bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Strain of Preponderant Amphitriploid Carassius Clone Juvenile With Integrated Genomes Partly From White Crucian Carp (C. auratus cuvieri) Requires Low Dietary Protein
Authors: Wang Xing , Han Dong , Jin Junyan , Zhu Xiaoming , Liu Haokun , Zhang Zhimin , Yang Yunxia , Xie Shouqi
Published: January 2025

This study was carried out to search for the protein requirement of a new strain of preponderant amphitriploid Carassius clone, which integrated genomes partly from white crucian carp (C. auratus cuvieri). Seven groups of fish (body weight: 9.73 ± 0.03 g) were fed with seven isolipidic and isocarbohydrate diets containing 21.38%, 25.82%, 27.94%, 31.36%, 34.23%, 37.87%, and 40.70% crude protein (P21, P24, P27, P30, P33, P36, and P39), respectively. After 8‐week feeding, weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) were lower in the P30 group than those in the P39 group, but no difference was found in final body weight (FBW), survival, condition factor (CF), or hepatosomatic index (HSI) between different groups. Increased dietary protein decreased feeding rate (FR) and viscerosomatic index (VSI) while improved feed efficiency (FE). Decreased protein retention efficiency (PRE) and improved activity of liver alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and content of plasma ammonia suggested intensified fish amino acid catabolism in high dietary protein groups. The dietary protein requirement of the new Carassius clone was as low as 21.38% for growth. The optimal dietary protein for high FE was 39.62% and should be less than 30.56% to maintain the maximum protein retention. High dietary protein might be harmful to the fish due to the increased contents of liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and plasma cortisol. Dietary protein level altered fish body and muscle flavor substance composition. Low dietary protein could obtain high muscle fatty acid, free amino acid, and lipid accumulation, including whole body and muscle crude lipid, plasma total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c). Therefore, the recommended dietary protein for this new Carassius clone juvenile should be 21.38%–30.56%.
Exploring the Impact of Preoperative Laboratory Values on Short‐Term Outcomes in Complex Carpal Tunnel Decompression Surgery
Authors: Bajaj Anitesh , Khazanchi Rushmin , Shah Rohan M. , Weissman Joshua P. , Sadagopan Nishanth S. , Gosain Arun K.
Published: January 2025

Background: The present study analyzes the effects of preoperative serum albumin, hematocrit, and creatinine on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompression surgery.

Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried from 2011 to 2020. Albumin, hematocrit, and creatinine were collected for each patient, alongside covariates. Outcomes included 30‐day medical complications, 30‐day wound complications, return to the operating room, nonhome discharge, and extended postoperative length of stay. Bivariate t‐tests and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted. For any outcome‐laboratory value pairs with significance on regression, area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) were constructed.

Results: A total of 1440 patients with albumin, 3138 patients with hematocrit, and 3159 patients with creatinine levels were identified. Increased serum albumin was associated with lower odds of medical complications (aOR: 0.479, p = 0.035). An overall cohort cutoff of ≤ 3.5 g/dL (AUC: 0.79, p < 0.001) was predictive of medical complications. On multivariate logistic regression, increased hematocrit reduced the odds of medical complications (aOR: 0.889, p < 0.001). Predictive hematocrit cutoffs of ≤ 39.7% (AUC: 0.77, p < 0.001) and ≤ 36.6% (AUC: 0.74, p < 0.001) were identified for medical complications amongst male and female patients, respectively. Similarly, increased serum creatinine was associated with greater odds of medical complications (aOR: 1.684, p = 0.006). Creatinine cutoffs of ≥ 1.2 mg/dL (AUC: 0.58, p = 0.033) and ≥ 1.0 mg/dL (AUC: 0.59, p = 0.039) were identified for medical complications amongst male and female patients, respectively.

Conclusions: Multiple preoperative serum values were predictive of postoperative medical complications, and laboratory value thresholds were identified in this carpal tunnel decompression cohort to aid in risk stratification.
Experiences of Eldercare Staff Working With Older People With Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Torgé Cristina Joy , Allgurin Monika , Bülow Pia H. , Bülow Per , Jegermalm Magnus , Ernsth Bravell Marie
Published: January 2025

In Sweden, older persons living with severe mental illnesses (SMI) increasingly live independently in the community with support from informal and formal carers and welfare services. A proportion of this group is older people with SMI who, due to age or disability, receive municipal eldercare services such as home care in their ordinary housing, or in residential care. The situation and needs of this group demand that eldercare staff have an understanding for the older person’s situation and the tools to provide appropriate care. The aim of this present study is to explore the experiences of eldercare staff working with older people with SMI. Focus group interviews were conducted with staff from three residential care facilities and two home care teams in one mid‐sized Swedish municipality. To analyse the interviews, qualitative content analysis was used. The overarching theme from the analysis was “Doing the best they can,” which was unpacked in two categories: “Working with fragmentary knowledge” and “Finding the right approach.” We could also see differences between the experiences of staff in residential care and in home care. The eldercare staff in our interviews faced lack of formal training, insufficient information and skills concerning mental illness and its treatment. Nevertheless, they tried to make the situation of the older people with SMI as good as possible using experiential and tacit knowledge. Our results also point to system level barriers that hinder effective care for older people with SMI.
P‐ and S‐Wave Velocity Structures and the Influence of Volcanic Activities in the East Java Area From Seismic Tomography
Authors: Ridha Syawaldin , Maryanto Sukir , Martha Agustya A. , Syahra Vanisa , Anshori Muhajir , Supendi Pepen , Widiyantoro Sri , Wuryani Sri D. , Hab Sari Rendi P.
Published: January 2025

The tectonic complexity in Indonesia has made it one of the most interesting targets for studies on seismic tomography. The Indian oceanic plate sunk beneath the Eurasian continental plate, forming the subduction zone in Southern Indonesia. This activity led to the formation of volcanoes along the Sunda Arc, including East Java, the research area covered in this study. This research is mainly aimed at identifying the influence of the volcanic activities by tomography analysis. The data of the earthquakes was recorded by 22 seismic stations of the Indonesia Tsunami Early Warning System (InaTEWS) seismic network in the period of 2009–2017. The tomographic image was analysed by exploring the anomalies of primary (P)‐ and secondary (S)‐wave velocities and Vp/Vs ratio. The result shows the presence of a low‐velocity zone with a high Vp/Vs ratio found around the volcanic area, which is correlated with the partial melting zone or magma chamber. The low‐velocity zone was observed at the depth range of 27–155 km, which was also correlated with the subducted slab beneath Java Island. This leads to an assumption that there is an interlinked volcanic system which extends from west to east of Java.
Antibacterial Activity of Peruvian Tarasa Species: A Comparative Study of the Antimicrobial Effects of Extracts From Three Different Tarasa Species, T. capitata, T. operculata and T. tenuis, Against Human Pathogens
Authors: Yauri Carmen R. , Trombert Annette N. , Lazarte Antonio M.
Published: January 2025

The growing problem of antibiotic resistance has driven the search for new sources of antimicrobial agents. Plants, particularly those from the Malvaceae family, have showed promising potential in this field. The present study is based on Tarasa extracts, and the antimicrobial action was assessed using Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli as experimental bacterial strains. N‐hexane extracts of T. capitata, Tarasa operculata and Tarasa tenuis were analysed and showed, for the first time, antimicrobial activities against human pathogens. GC/MS analysis identified several chemical compounds in the extracts that could be responsible for their antimicrobial activity. These findings suggest that Tarasa species could be a valuable source of new antimicrobial compounds.
Effects of Gigantochloa apus String Bamboo Fiber Brushes on Heat‐Cured Acrylic Resin Plate Surface Roughness
Authors: Nawawi Azkya Patria , Rahaju Asih , Rivawati Annisha Putri
Published: January 2025

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of string bamboo fiber brushes (Gigantochloa apus) on the surface roughness of heat‐cured acrylic resin plates.

Materials and Methods: This study used a pretest and posttest laboratory experiment with a control group design, with data obtained from the average surface roughness values of heat‐cured acrylic resin plates after brushing using bamboo silk fiber brushes as the test group and conventional denture brushes as the control group.

Results: The Shapiro–Wilk test showed that the data were normally distributed, with a total of 32 samples of heat‐cured acrylic resin plates (p = 0.794). The results of this study found that the average surface roughness values of the anatomical surface of heat‐cured acrylic resin plates after being brushed with string bamboo fiber brushes were 0.20 µm and 0.18 µm for the nonanatomical surface. The difference in the average surface roughness of the heat‐cured acrylic resin plates, both on anatomical and nonanatomical surfaces, before and after brushing with string bamboo fiber brushes, was 0.0001 (p  < 0.05).

Conclusion: Bamboo denture toothbrushes exhibit a lower abrasive effect than nylon denture toothbrushes, with the abrasiveness remaining below the threshold requirements established for dental materials.
Epigallocatechin Gallate Inhibits Cell Proliferation Promoted by TNFα/IL1β‐NFκB‐PLAU Inflammatory Signaling in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Fei , Li Yuanduo , Zhang Yurui , Zhu Hui , Li Yun , Nie Ying , Sun Junjun , Luo Qiulan , Wang Ruixuan , Zou Xianghui , Chen Zikai
Published: January 2025

Background: Proinflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL1β drive esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell proliferation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism and potential therapeutic interventions to target this inflammatory signaling remain unclear.

Methods: Plasminogen activator urokinase (PLAU) expression was analyzed using the public database (GEO and iProX) and molecular experiments (qRT‐PCR and Western blotting). The DNA‐binding activity of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) at the promoter of PLAU was analyzed using several online servers (AnimalTFDB, JASPAR, PROMO, Cistrome, and UCSC) and confirmed through ChIP‐qPCR. The role of PLAU in ESCC proliferation was investigated through PLAU overexpression experiments, GO annotation, CCK8 assay, and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay.

Results: PLAU expression was significantly higher in ESCC tissues compared to normal tissues and in ESCC cells compared to immortalized esophageal epithelial cells. Treatment with TNFα and IL1β induced NFκB binding at the PLAU promoter in ESCC cells, leading to increased PLAU expression. Conversely, treatment with BAY11‐7082, an NFκB inhibitor, significantly blocked this upregulation. Overexpression of PLAU promoted ESCC cell proliferation. Thus, our findings demonstrate that the TNFα/IL1β‐NFκB‐PLAU axis promotes ESCC cell proliferation. Moreover, EGCG inhibited NFκB binding to the PLAU promoter, thereby preventing PLAU upregulation in TNFα/IL1β‐treated ESCC cells and inhibiting ESCC cell proliferation induced by PLAU overexpression.

Conclusion: EGCG effectively blocks the inflammatory signaling TNFα/IL1β‐NFκB‐PLAU, thereby inhibiting ESCC cell proliferation. Our study provides new insights into blocking the pro‐proliferative role of inflammation in ESCC and highlights EGCG as a potential therapeutic agent.
Evaluation of Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors Febuxostat and Allopurinol on Kidney Dysfunction and Histological Damage in Two‐Kidney, One‐Clip (2K1C) Rats
Authors: Shuvo Asif Ul Haque , Alimullah Mirza , Jahan Ishrat , Mitu Kaniz Fatima , Rahman Md Junaeid , Akramuddaula Kazi , Khan Ferdous , Dash Pritesh Ranjan , Subhan Nusrat , Alam Md Ashraful
Published: January 2025

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperuricemia is a common phenomenon, presumably due to reduced renal clearance of uric acid. This study investigated the effect of xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors allopurinol and febuxostat to prevent oxidative stress in the kidney of two‐kidney, one‐clip (2K1C) rats. In this investigation, 2K1C rats were used as an experimental animal model for kidney dysfunction. 2K1C rats were provided with food and drinking water and received febuxostat at a dose of 10 mg/kg or allopurinol at 100 mg/kg, respectively. After the treatment completion, all rats were sacrificed, and tissue samples were collected. 2K1C rats exhibited increased plasma creatinine, uric acid level, and glomerular injury assessed based on microscopic findings. Both allopurinol and febuxostat significantly normalized creatinine and uric acid levels. Furthermore, 2K1C rats showed increased lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) alongside decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity. Again, both drug treatments ameliorated these elevated oxidative stress parameters in 2K1C rats. The antioxidant genes such as Nrf‐2, HO‐1, and SOD were also restored in the kidneys of 2K1C rats by allopurinol and febuxostat treatment. 2K1C rats also showed increased IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and NF‐кB mRNA expression in the kidneys which were normalized by allopurinol and febuxostat treatment. Thus, the data suggest that XO inhibition protects kidney function potentially by restoring antioxidant enzyme function and suppressing inflammation.
Comparative Genomic and Biological Investigation of NADC30‐ and NADC34‐Like PRRSV Strains Isolated in South Korea
Authors: Jeong Haemin , Eo Youngjoon , Lee Duri , Jang Guehwan , Min Kyeng-Cheol , Choi An Kook , Won Hokeun , Cho Jungjoon , Kang Sang Chul , Lee Changhee
Published: January 2025

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a globally endemic, costly swine arterivirus with wide genetic and antigenic variations, leading to the frequent appearance of novel virulent strains that hampers PRRSV control. Recently, NADC30‐like (lineage 1C, L1C) and NADC34‐like (lineage 1A, L1A) PRRSV strains were reported to be prevalent in mainland South Korea and became the main epidemic strains persistently attributed to PRRSV outbreaks nationwide, raising great concern in the domestic pork industry. Although the genotypic and pathotypic variability of NADC30‐ and NADC34‐like viruses has been explored in the United States and China, their genomic and biological characteristics have been scarcely studied in South Korea. Here, NADC34‐like GNU‐2353 and NADC30‐like GNU‐2377 strains were independently identified from vaccinated swine herds experiencing high piglet mortality. Whole‐genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that GNU‐2353 and GNU‐2377 clustered into sublineages L1A (NADC34‐like) and L1C (NADC30‐like), respectively, sharing high genomic homology with their corresponding lineage‐representative strains and harboring the same molecular signatures of continuous 100 and discontinuous 131 amino acid deletions in the nsp2‐coding region, respectively. Recombination detection indicated that GNU‐2353 and GNU‐2377 were recombinants and evolved through natural interlineage recombination between NADC34‐like (L1A, major parent) or NADC30‐like (L1C, major parent) and RespPRRS modified live virus (MLV)–like (lineage 5, minor parent) strains, respectively. Both viruses displayed homogenous growth kinetics but replicated faster than the prototype VR‐2332 in a porcine alveolar macrophage cell line (PAM‐KNU). The transcriptional profiles of immune response genes in infected PAM‐KNU cells varied between the isolates and VR‐2332; particularly, interleukin‐10 expression was dramatically upregulated in cells infected with GNU‐2353 and GNU‐2377. Piglets with GNU‐2353 and GNU‐2377 infection had high fever; weight loss; increased viremia and nasal shedding; viral distribution in various tissues; thymic atrophy; and apparent macroscopic and microscopic lung lesions, including interstitial pneumonia and viral colonization, compared with control piglets, suggesting that both isolates were virulent to pigs. Remarkably, GNU‐2353 caused higher fever, mortality rate (40%) with cyanosis, viremia, and viral shedding within 2 weeks and significantly higher viral loads in several organs than GNU‐2377 infection. Thus, NADC34‐like GNU‐2353 was more pathogenic than NADC30‐like GNU‐2377. Our findings provide insights into the current epizootic circumstance of NADC30‐ and NADC34‐like PRRSV in South Korea and can aid in tailoring improved control strategies.
Management of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: Effectiveness of a Steroid‐Free Regimen Using Tinospora cordifolia—A Single‐Institution Experience
Authors: Das Sheth Ankita , Joshi Shalaka , Kumar Arul , Nair Nita , Shet Tanuja , Sahay Ayushi , Thakkar Palak , Haria Purvi , Katdare Aparna , Parmar Vani , Desai Sangeeta , Badwe Rajendra
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a benign, chronic inflammatory disease with no effective treatment and high relapse rate. The pathophysiology is poorly understood. Tinosporin, an immunomodulator obtained from Tinospora cordifolia, is known to be useful in treating immune‐mediated diseases. We report our experience of using Tinosporin for IGM and the effectiveness of this “steroid‐free” regimen.

Methods: We analysed the clinicopathological characteristics of patients diagnosed with IGM on histopathology during January 2018 and December 2022. Tinosporin tablet (500 mg Guduchi stem extract) was prescribed for 3–6 months; data were collected from electronic medical records and analysed in SPSS v‐29.

Results: Of 315 patients, 132 had complete clinical records. Median age was 39 years (25–77), and 107 (81.7%) were premenopausal. Seventy‐eight (59.09%) had clinical suspicion of malignancy. On imaging, 84 (63.64%) were BIRADS 4/5 lesions. Empirical broad‐spectrum antibiotics were prescribed to 101 patients. Tinosporin tablets were prescribed to 91 patients. Symptomatic response was seen in 72 (79.12%). Five patients did not achieve response, while 14 patients (15.38%) were lost to follow‐up. At a median follow‐up of 36 months (14–62 months), only 2 patients on Tinosporin had recurrence. None of the patients needed surgical intervention other than diagnostic biopsy or control of infection, and none received steroids.

Conclusion: IGM is a benign, often self‐limiting disorder. However, it mimics malignancy in 60% cases, and histology clinches the diagnosis. We report the efficacy of steroid‐free management of IGM with immunomodulatory herbal origin phytopharmaceutical drug Tinosporin. It is safe, inexpensive and effective. Large volume excisions or mastectomies can be reserved for severe and refractory cases.
Mineral Stress Drives Loss of Heterochromatin: An Early Harbinger of Vascular Inflammaging and Calcification
Authors: Ho Chin Yee , Wu Meng-Ying , Thammaphet Jirapath , Ahmad Sadia , Ho C.S. James , Draganova Lilia , Anderson Grace , Jonnalagadda Umesh S. , Hayward Robert , Shroff Rukshana , Wen Wilson Tan Lek , Verhulst Anja , Foo Roger SY. , Shanahan Catherine M.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Vascular calcification is a detrimental aging pathology markedly accelerated in patients with chronic kidney disease. PLA (prelamin A) is a biomarker of vascular smooth muscle cell aging that accelerates calcification however the mechanisms remain undefined.

METHODS:

Vascular smooth muscle cells were transduced with PLA using an adenoviral vector and epigenetic modifications were monitored using immunofluorescence and targeted polymerase chain reaction array. Epigenetic findings were verified in vivo using immunohistochemistry in human vessels, in a mouse model of inducible prelamin A expression, and in a rat model of chronic kidney disease–induced calcification. Transcriptomic and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing analyses were used to identify gene targets impacted by changes in the epigenetic landscape. Molecular tools and antibody arrays were used to monitor the effects of mineral dysregulation on heterochromatin, inflammation, aging, and calcification.

RESULTS:

Here, we report that depletion of the repressive heterochromatin marks, H3K9me3 (histone H3, lysine 9, trimethylation) and H3K27me3 (histone H3, lysine 27,trimethylation), is an early hallmark of vascular aging induced by both nuclear lamina dysfunction and dysregulated mineral metabolism, which act to modulate the expression of key epigenetic writers and erasers. Global analysis of H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 marks and pathway analysis revealed deregulation of insulin signaling and autophagy pathways as well as cross-talking DNA damage and NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) inflammatory pathways consistent with early activation of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Expression of PLA in vivo induced loss of heterochromatin and promoted inflammation and osteogenic differentiation which preceded aging indices, such as DNA damage and senescence. Vessels from children on dialysis and rats with chronic kidney disease showed prelamin A accumulation and accelerated loss of heterochromatin before the onset of calcification.

CONCLUSIONS:

Dysregulated mineral metabolism drives changes in the epigenetic landscape and nuclear lamina dysfunction that together promote early induction of inflammaging pathways priming the vasculature for downstream pathological change.
Gut Microbiota Metabolites Sensed by Host GPR41/43 Protect Against Hypertension
Authors: R. Muralitharan Rikeish , Zheng Tenghao , Dinakis Evany , Xie Liang , Barbaro-Wahl Anastasia , Jama Hamdi A. , Nakai Michael , Paterson Madeleine , Leung Kwan Charmaine , McArdle Zoe , Mirabito Colafella Katrina , Johnson Chad , Qin Wendy , Salimova Ekaterina , Bitto Natalie J. , Kaparakis-Liaskos Maria , Kaye David M. , O’Donnell Joanne A. , Mackay Charles R. , Marques Francine Z.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Fermentation of dietary fiber by the gut microbiota leads to the production of metabolites called short-chain fatty acids, which lower blood pressure and exert cardioprotective effects. Short-chain fatty acids activate host signaling responses via the functionally redundant receptors GPR41 (G-protein-coupled receptor 41) and GPR43 (G-protein-coupled receptor 43), which are highly expressed by immune cells. Whether and how these receptors protect against hypertension or mediate the cardioprotective effects of dietary fiber remains unknown.

METHODS:

Cardiovascular phenotype was assessed in untreated and Ang II (angiotensin II) treated hypertensive wild-type and GPR41/43 knockout (KO) double knockout male mice fed diets with different levels of fiber content. Some mice received TLR4 (toll-like receptor 4)-antagonist treatment and bone marrow chimeras. SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) associated with
GPR41
and
GPR43
expression were assessed in UK Biobank participants.

RESULTS:

Untreated GPR41/43KO mice had unaltered blood pressure but had greater cardiac and renal collagen deposition with higher macrophage numbers in the kidney compared with wild-type mice. Ang II–treated GPR41/43KO mice showed higher systolic blood pressure, cardiorenal weights and collagen deposition, and increased gut permeability, which allows the translocation of gastrointestinal bacterial components such as lipopolysaccharides into the circulation. The use of an antagonist to the lipopolysaccharide receptor, TLR4, a potent proinflammatory signaling molecule, restored the cardiovascular phenotype in GPR41/43KO mice. The lack of GPR41/43 expression in the immune compartment was sufficient to lead to a worsened hypertensive phenotype. We also demonstrate that GPR41/43 is, at least partially, responsible for the blood pressure–lowering and cardioprotective effects of a high-fiber diet. Finally, using the UK Biobank, we provide translational evidence that variants associated with lower expression of both GPR41 and GPR43 are more prevalent in participants with hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings highlight that lack of short-chain fatty acid-receptor signaling via both GPR41 and GPR43 increases risk of high blood pressure, suggesting treatments that target these receptors could be a novel strategy to prevent or treat hypertension.
Representing the disciplinary structure of physics: A comparative evaluation of graph and text embedding methods
Authors: Constantino Isabel , Kojaku Sadamori , Fortunato Santo , Ahn Yong-Yeol
Published: January 2025

Recent advances in machine learning offer new ways to represent and study scholarly works and the space of knowledge. Graph and text embeddings provide a convenient vector representation of scholarly works based on citations and text. Yet, it is unclear whether their representations are consistent or provide different views of the structure of science. Here, we compare graph and text embedding by testing their ability to capture the hierarchical structure of the Physics and Astronomy Classification Scheme (PACS) of papers published by the American Physical Society (APS). We also provide a qualitative comparison of the overall structure of the graph and text embeddings for reference. We find that neural network-based methods outperform traditional methods, and graph embedding methods node2vec and residual2vec are better than other methods at capturing the PACS structure. Our results call for further investigations into how different contexts of scientific papers are captured by different methods, and how we can combine and leverage such information in an interpretable manner.
Behold Thine Enemy
Authors: Hamdar Sarah
Published: January 2025

The annual commemoration of Imam Hussein’s martyrdom has been a method of preserving the memory of the Karbala battle, but contemporary practices reflect a political dimension. This text focuses on Hizbullah’s public mourning commemorations and argues that the physical gatherings and their mediation are part of Hizbullah’s larger political communication strategy as they reflect power dynamics and emphasize the party’s political values. Accordingly, the article uncovers the role of the rituals in articulating territorial, religious and political power as well as supporters’ loyalty to Sayyed Nasrullah. It also demonstrates the significance of the rituals in emphasizing multiple nationalist discourses, expressing social and political ideals and providing a basis for interpreting political events. By drawing on Hussein’s martyrdom, Hizbullah utilizes ʿAshura as an empty or floating signifier whereby the party contemporizes the battle to suit its needs as it becomes the site of contemporary activist reinterpretation.
Reconstructing Baʾathist Syria through Cultural Heritage and State Media
Authors: Crone Christine
Published: January 2025

This article analyzes Syrian state media coverage on the reconstruction of the citadel, the Umayyad Mosque and the old souq in Aleppo to investigate how the Syrian Baʾathist state is using destruction and reconstruction of significant cultural heritage to construct a post-war narrative. This narrative promotes an understanding of the Baʾathist state as the protector of Syrian cultural heritage and thus the protector of Syrian nationhood and civilization. The article argues that it is of crucial importance to the Baʾathist state to control the symbolic meaning of the national cultural heritage in its endeavor to create a viable post-war narrative and understands the state media’s coverage of selected reconstruction projects in Aleppo as part of the ongoing battle over how to remember (or forget) the years of upheaval and war. This continued battle over the narrative is essentially a battle over the social memories of the Syrian people and the politically constructed memories of the state.
Voting green or right-wing populist: Ideological poles of a new cleavage?
Authors: Dilger Clara
Published: January 2025

With the emergence of the two newest party families, Green and right-wing populist (RWP) parties, the assumption rose that these parties can be considered the two poles of the new transnational cleavage. In this paper, I analyse the impact of voter attitudes toward liberal values, immigration, EU integration and climate change in nine Western and Northern European countries on voting for Green and RWP parties using data from the ESS10 (2020–2022). Using descriptive analyses and logistic regression models, I find some evidence of a transnational cleavage, in the form of an ideological as well as structural divide between Green and RWP parties and their voters. However, this divide does not extend across all four attitudes or all nine countries. I conclude that Green and RWP parties do not seem to be complete opposites in Northern and Western Europe, but only in country- and issue-specific contexts.
Inpatient Cost of Trauma Care Versus Repair of Elective Open Inguinal Hernias: Nationwide Trends Over Nearly a Decade
Authors: Paladugu Anushka , Donnelly Megan , Grigorian Areg , Swentek Lourdes , Kuza Catherine , Yamamoto Kurt , Shipley Jonathan , Nguyen Ninh , Nahmias Jeffry
Published: January 2025

Purpose: Concerns exist regarding increased trauma activation fees at the expense of vulnerable patients. In contrast, elective open inguinal hernia repair (E-OIHR) has remained relatively fixed in terms of technique. This study aimed to examine health care costs for E-OIHR and trauma patients, hypothesizing trauma cost would increase from 2010 to 2018, while E-OIHR cost would remain unchanged. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was queried (2010-2018) for admitted patients undergoing unilateral E-OIHR or trauma-related admission. Health care costs per admission, total annual costs, and trends of E-OIHR and trauma admissions were also examined. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the association of individual- and hospital-level variables with total costs. Results: Unilateral E-OIHR admission cost more than doubled per case in 2018. Trauma cost per admission also increased, however, only by 34%. Total costs for all E-OIHR admissions increased 26%, whereas trauma admission costs increased 32%. Both trauma admissions and unilateral E-OIHR admissions decreased; however, E-OIHR admissions decreased more. Multiple linear regression demonstrated compared to the cost of E-OIHR, trauma care decreased when adjusting for year, age, severity, hospital type, and length of stay ( P < .001). Conclusion: The rate of increase in cost per unilateral E-OIHR admission exceeded that of trauma. However, the total economic burden for trauma care increased by billions of dollars due to a steady increase in per incidence cost and only slightly lower rates of trauma admissions. Increased focus on high-value care to curtail increasing costs of E-OIHR and especially trauma appears warranted.
Trends, Characteristics and Outcomes in Breast Cancer Survivors With STEMI
Authors: Chia Jia Ee , Ang Song Peng , Usman Muhammed Haris , Krittanawong Chayakrit , Mukherjee Debabrata
Published: January 2025

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women. While advances in detection and treatment have improved survival, breast cancer survivors face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, limited data exist on cardiac outcomes after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in this population. This retrospective cohort study analyzed the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2016–2021). Adult women hospitalized with STEMI were categorized as breast cancer survivors or without a history of breast cancer. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, with multivariable logistic regression used to adjust for confounders. A total of 369,070 adult females were included (breast cancer survivors, n = 13,890; without breast cancer, n = 355,180). Breast cancer survivors were older with more cardiovascular comorbidities. After adjustment, breast cancer survivors had lower odds of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.82, 95% CI 0.72–0.93), cardiogenic shock (aOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.77–0.99), and acute kidney injury (aOR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76–0.95). Breast cancer survivors hospitalized for STEMI had lower in-hospital mortality and complications, compared with those without breast cancer. These hypothesis-generating findings suggest that advances in oncology and cardiovascular care may contribute to improved outcomes.
Comparative Efficacy of Antithrombotic Strategies in Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Replacement: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Naito Noritsugu , Takagi Hisato
Published: January 2025

This meta-analysis evaluates outcomes in patients undergoing bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (bAVR), comparing different antithrombotic strategies. We conducted a systematic search through May 2024. A standard meta-analysis compared outcomes between patients who received anticoagulation therapy (AC) and those who did not. Therapeutic categories were subdivided into four groups: AC alone, AC with antiplatelet therapy (AP), AP alone, and no antithrombotic therapy. A network meta-analysis was performed for these categories. The review included 16 studies, comprising a total of 59,054 patients. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality rates (HR: hazard ratio [95% CI: confidence interval] = 0.98 [0.77–1.25], P = .88) or thromboembolic events (HR [95% CI] = 0.91 [0.65–1.28], P = .60) between patients with and without AC. However, bleeding events were significantly higher in patients receiving AC (HR [95% CI] = 1.55 [1.20–2.00], P < .01). Network meta-analysis showed that AP alone was associated with lower mortality rates compared with other therapeutic categories. Additionally, AP alone was associated with fewer bleeding events compared with AC alone and AC with AP. This meta-analysis suggests that AP alone in patients undergoing bAVR is associated with superior outcomes compared with other antithrombotic strategies.
Coping Profiles Among Chinese College Students: Associations With Depression and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Tian Lu , Zhang Qingyao , Tsai Chia-Lin , Owusu Gabriel
Published: January 2025

The current study investigated potential coping profiles among Chinese college students and their associations with two mental health indicators: depression and life satisfaction. Utilizing indicators of coping, proactive coping, and coping self-efficacy as observed variables, the study predicted latent coping profiles among a sample of 823 Chinese college students using latent profile analysis (LPA). The results identified four distinct coping profiles: Active Style, Passive Style, Impulsive Style, and Considerate Style. Both Active and Considerate Styles were categorized as adaptive profiles, demonstrating associations with lower levels of depression and higher levels of life satisfaction. Conversely, Passive and Impulsive Styles were classified as maladaptive profiles, displaying higher levels of depression and lower levels of life satisfaction. Furthermore, coping self-efficacy emerged as a more dependable indicator for mental health compared to the frequency of coping activities. This manuscript discusses the limitations of its findings and the implications for theory, practice, education and training.
Parental Involvement Barriers and Their Influence on Student Self-Regulation in Primary Education
Authors: Calderon-Villarreal Angela , Garcia-Hernandez Andrea , Olvera-Gonzalez Rebeca , Elizondo-Garcia Josemaria
Published: January 2025

Parental involvement and student self-regulation are widely recognized as critical factors influencing academic success. However, quantitative research examining the relationship between these two variables remains limited. This study investigated the association between parental involvement and students’ self-regulation skills, as well as barriers to parental engagement in education. A survey was conducted with caregivers of 119 students from a metropolitan school in Monterrey, Mexico, assessing levels of parental involvement and identifying potential obstacles. Concurrently, teachers completed a rubric evaluating students’ self-regulation abilities. Results revealed that time constraints were the primary barrier to parental involvement, with few caregivers reporting school-related obstacles. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant, though moderate to low, correlations between parental involvement and student self-regulation. These findings underscore the importance of parental engagement in fostering students’ self-regulatory skills and highlight the need for strategies to overcome time-related barriers to involvement.
Awakening the Disengaged: Can Driving-Related Prompts Engage Drivers in Partial Automation?
Authors: Bai Xiaolu , Feng Jing
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study explores the effectiveness of conversational prompts on enhancing driver monitoring behavior and takeover performance in partially automated driving under two non-driving-related task (NDRT) scenarios with varying workloads.

Background

Driver disengagement in partially automated driving is a serious safety concern. Intermittent conversational prompts that require responses may be a solution. However, existing literature is limited with inconsistent findings. There is little consideration of NDRTs as an important context, despite their ubiquitous involvement. A method is also lacking to measure driver engagement at the cognitive level, beyond manual and visual engagements.

Methods

Participants operated a partially automated vehicle in a simulator across six predefined drives. In each drive, participants either received driving-related prompts, daily-conversation prompts, or no prompts, with or without a takeover notification. The first experiment instructed participants to engage in NDRTs at their choice and the second experiment incentivized solving demanding anagrams with monetary rewards.

Results

When participants were voluntarily engaged in NDRTs, answering driving-related prompts and receiving takeover notifications improved their monitoring behavior and takeover performance. However, when participants were involved in the more demanding and incentivized NDRT, answering prompts had little effect.

Conclusion

The study supports the importance of both maintaining appropriate workload and processing driving-related information during partially automated driving. Driving-related prompts improve driver engagement and takeover performance, but they are not robust enough to compete with NDRTs that have high motivational appeals and cognitive demands.

Application

The design of driver engagement tools should consider the workload and information processing mechanisms.
Quantitative and qualitative food losses of African indigenous vegetables along the value chain: A systematic literature review
Authors: Kubitza Christoph , Kalla-Bertholdt Ann-Marie , Huyskens-Keil Susanne , Brück Tilman
Published: January 2025

African indigenous vegetables (AIV) have high densities of important micronutrients but qualitative and quantitative food losses along the value chains could threaten their nutritional potential in Africa. We conduct a systematic review of the estimations of food quality losses of AIV along their value chains. Our review reveals that there is generally limited evidence on food quality losses along AIV value chains. In addition, existing studies are often of low quality and have inadequate experimental descriptions. For our final analysis, we consider the yields and malnutrition-relevant nutrients for two major AIV, vegetable amaranth ( Amaranthus ssp) and African nightshade ( Solanum nigrum and Solanum scarbrum). We observe a consistent and substantial decrease in carotenoids and iron contents starting from selecting appropriate seed material to processing practices. Losses are particularly severe at seed selection and production. Almost half of the original potential is lost after cultivation for the reviewed nutrients. While qualitative losses appear to be significant during post-harvest, processing by consumers leads to comparatively small reductions. While our results suggest that the current value chains need to be improved to supply nutrient-rich foods to urban and peri-urban areas, better data are also needed to conduct more comprehensive assessments of nutrition-sensitive AIV value chains and to derive evidence-based interventions to reduce nutrient losses for AIV along the value chain.
Do Protests Change Citizens’ Perceptions of Political Parties? Evidence From the 15-M in Spainz
Authors: Padilla Javier
Published: January 2025

Using a panel data survey in which the second wave was made just before and after the eruption of the anti-austerity protests in Spain, and identifying those who participated in the events thanks to a question in subsequent waves, I leverage quasi-experimental evidence supporting that political protests can substantially alter the perception of political parties on the left-right dimension. I show that leftist citizens who participated in the anti-austerity protests perceived that the center-left incumbent party moved to the center and that this perception remained stable over time. This situation led to an empty political space that opened a window of opportunity for other parties willing to capitalize on this crisis of representation. Beyond showing that political protests can quickly alter citizens’ perceptions of parties on the left-right dimension, this article suggests that protests can exacerbate representation crisis.
Foreign Language Teaching Anxiety Among In-Service English Teachers
Authors: Zeng Guofang , Cheung Anisa
Published: January 2025

Teacher emotions are vitally important for the classroom environment and students’ language attainment; however, studies concerning foreign language teaching anxiety remain scarce. This study examined foreign language teaching anxiety through administering questionnaires to 235 in-service teachers to investigate the impacts of educational stages and teaching experience on foreign language teaching anxiety. The statistical results show that secondary school teachers exhibit significantly higher levels of foreign language teaching anxiety than their primary counterparts, especially in ‘lack of student interest’ and ‘fear of negative evaluation’. Novice teachers are significantly more anxious than experienced teachers in the dimension of ‘teaching inexperience’, whereas no other differences are shown in other aspects. No interaction effects are observed between the two variables. Pedagogical implications for understanding foreign language teaching anxiety in different educational and experiential stages and corresponding anxiety-reducing strategies are discussed.
Simulation design and experimental study of beveled angle narrow-slit needleless electrospinning spinneret
Authors: Cheng Xue , Yang Jinping , Cao Xuehua , Dong Jie , Sun Runjun , Fan Xingyu , Wei Liang
Published: January 2025

Needleless electrospinning technology is considered an effective way to produce nanofibrous materials on a large scale. The electric field strength and its distribution during the electrospinning process play an essential role in controlling the diameter and quality of the nanofibrous membrane. To achieve the mass production of nanofibers, this study proposed the design concept of a new type of needleless electrospinning spinneret with a beveled tip and narrow slit shape. The finite element analysis software of Comsol Multiphysics 6.0 was used to simulate the electric field contour of the new type of needleless electrospinning spinneret with a beveled tip and narrow slit shape. In performing the simulation of electrospinning with this spinneret, the values of the electric field strength on the surface of the spinneret and the variation of its electric field strength distribution curve were obtained. The optimal beveled narrow-slit spinneret structure was determined by varying the beveled tip angle, inner ring material, applied voltage, and receiving distance. The results showed that the highest value of electric field strength at the tip of the spinneret could be obtained when the inner ring was made of PTFE and the beveled narrow-slit spinneret was at 120°. Finally, the polyurethane nanofiber membrane was successfully fabricated using this new type of electrospinning spinneret. The nanofiber membrane with a mass fraction of 17% had a good micro-morphology. The diameter distribution was very uniform, and the average diameter was 624 nm. The production was up to 9.6 g/h, which was 96 times higher than that of single-needle electrostatic spinning. The feasibility of mass production of nanofiber membranes using this novel spinneret was verified.
Empowering visually impaired individuals: The transformative roles of education, technology, and social connections in fostering resilience and well-being
Authors: Sri Takshara K , Bhuvaneswari G
Published: January 2025

People with visual impairments often navigate a complex landscape of societal barriers and marginalization, impacting their well-being and participation in various life domains. This qualitative study, employing semi-structured interviews with 16 visually impaired people, explored the multifaceted factors that contribute to their resilience and ability to lead fulfilling lives. The findings highlight the interplay of three key elements, namely, education, technology, and social connections. Participants identified education as a transformative tool for overcoming challenges and pursuing personal and professional goals and technology as a crucial enabler of independence, access to information, and communication. Strong social connections, particularly with family and friends, provide vital emotional support, motivation, and a sense of belonging, fostering resilience and promoting mental well-being. The study also underscores the importance of accessibility, inclusivity, and acceptance in maximizing the impact of these factors. Participants emphasized the need for accessible educational resources, inclusive environments, and affordable and accessible technological solutions. In addition, fostering sensitivity and understanding within social institutions and communities has emerged as crucial for promoting genuine acceptance and dismantling discriminatory practices. This research contributes to the understanding of resilience and well-being among individuals with visual impairments by highlighting the interconnectedness of individual agency, supportive environments, and societal attitudes. By advocating for inclusive education, accessible technology, and a culture of acceptance, they can be empowered to build meaningful lives and contribute fully to society.