bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excess mortality in adults and adolescents with epilepsy, view from a 10-year nationwide cohort
Authors: Serrand Chris , Balusson Frederic , Degremont Adeline , Nogue Erika , Oger Emmanuel , Szurhaj William , Crespel Arielle , Brière Caroline , Mura Thibault , Picot Marie Christine
Published: February 2025

Introduction: People with epilepsy present an excess risk of mortality, but questions remain regarding the underlying causes and risk distribution. Here, we estimated the excess mortality by age and sex among adults and adolescents with epilepsy in France and identified their main causes.
Methods: A national cohort study was conducted between 2009 and 2019, with adults and adolescents aged between 12 and 60 years and having at least one hospitalization, assurance record, or delivery of anti-seizure medication linked to epilepsy on the French National Health Data System (SNDS). Mortality rates and standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were estimated according to age and sex. Specific causes of death from death certificates were also explored.
Results: Between 2009 and 2019, 619,753 patients were included, of whom 60,033 (9.7%) died during follow-up, corresponding to a mortality rate of 9.55 [9.30; 9.79] per 1000 person-years. Compared with the general population, people with epilepsy had a 3.33-fold higher risk of death [3.24; 3.41], with a higher risk in women than in men, with SMRs of 4.11 [3.94; 4.29] and 2.99 [2.90; 3.09], respectively. Excess mortality was found for all causes of death, particularly neurological causes. Women with epilepsy presented a higher excess risk of death than men, especially between 20-40 years old.
Conclusion: Our findings provide further evidence of increased mortality in patients with epilepsy. Remarkably, we found major differences according to sex, which have been largely overlooked so far. The fact that young women with epilepsy are at risk poses additional clinical and societal challenges.
Cobalamin J disorder in a teenage boy with recurrent abdominal pain attacks: A case report and literature review
Authors: Aslan Deniz , Uctepe Eyyup , Yesilyurt Ahmet , Esen Fatma Nisa , Dalgıç Buket
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Cobalamin J disease (CblJ) is an ultra-rare autosomal recessive disorder of intracellular cobalamin metabolism associated with combined methylmalonic academia and homocystinuria (MAHCJ;614857). Case presentation: A new patient with MAHCJ, representing the eighth documented instance, is reported here. A novel homozygous missense variant c.1591C>T (p.Arg531Trp) in exon 17 of ABCD4 (NM_005050.4) was identified. The patient, a 15-year-old male of Azerbaijani descent, presented with severe abdominal pain beginning at age one. These episodic pain attacks were accompanied by hypotonia, pallor, nausea, and vomiting. Initial evaluations were inconclusive. At age eight, the patient developed megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to the initiation of replacement therapy. The pain attacks ceased during treatment but recurred whenever vitamin B12 levels dropped after discontinuation. The patient exhibited no dysmorphology, skin hyperpigmentation, somatic abnormalities, seizures, or neurodevelopmental delays, and remains in remission with ongoing vitamin B12 treatment. Discussion: This patient is the oldest diagnosed with MAHCJ and has the longest documented clinical course. This report expands the known clinical and molecular spectrum of this rare disease. We recommend remembering cobalamin defects in the differential diagnosis of unresolved abdominal pain attacks.
ВПЛИВ КЛІТИННОЇ ТЕРАПІЇ НА ПРОЯВИ ОКСИДАТИВНОГО СТРЕСУ В ЩУРІВ РІЗНОГО ВІКУ ЗА УМОВ КРАНІОСКЕЛЕТНОЇ ТРАВМИ
Authors: Сушко Ю. І.
Published: February 2025

Вступ. Поєднана краніоскелетна травма (КСТ) належить до актуальних проблем сьогодення і трапляється в людей усіх вікових груп. У стратегії лікування краніоскелетної травми в післяшоковий період на перший план виступає профілактика вторинного ураження мозку та внутрішніх органів. У його патогенезі провідне місце належить оксидативному стресу (ОС). З метою корекції оксидативного стресу останніми роками активно вивчають клітинну терапію. Мета дослідження – з’ясувати вплив клітинної терапії на розвиток оксидативного стресу в щурів різного віку за умов експериментальної краніоскелетної травми. Методи дослідження. Дослідження проведено на білих щурах самцях лінії Вістар трьох вікових груп: статевонезрілих віком 100–120 днів, статевозрілих віком 6–8 місяців і старих віком 19–23 місяців. Щурам кожної вікової групи під тіопенталонатрієвим наркозом моделювали краніоскелетну травму. Щурів контрольної групи тільки вводили в наркоз. З метою корекції внутрішньовенно вводили суспензію кріоконсервованих клітин нейробластів (NBC) окремо та в поєднанні із внутрішньоочеревинним уведенням мезенхімальних стовбурових клітин (MSC). Через 14 діб експерименту в печінці, нирках і легенях щурів різного віку визначали каталазну активність і вміст реагентів до тіобарбітурової кислоти, за відношенням яких розраховували антиоксидантно-прооксидантний індекс (АПІ), ступінь зниження якого свідчить про тяжкість оксидативного стресу. Результати й обговорення. Під впливом краніоскелетної травми через 14 діб посттравматичного періоду в печінці, нирках і легенях щурів незалежно від віку величина антиоксидантно-прооксидантного індексу була статистично вірогідно меншою, порівняно з контролем. Після застосування монотерапії NBC порівняно зі щурами без корекції в піддослідних щурів відмічали зростання величини антиоксидантно-прооксидантного індексу у внутрішніх органах, проте в печінці результат був статистично значущий лише у статевозрілих щурів, у нирці та легенях – у статевозрілих і статевонезрілих щурів. Застосування комбінації NBC та MSC порівняно зі щурами без корекції супроводжувалося зростанням величини антиоксидантно-прооксидантного індексу в усіх досліджуваних органах статевонезрілих і статевозрілих щурів. Порівняно з результатом монотерапії NBC результат виявився статистично вірогідно більшим лише у статевозрілих щурів. Висновки. Існують вікові особливості впливу клітинної терапії на розвиток оксидативному стресу у внутрішніх органах щурів за умов краніоскелетної травми. Ефективність монотерапії NBC і комбінованої терапії NBC та MSC суттєво вища у статевозрілих щурів, порівняно зі щурами інших вікових груп.
Celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Estação Biológica de Boraceia (Salesópolis, São Paulo, Brazil): science, conservation, and commitment to future generations
Authors: Duarte Marcelo , Silveira Luís Fábio , Lamas Carlos José Einicker
Published: February 2025

The 70th anniversary of the Estação Biológica de Boraceia (EBB) represents a significant milestone in Atlantic Forest conservation. Established by Decree‑law No. 23,198 on March 16, 1954, the reserve has become a key center for biodiversity research, supporting environmental monitoring, scientific training, and the production of new scientific knowledge. This special issue of Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia celebrates its legacy and reinforces the urgency of protecting the Atlantic Forest in the face of global environmental challenges.
A new species of Labidoculex Reichensperger, 1936 from Brazil: a further new rove beetle species for the Biological Station of Boracéia (Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae, Lomechusini), São Paulo State
Authors: Montanhini Amanda , Zilberman Bruno , Moreno Carlos
Published: February 2025

Labidoculex Reichensperger, 1936 is a Neotropical genus of myrmecophilous rove beetles (Staphylinidae) currently consisting of three described species. The genus has a disjunct distribution extending from Mexico, Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina, and the species are known to be associated with army ants of the genus Labidus Jurine, 1807. Here, we describe and illustrate a new species within the genus, Labidoculex wazowski sp. nov., based on two individuals collected with a light trap at the Estação Biológica de Boracéia in Brazil. Most of the host association and biology of Labidoculex species remain speculative, since only one species has been collected with ants. However, we suggest that L. wazowski sp. nov. may be a myrmecophilous guest of Labidus, based on the co-occurrence with these ants in the type locality and with other myrmecophilous collected in the same collection. The new species is the first record of the genus Labidoculex for the state of São Paulo, Brazil.
Caio Prado Júnior e Manuel Correia de Andrade: a formação social e territorial brasileira, o Nordeste e a questão agrária (lições de método)
Authors: Marques Marta Inez Medeiros
Published: February 2025

Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar aspectos de la trayectoria intelectual de Manuel Correia de Andrade (MCA) y su relación con el enfoque marxista, con especial atención al debate sostenido con Caio Prado Júnior (CPJR), sus afinidades, divergencias e influencias mutuas. Destaca la contribución de Andrade a la construcción del pensamiento social brasileño y a la discusión de temas relacionados al desarrollo nacional como la cuestión agraria y las cuestiones ambientales, entre otras. Finalmente, destaca el compromiso social y el diálogo entre teoría y práctica como legados importantes de Andrade y su maestro, Prado Júnior. El artículo se basa en investigaciones bibliográficas, registros personales y un estudio en profundidad de importantes obras de MCA y CPJR.
The UN Security Council and the Rejection of Draft Resolutions
Authors: Johansson Patrik
Published: February 2025

This article introduces the first complete record of draft Security Council resolutions and what happened to them. In addition to ca. 2,600 drafts that have been adopted as resolutions and ca. 200 drafts that have been vetoed by one of the permanent members (1946–2021), another ca. 300 draft resolutions have failed to be adopted for other reasons than the veto. The article first presents an overview of the record of draft resolutions. It then turns its attention specifically to drafts that have been rejected by Council majority, i.e. drafts that have failed to receive the required number of positive votes. It relates to previous research on the elected members of the Security Council and illustrates how a concern with rejected drafts provides new insights into the legitimacy of Security Council decision making, discussions about Council reform, and changing working methods.
Going Beyond the Ordinary — User Perceptions of the Impact of Multisensory Elements on Presence in Virtual Reality at the Royal Opera House
Authors: Woods Andy T. , Levstek Marusa , Moffatt Jamie , Lycett Mark , Whittaker Laryssa , Dalton Polly
Published: February 2025

This exploratory study investigates the relative impacts of incorporating additional sensory- and embodiment-enhancing elements into virtual reality (VR) experiences beyond standard headset features, including vibrating floors, blowing wind, accurately rendered hands, free-roam walking and seeing avatars of real people; the outcome is sometimes called a hyper-reality experience. After taking part in the Current Rising immersive experience at the Royal Opera House, 726 participants completed a survey examining the different perceived impacts the various additional elements were thought to have on presence. Blowing wind and free-roam walking were thought to be most impactful on presence, followed by floor vibration (contrary to expectations), along with seeing avatars. Conversely, virtual hands were thought to exhibit the least influence, despite being rendered with greater detail and precision than those commonly found in standard VR applications. Past VR experience only minimally affected these reported impacts, suggesting that hyper-reality experiences introduce novel elements even to experienced users. By looking at the perceived impact on presence over a rich, holistic range of factors (multisensory elements, virtual bodies, prior experience and enjoyment) in a real-world cultural experience, these findings offer practical guidance for immersive experience designers and researchers to optimise presence. Future research should explore more nuanced assessments of presence and consider non-correlational experimental designs that mitigate various highlighted potential biases and confounding factors.
A new species of Paraberothinae (Neuroptera: Berothidae) from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber, with discussion of family affinity of the subfamily
Authors: MAKARKIN VLADIMIR N.
Published: February 2025

Stygioberotha groehni sp. nov. (Neuroptera: Berothidae: Paraberothinae) is described from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. Its foreleg setation is very similar to that of S. siculifera Nakamine et al., 2020, but it is easily distinguished from that species by the presence of five spines on the ventral edge of the protibia (four in S. siculifera), forewing maculation (absent in S. siculifera), and a much shorter scapus. Analysis of wing venation, scapus and prothoracic structure, and female genitalia support the Paraberothinae as being a subfamily of Berothidae rather than of Rhachiberothidae.
An ensign wasp in Late Eocene amber from Ukraine (Hymenoptera: Evaniidae)
Authors: ENGEL MICHAEL S.
Published: February 2025

The ensign wasps, family Evaniidae, are an immediately distinctive family of parasitoid Hymenoptera, characterized by the reduced metasomal gaster attached high to the mesosoma via a short petiolate first metasomal segment. Species are, where known, parasitoids of roach oothecae. Among the approximately 20 extant genera, the genus Evaniella Bradley, 1905 is a relatively common and widespread group, found throughout the New World and with approximately 75 described extant species (Deans, 2005). In fact, Evaniella is the most widespread New World genus of ensign wasps. Given this, it is remarkable that species of Evaniella should be found in the Eocene of Europe (vide infra), demonstrating a once greater distribution relative to today. Naturally, however, this presumes that the fossil species belong to the crown group of the genus and that the lineage is monophyletic. Monophyly of Evaniella has been supported in recent phylogenetic estimates (e.g., Sharanowski et al., 2019) but fossil species have yet to be included in such analyses for the family.
Global Value Chains and Union Decline in Rich Democracies
Authors: Mahutga Matthew C. , Gao Manjing , Pandian Roshan K.
Published: February 2025

This article reassesses the classic thesis linking the globalization of production to union decline. Our argument is three-fold. First, prior literature does not appreciate how the exchange conditions characterizing global value chain (GVC) relations between leading firms in rich democracies and supplier firms in less developed countries (LDCs) can undermine unionization through trade. Second, the worldwide entrenchment of GVCs as an organizational form over time, and cross-national variation in the strength and scope of two key labor market institutions (wage-coordination and Ghent systems), should moderate the effect of LDC trade on unionization. Third, trade with LDCs is endogenous in models of union decline, because high unionization often leads to offshoring. Empirically, we use an instrumental variable (IV) design and a panel dataset covering the longest historical period studied to date. IV estimates suggest that trade with LDCs reduces unionization in rich democracies; these estimates are nearly three times as large as results obtained by OLS, and they increase in size as GVCs entrench worldwide. Estimates also weaken in countries with highly coordinated wage-setting institutions and Ghent systems. Nevertheless, conditional effects and counterfactual histories suggest that GVCs cause union decline even in countries with the most union-friendly institutions, and were more important for union decline overall than either wage-coordination or Ghent systems.
Innovative neural network and fuzzy logic control techniques for single-phase grid-connected photovoltaic systems using dual-core DSP microcontroller in smart home applications
Authors: Hajar Ahessab , Ahmed Gaga , Benachir Elhadadi
Published: February 2025

The growing global demand for renewable energy has increased the need for efficient and reliable control systems in photovoltaic (PV) applications, ensuring optimal energy extraction and stable grid integration under varying environmental conditions. This paper conducts a detailed analysis of both simulated and practical implementations of a system that integrates a photovoltaic (PV) panel, a DC-to-DC boost converter, and a DC-to-AC inverter. The control of the boost converter is handled by an Intelligent Artificial Neural Network (IANN), and the inverter operation is managed by a Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC). Notably, the FLC achieves a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of just 1.63%, substantially better than the 2.56% THD observed with the MPC algorithm, and it maintains stable output voltage even under variable shading conditions, outperforming both PSO and P&O methods. Extensive simulations carried out in MATLAB-Simulink provide a comprehensive analysis and discussion of both the simulation and experimental results. Furthermore, the development, implementation, and evaluation of electronic circuits (PCB boards) demonstrate their effectiveness in facilitating the seamless integration of PV systems with the electrical grid. The process-in-the-loop (PIL) structure employed in the programming phase significantly aids in debugging, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of the system and simplifying the resolution of software issues. The proposed hybrid technique shows superior results in various performance metrics, achieving a maximum power efficiency of 99.99%, a relative error of 0.000001, and a minimum tracking acceleration of 0.013 s. This study showcases the latest developments in control strategies, enhancing grid compatibility and overall system performance in photovoltaic applications.
Streamlining model organisms facilities operation: The benefits of a unified management structure
Authors: Rebelo Manuel , Bom Joana , Borges Ana C , Marques Rute , Pereira Marília , Leocádio Ana S , Vieira Liliana , Ribeiro Ana , Vale Liliana , Santos Inês , Crisóstomo Sandra , Nunes Vera , Franco Maysa , Vieira Adérito , Pinto Pedro , Machado Ana R , Demengeot Jocelyne
Published: February 2025

This article is dedicated to elucidating and showcasing the concept of a unified Core Facility for laboratory animals within a research institute specialized in basic biology and biomedical research. In many research centres, animal facilities operate as autonomous entities. Here, we discuss that the centralization of all animal model units within a consolidated organizational framework offers a multitude of benefits in terms of communication with a variety of institutional stakeholders, including the Direction Board, Operational Logistics (Maintenance, Lab Operations and Safety Units), Procurement and Accounting Offices, Research Funding Affairs, Institutional Communication, and IT Units. This integrated approach facilitates the implementation of consistent policies and service pricing strategies. Moreover, it promotes staff flexibility across species, allows for responsiveness to evolving research dynamics, emergence of new scientific areas and infrastructure challenges. This concept also inspires technical advancement within the animal facilities, supports training in Laboratory Animal Science, stimulates the standardization of animal welfare practices, and instils a culture of care transversal to all animal models, ultimately enhancing overall animal welfare. This strategy facilitated the integration of non-vertebrate animals and plant models into the Core Facility. Despite significant differences from vertebrate models, this expansion presented advantages, such as incorporation of specialized staff into a larger organizational structure, offering them new opportunities for skill development and enhancing the overall flexibility of the Core Facility’s operations.
The Professionalisation of Participatory Democracy: Class and Cultural Biases in Citizen Advisory Councils
Authors: García-Espín Patricia , Lancha-Hernández Emma
Published: February 2025

Numerous democratic innovations have tried to promote the ideal of social and political inclusion. This value was at the core of associative democracy and citizen advisory councils, which rely on associations and individual citizens to represent diverse voices. However, recent research has found that these spaces are not particularly inclusive: inequalities in associationism and biased mobilisation play a central role. In this respect, the article argues that previous studies have not fully explained how institutional design and institutional dynamics can be penetrated by class inequalities. The type of participation labour significantly influences who participates and why, becoming a central exclusionary factor. With this idea in mind, we analyse two surveys and ninety-six interviews with Spanish council participants, which reveal that these spaces are highly professionalised. Their design and the planned tasks shape associations’ mobilisation strategies, leading to the prioritisation of professionals. Also, the participation labour requires specific skills linked to cultural capital, technical knowledge and dispassionate discourse, making involvement exigent and exclusive regarding education and social class. In the end, institutional design and participation labour can discourage popular participation, even if it was not intended.
State responsibility: Explaining the UK’s exclusive citizenship provision to Hong Kong British National Overseas
Authors: Au-Yeung Ronaldo , Fairooz Subaita
Published: February 2025

What explains the United Kingdom’s (UK) exclusive citizenship provision to British National Overseas (BNOs) in response to the National Security Law? This paper argues that the citizenship offer reflects both the distribution of international legal responsibilities and London’s perception of where these responsibilities primarily lie. Legally, while dual Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR) and BNO passport holders are British nationals whom the UK owes a primary duty to protect, offering humanitarian assistance to those with HKSAR (only) is a collective responsibility under the Refugee Convention. Domestically, whereas London views helping BNOs as its own “historic responsibility,” affording protections to HKSARs is perceived as a shared duty of the international community. This article backs up its argument with empirical evidence from UK parliamentary debates and reactions.
How Small Municipalities Contribute to Robust Crisis Governance—Experiences From Two Recent Large-scale Crises in Czechia
Authors: Čermák Daniel , Mikešová Renáta , Špaček David
Published: February 2025

This article explores how small municipalities in Czechia adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and Ukrainian refugee crisis, and thus contributed to governance robustness. Through 24 semi-structured interviews with mayors, we examine local challenges and responses, revealing how these crises exposed weaknesses in public administration, particularly in decision-making, coordination, and communication at the outset. Mayors played key roles, making swift, independent decisions to meet urgent needs, often bypassing standard municipal procedures. Community engagement such as volunteer networks and collaboration with local organizations proved essential in managing both crises, and horizontal cooperation with neighboring municipalities and regional authorities bolstered their response capacity. The findings underscore the importance of strong local leadership, adaptability, and multi-level governance in handling complex crises while highlighting systemic challenges in national-level crisis coordination. This research emphasizes the critical role of small municipalities in maintaining the robustness of local governance during large-scale crises, especially in their beginnings.
Relational solidarity on the Streets: Shared Vulnerability in Face-to-face Encounters
Authors: Cortambert Lucie , Dale Karen
Published: February 2025

In a context of increased precarity and inequality, this paper focuses on ‘outreach’ activities – the sharing of resources and support, time and conversation – between volunteers and homeless people in Lyon, France. Based on participant observation data over 18 months, with 18 Non-Profit-Organisations (NPOs), the focus lies on the face-to-face dialogic encounters between volunteers and homeless people. The first contribution highlights the centrality of vulnerability to social relations, and its possibilities to shift and challenge existing assumptions and categories of ‘the vulnerable’. By taking a processual view of dialogic organising in action, we argue that vulnerability is not fixed and static, but is co-created in interaction as a shared, two-way vulnerability that allows openness between one and the other, or it can be shut down through the creation of boundaries and blocks to connection. The second contribution bridges Levinas’ emphasis on vulnerability being central to relationship with Bakhtin’s dialogism. Prompted by Bakhtin’s critique of monological discourse that categorises, and gives a fixed retrospective account, we explore the dialogic in relational dynamics on the streets. We argue that reading Levinas in relation to Bakhtin’s dialogism allows us to open up a space for perceiving different voices, in dialogue, working through the challenges and possibilities of coming into relation with and recognition of each other.
ROPORTIONATE UNIVERSALISM. AN APPROACH TO REDUCE HEALTH INEQUALITIES
Authors: Maeseneer Jan De
Published: February 2025

Inequalities in health are clearly mirrored by the “oral health conditions”, and this starts already early in life. In a survey of children at the age of 30 months, there were clear social differences in the prevalence of “Early Childhood Caries”. Understanding that this means an important risk factor e.g. in relation to chronic conditions later in life, an appropriate strategy should be developed.

Based on the experience in the Community Health Centre “Botermarkt” in Ghent- Belgium, an exploration will be made of how a Community Oriented Primary Care approach, can be able to tackle the challenges. When it comes to strategy, we will indicate why “proportionate universalism”, as described by Sir Michael Marmot is an appropriate strategy in order to address social inequities in health.

These findings will be translated to education, practice and policy.
CLINICAL GUIDELINES AND SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS ON EARLY DETECTION FOR ORAL CAVITY CANCER
Authors: Albulushi N.M. , Macpherson L.M. , Gibson J. , Ross A.J. , Conway D.I.
Published: February 2025

Aim: this overview aims to assess the evidence for best practice concerning methods of early detection / screening for oral cavity cancer (OCC) in primary care dental settings.

Methods: Multiple databases were searched for clinical guidelines and systematic reviews, with no language restrictions. A novel search strategy was developed to include professional organisation/associations websites. The methodological quality of the included records was assessed by at least two reviewers using validated and reliable instruments: AGREE II tool for clinical guidelines; AMSTAR and ROBIS tools for systematic reviews. Reviewers’ quality appraisal ratings for the tools were compared and disagreements were resolved by discussion. Data extraction included capturing recommendations and evidence grading scores as recorded in the reviewed articles. A narrative synthesis approach was undertaken to assess the evidence of extracted data, focusing on the themes of: description of the clinical examination, frequency of the assessment, use of adjunct methods, and whether the approach should be population, opportunistic, or targeted based on risk factors; and taking account of the quality appraisal and recency of publication.

Results:12 systematic reviews and 24 clinical guidelines were identified for inclusion. AGREE II scoring was consistent between the overall quality score and the rigor of the guideline development domain of the tool. Quality scores ranged from 2 to 6 overall, with corresponding domain scores ranging from 3% to 85%. AMSTAR and ROBIS showed good consensus in the reviewers scores, with articles having a high AMSTAR score being rated as “low /unclear” risk of bias in ROBIS. The narrative synthesis showed a lack of use of high level evidence within the clinical guidelines.

Conclusions: The recommendations in the clinical guidelines were based on limited evidence in systematic reviews, and indicated the need for more research in relation to oral cavity cancer early detection/ screening for dental healthcare professionals.
Disaggregating womens’ agency in digital spaces in the constrained pandemic context: A postfeminist sensemaking perspective’
Authors: Kelly Grainne , McAdam Maura
Published: February 2025

The study relies on a feminist poststructuralist investigation of 28 women digital entrepreneurs in the constrained pandemic context to develop an analytical framework that utilises discourse analysis and the conceptualisation of a postfeminist sensibility in women’s digital entrepreneurship. The research shows how women mobilise elements of postfeminism within an unfolding sensemaking process of three discursive sensemaking practices: Choosing digital entrepreneurship from home as a career, (De)constructing selves and complying and resisting the burden of the status quo as ways to make sense of gender disruptions and conflicts and the false promise of gender egalitarianism in digital entrepreneurship.
Unilateral ureteral endometriosis masquerading as a ureteral tumor and resulting in complete loss of renal function: A case report
Authors: Qu Rui , Yang Luo , Dai Yi
Published: February 2025

Ureteral endometriosis is a rare manifestation of endometriosis that involves the infiltration of endometrial tissue into the ureters, leading to ureteral obstruction and potential renal dysfunction. However, its preoperative diagnosis is difficult. Herein, we report the case of a woman in her early 50s who presented with severe hydronephrosis of the right kidney, ureteral dilation, and suspicion of a ureteral tumor based on initial imaging studies. However, the pathological results after resection of the right kidney and right ureter revealed the presence of endometrial tissue in an ectopic location. This case highlights the importance of considering endometriosis as a differential diagnosis in cases of ureteral obstruction, even in atypical clinical scenarios, and emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent irreversible renal damage and optimize patient outcomes.
Compatibilization Strategy and Mechanism for Co-stabilizing Commingled Plastics and Pyrolyzed Rubber in Asphalt
Authors: Ma Yuetan , Demchuk Zoriana , Cheng Guantao , Sorgenfrei Reese , Zhong Jingtao , Zhou Hongyu , Huang Baoshan
Published: February 2025

Hot mix asphalt mixture is considered the ideal approach to reuse waste plastics in high-value applications because of its very high amount of usage in highway construction. However, the differences in polarity and density between polymers and asphalt lead to polymer coalescence and therefore the poor storage stability of modified asphalt. These challenges are exalted when recycling commingled plastics. This study introduced an innovative compatibilization strategy and mechanism for co-stabilizing commingled plastics and pyrolyzed rubber in asphalt. Commingled plastics were first grafted with maleic anhydride for surface activation, followed by reactive kneading with pyrolyzed rubber and crosslinking agent to form an integrated thermoplastic elastomer (ITPE) for asphalt modification. The mechanical, thermal, and interfacial behaviors of the ITPE were evaluated through tensile testing, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The storage stability and rheological properties of the modified binder blends were evaluated through the cigar tube test and dynamic shear rheometer testing. Results demonstrated a successful formation of imide bonds in the ITPE, which can improve the strength, ductility, and thermal stability of rubber–plastic composites. Appropriate utilization of crosslinking agents can improve both rutting and fatigue resistance of ITPE-modified asphalt with good storage stability because of the co-existence of rigid plastic and soft rubbery regimes and the formation of a crosslink network. However, excessive content of crosslinker led to severe phase separation and reduced storage stability of modified binder blends. Extra crosslinker tended to float in asphalt because of its low density and caused an excessive formation of the crosslink network in the top section of the asphalt.
Recognizing the Traffic State of Urban Road Networks: A Resilience-Based Data-Driven Approach
Authors: Du Jianwei , Cui Jialei , Ren Gang , Thompson Russell G.
Published: February 2025

Accurate and timely traffic network state recognition is crucial in supporting intelligent transportation system (ITS) urban traffic control and guidance. Despite their significance, existing methods for traffic state recognition often fall short of practical demands owing to the dynamic nature and unpredictability of traffic flows and the high costs associated with sample processing. This paper introduces a novel resilience-based approach for classifying and identifying link-level traffic states in urban road networks by focusing on these challenges. This approach has two phases: 1) the classification phase introduces a new operational resilience index and uses a hybrid K-means++-fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering method for traffic state labeling; and 2) the identification phase employs real-time automatic vehicle identification (AVI) data and a transformer-based model to determine current traffic conditions. A case study conducted by Shaoxing validated the effectiveness of this approach. The results show that the objective function value of the hybrid clustering method is 0.168, with a classification performance metric Xie–Beni (XB) index of 0.137 and a Davies–Bouldin index (DBI) of 12.39, indicating high-quality clustering. A comparative analysis with support vector machines, convolutional neural networks, and long short-term memory (LSTM) models revealed the superior identification performance of the transformer-based model, which achieved 93.35% accuracy (increases of 21.44%, 13.01%, and 5.89%, respectively). The proposed method offers a practical reference for real-time traffic condition monitoring from a resilience perspective in traffic management systems.
Administration of anti-GFAP antibodies increases CGRP expression and increases pain hypersensitivity in spinal cord injured animals
Authors: Hergenroeder Georgene W , Molina Samuel T , Herrera Juan J
Published: February 2025

Background:

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a multitude of cellular and pathological changes including neuronal loss, axonal damage, gliosis, and loss of motor and sensory function. In 40%–70% of patients, SCI can also trigger the development of neuropathic pain. Our previous study demonstrated that SCI patients who developed autoantibodies to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were at increased risk for the subsequent development of neuropathic pain. However, whether GFAP autoantibodies (GFAPab) contribute to the development of neuropathic pain after SCI had yet to be examined.

Objective:

Using a mid-thoracic contusion model of SCI in male Sprague-Dawley rats, we examined the effect of exogenous anti-GFAP antibodies on SCI pathology, pain-associated molecular changes, and behavior.

Methods:

Anti-GFAP or IgG was administered at 7- and 14-days post-injury. Immunohistochemistry was performed to measure the relative levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and inflammatory proteins in dorsal horn tissue. To assess the development of neuropathic pain, the von Frey test and the Mechanical Conflict-Avoidance Paradigm (MCAP) were performed.

Results:

CGRP immunoreactivity was significantly higher in the anti-GFAP-treated injured rats compared to control SCI IgG-treated rats. As anticipated, SCI rats had a lower pain threshold at 1- and 2-months post-injury compared to laminectomy-only controls. However, pain withdrawal threshold was not significantly affected by post-injury administration of the anti-GFAP. Operant testing revealed that SCI rats treated with the anti-GFAP had a trending increase in pain sensitivity.

Conclusion:

Taken together, these data suggest that autoantibodies to GFAP following SCI may contribute to developing pain states following SCI.
The Use of Direct Current Cardioversion for Unstable Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Ventricular Response in Critically ill Patients – a Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Truong Hong Hieu , Tekin Aysun , Rovati Lucrezia , Castillo Zambrano Claudia , Al-Ghoula Faysal K. , Jentzer Jacob C. , Gajic Ognjen
Published: February 2025

Objectives

There is substantial practice variation in the management strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF) with rapid ventricular rate (RVR) and hemodynamic instability in critically ill patients. This study aimed to evaluate the use and effectiveness of direct current cardioversion (DCCV) for unstable AF RVR in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Design

Multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Non-cardiac/cardiovascular surgery ICUs of the Mayo Clinic Hospitals in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida, and Arizona.

Patients

Adult patients who developed paroxysmal AF RVR with hemodynamic instability (heart rate ≥ 130 beats per minute and a documented SBP ≤ 90 mmHg or the need for vasopressors) during ICU stay.

Interventions

Emergency DCCV.

Measurements and Main Results

Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, hospital-, ICU-, and organ support-free days. Secondary outcomes were return to sinus rhythm rate before and after discharge. Among 691 patients eligible for inclusion, 47 (6.8%) received emergent DCCV in the ICU. The frequency of DCCV was higher for patients located in surgical ICUs (14.5% vs 6.1%, P = .04). Patients were 1:2 propensity-score matched. The comparative analyses were conducted on 141 patients. Those who underwent DCCV were more likely to restore sinus rhythm (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 5.2 [1.30 20.8]). However, DCCV was not associated with increased odds of having sinus rhythm at discharge, lower mortality, or higher number of ICU-, or hospital-free days. The number of organ support-free days was significantly lower in the DCCV group (estimate ± standard error, −5.0 ± 2.0, P = .012).

Conclusions

Emergency DCCV is rarely used to treat unstable AF in non-cardiac ICUs. Despite increased likelihood of immediate sinus rhythm restoration, DCCV was not associated with improvement in patient-centered outcomes. Prospective studies are warranted to evaluate harms and benefits of DCCV in non-cardiac critically ill patients with unstable AF where the driver of hemodynamic instability is often an underlying condition rather than arrhythmia per se.
Suicide Involving Intimate Partner Problems Among Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Kim Woojong , Kim Jeongsuk , Cho Hyunkag , Gillis Kaytlyn
Published: February 2025

Individuals facing intimate partner problems (IPP) often experience mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Immigration status may increase risk due to the stress of acculturation and barriers to health care affecting immigrants. This study aims to identify patterns of risk factors among immigrants who died by suicide while experiencing IPP and explore variations in patterns by sociodemographic characteristics and suicide contexts. Data includes 17 waves of the NVDRS from 2003 to 2019, which includes 3,177 immigrants facing IPP. Latent class analysis identified distinct groups based on their mental health status, substance use, and treatment history preceding suicide. Variations by demographic and suicidal contexts across groups were subsequently analyzed. Three-class solutions emerged: the group with reports of mental health problems (MH; 26.6%), the group with alcohol problems and substance use (AS; 6.5%), and the group that had neither (minor problems, MIN; 66.9%). The MH group comprised more females, Asians, and individuals with a college education, while the AS group had more males, Hispanics, and individuals with a high school education or less. The MH group tended to use poisoning as a suicide method more, whereas the MIN group used firearms more. The MH group also exhibited the highest prevalence of suicide attempts. In addition, the MH and AS groups had a history of suicidal thoughts and disclosed their suicidal ideation more than the MIN group. These findings underscore the distinct risk factors experienced by immigrants with IPP, associated with their demographic and suicidal event characteristics precipitating their suicidality, suggesting opportunities for targeted prevention efforts to mitigate such suicides.
Homeless Outreach: Framework, Influencers, and Best Practices
Authors: Hooshyar Dina , D’Olympia Jenny , Kearns Jaclyn C , Seed Rachel , Park Wendy , Siddiq Jill Dunmire
Published: February 2025

This article aims to enrich the conceptualization and implementation of community-based health outreach focused on housing stabilization and homeless prevention from a public health framework. First, it will conceptualize community-based homeless outreach. Next, it will identify and describe selected influencers of homeless outreach as well as review homeless outreach best practices. Finally, the clinical application of these theoretical approaches in a homeless outreach project with U.S. military Veterans will be highlighted. The public health prevention framework allows for a granular appreciation of housing instability to operationalize homeless outreach from primary (i.e., stably housed) to secondary (i.e., at risk of homelessness) to tertiary (i.e., homeless) prevention measures. This article will address how intersectional identities relate to stigma and shame and how the internalization of these factors may impact engagement in homeless prevention and outreach services. A review of international best practices in homeless outreach, including the impact of social identity, will be presented. Finally, this article will highlight the clinical application of critical time intervention and trauma-informed care as demonstrated in a quality improvement project that provides secondary homeless prevention outreach services to transitioning U.S. Army Veterans. This article will use commentary from outreach services clinicians, military Veteran consultants, clinical vignettes, and a literature review. Taken together, this article will advance public health practices and policies by drawing attention to biases in current homeless outreach services and by adding to the understanding of identity as related to housed status and its implication to the provision and acceptance of homeless outreach services.
Resilient consensus tracking control and vibration suppression of moving multiple helicopter flexible slung-load systems
Authors: Peng Zenglong , Song Xiaona , Song Shuai , Tejado Inés , Stojanovic Vladimir
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the resilient consensus tracking control and vibration suppression of moving multiple helicopter flexible slung-load (HFSL) systems subject to unknown actuator faults and disturbances. First, a set of ordinary differential equations and partial differential equations are utilized to model the moving multiple HFSL systems, where it is assumed that only some of the helicopters can receive the target position information directly. Next, with the help of the undirected communication topology and adaptive fault compensation mechanism, the resilient consensus tracking and anti-swing control schemes are proposed, where the controller at the helicopter end is used to track the target position and the controller at the flexible sling end is employed to achieve swing suppression of the flexible sling. Finally, the bounded stability of the closed-loop systems is demonstrated, which means that loads can be transported to the target position by moving multiple helicopters and swing effects of flexible slings can be effectively suppressed, and the effectiveness of the proposed control method is verified by simulation results.
Thinking With/About/Through Music as Artful Inquiry: Collaboratively Performing the Onto-Epistemological and Ethical Flow of Inquiring
Authors: Kim Taeyeon , Bader Sam
Published: February 2025

This essay presents our collective imagination of music-informed artful inquiry. Inspired by the notion that methodology can be a lifestyle choice and drawing on our experiences with collaborative music expression, we discuss three characteristics of artful thinking with/about/through music: transcendency through emotions and embodiment, connectivity for inclusivity and relationality, and resistance for reinventing decolonial beings and ethical relations. Building on these elements—and understanding artful thinking as a mode of inquiry—we attempt to envision thinking with music as artful inquiry guided by epistemological boundary-crossing, a relational ontology, and a commitment to decolonial possibilities.
Neo-Progressivism and Urban Politics in the Ongoing Interregnum: A Conjunctural Approach of Ecologist Electoral Victories in Major French Cities in 2020
Authors: Brennetot Arnaud , Gouin Nathan , Viroleau Franck
Published: February 2025

Over the past decade, the increasing discredit of the neoliberal urban growth regime has resulted in the election of neo-progressive left-wing candidates to head local governments in several American and European cities. The political assertion of municipal neo-progressivism goes beyond the case of urban governments born out of social movements in opposition to the most radical neoliberal austerity policies of the 2010s. By drawing on a conjunctural approach, we shed light on the various, complex, and instable factors explaining the conditions under which neo-progressive forces gain access to the leadership of urban municipal institutions. Using the case of the simultaneous and unprecedented elections of ecologist mayors in nine major French cities in 2020, this article examines how the conjuncture of entry into a global post-neoliberal interregnum is being unstably refracted into urban politics.
Improving Access to Mental Health Care in Residents of Long-Term Care Living Facilities
Authors: Arends Robin , Walker Victoria , Engbrecht Muriel
Published: February 2025

Objective:

Residents of long-term care facilities have reduced access to mental health care due to the availability of providers, transportation, and staff or family members who must accompany the resident. As a result, many residents wait up to 6 months for a first appointment with a psychiatric provider or utilize their primary care provider to meet their mental health care needs.

Methods:

To increase access to mental health care, tablets were placed in long-term care facilities to access telehealth visits with mental health providers. Psychiatric visits were conducted via telehealth to assess, diagnose, and treat residents of the facilities. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners also worked to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment were applied to each resident. In addition, there was a focus on prescribing psychotropic medications such as antipsychotics and benzodiazepines only when clinically indicated and at the lowest effective doses and ensuring gradual dose reduction efforts were being conducted safely.

Results:

Results of this project showed a decrease in time to first appointment from 6 months to 20 days, an increase in the application of clinical criteria to determine diagnoses, improvement in initiating gradual dose reduction requirements when clinically indicated, and resident, staff, and family satisfaction with care.

Conclusions:

The results of this project show that it is feasible and safe to provide mental health visits to residents of long-term care facilities through telehealth and should be considered to improve access to mental health care services for this population.