bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Debunking the frailty-sarcopenia-ADT axis in metastatic prostate cancer with multicomponent exercise: The FIERCE trial.
Authors: Dieli-Conwright Christina Marie , Morgans Alicia K. , Gonzalo-Encabo Paola , Kang Dong-Woo , Rosenthal Michael Hayden , Vander Heiden Matthew , Uno Hajime , Wilson Rebekah L
Published: June 2024

TPS5124

Background: Metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) incidence is growing despite a decrease in the prevalence of prostate cancer (PCa). Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), the mainstay treatment for mPCa, is accompanied by a number of side effects, such as decline in muscle mass and physical function, leading to the exacerbation of age-related conditions including frailty and sarcopenia. Frailty is characterized by a loss of functional reserve, where frail men with mPCa have a worse prognosis. Sarcopenia refers to a decrease in muscle mass, strength, and function, and is associated with increased mortality in men with mPCa. Notably, PCa patients who received ADT are 3 times more likely to develop frailty compared to patients who never received ADT and 2 times more likely to develop sarcopenia compared to men without cancer. Exercise plays a key role in ameliorating or preventing further deterioration of ADT-related side effects and improving muscle mass, fitness, and strength. However, while there is a number of exercise studies in men with PCa, those with mPCa have been vastly understudied, with a lack of studies focusing on frailty and sarcopenia and the mechanisms of how exercise could address such outcomes. Thus, we have designed the FIERCE Trial to assess the effects of a 16-week multicomponent exercise intervention, encompassing resistance, aerobic, and functional training on frailty and sarcopenic status and their potential mechanistic biomarkers, and disease progression. Methods: The FIERCE trial is a prospective study aiming to recruit eighty pre-frail/frail men with mPCa receiving ADT who will be randomized to an exercise or attention control group. The 16-week exercise intervention will include thrice weekly clinic supervised, resistance and functional exercise circuit training, and self-directed home-based aerobic exercise. The attention control group will receive a stretching program and will be offered the exercise program following the study period. The primary outcome will be frailty, measured by the Fried Frailty phenotype (i.e., muscle loss, exhaustion, physical activity, gait speed, and strength) and frailty associated biomarkers (IL-6, TNF-α, CRP). Secondary outcomes include sarcopenia, measured using computerized tomography scans and sarcopenia associated muscle biopsy-driven biomarkers (myokines and insulin pathway markers). An exploratory outcome will assess the effect of exercise on cancer cell line growth (LNCaP cell line). To date, eight out of planned 80 patients have been enrolled. This trial is registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06040125). Clinical trial information: NCT06040125 .
ALADDIN: Evaluation of darolutamide addition to androgen deprivation therapy and radiation therapy in newly diagnosed prostate cancer with pelvic lymph nodes metastases.
Authors: Oudard Stephane , Combe Pierre , Boisserie Thomas , Hasbini Ali , Leroy Thomas , Supiot Stephane , Schick Ulrike , Mesgouez-Nebout Nathalie , Pasquier David , Fumagalli Ingrid , Khalifa Jonathan , Iriart Carole , Adrien Laville , Sargos Paul , Ruffier Amandine , Riet François-Georges , Martin Etienne , Cartier Lysian , Graff-Cailleaud Pierre , Bibault Jean-Emmanuel
Published: June 2024

TPS5127

Background: Standard of care for patients with prostate cancer (PC) with pelvic lymph node metastases is radiotherapy (RT) with long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). In the STAMPEDE trial, James et al. assessed the role of abiraterone acetate with prednisolone (AAP) earlier in the disease for N+M0 PC patients. They showed that the addition of AAP to ADT and RT significantly improved failure-free survival (FFS) from 61% to 92.5% (ESMO 2017). Darolutamide improves survival in men with castration-refractory non-metastatic prostate cancer and in mHSPC patients with the addition of ADT plus docetaxel. We hypothesize that adding Darolutamide to ADT and RT could improve FFS for these high-risk patients. Methods: The ALADDIN study (NCT05116475) is a French, prospective, phase 3 trial that will enroll an estimated 152 patients with hormone-naive prostate cancer and pelvic lymph node metastases. Eligible patients are treatment-naive for hormonal therapy, with positive lymph node disease (upper limit defined as L4/L5 interspace) determined by conventional imaging or TEP choline or PSMA, ECOG performance status of 0 to 2, and adequate major organ function. Patients will be randomized by minimization 1:1 to receive ADT + Intensity-Modulated Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IMRT) with darolutamide or placebo (of darolutamide). IMRT will deliver 78 Gy to the prostate, 70 Gy to the metastatic lymph nodes, and 46 Gy to the pelvic lymph node areas (2 Gy per fraction, 5 days a week) with daily CBCT imaging. ADT will be achieved with LHRH agonists or antagonists for 24 months. The darolutamide regimen will be two tablets of 300 mg orally twice daily for 24 months. The primary endpoint is failure-free survival. Secondary endpoints will be: MFS, progression-free survival, safety, overall survival, and health-related quality of life. Stratification factors are D'Amico risk group and sites. The planned sample size provides 80% power to detect a difference of 20% in FFS (60 vs 80%) at a two-sided 0.05 significance level. The study is expected to last for 7 years, of which accrual will last for 2 years. The first participant was enrolled in the study in August 2022. In total, 23 centers are participating in the ALADDIN study. The DSMB occurred on November 13th 2023 and allowed the study to continue as planned. Clinical trial information: NCT05116475 .
A phase I, first-in-human study of ONO-7018 in patients with relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Authors: Byrd John C. , Porcu Pierluigi , Sundermeier Thomas , Nakada Takashi , Iwata Takeyuki , Prados Sergio , Gordon Leo I.
Published: June 2024

TPS7083

Background: Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1) is a key component of the caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 11 (CARD 11)-B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 10 (BCL 10)-MALT1 signalosome complex, which activates nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling in response to B-cell–receptor or T-cell–receptor stimulation. Activation of NF-κB signaling promotes survival and proliferation of B-cell lymphoma and T-cell lymphoma. ONO-7018 is an oral, potent, and selective MALT1 inhibitor that has demonstrated preclinical efficacy in several lymphoma models (Morishita D, et al. Blood. 2020). Therefore, ONO-7018 has therapeutic potential for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This study aims to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of ONO-7018 as monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory NHL or CLL. Methods: This Phase I, first-in-human, open-label, multicenter study will be done in two parts, a dose-escalation phase (part 1) and a dose-expansion phase (part 2). An estimated 54 eligible patients will be enrolled. Patients must be adults with relapsed/refractory NHL or CLL with measurable disease; all acute toxic effects of prior antitumor therapy should be grade ≤1; have Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 2; and have adequate bone marrow, renal, and hepatic function. Exclusion criteria include history of other lymphoid malignancy, central nervous system involvement, active autoimmune disease, systemic and active infection, serious or uncontrolled medical disorder, and patient inability to swallow tablets. ONO-7018 will be administered orally. In part 1, patients will be assigned to a dose level cohort (≤4 dose levels: DL1-DL4) using a 3+3 dose-escalation design. In part 2, patients will be given the recommended dose level from part 1, following safety review. The primary endpoints include dose-limiting toxicity, MTD, and treatment-emergent adverse events. Secondary endpoints include pharmacokinetics, objective response rate, duration of response, progression-free survival, and overall survival. The study began February 13, 2023, and is currently recruiting; part 1 is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT05515406 .
Bone Health in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Forner Patrice , Sheu Angela
Published: June 2024

The association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and skeletal fragility is complex, with effects on bone at the cellular, molecular, and biomechanical levels. As a result, people with T2DM, compared to those without, are at increased risk of fracture, despite often having preserved bone mineral density (BMD) on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Maladaptive skeletal loading and changes in bone architecture (particularly cortical porosity and low cortical volumes, the hallmark of diabetic osteopathy) are not apparent on routine DXA. Alternative imaging modalities, including quantitative computed tomography and trabecular bone score, allow for noninvasive visualization of cortical and trabecular compartments and may be useful in identifying those at risk for fractures.

Current fracture risk calculators underestimate fracture risk in T2DM, partly due to their reliance on BMD. As a result, individuals with T2DM, who are at high risk of fracture, may be overlooked for commencement of osteoporosis therapy. Rather, management of skeletal health in T2DM should include consideration of treatment initiation at lower BMD thresholds, the use of adjusted fracture risk calculators, and consideration of metabolic and nonskeletal risk factors. Antidiabetic medications have differing effects on the skeleton and treatment choice should consider the bone impacts in those at risk for fracture.

T2DM poses a unique challenge when it comes to assessing bone health and fracture risk. This article discusses the clinical burden and presentation of skeletal disease in T2DM. Two clinical cases are presented to illustrate a clinical approach in assessing and managing fracture risk in these patients.
The Digital Classicism of the Cantonese Opera Film White Snake
Authors: Luo Liang
Published: June 2024

This article examines the 2019 Cantonese opera film White Snake as an important case of an evolving “digital classicism,” making use of audience-based digitally produced and transmitted Chinese-language materials, among other sources. The article contextualizes the Cantonese opera film as continuing the tradition of experimenting with the White Snake theme, using the genres of local opera and opera film, and special and visual effects enabled by the newest technology. It then moves to a close reading of a series of danmu, anonymous live comments on the Cantonese opera film trailer posted on Bilibili, as important entry points for the study of audience participation in digital times. The digitally produced “ink painting–style Chinese aesthetics” of the film, its digital breakthrough as a “musical with Chinese characteristics,” as well as various forms of fan and anti-fan digital labor triggered by the film, provide further evidence on the importance of “the digital” as “processes of sense making.” The article concludes with thoughts on what difference “the digital” might be able to make in this long history of representing what has become a “classical” Chinese legend.
Surface Classicism
Authors: Chun Tarryn Li-Min
Published: June 2024

This article examines digital classicism in contemporary Chinese performance through the case study of an excerpt of the dance-drama Zhici qinglü 只此青綠 (Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting) performed at the 2022 CCTV Spring Festival Gala. It argues that the mobilization of digital performance technologies in Zhici qinglü and other contemporary large-scale performance in the PRC generates what might be termed “surface classicism”—an engagement with the past that sublimates elements of classical art and literature into the realm of digitally enhanced visuality. Surface classicism lends itself to critiques of superficiality and inauthenticity, but this article demonstrates that its ubiquity in contemporary culture also creates new networks of relationality among remediations of classical poetics and imagery. Ultimately, the mediation of both liveness and spectacular technologies in contemporary, digitally enhanced performance establishes classicist poetics and imagery as a core component of shared contemporary Chinese culture and may even engender new, more accessible modes of classical erudition.
Επίδραση του σησαμιού sesamum indicum (pedaliaceae) στην μετεμμηνοπαυσιακή οστεοπόρωση
Authors: Ζωίτσης Σπυρίδων
Published: June 2024

Σκοπός: Οι σημαντικές παρενέργειες από την χορήγηση οιστρογόνων για την διαχείριση των συμπτωμάτων της εμμηνόπαυσης και της μετεμμηνοπαυσιακής οστεοπόρωσης, υπήρξαν η αφορμή να εστιάσει η έρευνα στα φυτοοιστρογόνα. Για τον σκοπό αυτό, η παρούσα μελέτη εξέτασε την επίδραση του σησαμιού (ταχίνι και περισπέρμιο σησαμιού) στο μετεμμηνοπαυσιακό μοντέλο οστικής πυκνότητας με ωοθηκεκτομή, ως δυνητικού παράγοντα για τη διαχείριση της μετεμμηνοπαυσιακής οστεοπόρωσης, είτε ως συμπλήρωμα διατροφής, είτε ως υποκατάστατο θεραπείας ορμονικής υποκατάστασης, χωρίς τις σοβαρές παρενέργειες άλλων θεραπειών. Υλικά και Μέθοδοι: Σαράντα θηλυκοί επίμυες φυλής Wistar και ηλικίας δέκα μηνών χωρίστηκαν στις ομάδες: ελέγχου (Control, n=10), ωοθηκεκτομής (OVX, n=10), ωοθηκεκτομής-συν-ταχίνι (OVX+T, n=10) και ωοθηκεκτομής-συν-εκχύλισμα περισπερμίου σησαμιού (OVX+SPE, n=10). Η ολική και η εγγύς κνημιαία οστική πυκνότητα μετρήθηκαν με απορροφησιομετρία διπλοενεργειακής δέσμης ακτίνων Χ (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, DEXA) κατά την έναρξη, 3 και 6 μήνες μετά. Τα μηριαία οστά υποβλήθηκαν σε δοκιμή κάμψης τριών σημείων (3PBT). Στο τέλος της μελέτης εξετάστηκε το βάρος των ιστών: μήτρα, κοιλιακό λίπος, γαστροκνήμιος μυς, καρδιά, αριστερός νεφρός, εγκέφαλος, ήπαρ, και η αναλογία τους προς το σωματικό βάρος. Αποτελέσματα: Τόσο οι τιμές της ολικής, όσο και της εγγύς κνημιαίας οστικής πυκνότητας, οι ποσοστιαίες μεταβολές, αλλά και οι απόλυτες τιμές από εκείνες στην έναρξη της πειραματικής διαδικασίας, των ομάδων OVX+Τ και OVX+SPE, ήταν διαχρονικά, στατιστικά σημαντικά υψηλότερες από εκείνες της ομάδας OVX. Στην 3PBT, τα δεξιά μηριαία οστά της ομάδας OVX+SPE παρουσίασαν στατιστικά σημαντικά αυξημένη τιμή, σε σύγκριση με την ομάδα OVX, για τους δείκτες τάση mises και τάση κάμψης, και τα αριστερά μηριαία οστά της ομάδας OVX+T εμφάνισαν στατιστικά μειωμένη τιμή, για τον δείκτη στρεπτικής τάσης. Συμπέρασμα: Το ταχίνι και το εκχύλισμα περισπερμίου σησαμιού μείωσαν την μετεμμηνοπαυσιακή απώλεια της οστικής πυκνότητας. Βελτίωση της εμβιομηχανικής αντοχής σημειώθηκε επίσης στην 3PBT. Συνεπώς, το ταχίνι και εκχύλισμα από το περισπέρμιο του σησαμιού θα μπορούσαν να αποτελέσουν σημαντικούς παράγοντες στη διαχείριση της οστεοπόρωσης. Η περαιτέρω έρευνα σχετικά με τις επιδράσεις των υποπροϊόντων σησαμιού στην μετεμμηνοπαυσιακή οστεοπόρωση είναι επιβεβλημένη.
Integrated Raw Material Approach to Sustainable Geothermal Energy Production: Harnessing CO2 for Enhanced Resource Utilization
Authors: Fotias Sofianos Panagiotis , Gaganis Vassilis , Bellas Spyros
Published: June 2024

CPG (CO2 Plume Geothermal) has recently emerged as a promising technology that combines the extraction of geothermal energy with underground CO2 storage, thus aligning with the energy objectives of Greece according to the National Energy and Climate Plan. The concept of CPG revolves around treating CO2 as a raw material, recycling it through continuous injection and production to and from a subsurface reservoir, taking advantage of the discrete plume that forms on top of the subsurface formation. As CO2 is injected, it contacts the hot formation and captures thermal energy which is eventually transferred from the reservoir to the surface facilities where it gets exploited in thermal plants. The CO2 flow system is closed thus offering the permanent storage option. Despite the favorable aspects of this technology, such as reduced energy requirements for fluid recycling, improved mobility and a smaller environmental footprint, there are also challenges that require careful consideration. CO2 is less viscous and lighter than resident brine, thus fingering effects are more prominent than sweeping displacement. As a result, CO2 breakthrough appears soon, even at wells designed for pressure maintenance through brine extraction. This highlights the need for a thorough study of the geological field and reservoir, along with the optimization of the production system’s design. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of a geothermal reservoir and covers an optimized dynamic simulation for a combined geothermal, CO2 storage and CPG system. Results demonstrate that a sustainable carbon-negative energy-producing power plant is possible. Such systems can also be implemented in already existing industries, providing a source of energy for secondary operations while also positioning the operators more strongly in the carbon tax market.
Nursing care for a 71-year-old patient suffering from the acute phase of ischemic stroke
Authors: Bąk Ewelina , Kostka Julia
Published: June 2024

Stroke is a significant problem, both clinical and social, leading to disability of the patient. Its occurrence is mainly influenced by modifiable and non-modifiable factors. The golden mean in diagnosis, and then in functioning in everyday life, is the time from the onset of the first symptoms of a stroke and the related method of treatment. Proper care for the patient in the acute phase of stroke is essential for continued functioning at home.
Una app offline podría mejorar la salud sexual de comunidades del Pacífico colombiano
Authors: Aya Parra Pedro Antonio , Barreto Zorza Yenny Marcela , Enríquez Barreto Carolina , Rueda Aleida
Published: June 2024

En una de las zonas más pobres y golpeadas por la violencia de Colombia, un grupo de investigadores utilizó las tecnologías digitales para compartir información sobre salud sexual entre jóvenes del Pacífico colombiano. Su principal objetivo es generar estrategias de educación en salud a través de algo obvio, pero poco común: escuchar a la comunidad.
ANTOLOGIA DO INSULTO: NOTAS DISCURSIVAS SOBRE O MARCADOR RACIAL
Authors: Ribeiro de Marins Filho Manoel
Published: June 2024

O artigo pretende examinar a articulação do pensamento de intelectuais brasileiros representados por Raimundo Nina Rodrigues (1862-1906), João Batista de Lacerda (1846-1915) e Francisco José de Oliveira Vianna (1883-1951), e demonstrar que suas argumentações em torno do pessimismo relacionado a presença negra na sociedade brasileira estimulou e produziu uma cultura de convicções negativas em relação ao não branco, influenciando na construção de mentalidades sociais que reproduzem vínculos de relações de desrespeito no mundo da vida. O insulto por meio das suas diversas modalidades comportamentais é o fenômeno circulante que determina e orienta o pensamento racializado, recepcionado pela hierarquia de crenças baseadas na cor da pele.
Palavras-chave: Insulto, racialismo, homens da ciência, mentalidade.
Banishing imposter syndrome
Authors: Windridge Michelle
Published: June 2024

It can be daunting starting your first placement in an early years setting. Michelle Windridge, lecturer in Education at University College Birmingham, discusses imposter syndrome and how to overcome the feeling before you enter a setting.
Relationship between cleaning frequency and pressure ulcer healing time in older people receiving home care
Authors: Yoshikawa Yoshiyuki , Maeshige Noriaki , Tanaka Masayuki , Uemura Mikiko , Hiramatsu Terutaka , Fujino Hidemi , Sugimoto Masaharu , Terashi Hiroto
Published: June 2024

Objective:

The relationship between the healing time of pressure ulcers (PUs) and wound cleaning frequency among older people in homecare settings was investigated.

Method:

This single-centre, prospective cohort study was conducted from April 2018 to March 2019. Patients who used home-visit nursing services, had National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel classification stage 2 PUs, and had their wounds cleaned at least twice a week were enrolled in the study. Wound cleaning was performed using tap water and a weakly acidic cleanser. Participants were divided into two groups, determined by the frequency of wound cleaning (twice weekly versus ≥3 times weekly). Duration of PU healing and the increase in care insurance premiums were compared in both groups.

Results:

A total of 12 patients were included in the study. The mean healing period of PUs cleaned ≥3 times per week (65.3±24.8 days) was significantly shorter than that of PUs cleaned twice a week (102.6±19.2 days; p<0.05). Furthermore, the increase in care insurance premiums for PUs cleaned ≥3 times per week (¥122,497±105,660 Yen per six months) was significantly lower than that for PUs cleaned twice a week (¥238,116±60,428 per six months) (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that frequent cleaning of PUs by health professionals in homecare settings not only shorten PU healing period but also reduces care insurance premiums for PU care.
The regenerative solar system. Unified theory of physics
Authors: DUMITRESCU Horia , CARDOS Vladimir , BOGATEANU Radu
Published: June 2024

The Euler’s holomorphic regenerative universe is a quantum-gravitational theory of Earth development recognizing that oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide in the Earth’s hydrosphere engender biological processes along with living organisms able to reshape the planet as surely as any physical force, but with delayed effects, the so-called torsional/gravitational buckling lag. Herein, the environmental sciences as a Vernadsky’s hypothesis precursor to these, become vital for preserving biological recurrent cycles, their nature being artificially changed by a vicious human intervention. The present paper describes the thermal gravitational mechanism of a solar system associated with the regenerative processes of molecular structures (in biology called metabolism or growth) at the quantum-gravitational scale, too slow to be perceived. The term “morph” (or the concept of “morphing” in aeronautics, in mathematics called topological holomorphism) originates from ancient Greeks and refers to the shape, figure, or other related aspects of an evolving entity. Therefore, morphing/morphism pertains to the process of modifying the original form or appearance of a particular object or system. The planets of solar system like “cosmic organisms” can manipulate the curvature and twist of their surfaces to maintain precise control over their recurrent cyclical complex motions (double, orbital and sideral rotations) by the thermal gravitational waves. The out of order function of the thermal gravitational mechanism can lead to the global warming effects associated with both reshaping (earthquakes, fires, floods) surfaces and morphing (as a whole energy metabolism) mutations, crucial for perpetuity of human beings. At the same time, the concept of quantum-gravity light with a topological dual isomorphic structure solves the fundamental problem of a unified theory of physical forces, as kinematic fast dynamo electromagnetic forces for splitting quanta bonded into atomic structures, and persistent (long time) gravitational forces for non-splitting quanta bonded into thermomolecular morphing structures. The only problem remains to gauge such multiple cooperative physical phenomena induced by light, which is solved by diverse reciprocity/equivalence theorems and corresponding conversion factors.
Redes de Aprendizaje y Servicio. Concepciones, habilidades y condiciones de un movimiento glocal transformador
Authors: Avruj Luz M. , Peregalli Andrés , Ferrara Candelaria
Published: June 2024

Las Redes de Aprendizaje y Servicio (RAyS) se basan en ecosistemas de vínculos fraternos que permiten ampliar la mirada hacia un horizonte vinculado al hacer y hacer crecer con otros. Buscan instalar el aprendizaje-servicio en sus países, ampliar la masa crítica interesada en la temática, incrementar la formación de educadores, así como incidir en la política pública. Este artículo describe cómo liderar y gestionar RAyS y qué percepciones tienen actores relevantes a nivel global acerca del estado de situación y los desafíos del trabajo en red. Ello se basa en dos Mapeos Globales sobre AyS como fuente de información, los cuales se relevaron mediante cuestionarios y entrevistas a más de 1300 actores a nivel local, regional y mundial. Las RAyS sostienen una trama compleja de actores que traccionan colaborativamente y en la diversidad. Son estrategias de acción y también una forma de ser, hacer y estar en el mundo. Son comunidades que aprenden de modo colaborativo y un modo de generar entramados de capital social que ofrecen contención, apoyo y potencial de crecimiento.
Civic-Mindedness as an Enduring Influence of Service Learning
Authors: Adarlo Genejane M. , Amor Urduja C. , Garciano Agnes D. , Dalagan Juliet Q.
Published: June 2024

Abstract: Service learning can prepare undergraduate students with the necessary civic capacities and commitments for today's solutions to wicked social problems. However, most studies on the civic outcomes of service learning, such as civic-mindedness, are student self-reports on surveys given at the end of an academic term. A more nuanced understanding of civic-mindedness as an outcome of service learning is needed using qualitative research and longitudinal follow-up. Hence, this case study aimed to examine the development of civic-mindedness among undergraduate students from an institution of Jesuit higher education in the capital of the Philippines by following up with them six years after their participation in a curricular service learning experience in a public health care setting. Out of 24 eligible study participants, 13 took part in a focus group discussion. Thematic analysis of verbatim transcripts revealed civic-mindedness as an enduring outcome of curricular service learning. Our findings support the growing literature on the teachable moments that can come with rendering service in the community and the fundamental role of educators in designing a well-structured curricular service learning program that can leave a lasting impression on their students' civic identity.
How to Be Human in Drone Culture: In Search of a Pharmacological Recompense through Performance
Authors: Nedelkopoulou Eirini
Published: June 2024

Abstract: This article examines how performance represents, reflects on, and reimagines the function of technology in drone culture. From a pharmaco-phenomenological angle, I analyze drone art practices, focusing on how drone performances invite audiences to feel/make their way through a networked reality. I highlight human tension, vulnerability, and precarity in their digital thrownness in conditions perceived as alien or alienating, yet not completely foreign or nonhuman. Featuring Ars Electronica Futurelab’s 100 Drones , Julian Hetzel’s The Automated Sniper , Laura Poitras’s Bed Down Location , and Random International’s Zoological , I investigate drones as pharmaka in practices where these technologies potentially antagonize, elevate, or even outperform their human counterparts. It is through this pharmacological functionality of drones that this article seeks to understand how to be human in drone culture.
Two-photon line-scanning structured illumination microscopy combined with lightsheet scanning mode for super-resolution imaging in deep tissue
Authors: Byers Patrick , Kellerer Thomas , Li Miaomiao , Chen Zhifen , Huser Thomas , Hellerer Thomas
Published: June 2024

Imaging structures deep within biological tissue and organisms with a spatial resolution well below the optical diffraction limit is still underrepresented. This is mostly due to the complexity and high cost of microscopes that can facilitate such challenges. The majority of deep tissue imaging is still accomplished by exciting fluorescence and other nonlinear light-sample interactions with ultrashort pulsed lasers. Here, we demonstrate a cost efficient and easy to implement method to turn most two-photon laser-scanning microscopes into a super-resolution microscope for deep tissue imaging. We realize this by adding a compact and cost-efficient line-scanning module, a field rotator, and a sCMOS camera to these systems. By combining two-photon excitation with patterned line-scanning and subsequent image reconstruction, we achieve imaging with a spatial resolution well below the diffraction limit. Furthermore, by synchronizing the two-photon line illumination with camera-based line confocalization, a significant contrast enhancement deep within biological tissue can be achieved. We demonstrate this by imaging subwavelength structures in extended Pinus radiata, mouse heart muscle and zebrafish samples.
Ten recommendations for hosting a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) journal club
Authors: Díaz Roberto Efraín , Wankowicz Stephanie A.
Published: June 2024

Despite advances and social progress, the exclusion of diverse groups in academia, especially science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, across the US and Europe persists, resulting in the underrepresentation of diverse people in higher education. There is extensive literature about theory, observation, and evidence-based practices that can help create a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse learning environment. In this article, we propose the implementation of a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) journal club as a strategic initiative to foster education and promote action towards making academia a more equitable institution. By creating a space for people to engage with DEIJ theories* and strategize ways to improve their learning environment, we hope to normalize the practice and importance of analyzing academia through an equity lens. Guided by restorative justice principles, we offer 10 recommendations for fostering community cohesion through education and mutual understanding. This approach underscores the importance of appropriate action and self-education in the journey toward a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just academic environment.

*Authors’ note: We understand that “DEIJ” is a multidisciplinary organizational framework that relies on numerous fields of study, including history, sociology, philosophy, and more. We use this term to refer to these different fields of study for brevity purposes.
Can "sponge city" pilots enhance ecological livability: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Qi , Wang Qinmei , Wang Xi
Published: June 2024

The challenges posed by environmental pollution, water scarcity, and energy limitations resulting from industrialization and modernization pose significant threats to human habitats. Consequently, assessing ecological livability and delineating pathways for improvement carry considerable practical importance. Leveraging panel data encompassing 288 cities in China from 2010 to 2021, this study establishes an evaluation system for ecological livability, encompassing three dimensions: natural greenery level, residential comfort level, and environmental governance level. Subsequently, the study measures the ecological livability level and investigates the impact of "sponge city" pilots on ecological livability and their underlying mechanisms using a multi-period difference-in-differences model. Our findings underscore the substantial role of "sponge city" pilot projects in bolstering ecological livability, with robustness observed across various models and specifications. Specifically, human capital concentration and green technology innovation emerge as pivotal pathways through which "sponge city" pilots augment ecological livability. Moreover, the effectiveness of "sponge city" pilots varies across regions due to disparities in drought severity and water supply, with more pronounced effects observed in arid areas and cities facing water supply shortages. This research furnishes comprehensive theoretical and empirical underpinnings for comprehending the influence of "sponge city" pilots on ecological livability, offering valuable insights and recommendations to inform future efforts aimed at enhancing ecological livability and fostering sustainable development.
Non-destructive test-based assessment of uniaxial compressive strength and elasticity modulus of intact carbonate rocks using stacking ensemble models
Authors: Fereidooni Davood , Karimi Zohre , Ghasemi Fatemeh
Published: June 2024

The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and elasticity modulus (E) of intact rock are two fundamental requirements in engineering applications. These parameters can be measured either directly from the uniaxial compressive strength test or indirectly by using soft computing predictive models. In the present research, the UCS and E of intact carbonate rocks have been predicted by introducing two stacking ensemble learning models from non-destructive simple laboratory test results. For this purpose, dry unit weight, porosity, P‐wave velocity, Brinell surface harnesses, UCS, and static E were measured for 70 carbonate rock samples. Then, two stacking ensemble learning models were developed for estimating the UCS and E of the rocks. The applied stacking ensemble learning method integrates the advantages of two base models in the first level, where base models are multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and random forest (RF) for predicting UCS, and support vector regressor (SVR) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) for predicting E. Grid search integrating k-fold cross validation is applied to tune the parameters of both base models and meta-learner. The results demonstrate the generalization ability of the stacking ensemble method in the comparison of base models in the terms of common performance measures. The values of coefficient of determination (R2) obtained from the stacking ensemble are 0.909 and 0.831 for predicting UCS and E, respectively. Similarly, the stacking ensemble yielded Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) values of 1.967 and 0.621 for the prediction of UCS and E, respectively. Accordingly, the proposed models have superiority in the comparison of SVR and MLP as single models and RF and XGBoost as two representative ensemble models. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is carried out to investigate the impact of input parameters.
XTT assay for detection of bacterial metabolic activity in water-based polyester polyurethane
Authors: Magaña-Montiel Nallely , Muriel-Millán Luis Felipe , Pardo-López Liliana
Published: June 2024

Cellular metabolic activity can be detected by tetrazolium-based colorimetric assays, which rely on dehydrogenase enzymes from living cells to reduce tetrazolium compounds into colored formazan products. Although these methods have been used in different fields of microbiology, their application to the detection of bacteria with plastic-degrading activity has not been well documented. Here, we report a microplate-adapted method for the detection of bacteria metabolically active on the commercial polyester polyurethane (PU) Impranil®DLN using the tetrazolium salt 2,3-bis [2-methyloxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT). Bacterial cells that are active on PU reduce XTT to a water-soluble orange dye, which can be quantitatively measured using a microplate reader. We used the Pseudomonas putida KT2440 strain as a study model. Its metabolic activity on Impranil detected by our novel method was further verified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. Measurements of the absorbance of reduced XTT at 470 nm in microplate wells were not affected by the colloidal properties of Impranil or cell density. In summary, we provide here an easy and high-throughput method for screening bacteria active on PU that can be adapted to other plastic substrates.
Physical training minimizes immunological dysfunction, oxidative stress and tissue destruction on experimental periodontitis in rats
Authors: Ferreira Railson de Oliveira , dos Santos Vinicius Ruan Neves , Matos Sousa José Mário , Peinado Beatriz Rodrigues Risuenho , Souza-Monteiro Deiweson , Bittencourt Leonardo Oliveira , Lima Maria Laura de Sousa , Rösing Cassiano Kuchenbecker , Mezzomo Collares Fabrício , Antunes de Araújo Aurigena , Lima Rafael Rodrigues
Published: June 2024

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of a moderate intensity physical training protocol, on alveolar bone morphology of rats submitted to ligature-induced periodontitis. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, considering the presence/absence of periodontitis and presence/absence of training. The training protocol was performed on a treadmill, 30 min/day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. In the experimental periodontal breakdown, with/without training, ligatures were placed on the lower first molars on the 14th day of the experiment, and were followed until the end of the protocol. At the end of the experiment, animals were euthanized and samples of plasma and mandibles were collected for immunoenzymatic evaluation of interleukins (IL)-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10, evaluation of serum concentrations of C-reactive protein, analysis of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reduced glutathione, histological and microtomographic analyses were performed. Physical training resulted in a reduced levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α C-reactive protein and LPO and an increase in the levels of IL-10 in rats with periodontitis (p<0.05); a reduction in the inflammatory infiltrate and decreased fiber degradation was identified in histological analysis. Additionally, it was shown a decrease in vertical bone loss and an increase in the bone volume/trabecular volume ratio was identified in periodontitis+physical training group (p<0.05). Based on the results, the practice of frequent physical exercise, at moderate intensity, can contribute to the reduction of damage related to the disproportionate inflammatory response in periodontitis.
Quantifying the topographical structure of rocky and coral seabeds
Authors: Sous Damien , Meulé Samuel , Dealbera Solène , Michaud Héloïse , Gassier Ghislain , Pezerat Marc , Bouchette Frédéric
Published: June 2024

Describing the structural complexity of seabeds is of primary importance for a number of geomorphological, hydrodynamical and ecological issues. Aiming to bring a decisive insight on the long-term development of a unified view, the present study reports on a comparative multi-site analysis of high resolution topography surveys in rough nearshore environments. The nine study sites have been selected to cover a wide variety of topographical features, including rocky and coral seabeds. The topography data has been processed to separate roughness and bathymetry-related terrain features, allowing to perform a comprehensive spectral and statistical analysis of each site. A series of roughness metrics have been tested to identify the most relevant estimators of the bottom roughness at each site. The spectral analysis highlights the systematic presence of a self-affine range of variable extension and spectral slope. The standard deviation of the seabed elevation varies from 0.04 to 0.77 m. The statistical and multi-scale analysis performed on the whole set of roughness metrics allows to identify connection between metrics and therefore to propose a reduced set of relevant roughness estimators. A more general emphasis is placed on the need to properly define a unified framework when reconstructing roughness statistics and bathymetry from fine seabed topographical data.
An empirical estimation of aggregate import demand under foreign exchange constraints: Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Ali Mohammed Yimam , Yimer Ahmed Mohammed , Dessie Tsadiku Setegn
Published: June 2024

This study employs the estimation of aggregate import demand under foreign exchange constraints in Ethiopia, utilizing annual time series data from 1985 to 2021. The regression analysis is conducted using the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) approach to investigate the impact of the accumulation of foreign exchange reserves on aggregate import demand in Ethiopia. The estimation results indicate that, in the long run, all the variables, i.e., foreign exchange reserve, the relative price of imports, real income, volatility of the exchange rate, money supply, and policy dummy, significantly determine the behavior of aggregate imports over the reference period. The findings also show that, in the long run, foreign exchange reserve, real income, and the exchange rate positively affect the demand for imports in Ethiopia. Meanwhile, a positive shock in relative import price and money supply negatively affects import demand in Ethiopia. Thus, the price and income elasticity estimates have correct signs and are statistically significant. The variables included in the model strongly affect import demand in both the short and long run. Finally, policymakers aiming to significantly influence import demand should focus on effective management of these variables, as they strongly affect import volume.
Fuzzy fixed point approach to study the existence of solution for Volterra type integral equations using fuzzy Sehgal contraction
Authors: Zahid Muhammad , Ud Din Fahim , Shah Kamal , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: June 2024

In this manuscript, we present a novel concept known as the fuzzy Sehgal contraction, specifically designed for self-mappings defined in the context of a fuzzy metric space. Our primary objective is to explore the existence and uniqueness of fixed points for self-mappings in fuzzy metric space. To support our conclusions, we present a detailed illustrative case that demonstrates the superiority of the convergence obtained with our suggested method to those currently recorded in the literature. Moreover, we provide graphical depictions of the convergence behavior, which makes our study more understandable and transparent. Additionally, we extend the application of our results to address the existence and uniqueness of solutions for Volterra integral equations.
Solid dispersion systems for enhanced dissolution of poorly water-soluble candesartan cilexetil: In vitro evaluation and simulated pharmacokinetics studies
Authors: Ali Israa Saad Mustafa , Sajad Uday Aziz , Abdul Rasool Bazigha K.
Published: June 2024

Background

Candesartan cilexetil (CC) is a selective angiotensin II receptor antagonist widely used to treat hypertension. CC is a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), causing its efflux to the intestinal lumen. It is also practically insoluble in water and has low oral bioavailability (14%). Thus, the current study aims to improve the in vitro dissolution of CC by developing solid dispersion systems (SDSs) and corroborating the in vitro results using a simulated pharmacokinetics study.

Methods

The SDSs were prepared using polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as a water-soluble polymer, Eudragit E100 (EE100) as a pH-dependent soluble carrier, and a combination of these two polymers. The saturation solubility and the dissolution rate studies of the prepared systems in three dissolution media were performed. The optimized system SE-EE5 was selected for further investigations, including DSC, XRD, FTIR, FESEM, DLS, TSEM, IVIVC convolution study, and stability studies.

Results

The solubility of CC significantly increased by a factor of 27,037.344 when formulated as a solid dispersion matrix using EE100 at a ratio of 1:5 (w/w) drug to polymer (SE-EE5 SD), compared to the solubility of the pure drug. The mechanism of solubility and dissolution rate enhancement of CC by the optimized SDS was found to be via the conversion of the crystalline CC into the amorphous form as well as nanoparticles formation upon dissolution at a pH below 5. The instrumental analysis tests showed good compatibility between CC and EE100 and there was no chemical interaction between the drug and the polymer. Moreover, the stability tests confirmed that the optimized system was stable after three months of storage at 25°C.

Conclusion

The utilization of the solid dispersion technique employing EE 100 polymer as a matrix demonstrates significant success in enhancing the solubility, dissolution, and subsequently, the bioavailability of water-insoluble drugs like CC.
Farmland pest recognition based on Cascade RCNN Combined with Swin-Transformer
Authors: Xu Ruikang , Yu Jiajun , Ai Lening , Yu Haojie , Wei Zining
Published: June 2024

Agricultural pests and diseases pose major losses to agricultural productivity, leading to significant economic losses and food safety risks. However, accurately identifying and controlling these pests is still very challenging due to the scarcity of labeling data for agricultural pests and the wide variety of pest species with different morphologies. To this end, we propose a two-stage target detection method that combines Cascade RCNN and Swin Transformer models. To address the scarcity of labeled data, we employ random cut-and-paste and traditional online enhancement techniques to expand the pest dataset and use Swin Transformer for basic feature extraction. Subsequently, we designed the SCF-FPN module to enhance the basic features to extract richer pest features. Specifically, the SCF component provides a self-attentive mechanism with a flexible sliding window to enable adaptive feature extraction based on different pest features. Meanwhile, the feature pyramid network (FPN) enriches multiple levels of features and enhances the discriminative ability of the whole network. Finally, to further improve our detection results, we incorporated non-maximum suppression (Soft NMS) and Cascade R-CNN’s cascade structure into the optimization process to ensure more accurate and reliable prediction results. In a detection task involving 28 pest species, our algorithm achieves 92.5%, 91.8%, and 93.7% precision in terms of accuracy, recall, and mean average precision (mAP), respectively, which is an improvement of 12.1%, 5.4%, and 7.6% compared to the original baseline model. The results demonstrate that our method can accurately identify and localize farmland pests, which can help improve farmland’s ecological environment.