bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kerala and the Gaza Crisis: Solidarity, Politics, and Media Responses
Authors: Nazir Irfan Ahmed
Published: October 2024

Events that unfold in the Middle East profoundly impact the social and political environment in Kerala, India’s southernmost state. This article examines the response in Kerala to the attacks and counter-attacks by the Hamas militants and the Israeli forces in and around the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, which resulted in a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Traditionally, a pro-Palestine sentiment has been prevalent in Kerala due to its geographical proximity to the Arabian Peninsula, its notable Muslim population, and its anti-imperialist political discourses under the influence of the dominant Left ideology. However, there has been an increasing appeal for Israel in Kerala recently, especially among some Christian denominations. This article considers these factors and analyzes Kerala’s response to the Gaza crisis using news articles, statements by political and religious leaders, and the editorials of five prominent Malayalam language newspapers. Despite debates around the Gaza crisis in Kerala being less unequivocal, the state’s social and political circles largely stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Evaluation of ground motion models for Northern Vietnam based on ground motion records of the 2020 Mw5.0 Moc-Chau earthquake sequence
Authors: Phung Van-Bang , Huang Bor-Shouh , Nguyen Cong Nghia , Nguyen Van Duong , Nguyen Le Minh , Nguyen Anh Duong , Le Quang Khoi , Pham The Truyen , Ha Thi Giang , Van Dinh Quoc , Ha Vinh Long , Lavrentiadis Grigorios , Chan Chung-Han , Pham Dinh-Hai
Published: October 2024

It is challenging to select ground motion models (GMMs) for seismic hazard assessments for a region with sparse recorded data. In this study, data on the 2020 Mw5 Moc-Chau earthquake and its aftershocks were used to select an appropriate GMM for northern Vietnam (NVN). The 204 strong motion records were collected from 32 seismic stations and then used to compare eleven non-Vietnamese and two simplified Vietnamese local GMMs to assess their model prediction efficiencies. Among all the candidates, the global NGA-West2 GMMs performed the best fit with the data. Our analyses revealed the possibility of damage resulting from shaking in the Hanoi metropolitan area caused by recognized earthquake sources in NVN. In our examination of total residuals of differences between the GMM predictions and observed data, the average standard deviation from ASK14 was slightly higher than the limit accepted for modern seismic hazard assessments. ASK14 was further adjusted by the spatially varying coefficients that were derived from observations ground motion of this event. The adjusted ASK14 was used to evaluate seismic risk scenarios of large earthquakes in NVN and compared with the structures’ design spectra of the Hanoi area. To increase the prediction efficiency, additional local data are required to develop a region-specific GMM for NVN. We suggest that GMM be developed in the near future by regionalizing the ASK14 GMM according to additional local data further collected from existing broadband seismic observations and new accumulating continuous recording data from Vietnam’s broadband seismic networks.
Long-term follow-up of the STOPAGO study
Authors: Cottu Adrien , Guillet Stéphanie , Viallard Jean-François , Rivière Etienne , Cheze Stéphane , Gobert Delphine , Neel Antoine , Graveleau Julie , Marolleau Jean-Pierre , Lefrere François , Moulis Guillaume , Lega Jean-Christophe , Moignet-Autrel Aline , Robbins Ailsa , Crickx Etienne , Boutin Emmanuelle , Noel Nicolas , Malphettes Marion , Galicier Lionel , Audia Sylvain , Bonnotte Bernard , Lambotte Olivier , Fain Olivier , Gerfaud-Valentin Mathieu , Terriou Louis , Martis Nihal , Morin Anne-Sophie , Perlat Antoinette , Le Gallou Thomas , Roy-Peaud Frédérique , Puyade Matthieu , Comont Thibault , Limal Nicolas , Languille Laetitia , Michel Marc , Godeau Bertrand , Mahevas Matthieu
Published: October 2024

In an open prospective, multicenter study enrolling 48 selected patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia who achieved complete response for 1 year on thrombopoietin receptor agonists, half of the patients maintained a sustained response off treatment 4 years after treatment discontinuation.
Characteristics of attrition within the SuperMIX cohort of people who inject drugs: a multiple event discrete-time survival analysis
Authors: Abdelsalam Shady , Agius Paul A. , Sacks-Davis Rachel , Roxburgh Amanda , Livingston Michael , Maher Lisa , Hickman Matthew , Dietze Paul
Published: October 2024

Background

Compared to the general population, people who inject drugs have poor health and wellbeing. Longitudinal studies can provide insight into factors driving these worse health outcomes but are subject to methodological challenges, such as cohort attrition. The aim of this study was to assess and characterise attrition in a prospective cohort of people who inject drugs in Victoria, Australia.

Methods

Using annually collected self-reported data from The Melbourne Injecting Drug User Cohort Study (SuperMIX) from September 2008 to January 2021, we estimated the incidence of participants being lost-to-follow-up (LTFU), with an episode of being LTFU defined as participants not undertaking a follow-up interview within two years of their last interview. We utilised a multiple event discrete-time survival analysis on participant period-observation data to estimate the associations between key factors and LTFU. Key areas of exposure measurement in analyses were sociodemographic, drug use and mental health.

Results

A total of n = 1328 SuperMIX participants completed a baseline interview, with n = 489 (36.8%) LTFU, i.e. not completing a follow-up interview in the following two years. Increased attrition was observed among SuperMIX participants who were: born outside Australia, younger than 30 years, reporting having completed fewer years of education, not residing in stable accommodation, not in stable employment and not on opioid agonist therapy (OAT).

Conclusions

The attrition rate of the SuperMIX cohort has largely been stable throughout the duration of the study. Higher attrition rates among individuals at greater sociodemographic disadvantage and not on OAT suggest that additional efforts are required to retain these participants. Findings also suggest that SuperMIX might not be capturing data on adverse health and wellbeing outcomes among subpopulations at high risk of harm.
The association between dietary quality index- international and metabolic risk factors in RaNCD cohort study
Authors: Mokhtari Zahra , Abdollahzad Hadi , Izadi Neda , Rezaeian Shahab , Najafi Farid , Pasdar Yahya
Published: October 2024

Background

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death around the world. The Dietary Quality Index-International (DQI-I) is one of the indicators that shows changes in diet and its association with NCDs. The aim of this study is to measure the association between the DQI-I and major metabolic risk factors.

Methods

This study is a cross-sectional study based on data collected in the first phase of the prospective cohort study on Ravansar non-communicable diseases (RaNCD). To perform clinical and biochemical tests such as lipid profile, blood glucose and liver enzymes, blood samples were collected using standard vacutainer blood collection techniques. Information from the food frequency questionnaire containing 118 food items was used to score each person’s DQI-I. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between the DQI-I tertile and the metabolic risk factors. Linear regression was also used for the association between subgroups of DQI-I score and the metabolic risk factors.

Results

The total number of subjects in this study was 7,115, with a mean age of 47.14 ± 8.29 years. Dietary quality was generally poor, with 37.03% in the lowest tertile. Men had better dietary quality than women. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, triglycerides and blood glucose were lower in the lowest tertile of dietary quality. A one-unit increase in the total DQI-I resulted in a 0.19 decrease in total cholesterol. Higher dietary quality was associated with a 22% increased risk of high triglycerides, a 19% increased risk of low high-density density lipoprotein, a 5% decreased risk of elevated low-density lipoprotein, a 42% increased risk of high blood pressure, and a 99% increased risk of high fasting blood glucose. Higher dietary quality was also associated with a 33% increased risk of overweight/obesity.

Conclusion

The study found that participants had poor dietary quality, with some favorable metabolic outcomes in the lowest tertile, but concerning associations in the highest tertile, including increased risk for high triglycerides, blood pressure, and obesity. The complex associations suggest that balanced, multifaceted interventions are needed.
Impact of early cleft lip and palate surgery on maxillary growth in 5- and 10-Year-old patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Novakova Magda , Brysova Alena , Vokurkova Jitka , Marcian Petr , Borak Libor , Koskova Olga
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study evaluated maxillary growth and dental arch relationships at 5 and 10 years of age in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) who underwent early cleft lip and palate surgery.

Methods

28 patients with UCLP who underwent cleft lip surgery in neonatal age and cleft palate surgery at average age of 7 months without orthodontic treatment (intervention group) were measured for intercanine and intermolar distances and for dental arch length. These measurements were compared with those of 30 healthy participants in a control group. Dental arch relationships in the intervention group were evaluated by 5-YO index at 5 years and the GOSLON Yardstick score at 10 years of patients’ age.

Results

Patients in the intervention group had significantly shorter mean intercanine distance and arch length than control patients at both 5 and 10 years of age (p<.001 for all). There were no significant differences in intermolar distance at both 5 (p = .945) and 10 years (p = .105) of patients’ age. The average 5YO index increased from 2.46 to an average GOSLON 10-year score of 2.89 in intervention group.

Conclusion

Intercanine distance and dental arch length of patients with UCLP are significantly reduced at 5 and 10 years after early cleft lip and palate surgeries compared to the healthy population. Dental arch relationships at 5 and 10 years of patients with UCLP show comparable outcomes to those reported by other cleft centers.

Clinical significance

This study evaluates maxillary growth in UCLP patients 5 and 10 years of age who underwent early primary lip and palate surgery.
Secular trends and sociodemographic disparities in physical activity among adults in eleven African countries: WHO STEPS 2003–2020
Authors: Oyeyemi Adewale L. , Araujo Raphael H.O. , Hassan Umar A. , Ofori Edward , Stetcher Chad , Werneck André O.
Published: October 2024

Background

Mortality from physical inactivity-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is projected to surpass deaths from communicable diseases by 2030 in Africa. Monitoring physical activity (PA) is important for planning public health interventions addressing NCDS and planetary health, but there is a dearth of evidence on PA trends in Africa. This study explored the secular trends in overall and domains of PA (leisure, occupation, and transport), and examined the gender, age, and education disparities in PA trends across African countries.

Methods

We utilized data from the STEPwise approach to NCDs risk factor surveillance in eleven African countries (Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Eritrea, Eswatini, Malawi, Mali, Central Africa Republic, Sao Tome and Principe, and Zambia) with at least two surveys conducted between 2003/2010 (first-wave) and 2010/2020 (second-waves). A total of 29,282 and 40,147 adults (18–69 years) in the first and second waves, respectively, completed PA interviews using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Gender, age, and education status were self-reported. Weighted individual-country PA prevalence and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were obtained. Random-effect meta-analysis was conducted to assess pooled estimates of PA trends across countries. Gender, age, and education disparities in PA trends were also investigated.

Results

Country-specific results showed significant upward trends in total PA in eight countries. Seven countries showed significant increasing trends in some leisure-time PA (2.0% − 13.9% increase) and ≥ 150 min/week transport PA (4.0% − 24.5% increase), while five countries recorded significant increasing trends in occupational PA (6.6% − 56.9% increase). Gender, age and education disparities in meeting the WHO PA guidelines remained relatively stable over time, but disparities in leisure, transport and occupational PA increased in most countries.

Conclusions

The prevalence of overall PA among African adults has marginally increased over 17 years. There are still many adults, especially women and people with lower education, not doing well in domain specific PA. Policy and environmental interventions are needed to improve PA and to reduce gender, age, and education disparities in leisure, transport, and occupational PA in African countries.
Winsorization greatly reduces false positives by popular differential expression methods when analyzing human population samples
Authors: Yang Lu , Zhang Xianyang , Chen Jun
Published: October 2024

A recent study found severely inflated type I error rates for DESeq2 and edgeR, two dominant tools used for differential expression analysis of RNA-seq data. Here, we show that by properly addressing the outliers in the RNA-Seq data using winsorization, the type I error rate of DESeq2 and edgeR can be substantially reduced, and the power is comparable to Wilcoxon rank-sum test for large datasets. Therefore, as an alternative to Wilcoxon rank-sum test, they may still be applied for differential expression analysis of large RNA-Seq datasets.
Low-dose dobutamine in acute myocardial infarction with intermediate to high risk of cardiogenic shock development (the DOBERMANN-D trial): study protocol for a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, single-center, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Holle Sarah Louise Duus , Kunkel Joakim Bo , Hassager Christian , Pecini Redi , Wiberg Sebastian , Palm Pernille , Holmvang Lene , Bang Lia Evi , Kjærgaard Jesper , Thomsen Jakob Hartvig , Engstrøm Thomas , Møller Jacob Eifer , Lønborg Jacob Thomsen , Søholm Helle , Frydland Martin
Published: October 2024

Background

Cardiogenic shock (CS) occurs in 5–10% of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and the condition is associated with a 30-day mortality rate of up to 50%. Most of the AMI patients are in SCAI SHOCK stage B upon hospital arrival, but some of these patients will progression through the stages to overt shock (SCAI C-E). Around one third of patients who develop CS are not in shock at the time of hospital admission. Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (proband) is a biomarker closely related to CS development. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential for preventing progression of hemodynamic instability by early inotropic support with low-dose dobutamine infusion administrated after revascularization in AMI patients with intermediate to high risk of in-hospital CS development.

Methods

This investigator-initiated, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized, single-center, clinical trial will include 100 AMI patients (≥ 18 years) without CS at hospital admission and at intermediate-high risk of in-hospital CS development (ORBI risk score ≥ 10). Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to a 24 h intravenous (IV) infusion of dobutamine (5 μg/kg/min) or placebo (NaCl) administrated after acute percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (< 24 h from symptom onset). Blood samples are drawn at time points from study inclusion (before infusion, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h).

The primary outcome is peak plasma proBNP within 48 h after infusion as a surrogate-measure for the hemodynamic status. Hemodynamic function will be assessed pulse rate, blood pressure, and lactate within 48 h after infusion and by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) performed after 24–48 h and at follow-up after 3 months. Markers of cardiac injury (troponin T and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB)) will be assessed.

Discussion

Early inotropic support with low-dose dobutamine infusion in patients with AMI, treated with acute PCI, and at intermediate-high risk of in-hospital CS may serve as an intervention promoting hemodynamic stability and facilitating patient recovery. The effect will be assessed using proBNP as a surrogate marker of CS development, hemodynamic measurements, and TTE within the initial 48 h and repeated at a 3-month follow-up.

Trial registration

The Regional Ethics Committee
: H-21045751. EudraCT: 2021–002028-19. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05350592, Registration date: 2022-03-08. WHO Universal Trial Number: U1111-1277–8523.
Starch granules in algal cells play an inherent role to shape the popular SSC signal in flow cytometry
Authors: Sandmann Michael , Rading Michael
Published: October 2024

Objective

Flow cytometry (FC) is probably the most important technique for single-cell analysis. It’s precisely, rapid, and suitable for multidimensional single-cell analysis. The commonly used side scatter (SSC) intensity determined by FC is often interpreted as a measure of the internal cellular complexity of cells. In simple terms, the more structured a cell is, the higher the SSC intensity quantified by FC. Nevertheless, most of the studies that support this interpretation are based on data derived from animal or human cell lines and while it is assumed that the results can also be transferred to plant or algal cell lines, the details remain unclear. The objective of the recent work is to clarify the interpretation of the SSC signal from algal cells.

Results

Algal lipid droplets and their starch play an inherent role to shape the popular SSC signal derived from FC. This was shown by a theoretical approach based on Lorenz–Mie theory. These results were supported by experiments with different model cultures of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in which a high linear correlation was observed between the SSC signal and the ‘physical’ starch quantity.
Prospective phase II trial of [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-AE105 uPAR-PET/MRI in patients with primary gliomas: Prognostic value and Implications for uPAR-targeted Radionuclide Therapy
Authors: Azam Aleena , Kurbegovic Sorel , Carlsen Esben Andreas , Andersen Thomas Lund , Larsen Vibeke André , Law Ian , Skjøth-Rasmussen Jane , Kjaer Andreas
Published: October 2024

Background

Treatment of patients with low-grade and high-grade gliomas is highly variable due to the large difference in survival expectancy. New non-invasive tools are needed for risk stratification prior to treatment. The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is expressed in several cancers, associated with poor prognosis and may be non-invasively imaged using uPAR-PET. We aimed to investigate the uptake of the uPAR-PET tracer [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-AE105 in primary gliomas and establish its prognostic value regarding overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Additionally, we analyzed the proportion of uPAR-PET positive tumors to estimate the potential number of candidates for future uPAR-PRRT.

Methods

In a prospective phase II clinical trial, 24 patients suspected of primary glioma underwent a dynamic 60-min PET/MRI following the administration of approximately 200 MBq (range: 83–222 MBq) [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-AE105. Lesions were considered uPAR positive if the tumor-to-background ratio, calculated as the ratio of TumorSUVmax-to-Normal-BrainSUVmean tumor-SUVmax-to-background-SUVmean, was ≥ 2.0. The patients were followed over time to assess OS and PFS and stratified into high and low uPAR expression groups based on TumorSUVmax.

Results

Of the 24 patients, 16 (67%) were diagnosed with WHO grade 4 gliomas, 6 (25%) with grade 3, and 2 (8%) with grade 2. Two-thirds of all patients (67%) presented with uPAR positive lesions and 94% grade 4 gliomas. At median follow up of 18.8 (2.1–45.6) months, 19 patients had disease progression and 14 had died. uPAR expression dichotomized into high and low, revealed significant worse prognosis for the high uPAR group for OS and PFS with HR of 14.3 (95% CI, 1.8-112.3; P = 0.011), and HR of 26.5 (95% CI, 3.3–214.0; P = 0.0021), respectively. uPAR expression as a continuous variable was associated with worse prognosis for OS and PFS with HR of 2.7 (95% CI, 1.5–4.8; P = 0.0012), and HR of 2.5 (95% CI, 1.5–4.2; P = 0.00073), respectively.

Conclusions

The majority of glioma patients and almost all with grade 4 gliomas displayed uPAR positive lesions underlining the feasibility of 68Ga-NOTA-AE105 PET/MRI in gliomas. High uPAR expression is significantly correlated with worse survival outcomes for patients. Additionally, the high proportion of uPAR positive gliomas underscores the potential of uPAR-targeted radionuclide therapy in these patients.

Trail Registration

EudraCT No: 2016-002417-21; the Scientific Ethics Committee: H-16,035,303; the Danish Data Protection Agency: 2012-58-0004; clinical trials registry: NCT02945826, 26Oct2016, URL: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02945826.
Amide proton transfer-weighted CEST MRI for radiotherapy target delineation of glioblastoma: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Tang Patrick L. Y. , Romero Alejandra Méndez , Nout Remi A. , van Rij Caroline , Slagter Cleo , Swaak-Kragten Annemarie T. , Smits Marion , Warnert Esther A. H.
Published: October 2024

Background

Extensive glioblastoma infiltration justifies a 15-mm margin around the gross tumor volume (GTV) to define the radiotherapy clinical target volume (CTV). Amide proton transfer (APT)-weighted imaging could enable visualization of tumor infiltration, allowing more accurate GTV delineation. We quantified the impact of integrating APT-weighted imaging into GTV delineation of glioblastoma and compared two APT-weighted quantification methods—magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym) and Lorentzian difference (LD) analysis—for target delineation.

Methods

Nine glioblastoma patients underwent an extended imaging protocol prior to radiotherapy, yielding APT-weighted MTRasym and LD maps. From both maps, biological tumor volumes were generated (BTVMTRasym and BTVLD) and added to the conventional GTV to generate biological GTVs (GTVbio,MTRasym and GTVbio,LD). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were performed for comparisons.

Results

The GTVbio,MTRasym and GTVbio,LD were significantly larger than the conventional GTV (p ≤ 0.022), with a median volume increase of 9.3% and 2.1%, respectively. The GTVbio,MTRasym and GTVbio,LD were significantly smaller than the CTV (p = 0.004), with a median volume reduction of 72.1% and 70.9%, respectively. There was no significant volume difference between the BTVMTRasym and BTVLD (p = 0.074). In three patients, BTVMTRasym delineation was affected by elevated signals at the brain periphery due to residual motion artifacts; this elevation was absent on the APT-weighted LD maps.

Conclusion

Larger biological GTVs compared to the conventional GTV highlight the potential of APT-weighted imaging for radiotherapy target delineation of glioblastoma. APT-weighted LD mapping may be advantageous for target delineation as it may be more robust against motion artifacts.

Relevance statement

The introduction of APT-weighted imaging may, ultimately, enhance visualization of tumor infiltration and eliminate the need for the substantial 15-mm safety margin for target delineation of glioblastoma. This could reduce the risk of radiation toxicity while still effectively irradiating the tumor.

Trial registration

NCT05970757 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Key Points

Integration of APT-weighted imaging into target delineation for radiotherapy is feasible.

The integration of APT-weighted imaging yields larger GTVs in glioblastoma.

APT-weighted LD mapping may be more robust against motion artifacts than APT-weighted MTRasym.

Graphical Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α-deficient adipose-tissue macrophages produce the heat to mediate lipolysis of white adipose tissue through uncoupling protein-1
Authors: Kang Gi-Sue , Kim Young-Eun , Oh Ho Rim , Jo Hye-Ju , Bok Seoyeon , Jeon Yoon Kyung , Cheon Gi Jeong , Roh Tae-Young , Chang Young-Tae , Park Do Joong , Ahn G-One
Published: October 2024

Background

Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is a proton uncoupler located across the mitochondrial membrane generally involved in thermogenesis of brown adipose tissues. Although UCP1 is known to be strongly expressed in brown adipocytes, recent evidence suggest that white adipocytes can also express UCP1 under certain circumstances such as cold- or β-adrenergic receptor-stimulation, allowing them to acquire brown adipocyte-like features thereby becoming 'beige’ adipocytes.

Results

In this study, we report that UCP1 can be expressed in adipose-tissue macrophages (ATM) lacking functional hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and this does not require cold- nor β-adrenergic receptor activation. By using myeloid-specific Hif-1α knockout (KO) mice, we observed that these mice were protected from diet-induced obesity and exhibited an improved thermogenic tolerance upon cold challenge. ATM isolated from white adipose tissues (WAT) of these mice fed with high fat diet exhibited significantly higher M2-polarization, decreased glycolysis, increased mitochondrial functions and acetyl-CoA levels, along with increased expression of Ucp1, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma co-activator-1a, and others involved in histone acetylation. Consistent with the increased Ucp1 gene expression, these ATM produced a significant amount of heat mediating lipolysis of co-cultured adipocytes liberating free fatty acid. Treating ATM with acetate, a substrate for acetyl-CoA synthesis was able to boost the heat production in wild-type or Hif-1α-deficient but not UCP1-deficient macrophages, indicating that UCP1 was necessary for the heat production in macrophages. Lastly, we observed a significant inverse correlation between the number of UCP1-expressing ATM in WAT and the body mass index of human individuals.

Conclusions

UCP1-expressing ATM produce the heat to mediate lipolysis of adipocytes, indicating that this can be a novel strategy to treat and prevent diet-induced obesity.
Autistic psychiatrists’ experiences of recognising themselves and others as autistic: a qualitative study
Authors: Doherty Mary , Chown Nick , Martin Nicola , Shaw Sebastian C. K.
Published: October 2024

Background

Diagnosis of autism falls under the remit of psychiatry. Recognition that psychiatrists could be autistic is recent. Psychiatrists are the second largest specialty group in Autistic Doctors International, a peer support group for autistic doctors.

Aims

To explore the experiences of autistic psychiatrists in relation to recognising themselves and others as autistic.

Method

This was a qualitative study using loosely structured interviews and an interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Results

Eight autistic senior psychiatrists based in the UK participated. One had a childhood diagnosis, two had been diagnosed in adulthood and the remainder self-identified as autistic as adults. Recognition of autism followed diagnosis of their children or encounters with autistic patients. Barriers to self-recognition included lack of autism training, the deficit-based diagnostic criteria and stereotypical views of autism. Recognising that they were autistic led to the realisation that many colleagues were also likely to be autistic, particularly in neurodevelopmental psychiatry. All participants reported the ability to quickly recognise autistic patients and to develop a good rapport easily, once they were aware of their own autistic identity. Difficulties recognising patients as autistic occurred before self-recognition when they shared autistic characteristics and experiences. ‘If we don't recognise ourselves as autistic how on earth can we diagnose patients accurately?’

Conclusions

Autistic psychiatrists face multiple barriers to recognising that they are autistic. Lack of self-recognition may impede diagnostic accuracy with autistic patients. Self-recognition and disclosure by autistic psychiatrists may be facilitated by reframing the traditional deficit-based view of autism towards a neurodiversity-affirmative approach, with consequent benefits for autistic patients.
Associations of psychotic symptom dimensions with clinical and developmental variables in twin and general clinical samples
Authors: Cardno Alastair G. , Allardyce Judith , Bakker Steven C. , Toulopoulou Timothea , Kravariti Eugenia , Picchioni Marco M. , Kane Fergus , Rijsdijk Frühling V. , Mahmood Tariq , Nasser el din Soumaya , du Toit Deline , Jones Lisa A. , Quattrone Diego , Walters James T. R. , Legge Sophie E. , Holmans Peter A. , Murray Robin M. , Vassos Evangelos
Published: October 2024

Background

Positive, negative and disorganised psychotic symptom dimensions are associated with clinical and developmental variables, but differing definitions complicate interpretation. Additionally, some variables have had little investigation.

Aims

To investigate associations of psychotic symptom dimensions with clinical and developmental variables, and familial aggregation of symptom dimensions, in multiple samples employing the same definitions.

Method

We investigated associations between lifetime symptom dimensions and clinical and developmental variables in two twin and two general psychosis samples. Dimension symptom scores and most other variables were from the Operational Criteria Checklist. We used logistic regression in generalised linear mixed models for combined sample analysis (n = 875 probands). We also investigated correlations of dimensions within monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs concordant for psychosis (n = 96 pairs).

Results

Higher symptom scores on all three dimensions were associated with poor premorbid social adjustment, never marrying/cohabiting and earlier age at onset, and with a chronic course, most strongly for the negative dimension. The positive dimension was also associated with Black and minority ethnicity and lifetime cannabis use; the negative dimension with male gender; and the disorganised dimension with gradual onset, lower premorbid IQ and substantial within twin-pair correlation. In secondary analysis, disorganised symptoms in MZ twin probands were associated with lower premorbid IQ in their co-twins.

Conclusions

These results confirm associations that dimensions share in common and strengthen the evidence for distinct associations of co-occurring positive symptoms with ethnic minority status, negative symptoms with male gender and disorganised symptoms with substantial familial influences, which may overlap with influences on premorbid IQ.
Soluble Immune Checkpoints Associated With Disease Activity and Treatment Response in GD and TED
Authors: Yin Qinglei , Zhu Tianyi , Song Dalong , Fang Sijie , Zhou Huifang , Guan Haixia
Published: October 2024

Context

Soluble immune checkpoints play an important role in peripheral tolerance that has seldom been investigated in Graves' disease (GD) and thyroid eye disease (TED).

Objective

The objective of this work is to examine the alteration of soluble immune checkpoints in GD and TED.

Methods

We performed a quantitative multiplex analysis of 17 immune checkpoint proteins in serum from 50 GD patients without TED, 28 GD patients with TED, and 40 healthy controls. The association with demographic, serologic, clinical features and 27 cytokines was analyzed. A follow-up was conducted in GD patients without TED. Functional outcomes of sLAG-3 and sGITR were assessed in cell cultures using rh-LAG3, rh-GITR, an antagonistic LAG-3 antibody, and an antagonistic GITR antibody.

Results

GD Patients with TED had distinct sICP and cytokine profiles compared with GD patients without TED. Active patients with TED exhibited elevation in the levels of sBTLA, sLAG-3, sGITR, sCD80, sCD86, and sPD-L1. Further, GD patients without TED with high sBTLA, sCD27, and sCD40 levels at baseline showed a better improvement in thyrotropin receptor antibody titers after antithyroid drug treatment. Adding recombinant human GITR and LAG-3 to peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures resulted in increased inflammatory cytokine secretion and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion.

Conclusion

The present study uncovers disturbed soluble immune checkpoints and cytokines in GD patients with and without TED and may pave the way for novel immunological screening, allowing for identification of patients with TED at higher risk of developing active disease and patients with GD a better treatment response after antithyroid drug treatment.
Geopolitics of Inter-subaltern Colonialism and Gender: Challenging Methodological Dualism through the “Woman, Life, Freedom” Journey from Kurdistan to Iran
Authors: Kermanian Sara
Published: October 2024

By challenging postcolonial theory's “methodological dualism,” this article explores non-Western intersocietal encounters and interactions that facilitated the vanguard role of the Kurdish region of Iran (Rojhelat) in the country's “woman, life, freedom” revolutionary movement. The neglect of inter-subaltern interactions within the framework of methodological dualism has rendered it incapable of explaining the agential entanglement of “inter-subaltern colonialism” and gender in the non-Western nation-building process and its subsequent impact on the affected groups. Addressing this limitation, the author argues that Rojhelat's vanguard position arises from the strategic deployment of patriarchal gender norms in Iran's nation-building process characterized by “inter-subaltern colonialism” before and after the 1979 revolution. Anti-patriarchal tendencies within the left faction of the Kurdish national movement in Rojhelat emerged in response to this context, rendering it receptive to the slogan “woman, life, freedom,” which originally emerged through the Kurdish freedom movement in Turkey and Syria. Furthermore, the centrality of gender in the Islamic Republic of Iran's exceptionalist geopolitical discourses has made the slogan a powerful tool for expressing opposition to the state and mobilizing multiple oppressed groups.
Institution Building without Commitment
Authors: Bassetto Marco , Huo Zhen , Ríos-Rull José-Víctor
Published: October 2024

We propose a theory of gradualism in the implementation of good policies, suitable for environments featuring time consistency. We downplay the role of the initial period by allowing agents both to wait for future agents to start equilibrium play and to restart the equilibrium by ignoring past history. The allocation gradually transits toward one that weighs both short- and long-term concerns, stopping short of the Ramsey outcome but greatly improving upon Markovian equilibria. We use the theory to account for the slow emergence of both climate policies and the reduction of global tariff rates. (JEL C73, E21, E61, F13, H30)
The Dynamic Consequences of State Building: Evidence from the French Revolution
Authors: Chambru Cédric , Henry Emeric , Marx Benjamin
Published: October 2024

How do radical reforms shape economic development over time? In 1790, the French Constituent Assembly overhauled the kingdom’s organization to establish new local capitals. In some departments, the choice of local capitals over rival candidate cities was plausibly exogenous. We study how changes in administrative presence affect state capacity and development in the ensuing decades. In the short run, administrative proximity increases taxation and investments in law enforcement. In the long run, capitals obtain more public goods and grow faster. Our results shed light on the dynamic impacts of state building following one of history’s most ambitious administrative reforms. (JEL D70, H41, H71, O18, O43)
Polity Size and Local Government Performance: Evidence from India
Authors: Narasimhan Veda , Weaver Jeffrey
Published: October 2024

Developing countries have increasingly decentralized power to local governments. This paper studies the implications of a central element of decentralization (polity size) using population-based discontinuities that determine local government boundaries for over 100,000 Indian villages. Over the short and long run, individuals allocated into local governments with smaller populations have better access to public goods. We provide suggestive evidence that these results are related to heightened civic engagement and stronger political incentives, but not to other mechanisms such as elite capture. (JEL D72, H41, H75, H76, O17, O18, R50)
Μελέτη φαινομένων προτρεπόμενης φωταύγειας με φαινομενολογικά και μοντέλα πρώτων αρχών στις διαστάσεις μικροκλίμακας και νανοκλίμακας μέσω προσμοιώσεων σε προγραμματιστικό περιβάλλον
Authors: Τσουτσουμάνος Ευστάθιος
Published: October 2024

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή εξετάζει θεωρητικά τα φαινόμενα Προτρεπόμενης Φωταύγειας (Stimulated Luminescence, SL) χρησιμοποιώντας φαινομενολογικά μοντέλα και μοντέλα πρώτων αρχών, με στόχο την ανάλυση διαδικασιών στις διαστάσεις της μικροκλίμακας και νανοκλίμακας, αλλά και την ενίσχυση της κατανόησης και πρόβλεψης πειραματικών αποτελεσμάτων. Αρχικά, παρουσιάζεται η βασική θεωρία των φαινομένων προτρεπόμενης φωταύγειας, με έμφαση στο φωσφορισμό και τους μηχανισμούς θερμικώς και οπτικώς προτρεπόμενης φωταύγειας. Συγκεκριμένα εξετάζονται τα πειραματικά αποτελέσματα για δύο τύπους του Οξειδίου του Βηρυλλίου. Στη συνέχεια, αναλύονται θεωρητικά μοντέλα SL, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των καμπύλων θερμοφωταύγειας (Thermoluminescence, TL) και οπτικώς προτρεπόμενης φωταύγειας (Optically Stimulated Luminescence, OSL). Επίσης, μελετώνται ανόργανα νανοδομημένα υλικά με προσομοιώσεις των μοντέλων One Trap – One Recombination center (OTOR) και Interactive Multi-Trap System (IMTS) για πρόβλεψη συμπεριφοράς θερμοφωταυγειακών δοσιμέτρων (Thermoluminescent Dosimeters, TLDs). Τέλος, εφαρμόζεται η θεωρία πρώτων αρχών και η θεωρία συναρτησιοειδούς πυκνότητας (Density Functional Theory, DFT) για προσομοίωση της θερμοφωταύγειας του Οξειδίου του Βηρυλλίου, διερευνώντας την επίδραση προσμίξεων και την ενσωμάτωση υπολογισμών DFT στο μοντέλο OTOR. Συνολικά, η διατριβή προτείνει θεωρητικές μεθοδολογίες για ερμηνεία και πρόβλεψη πειραματικών συμπεριφορών υλικών, συμβάλλοντας στην ανάπτυξη θεωρητικών πρωτοκόλλων και πλαισίων για γρήγορη και οικονομική διερεύνηση υλικών.
A Comparative Approach to Amendments to Constitutional Preambles: Questions of Amendability, Substance, and Reasons
Authors: Urke Kristel
Published: October 2024

Preambles of constitutions tend to express general principles, overarching values, and aspirational ideas that underpin the whole constitution. Whether they are deemed legally binding or not, their special character seems to suggest that constitutional preambles should be difficult to amend and that amendment of them should occur only rarely. Attention seldom extends beyond this, however: there is a distinct lack of comprehensive comparative analysis of amendments to constitutional preambles, with these preambles remaining the least researched part of constitutions. The paper represents an effort to fill this void by presenting a comparative empirical analysis of amendments to constitutional preambles around the world. After providing an overview of what sets constitutional preambles apart from the main body of constitutions and analysing their overall amendability, it reports specific results from empirical research into amendments to constitutional preambles, which identified 55 constitutional events occurring since 1949 that have resulted in some change in a constitutional preamble. The paper offers a typology of those amendments, from 42 countries, which involves 20 general characteristic elements of preambles, of which amendments related to political movements, ideology, or ideologues / political leaders were identified as most frequent. Lastly, it directs focus to the socio-political and other factors that lead to amendments in constitutional preambles.
Data-driven Public Administration and the GDPR: Seeing the Court of Justice's Judgement in Case C-175/20 in a Broader Context
Authors: Mikiver Monika , Siitam Nele
Published: October 2024

Increasingly, public authorities are looking to get the most from their records, with the aid of new technologies that allow them to extract the desired features or patterns from large volumes of data. This could position these authorities well for efficiency and to identify offenders – and, in some cases, future offenders. At the same time, the General Data Protection Regulation lays down the principle of purpose limitation and requires both the European Union and its member states to ensure that the rules by which personal data get processed are foreseeable for the individuals affected. In this context, a distinction must be made between two steps to processing, each with its own issues – the request for or direct access to personal data and mass analysis of the data obtained. The European Court of Justice dealt with several of these after the Latvian tax authority requested ‘big data’ from a private company. The article examines the guidance that the Court issued in this case (C-175/20) to both national legislators and administrations with regard to the distinct stages of mass processing of data, and it considers which questions remain unanswered.
The Interplay between EU Competition Law and Professional Sports: Recent Developments and Their Potential Impact on Small States
Authors: Mäekivi Natalia
Published: October 2024

In its December 2023 judgements delivered in the European Superleague Company and International Skating Union v Commission cases, the Court of Justice of the European Union concluded that the rules established by such sports governing bodies as FIFA, UEFA, and the International Skating Union with regard to prior authorisation of alternative competitions falling outside their jurisdiction were restrictive ‘by object’ under the union’s competition law, thus forming a pathway to creating such alternative competitions in one respect. Analysing these rulings’ potential impact on professional sports, the article discusses possible harmful effects that certain alternative competitions could have on sports in small states in particular. The author advocates taking the potential for such effects into account when national courts direct their attention to further assessing the governing bodies’ pre-authorisation rules and their specific refusals to authorise certain alternative competitions.
UNIÃO ESTÁVEL: DA INEXISTÊNCIA À INSEGURANÇA - DOI: 10.12818/P.0304-2340.2024v85p317
Authors: Gonçalves de Mesquita Filho Osvaldo José , de Oliveira Milagres Marcelo
Published: October 2024

A união estável, no contexto jurídico contemporâneo, apresenta-se como um tema desafiador de ser conceituado devido à ambiguidade de seus critérios. A linha entre a caracterização e a não caracterização deste instituto torna-se tênue, refletindo a oscilação jurisprudencial entre a flexibilização e a restrição de seus requisitos, bem como a crescente equiparação com o casamento. Essa insegurança jurídica é evidenciada na aplicação casuística do conceito, que ora reconhece a união estável em casos de convivência duradoura, ora a rejeita. Este artigo tem, portanto, como objetivo-geral, realizar uma análise crítica desse cenário, desde uma abordagem histórica até a investigação de casos concretos, especialmente julgados pelo Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ). O método utilizado foi analítico, de forma a avaliar a regulação excessiva do Direito de Família, propondo-se a reflexão sobre a desregulação como possível solução. Como resultados, o trabalho aponta questões relacionadas à liberdade de escolha entre o casamento e a união estável, destacando-se como conclusão a necessidade de correções no atual panorama jurídico para mitigar a insegurança e as falhas presentes. O artigo contribui, assim, para o entendimento das lacunas e das contradições na aplicação da união estável, evidenciando a transição da inexistência para a insegurança jurídica neste contexto.
OS REFLEXOS DO ATIVISMO JUDICIAL EM FACE DA AMPLIAÇÃO DO ACESSO AO PODER JUDICIÁRIO COMO INSTRUMENTO DE TUTELA DOS DIREITOS DA PERSONALIDADE - DOI: 10.12818/P.0304-2340.2024v85p47
Authors: da Silva Gregório Daniely Cristina , Valente Giublin Teixeira Rodrigo
Published: October 2024

O ser humano está no centro de proteção do ordenamento jurídico brasileiro, daí porque todos os Poderes do Estado, quais sejam, o Legislativo, o Executivo e o Judiciário, estão incumbidos de garantir os direitos que protegem o seu bem-estar, desenvolvimento e dignidade, como os direitos da personalidade. Tem-se, assim, como objetivo da presente pesquisa, analisar como o ativismo judicial pode ser entendido e, com fundamento no amplo acesso aos tribunais e na dignidade humana, como ele funciona no que se refere à tutela dos direitos da personalidade. A partir do método dedutivo e da metodologia bibliográfica e documental, utiliza-se da análise de diversas obras e artigos científicos, bem como da legislação interna e de julgados do Supremo Tribunal Federal relacionados à personalidade humana. Conclui-se que, não obstante a separação dos Poderes incumba a cada um funções específicas, sendo eles independentes um dos outros, quando se trata da tutela de direitos essenciais o indivíduo não pode ficar à mercê da atividade legislativa e executiva, por vezes ineficiente e morosa, razão pela qual, ainda que não de forma irrestrita, tem-se no Poder Judiciário um instrumento de tutela dos direitos da personalidade quando os demais Poderes não a fizerem.
DIREITOS LGBTQ+ ENTRE ESTUDOS INTERNACIONAIS QUEER E A JURISPRUDÊNCIA DA CORTE EUROPEIA DE DIREITOS HUMANOS - DOI: 10.12818/P.0304-2340.2024v85p65
Authors: Bertini Pasquot Polido Fabrício , Karla de Faria Mariana
Published: October 2024

O presente artigo analisa os contornos normativos de litígios envolvendo Estados e indivíduos submetidos à Corte Europeia de Direitos Humanos e que discutem o reconhecimento de direitos fundamentais de pessoas LGBTQ+. O trabalho busca examinar como a jurisprudência da Corte tem enfrentado a aplicação de direitos LGBTQ+ e a interpretação de questões relativas ao direito à identidade de gênero. A partir de uma análise orientada para os estudos internacionalistas queer (‘queer international studies’), o trabalho explora as potencialidades de construção de uma jurisprudência internacional baseada na ruptura e transformação, orientada para o reconhecimento de direitos de gays, lésbicas, transexuais, intersex, bem como, promover o estudo dos reflexos da teoria queer no direito internacional. A investigação parte da pesquisa teórico-investigativa, legal-comparativa e do método indutivo, considerando a relevância dos casos submetidos à Corte Europeia de Direitos Humanos e a necessidade de interpretação dos preceitos legais e constitucionais, a partir da teoria queer. A proposta recupera, igualmente, objetivos de proteção do direito à diversidade, à autodeterminação da comunidade LGBTQ+ e a aplicação efetiva de direitos fundamentais em escala global. Desse modo, a despeito da expansão de liberdades e garantias no sistema europeu de direitos humanos nas últimas décadas, do alargamento do âmbito de aplicação de direitos LGBTQ+ e de uma interpretação dinâmica e evolutiva do texto da Convenção Europeia, conclui-se pela necessidade de construção de uma jurisprudência autenticamente queer para esses grupos minoritários. O aumento da procura desses grupos para fazer valer seus direitos na ordem internacional ultrapassa a concepção de distinções binárias – como masculino/feminino e redução a vieses e estereótipos-, possibilitando a aperfeiçoamentos de aspectos sociais, éticos e científicos do direito internacional de direitos humanos na Europa.