bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cervical intramedullary spinal cord metastasis from esophageal adenocarcinoma: a case report
Authors: Ontsi Obame Fresnel Lutèce , El Kacemi Inas , Dokponou Yao Christian Hugues , Laaguili Jawad , Saad Moussa Elmi , Mohcine Salami , El Asri Abad Cherif , Gazzaz Miloud
Published: August 2023

Background

Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis (ISCM) is a rare pathologic entity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case of ISCM due to esophageal adenocarcinoma reported in the literature.

Case description

We report a 63-year-old man with a history of surgical removal of an esophageal adenocarcinoma who presented with the Brown–Sequard syndrome. Pan-spinal MRI showed intramedullary cervical lesions with intense homogeneous enhancement on gadolinium injection at C3 level. There were other sites of spinal metastases and one in the brain. We proceeded with the surgical removal of the lumbar metastatic lesion. The patient died 10 days later from respiratory failure.

Conclusion

ISCM from esophageal adenocarcinoma appeared as homogeneous high intensity of the intramedullary lesion in T1 gadolinium. Their prognosis is very poor.
Characterizing provider-led adaptations to mobile phone delivery of the Adolescent Transition Package (ATP) in Kenya using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS): a mixed methods approach
Authors: Mangale Dorothy Imbuka , Onyango Alvin , Mugo Cyrus , Mburu Caren , Chhun Nok , Wamalwa Dalton , Njuguna Irene , Means Arianna Rubin , John-Stewart Grace , Weiner Bryan J. , Beima-Sofie Kristin
Published: August 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in disruptions to routine HIV services for youth living with HIV (YLH), provoking rapid adaptation to mitigate interruptions in care. The Adolescent Transition to Adult Care for HIV-infected adolescents (ATTACH) study (NCT03574129) was a hybrid I cluster randomized trial testing the effectiveness of a healthcare worker (HCW)-delivered disclosure and transition intervention — the Adolescent Transition Package (ATP). During the pandemic, HCWs leveraged phone delivery of the ATP and were supported to make adaptations. We characterized real-time, provider-driven adaptations made to support phone delivery of the ATP.

Methods

We conducted continuous quality improvement (CQI) meetings with HCWs involved in phone delivery of the ATP at 10 intervention sites. CQI meetings used plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles and were audio-recorded. Adaptations were coded by two-independent coders using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS). Adaptation testing outcomes (adopt, retest, or abandon) and provider experience implementing the adaptations were also recorded. We summarized adaptation characteristics, provider experience, and outcomes.

Results

We identified 72 adaptations, 32 were unique. Overall, adaptations included modification to context (53%, n = 38), content (49%, n = 35), and evaluation processes (13%, n = 9). Context adaptations primarily featured changes to personnel, format, and setting, while content and evaluation adaptations were frequently achieved by simple additions, repetition, and tailoring/refining of the phone delivery strategy. Nine adaptations involved abandoning, then returning to phone delivery. HCWs sought to increase reach, improve fidelity, and intervention fit within their context. Most adaptations (96%, n = 69) were perceived to increase the feasibility of phone delivery when compared to before the changes were introduced, and HCWs felt 83% (n = 60) of adaptations made phone delivery easier. Most adaptations were either incorporated into routine workflows (47%) or tested again (47%).

Conclusion

Adaptation of phone delivery was a feasible and effective way of addressing challenges with continuity of care for YLH during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adaptations were primarily context adaptions. While FRAME-IS was apt for characterizing adaptations, more use cases are needed to explore the range of its utility.

Trial registration

Trial registered on ClinicalTrial.gov as NCT03574129.
Selecting implementation strategies to improve implementation of integrated PrEP for pregnant and postpartum populations in Kenya: a sequential explanatory mixed methods analysis
Authors: Hicks Sarah , Odhiambo Ben , Abuna Felix , Dettinger Julia C. , Ngumbau Nancy , Gómez Laurén , Sila Joseph , Oketch George , Sifuna Enock , Weiner Bryan J. , John-Stewart Grace , Kinuthia John , Wagner Anjuli D.
Published: August 2023

Background

There is a higher risk for HIV acquisition during pregnancy and postpartum. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended during this period for those at high risk of infection; integrated delivery in maternal and child health (MCH) clinics is feasible and acceptable but requires implementation optimization.

Methods

The PrEP in Pregnancy, Accelerating Reach and Efficiency study (PrEPARE; NCT04712994) engaged stakeholders to prioritize determinants of PrEP delivery (using Likert scores) and prioritize PrEP delivery implementation strategies. Using a sequential explanatory mixed methods design, we conducted quantitative surveys with healthcare workers at 55 facilities in Western Kenya and a stakeholder workshop (including nurses, pharmacists, counselors, and county and national policymakers), yielding visual plots of stakeholders’ perceived feasibility and effectiveness of the strategies. A stepwise elimination process was used to identify seven strategies for empirical testing. Facilitator debriefing reports from the workshop were used to qualitatively assess the decision-making process.

Results

Among 146 healthcare workers, the strongest reported barriers to PrEP delivery were insufficient providers and inadequate training, insufficient space, and high volume of patients. Sixteen strategies were assessed, 14 of which were included in the final analysis. Among rankings from 182 healthcare workers and 44 PrEP policymakers and implementers, seven strategies were eliminated based on low post-workshop ranking scores (bottom 50th percentile) or being perceived as low feasibility or low effectiveness for at least 50% of the workshop groups. The top seven strategies included delivering PrEP within MCH clinics instead of pharmacies, fast-tracking PrEP clients to reduce waiting time, delivering PrEP-related health talks in waiting bays, task shifting PrEP counseling, task shifting PrEP risk assessments, training different providers to deliver PrEP, and retraining providers on PrEP delivery. All top seven ranked strategies were grouped into bundles for subsequent testing. Facilitator debriefing reports generally aligned with rankings but noted how stakeholders’ decision-making changed when considering the impact of strategies on facility staff and non-PrEP clients.

Conclusions

The most impactful barriers to integrated PrEP delivery in MCH clinics were insufficient staffing and space. Implementation strategies prioritized through multiple methods of stakeholder input focused on co-location of services and increasing clinic efficiency. Future testing of these stakeholder-prioritized strategy bundles will be conducted to assess the effectiveness and implementation outcomes.
Rapid and visual RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a detection for Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius in clinical samples of dogs and cats
Authors: Gao Pingping , Shi Shuobo , Zhang Di , Zhang Yueping
Published: August 2023

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius can cause severe infections of the skin, ear and other tissues in dogs and cats. Methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) has recently become more prevalent, posing a severe threat to companion animals and public health. Therefore, rapid and accurate diagnosis of S. pseudintermedius and MRSP infections in dogs and cats is essential for timely controlling infections. The development of CRISPR/Cas technology offers an innovative solution for rapid diagnosis. Here, we established an assay combining recombinant polymerase amplification (RPA) and CRISPR/Cas12a. By separately detecting the spsJ gene, the specific gene of S. pseudintermedius, and the mecA gene, the methicillin resistance gene, this method allows for the direct detection of methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius (MSSP) and MRSP in clinical samples at 37 °C for a total of 40 min, The results can be directly visualized by the naked eye under blue light. The limits of detection of the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay were 103 copies per reaction for the spsJ gene and 104 copies per reaction for the mecA gene. The RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a detection successfully detected and differentiated clinical isolates of MSSP and MRSP without cross-reactivity with other tested bacteria species. The evaluation of the detection performance of RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a with 47 clinical samples (without culture) from dogs and cats showed that the results of detection were 100% consistent with those of clinical culture and colony sequencing, which was more sensitive than PCR. RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay can quickly and sensitively detect S. pseudintermedius and MRSP in clinical samples without expensive instruments, making it suitable for small veterinary clinics.
Passionate Encounters, Public Healing
Authors: Wurtzel Ellen
Published: August 2023

This article focuses on the resurgence of urban bathhouses (called estuves in French after the stoves that heated them) between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries in Paris and other northern French-speaking cities. Popular and widespread institutions, bathhouses contributed to both individual well-being and civic health in cities across the kingdom. Using medical treatises, trial records, literary sources, and archival documentation, the article argues that bathhouses encouraged sociability, brought disparate groups together, and were in fact essential to the circulation and well-being of people in medieval cities as places of emotional community.
Unequal Duties and Unequal Retirement: Decomposing the Women's Labor Force Decline in Postreform China
Authors: Feng Kai
Published: August 2023

The gender gap in labor force participation (LFP) in China has grown over the last 30 years, despite substantial advances in women's education and economic development. Previous research has identified gender discrimination and work–family conflicts as two key explanations for the gap, both of which have risen since the start of China's economic reform in 1978. Using multiple waves of the national census and household panel data from China, this research shows that one overlooked mechanism widening the LFP gender gap lies in the institutional constraints that require women to retire earlier than men. This research also demonstrates how the impact of women's early retirement on the LFP gender gap has been exacerbated by two societal-level changes: (1) population aging, which increased the share of women who reached the retirement age; and (2) economic development, which increased the number of women entering nonfarming occupations and, hence, the gender-based retirement system. These findings suggest that without significant revisions to China's retirement system, the LFP gender gap will continue to expand as the population ages and economic development proceeds.
Introduction: Circuits of Power in GBVAW Governance
Authors: Abu-Lughod Lila , Hammami Rema , Shalhoub-Kevorkian Nadera
Published: August 2023

This introductory chapter interrogates the dominance of violence against women (VAW) and gender-based violence (GBV) agendas within international governance and law. Feminist concerns about the gravity of gendered violence (small g) sit at the nexus of powerful global networks of institutions and practices that have recast governmentality, development, humanitarianism, and even human rights, in line with post-9/11 global security regimes. The chapter identifies four dynamic political and institutional circuits that codified GBVAW inhabits, traverses, consolidates, and animates: securitization; state sovereignty; development/humanitarian governance; and media. The studies by regional and legal experts focusing on the Middle East and South Asia reveal how religion and racialized ethnicity, particularly “the Muslim question,” run through the discourses that we identify as GBVAW. Acknowledging the concerns of diverse feminists, the chapter ends with alternatives to the role GBVAW plays in hegemonic international law and policy.
Lawfare, CVE, and International Conflict Feminism
Authors: Nesiah Vasuki
Published: August 2023

This chapter looks at the political purchase of International Conflict Feminism (ICF) in helping constitute the normative framework guiding and legitimizing laws and policies advanced under the rubric of CVE (countering violent extremism). It attends to how these have intersected with the work of the international criminal court (ICC) in new modalities of lawfare that have taken place against the backdrop of Security Council action, including its military interventions in Muslim majority countries. These intertwined projects—ICF, CVE and International Criminal Law—can be situated in the dominant structures of global governance that have rendered their driving logics the thinkable default option, and their legitimacy the dominant common sense for diverse groups, from feminist lawyers to military strategists. This analysis comes together in reading the Al Hassan case at the ICC as the grain of sand through which we examine the universe at the crossroads of Sharia panic, sex panic, and security panic
The Role of “Honor Killings” in the Muslim Ban
Authors: Volpp Leti
Published: August 2023

In all the attention given to Trump's Muslim ban, the invocation of “honor killings” in two of the executive orders creating the ban was largely overlooked. This chapter examines how both rhetoric and false and misleading data were used to produce the idea that honor killings are a problem in the United States. After examining how “honor killings” functioned in the executive orders, in litigation against the Muslim ban, and in judicial responses to the ban, the chapter traces a genealogy of how “honor killings” became an issue for US governance via the linking of Muslim immigrants with terrorism, gender subordination, and threat to sexual liberty. While the invocation of “honor killings” in the executive orders could seem to evince a professed concern for gendered violence, the term functions as a “dog whistle” suggesting barbarity and inferiority, and rationalizes the notion that the nation must be protected through Muslim exclusion.
Afterword
Authors: Watkins-Hayes Celeste , Williams Erica Lorraine
Published: August 2023

The afterword is revised from a transcript of a recording of a conversation between Celeste Watkins-Hayes and Erica Lorraine Williams. It situates “when and where we enter” in terms of their connection to Johnnetta Betsch Cole and her work. The afterword also reflects on the expansiveness of Cole's career and her impact in policy circles, and offers final reflections on the significance of speechifying as a form of ambassadorship and as a unifying call to action.
Peritrigeminal Safe Entry Zone Access to Anterolateral Pons Using the Presigmoid Retrolabyrinthine Suprameatal Approach: A Cadaveric Morphometric Study
Authors: Hoz Samer S. , Sharma Mayur , Palmisciano Paolo , Johnson Mark D. , Ismail Mustafa , Muthana Ahmed , Al-Ageely Teeba A. , Forbes Jonathan A. , Prestigiacomo Charles J. , Zuccarello Mario , Andaluz Norberto
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Access to the anterolateral pontine lesions can be achieved through the peritrigeminal and supratrigeminal safe entry zones using Kawase, retrosigmoid, or translabyrinthine approaches. However, these approaches entail shallow extensive dissection, tangential access, and compromise vestibulocochlear function. We aimed to investigate infratentorial presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach to access pontine lesions through the peritrigeminal zone.

METHODS:

We performed 10 presigmoid retrolabyrinthine suprameatal approach dissections in 5 cadaveric heads. Anatomic-radiological characteristics and variations were evaluated. Six morphometric parameters were measured and analyzed to predict surgical accessibility.

RESULTS:

The pontine infratrigeminal area was accessible in all patients. The mean exposed area of the anterolateral pontine surface was 98.95 cm2 (±38.11 cm2). The mean length of the exposed trigeminal nerve was 7.9 cm (±2.9 cm). Preoperative anatomic-radiological parameters may allow to select patients with favorable anatomy that offers appropriate surgical accessibility to the anterior pontine cavernoma through a presigmoid retrolabyrinthine corridor.

CONCLUSION:

Anterolateral pontine lesions can be accessed through a minimally invasive infratentorial presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach by targeting the infratrigeminal safe entry zone. Further clinical studies should be conducted to evaluate the viability of this technique for treating these complex pathologies in real clinical settings.
Intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of rhabdomyolysis susceptibility by Tango2
Authors: Kim Euri S. , Casey Jennifer G. , Tao Brian S. , Mansur Arian , Mathiyalagan Nishanthi , Wallace E. Diane , Ehrmann Brandie M. , Gupta Vandana A.
Published: August 2023

Rhabdomyolysis is a clinical emergency characterized by severe muscle damage, resulting in the release of intracellular muscle components, which leads to myoglobinuria and, in severe cases, acute kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is caused by genetic factors linked to increased disease susceptibility in response to extrinsic triggers. Recessive mutations in TANGO2 result in episodic rhabdomyolysis, metabolic crises, encephalopathy and cardiac arrhythmia. The underlying mechanism contributing to disease onset in response to specific triggers remains unclear. To address these challenges, we created a zebrafish model of Tango2 deficiency. Here, we demonstrate that the loss of Tango2 in zebrafish results in growth defects, early lethality and increased susceptibility of skeletal muscle defects in response to extrinsic triggers, similar to TANGO2-deficient patients. Using lipidomics, we identified alterations in the glycerolipid pathway in tango2 mutants, which is critical for membrane stability and energy balance. Therefore, these studies provide insight into key disease processes in Tango2 deficiency and have increased our understanding of the impacts of specific defects on predisposition to environmental triggers in TANGO2-related disorders.
Popular image of students enrolled in Christian schools and the founding purpose of Christian schools – A study based on a survey of youth living in Tokyo/Kanagawa Prefectures
Authors: Goto Yoshihiro , Katayama Fumi , Sen Suzuretsu , Teruyama Junko , Osawa Fumito , Tsuchiya Miyu , Yokoyama Mikiko
Published: August 2023

Despite the popularity of Christian schools in Japan, Christians account for only 1.6% of the nation’s population. In the attempt to explore this inconsistency, we conducted an online survey in January 2020 to those between the ages of 15 and 29 living in Tokyo and Kanagawa. Our subjects include those who have enrolled in Christian schools, those who have some sort of affiliation, and those who do not have affiliation. We attempted to measure the difference in attitude by the degree of their affiliation. We focused on the notion of 'triple faith' which was proposed by Inoue and others. Many people in Japan believe in both Buddhism and Shintoism because neither requires a rite such as baptism. Christianity requires baptism, but that aside, in practice, many Japanese have triple faith including Christianity. Prosperity of Christian schools, preferences towards Christmas, and popularity of Christian-style weddings, all testify to this. This argument by Inoue and others conflicts with the common belief that Christianity never got a foothold in Japan. The results of cross tabulation of key questions and affiliation with Christian schools, combined with our interview results, show that those who have enrolled in Christian schools are more likely to have what may be referred to as triple faith. We have also provided a discussion on the possible reasons behind this finding.
Antimicrobial efficacy of Kerr pulp canal sealer (EWT) in combination with 10% amoxicillin on Enterococcus faecalis: A confocal laser scanning microscopic study
Authors: De Sarkar Madhureema , Mala Kundabala , Shenoy Mala Suchitra , Kabekkodu Shama Prasada , Natarajan Srikant , Shetty Neeta , Madhav Kamath Priyanka , Thomas Manuel
Published: August 2023

Background: Sealers with antimicrobial properties play an important role in endodontic therapy success especially against Enterococcus faecalis infection found in failed root canal therapy. Addition of antibiotic agents to endodontic sealers may show significant increase in their antibacterial properties both against anaerobic and aerobic microbes. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate antimicrobial efficacy of Kerr pulp canal sealer (EWT) in combination with 10% amoxicillin against E. faecalis and post-root canal treatment viability of Enterococcus faecalis on the first and seventh day.

Methods: A total of 60 extracted human mandibular premolar teeth were decoronated after initial decontamination with 1% NaOCl. Root length standardized to 12 mm. Canal instrumentation was done using ProTaper Universal file system till size F2 using 5.25% NaOCl. It was then infected with a pure strain of E. faecalis for a period of four days. Obturation was done using plain sealer, (n=30) and sealer-antibiotic combination, (n=30). Half of the teeth were sectioned at 24 hours (S, SA) and other half were sectioned seven days after obturation (S7, SA7). All samples were stained with SYTO9 and propidium iodide for imaging under Confocal Laser Scanning microscope. Statistical analysis was performed with the statistical software SPSS v. 17.0 (SPSS for Windows; SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). Data was analysed using One Way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test to determine statistical significance with p value < 0.01 considered significant.

Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in green to red ratio between group S (9.561976) and S7 (0.435418) (p < 0.01). There was no difference found between SA (mean of green to red ratio, (0.70431) and SA7 (mean of green to red ratio, 0.85184).

Conclusions: Antibiotics added to the sealer effectively eradicated of E. faecalis 24 hours post-obturation. However, after seven days, plain sealer was as effective as sealer-antibiotic combination.
Adult malaria mortality during 2019 at Bo Government Hospital, Sierra Leone
Authors: Kpagoi Satta Sylvia T.K. , Aimone Ashley , Ansumana Rashid , Swaray Ibrahim , Gelband Hellen , Eikelboom John W. , Jha Prabhat , Bogoch Isaac I.
Published: August 2023

It is uncertain whether malaria is an important cause of death among adults in endemic areas. We performed a chart review of adults admitted to Bo Government Hospital during 2019. Of 893 admissions, 149 (59% female, mean age 58.5 years) had a laboratory diagnosis of malaria and 22 (14.8%) died. Mortality was significantly higher among patients with severe malaria compared with those who had non-severe malaria (6/20 [30%] versus 16/129 [12.4%], p=0.031).  Our results suggest that malaria is a common cause of death in hospitalized Sierra Leonian adults.
Application of halotolerant Azotobacter chroococcum W4ii isolated from technosoils to mitigate salt stress in wheat plant
Authors: Binod Kumar Sweta , Kalwasińska Agnieszka , Swiontek Brzezinska Maria , Wróbel Monika
Published: August 2023

Background: Technosoils in Inowrocław, central Poland, are impacted by human activities and exhibit high salinity (ECe up to 70 dS/m) due to a soda lime repository. These saline environments pose challenges to plant growth and soil health. However, they also offer an opportunity for the evolution of microorganisms adapted to such conditions, including plant growth-promoting rhizospheric (PGPR) bacteria. The hypothesis tested here was that introducing PGPR bacteria from these environments could boost degraded soil performance, leading to better plant biomass and improved pathogen defense.

Methods: Azotobacter chroococcum W4ii was isolated from the rhizosphere of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for its plant growth properties on wheat plants under salt stress.

Results: Wheat seeds co-inoculated with A. chroococcum W4ii under 200 mM salt stress showed significant improvement in various growth parameters such as seeds germination (by 130%), shoot biomass (15%), chlorophyll b content (40%) compared to un-inoculated ones. Bacterial inoculation decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), whereas it elevated the antioxidative enzymatic activities of peroxidase (POD). The test isolate also enhanced the level of defense enzymes like β-1, 3-glucanase, which can protect plants from infection by pathogens. The bacterium could also successfully colonize the wheat plants.

Conclusions: These results indicate that A. chroococcum isolated from the technosoils has the potential to promote wheat growth under salt stress and can be further used as a bioinoculant in the salt affected agricultural fields.
A New Family of Route Formulations for Split Delivery Vehicle Routing Problems
Authors: Balster Isaac , Bulhões Teobaldo , Munari Pedro , Pessoa Artur Alves , Sadykov Ruslan
Published: August 2023

We propose a new family of formulations with route-based variables for the split delivery vehicle routing problem with and without time windows. Each formulation in this family is characterized by the maximum number of different demand quantities that can be delivered to a customer during a vehicle visit. As opposed to previous formulations in the literature, the exact delivery quantities are not always explicitly known in this new family. The validity of these formulations is ensured by an exponential set of nonrobust constraints. Additionally, we explore a property of optimal solutions that enables us to determine a minimum delivery quantity based on customer demand and vehicle capacity, and this number is often greater than one. We use this property to reduce the number of possible delivery quantities in our formulations, improving the solution times of the computationally strongest formulation in the family. Furthermore, we propose new variants of nonrobust cutting planes that strengthen the formulations, namely limited-memory subset-row covering inequalities and limited-memory strong k-path inequalities. Finally, we develop a branch-cut-and-price (BCP) algorithm to solve our formulations enriched with the proposed valid inequalities, which resorts to state-of-the-art algorithmic enhancements. We show how to effectively manage the nonrobust cuts when solving the pricing problem that dynamically generates route variables. Numerical results indicate that our formulations and BCP algorithm establish new state-of-the-art results for the variant with time windows, as many benchmark instances with 50 and 100 customers are solved to optimality for the first time. Several instances of the variant without time windows are solved to proven optimality for the first time.

Funding: This work was supported by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico [Grants 306033/2019-4, 313220/2020-4, and 314088/2021-0], the Région Nouvelle Aquitaine, France [Grant AAPR2020A-2020-8601810], the Agence Nationale de la Recherche [Grant ANR-20-CE40-0021-01], the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo [Grants 13/07375-0, 16/01860-1, and 19/23596-2], and the Paraíba State Research Foundation [Grants 261/2020 and 041/2023].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2022.0085 .
Coaching Sertifikasi Halal Jalur Self-Declare Usaha Kopi, Minuman Tradisional, dan Makanan Ringan
Authors: Ahmadiyah Adhatus Solichah , Sungkono Kelly Rossa , Sarno Riyanarto , Anggraini Ratih Nur Esti , Munif Abdul , Hidayati Shintami Chusnul
Published: August 2023

Pesatnya pertumbuhan layanan pesan makanan secara daring melalui aplikasi GoFood, Grab Food, Shopee Food, dll membuka pangsa pasar yang semakin besar untuk pertumbuhan jenis-jenis usaha tersebut. Sayangnya, semakin beragamnya pilihan menu tidak diimbangi dengan jaminan bahwa produk telah mengantongi kelayakan pangan yang dibuktikan dengan sertifikasi halal. Jenis bisnis rumah tangga ini memerlukan perhatian penting tentang halal haram dalam pemilihan bahan baku, bumbu, dan bahan tambahan serta proses produksi. Dari pengamatan kepada mitra Usaha Kecil dan Menengah (UMK) di beberapa lokasi di Jawa Timur, pengusaha masih belum memiliki pengetahuan yang mendalam pada konsep halal haram dan pengurusan ijin kelayakan pangan. Untuk mengatasi permasalahan ini, pada pengabdian masyarakat ini diberikan pendampingan kepada mitra berupa sosialisasi kelas halal, pengurusan identitas pelaku usaha, dan sertifikasi halal self-declare. Dari kegiatan ini, diharapkan semakin banyak makanan dan minuman ringan bersertifikasi halal yang beredar di masyarakat.
Pelatihan Foto Udara Menggunakan Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) untuk Pemetaan Area Terdampak Bencana pada BPBD Kota Samarinda
Authors: Suryalfihra Shabri Indra , Kurniadin Nia , Wumu Romansah
Published: August 2023

Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah (BPBD) Samarinda merupakan penyelenggara penanggulangan bencana di Kota Samarinda. Salah satu kewajiban BPBD adalah membuat peta rawan Bencana dan peta tematik lainnya untuk keperluan mitigasi dan penguranagan resiko bencana. BPBD Kota Samarinda telah memiliki UAV yang digunakan untuk mengambil foto udara kejadian bencana, namun belum terdapat tenaga yang ahli dalam membuat Peta Foto Udara area terdampak bencana. Program Studi Teknologi Geomatika Politani Samarinda memiliki tenaga ahli dalam bidang Fotogrameteri. Berdasarkan alasan tersebut sebagai sebagai bagian dari lembaga pendidikan tinggi Program Studi Geomatika yang berkewajiban menjalankan Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi. Program Studi Teknologi Geomatika melaksanakan kegiatan pengabdian berupa pelatihan pembuatan foto udara kepada BPBD Samarinda untuk keperluan pemetaan area terdampak bencana. Kegiatan diawali dengan tahap persiapan berupa koordinasi dengan pihak BPBD Kota Samarinda. Tahap kedua yaitu pelaksanaan kegiatan pelatihan akuisisi dan pembuatan peta foto udara yang dilaksakanan selama dua hari. Tahap terakhir yaitu evaluasi dan pelaporan pelaksanaan kegiatan. Hasil evaluasi diperoleh 72% peserta puas dengan pelaksanaan kegiatan pelatihan.
Pelatihan Peningkatan Akidah Islam bagi Mualaf di Desa Balerejo Kecamatan Panggungrejo Kabupaten Blitar
Authors: Saifulloh Moh , Hermanto Hermanto , Zahrok Siti , Prasetyawati Niken , Hendrajati Enie , Suarmini Ni Wayan , Hanoraga Tony , Nuswantara Kartika , Suryani Adi , Rintaningrum Ratna
Published: August 2023

Dusun Sekargadung, Desa Balerejo, Kecamatan Panggungrejo, Kabupaten Blitar dikenal dengan sebutan kampung Mualaf karena sebagian besar masyarakatnya yang dahulu beragama non-Islam menjadi mualaf dengan memeluk agama Islam. Dengan status sebagai mualaf yang baru memeluk agama Islam, berarti akidah Islamnya masih rapuh dan rentan terhadap berbagai tantangan dan ujian keimanan sehingga diperlukan upaya-upaya penguatan atau peningkatan akidah. Melalui program kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat (Abmas), para Mualaf di Desa Balerejo ini diberi materi penguatan akidah Islam dengan tujuan untuk membentengi mereka dari rentannya pemurtadan atau pendangkalan akidah yang dilakukan oleh aktifis penganut agama yang mereka peluk sebelumnya di wilayah tersebut. Metode kegiatan Abmas yang dilakukan yakni ceramah dan dialog interaktif, workshop praktek ibadah, dan terakhir pemberian santunan. Hasil dari kegiatan pengabdian ini adalah meningkatnya pemahaman Mualaf akan akidah Islam serta meningkatnya kemampuan para Mualaf untuk menunaikan ibadah dengan benar seperti berwudhu dan sholat sesuai tuntunan Rasulullah SAW, sehingga mereka tidak rentan untuk menjadi murtad (kembali ke ajaran agama sebelumnya), tidak melakukan perbuatan musyrik, dan mampu membentengi akidah Islam mereka supaya tidak mudah luntur dalam situasi dan kondisi apapun. Pada akhir kegiatan, Mualaf mendapat santunan berupa perlengkapan alat sholat, serta sembako untuk meringankan beban ekonomi kehidupan mereka. Kegiatan ini sangat penting untuk dilaksanakan secara berkelanjutan dengan harapan agar akidah para mualaf meningkat kualitasnya.
PKM (Program Kreativitas Mahasiswa) Sebagai Instrumen Peningkatan Budaya Keilmiahan dan Kemahasiswaan pada Perguruan Tinggi Surabaya
Authors: Risanti Doty Dewi , Rois Mahardika F. , Fadhilah Nur , Priambodo Tegar Ganang Satrio , Sanjoyo Bandung Arry , Ariastita Putu Gde , Aparamarta Hakun Wirawasista , Abadi Imam
Published: August 2023

Periode pandemi Covid-19 berdampak kepada \textit{softskill} mahasiswa secara umum terlebih pada aspek komunikasi, kerjasama, kepemimpinan dan daya tahan. Terdapat beberapa metode Pendidikan misalnya video edukasi, pertukaran pelajar, dan kompetisi mahasiswa secara daring yang ternyata tidak mampu menggantikan budaya ilmiah dan kemahasiswaan yang menekankan interaksi. Oleh karenanya Kemdikbudristek memberikan salah satu instrumen berupa PKM yang terbagi menjadi 8 bidang pendanaan dan 2 insentif yang disusun oleh kelompok selama 5-7 bulan. Terdapat 10 perguruan tinggi mitra ITS yang memiliki 26 tim PKM terdanai yang diberikan pembinaan selama 3 kali secara daring dan 1 kali secara luring. Pembimbingan dilakukan oleh 6 dosen reviewer ITS, 3 Alumni PIMNAS, dan 4 fasilitator yang terbiasa membina PKM di ITS. Setelah melalui bimbingan, tim Perguruan tinggi mitra yang lolos PIMNAS 35 adalah sejumlah 2 tim. Evaluasi terhadap PKM Perguruan tinggi mitra adalah tentang kurangnya sisi kreativitas pada saat penulisan proposal, serta kurangnya motivasi mahasiswa yang menyebabkan rendahnya konsistensi kehadiran mahasiswa dalam menjalani bimbingan dan pelaksanaan saran pada tiap bimbingan. Sehingga, perlu dilakukan pembinaan terhadap penulisan dan pembangunan iklim yang konstruktif terhadap budaya ilmiah tersebut sejak di fase penulisan proposal.
Progress of ulcerative colitis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Suda Toshikuni , Takahashi Morio , Katayama Yasumi , Soga Koichi , Kobori Ikuhiro , Kusano Yumi , Tamano Masaya
Published: August 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent tumors worldwide and the leading contributor to cancer-related deaths. The progression and metastasis of HCC are closely associated with altered mitochondrial metabolism, including mitochondrial stress response. Mitokines, soluble proteins produced and secreted in response to mitochondrial stress, play an essential immunomodulatory role. Immunotherapy has emerged as a crucial treatment option for HCC. However, a positive response to therapy is typically dependent on the interaction of tumor cells with immune regulation within the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, exploring the specific immunomodulatory mechanisms of mitokines in HCC is essential for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the association between HCC and the immune microenvironment and highlights recent progress in understanding the involvement of mitochondrial function in preserving liver function. In addition, a systematic review of mitokines-mediated immunomodulation in HCC is presented. Finally, the potential diagnostic and therapeutic roles of mitokines in HCC are prospected and summarized. Recent progress in mitokine research represents a new prospect for mitochondrial therapy. Considering the potential of mitokines to regulate immune function, investigating them as a relevant molecular target holds great promise for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Emphysematous sloughed floating ball after prostate water vaporization Rezum: A case report
Authors: Alnazari Mansour , Bakhsh Abdulaziz , Rajih Emad Sabri
Published: August 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent tumors worldwide and the leading contributor to cancer-related deaths. The progression and metastasis of HCC are closely associated with altered mitochondrial metabolism, including mitochondrial stress response. Mitokines, soluble proteins produced and secreted in response to mitochondrial stress, play an essential immunomodulatory role. Immunotherapy has emerged as a crucial treatment option for HCC. However, a positive response to therapy is typically dependent on the interaction of tumor cells with immune regulation within the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, exploring the specific immunomodulatory mechanisms of mitokines in HCC is essential for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the association between HCC and the immune microenvironment and highlights recent progress in understanding the involvement of mitochondrial function in preserving liver function. In addition, a systematic review of mitokines-mediated immunomodulation in HCC is presented. Finally, the potential diagnostic and therapeutic roles of mitokines in HCC are prospected and summarized. Recent progress in mitokine research represents a new prospect for mitochondrial therapy. Considering the potential of mitokines to regulate immune function, investigating them as a relevant molecular target holds great promise for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Jackstone in the renal calyx: A rare case report
Authors: Song Hai-Feng , Liang Lei , Liu Yu-Bao , Xiao Bo , Hu Wei-Guo , Li Jian-Xing
Published: August 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent tumors worldwide and the leading contributor to cancer-related deaths. The progression and metastasis of HCC are closely associated with altered mitochondrial metabolism, including mitochondrial stress response. Mitokines, soluble proteins produced and secreted in response to mitochondrial stress, play an essential immunomodulatory role. Immunotherapy has emerged as a crucial treatment option for HCC. However, a positive response to therapy is typically dependent on the interaction of tumor cells with immune regulation within the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, exploring the specific immunomodulatory mechanisms of mitokines in HCC is essential for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the association between HCC and the immune microenvironment and highlights recent progress in understanding the involvement of mitochondrial function in preserving liver function. In addition, a systematic review of mitokines-mediated immunomodulation in HCC is presented. Finally, the potential diagnostic and therapeutic roles of mitokines in HCC are prospected and summarized. Recent progress in mitokine research represents a new prospect for mitochondrial therapy. Considering the potential of mitokines to regulate immune function, investigating them as a relevant molecular target holds great promise for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Hemocholecyst caused by accidental injury associated with radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Tan You-Wen , Zhang Xin-Yue
Published: August 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent tumors worldwide and the leading contributor to cancer-related deaths. The progression and metastasis of HCC are closely associated with altered mitochondrial metabolism, including mitochondrial stress response. Mitokines, soluble proteins produced and secreted in response to mitochondrial stress, play an essential immunomodulatory role. Immunotherapy has emerged as a crucial treatment option for HCC. However, a positive response to therapy is typically dependent on the interaction of tumor cells with immune regulation within the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, exploring the specific immunomodulatory mechanisms of mitokines in HCC is essential for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the association between HCC and the immune microenvironment and highlights recent progress in understanding the involvement of mitochondrial function in preserving liver function. In addition, a systematic review of mitokines-mediated immunomodulation in HCC is presented. Finally, the potential diagnostic and therapeutic roles of mitokines in HCC are prospected and summarized. Recent progress in mitokine research represents a new prospect for mitochondrial therapy. Considering the potential of mitokines to regulate immune function, investigating them as a relevant molecular target holds great promise for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
The career history of Chinese entrepreneurs and their life outcomes: a life history study using sequence analysis
Authors: Sun Skylar Biyang , Jin Lei , Zhao Xiaohang
Published: August 2023

Chinese entrepreneurs, whose population has been steadily growing since the Reform and Open Up in 1978, are a diverse group of people. Though previous research has analysed Chinese entrepreneurs by special cases, few have conducted a nationally representative study of their typology. And even fewer have analysed the life outcomes of the different types of entrepreneurs. Relying on two waves of the panel data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and with the technique of sequence analysis, for the first time, we explored the heterogeneous career trajectories of Chinese entrepreneurs and their corresponding life outcomes. We successfully depicted four unique entrepreneurial trajectories in China since the 1950s, which are necessity entrepreneurs, employee entrepreneurs, persistent entrepreneurs and farmer entrepreneurs. Our empirical results can support both the cumulative disadvantage theory and the set-point theory in health-related studies. Among all the entrepreneurs, farmer entrepreneurs have the worst self-rated health in the long run, which supports the cumulative disadvantage theory. At the same time, all types of entrepreneurs have similar depressive symptoms and economic returns, which supports the set-point theory.
Ultracompact parabolic sidewall-profiled hybrid plasmonic waveguide Bragg grating with optimized spectral properties of long-wavelength passband
Authors: Chi Tiantian , Xu Ji , Yang Le , Wang Jun , Li Sheng , Yao Han , Cheng Huichao , Zhang Baifu , Lu Yunqing , Liu Ning
Published: August 2023

An ultracompact hybrid plasmonic waveguide Bragg grating (HPWBG) with improved spectral properties of long-wavelength passband is proposed. A hollow HPW is introduced to suppress the entire loss, and a parabolic profiled sidewall is designed to optimize the spectral properties for specific wave bands. The transfer matrix method and finite element method are combined to ensure the efficiency of numerical research. The results show that the parabolic profile effectively reduces the reflection and strengthens the resonance of the mode in the long-wavelength passband, suppressing the oscillations and realizing significant smoothness and improvement in transmission. The optimized transmittance is greater than 99%, and insertion loss is as low as 0.017 dB. A wide bandgap of 103 nm is also attained. The structure also has a compactness with a length of 3.4 µm and exhibits good tolerance. This work provides a scheme for designing and optimizing wavelength selecting devices and has potential application value in integrated photonic devices.
Performance study of an enhanced fully optical generalized spatial modulation free-space optical system based on serial unmanned aerial vehicle relay
Authors: Jiang Xuewen , Wang Yi , Lu Wangyue
Published: August 2023

This paper proposes an enhanced fully optical generalized spatial
modulation (EFOGSM) free-space optical (FSO) system based on serial
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) relaying under M distribution. The relay
transmission mode of the system is decode-and-forward (DF), and two
spatial diversity receiving schemes were considered at the receiver of
the system. In the atmospheric channel modeling, the angle of arrival
(AoA) jitter was introduced to represent the effect of UAV random
jitter in the air on the channel, together with three important
factors: path loss, pointing error, and atmospheric turbulence. Under
the joint influence of the four fading factors, the probability
density function expression of the joint fading channel under the new
M distribution was derived, and the upper bound of the average bit
error rate of the serial UAV-relaying EFOGSM FSO system was derived.
The influence of key factors, such as the number of UAV relay nodes,
the position distance of UAV, the field of view parameters of the
receiver, the direction deviation, and the data transmission rate on
the system performance, was analyzed by simulation under weak and
strong turbulence. Monte Carlo simulation verified the correctness of
the numerical calculation and simulation. This study provides a good
theoretical basis for the engineering implementation of a serial UAV
relay EFOGSM FSO system.
Role of surface damping on hybrid modes and electric field enhancement distribution of ultrathin metal-coated dielectric microspheres illuminated by non-resonant light
Authors: Tiwari Pragya , Mandal Amartya , Dantham Venkata Ramanaiah
Published: August 2023

Herein, we report a theoretical investigation on the characteristic parameters of hybrid plasmonic–photonic modes (or simply hybrid modes) and electric field enhancement (EFE) distribution of ultrathin Au- and Ag-coated dielectric microspheres illuminated by non-resonant light obtained with and without consideration of the size-dependent damping (SDD) or surface damping in ultrathin metal nanoshells. From the obtained scattering and absorption spectra, the role of SDD on characteristic parameters such as wavelength locations, full width at half maximum, and EFE of the hybrid modes is investigated for the first time, to our knowledge. In addition, the effect of metal shell thickness (t) on the hybrid modes is studied. The EFE distribution inside/outside the ultrathin metal-coated dielectric microspheres illuminated by non-resonant light is investigated. More importantly, the sensitivity of the EFE distribution of bare and metal-coated microspheres is explored by slightly varying the resonant and non-resonant wavelengths.
Si3N4-plasmonic ferroelectric MZIR modulator for 112-Gbaud PAM-4 transmission in the O-band
Authors: Chatzitheocharis D. , Lampadariou E. , Chatzianagnostou E. , Lidorikis E. , Vyrsokinos K.
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a simulation-based analysis on the performance of plasmonic ferroelectric Mach-Zehnder in a ring (MZIR) versus symmetric Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZMs) on Si3N4 targeting O-band operation. The detailed investigation reveals the tradeoff between Au and Ag legacy noble metals providing lower modulator losses and CMOS compatible Cu featuring low cost. The numerical models also show that by opting for the MZIR layout there is a reduction in the Vπ x L product of 46% for Ag, 39% for Au and 30% for Cu versus MZMs. Time-domain simulations verify the successful generation of 112 Gbaud PAM-4 Signals from both MZIRs and MZMs for as low as 2 × 1.3 Vpp and 5µm long plasmonic phase shifters (PSs) with MZIRs providing a ΔQ signal improvement over MZMs of 2.9, 2.4, and 1.3 for Ag, Au, and Cu metals respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first theoretical demonstration of such a low-loss, low-voltage, high-speed, and CMOS compatible plasmonic modulator on Si3N4, in the O-band.