bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elacestrant in Women with Estrogen Receptor–Positive and HER2-Negative Early Breast Cancer: Results from the Preoperative Window-of-Opportunity ELIPSE Trial
Authors: Vidal Maria , Falato Claudette , Pascual Tomás , Sanchez-Bayona Rodrigo , Muñoz-Mateu Montserrat , Cebrecos Isaac , Gonzalez-Farré Xavier , Cortadellas Tomás , Margelí Vila Mireia , Luna Miguel A. , Siso Christian , Amillano Kepa , Galván Patricia , Bergamino Milana A. , Ferrero-Cafiero Juan M. , Salvador Fernando , Espinosa Guerrero Alejandra , Pare Laia , Sanfeliu Esther , Prat Aleix , Bellet Meritxell
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

Elacestrant has shown significantly prolonged progression-free survival compared with standard-of-care endocrine therapy in estrogen receptor–positive (ER-positive), HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer, whereas potential benefit in early-stage disease requires further exploration. The SOLTI-ELIPSE window-of-opportunity trial investigated the biological changes induced by a short course of preoperative elacestrant in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer.

Patients and Methods:

Eligible patients with untreated T1c (≥1.5 cm)-T3, N0, ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer with locally assessed Ki67 ≥10% received elacestrant at a daily dose of 345 mg for 4 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was complete cell cycle arrest, defined as Ki67 ≤2.7%, on day 28.

Results:

Overall, 22 patients were evaluable for the primary endpoint. Elacestrant was associated with a complete cell cycle arrest rate of 27.3% and a statistically significant Ki67 geometric mean change of −52.9% (P = 0.007; 95% confidence interval, −67.4 to −32.1). Notably, the treatment with elacestrant led to a shift toward a more endocrine-sensitive and less proliferative tumor phenotype based on PAM50-based gene signatures. Elacestrant increased the expression of immune-response genes (GZMB, CD4, and CD8A) and suppressed proliferation and estrogen-signaling genes (MKI67, ESR1, and AR). These biological changes were independent of the levels of Ki67 suppression on day 28. The most common adverse events were grade 1 anemia (21.7%), hot flushes (8.7%), constipation (8.7%), and abdominal pain (8.7%). One patient experienced a grade 3 cutaneous rash, leading to treatment discontinuation. No other serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

Preoperative treatment with elacestrant in early breast cancer demonstrated relevant biological and molecular responses and exhibited a manageable safety profile. These findings support further investigation of elacestrant in the early setting.
ECM Modifications Driven by Age and Metabolic Stress Directly Promote Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Osteogenic Processes
Authors: Whitehead Meredith , Faleeva Maria , Oexner Rafael , Cox Susan , Schmidt Lukas , Mayr Manuel , Shanahan Catherine M.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

The ECM (extracellular matrix) provides the microenvironmental niche sensed by resident vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Aging and disease are associated with dramatic changes in ECM composition and properties; however, their impact on VSMC phenotype remains poorly studied.

METHODS:

Here, we describe a novel in vitro model system that utilizes endogenous ECM to study how modifications associated with age and metabolic disease impact VSMC phenotype. ECM was synthesized using primary human VSMCs and modified during culture or after decellularization. Integrity, stiffness, and composition of the ECM was measured using superresolution microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and proteomics, respectively. VSMCs reseeded onto the modified ECM were analyzed for viability and osteogenic differentiation.

RESULTS:

ECMs produced in response to mineral stress showed extracellular vesicle–mediated hydroxyapatite deposition and sequential changes in collagen composition and ECM properties. VSMCs seeded onto the calcified ECM exhibited increased extracellular vesicle release and Runx2 (Runt-related transcription factor 2)-mediated osteogenic gene expression due to the uptake of hydroxyapatite, which led to increased reactive oxygen species and the induction of DNA damage signaling. VSMCs seeded onto the nonmineralized, senescent ECM also exhibited increased Runx2-mediated osteogenic gene expression and accelerated calcification. In contrast, glycated ECM specifically induced increased ALP (alkaline phosphatase) activity, and this was dependent on RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) signaling with both ALP and RAGE receptor inhibition attenuating calcification.

CONCLUSIONS:

ECM modifications associated with aging and metabolic disease can directly induce osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs via distinct mechanisms and without the need for additional stimuli. This highlights the importance of the ECM microenvironment as a key driver of phenotypic modulation acting to accelerate age-associated vascular pathologies and provides a novel model system to study the mechanisms of calcification.
Association Between the Timing of Coronary Angiography, Targeted Temperature Management, and Neurological Outcomes After Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Nationwide Population‐Based Registry Study in Korea
Authors: Oh Sang Hoon , Kim Han Joon , Park Kyu Nam , Youn Chun Song , Lim Jee Yong , Kim Hyo Joon , Bang Hyo Jin
Published: January 2025

Background

Coronary angiography (CAG) and targeted temperature management (TTM) may improve clinical outcomes after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest. This study aimed to assess whether the intervention effects differed according to timing and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performance.

Methods and Results

Adult patients with presumed cardiac cause who underwent CAG and TTM within 24 hours following out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest were included from the Korean nationwide out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest registry. We investigated the associations between the timing of interventions and whether CAG was performed before TTM initiation (CAG‐first) and good neurological outcomes. Intervention times were divided into 4 quartiles, and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated with the fourth quartile as the reference. A total of 844 patients were enrolled. CAG and TTM were initiated a median of 2.4 hours (interquartile range [IQR], 1.8–3.2) and 4.3 hours (IQR, 3.2–6.0) after OHCA, respectively. Univariable analysis revealed associations between the earliest intervention groups and good neurological outcomes. However, after adjustment, neither the intervention time nor intervention prioritization was associated with good outcomes. The first quartile of CAG time (<1.8 hours) was associated with good outcomes in the subgroup with PCI (n=570) (adjusted OR [aOR], 1.93 [95% CI, 1.10–3.40]). In the subgroup without PCI (n=274), early TTM initiation (<3.2 hours) and CAG‐first were significantly associated with outcomes (aOR, 3.08 [95% CI, 1.36–6.96]; aOR, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.20–0.97]; respectively).

Conclusions

Neither intervention time nor intervention prioritization was associated with good outcomes. However, early CAG and TTM independently predicted good outcomes in the subgroups with PCI and without PCI, respectively.
Enhancement of mechanical properties of carbon fiber epoxy composites using methylmethacrylate-butadiene-styrene (MBS) core-shell nanoparticles
Authors: Beylergil Bertan , Ozturkmen Mahide Betul , Al-Nadhari Abdulrahman , Yildiz Sema , Aydoğan Berkay , Yildiz Mehmet
Published: January 2025

This work investigates the use of readily dispersed methylmethacrylate-butadiene-styrene (MBS) core-shell nanoparticles to improve the mechanical properties of carbon fiber epoxy (CF/EP) composites. Through the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process, CF/EP composites were manufactured with varying MBS particle loadings from 1 wt. to 7 wt. %. The mechanical properties of the composites were determined via three-point bending, Charpy impact, short-beam shear, and Mode-I fracture toughness tests, adhering to the relevant ASTM standards. The results show that the addition of MBS particles significantly increased Mode-I interlaminar fracture toughness (GIc), with the highest increase observed at 7 wt. % particle loading, demonstrating a nearly 177% improvement over the reference composite. The flexural modulus of composites slightly decreased with 1 wt. % MBS nanoparticles, indicating increased flexibility, while a synergistic effect at 7 wt. % MBS enhanced stiffness and structural reinforcement. The incorporation of MBS nanoparticles in CF/EP composites also enhanced Charpy impact strength and damping properties, with the highest impact strength observed at 7 wt. % MBS. Higher MBS content reduced the storage modulus, while the glass transition temperature remained relatively unchanged.
Assessing the fungal contamination and potential impact of ochratoxigenic Aspergillus species on cocoa beans from cocoa-growing regions of Ghana
Authors: Banahene Joel Cox Menka , Ofosu Isaac Williams , Lutterodt Herman Erick , Ellis William Otoo
Published: January 2025

Objective:

This study investigated the fungal contamination profile of cocoa beans from cocoa-growing regions in Ghana, with particular emphasis on the potential impact of ochratoxigenic Aspergillus species.

Methods:

A total of 104 fermented and dried cocoa beans were randomly collected from farmers for analysis. Fungal isolation was conducted using potato dextrose agar and malt extract agar media. Species-level identification was performed through macroscopic and microscopic techniques. Ochratoxin A (OTA) quantification and confirmation were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Results:

The investigation revealed 163 fungal isolates representing 14 distinct species across 10 genera. Aspergillus species, including Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus fumigatus, were predominant. No statistically significant differences in fungal species occurrence were observed among the different cocoa-growing regions. However, certain species exhibited preferential growth on specific media, emphasizing the importance of medium selection in mycological studies. Of the 14 fungal species tested, only Aspergillus niger demonstrated the ability to produce OTA in vitro, as confirmed by LC-MS/MS analysis.

Conclusion:

This discovery holds substantial implications for both the cocoa industry and public health, considering that OTA is a potent mycotoxin subject to strict regulatory limits in food commodities. It is crucial to implement enhanced monitoring and control measures to mitigate fungal contamination in cocoa beans, particularly targeting OTA-producing species. The study also highlights the need for improved post-harvest handling practices, optimized storage conditions, and potential biocontrol approaches.
The Rise in Occupational Coding Mismatches and Occupational Mobility, 1991–2020
Authors: Kim Andrew Taeho , Kim ChangHwan
Published: January 2025

Occupation is a construct prone to classification mismatches by coders and description inconsistency by respondents. We explore whether mismatches in occupational coding have recently increased, what factors are associated with the rise in mismatches, and how the rise affects estimates of intragenerational occupational mobility. Utilizing the 1991–2020 Annual Social and Economic Supplement of the Current Population Survey, which collects information on respondents’ current occupation and the previous year’s main occupation, we identify coding mismatches and compare the probabilities of occupational mobility based on four combinations of two variables. Our results show that not only do the estimates of occupational mobility between two adjacent years vary substantially across measures, but also that the magnitudes of intragenerational occupational mobility across measures become increasingly decoupled over time. We demonstrate that the likely cause of this divergence is the rise in coding mismatches between coders. We discuss the implications of our findings.
Probation pracademics: Protectors of the ‘honourable profession’?
Authors: Ainslie Samantha , Riley Laura
Published: January 2025

This article attempts to widen the debate about the future of probation by way of an exploration of the role of probation pracademics within the context of the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP). Reflecting upon our own experiences of probation education (as former probation practitioners, now PQiP tutors and probation researchers), we draw upon transformative pedagogy to argue that pracademics are ideally placed to influence and shape the future of probation as a distinct occupation by enactment of three crucial functions within probation education: (re)formulation of probation values, building bridges between theory and praxis and protection of the ‘honourable profession’.
Accumulation by repossession: Capitalist settler colonialism in Coast Salish territory
Authors: van der Haegen Thilo , Whiteside Heather
Published: January 2025

Several Coast Salish First Nations are actively involved in land reclamation and redevelopment in the greater Vancouver region (Canada). Through their for-profit development corporations, entities like Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation (Squamish Nation) and the joint-venture Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Development Corporation have become key players in the lucrative Vancouver property market in partnership with other public and private land developers. Situating multibillion-dollar holdings like the Jericho and Sen̓áḵw projects that further highest-and-best-use appraisal within the context of the area’s settler colonial history, we argue that land repossession and its associated development was made possible through settler colonial forms like corporate decisions, legal judgements and political frameworks that rendered land ready for disposal. Repossession thus created options for new types of reintegration into capitalist spheres, primarily as residential real estate projects, independent from specific configurations of land tenure as fee simple or reserve land. Advancing the concept of ‘accumulation by repossession,’ a recursive moment associated with dispossession, we describe how First Nations peoples are regaining land title and political-economic control at the same time as their development corporations are promoting urban capital accumulation through privatized profit-making. Land ‘improvement’, speculation, and the creation of private real property have driven Indigenous dispossession in Coast Salish territory just as they now shape repossession.
Prolactin-induced sensitization of trigeminal nociceptors promotes migraine co-morbidity in endometriosis
Authors: Lee Grace J. , Hode Veronica , Georgieva Teodora , Rau Jill , Dodick David W. , Schwedt Todd J. , Neugebauer Volker , Porreca Frank , Navratilova Edita
Published: January 2025

Background

Women with endometriosis are more likely to have migraine. The mechanisms underlying this co-morbidity are unknown. Prolactin, a neurohormone secreted and released into circulation from the anterior pituitary, can sensitize sensory neurons from female, but not male, rodents, monkeys and human donors.

Methods

We used a syngeneic model of endometriosis to determine whether elevated prolactin levels can sensitize trigeminal ganglion neurons and increase vulnerability to migraine pain.

Results

Mice with endometriotic lesions showed increased serum prolactin levels and developed persistent abdominal, but not cephalic, allodynia. However, inhalation of a transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 agonist, umbellulone, a known environmental trigger of headache in some patients, elicited cephalic allodynia in mice with endometriosis but not sham controls, suggesting that endometriosis can promote sensitization of trigeminal neurons and migraine attacks. Endometriosis dysregulated the expression of prolactin receptor isoforms in trigeminal neurons and increased their excitability measured by in vitro patch clamp electrophysiology. Inhibition of pituitary prolactin following a 2-week treatment with a dopamine receptor agonist, cabergoline, prevented cephalic allodynia elicited by activation of trigeminal afferents with umbellulone. Cabergoline treatment also normalized the expression of prolactin receptor isoforms in trigeminal ganglia and the hyperexcitability of trigeminal neurons.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that circulating prolactin in endometriosis promotes vulnerability to migraine through sensitization of trigeminal afferents. Clinically available dopamine receptor agonists or novel monoclonal antibodies targeting prolactin signaling may be effective for migraine prevention in women with endometriosis.
Efficiency analysis of geological exploration, mineral production, and land restoration in China's provinces under natural change
Authors: Chang Tzu-Han , Chiu Yung-ho , Chen Hsiang-Yue , Yeh Long , Ji Li
Published: January 2025

China is one of the world's largest producers of mineral resources and possesses abundant mineral reserves, and its mining industry thus plays a crucial role in the country's economic development. However, most studies overlook the importance of geological exploration activities preceding mineral production and the impact of land restoration on said production under external environmental factors. Therefore, this research utilizes the meta recycle undesirable dynamic three-stage directional distance function (DDF) under exogenous model to investigate geological exploration stage efficiency, mineral production stage efficiency, and land restoration stage efficiency in different regions of China. The research findings are as follows. (a) The overall efficiency in the east region surpasses that of the other regions. (b) The central region exhibits the lowest efficiency in the geological exploration stage and mineral production stage. (c) Land restoration stage efficiency in all regions needs improvement due to the impact of precipitation.
Impact of internet development on transportation carbon emissions: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Junhao , Liu Yuxin , Wang Peng , Mei Danbing , Jia Zhixing , Wang Jiaming , Wang Haikun , Huang Lei
Published: January 2025

The development of the internet is of great significance for carbon reduction in the transportation sector. Drawing on panel data from 31 provinces in China spanning 2011 to 2021, we present novel evidence from the transportation sector. We construct an internet development assessment system comprising 18 indicators and compute an internet development index from four dimensions. Employing OLS, mediation analysis, and dynamic threshold panel models, we validate the relationship between the internet development index and carbon emissions in the transportation sector. Results indicate a significant increase in transportation sector carbon emissions with internet development, with a 0.072% rise in emissions for every 1% increase in the internet development index. This is primarily attributed to the influence of internet development on increasing internet shopping, vehicle ownership, and travel scale. Importantly, in regions with higher transportation sector carbon emissions, such as Shanghai, internet development may also lead to emission reductions. Thus, the Chinese government should pay particular attention to strategically employing internet technology in different regions, leveraging its technical advantages to promote carbon emission reduction strategies in the transportation sector.
Efficacy of botulinum toxin combined with rehabilitation treatments in the treatment of post-stroke spasticity: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Ke Meihua , Li Dongxia , Zhou Peike , Geng Hongli , Zhang Qingfang , Zhi Liang , Hong Yaqing , Wang Yulong , Long Jianjun
Published: January 2025

Background

There is growing interest in the combination of botulinum toxin (BoNT) and rehabilitation techniques for the treatment of post-stroke spasticity. Nevertheless, systematic evaluations of this approach are scarce.

Objective

To systematically evaluate the efficacy of BoNT combined with rehabilitation techniques for post-stroke spasticity.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from their inception to May 2024 for randomized controlled trials of BoNT combined with rehabilitation treatments for post-stroke spasticity. Reductions in the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score at short-term and medium-term weeks after treatment were calculated.

Results

Eighteen studies were analyzed. Regarding the short-term effect of BoNT combined with rehabilitation treatments on post-stroke spasticity, the top one ranked combination treatments were BoNT plus conventional therapy (CT) and splinting. The results showed that two evidence networks regarding the medium-term efficacy of BoNT combined with rehabilitation treatments for post-stroke spasticity. The top one ranked combination treatments for Network A were BoNT plus CT and electrical stimulation, and for Network B, BoNT plus casting.

Conclusions

The limited quantity of literature included in these studies did not permit the ordering of probabilities. Consequently, these results must be interpreted with caution and further validated using high-quality studies.
Autonomous aircraft maneuvering under unknown CG variations through a robust adaptive backstepping control
Authors: Khanna Anukaran , Mukherjee Bijoy K , Sinha Manoranjan
Published: January 2025

The objective of the present article is to address the hitherto unaddressed problem of executing demanding autonomous aircraft maneuvers mitigating significant uncertainties in lateral center of gravity (c.g.) position. As a major contribution, it is shown that, under a reasonable simplifying assumption, a strict feedback form of the dynamics with affine in c.g. position can be derived from the highly coupled equations of motion that is caused by asymmetric c.g. variations. Thereafter, a two-step adaptive backstepping control is proposed adapting to the c.g. position automatically. Also, the useful nonlinearities in the dynamics are identified from the aircraft’s dataset and are retained to prevent a conservative control design. To provide further robustness to the aforementioned model simplification as well as to aerodynamic uncertainties, a fast adaptive sliding mode control is integrated with each of the two steps of the baseline adaptive backstepping control and the asymptotic stability of the overall system is proved using Lyapunov’s method. To validate the efficacy of the proposed control, the high angle of attack Herbst maneuver is simulated for the F18-HARV aircraft and nearly identical maneuver performance is achieved over a wide range of lateral c.g. variations on either side of the fuselage centerline. Real time hardware in loop simulations are also performed to establish the real time applicability of the proposed control.
Distributed formation control of AUVs under external disturbance and intermittent communication
Authors: Zhao Ke , Deng Zhongchao , Mu Xiaokai , Qin Hongde
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the leader-follower formation control problem for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in the presence of intermittent communications and external disturbances. For intermittent communication control, the time intervals of communication are made up of two parts: the normal time interval and the break time interval. During the normal communication period, the AUV will transmit its own states to its neighbors, while in the break time, there is no information interaction in the communication network. Hence, it is unknown whether the stability of the formation could be guaranteed in the presence of intermittent communication. Moreover, the existence of external disturbance will further affect the performance of the formation in a negative way. Considering these problems, a sliding mode surface constructed by a segment auxiliary variable is developed to relieve the system instability caused by the sudden change in control effectiveness during the intermittent interruption period. The first controller realized the formation mission by combining the adaptive algorithm and the proposed auxiliary system. However, the leader in the above discussion is static which is limited in practical application. Considering a dynamic leader whose velocity is not available to every follower, a distributed dynamic compensator is developed to deliver the leader’s velocity information among the followers. Finally, theoretical analysis and simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed formation control scheme.
Using suture-mediated closure device for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation: A single-center experience of post-closing technique
Authors: Lin Ching-Kai , Chou Yu-Lun , Sheu Jiunn-Jye , Chen Yen-Yu
Published: January 2025

Background:

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a critical treatment for severe cardiopulmonary failure. However, traditional ECMO decannulation methods, such as manual compression and surgical repair, are associated with significant complications. This study evaluates suture-mediated closure devices, specifically Perclose ProGlide, as a potentially favorable decannulation strategy.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted on 31 patients who underwent arterial decannulation with the post-closing technique using Perclose ProGlide devices between September 2023 and June 2024. Patients were selected using various inclusion criteria for the approach. Decannulation was performed at the bedside by well-trained vascular surgeons. Outcome parameters like the hemostatic result, wound complication, and limb ischemia were analyzed.

Results:

The study included 31 patients with a need for decannulation of ECMO arterial cannula, with a mean age of 51.1 years. Thirty patients (96.8%) achieved successful primary hemostasis. The patient who failed primary hemostasis developed acute ischemia due to septic shock caused by the use of inotropic agents. No significant complications were observed in the rest of the patients.

Conclusion:

The post-closing technique using suture-mediated closure devices demonstrated high success and low complication rates, making it a safer and more effective alternative to traditional ECMO decannulation methods. This study showed outstanding results compared to previously published articles. This technique can provide various significant advantages under certain clinical situations.
Vaping: A Safe Alternative to Counteract Smoking? Case Report
Authors: Martínez-Ávila María Cristina , Matijasevic Ardila Eugenio , Acosta Cardozo Alieth Lucía , Alvarado Castro Cristian Camilo , Matiz-Bueno Carlos Eduardo
Published: January 2025

The respiratory impact of e-cigarette usage, also known as vaping, emerged as a significant healthcare issue in 2019. This concern arose due to the sharp rise in cases of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) among adolescents and young adults. Now, systemic manifestations have been described. We present the case of a 39-year-old male patient who had been vaping for 5 years and developed EVALI associated with multiple severe complications, including acute myocardial infarction, metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury and sepsis-like syndrome, requiring hospitalization in the critical care unit. Every day, reports of patients with systemic complications due to the use of e-cigarettes are becoming more frequent. Therefore, it is crucial for clinicians to be aware of this condition and to consider whether vaping truly constitutes a safe alternative to combat smoking.
Ethnic and racial influences on blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review
Authors: Kjaergaard Daniel , Simonsen Anja Hviid , Waldemar Gunhild , Nielsen T Rune
Published: January 2025

Background

Little is known about confounding factors influencing Alzheimer's disease (AD) blood biomarker concentrations.

Objective

The objective of this systematic review was to explore the available evidence for the influences of ethnicity and race on AD blood biomarker concentrations.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive systematic search in PubMed and Web of Science databases spanning from inception until 15 June 2023. We included studies that utilized plasma or serum biomarkers (amyloid-β [Aβ], total tau [t-tau], phosphorylated tau [p-tau], neurofilament light [NfL], and glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]), compared individuals with AD to healthy controls, and included a minimum of two ethnic or racial groups for comparison. A total of 10 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. All studies were conducted in the US.

Results

Seven studies reported differences in blood biomarker concentrations between ethnic or racial groups. However, after adjusting for medical conditions and social determinants of health, the differences became non-significant in two of the studies. The included studies differed in their included covariates and their statistical approaches, which complicated the interpretation of the observed differences.

Conclusions

The available evidence suggests that ethnicity and race may influence blood biomarker concentrations. However, it remains unclear to what extent these differences are mediated by differences in social determinants of health and medical conditions. Future studies are needed to explore ethnic and racial differences in blood biomarkers, including studies in diverse samples outside the US.
Beyond swipes: Navigating COVID-19, dating apps and life politics
Authors: Yodovich Neta , Heaphy Brian , Iglesias Jaime Garcia
Published: January 2025

This article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dating app users’ experiences, revealing how it brought life politics to the forefront. Through 53 in-depth interviews, it investigates the evolution of the dating apps feature, ‘I’m vaccinated’ badges, from symbols of vaccination status to indicators of political attitudes. Users used the badges for self-representation, seeking political homophily and rejecting those with different attitudes towards the pandemic and vaccines. In this manner, instead of bringing people together and promoting the vaccine on the apps, the badges led to rifts and divisions among users. As the pandemic's severity declined and social restrictions were lifted, the importance of COVID-related attitudes in partner selection diminished. Interviewees expressed a desire to move beyond pandemic politics, a sentiment we termed ‘COVID bracketing’. Thus, this study demonstrates how intimate relationships can become politically charged during periods of social turbulence.
Evaluating the quality of Spanish-language information for patients with type 2 diabetes on YouTube and Facebook
Authors: Soto-Chávez María Juliana , Díaz-Brochero Candida , Gómez-Medina Ana María , Henao Diana Cristina , Muñoz Oscar Mauricio
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Spanish speakers rely on social media for health information, with varying quality of its content. This study evaluates the reliability, completeness, and quality of type 2 diabetes (T2D) information available in Spanish-language videos on YouTube and Facebook. Methods: Analytical observational study that included Spanish-language videos on TD2 available on Facebook and YouTube. General characteristics, interaction and generating sources are described. Standardized tools were used to assess reliability, completeness and overall quality. Results: We included 172 videos, 90 from Youtube® and 82 from Facebook®. The median number of views was 1725 (IQR 213–10,000), with an average duration of 5.93 minutes (IQR 3.2–16.8) and an internet time of 834 days (IQR 407–1477). Most videos were uploaded by independent users (58.72%). Reliability (evaluated with DISCERN tool) had a median of 3 (IQR 2-3), completeness (content score) had a median of 2 (IQR 1-3), and overall quality, evaluated with the Global Quality Score (GQS) tool had a median of 3 (IQR 3-4). Using a global classification of “subjective reliability” 92.4% of the videos were considered reliable. Better completeness was observed in Facebook videos ( p < .001). Reliability was better for videos from government or news organizations. Conclusion: Our results suggest that videos about T2D in Spanish on social media such as YouTube and Facebook have good reliability and quality, with greater exhaustiveness in content in Facebook videos and greater reliability for videos from government or news organizations.
The challenge for political personal branding - The democratic leader paradox
Authors: Shavit Anna , Konrádová Marcela
Published: January 2025

The present text is a theoretical study that brings a new perspective on the issue of political branding in contemporary democracies. The goal is to answer the apparent contradictions we see in the campaign narratives of the current leaders. How do you simply connect the fact that you are part of the political establishment and you are equally against the elites? A candidate’s independent brand is gaining more and more space and attention. Today, people vote for a personality they can connect with, not parties that try to lure them with empty promises (Saelens, 2019). Hughes (2007), Hughes, Dann, and Neale (2008) understand leaders and politicians in general not only as a component of a party’s political brand but directly as so-called personal brands, that is, as separate unique brands that are then in a “co-branding” relationship with the party brand. A candidate’s brand is the politician’s public image, formed from all communication impressions (Marland, 2013, p. 4). One of the essential components of the personal brand is the story that the politician’s brand tells. A successful personal brand in politics nowadays combines two narratives in particular - on the one hand, the politician is supposed to embody a hero; on the other hand, he is supposed to be one of us, an ordinary person. These contradictory characteristics, which voters are clamoring for in today’s turbulent times, have been referred to in the literature as the paradox of the democratic leader (e.g., Kane, Hart, and Patapan 2011; Hart and Uhr, 2008). How do we reconcile these conflicting archetypes in a single political brand?
Fiduciary duties in the climate context: Indian law with comparative notes
Authors: Mandal Rudresh , Agrawal Shuchi
Published: January 2025

This article will discuss the fiduciary duties of directors under Indian laws to consider climate risk and work toward adaptation and mitigation. The second part of this article will briefly examine the effects of climate change on the Indian corporate landscape. Following this, the third part will analyze the Indian legal framework that governs director duties in the context of climate change. The fourth section of this article will explore the challenges that hinder the enforcement of the directors’ duties to act in the interests of stakeholders, including the environment. Subsequently, the fifth section will offer policy recommendations and legal reform suggestions on managing the issues raised in the preceding section. Lastly, the article will concludes, emphasizing the need to have a robust system for nudging directors to take into account the interests of an array of stakeholders, while undertaking and managing commercial ventures.
A quantitative recognition method based on VMD, CNN, and SVM for detecting wire rope breakage damage inside elevator steel belts
Authors: Peng Yuxing , Gu Jun , Chang Xiangdong , Zhang Xiuheng , Jiang Gushuo
Published: January 2025

Breakage of the wire rope inside the belt, a very common damage, affects the performance of the belt and the safety of the elevator. Additionally, serious challenges remain in reducing the noise of damage signals, selecting effective features, and quantitatively detecting damage. Based on variational modal decomposition (VMD), convolution neural network (CNN), and support vector machine (SVM), a new method is proposed for diagnosing steel belt wire rope damage. First, a low-pass noise reduction algorithm is constructed using VMD for reducing the noise of the damaged signals. Then, the model of particle swarm optimization (PSO) of CNN parameters is established for effective extraction of features. Next, based on the pre-extracted features as data samples, a multiparameter optimization model of particle swarm combined with SVM is developed for quantitatively recognizing different damage degrees of wire ropes inside steel belts. Finally, the effectiveness of the method is verified by the constructed wire rope damage simulation test bench, and the recognition accuracy reached 98.89%. The results verify the feasibility of the method, which outperforms the traditional methods of noise reduction, feature extraction, and recognition in the diagnosis of broken wires.
Galvanic corrosion of Q345 steel in seawater under varying dissolved oxygen conditions
Authors: Liu Wenjuan , Yuan Jiandu , Hu Jiezhen , Deng Peichang , Cao Xinghui
Published: January 2025

The galvanic coupling corrosion behaviour of Q345 steel in seawater with different dissolved oxygen contents (DOC) was investigated in this paper by using self-designed detachable electrodes fabricated as chain electrodes, and by using immersion and electrochemical methods in combination with macroscopic and microscopic corrosion morphology. Compared with the corrosion of the chain electrode in the non-electrically connected state, in the electrically connected state, the corrosion current densities of the corresponding electrodes were smaller and the Rp values were larger when the DOC was 8.50, 7.50 and 5.50 mg L−1, indicating that the corrosion reaction was mainly a self-corrosion reaction when the DOC was 8.50, 7.50 and 5.50 mg L−1. When DOC is 9.50 and 6.50 mg L−1, the corrosion current density of the corresponding electrode was larger, the Rp value was smaller, the corrosion products on the surface of the electrode had a loose structure, the relative content of iron was higher, and the corrosion reaction was mainly galvanic coupling corrosion reaction.
Facilitators and Barriers to COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among Meat Processing Workers in Nebraska: A Mixed-Methods Analysis Using the COM-B Model
Authors: Ramos Athena K. , Prado Priscila Soto , Carvajal-Suárez Marcela , Herstein Jocelyn J. , Trinidad Natalia , Lowe Abigail E.
Published: January 2025

The meat processing industry was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Deemed essential, the meat processing workforce faced the risk of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Along with other essential workforces, meat processing workers were prioritized in the national approach to receive COVID-19 vaccines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This mixed methods study aimed to identify the facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake by meat processing workers in Nebraska through interviews ( n = 29), a survey ( n = 857), and application of the COM-B model. We found that facilitators for vaccine uptake included having information about the vaccine available; providing vaccines at the workplace, in pharmacies, and throughout the community to increase accessibility; feeling that there was a social responsibility to get vaccinated; believing that the vaccine was protective; and the use of various incentives. Barriers for vaccine uptake included workers’ personal health issues; not having the right information to make an informed decision; logistical and contextual issues that made it challenging to get vaccinated; the disconnect between faith and science; individual choice being highly valued; and uncertainty and misinformation causing fear of the vaccine. Understanding facilitators and barriers to vaccine uptake by meat processing workers is critical to informing public health interventions, evidence-informed guidelines and policies, and tailored messaging to increase vaccination coverage among an essential workforce that inherently assumes occupational risk during infectious disease events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for public health practitioners are provided.
Breaking Balance: Synaptic Interneuron Properties Shift the E-I Balance in FCD I Epilepsy
Authors: Muldoon, PhD Sarah F.
Published: January 2025

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Change in management for digital subtraction angiography-identified false-positive traumatic vertebral artery injury
Authors: Yi Zixin , Vankawala Jessica , Koneru Manisha , Oliveira Renato , Santucci Joshua , Morse Charles , Ifrach Joseph , Al-Atrache Zein , Fox Nicole M. , Goldenberg-Sandau Anna , Khalife Jane , Tonetti Daniel A. , Mossop Corey M. , Shaikh Hamza A.
Published: January 2025

Background

For patients with suspected traumatic vertebral artery injury (TVAI), CT angiography (CTA) is the first-line screening modality. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) serves as the confirmatory diagnostic imaging, and is the gold standard for cerebrovascular injury assessment, due to its higher sensitivity and specificity. Among patients with TVAI based on CTA who have undergone follow-up DSA, this study aims to investigate how diagnostic information with additional imaging affects clinical management.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted over 7 years (2016–2023) at a level 1 trauma center for TVAI patients undergoing both CTA and DSA. Pre- and post-DSA approaches to TVAI management were compared and summarized using propensity-score matched analysis.

Results

Among the 69 patients studied, 24.6% were determined to have false-positive TVAI after DSA. The rate of change in management after DSA was significantly different across DSA+ and DSA- cohorts (p = 0.02). The likelihood of a change in management in patients with based on outcome of the DSA was significant (p = 0.03) in the propensity-matched cohort. On average, 3 (NNI = 3.2) patients would need to receive a DSA for one additional patient to undergo a change in management.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that, despite initial CTA imaging suggestive of TVAI, follow-up DSA imaging negative for TVAI has a significant impact on changing clinical management, including cessation of antithrombotic agents. Thus, for TVAI patients, DSA may be considered in the diagnostic workup for select patients with positive CTA. Larger cohort analyses are needed to refine imaging algorithms and optimize clinical outcomes for TVAI patients.
Meditation in Qualitative Research for Bracketing and Beyond
Authors: Grajzel Katalin
Published: January 2025

In this study, I recounted my experience using mantra meditation during a phenomenological study for the purposes of bracketing. The efficacy and purpose of bracketing have been debated from Husserl (1931), whose aimed was to achieve objectivity, to Heidegger (1962) who advocated for immersion of the researcher, through the French school (Merleau-Ponty, 1964) of middle ground, by whom bracketing was seen as the process to unearth and suspend biases for the better understanding of participants’ experiences (Arsel, 2017; Creswell & Creswell, 2017; Creswell & Poth, 2016; Fischer & Guzel, 2023). In this study, however, I propose another approach to bracketing that expands beyond phenomenology and the duality of objectivity or immersion. I propose that bracketing, with the aim of meditation is inseparable from qualitative research. Meditation, as a form of bracketing, provokes the researcher to be fully present ensuring that participants’ experiences are heard and interpreted in a faithful manner. In this orientation, the goal of bracketing is not to rid one’s subjectivity but to allow subjectivity to be diminished and the researcher to be fully present to the other.
Decoupling the Effects of Fire and Dry Season Drought on Seedling Establishment Success of Tree Functional Types in Humid Savannas
Authors: Issifu Hamza , van Langevelde Frank , Logah Vincent , Ametsitsi George K.D. , Klijn Jelle , Satorelli Paolo , Tanson Millicent , Bayor Hypolite , Vergeer Philippine , Veenendaal Elmar
Published: January 2025

Background: In the seasonal tropics, fire generally occurs in the dry season. Consequently, the effects of fire and dry season drought on seedling establishment of different tree functional types are correlated. Therefore, factors that are more important for tree recruitment in forest-savanna ecotones are still poorly understood. Methods: We studied seedling establishment success of seven tropical tree species (of forest and forest-savanna transition origins) in a common garden experiment using combinations of dry season (irrigation vs no-irrigation) and fire (burning vs no-burning). Results: We found that burning caused a significant decline in survival of forest species, but not of forest-savanna transition species. The combination of burning without dry season irrigation (which typifies dry season fire) had the largest overall effect on survival, mass and height of plants. The separate effect of burning was larger than that of dry season drought. Seedling size at the onset of the dry season significantly predicted root starch content and, hence, dry season survival probability of forest-savanna transition species, but not of forest species. Dry season irrigation increased post-fire survival of forest-savanna transition species, but not of forest species, possibly linked to differences in resprout capacity and root starch reserves. Conclusion: Our work shows that fire and dry season drought produce a stronger negative effect together, than their separate effects on seedling establishment particularly of forest species. This provides a mechanistic explanation for the existence of forest-savanna transition species in fire-prone humid savannas. Implications for Conservation: The mosaic of forest, transitional and savanna vegetation within the forest-savanna ecotone reflects the influences of fire and dry season drought. Any changes in these elements will influence vegetation dynamics within the forest-savanna ecotone.
Heart Transplantation Outcomes for Fontan Patients When Using Contemporary Strategies: Heart-Liver Transplantation and Ventricular Assist Device Therapy
Authors: Hogue Spencer J. , Greenberg Jason W. , Mehdizadeh-Shrifi Amir , Villa Chet R. , Chin Clifford , Lorts Angela , Opotowsky Alexander R. , Lehenbauer David G. , Morales David L. S.
Published: January 2025

Background

With an increasing number of Fontan patients surviving into adulthood, the burden of end-stage heart failure is increasing. Prior studies have reported suboptimal heart transplantation (HTx) outcomes. Therefore, the authors describe their institutional experience of HTx in patients with Fontan circulation failure, including en-bloc heart-liver transplantation (HLTx) and pretransplant systemic ventricular assist device (SVAD) therapies.

Methods

All consecutive Fontan-palliated patients undergoing HTx or HLTx between 2013 and 2022 at the authors’ institution were included. Pretransplant characteristics and posttransplant outcomes were recorded.

Results

Twenty-six transplant recipients, including 5 (19%) HLTx recipients, were identified. The majority (n = 16, 62%) of patients had a cardiac diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Seven (26%) patients were bridged to transplant on an SVAD; the median duration of support was 104 [IQR 39-543] days. Transplantation occurred at a median of 10.6 [IQR 6.8-15.6] years post-Fontan. Fourteen (54%) patients had ≥1 in-hospital complication and 4 (15%) patients required an in-hospital reoperation. Postdischarge reinterventions included tricuspid valve repair (n = 1, 4%) and retransplantation (n = 1, 4%). Two (8%) in-hospital mortalities [22 days (post-HLTx), 2.9 months (post-HTx] and 4 (15%) postdischarge mortalities [5.4 months, 3.1 years, 5.7 years, 7.1 years (all post-HTx)] occurred. Overall survival was excellent, with in-hospital, one-year, and five-year actuarial survival being 92%, 89%, and 80%, respectively.

Conclusions

The current series demonstrates that excellent posttransplant outcomes are achievable for patients with Fontan circulation failure using a comprehensive approach including SVAD and HLTx therapies. Pretransplant optimization, sometimes including SVAD implantation, and meticulous operative planning are imperative strategies for successful patient outcomes.