bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thrombocytopenia in dengue infection: mechanisms and a potential application
Authors: Khazali Ahmad Suhail , Hadrawi Waqiyuddin Hilmi , Ibrahim Fatimah , Othman Shatrah , Nor Rashid Nurshamimi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThrombocytopenia is a common symptom and one of the warning signs of dengue virus (DENV) infection. Platelet depletion is critical as it may lead to other severe dengue symptoms. Understanding the molecular events of this condition during dengue infection is challenging because of the multifaceted factors involved in DENV infection and the dynamics of the disease progression. Platelet levels depend on the balance between platelet production and platelet consumption or clearance. Megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis, two interdependent processes in platelet production, are hampered during dengue infection. Conversely, platelet elimination via platelet activation, apoptosis and clearance processes are elevated. Together, these anomalies contribute to thrombocytopenia in dengue patients. Targeting the molecular events of dengue-mediated thrombocytopenia shows great potential but still requires further investigation. Nonetheless, the application of new knowledge in this field, such as immature platelet fraction analysis, may facilitate physicians in monitoring the progression of the disease.
A maternal low-protein diet results in sex-specific differences in synaptophysin expression and milk fatty acid profiles in neonatal rats
Authors: Bello-Medina Paola C. , Díaz-Muñoz Mauricio , Martín del Campo Sandra Teresita , Pacheco-Moisés Fermín Paul , Flores Miguel Claudia , Cobián Cervantes Raquel , García Solano Perla Belén , Navarro-Meza Mónica 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis have highlighted the link between early life environment and long-term health outcomes in offspring. For example, maternal protein restriction during pregnancy and lactation can result in adverse metabolic and cognitive outcomes in offspring postnatal. Hence, in the present study, we assess whether an isocaloric low-protein diet (ILPD) affects the fatty acid profile in breast milk, the hippocampal synaptophysin (Syn) ratio, and the oxidative stress markers in the neonatal stage of male and female offspring. The aim of this work was to assess the effect of an ILPD on the fatty acid profile in breast milk, quantified the hippocampal synaptophysin (Syn) ratio and oxidative stress markers in neonatal stage of male and female offspring. Female Wistar rats were fed with either a control diet or an ILPD during gestation to day 10 of lactation. Oxidative stress markers were assessed in serum and liver. All quantifications were done at postnatal day 10. The results showed: ILPD led to decreases of 38.5% and 17.4% in breast milk volume and polyunsaturated fatty acids content. Significant decreases of hippocampal Syn ratio in male offspring (decreases of 98% in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal and CA1 oriens, 83%, stratum pyramidal in CA3, 80%, stratum lucidum in CA3, and 81% stratum oriens in CA3). Male offspring showed an increase in pro-oxidant status in serum and liver. Thus, the data suggest that male offspring are more vulnerable than females to an ILPD during gestation and lactation.
Human Trafficking Dynamics and Prevention Efforts as an Outcome of Russia’s War on Ukraine
Authors: Dean Laura A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDebates on the connection between human trafficking and war have been discussed in wars and conflicts across the globe. Russia’s war on Ukraine has brought this relationship to the forefront again, questioning whether trafficking flows have increased, examining the types of trafficking in war, and determining the conditions (if any) that make it flourish. This article examines human trafficking in Ukraine before the war and during limited and total war to determine how governments with robust anti-trafficking institutions negotiate anti-trafficking responses over different stages of war. The main research question of this study aims to determine how different stages of the war in Ukraine have changed human trafficking dynamics and responses over time. Using data from interviews and participant observations from Ukraine, I analyze the different types of human trafficking characteristics and flows, conditions that create vulnerabilities, and prevention tools that have been used in different periods. I theorize that war fundamentally alters human trafficking prevention but a foundation of prevention tools before war means that governments are better able to respond to human trafficking dynamics and flows when war occurs. Ukraine offers a unique and important perspective from which to examine human trafficking dynamics and the consequences of war due to a stable government, external aggressor, and clear path for those fleeing the violence to the European Union. The results show that Ukraine’s strong prevention efforts before the war helped shape responses after the war and full-scale invasion began. The data revealed that human trafficking is a longer-term form of gender-based violence in war because the exploitation is prolonged and there is a delay in identifying victims.
Multidimensional conflicts over disarmament and international security: analyzing speeches in the First Committee of the UN General Assembly
Authors: Finke Daniel , Risse Tobias 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In this article, we explore the rhetorical space structuring the debates in the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) Committee on Disarmament and International Security. To this end, we unfold states' speeches by combining three established methods. First, we estimate terms' relevance for latent topics structuring the debates with structural topic modeling. Second, we estimate topic-specific positions based on the Wordfish algorithm. Third, we map these positions onto a lower-dimensional rhetorical space using principal component analysis. We identify two latent conflicts. First, a debate over conventional weapons with states emphasizing security interests on the one end and humanitarian interests on the other. Second, a conflict over weapons of mass destruction that divides defenders and challengers of the status quo.
ON THE EVANS CHAIN COMPLEX
Authors: LIPPERT S. JOSEPH 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We elaborate on the construction of the Evans chain complex for higher-rank graph

$C^*$

-algebras. Specifically, we introduce a block matrix presentation of the differential maps. These block matrices are then used to identify a wide family of higher-rank graph

$C^*$

-algebras with trivial K-theory. Additionally, in the specialised case where the higher-rank graph consists of one vertex, we are able to use the Künneth theorem to explicitly compute the homology groups of the Evans chain complex.
Longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and cognitive function: the neurological mechanism of psychological and physical disturbances on memory
Authors: Dai Xiangwei , Liu Sihan , Li Xin , Chen Kewei , Gao Shudan , Wang Jun , Aarsland Dag , Han Zhuo Rachel , Zhang Zhanjun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe neural correlates underlying late-life depressive symptoms and cognitive deterioration are largely unclear, and little is known about the role of chronic physical conditions in such association. This research explores both concurrent and longitudinal associations between late-life depressive symptoms and cognitive functions, with examining the neural substrate and chronic vascular diseases (CVDs) in these associations.MethodsA total of 4109 participants (mean age = 65.4, 63.0% females) were evaluated for cognitive functions through various neuropsychological assessments. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale and CVDs were self-reported. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging, and functional MRI (fMRI) data were acquired in a subsample (n = 791).ResultsCognitively, higher depressive symptoms were correlated with poor performance across all cognitive domains, with the strongest association with episodic memory (r = ‒0.138, p < 0.001). Regarding brain structure, depressive symptoms were negatively correlated with thalamic volume and white matter integrity. Further, white matter integrity was found to mediate the longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and episodic memory (indirect effect = −0.017, 95% CI −0.045 to −0.002) and this mediation was only significant for those with severe CVDs (β = −0.177, p = 0.008).ConclusionsThis study is one of the first to provide neural evidence elucidating the longitudinal associations between late-life depressive symptoms and cognitive dysfunction. Additionally, the severity of CVDs strengthened these associations, which enlightens the potential of managing CVDs as an intervention target for preventing depressive symptoms-related cognitive decline.
Why hospitals hire tobacco lobbyists: conflicts of interest among lobbyists’ clients
Authors: Strickland James M. , Chakravadhanula Naimisha 
Published: October 2024

AbstractLobbyists sometimes represent clients with seemingly adversarial policy interests. We seek to explain the occurrence of such ostensible conflicts of interest. In hiring lobbyists, interests encounter a tradeoff between access and agency. Although some lobbyists promise access to lawmakers, they may not lobby as contracted. Interests hire seemingly conflicted lobbyists more often when access is costlier and reputational risks are smaller. We examine the hiring of tobacco lobbyists by health interests, given the possibilities for shirking and reputational damage. We find that institutions such as hospitals hire tobacco lobbyists regularly and more often than membership-based health groups. Intergroup competition for access and lobby laws, especially anti-conflict laws, affect the use of tobacco lobbyists independent of rates of multi-client lobbying. Conflicts are more common today than ever but interests can protect themselves somewhat from opportunistic agents. Our findings also suggest that reforms can improve the representation of client interests.
Kinematic calibration of a 5-DOF double-driven parallel mechanism with sub-closed loop on limbs
Authors: Wang Xuhao , Sun Shuo , Wu Mengli , Cao Yiran , Guo Zhiyong , Liu Zefu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper proposes a kinematic calibration method of a novel 5-degree-of-freedom double-driven parallel mechanism with the sub-closed loop on limbs. At first, considering the introduction of a sub-closed loop significantly increased the complexity and difficulty of kinematic error modeling, an equivalent transformation method is proposed for the limb with a sub-closed loop. Then kinematic error model of the parallel mechanism is established based on the closed-loop vector method and parasitic motion analysis, which is verified by virtual prototype technology. Because the full kinematic error model is generally redundant, error parameter identifiability analysis is carried out by QR decomposition of the identification Jacobian matrix, and the redundant parameters are removed. Additionally, the Sequence Forward Floating Search algorithm is utilized to optimize measurement configurations to reduce the influence of measurement noise. Finally, with a laser tracker as the measuring device, numerical simulations and experiments are implemented to verify the proposed kinematic calibration method. The experiment results show that average position and orientation errors are reduced from 2.778 mm and 1.115° to 0.263 mm and 0.176°, respectively, within the prescribed workspace.
Small forest patches in West Africa: mapping how they are changing to better inform their conservation
Authors: Wingate Vladimir R , Curatola Fernández Giulia F , Ifejika Speranza Chinwe 
Published: October 2024

SummaryIn West Africa, vast areas are being deforested; the remnant forest patches provide a wealth of ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation potential, yet they are threatened by human activity. Forest patches <100 ha have not been widely catalogued before; we mapped forest loss of small forest patches outside of protected areas in the Guinean savannah and humid Guineo-Congolian bioclimatic regions of Togo, Benin, Nigeria and Cameroon between 2000 and 2022. Focusing on the dynamics of small patches, without considering the splitting process of larger patches, we quantified changes in their number and area and the rate and trend of forest loss. Small forest patches are widespread, yet their area and number have decreased, while the forest loss rate is increasing. Primary forest patches lost almost half of their area annually – twice as much as secondary forests, and this loss was especially pronounced across small patches (0.5 – 10 ha), suggesting deforestation preferentially occurs in the smallest patches of primary forest. If forest loss continues at the current rate, 14% of the total forest area mapped in this study will have disappeared by 2032, jeopardizing their potential to provide ecosystem services and emphasizing the need for measures to counter their deforestation.
What we talk about when we talk about ‘human shields’: Reading international law through images
Authors: Sayed Abdelghany 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article advocates a turn to the visual in legal scholarship. The phenomenon used to elucidate this methodological proposition is the figure of the ‘human shields’ under international humanitarian law, viewed from within the lived history of the peoples of the Global South. Today, the ‘human shields’ notion profoundly shapes how international law operates in scenes of intense organized violence. Once deployed, the human shields claim triggers a radical shift in the applicable international legal framework. After this point, harm to the civilian population and space can be legally authorized and justified. This article challenges the ways in which the ‘human shields’ notion continues to be debated in mainstream legal scholarship and discourse in terms of doctrinal interpretation, examination of evidence, or analyses of ‘asymmetricity’ and ‘urbanization’ as ‘challenges’ in ‘contemporary’ war. Before any such inquiries, I argue, it is crucial to pay attention to the visual and the lived history of the peoples of the Global South. Images that exist in the cultural realm – of and about war and crime, the human shielding spectacle and its actors, and Global South societies – structure and delimit the legal conversation and predetermine its possible outcomes. I propose, in sum, an attention to the visual as a site of the legal inquiry that can inform our understanding and critique of the law and politics of human shields. Images enable, rationalize and provoke the emotions necessary for an ‘exceptional’ operation of international law that authorizes massive violence against Global South spaces and peoples.
Bioethics at the bedside: considering the adolescent voice in withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy
Authors: Lynch Aine , Helmers Andrew , Jeewa Aamir , Haller Christoph , Kirsch Roxanne 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDurable mechanical circulatory devices are commonly used to support children and adolescents in end-stage heart failure. However, these patients remain at high risk of acute medical complications, which may lead to significant impairment in functional capacity, altered quality of life, or death. We explore the incorporation of adolescent directives into medical decision-making in this scenario through a clinical case vignette.
Physical activity in the Fontan population: provider recommendations and patient actions
Authors: Pierick Alyson R. , Marshall Darren , Yu Sunkyung , Lowery Ray , Glenn Thomas , Hansen Jesse E. , Pickles Diane , Norris Mark D. , Russell Mark W. , Schumacher Kurt R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground:Emerging evidence suggests that routine physical activity may improve exercise capacity, long-term outcomes, and quality of life in individuals with Fontan circulation. Despite this, it is unclear how active these individuals are and what guidance they receive from medical providers regarding physical activity. The aim of this study was to survey Fontan patients on personal physical activity behaviours and their cardiologist-directed physical activity recommendations to set a baseline for future targeted efforts to improve this.Methods:An electronic survey assessing physical activity habits and cardiologist-directed guidance was developed in concert with content experts and patients/parents and shared via a social media campaign with Fontan patients and their families.Results:A total of 168 individuals completed the survey. The median age of respondents was 10 years, 51% identifying as male. Overall, 21% of respondents spend > 5 hours per week engaged in low-exertion activity and only 7% spend > 5 hours per week engaged in high-exertion activity. In all domains questioned, pre-adolescents reported higher participation rates than adolescents. Nearly half (43%) of respondents reported that they do not discuss activity recommendations with their cardiologist.Conclusions:Despite increasing evidence over the last two decades demonstrating the benefit of exercise for individuals living with Fontan circulation, only a minority of patients report engaging in significant amounts of physical activity or discussing activity goals with their cardiologist. Specific, individualized, and actionable education needs to be provided to patients, families, and providers to promote and support regular physical activity in this patient population.
Evaluation of mid-term outcomes of partial and intermediate atrioventricular canal defect surgery
Authors: Altin Husnu F. , Korun Oktay , Cicek Murat , Yurdakok Okan , Kilic Yigit , Selcuk Arif , Yilmaz Emine Hekim , Ergin Selma Oktay , Sasmazel Ahmet , Aydemir Numan A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground:The risk factors for reoperation and mortality after partial and intermediate atrioventricular canal defect repair are unclear. This study assessed the mid-term outcomes and risk factors for reoperation and mortality after partial and intermediate atrioventricular canal defect surgery.Methods:Ninety-seven patients who underwent primary repair of intermediate (n = 45) or partial (n = 52) atrioventricular canal defect between 2005 and 2019 were included in this single-centre study.Results:The median age was 5 years (2.7–8.9 years). The median follow-up time was 32 months (1.6–90.8 months). The estimated freedom from reoperation at 1, 5, and 10 years was 97%, 91%, and 73%, respectively.In multivariable analyses, post-operative left atrioventricular valve regurgitation of grade II or higher (odds ratio [OR]: 5.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8–15.5, p = 0.01) and post-operative residual intracardiac shunt (OR: 11.6, 95% CI: 1.6–85.8, p = 0.02) were risk factors for reoperation.In multivariable analyses, perioperative reoperation (OR: 93.4, 95% CI: 3.9–218.7, p = 0.01) and the need for right atrioventricular valve repair (OR: 11.2, 95% CI: 1.0 – 123.3, p = 0.04) were risk factors for mortality. Mortality was higher in patients under 2.6 years of age.Conclusion:For patients undergoing repair of partial or intermediate atrioventricular canal defect, those with post-operative left atrioventricular valve regurgitation of grade II or higher and post-operative residual intracardiac shunt have an increased reoperation risk. Higher mortality can be expected after a perioperative reoperation, and in patients requiring right atrioventricular valve repair during the index procedure.
Very high take-off the right coronary artery with double outlet right ventricle
Authors: Öztürk Musa , Aykan Hayrettin Hakan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article presents an anatomical variation of the very high take-off right coronary artery from the ascending aorta. Clinical care is complicated by the patient’s double outlet right ventricle and right aortic arch associated with this situation.
The effect of the social security on aggregate effective labor supply: the role of endogenous human capital and of selection effects
Authors: Brembilla Laurent 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
We quantify the importance of endogenous human capital and of selection effects for counterfactual analysis of social security (SS) reforms. The literature typically performs these analyses by using structural models featuring exogenous productivity profiles. However, this approach faces two issues: (i) the estimation of productivity is subject to selection bias, and (ii) productivity is endogenous to the SS reforms. In this paper, we estimate a quantitative overlapping generations model featuring endogenous human capital accumulation using US data. First, we eliminate the SS and find a large positive effect on aggregate effective labor supply (

${+}10.31\%$

). Next, we build variants of this model to quantify the two issues (i) and (ii). We find that the endogeneity issue (ii) is quantitatively more important than the selection bias issue (i).
Effects of the WHO analgesic ladder on pain severity, pain interference, and blood pressure control in hypertensive patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Srikrajang Siwaluk , Komolsuradej Narucha , Chaovalit Sirawee , Chuaychoosakoon Chaiwat 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aim:
This study aimed to investigate the effects of pain management according to the World Health Organization (WHO) analgesic ladder on pain severity, pain interference, and blood pressure (BP) in treated hypertensive patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Background:
Pain management can affect BP control owing to the proposed mechanism by which persistent pain contributes to increased BP. However, there are inadequate studies investigating the benefit of pain management in controlling both pain and BP in hypertensive patients who have chronic pain.

Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, demographic data and pain characteristics (resting pain score on the numerical pain rating scale, pain severity, and pain interference subscale of the Brief Pain Inventory) were collected via face-to-face interviews. BP was measured thrice on the same day. Data on pain medications taken in the previous 1 month were retrieved from the medical records. Participants were categorized into three groups following pain management patterns according to the WHO analgesic ladder: no, partial, and complete treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis (MLRA) was used to analyse the association between the variables and uncontrolled BP.

Findings:
Among 210 participants, the mean (standard deviation) age was 68 (15.5) years, and 60.47% had uncontrolled BP. The resting pain score, pain severity, and pain interference subscale scores of the complete treatment group were significantly lower than that of the partial treatment group (P = 0.036, 0.026, and 0.044, respectively). The MLRA revealed that pain management patterns were associated with uncontrolled BP (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 6.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.71−16.78; P < 0.001) and resting pain scores (AOR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.04−1.38; P = 0.048). Our findings suggest that pain management patterns adhering to the WHO analgesic ladder can reduce pain severity and pain interference and also control BP in hypertensive patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.