bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kupffer‐Cell‐Targeted Carboxylesterase 1f Knockdown Deteriorates Lipopolysaccharide/D‐Galactosamine‐Induced Acute Liver Failure Through Regulating Cellular Polarization in Mice
Authors: Zhao Sai , Yang Xue , He Yu , Yu Qian , Liu Liang-Ming
Published: December 2024

Background: Aims: Carboxylesterase (Ces)1f is implicated in protection against hepatic inflammation, but it is unclear whether the enzyme has an influence in polarization of Kupffer cells (KCs), the innate immune cells mediating hepatic inflammatory injury including acute liver failure (ALF). In the present study, we aim to explore KC polarization induced by Ces1f in mice with lipopolysaccharide/D‐galactosamine (LPS/D‐GalN)‐induced ALF.

Methods: We adopted a novel delivery system, β‐1,3‐D‐glucan‐encapsulated Endoporter‐siRNA particles, to specifically target KC Ces1f knockdown via tail vein injection in mice.

Results: Ces1f knockdown increased LPS/D‐GalN‐induced lethality as well as serum levels of alanine and aspartate transaminases, deteriorated hepatic inflammatory injury, and imbalanced hepatic oxidative stress molecules including myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase in ALF. Ces1f knockdown also increased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6) and decreased the levels of anti‐inflammatory cytokine (interleukin‐10) in LPS/D‐Gal‐induced ALF. Ces1f knockdown promoted KC M1 phenotype and marker expression (including CD86 and interleukin‐1β), but inhibited M2 phenotype and marker expression (including CD163, CD206, and Arginase 1).

Conclusions: Our results suggest that Ces1f plays a hepatoprotective role through regulating KC polarization, which might contribute to anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative effects in LPS/D‐Gal‐induced ALF mice.
The Optimal Type and Dose of Exercise for Elevating Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Patients With Depression: A Systematic Review With Pairwise, Network, and Dose–Response Meta‐Analyses
Authors: Yuping Zhu , Tianbi Lei , Wentao Shi , Yun Li , Guodong Zhang
Published: December 2024

Background: Reduced brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels have been linked to increased depression risk. While physical exercise is known to alleviate depressive symptoms and elevate BDNF levels, the effects of different exercise modalities and doses, along with their dose–response relationships, remain unclear.

Objective: This study aims to systematically evaluate the effects of various exercise types and doses on BDNF levels in patients with depression through pairwise meta‐analysis, network meta‐analysis (NMA), and dose–response NMA and to provide personalized exercise prescription recommendations.

Methods: A comprehensive search identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining exercise’s impact on BDNF levels in depression. Pairwise and NMA compared six exercise modalities: continuous aerobic exercise (CAE), resistance exercise (RE), combined aerobic and resistance exercise (AERE), yoga, Qigong, and mindfulness. Dose–response NMA was used to assess the relationships between exercise dose and BDNF levels.

Results: Thirty‐six RCTs with 2515 participants were included. The pairwise meta‐analysis indicated that all exercise interventions significantly elevated BDNF levels in patients with depression, with AERE, RE, and yoga demonstrating the most substantial effects. NMA rankings suggested that AERE was the most effective intervention, followed by RE, yoga, Qigong, mindfulness, and CAE. Dose–response NMA revealed a positive nonlinear dose–response relationship between total exercise volume and BDNF levels, with an optimal effective dose identified at ~610 METs‐min/week. Beyond 1000 metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs)‐min/week, increases in BDNF levels appeared to plateau. Moreover, each exercise type had distinct dose–response patterns, with RE and AERE having relatively higher optimal effective dose ranges, while CAE, yoga, Qigong, and mindfulness exhibited lower optimal ranges.

Conclusions: AERE, RE, and yoga are effective interventions for enhancing BDNF levels in patients with depression, with Qigong, mindfulness, and CAE being comparatively less effective. A positive nonlinear dose–response relationship between exercise volume and BDNF levels was observed. Further research is needed to refine dose–response relationships in this population.
Zinc or/and Vitamin E Supplementation Mitigates Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation, Neurochemical Changes and Behavioural Deficits in Male Wistar Rats Exposed to Bonny Light Crude Oil
Authors: Ogunmiluyi Oluwafunmbi Ebenezer , Naiho Alexander Obidike , Emojevwe Victor Oghenekparobo , Oladele Tolulope Samuel , Adebisi Kayode Adedoyin , Siyanbade Jacob Adewale , Akinola Adeniran Oluwadamilare
Published: December 2024

Background: Crude oil, a major key economic driver in developing countries, is also of environmental concern, linked to neurotoxicity and behavioural problems. Despite the known neurotoxic effects of crude oil and the potential benefits of zinc and vitamin E, there is a paucity of research specifically addressing their combined efficacy in mitigating neurochemical changes and behavioural deficits induced by crude oil. Current studies have largely focussed on the individual effects of these supplements in different contexts, but their synergistic potential in a crude oil exposure model remains underexplored. This study investigated the potential effects of zinc and vitamin E on neurobehavioural alterations in male Wistar rats fed with Bonny light crude oil (BLCO)‐contaminated diet.

Methods: Thirty (30) male Wistar rats (160 ± 10 g) were assigned into five groups (n = 6). Group 1 received standard rat feed, Group 2 was exposed to BLCO (0.1 mL/g of rat feed) for 3 weeks, and groups 3–5 were treated with zinc (50 mg/kg/day), vitamin E (400 IU/kg), or both [vitamin E (400 IU/kg) + zinc (50 mg/kg/day)], respectively for 1 week after BLCO exposure for 3 weeks. Locomotive, anxiolytic, depressive‐like behaviours and spatial memory were assessed using the open‐field test, elevated plus maze, forced swim test and Y‐maze. Rats were sacrificed and the brain samples were collected for biochemical assays at the end of the behavioural tests.

Results: Zinc and vitamin E supplementation (individually or combined) significantly increased brain total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reduced inflammatory markers (TNF‐alpha) and lipid peroxidation, normalized neurotransmitter levels in the brain and improved behavioural performance.

Conclusion: Treatment with Zn and/or vitamin E reverses BLCO‐induced neurobehavioural alterations via modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation and neurotransmitters.
Clinical Relevance and Drug Modulation of PPAR Signaling Pathway in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yanxia , Liu Yunduo , Zhang Mei , Li Guanjie , Zhu Siling , Xie Keping , Xiao Bin , Li Linhai
Published: December 2024

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly heterogeneous and poses a significant medical challenge due to limited treatment options and poor outcomes. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and cell fate. While the association between PPAR signal and human cancers has been a topic of concern, its specific relationship with TNBC remains unclear. Integrated analysis of large published datasets from clinical cohorts and cell lines through databases has proven to be a powerful and essential approach for understanding cancer and uncovering new molecular targets. Here, we conducted a comprehensive study investigating the clinical relevance and drug modulation of the PPAR signaling pathway in TNBC, using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for TNBC patients and Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) for TNBC cell lines, along with drug perturbation information from Connectivity Map (CMap). In the TCGA‐TNBC cohort, higher PPAR signaling activity was not associated with clinical stage, prognosis, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, homologous recombination deficiency, stemness, or proliferation status. However, it was linked to older age; an elevated rate of piccolo presynaptic cytomatrix protein (PCLO) mutations; and oncogenic signal transduction involving MAPK, Ras, and PI3K‐Akt pathways. Additionally, it influenced biological pathways including fatty acid metabolism, AMPK signaling, and ferroptosis. Strikingly, higher PPAR activity appeared to promote the formation of an antitumor immune and microbial microenvironment. In the GDSC‐TNBC cells, nevertheless, it seemed to incur chemoresistance. Furthermore, we identified a batch of potential compounds that can regulate the PPAR signaling pathway. Lastly, our experimental validation demonstrated the ability of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor chidamide to activate the PPAR signal in TNBC cells. In conclusion, the PPAR signaling pathway likely has pleiotropic biological effects in TNBC. These preliminary but interesting findings enhance our understanding of the role played by PPAR signal and provide new insights into the heterogeneity driven by it in TNBC.
Catheter Tip Migration in Female Patients With Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Comparative Study of Right‐ and Left‐Sided Chest Ports
Authors: O’Mahony Alexander T. , Coffey Aidan , O’Regan Patrick W. , Walsh Emily , Carey Brian , Ryan James , Dorney Niamh , O’Connor Owen J. , Gleeson Jack , Power Stephen P.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Chest ports are typically inserted via the right internal jugular vein with the left side being utilized in certain patient populations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dynamic position of the chest port and catheter tip, comparing a demographically matched cohort of female breast cancer patients with right‐ or left‐sided chest ports.

Methods: 142 female patients with breast cancer requiring chest port insertion for chemotherapy and imaging confirming catheter tip position initially with supine fluoroscopy and follow‐up with erect chest radiography over a 5‐year period were identified. Data points analyzed were catheter tip‐to‐carina distance and the distance from the port to the ipsilateral infraclavicular border. Intraprocedural measurements were taken in the supine position during chest port insertion and compared with follow‐up erect chest radiography. The catheter tip position was also allocated a zone within the venous system on both image sets to assess for significant retraction to a more proximal zone in the erect position. Imaging within 12‐months of chest port insertion was also screened to identify port‐related complications.

Results: The whole cohort showed significant retraction of the catheter tip (cephalad) (p < 0.001) and protraction of the port (caudal) (p < 0.001). The median tip‐to‐carina distance decreased from 38.3 mm to 28.6 mm and the port‐to‐clavicle distance increased from 31.3 mm to 64.6 mm. Right‐sided chest ports had increased tip‐to‐catheter retraction (15 mm) compared with left‐sided (6.9 mm) (p = 0.310). A complication was identified in 8.5% of the right‐sided and 11% of the left‐sided ports. Zone migration was significantly associated with the occurrence of a complication in left‐sided ports (p = 0.023).

Conclusion: When assessing chest port catheter tip position between supine and erect radiographic studies in female patients with breast cancer, retraction cephalad will occur and this is more apparent in right‐sided ports. Change in catheter tip position was not associated with a significant increase in complication rate unless it occurred in left‐sided ports where zone migration was evident.
Advanced Biologic Therapies in the Management of Asthma in Children and Adolescents: A Comprehensive Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Jinting , Yang Kexin , Zhou Qilin , Ye Qiqing , Chen Zhuanggui , Zhang Pingping , Zhou Min , Pan Li
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Emerging evidences have underscored the positive impact of biologics on asthmatic patients. However, there is a pressing need to verify their therapeutic efficacy in children and adolescents with asthma. To address this, we conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biologics in the asthma management of this demographic.
Methods: The database of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched in our study until May 29th, 2024. Only randomized controlled trials were included to estimate the value of biologics on asthmatic children and adolescents. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were independently performed by two researchers. Outcomes were analyzed by a fixed effects model, and the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) scores were calculated to determine the likelihood of each biologic being the most effective intervention.
Results: 2,672 patients were included for comparing four different biologics (dupilumab, omalizumab, lebrikizumab, and mepolizumab) with a placebo. Dupilumab has been demonstrated the highest efficacy in reducing asthmatic exacerbations, improving lung function and patients’ quality of life, with the SUCRA values of 0.956, 0.999 and 0.897, respectively. Omalizumab showed the best safety potential by reducing the risk of adverse and severe events, with the SUCRA values of 0.876 and 0.930.
Conclusions: In this NMA, focusing on biologics that target type 2 inflammation in childhood and adolescent asthma, that four biologics demonstrated a favorable safety profile. Notably, dupilumab emerged as the most effective, while omalizumab was identified as the safest therapy. Further studies must be conducted in order to confirm these findings.
Eligibility for rapid up-titration of guideline-directed medical therapy of real-world patients hospitalised for heart failure
Authors: Bánfi-Bacsárdi Fanni , Forrai Zsolt , Kazay Ádám , Füzesi Tamás , Vámos Máté , Gergely Tamás G. , Pilecky Dávid , Komáromi Anna , Szőnyi Mihály Dániel , Papp Emese , Solymossi Balázs , Baksa Veronika , Andréka Péter , Piróth Zsolt , Nyolczas Noémi , Muk Balázs
Published: December 2024

Introduction and aims: The 2023 Focused Update of the 2021 ESC Heart Failure (HF) Guidelines recommends the rapid up-titration (RT) of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for all patients hospitalised for HF to improve prognosis in light of STRONG-HF trial. However, the real-world feasibility of RT and the optimal selection of suitable patients may cause difficulties, as the STRONG-HF trial applied strict randomisation criteria. We aimed to assess the proportion of hospitalised HF patients suitable for RT after discharge.

Methods: The proportion of patients eligible for RT based on the basic in- and exclusion criteria of the STRONG-HF trial (systolic blood pressure [SBP]≥100mmHg, heart rate [HR]≥60min-1, serum potassium≤5mmol/L, eGFR≥30mL/min/1.73m2, discharge NT-proBNP>1500pg/mL) was assessed in a consecutive patient cohort at a tertiary referral center between 01/04/2021 and 31/12/2023.

Results: Data from 408 consecutive patients were analysed (male: 71%; age: 62[51-72]years; left ventricular ejection fraction: 27[20-35]%; HFrEF: 82%; hypertension: 67%; diabetes: 36%; atrial fibrillation: 47%). 78% of the patients were suitable for RT based on the SBP criterion, 93% on HR, 89% on serum potassium, and 91% on eGFR values. Thus, 60% were eligible for RT using the combined assessment of these parameters. When including the NT-proBNP value as well (60%), 34% of the cohort were eligible for RT.

Conclusions: Based on our study, the proportion of patients suitable for RT of GDMT ranged from 34% to 60% based on the basic eligibility indicators of the STRONG-HF trial. Our results highlight the strategic importance of careful selection of patients eligible for RT.
Computing the Laws of War: Investigating the Relationship between War, International Law and Military Computer Technology
Authors: McKenzie Simon
Published: December 2024

This article proposes the use of conceptual resources from science and technology studies to historicise and investigate co-constitution of the laws of war and military computer technology, with a particular focus on the law’s development in the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions. This approach brings into sharper relief the values of the laws of war and aid our critical analysis of its norms and practices.
Parenting Discrimination and Children’s Rights in lgbtqia+ Families: A Review of International Human Rights Decisions
Authors: Coscini Valeria
Published: December 2024

Children in lgbtqia+ families experience discrimination when their parents or primary caregivers, in their role or status as a parent, are discriminated against on lgbtqia+ grounds. However, international and regional human rights courts and committees rarely consider children’s rights or perspectives in lgbtqia+ parenting discrimination cases. This paper argues that human rights courts and committees should consider the impacts of parenting discrimination on children in lgbtqia+ families. Using three critical rights in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (non-discrimination, the child’s best interests, and the child’s right to be heard), this paper comparatively analyses decisions by the European Court of Human Rights, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the Court of Justice of the European Union and considers insights from the Committee on the Rights of the Child. Human rights courts can significantly improve their decisions by recognising the detrimental impacts of parenting discrimination on children in lgbtqia+ families.
Relevance and Reform
Authors: Ungar Maya
Published: December 2024

The United Nations is at a point of legitimacy crisis, particularly from members of the so-called global South who have long felt underrepresented by the institution. Through an analysis of recent debates around trust and reform of the UN system, this article explores the UN’s crisis of confidence and what can be done to reduce it. First, the article connects research on trust theories of international relations to the legitimacy and effectiveness of the UN. Second, it reviews recent debates about representation in the UN system, and provides an analysis of their feasibility drawing on desk research and first-person interviews with diplomats and relevant sources. It concludes that the UN is attempting to adapt to remain relevant, but the institution is quickly losing the trust of its membership because of its inability to evolve quickly enough.
Cities’ International Law-Shaping or Making and the Normative Value of Its Effects
Authors: Szpak Agnieszka
Published: December 2024

This paper aims to answer whether cities are emerging as international lawmakers or shapers in human rights law, which is connected with the normative value of the results of such law-making/shaping. After a short introduction, an example of international agreement between cities, the European Charter for the Safeguarding of Human Rights in the City will be examined and compared to the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Social Charter (both inter-state treaties). The former is part of the emergence of cities as international lawmakers/shapers and part of the global and multi-level governance architecture. Then, the paper will present the case study of Barcelona, focused primarily on Barcelona’s implementation of the European Charter for the Safeguarding of Human Rights in the City. Finally, the paper will provide the answer to the above question with some concluding remarks.
Laughter Closed up in Horror: The Case of the Hungarian Ballad about a Walled-up Woman
Authors: Hensel Leszek
Published: December 2024

Laughter Closed up in Horror: The Case of the Hungarian Ballad about a Walled-up Woman
The paper is dedicated to a paradox. By approaching the topic of violence, I am actually trying to answer the question of whether and how it is possible to combine it with laughter. I was inspired to adopt this perspective by research on the different types of humorous recycling of one of the most popular works of Hungarian folk literature, the ballad Kőmives Kelemenné [Kelemen Mason’s Wife], which is a story of men’s violence against a woman: the walling-up of the master mason’s wife so that the husband and his team could build a durable castle and receive the agreed payment for their work. The article is based on a rich material base, including both short lexical jokes and longer satires and humorous sketches that have been produced in Hungary since the beginning of the 20th century. In addition to written texts, it refers to humorous drawings published in newspapers and magazines and to versions of the ballad that are present in the internet space. Based on theoretical works by, among others, S. Freud, V. Raskin, R. A. Martin, it seeks an answer to the question of the image of Hungarian society that the analysed materials reflect.
 
Humor zamknięty w horrorze. Przypadek węgierskiej ballady o zamurowanej kobiecie
Artykuł poświęcony jest pewnemu paradoksowi. Podejmując temat przemocy, w istocie próbuje odpowiedzieć na pytanie, czy i jaki sposób jest możliwe jej połączenie ze śmiechem. Do przyjęcia takiej perspektywy skłaniają badania nad różnymi rodzajami humorystycznego recyklingu jednego z najpopularniejszych utworów węgierskiej literatury ludowej – ballady Kőmives Kelemenné [Żona Kelemena Murarza]. Ballada opowiada o zamurowaniu żony mistrza murarskiego, aby mąż i jego współpracownicy mogli zbudować trwały zamek i otrzymać wysoką zapłatę za swoją pracę. Artykuł opiera się na bogatej bazie materiałowej, obejmującej zarówno krótkie żarty leksykalne, jak i dłuższe satyry i humorystyczne skecze, które powstawały na Węgrzech od początku XX wieku do czasów współczesnych. Oprócz tekstów pisanych odwołuje się do humorystycznych rysunków publikowanych w gazetach i czasopismach oraz do wersji ballady obecnych w przestrzeni internetowej. Biorąc za podstawę prace teoretyczne m.in. S. Freuda, V. Raskina, R. A. Martina, autor poszukuje odpowiedzi na pytanie o obraz społeczeństwa węgierskiego, jaki odzwierciedlają analizowane materiały.
Stapler Versus Manual Suturing for Pharyngeal Closure in Total Laryngectomy
Authors: Teaima Ahmed Abdelmoneim , Mostafa Badr Eldin , Nabil Khaled Mohamed , Mady Ossama Mustafa
Published: December 2024

Background:

Laryngeal carcinoma is not uncommon worldwide. We conducted this study to comprehensively compare the outcome of stapler versus conventional suturing in total laryngectomy primary or salvage.

Patients and Methods:

This is a retrospective study conducted in our tertiary institute from 2015 to 2022 involving patients diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma who underwent total laryngectomy either primary or salvage. We divided patients into 4 groups: primary or salvage laryngectomy, closed with stapler or manual suturing. The reported outcomes included : operative time, length of hospital stay, start of oral feeding, incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula, positivity of surgical margins, and surgical site infection. Patients with multiple comorbidities and those requiring a flap for pharyngeal closure were excluded .

Results:

A total of 91 patients were included in our study. Pharyngocutaneous fistula rate was 19% in conventional patient group in comparison to 6.7% in stapler group for primary total laryngectomy while it was 12.5% for salvage with stapler and 25% for salvage with conventional. Hospital stay was 6 ± 1.5 days for stapler and 11.4 ± 2.9 days for conventional suturing in primary laryngectomy. It was 8.8 ± 1.3 days for stapler and 13.1 ± 1.8 for conventional suturing in salvage laryngectomy. There was highly significant difference found as regard mean operative time, start of oral feeding and hospital stay in favor of stapler use.

Conclusion:

Stapler use in total laryngectomy is is a simple, fast, and effective technique with tension free watertight closure, better hemostasis, less contamination of surgical field than manual suturing
Transforming Business Education for Sustainability
Authors: Harrison Ann , de Nevers Michele , Baird Katherine
Published: December 2024

In an era of catastrophic climate change, businesses that are sustainable will be more likely to survive and thrive. The same is true of business schools. This article discusses different business school approaches to this transformation, touching on both successes and ongoing challenges. While its focus is on Berkeley Haas, it also draws on a 2022 benchmarking survey of other business schools. Mainstreaming sustainability education into the business school curriculum is not without its challenges, yet considerable progress has been made.
Regular Dynamic Exercise Has a Beneficial Effect on Arterial Stiffness Already in Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Vugrinec Mamić Maja , Milošević Milan , Herceg-Čavrak Vesna , Mamić Jakov , Tokić Pivac Višnja
Published: December 2024

This study aims to assess the parameters of arterial stiffness in active children and adolescents according to the type of sport they practice and compare them with those who do not participate in sport. There were 238 subjects, 80 practiced predominantly dynamic sports, 58 predominantly static sports, and 100 children and adolescents were not regularly included in sports. The control group was volunteers of similar age recruited from elementary schools. The control group had statistically significantly higher values of aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao) in rest compared with the group of children and adolescent athletes ( P < .001, median PWVao 6.28 [5.70-7.00] vs 5.74 [5.10-6.23] m/s). This group had a significantly higher body mass index than children and adolescent athletes ( P = .046). Children and adolescents who practiced sports with a high level of dynamic load after 2 years showed significantly lower values of PWVao compared with those who practiced sports with a high level of static load ( P = .040, PWVao median 5.64 (5.10-6.10) vs 5,95 (5.50-6.50) m/s). Based on our findings, continuous and regular physical activity, especially dynamic, benefits arterial stiffness and arterial blood pressure, the major predictors of cardiovascular risk.
Optimization of CNT-carbon fabric composites for enhanced mechanical and thermal properties, and improved fracture toughness: Finite element simulation and experimental validation
Authors: Raju Benjamin , Kancherla Kishore Babu , Subbappa Dakshayini B , Roy Mahapatra Debiprosad
Published: December 2024

An optimal dispersion of chemically functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites (CFC) can enhance mechanical and thermal properties. Nano-composite fabrication involves precise processing steps and parameters supported by simulations to explain deformation and fracture mechanisms. Controlled dispersion and processing reveal a significant interplay between stiffening and strengthening in the CNT-matrix. Crack bridging optimizes nano-scale stiffening and strengthening by delaying micro-crack initiation and propagation, emphasizing the importance of CNT dispersion and entanglement disruption. The correlation between nano-scale stress, fracture energy, and optimal CNT spacing at the macro-fiber interface is critical. With dilute CNT dispersion, improvements of 8% in specific modulus and strength in the matrix lead to significant enhancements in the fabric system, mainly through CNT-fiber interfacial mechanisms. This optimization results in a 9%–13% increase in specific stiffness, a 5%–9% increase in specific strength, and improved fracture properties. Thermal stability improves with increased storage modulus, glass transition temperature, and thermal conductivity (18%–25%), while specific heat capacity increases by 30% with 0.3 wt % CNT in the composite. CNT nano-reinforcement enhances fracture toughness, transferring to the fabric-matrix interface with a transfer ratio greater than one. CNT-modified carbon fabric composites demonstrate the highest interlaminar fracture properties, with a Mode-II to Mode-I fracture toughness ratio greater than 9, compared to the base composite. These studies establish a normalization scheme for nano-composite design and evaluation, providing insights for developing damage-tolerant, lightweight, and durable structural designs through multi-objective optimization.
Application of machine learning for predicting adhesive damage used for joining structural steel with GFRP under hygrothermal effect
Authors: Boumaiza Dahou , Sadek Kaddour , Aour Benaoumeur , Poncet Sebastien
Published: December 2024

Adhesively bonded composite-steel structures are widely used in civil engineering due to their excellent mechanical properties, particularly for strengthening and repairing damaged steel structures. This study investigates the adhesive damage behavior of Araldite 2015 used to join cracked S235JR steel structures. Finite element analysis (FEM) and machine learning (ML) techniques were employed to predict adhesive damage. Two types of composites, graphite and boron, were used, and the adhesive was aged in deionized water over a period of 7.5 months. Damage was evaluated at four intervals: before immersion, and after 1, 3, and 7.5 months, under different applied loads of F = 100 MPa, F = 200 MPa, and F = 300 MPa, at a constant temperature of 25°C. The damage ratio (Dr) was calculated using SolidWorks based on damage zone theory. Three regression models, linear regression, polynomial regression, and support vector regression (SVR) were employed to predict adhesive damage. The results demonstrate that the adhesive maintained its integrity under prolonged immersion and high loads, even after 7.5 months of exposure and at a load of 300 MPa. Among the ML models, SVR provided the most accurate predictions, achieving a determination coefficient of R2 = 0.999 and outperforming other models across all evaluation metrics (MAE, MSE, RMSE).
Twist1 Acts Upstream of the Dlx5-Hand2 Pathway to Pattern the Mammalian Jaw
Authors: Adhikari N. , Wu Z. , Huang Y. , Lan Y. , Jiang R.
Published: December 2024

Both the upper and lower jaws develop from cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) populating the first pharyngeal arch in all gnathostomes. Previous studies showed that the Edn1/Ednra-Dlx5/Dlx6-Hand2 signaling pathway is necessary for lower jaw formation and that ectopic expression of Edn1 or Hand2 throughout the CNCCs partly transformed the upper jaw to lower jaw structures, but the molecular mechanisms regulating upper jaw development remain unclear. Here we show that the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Twist1 is required for upper jaw development. Whereas the Twist1fl/fl; Wnt1-Cre mouse embryos, with tissue-specific inactivation of Twist1 in premigratory CNCCs, exhibited aberrantly persistent expression of the key neuroglial lineage regulator Sox10 in the postmigratory CNCCs populating the facial primordia, we found that genetic inactivation of Sox10 did not rescue the defects in CNCC survival and patterning in Twist1fl/fl; Wnt1-Cre embryos. However, analysis of Sox10fl/+; Twist1fl/fl; Wnt1-Cre mice revealed duplicated mandibular structures, including ectopic Meckel’s cartilage, in place of the maxilla. Both Sox10fl/+; Twist1fl/fl; Wnt1-Cre and Sox10fl/fl; Twist1fl/fl; Wnt1-Cre embryos exhibited ectopic expression of Dlx5 and Hand2 in the developing maxillary processes at E10.5. Furthermore, we found that Twist1fl/fl; Wnt1-Cre embryos also expressed Dlx5 and Hand2 ectopically in the maxillary domain at E10.5 and subsequently developed Meckel’s cartilage–like cartilage rods bilaterally at the maxillary region. However, the expression of Edn1 was unaltered in the developing Twist1fl/fl; Wnt1-Cre embryos, indicating that Twist1 functions in the CNCC-derived facial mesenchyme to regulate the Dlx5-Hand2 pathway without affecting Edn1 expression in the epithelial and mesodermal compartments. We further show that Twist1 represses reporter gene activation driven by the Dlx5/Dlx6 intergenic enhancer known to drive Dlx5/Dlx6 expression in the developing mandibular arch. Together, these data identify a new role of Twist1 in patterning the regional identities of the CNCC-derived facial mesenchyme and provide novel insight into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying TWIST1-related craniofacial developmental disorders.
Sinners, saints, and racialized scapegoats: (Mis)interpellation and subject positions in the face of citizenship revocation in Norway
Authors: Birkvad Simon Roland
Published: December 2024

Policymakers across Europe proclaim that citizenship should be earned and deserved. States have raised the bars for naturalization and lowered the threshold for denaturalization, creating new hierarchies of deservingness. While researchers have studied how prospective citizens navigate these hierarchies, the experiences of to-be-denaturalized individuals have remained nearly untouched. Based on interviews with 28 individuals who had immigrated to Norway from Somalia, Palestine, and various Asian countries and were accused of ‘cheating’ their way to Norwegian citizenship, this article examines how they respond to this accusation and (re)position themselves vis-a-vis the law, the state, and the national collective. Analytically, I use the concept of interpellation, which captures how individuals are transformed into subjects through being named by social institutions. I argue that citizenship revocation functions by calling naturalized citizens to become foreigners through the accusation of cheating. Rather than seeing it as a mechanical process, I highlight how the interviewees actively positioned themselves in it. The analysis distinguishes between three positions: (1) the sinners, who expressed guilt and submitted to the authority of the immigration law; (2) the saints, who admitted to minor wrongdoings but felt mis-interpellated, as they aligned themselves with welfare state virtues; and (3) the racialized scapegoats, predominantly Somali interviewees who refused to accept the premises of the interpellation, situating citizenship revocation within Norway’s history of minority scapegoating and expulsion. The article argues that these subject positions speak to different facets of Norway’s history as well as the hierarchical and racialized contours of citizenship.
On Being and Becoming Human Through Accompaniment and Telos: Ontological Convergences Between Christian Anthropology and the Science of Human Development
Authors: Lerner Richard M. , King Pamela Ebstyne , Dowling Elizabeth M. , Bowers Edmond P.
Published: December 2024

We discuss several points of convergence in ontological concepts within Christian anthropology and the contemporary dynamic, relational, developmental systems (RDS)-based approach within developmental science. Both approaches uphold the significance of relationality, particularly of mutually beneficial (nurturing) relationships between every individual and others, as both the means and the ends of human development and thriving. Both magisteriums build similarly on the fundamental significance of dynamic, relational development that provides a goal, or telos, for each individual to live with and for others and that leads to becoming a more fully reciprocating self. We discuss several concepts present in both contemporary developmental science and Christian anthropology: embodiment, holism, specificity of mutually influential individual ⇔ context coactions, relationality, and telos. We argue that the ontological convergences between Christian anthropology and RDS-based developmental science provide means for enacting mutually beneficial collaborations between religion and science, which, if enacted, could promote thriving lives for individuals and support social justice movements.
The Effects of Military Lifestyle and Operational Deployments on Marital Dynamics: A Qualitative Study of Military Spouses in Türkiye
Authors: ER Filiz
Published: December 2024

This qualitative study investigates the effects of military lifestyle and operational deployments on the marital experiences of military spouses through a phenomenological approach. Using MAXQDA 2020 software, the analysis delves into the experiences of 20 military spouses and identifies various critical themes. The study outlines key themes and sub-themes under the categories “Attitudes Towards the Military,” “The Impact of Duties on Marriage,” and “Duty-Related Stress and Resilience Systems.” Findings indicate that despite the potential negative impacts of military lifestyle and deployments on marital relationships, military spouses generally exhibit a positive attitude toward the military and tend to enhance their resilience and develop their strengths in challenging conditions. However, despite this resilience, disruptions in family dynamics have been observed. These results provide a significant basis for understanding the complex effects of military lifestyle on individuals and for developing effective support strategies.
Psychedelic Nation? (De)Provincializing the Psychedelic Renaissance from Brazil
Authors: Benedito Pietro , Sanabria Emilia
Published: December 2024

Research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances has garnered spectacular international attention. Most of this focuses on research in the Global North. In this article, we examine Brazil's scientific contribution to the psychedelic renaissance. Brazilian psychedelic science thrives thanks to a strong pharmaceutical innovation system and the legal status of ayahuasca, which has allowed it to develop a distinctive, globally relevant research paradigm. Unlike in many countries, this research program is mostly publicly funded through universities, showcasing Latin America's ability to produce competitive science despite oftentimes severe financial limitations. In part shaped by traditions of saúde coletiva, social medicine, psychiatric reform, and harm reduction activism, Brazilian psychedelic science has historically maintained close ties to local communities of knowledge, particularly the ayahuasca churches, some of which have partnered with clinical research laboratories. Drawing on ethnographic research with actors of the Brazilian psychedelic research community we argue that provincializing the psychedelic renaissance means challenging the patent-driven, neoliberal mindset that makes the idea of a shared, publicly funded psychedelic research commons seem impossible. We show that this ideal has nevertheless been quietly put into practice in places like Brazil, at least as long as its universities received adequate public funding.
Reliability and validity of the self-report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in primary school children
Authors: Liegmann Katharina , Fischer Lisa , Dadaczynski Kevin , Hanewinkel Reiner , Nees Frauke , Morgenstern Matthis
Published: December 2024

This study examined the new self-report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-S), SDQ-Kids, in primary school children regarding internal consistency, teacher-child agreement, and validity. Data from 2,655 children in Grades 1 to 3 and their teachers were analyzed. Children completed SDQ-Kids, previously piloted ( n = 896), while teachers completed SDQ-T. Reliability was measured using Cronbach’s alpha, and logistic regression analyzed the association between rating source (teachers vs. children) and SDQ status (“abnormal” vs. “normal”). Validity was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. SDQ-Kids showed acceptable internal consistency for total difficulties (α = .77) but lower for subscales (α = .40–.68). SDQ-T reliability was good for total difficulties (α = .90) and acceptable to good for subscales (α = .78–.89). Differences emerged, particularly in internalizing and externalizing problems. Correlations of SDQ-Kids with other instruments were acceptable to low. Differences between teacher and child reports highlight the need for a multi-informant approach. While SDQ-Kids’ total difficulties showed acceptable reliability, scale-level reliability and validity were unsatisfactory.
Integration of Community Health Workers into Palliative Care Teams: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kroeze Visser Angela , Pithan Anne , Kupershmidt Sabina , Kenyon DenYelle B. , Puumala Susan E.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Rural communities, like other places in the United States, face a growing need for palliative care. Community health workers (CHWs) are one potential way to expand the ability to provide palliative care. This scoping review explores what is known about CHWs involved in palliative care teams in the United States.

Objective:

This scoping review is intended to outline current evidence related to best practices and factors that lead to the integration of CHWs into palliative care teams.

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted between June 2022 and April 2023 using 3 databases (CIHAHL, ScienceDirect, and PubMed) to identify included studies. Studies included were published between 2000 and 2022; discussed CHWs, lay health navigators, or associated terms, and palliative care in the United States; and addressed CHWs’ integration with health care teams.

Results:

The 24 studies included in this review encompassed qualitative and quantitative reports of CHW interventions that successfully increased advanced care planning documentation, improved patient symptoms, and increased hospice use. Home visits and telephone visits allowed CHWs to provide education, advocate, make referrals, and serve as social support. Stakeholders generally support the role of CHWs in palliative care teams and understand the way they can support “cultural translation.”

Conclusions:

CHWs have the potential to be integrated into palliative care teams, but there is variability in the approach toward roles within palliative care teams, training for CHWs, and strategies for integration within clinical teams.
Effects of Visualized Health Education Based on Health Belief Model on Self-Management of Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Peng Mingmei , Cai Xiaoyan , Wang Qingqing , Li Zhiying , Cao Rui , Guan Baozhang , Yang Yuli , Xu Shuting , Yang Yi , Yang Shuai , Yan Fengxia
Published: December 2024

Background:

Patients with end-stage renal disease often require maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Effective self-management is crucial for the prognosis of patients undergoing MHD; however, their self-management practices remain suboptimal.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the effects of visualized health education based on health belief model on self-management, self-efficacy, quality of life, and quality of dialysis in patients undergoing MHD.

Methods:

A total of 93 patients undergoing MHD from a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou were recruited between December 2021 and June 2022 and divided into control (n = 44) and intervention (n = 49) groups according to their dialysis time. The control group received standard health education, while the intervention group received visualized health education based on the Health Belief Model (3 months, 3 times a week, about 1 hour each time). The Hemodialysis Self-Management Instrument, Self-Efficacy Scale, Hemodialysis Knowledge Questionnaire, and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey were used before and after intervention. Physiological indices related to hemodialysis (serum potassium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone, albumin, and hemoglobin) were collected.

Results:

After intervention, the intervention group showed significantly higher scores in self-management ability (63.0 [57.0, 68.5]), self-management efficacy (29.0 [26.0, 31.0]), hemodialysis knowledge (21.0 [20.0, 22.0]), and quality of life (68.8 [56.3, 79.2]) than the control group ( P < .05). More individuals in the intervention group achieved normal ranges for hemoglobin, albumin, serum potassium, and serum phosphorus.

Conclusion:

The visualized health education intervention significantly enhanced self-management level, self-efficacy, and quality of life in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. This approach is recommended for broader application.
Agamben’s Politics of the Performative
Authors: Sjöblom Katarina Diana
Published: December 2024

In this article I offer a critical examination of Giorgio Agamben’s vision of political liberation as it is articulated in his philosophy of language. Focusing on his affirmative politics as a particular kind of performance, I show that he has in mind a radically ‘pure’ performative that affirms only language as such. This conception is very different from other influential approaches to performativity in the contemporary scene of political thought, such as those developed by Jacques Derrida and Judith Butler. Rather than offering a meaningful alternative to these approaches, however, I argue that this pure performative makes visible the specific problems connected to Agamben’s model. Ultimately, Agamben risks affirming what he sees as problematic in political terms, namely the isolation of his preferred type of experience of language to a separate ‘sphere’. It is, moreover, questionable whether his performative points to a plausible model of political contestation in an age where careless and void utterances have become widespread.
Adult sibling tension and psychological well-being in the context of older mothers’ health limitations: Variation by gender and race
Authors: Gilligan Megan , Suitor J. Jill , Hou Yifei , Kincaid Reilly , Ogle Destiny , Kim Eunbea
Published: December 2024

Research on sibling relationships has documented an association between sibling tension and psychological well-being across the life course, however, less is known about how sibling tension in adulthood shapes psychological well-being in the context of older parents’ health limitations. We extend research on sibling tension and psychological well-being by considering the following: (1) Does the association between sibling tension and depressive symptoms vary by whether older mothers have health limitations? and (2) Does the association between sibling tension and depressive symptoms vary by gender or race when mothers have health limitations? To examine these research questions, we used mixed-methods data collected from 689 adult children nested within 287 families as part of the Within-Family Differences Study. Analysis using multi-level regression modeling revealed that the association between sibling tension and depressive symptoms did not vary by whether older mothers had health limitations nor gender. However, the association varied by race when mothers had health limitations. Specifically, the association between sibling tension and depressive symptoms was stronger in Black families in which mothers did not have health limitations compared to Black families in which mothers did have health limitations. In contrast, there were no differences in the strength of the association between sibling tension and depressive symptoms in White families, regardless of mothers’ limitations status. Qualitative findings indicated that for siblings in Black families, older mothers’ health limitations enhanced values of cohesion among adult children, reducing the association between sibling tension and depressive symptoms.
Examining user switching intention between generative AI platforms: A push-pull-mooring perspective
Authors: Zhou Tao , Li Songtao
Published: December 2024

Due to the intense competition among generative AI platforms, users may switch from a platform to an alternative one. This may lead to user attrition and undermine the competitive advantage. The purpose of this research is to examine user switching intention between generative AI platforms based on the push-pull-mooring (PPM). Push factors include information hallucination, privacy risk, and dissatisfaction, while pull factors include perceived interactivity, perceived anthropomorphism, perceived personalization, and user experience. Mooring factor is switching costs. Both structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) were used to conduct data analysis. The results validate the hypotheses. The fsQCA found that dissatisfaction is a common core condition triggering switching intention.