRCSs are investigated by the three-point bending test. The results show that the CFRCSs with sinusoidal core have the maximum ultimate load of about 3094 N, while those with the triangular core structure have the minimum ultimate load of about 1774 N. The triangular and sinusoidal structures mainly undergo debonding at the junction of the core and the panel and fracture at the core because of the small contact area between the core and panel. In contrast, the trapezoidal structure is mainly brittle fracture with fiber pull-out at the bottom panel and fracture at the top panel. The core type greatly influences the bending mechanical properties of the printed CFRCSs. 3D printing technology can be used to manufacture CFRCSs with required mechanical properties by flexibly designing the core shape.
A systematic review of country-specific drivers and barriers to household food waste reduction and prevention
Authors: Chia Dane , Yap Chin Choo , Wu Shin Ling , Berezina Elizaveta , Aroua Mohamed Kheireddine , Gew Lai Ti
Published: August 2023

Food waste is a global challenge that threatens the sustainable development of human societies. Although food waste is produced in all stages of the food supply chain, household food waste is the biggest contributor to the food waste fraction. In this research, we systematically reviewed 54 empirical studies to explore drivers and barriers to household food waste reduction and prevention. Key aspects, such as comprehension and perception of food waste issues, practices and lifestyles, were examined. Our findings suggest that a great understanding of the impact of one’s food waste on health, environment and economy directly promotes food waste management. Additionally, the food waste issue is not attributed to a single factor, it may differ varies across countries. The majority of the reviewed literature on household food waste comes from European countries, where similar geographical, economic and cultural characteristics may lead to comparable drivers and barriers. This could be the reason for showing optimistic experience to the respective food waste management interventions. However, the applicability of these findings and interventions to regions beyond Europe are uncertain. Future studies should also be expanded to include regions such as Asia, North America, Africa, Oceania, Latin America and the Caribbean. To support the sustainable management of household food waste, mapping country-specific food waste determinants is crucial in developing easy-to-implement food waste interventions that can specifically address the food waste issue in each country.
Organophosphate esters in inert landfill soil: A case study
Authors: Stelzer Victor Berezin , da Silva Amanda Araújo , Penteado Carmenlucia Santos Giordano , Cristale Joyce
Published: August 2023

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) used as flame retardants and plasticizers are additives in building and construction materials, decorations, furniture, electronic equipment, among other applications. The presence of materials containing these substances in construction and demolition waste (CDW) from weak waste management practices can result in environmental contamination. In this study, OPEs’ presence in soil samples collected from a CDW landfill in Brazil was evaluated. Soil samples were collected in areas adjacent to CDW from an inert landfill, and the samples were analysed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The OPEs were detected in all soil samples at quantifiable concentrations ranging from 21 to 251 ng g−1, and detected compounds were tris(phenyl) phosphate, tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate, tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate, tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate and 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate. The presence of these compounds in a CDW landfill is probably due to the lack of control of the materials sent to and deposited in the landfill, which, results in part from the lack of sampling and screening systems that can help identify the presence of contaminants in the CDW waste stream. This is partially due to OPEs not being considered controlled compounds under current regulations, thus screening or separation for handling of OPEs at construction and demolition work sites is rare to non-existent. The data generated in this study reveals the need for improving CDW management to minimize, if not eliminate, environmental contamination by OPEs.
The Resurgence of Fascism in the Contemporary World: History, Concept, and Prospective
Authors: Martins Carlos Eduardo
Published: August 2023

In this article, we analyze fascism, considering some of the main theoretical debates surrounding the topic, its historical forms, and its temporal insertion in the world-system to propose a conceptual definition which can articulate its central characteristics to concrete historical conjunctures and contingencies, point to future tendencies, and its importance as a phenomenon in the contemporary world. We address its relation to liberalism and conservativism and the forms it assumes in the contemporary world in the United States, Europe, and Latin America.
Book review: Sujata Patel, D. Parthasarathy and George Jose, Mumbai/Bombay: Majoritarian Neoliberalism, Informality, Resistance, and Wellbeing
Authors: Medappa Kaveri
Published: August 2023

Sujata Patel, D. Parthasarathy and George Jose, Mumbai/Bombay: Majoritarian Neoliberalism, Informality, Resistance, and Wellbeing (Routledge, 2022), 257 pp., £32.39. ISBN: 9781003293651.
Neu Laxova Syndrome—A Terrifying Disease in Two Siblings With a Novel Variant in PHGDH Gene
Authors: Gonçalves Carolina Ferreira , Andrade Alexandra , Silva Patrícia , Barros Cremilda , Camacho Carmo , Costa Edite
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Neu-Laxova Syndrome (NLS) is a rare, autosomal, and recessively inherited disease characterized by severe congenital malformations, leading to prenatal or early postnatal mortality. The hallmark clinical features of this syndrome are severe intrauterine growth restriction, central nervous system abnormalities, restrictive dermopathy, and characteristic facial dysmorphia. There is no cure or treatment for this syndrome and the termination of the pregnancy is the suggested approach.

Case description

Here, we report a new case of 2 siblings with NLS, diagnosed in utero by ultrasonography and genetic examination. Two variants in heterozygosity in the phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase gene were discovered, including a previously uncharacterized variant (c.487C>T p. [Arg163Trp]).

Comments

Despite all the advances in prenatal diagnosis, NLS remains undiagnosed in many pregnancies. Early and sequential US examinations should be performed in high-risk pregnant women, to establish an early diagnosis.
Comparison of individual and pooled sampling methods for estimation of Vairimorpha (Nosema) spp. levels in experimentally infected honey bee colonies
Authors: Biganski Sarah , Lester Tessa , Obshta Oleksii , Jose Midhun S. , Thebeau Jenna M. , Masood Fatima , Silva Marina C. B. , Camilli Marcelo P. , Raza Muhammad F. , Zabrodski Michael W. , Kozii Ivanna , Koziy Roman , Moshynskyy Igor , Simko Elemir , Wood Sarah C.
Published: August 2023

The microsporidian pathogens Vairimorpha apis and V. ceranae are known to cause intestinal infection in honey bees and are associated with decreased colony productivity and colony loss. The widely accepted method for determining Vairimorpha colony infection level for risk assessment and antibiotic treatment is based on spore counts of 60 pooled worker bees using light microscopy. Given that honey bee colonies consist of as many as 1,000 times more individuals, the number of bees collected for Vairimorpha detection may significantly impact the estimated colony infection level, especially in the case of uneven distribution of high- and low-infected individuals within a hive. Hence, we compared the frequency and severity of Vairimorpha infection in individual bees to pooled samples of 60, 120, and 180 bees, as well as compared the Vairimorpha spp. prevalence in pooled samples of 60 and 180 bees. Overall, we did not find significant differences in spore counts in pooled samples containing incremental numbers of bees, although we observed that, in less-infected colonies, a low frequency of highly infected individuals influenced the estimated colony infection level. Moreover, Vairimorpha spp. prevalence did not differ significantly among the pooled bee samples tested. Increasing the number of pooled bees from the recommended 60 bees to 180 bees did not yield a more accurate representation of colony infection level for highly infected colonies, but the clinical importance of a low frequency of highly infected individuals in less-infected colonies needs to be addressed in future studies.
Soft polymers dynamic characterisation using sandwich theory
Authors: Cortés Fernando , Brun Mikel , García-Barruetabeña Jon , Sarría Imanol , Elejabarrieta María Jesús
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a method to identify the dynamic mechanical properties of soft not self-supporting viscoelastic materials at high frequencies using sandwich beams. The motivation of this alternative method comes from the fact that the method of Ross, Kerwin and Ungar (RKU), proposed by the standard ASTM E 756-05, adds structural rigidity to the sandwich as shear increases, for example at high frequencies, and consequently, the stiffness of the core material is underestimated. The proposed method is based on a homogenization technique for sandwich beams that takes into account quadratic shear stress in the formulation, instead of a constant shear as the RKU method. To prove its worth, the properties of a soft polymer are identified by both methods from experimental transmissibility measures carried out on a sandwich beam up to 2500 Hz. Then, finite element simulations are performed using the obtained material properties to compare the numerical transmissibility functions with the experimental one. A numerical comparison for the case of a sandwich beam with a thicker viscoelastic core is also completed, proving the improvement in the stiffness and damping properties identification in the high frequency range by considering quadratic shear in the formulation. As a result, the identified mechanical properties by the proposed method are more accurate at high frequencies and for thicker core beams, i.e., when the shear effect is significant.
Is LGBT inclusion motivated by organizational performance? Exploring the relationships between performance feedback and LGBT inclusion in firms
Authors: Kotiloglu Serhan , McDonald Aaron T
Published: August 2023

Aligned with changing societal norms toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, many firms strive to become more inclusive toward their LGBT stakeholders. Despite this positive trend, not all firms embrace LGBT inclusion; some choose to be less inclusive. We assert that considering organizational factors can explain why such disparities exist. We used the organizational performance feedback theory to understand the antecedents of LGBT inclusion in firms. Performance feedback theory proposes that firm performance relative to an aspiration level drives organizational actions. Using the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index of 269 US firms between 2012 and 2020, we demonstrated that as firms’ financial performance decreases below aspirations, or as it increases above aspirations, LGBT inclusion decreases. We also showed that the firm’s prior LGBT inclusion performance feedback moderates these relationships. Our study has important implications for performance feedback theory and LGBT inclusion in firms.
Middle meningeal artery embolization combined with surgical evacuation for chronic subdural hematoma: A single-center experience of 75 cases
Authors: Orscelik Atakan , Senol Yigit Can , Bilgin Cem , Kobeissi Hassan , Arul Santhosh , Cloft Harry , Lanzino Giuseppe , Kallmes David F , Brinjikji Waleed
Published: August 2023

Background

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a challenging and common neurosurgical condition. Our goal is to demonstrate that middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization combined with surgical evacuation can be a promising adjuvant option for treatment of cSDHs and prevent recurrence in symptomatic patients who require surgical treatment.

Method

We retrospectively collected data from patients who underwent MMA embolization using polyvinyl alcohol particles and surgical evacuation with burr hole or craniotomy in a single center for the treatment of new and recurrent cSDHs. The primary outcome was recurrence of cSDH requiring surgical rescue during follow up, and secondary outcomes were defined as >50% decrease in the maximum width of cSDHs on the longest follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan, complications following procedure, and improvement in modified Rankin scale (mRS) score.

Results

A total of 51 patients successfully underwent 72 MMA embolization procedures (96% of the total 75 cases in the cohort) combined with surgical evacuation. Seventy cases (93.3%) achieved at least 50% reduction in the size of the cSDHs on the last CT imaging. A surgical evacuation was required in five cases (6.7%) due to cSDH recurrence during the follow-up period. There were three complications (6.0%) related to embolization procedure. Forty patients (78.4%) showed improvement in mRS score. There was one mortality (2%) regardless of the embolization and evacuation.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of adjunct MMA embolization in significantly reducing size and recurrence of cSDHs.
Prioritisation of operations during emergency shutdown of a crude distillation unit by interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Suresh Gopalakrishnan , Renjith Vadakkapaikkadu Ravindran , Bhasi Anchalassery Balakrishnan
Published: August 2023

A very reliable control system for offering a safety layer in emergency scenarios is an emergency shutdown system, or ESD system. It aids in preventing crises from having disastrous effects on the economy, the environment or business operations. In any plant, emergency shutdown systems reduce the risk of harm to the working population, the environment or equipment damage by guarding against leaks, hydrocarbon escapes, fire outbreaks and explosions. The ESD system halts process activity in an emergency, ensures that the hazard is isolated and does not worsen. It is essential that there is a clearly defined emergency procedure in place when a facility needs to be shut down in an emergency. When preparing an emergency procedure for use in an emergency, it is crucial to prioritise the operations. The factory uses an Interval-valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (IVIFAHP) to prioritise activities in emergency situations. It is possible to design emergency shutdown systems using the aforementioned order of operations. It is possible to properly set up safety measures using the multi-criteria decision-making approach (MCDM). The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) compares variables without taking measurement scales or units into consideration, which is a distinct benefit. The AHP’s handling of ambiguity, uncertainty and imprecise data is improved by the IVIFAHP.
Some new chiral and perturbed chiral solitary waves in quantum Hall effect
Authors: Al-Saleh Dana , Hassan SZ , Alomair RA , Abdelrahman Mahmoud AE
Published: August 2023

In this article, we present a new form of solutions to the Chiral/perturbed Chiral nonlinear Schrödinger equation, using the unified solver method. This solver introduces the closed formula in an explicit way. In each problem, different families of elliptic functions solutions are found under suitable conditions. Moreover, some cases of hyperbolic solutions are obtained. The acquired solutions may be applicable for explaining various complex phenomena in the quantum Hall effect. The presented study displays that the proposed solver is simple, powerful and sturdy. For more details about the physical dynamical representation of the presented solutions, we introduce some graphs of some selected solutions using Matlab software. Finally, the presented solver can be used to solve many other models in real life problems.
Language Revitalization: Challenges for Kazakh in Higher Education
Authors: Kucherbayeva Dina , Smagulova Juldyz
Published: August 2023

This paper is an initial attempt to evaluate the challenges of promoting a new national language as a medium of instruction (MOI) in a post-socialist higher education (HE) context. In the case of Kazakhstan, the choice of MOI is perceived as a key tool to strengthen national identity and resist domination of Russian; in higher education sector language policies are constructed to foster cultural independence which translates into establishing Kazakh as a full-fledged medium of academia. Drawing on the historical-structural approach (Tollefson, 1991, 2013), we analyze the ideologies and practices of university students studying in Kazakh. Findings from audio-recorded interviews suggest that implementing Kazakh-medium instruction policies face numerous pragmatic and ideological challenges, such as a dearth of teaching and learning resources in Kazakh and lack of Kazakh-speaking faculty. This study contributes to scholarship on language revitalization in the context of tertiary education.