bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echoes of Solidarity in the Gaza Protests
Authors: Haugbolle Sune
Published: October 2024

This article provides an overview of the historical development of Palestine solidarity globally since the 1960s and compares the historical evidence to today’s protest movement since the 7 October 2023 Gaza War. Through a reading of a recent collection of testimonies by activists worldwide, the article reflects on the historical coherence of the movement from the formation of the Palestinian liberation movements in the 1960s, the emergence of global solidarity groups in the 1970s and the fragmentation of the Palestinian political landscape since then. The article asks what this decades-long development of solidarity registers and strategies has meant for the Gaza protests since 2023. What is the significance of the structure and scope of early Palestine solidarity for the mobilization we are witnessing today? Which echoes can we observe from the earlier periods of protests, and how are memories and histories of the development of the movement reactivated today?
But I Do Not ♥ Genocide
Authors: Tawil-Souri Helga
Published: October 2024

A short and personal reflection on “liking” Instagram posts during the early months of the genocide in Gaza that addresses the platform limitations of social media. While the reasons for “liking” posts include attempting to inform the algorithm, combat shadow-banning, build a (limited) digital archive, and communicate support, doing so also demonstrates the built-in constraints of tech-platforms, shortcomings of digital resistance, and the inability to stop the violence.
Uncle, Look at This!
Authors: Alvarez Murillo Pablo
Published: October 2024

This article considers the epistemic value of Iraqi first-person documentaries of family life, or domestic ethnographies, during the Iraq War (2003–2011). The article analyses Life After the Fall (Abid 2008) and Homeland: Iraq Year Zero (Fahdel 2015), two documentaries about the everyday life of the videomakers’ family members in the advent of the US-led 2003 invasion and shortly after the occupation. The article examines how Iraqi domestic ethnographies dispute and complement dominant (Western) media, filmic and historical discourses of the conflict. I argue that these videos provide a nuanced understanding of the complex social, cultural and historical dynamics of this period, exceeding essentialisms and hegemonic discourses of violence, terror and victimhood. In addition, I demonstrate how this approach facilitates the participation of historically marginalized voices of young female family members, particularly in the representation of the conflict, and situates otherwise unusual discussions around Iraqi women’s rights and gender issues at the core of everyday life in post-invasion Iraq.
Zionist Settler-Colonialist Identity
Authors: Bresheeth-Žabner Haim
Published: October 2024

This essay addresses a poignantly critical question: how did Israel enter into such an unsustainable, illegal, immoral and rather impractical position in the span of a few months following the bloody slaughter of 7 October 2023? It explains the problem triggering the move towards genocide, the fact that ethnic cleansing of Palestinians had run its course, and not enough Palestinians have departed Palestine since 1967 despite terrifying war crimes against them. The essay advances that the step-change from the decades of ‘good-old ethnic cleansing’ to a new level of criminality and depravity—genocide—was not a simple issue of turning up the volume; it required a mindset which sees genocide not only as an ‘option’, but one perceiving it as the only option. This was made possible after 7 October 2023.
Blackout in Gaza
Authors: Yaqub Nadia
Published: October 2024

How are we to treat images of genocide that flood our screens? I address this question by discussing the circulation of these images in the wake of a long history of variously documented Palestinian disasters. I frame my comments around two axes: the potential danger and efficacy of the humanitarian image and the practice of young Palestinians smiling to the camera as they were arrested during the attacks on the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem in 2021, and consider them in relation to the production and circulation of images about the 1976 siege and fall of Tall al-Zaʿtar in Lebanon.
Agronomic potential of Hermetia illucens frass in the cultivation of ryegrass in distinct soils
Authors: Rehan I. , Lopes I.G. , Murta D. , Lidon F. , Fareleira P. , Esteves C. , Moreira O. , Menino R.
Published: October 2024

Cropping systems are strongly dependent on mineral fertilisers, which are effective in achieving high crop productivities. However, these chemical inputs end up compromising soil quality in the long-term. Frass from black soldier fly (BSF) larvae is a novel organic fertiliser that is rich in organic matter and advocated as a material that can sustain crop productivity while increasing soil quality. This study aimed at evaluating distinct fertilisation regimes in the cultivation of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. or annual ryegrass) in soils of different types (sandy, loamy and clay) and fertility levels. In a 7-month pot experiment conducted in a glass greenhouse, plants were cultivated with exclusive mineral (MT) or organic (OT) fertilisation, in addition to combinations between both (mineral and organic, MOTs) in different proportions (25:50; 50:50 and 75:25), considering a 140 kg per hectare N demand. Crop yield was favoured by the combination of organic and mineral fertilisers in all soils, which also had its fertility increased, especially regarding organic matter build-up and nutrient accumulation. In addition, the presence of frass in the sandy soil stimulated microbial activity, which was measured by the enzyme dehydrogenase. Frass derived from BSF larvae can be considered an adequate organic fertiliser in the cultivation of ryegrass in distinct soil types, when applied in partial (25% to 75%) replacement of mineral fertilisers, enabling high crop productivity and nutritional quality of the crop, while increasing soil fertility.
The Qualitative Election Study of Britain Party Leader Evaluations Database, 2010–2019
Authors: Reichelt Juliane , Carvalho Edzia , Winters Kristi , Oliver Thom
Published: October 2024

The authors describe the Qualitative Election Study of Britain (qesb) Party Leader Evaluation Database, a database containing 4,119 words and phrases evaluating British political party leaders. The data were collected during pre-election focus groups and interviews with participants from England, Scotland, and Wales during the General Election campaigns of 2010, 2015, 2017, and 2019. A supplementary dataset of leaders’ evaluation data from Dundee residents after the Scottish Independence Referendum in 2014 is also provided. To collect the data, participants viewed headshot pictures of major and minor party leaders (depending on where in Britain they lived) taken from party websites. Participants wrote down words or phrases they associated with each leader and coded their assessment as positive, negative, or neutral. These data are suitable for content, sentiment, and discourse analysis or analytic generalization.
Unpacking Young Adults’ Voting Preferences: The Role of Neighborhood Trust
Authors: Thompson Aaron A. B. , Martin Nathan D.
Published: October 2024

Compared to previous generations, young adults today report lower levels of trust in government, law enforcement, and their communities. This study investigates neighborhood factors influencing social trust among Arizona young adults during the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election. Through an analysis of online survey data for a sample of young adults ( N = 1,376) who participated in the Arizona Youth Identity Project, we explore how neighborhood diversity, population density, racial identity, and political affiliation are associated with social trust and voting preferences. We find that Arizona young adults’ trust in police and their neighbors varies by neighborhood diversity and racial identity, with residents of mostly White neighborhoods reporting higher levels of trust. Additionally, support for Trump is highest among young adults who expressed high trust in local police. This study underscores and begins to unpack the interplay between race, space, and trust in shaping political identities and preferences.
Evaluating Racial Disparities in 30-day Outcomes for African Americans Following Colectomy for Volvulus
Authors: Li Renxi , Kartiko Susan
Published: October 2024

Background

Surgery is the definitive treatment for colonic volvulus despite initial decompression therapy. In general surgery, African Americans were found to have higher risks of mortality and morbidities. However, racial disparity in colectomy outcomes for volvulus among African Americans had not been explored. This study examined the 30-day outcomes for African Americans following colectomy for volvulus.

Methods

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) targeted colectomy database from 2012 to 2022 was used. Only patients with volvulus as the primary indication for colectomy were selected. A 1:1 propensity score matching was applied to African Americans and Caucasians to match sex, age, baseline characteristics, preoperative preparation, indication for surgery (if emergent), and operative approaches. Thirty-day postoperative outcomes were examined.

Results

There were 1027 and 7451 African Americans and Caucasians who underwent colectomy for volvulus, respectively. All African Americans were 1:1 propensity-score matched to their Caucasian counterparts. African Americans and Caucasians had a comparable mortality rate (7.21% vs 7.89%, P = 0.62). While African Americans had a higher risk of pulmonary complications (16.85% vs 13.53%, P = 0.04), other surgical complications were all comparable between African Americans and Caucasians. However, African Americans had a longer time from admission to operation (2.70 ± 3.99 vs 2.17 ± 3.36 days, P < 0.01) and a longer length of stay (LOS; 12.81 ± 10.28 vs 10.50 ± 7.72 days, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

African Americans were found to have higher risks of pulmonary complications, delayed operation, and extended LOS. These disparities raise concerns and warrant further investigation into their underlying causes. Effective targeted interventions may be necessary to address these issues.
Deal Value Threshold and M&A: A Competition Law Analysis
Authors: Chauhan Sidharth , Mehta Dhruv
Published: October 2024

In 2023, the Indian Parliament introduced amendments to the Competition Act, 2002. The primary focus of these amendments is to provide regulatory certainty, ensure faster market correction, and provide a trust-based business environment in India. These amendments also aim to give the Competition Commission of India (CCI) adequate power to ensure that no anti-competitive practices are undertaken in India. A plethora of amendments have been enacted, and one of the key amendments impacting M&A is the introduction of the Deal Value Threshold (DVT) while retaining the asset and turnover test. The rationale for this amendment is to ensure digital markets are covered within the ambit of DVT and to ensure that no anti-competitive M&A deals are undertaken in the digital market space. The impact of the new additional threshold in India has been analyzed, and the loopholes in the DVT framework have been highlighted. The impact of DVT on M&A deals undertaken in India has been showcased. In addition, solutions have been provided that can be adopted by the CCI in order to plug the loopholes in this new framework to make it comprehensive.
Evaluation of Monotherapy Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate Versus Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate for Acute Hyperkalemia: A Cohort Study
Authors: Grewal Divine , Urip Laurensia , Hong Lisa T.
Published: October 2024

Comparison of monotherapy sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) versus sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) is lacking. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of SZC versus SPS for acute potassium lowering. This retrospective cohort study included hospitalized adult patients with acute hyperkalemia treated with SZC or SPS monotherapy. The primary outcome was time to normalization of serum potassium. Secondary outcomes included necessity of additional treatment, achievement of normokalemia at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours, and change in serum potassium from baseline to 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours. Fifty-one patients received SZC and 50 received SPS. Mean baseline potassium was 5.4 mmol/L for both groups. Median time to normokalemia was 14 (IQR 8-20) hours in the SZC group versus 17 (IQR 10-21) hours in the SPS group ( P = .26). Normokalemia was achieved at 24 hours in 80% versus 77% in each group, respectively ( P = .56). Six patients per group required additional treatment ( P = .97). Mean serum potassium at all time points was numerically lower with SZC, but statistical significance was only observed at hour 8 (4.6 vs 5.0 mmol/L, P = .005), which was associated with a −0.77 versus −0.51 mmol/L decrease in serum potassium from baseline in each group, respectively ( P = .026). SZC monotherapy is at least as effective as SPS in treating mild hyperkalemia and may reduce serum potassium more quickly and to a greater degree than SPS. Future research in more severe hyperkalemia and with monitoring of potassium at regular intervals is needed to better understand the role and potential advantages of SZC over SPS.
Improved Door-to-Needle Time After Implementation of Tenecteplase as the Preferred Thrombolytic for Acute Ischemic Stroke at a Large Community Teaching Hospital Emergency Department
Authors: Henderson Blake , Emborski Rebecca , Diioia Alessandra , Stone David , Stupca Kyle
Published: October 2024

Background: Acute ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability. To improve patient outcomes, timely restoration of blood flow to the ischemic brain tissue is vital. One reperfusion strategy includes the administration of thrombolytics. Historically, alteplase has been the thrombolytic of choice for acute ischemic stroke; however, given recent safety and efficacy data, tenecteplase has gained popularity due to its optimal pharmacokinetic profile. Objectives: This study compares outcomes between adult patients with acute ischemic stroke who received tenecteplase as the preferred thrombolytic versus alteplase. Methods: This was a single center, retrospective cohort study that included adult patients who received intravenous thrombolytic therapy, either tenecteplase 0.25 mg/kg or alteplase 0.9 mg/kg, for acute ischemic stroke from May 2021 to December 2023. The primary outcome was door-to-needle time. Secondary safety outcomes included the incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), any ICH on 24-hour follow-up imaging, major extracranial bleeding, and angioedema. Secondary efficacy outcomes included discharge with a favorable neurological outcome, discharge disposition, ICU length of stay, and overall length of stay. Secondary stroke metric times evaluated include door-to-computed tomography (CT) time, CT-to-needle time, neurologist notification-to-needle time, and thrombolytic decision-to-needle time. Results: Fifty patients were included in the alteplase group and 50 patients were included in the tenecteplase group. The primary outcome, door-to-needle time, was significantly shorter in the tenecteplase group (36 vs 30 minutes, P = .006). There were no statistically significant differences found in the secondary safety and efficacy outcomes. Patients who received tenecteplase experienced significantly faster CT-to-needle times (17 vs 11 minutes, P = .006), neurologist notification-to-needle times (32 vs 25 minutes, P = .001), and thrombolytic decision-to-needle times (9 vs 5 minutes, P < .001). Conclusions: In this retrospective, observational study, there was a statistically significant decrease in door-to-needle time with tenecteplase compared to alteplase. No significant differences in secondary safety and efficacy outcomes were observed.
Investigating the Experiences of Cultural Code-Switching Among Black Middle-Class Professionals in South Africa
Authors: Lappeman James , Mathebula Amu , Brien Jared , Jay Stephanie
Published: October 2024

This research investigates the experiences of cultural code-switching among Black middle-class professionals in post-apartheid South Africa. By virtue of the unjust and inhumane laws imposed during South Africa’s discriminatory apartheid regime, salient dominant and minority cultures have prevailed in the post-apartheid era. The discrimination against and hegemony over previously oppressed cultures have engendered layers of trauma and unhealed scars in contemporary South African society. Using in-depth interviews with a sample of professionals, the research shows how the dominant Western culture has shaped the perceived hierarchy of professionalism in the South African workplace and an unconscious demand has been placed on Black individuals to adapt their cultural beliefs, values, and norms. This study is the first to clearly identify a taxonomy of specific codes like lifestyle and appearance, and critically examine the psychological states and experienced emotions that influence code-switching among Black middle-class professionals. The qualitative findings were used to create a framework that includes the relationship between formative influences, internal and external pressures, and coping strategies. The study supports a core argument that South African Black middle-class professionals have presented as a quintessential example demonstrating the concept of cultural code-switching, although there was also strong evidence of change as the country has evolved, which has allowed for greater cultural authenticity.
Fumarate Restrains Alveolar Bone Restoration via Regulating H3K9 Methylation
Authors: Zhang Y.Y. , Xiang J. , He Y.Y. , Liu X. , Ye H.Y. , Xu L. , Bai H.L. , Zhang H. , Zhang H.M. , Liu W.Z. , Zhai Q.M. , Ji P. , Cannon R.D.
Published: October 2024

Nonresolving inflammation causes irreversible damage to periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and impedes alveolar bone restoration. The impaired tissue regeneration ability of stem cells is associated with abnormal mitochondrial metabolism. However, the impact of specific metabolic alterations on the differentiation process of PDLSCs remains to be understood. In this study, we found that inflammation altered the metabolic flux of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and induced the accumulation of fumarate through metabolic testing and metabolic flux analysis. Transcriptome sequencing revealed the potential of fumarate in modulating epigenetics. Specifically, histone methylation typically suppresses the expression of genes related to osteogenesis. Fumarate was found to impede the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs that exhibited high levels of H3K9me3. Various techniques, including assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, and RNA sequencing, were used to identify the target genes regulated by H3K9me3. Mechanistically, accumulated fumarate inhibited lysine-specific demethylase 4B (KDM4B) activity and increased H3K9 methylation, thus silencing asporin gene transcription. Preventing fumarate from binding to the histone demethylase KDM4B with α-ketoglutarate effectively restored the impaired osteogenic capacity of PDLSCs and improved alveolar bone recovery. Collectively, our research has revealed the significant impact of accumulated fumarate on the regulation of osteogenesis in stem cells, suggesting that inhibiting fumarate production could be a viable therapeutic approach for treating periodontal diseases.
Ferroptosis Induction Enhances Photodynamic Therapy Efficacy for OLK
Authors: Yang D. , Yang D. , Song Y. , Liu J. , Wang Y. , Feng X. , Zeng X. , Chen Q. , Li J. , Dan H.
Published: October 2024

Oral leukoplakia (OLK) is the most representative oral potentially malignant disorder, with a high risk of malignant transformation and unclear mechanisms of occurrence. Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has exhibited great potential in the treatment of OLK. However, the efficacy of PDT is difficult to predict and varies from person to person. Ferroptosis-related pathways are upregulated in many cancers, and ferroptosis induction is considered to be a potential synergistic strategy for various antitumor therapies, but its role in OLK treatment remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether ferroptosis induction can enhance the efficacy of PDT in OLK treatment. Our study revealed that solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), a component of a crucial amino acid transporter and a key negative regulator of ferroptosis, was found to be highly expressed in OLK patients with no response to PDT. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-PDT is known to cause apoptosis and necrosis, but ferroptosis also occurred under ALA-PDT in OLK cells in our study. Using erastin to induce ferroptosis enhanced the efficacy of ALA-PDT on OLK cells by disrupting the antioxidant system and further elevating intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, leading to increased apoptosis. Furthermore, this combined modality also enhanced the efficacy of ALA-PDT on 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO)–induced OLK lesions in mice. In summary, ferroptosis induction may serve as a potential strategy to enhance the efficacy of ALA-PDT for OLK treatment.
No Incidental Memory Advantage for Mixed Handed vs. Consistent Right Handed Participants: Conflicting Results From Earlier Research
Authors: Johansen Henriette , Rusten Emilie H. , Westerhausen René
Published: October 2024

Individuals who vary their preferred hand when performing different types of manual activities, so-called mixed handers (MH), have been frequently reported to outperform individuals with a consistent (right) hand preference (cRH) on tasks assessing declarative-memory functions. For example, in one influential study, this MH advantage extended to incidental learning from presumed “deep” semantic processing of verbal stimuli but not from “shallow” phonemic or structural processing. In the present study, we aimed to replicate this research finding in two separate participant samples. First, in a pre-registered and sample-size planned experiment we confronted 49 participants (23 MH; 26 cRH) with “phonemic” and “semantic” word evaluation tasks (using a within design), followed by a surprise delayed recognition test. In a second experiment, we repeated the same procedure with 65 other participants (31 MH, 34 cRH). A mixed-effect analyses of variance found a significant main effect of Encoding Condition (phonemic vs. semantic tasks) in both experiments (effect size: η p 2 = .81 to .85), indicating the classical level-of processing effect with higher recognition hits and sensitivity ( d’) for words that followed semantic versus phonemic encoding. However, the predicted interaction effect of Encoding Condition with Handedness Group was not statistically significant for either sample (all η p 2 < .03), nor was the main effect of Handedness Group. Thus, our findings conflicted with those of the original study in two independent samples. As we had sufficient statistical power to be confident in our failure to detect a genuine group difference, we cannot confirm the previously reported MH over cRH advantage in incidental learning of verbal material. We discuss possible reasons for these contradictory results and the theoretical implications of this discovery.
Theorizing Far-Right Foreign Policy: Insights From Germany
Authors: Wojczewski Thorsten
Published: October 2024

What is the far-right’s foreign policy outlook? Although International Relations scholarship has provided important insights into the foreign policy preferences of far-right actors, it has predominantly analysed these political actors under the label of populism and focused on the effects of populism on foreign policy positions. Consequently, we lack a clear understanding of the impact of far-right ideology on foreign policy beliefs and preferences. This article provides a theorization of far-right foreign policy by deriving its key characteristics from far-right ideology. It tests this theoretical framework through a comparative analysis of the foreign policy preferences of the populist radical-right Alternative for Germany and the extreme-right, Neo-Nazi National Democratic Party of Germany. The comparative analysis of primary textual data reveals a shared far-right foreign policy outlook characterized by (1) ultra-nationalism, (2) group-based enmity, (3) authoritarianism, (4) revisionism and reactionism and (5) producerist-nationalistic economic positions, but also some important variations in the pursuit of these positions.
A Shift in Approach to Addressing Public Health Inequities and the Effect of Societal Structural and Systemic Drivers on Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Mercado Carla I. , Bullard Kai McKeever , Bolduc Michele L.F. , Andrews Courtni Alexis , Freggens Zoe R.F. , Liggett Grace , Banks Desmond , Johnson Shanice Battle , Penman-Aguilar Ana , Njai Rashid
Published: October 2024

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that influence health outcomes, and structural and systemic drivers of health (SSD) are the social, cultural, political, and economic contexts that create and shape SDOH. With the integration of constructs from previous examples, we propose an SSD model that broadens the contextual effect of these driving forces or factors rooted in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s SDOH framework. Our SSD model (1) presents systems and structures as multidimensional, (2) considers 10 dimensions as discrete and intersectional, and (3) acknowledges health-related effects over time at different life stages and across generations. We also present an application of this SSD model to the housing domain and describe how SSD affect SDOH through multiple mechanisms that may lead to unequal resources, opportunities, and consequences contributing to a disproportionate burden of disease, illness, and death in the US population. Our enhanced SDOH framework offers an innovative and promising model for multidimensional, collaborative public health approaches toward achieving health equity and eliminating health disparities.
Large deformation of variable thickness woven composite preforms considering interlayer difference. Application: Forming simulation of a blade preform
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Huajun , Gao Xiguang , Song Yingdong
Published: October 2024

The main objective of this work was to investigate the interlayer difference of 3D orthogonal woven fabrics (3DOWFs) during deformation. Tensile, shear, and compression tests were performed on two types of 3DOWFs with different layer numbers. To determine the variations in the deformation behavior within the fabric, a layer decomposition method was developed. This process involved the decomposition of the fabric into two layers, the inner layer and the outer layer, depending on the difference in structural features of the yarn. Then the deformation characteristics of the inner layer and outer layer were derived based on their series or parallel relationship in the load path. The results indicate that there are noticeable variations in the deformation characteristics among the layers of 3DOWF, which are associated with the interwoven structure of the yarns. In particular, in compression deformation, the difference in yarn structure causes the initial stage (Compressive strain <0.2) of fabric compression deformation to be mostly attributed to the compression of the outer layer. Subsequently, the deformations of the inner layer and outer layer gradually tend to balance. Based on a simple anisotropic hyperelasticity model, the interlayer differences were considered in the blade preform simulation. The simulation result shows a good agreement with the preforming results. The results show that the interlayer difference has a significant impact on the deformation of the blade preform, particularly in the posterior edge region, which is not strongly compressed.
Reflections on the Six Motives That Drive Tourists’ Pleasure Vacation Behavior
Authors: Crompton John
Published: October 2024

A set of six motive constructs emerged from a review of a half-century of research purporting to determine the motives that guide tourists’ pleasure decisions: curiosity, boredom alleviation, disinhibited play, biophilia, reinforcement of bonds with intimate groups, and ego-enhancement. Frequently, emotions, outcomes, reasons, personalities, and/or actions were confusingly mischaracterized as motives. The theoretical/conceptual physiological and psychological underpinning of each motive construct are described, together with the diagnostic antecedent behaviors that infer a motive is in a state of disequilibrium, and the restorative behaviors in which tourists engage to restore equilibrium. Directions for future research are suggested.
Partners in Crime: Reading Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5.1–11) alongside Adam and Eve
Authors: Biermann Heidi M.
Published: October 2024

The account of Ananias and Sapphira evades simple interpretation. Among the unanswered questions in the passage is the issue of Sapphira’s culpability in the misdeed shared with her husband. While many interpreters assume that Sapphira shares culpability with Ananias, some interpreters, particularly feminist interpreters, argue that Sapphira’s involvement was coerced or that Sapphira’s misdeed differed from Ananias’s. An intertextual reading of Ananias and Sapphira alongside Adam and Eve (Gen. 1–3) illuminates this question of Sapphira’s culpability. These two ‘first couples’ similarly commit wrongdoing and receive punishment. Acts, however, alters gendered aspects of the account of Adam and Eve: whereas Eve ate the fruit first, Ananias lied to Peter first. Ananias and Sapphira thus illustrate that men and women can be implicated in wrongdoing in either passive or active ways. Ultimately, reading these two stories together allows for more nuance in our understanding of Luke’s treatment of gender.
Guerrilla farms: Practicing food sovereignty in Assam
Authors: Deka Dixita , Kikon Dolly
Published: October 2024

With the aim to free Assam from the ‘colonial occupation of India’ and reclaim its sovereignty, the guerrillas of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) had led a self-determination movement in Assam since 1979. Their struggle is grounded upon the extractive nature of the Indian Government to turn Assam into what scholars have called to be a ‘colonial hinterland’ for oil, tea, coal, and forest products. This article is about the farming initiatives of the ULFA guerrillas under ceasefire, to see how their continued engagement with the land expands the everyday notions of sovereignty. For this, we navigate through the pothar (agricultural field), bari (garden), and habi (jungle) which once were symbols of food sovereignty in rural Assam. In this article, we examine how these spaces have transformed under militarization or the market economy, and the activities of the guerrillas towards reclaiming these spaces under ceasefire. Their demand for sovereignty continues to generate questions of self-reliance, sustainability, and growing food for self and the community. This is in contrast to the security concerns of the state that solely frame the self-determination movements in Northeast India.
Cognitive effects, pharmacokinetics, and safety of zuranolone administered alone or with alprazolam or ethanol in healthy adults in a phase 1 trial
Authors: Dunbar Joi , Walling David P , Hassman Howard A , Jain Rakesh , Czysz Andy , Nandy Indrani , Ona Victor , Moseley Margaret K , Levin Seth , Maruff Paul
Published: October 2024

Background:

Zuranolone is an oral, once-daily, 14-day treatment course approved for adults with postpartum depression in the United States.

Aims:

To assess cognitive effects, pharmacokinetics, and safety of zuranolone, alone or with alprazolam/ethanol.

Methods:

This was a phase 1, two-part, two-period, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Participants received zuranolone 50 mg or placebo once daily for 9 days, and additionally received alprazolam (1 mg, Part A), ethanol (males: 0.7 g/kg; females: 0.6 g/kg, Part B), or corresponding placebo on days 1, 5, and 9. Within each part, participants received all treatment combinations. Cognition was assessed using a computerized test battery; pharmacokinetics and safety were also evaluated.

Results:

All participants (Part A, N = 24; Part B, N = 25) received ⩾1 dose of zuranolone/placebo. Compared to placebo, zuranolone produced small-to-moderate cognitive decline (Cohen’s | d| = 0.126–0.76); effects were larger with alprazolam (Cohen’s | d| = 0.523–0.93) and ethanol (Cohen’s | d| = 0.345–0.88). Zuranolone coadministration with alprazolam (Cohen’s | d| = 0.6–1.227) or ethanol (Cohen’s | d| = 0.054–0.5) generally worsened cognitive decline when compared with zuranolone alone. Maximal pharmacodynamic effects occurred at approximately 5 h and were resolved by 12 h postbaseline. No pharmacokinetic interactions were observed. Incidence of adverse events was similar between groups; most events were mild or moderate in severity.

Conclusion:

A general small-to-moderate magnitude decline in cognition occurred with zuranolone alone. Coadministration with alprazolam/ethanol increased the magnitude, but not the duration, of effects compared with single-agent administration. Zuranolone prescribers and patients should be aware of the potential for increased central nervous system-depressant effects if coadministered with GABAergic active compounds such as alprazolam and ethanol.
Driving performance and ocular activity following acute administration of 10 mg methylphenidate: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Aitken Blair , Downey Luke A , Rose Serah , Arkell Thomas R , Shiferaw Brook , Hayley Amie C
Published: October 2024

Background:

Methylphenidate is a routinely prescribed treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with misuse potential owing to its perceived performance-enhancing and euphoric properties. Although clinically effective, there is limited understanding of how methylphenidate affects safety-sensitive tasks such as driving when used by healthy individuals.

Aim:

Explore the acute effects of 10 mg methylphenidate on driving performance and gaze behaviour.

Methods:

Twenty-five fully licensed, healthy adults (mean age = 33.5 ± 7.8 years, 64% male) took part in two 40-min simulated highway drives with simultaneous eye movements monitored using a proprietary automotive-grade driver monitoring system (Seeing Machines). Driving performance was assessed using the standard deviation of lateral position, standard deviation of speed and steering variability. Visual scanning efficiency was determined using ocular metrics, such as fixation duration and rate, gaze transition entropy, and stationary gaze entropy, were assessed to determine visual scanning efficiency.

Results:

Methylphenidate significantly improved driving performance by reducing lane weaving and speed variation, particularly in the latter half of the drive. Although a significant reduction in fixation duration was observed, all other ocular metrics remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

Methylphenidate mitigates performance decrements typically associated with prolonged and monotonous driving. The absence of pronounced oculomotor effects suggests that a single 10 mg dose of methylphenidate has no deleterious impact on visual scanning behaviour during driving tasks with low-to-moderate cognitive demand. Future research should investigate the effects of methylphenidate under various dosing and driving conditions to better understand its impact.

Trial Registration:

ACTRN12620000499987.
Visceral to subcutaneous fat area ratio predicts early postoperative small bowel obstruction after total gastrectomy for cardia cancer
Authors: Fan Changfeng , Yang Hailu
Published: October 2024

Objective

We aimed to investigate the relationship between the visceral to subcutaneous fat area ratio (V/S ratio) and incidence of early postoperative small bowel obstruction (EPSBO) following total gastrectomy for cardia cancer.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis among patients with cardia cancer who underwent elective total gastrectomy with esophagojejunostomy Roux-en-Y anastomosis at Nanjing Yimin Hospital between November 2019 and April 2024. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were meticulously monitored. The V/S ratio was calculated using computed tomography scans at the umbilical level with Slice-O-Matic software (Tomovision, Montreal, Canada). Statistical analyses included logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

Among 175 patients, 27 (15.4%) developed EPSBO. The V/S ratio was significantly higher in the EPSBO group (1.76 ± 1.05 vs. 1.01 ± 0.54). Logistic regression identified the V/S ratio as a significant predictor of EPSBO (odds ratio [OR] = 1.612, 95% [CI]: 1.102–1.605). ROC curve analysis demonstrated high sensitivity (92%) and specificity (100%) for the V/S ratio in predicting EPSBO, with a 0.83 AUC.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated a higher V/S ratio was a significant predictor of EPSBO following total gastrectomy for cardia cancer. Preoperative assessment of the V/S ratio can inform risk stratification and guide targeted interventions to improve postoperative outcomes.
Adenomatoid tumor of the uterus: analysis of misdiagnosed cases and a literature review
Authors: Li Yan-Yu , Kan Guang-Juan , Wang Qian , Guo Song , Wu Chen-Xi , Zhu Jiang
Published: October 2024

Adenomatoid tumors are rare, specific, benign tumors of the reproductive tract that originate from mesenchymal tissue. A patient was diagnosed with uterine fibroids 1 year previously when a mass of approximately 30 mm was found in the left adnexal region during a physical examination. At 1 year of follow-up, ultrasound showed that the mass in the left adnexal area had greatly increased to 61 × 45 × 50 mm. Contrast-enhanced pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed before surgery and suggested a borderline tumor. Histopathology suggested signet ring cell carcinoma, and an immunohistochemical examination suggested a uterine adenomatoid tumor. Our suspicion of a borderline tumor was based mainly on the following features: the mass had increased in size within 1 year, the cancer antigen 125 concentration had increased, and several lymph nodes in the pelvic and groin regions showed positive signals on MRI enhancement. Uterine adenomatoid tumors are challenging to diagnose, especially adenomatosis with signet ring cells. However, the accuracy of diagnosing this disease can be greatly improved by combining ultrasound and MRI. This article describes the most comprehensive and reliable imaging features of ultrasound and MRI, which play an important role in diagnosing uterine adenomatoid tumors and provide useful information for clinicians.
A novel missense variant in the RELN gene in sheep with lissencephaly and cerebellar hypoplasia
Authors: Manning Leah K. , Winkenwerder Emily , Baskind Louise , Eager Katie L. M. , Willet Cali E. , Porebski Ben , O’Rourke Brendon A. , Tammen Imke , Gimeno Marina , Pinczowski Pedro
Published: October 2024

Lissencephaly and cerebellar hypoplasia (LCH) represents a spectrum of congenital developmental malformations of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum, mostly occurring as inherited conditions caused by variants in an increasingly recognized number of genes. LCH has been identified in three Dorset-cross lambs with congenital neurological signs in Australia. Lambs were unable to walk and had reduced vision, and one lamb developed a hypermetric gait and intention tremors. Grossly, the lambs had diffuse pachygyria with reduction in white matter, mild bilateral ventriculomegaly of the lateral ventricles, and a markedly hypoplastic cerebellum. Histologically, there was disorganization of neurons within the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The cerebellar vermis had disorganized, thin, and hypocellular gray matter with frequent ectopic Purkinje cells, while identifiable folia were largely absent within the hemispheres. Luxol fast blue stain and glial fibrillary acidic protein, neuronal nuclear protein, synaptophysin, and neuron-specific enolase immunohistochemistry confirmed the thickened, disorganized cerebral cortical gray matter and reduced white matter. Within the cerebellum, immunohistochemistry demonstrated marked dysplasia. Whole-genome sequencing analysis and prediction of variant effects identified a missense variant of interest in the candidate gene reelin ( RELN; NC_040255.1:g.50288685C>T; NM_001306121.1:c.7088G>A; NP_001293050.1:p.(R2363H)) with a deleterious Sorting Intolerant from Tolerant (SIFT) score. Sanger sequencing identified that the variant segregated with LCH disease in the 3 affected individuals, their sire, and 6 unaffected flock members. The NP_001293050.1: p.(R2363H) substitution is predicted to decrease the stability of the protein (ΔΔG = −1.55 kcal/mol). Pathological and genetic findings are consistent with previously described phenotypes of RELN variants in Churra sheep, dogs, and humans.
Indigenous peoples’ geographies I: Indigenous spatialities beyond place through relational, mobile and hemispheric & global approaches
Authors: Daigle Michelle
Published: October 2024

This first of three progress reports on Indigenous peoples’ geographies offers an overview of scholarship on Indigenous spatialities. The report examines research led by a growing community of Indigenous geographers who conceive of Indigenous spatial thought and practice through analyses of colonial violence, and of Indigenous resistance and life-making practices. The report is organized along the thematic areas of Indigenous place-making, relationalities, mobilities and hemispheric and global approaches to colonial conquest and Indigenous liberation.
Skin injury: Associations with variables related to perfusion and pressure
Authors: Roberts Christopher J , Popies Jennifer A , Razzak Abrahim N , Fang Xi , Falcucci Octavio A , Pearson Paul J , Szabo Aniko
Published: October 2024

Skin injuries are a major healthcare problem that are not well understood or prevented in the critically ill, suggesting that underappreciated variables are contributing. This pilot study tested the hypothesis that perfusion-related factors contribute to skin injuries diagnosed as hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs). A total of 533 adult patients were followed over 2574 critical care days (mean age 62.4, standard deviation (SD) 14.3 years, mean body mass index 30.4 (SD 7.4) kg/m2, 36.4% female). This was a secondary analysis of prospective, non-randomised clinical data from an intensive care unit at a large urban teaching hospital. Factors related to perfusion, specifically two or more infusions of vasopressors/inotropes, temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and durable MCS, were analysed to determine whether they were more strongly associated with HAPIs than immobility due to prolonged mechanical ventilation (>72 h) or operating room time (>6 h). Patients diagnosed with a HAPI had a statistically significant higher risk of being exposed to variables related to perfusion and immobility ( P < 0.05 for each variable). Perfusion-related variables, except durable MCS, had a larger effect on skin breakdown (number needed to harm (NNH) 4–10) than immobility-associated variables (NNH 12–17). The finding that perfusion-related variables predicted HAPIs may warrant consideration of alternative diagnoses, such as skin failure due to impaired perfusion as a pathophysiological process that occurs concurrently with multisystem organ failure. Differentiation of skin injuries primarily from circulatory malfunction, rather than external pressure, may guide the development of more effective treatment and prevention protocols. This pilot study suggests that the contribution of perfusion to skin injuries should be explored further.
Comparing Recurrence Rates and the Cost-Effectiveness of Arthroscopic Labral Repair and Nonoperative Management for Primary Anterior Shoulder Dislocations in Young Patients: A Decision-Analytic Markov Model-Based Analysis
Authors: Oeding Jacob F. , Schulz William R. , Wang Allen S. , Krych Aaron J. , Taylor Dean C. , Samuelsson Kristian , Camp Christopher L. , Tagliero Adam J.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Value-based decision-making regarding nonoperative management versus early surgical stabilization for first-time anterior shoulder instability (ASI) events remains understudied.

Purpose:

To perform (1) a systematic review of the current literature and (2) a Markov model–based cost-effectiveness analysis comparing an initial trial of nonoperative management to arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) for first-time ASI.

Study Design:

Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A Markov chain Monte Carlo probabilistic model was developed to evaluate the outcomes and costs of 1000 simulated patients (mean age, 20 years; range, 12-26 years) with first-time ASI undergoing nonoperative management versus ABR. Utility values, recurrence rates, and transition probabilities were derived from the published literature. Costs were determined based on the typical patient undergoing each treatment strategy at the authors’ institution. Outcome measures included costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

Results:

The Markov model with Monte Carlo microsimulation demonstrated mean (± standard deviation) 10-year costs for nonoperative management and ABR of $38,649 ± $10,521 and $43,052 ± $9352, respectively. Total QALYs acquired over the 10-year time horizon were 7.67 ± 0.43 and 8.44 ± 0.46 for nonoperative management and ABR, respectively. The ICER comparing ABR with nonoperative management was found to be just $5725/QALY, which falls substantially below the $50,000 willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold. The mean numbers of recurrences were 2.55 ± 0.31 and 1.17 ± 0.18 for patients initially assigned to the nonoperative and ABR treatment groups, respectively. Of 1000 samples run over 1000 trials, ABR was the optimal strategy in 98.7% of cases, with nonoperative management the optimal strategy in 1.3% of cases.

Conclusion:

ABR reduces the risk for recurrent dislocations and is more cost-effective despite higher upfront costs when compared with nonoperative management for first-time ASI in the young patient. While all these factors are important to consider in surgical decision-making, ultimate treatment decisions should be made on an individual basis and occur through a shared decision-making process.
A Moderated Mediation Model on the Relationship Among Public Service Motivation (PSM), Self-Efficacy, Job Satisfaction, and Readiness for Change
Authors: Yang Yan , Wen Bo , Song Yunpeng
Published: October 2024

Despite the pivotal role of employees in relation to organizational change, few studies have proposed an integrated influence mechanism that accounts for employee change readiness. By combining public service motivation (PSM), person–organization (P–O) fit, and expectancy–disconfirmation theories (EDT), we developed a moderated mediation model to explore individual-level impacts on organizational change. Based on questionnaire data collected from 512 doctors working in public hospitals in China, we found that individual doctors’ PSM positively contributed to their readiness for change but was moderated by self-efficacy and job satisfaction. Specifically, doctors with decreased job satisfaction resulting from realizing their limited capacity to influence policies from higher-ups tend to show a lack of willingness to actively prepare for change. In sum, this study not only contributes to a micro-level understanding of employees’ readiness for change but also proposes feasible suggestions to enable smoother and more successful organizational changes in public sector organizations. The research findings illuminate the crucial role that individual-level dynamics play in organizational change for scholars and practitioners.