<p dir="ltr">While life expectancy has increased significantly over the decades since 1900, the increases have slowed in the 2010 to 2024 period compared to the 2004 to 2010 period for many developed countries. For less developed parts of the world, life expectancies have kept increasing. Just over half of the developed OECD nations have experienced slowdowns in their life expectancies, with the U.S. and the U.K. seeing the largest slowdowns, with both countries suffering a decade of early deaths. There is the question of whether life expectancy will keep getting longer, even if it is slowing, and there are two ideas on this question. <i>First</i>, there is the limited life span (LLS) model, which suggests that there is a limit to how long human lives can be extended. <i>Second</i> there is the radical life span (RLS) model, which suggests that there are effectively no limits as long as medicine and technology keeps improving life spans. One accepted metric of whether we live with limited life spans or with radical life spans is the change in life expectancy at birth, and this is called <i>e</i><sub><em>o</em></sub>. That is, if year-over-year <i>e</i><sub><em>o</em></sub> is greater that 0.3 years then it is considered that radical life expectancy change has or is occurring. Using this base metric we can identify trends over time and any decennial periods where <i>e</i><sub><em>o</em></sub> exceeds 3 years or more would indicate that the RLS model is functioning over the LLS model. When life expectancy data per decade are calculated and graphed LLS and RLS can be identified as longevity generations. In this paper such an analysis is undertaken, and the results indicate that we have entered a period of LLS that appears to be destined to last at least until the end of this century.</p>
<p dir="ltr">While life expectancy has increased significantly over the decades since 1900, the increases have slowed in the 2010 to 2024 period compared to the 2004 to 2010 period for many developed countries. For less developed parts of the world, life expectancies have kept increasing. Just over half of the developed OECD nations have experienced slowdowns in their life expectancies, with the U.S. and the U.K. seeing the largest slowdowns, with both countries suffering a decade of early deaths. There is the question of whether life expectancy will keep getting longer, even if it is slowing, and there are two ideas on this question. <i>First</i>, there is the limited life span (LLS) model, which suggests that there is a limit to how long human lives can be extended. <i>Second</i> there is the radical life span (RLS) model, which suggests that there are effectively no limits as long as medicine and technology keeps improving life spans. One accepted metric of whether we live with limited life spans or with radical life spans is the change in life expectancy at birth, and this is called <i>e</i><sub><em>o</em></sub>. That is, if year-over-year <i>e</i><sub><em>o</em></sub> is greater that 0.3 years then it is considered that radical life expectancy change has or is occurring. Using this base metric we can identify trends over time and any decennial periods where <i>e</i><sub><em>o</em></sub> exceeds 3 years or more would indicate that the RLS model is functioning over the LLS model. When life expectancy data per decade are calculated and graphed LLS and RLS can be identified as longevity generations. In this paper such an analysis is undertaken, and the results indicate that we have entered a period of LLS that appears to be destined to last at least until the end of this century.</p>
Munadhil A. Muqsith, Valerii L. Muzykant, Bekti S. Istiyanto
Western philosophy has profoundly shaped global civilization, influencing understanding of the world. This dominance, however, presents both opportunities and challenges. This paper argues that the current paradigm of Western philosophy, rooted in modern philosophy’s emphasis on rationality, has become dogmatic and ultimately self-defeating. The pursuit of scientific knowledge, while valuable, has been driven by a narrow conception of rationality that prioritizes logic and empirical evidence while neglecting other crucial dimensions of human experience. This overemphasis on scientification, as Nietzsche argued, has led to a dehumanization of existence by reducing human life to mere rationality, disregarding the importance of narrative, historical memory, and contextual understanding. This paper will critically examine the limitations of this dominant paradigm through a review of Western philosophical thought. By highlighting internal contradictions within modern philosophy itself, we aim to demonstrate how the current emphasis on scientification has stifled the diversity and richness of philosophical inquiry. Ultimately, we argue for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to philosophy that recognizes the multifaceted nature of human experience and embraces a broader range of perspectives.
Abstract Background To investigate the hope level and identify its associated factors among widowed older adults residing in long-term care facilities. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling. 228 widowed older adults meeting inclusion criteria were recruited from several long-term care facilities in Liaoning Province for face-to-face questionnaire surveys. Results The hope level average score among widowed older adults in long-term care facilities was (31.73 ± 3.31). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that nine factors were significantly associated with hope levels: educational level, duration of widowhood, frequency of children’s visits, pension income, number of chronic diseases, frequency of participation in recreational activities, medical payment method, evaluation of the long-term care facility, and total perceived social support score. These factors collectively explained 81.4% of the variance in hope levels (Adjusted R² = 0.814, F = 96.027, P < 0.001). Conclusion Hope levels among widowed older adults in long-term care facilities were at a moderate-low level. Nursing staff and facility administrators should pay attention to the hope levels of these residents and implement targeted interventions based on the identified associated factors to enhance hope levels and consequently improve their quality of life.
DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICO-LIFE-SCIENCES Dev. med. life sci.
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Motor ability decline remains a major threat to the quality of life of the elderly. Although the later stages of aging co-exist with degenerative pathologies, the long process of aging is more complicated than a simple and gradual degeneration. To combat senescence and the associated late-stage degeneration of the neuromuscular system, it is imperative to examine changes that occur during the long process of aging. Prior to late-stage degeneration, age-induced changes in the neuromuscular system trigger homeostatic plasticity. This unique phenomenon may be important for the maintenance of the neuromuscular system during the early stages of aging. In this review, we will focus on age-induced changes in neurotransmission at the neuromuscular junction, providing the potential mechanisms responsible for these changes. The goal is to highlight these key elements and their role in regulating neurotransmission, facilitating future research efforts to combat late-stage degeneration in the neuromuscular system by preserving the functional and structural integrity of these elements prior to the late stage of aging.
Behavioural addictions, also known as non-substance-related addictions, encompass a range of compulsive behaviours that closely mirror substance use disorders in their effects on the brain's reward system and the individual's daily life. These addictions include, but are not limited to, gambling disorder, internet gaming disorder, compulsive shopping, and the focus of this review - exercise addiction. Exercise addiction is characterized by an intense, uncontrollable urge to engage in physical activity, despite potential negative consequences. Unlike substance use disorders, exercise addiction often remains underrecognized, overshadowed by the widespread promotion of regular physical activity as a healthy lifestyle choice. This review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of exercise addiction, covering its psychological origin and characteristics, diagnostic criteria, co-occurrence with other psychiatric disorders, epidemiology among athletes and management strategies.
BLT2 is a low-affinity leukotriene B4 receptor that plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases, including asthma and cancer. BLT2 is minimally expressed in a normal internal environment but is overexpressed in a stress-induced inflammatory environment. Recent research indicated that human BLT2 has two distinct forms. Although their functions are likely to be different, very few studies investigated these differences. Therefore, this paper will discuss about the two distinct forms of human BLT2; the short-form of BLT2 and the long-form of BLT2.
Sharli Paphitis, Fatima Akilu, Natasha Chilambo
et al.
Background
Despite theoretical support for including mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) with peacebuilding, few programmes in conflict-affected regions fully integrate these approaches.
Aims
To describe and assess preliminary outcomes of the Counselling on Wheels programme delivered by the NEEM Foundation in the Borno State of North-East Nigeria.
Method
We first describe the components of the Counselling on Wheels programme, including education and advocacy for peace and social cohesion through community peacebuilding partnerships and activities, and an MHPSS intervention open to all adults, delivered in groups of eight to ten people. We then conducted secondary analysis of data from 1550 adults who took part in the MHPSS intervention, who provided data at baseline and 1–2 weeks after the final group session. Vulnerability to violent extremism was assessed with a locally developed 80-item scale. Symptoms of common mental disorders were assessed with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale (PTSD-8). Data were analysed through a mixed-effect linear regression model, accounting for clustering by community and adjusted for age and gender.
Results
After taking part in group MHPSS, scores fell for depression (−5.8, 95% CI −6.7 to −5.0), stress (−5.5, 95% CI −6.3 to −4.6), post-traumatic stress disorder (−2.9, 95% CI −3.4 to −2.4) and vulnerability to violent extremism (−44.6, 95% CI −50.6 to −38.6).
Conclusions
The Counselling on Wheels programme shows promise as a model for integrating MHPSS with community peacebuilding activities in this conflict-affected region of Africa.
Heart failure is a growing epidemic with high mortality rates and recurrent hospital admissions that creates a burden on affected individuals, their caregivers and the whole healthcare system. Throughout the years, many randomized trials have established the effectiveness of several pharmacological therapies and electrophysiological devices to reduce hospitalizations and improve quality of life and survival, mostly for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). These studies led to the publication of national societies’ recommendations to guide clinicians in the management of HFrEF. Yet, many reports have shown significant care gaps in adherence to these recommendations in clinical practice, highlighting suboptimal use and/or dosing of evidence-based therapies. Adherence to guidelines has been shown to be associated with the best prognosis in HFrEF, with patients presenting with intolerances or contraindications having the highest risk of events; however, it remains unclear whether this association is causal or merely a marker of more advanced disease. Furthermore, individual characteristics may limit the possibility of reaching the targeted dosage of specific agents. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of clinicians’ adherence to heart failure guidelines in a specialized real-life setting, particularly regarding use and optimization of guideline-derived medical therapies, as well as the implementation of more recent agents such as sacubitril/valsartan and SGLT2 inhibitors. We seek potential explanations for suboptimal treatment and its impact on patient outcomes.
Based on the experimental test results of the authors, this investigation is concerned with the finite element analysis to examine and compare the load values and failure modes of the authors’ results. This research was conducted using the Abaqus software. The experimental work included the fabrication of twelve plate girders with honeycomb and flat web plate corrugation patterns, which were then tested under a single concentrated load at the midspan. According to the corrugation dimension or outer honeycomb web thickness, the honeycomb steel plate web girder is divided into three groups (60 mm, 80 mm and 100 mm). The specimens also involved plate girders with a flat web. The specimens were created with three lengths (600 mm, 1,200 mm and 1,800 mm). The Abaqus software was used in finite element models to simulate the concentrated load. The numerical results demonstrated that the 60 mm thick honeycomb web provides a greater load-bearing capacity and shear strength than other girders. The 20 mm honeycomb corrugation on the steel plate girder indicates the increased and improved shear resistance. The conclusion was that as the width of the corrugation increased, so did the steel web’s ultimate load and shear strength, resulting in a positive relationship between the critical shear buckling load of the web and the moment of inertia at the strong axis. When the dimension of the corrugation increases, the moment of inertia of the Y axis (Iy) decreases; thus, the plate girder will fail with a less critical buckling load (Pcr). Also, it can be concluded that as the steel plate thickness of the honeycomb web increases, the shear resistance increases as well. However, the spacing between the intermediate stiffener or the horizontal spacing of the web panel can enhance the shear resistance of honeycomb web girder if it was decreased due to increasing the action of tension field force that resists the diagonal tension developed at the web panel by the applied midspan concentrated force.
Women have the right to be equal in all fields. This needs to be mainstreamed across the entire legal system, enshrined in both law and law enforcement, including positive measures such as quotas. As all areas of life are concerned with gender equality, efforts are needed to root out gender-based discrimination everywhere. Empowering women, and improving the status of women in society is a measure to accelerate the progress of countries towards achieving the goals of socially sustainable development. Vietnam is one of the countries that is always interested in women’s empowerment and gender equality in the process of sustainable development of the country. From the analysis of gender and feminist theories, the article will point out the motivating effects of women’s empowerment for socially sustainable development goals. Thereby, proposing solutions, contributing to the good implementation of women’s empowerment, and improving the status and role of women towards the goal of socially sustainable development in Vietnam now and in the future.
Porcine parvoviruses (PPVs) are a group of small non-enveloped viruses with seven species (porcine parvovirus 1–7, PPV1-7) have been identified. In this study, a novel porcine parvovirus, provisionally named porcine parvovirus 8 (PPV8), was initially identified via high-throughput sequencing (HTS) in porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus-positive samples collected from swine herds in Guangdong province, 2021. The nearly full-length genome of PPV8 strain GDJM2021 is 4,380 nucleotides in length with two overlapping open ORFs encoding NS1 and VP1 respectively. Sequence analysis indicated that PPV8 shared 16.23–44.18% sequence identity at the genomic levels to PPV1-7 with the relatively highest homology to PPV1. PPV8-GDJM2021 shared 31.86–32.68% aa sequence identity of NS1 protein with those of PPV1 and porcine bufavirus (PBuV), and formed an independent branch neighboring to those formed by members of the genus Protoparvovirus. Of the 211 clinical samples collected from 1990 to 2021, 37 samples (17.5%) distributed over 12 regions in China were positive for PPV8 with time spanning 24 years (1998–2021). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the genomic characterization of the novel PPV8 and its epidemiological situations in China.
Milanthy Pourier, Remy Merkx, Jacqueline Loonen
et al.
In echocardiographic surveillance of anthracycline-treated childhood cancer survivors (CCS), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) has insufficient prognostic value for future cardiac events, whereas longitudinal strain may be more sensitive. We describe the long-term incidence of cardiac events in CCS after previous measurement of LVEF and myocardial strain. Echocardiography, including four-chamber view longitudinal strain (4CH-LS), of 116 anthracycline-treated CCS was obtained between 2005–2009 (index echocardiography). Follow-up was obtained at the late-effects clinic. Primary outcome was occurrence of cardiac events, defined as either symptomatic heart failure, life-threatening arrhythmias, LVEF < 40% or cardiac death, in CCS with normal versus abnormal index 4CH-LS. LVEF from subsequent echocardiograms was obtained to evaluate its natural course as a secondary outcome. After index echocardiography (median 13.1 years since childhood cancer diagnosis), our study added a median follow-up of 11.3 years (median last clinical contact 23.6 years since diagnosis). Only three CCS developed a cardiac event (6.2, 6.4 and 6.7 years after index echocardiography), resulting in a ten-year cumulative incidence of 2.7% (95%CI 0.9–8.2). All three CCS had a clearly reduced index 4CH-LS and relevant cardiovascular risk factors, whereas their index LVEFs were around the lower limit of normal. Index LVEF correlated with index 4CH-LS but mean long-term natural course of LVEF was comparable for CCS with abnormal versus normal index 4CH-LS. Absolute 10-year cumulative incidence of cardiac events in anthracycline-treated CCS during long-term follow-up was low. Sensitive echocardiographic measurements, such as 4CH-LS may be useful to tailor surveillance frequency in a selected group of CCS without cardiovascular disease.
Ventilation throughout life is dependent on the formation of pulmonary alveoli, which create an extensive surface area in which the close apposition of respiratory epithelium and endothelial cells of the pulmonary microvascular enables efficient gas exchange. Morphogenesis of the alveoli initiates at late gestation in humans and the early postnatal period in the mouse. Alveolar septation is directed by complex signaling interactions among multiple cell types. Here, we demonstrate that IGF1 receptor gene (Igf1r) expression by a subset of pulmonary fibroblasts is required for normal alveologenesis in mice. Postnatal deletion of Igf1r caused alveolar simplification, disrupting alveolar elastin networks and extracellular matrix without altering myofibroblast differentiation or proliferation. Moreover, loss of Igf1r impaired contractile properties of lung myofibroblasts and inhibited myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation and mechanotransductive nuclear YAP activity. Activation of p-AKT, p-MLC, and nuclear YAP in myofibroblasts was dependent on Igf1r. Pharmacologic activation of AKT enhanced MLC phosphorylation, increased YAP activation, and ameliorated alveolar simplification in vivo. IGF1R controls mechanosignaling in myofibroblasts required for lung alveologenesis.
Wnt/β-catenin signaling controls many biological processes for the generation and sustainability of proper tissue size, organization and function during development and homeostasis. Consequently, mutations in the Wnt pathway components and modulators cause diseases, including genetic disorders and cancers. Targeted treatment of pathway-associated diseases entails detailed understanding of the regulatory mechanisms that fine-tune Wnt signaling. Here, we identify the neurotrophin receptor-associated death domain (Nradd), a homolog of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75<sup>NTR</sup>), as a negative regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in zebrafish embryos and in mammalian cells. Nradd significantly suppresses Wnt8-mediated patterning of the mesoderm and neuroectoderm during zebrafish gastrulation. Nradd is localized at the plasma membrane, physically interacts with the Wnt receptor complex and enhances apoptosis in cooperation with Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our functional analyses indicate that the N-glycosylated N-terminus and the death domain-containing C-terminus regions are necessary for both the inhibition of Wnt signaling and apoptosis. Finally, Nradd can induce apoptosis in mammalian cells. Thus, Nradd regulates cell death as a modifier of Wnt/β-catenin signaling during development.
Abstract Background Almost 900,000 Rohingya refugees currently reside in refugee camps in Southeastern Bangladesh. Prior to fleeing Myanmar, Rohingya experienced years of systematic human rights violations, in addition to other historical and more recent traumatic events such as the burning of their villages and murder of family members, friends and neighbors. Currently, many Rohingya struggle to meet basic needs in refugee camps in Bangladesh and face mental health-related concerns that appear linked to such challenges. The purpose of this study is to describe systematic human rights violations, traumatic events, daily stressors, and mental health symptoms and to examine relationships between these factors. Methods Cross-sectional data was collected from a representative sample of 495 Rohingya refugee adults residing in camps in Bangladesh in July and August of 2018. Results Respondents reported high levels of systematic human rights violations in Myanmar, including restrictions related to expressing thoughts, meeting in groups, travel, religious practices, education, marriage, childbirth, healthcare, and more. Events experienced in Myanmar included exposure to gunfire (99%), destruction of their homes (93%), witnessing dead bodies (92%), torture (56%), forced labor (49%), sexual assault (33%), and other events. More than half (61%) of participants endorsed mental health symptom levels typically indicative of PTSD, and more than two thirds (84%) endorsed levels indicative of emotional distress (symptoms of anxiety and depression). Historic systematic human rights violations, traumatic events, and daily stressors were associated with symptoms of posttraumatic stress, as well as depression and anxiety. Respondents reported numerous stressors associated with current life in the camps in Bangladesh as well as previous stressors, such as harassment, encountered in Myanmar. Conclusions Findings underscore the impact of systematic human rights violations, targeted violence, and daily stressors on the mental health of Rohingya in Bangladesh. Those working with Rohingya should consider the role of such factors in contributing to poor mental health. This research has the potential to inform interventions targeting such elements. Future research should examine the relationships between mental health and human rights violations over time.
Special situations and conditions, Medical emergencies. Critical care. Intensive care. First aid
<span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Context:</strong> </span><span class="fontstyle2">Perspectives from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have featured little in the expanding global debate on long-term care (LTC) policy thus far – despite SSA countries’ embrace of global commitments on the development of equitable and sustainable LTC systems.<br /></span><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Objective:</strong> </span><span class="fontstyle2">Building on insights derived from ongoing analyses of relevant literature and policy frameworks, stakeholder engagement, as well as personal experience, this commentary examines the lack of a fit-forpurpose policy architecture on LTC in SSA at both regional and national levels.<br /></span><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Method:</strong> </span><span class="fontstyle2">The analysis assesses the nature and drivers of this policy impasse and pinpoints an agenda for research to help overcome it.<br /></span><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Findings:</strong> </span><span class="fontstyle2">LTC in SSA is provided overwhelmingly by families, with available evidence pointing to inequitably distributed deficits in the quality of such care and negative impacts on unpaid family carers. Governments have forged a spectrum of frameworks that speak to questions of LTC. Yet fit-for-purpose provisions that<br />consider a need for expanded organized care and support provision to reduce quality deficits and costs on carers are widely lacking. The impasse may be rooted in a lack of awareness of relevant evidence, as well as in political views that resist organized care provision as an imposed western model that counters African values and as a distraction from priority child-, youth- and gender-focused development agendas. A concerted research effort that examines the compatibility of organized LTC provision with African family norms and its relevance for broader social and economic development in SSA is required to address the policy impasse.<br /></span><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Limitations:</strong> </span><span class="fontstyle2">This overview is an exploration of the agenda, leading to suggestions for ways forward, and not an empirical research report.</span> <br /><br />
Freshwaters bring a notable contribution to the global carbon budget by
emitting both carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) and methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) to the atmosphere.
Global estimates of freshwater emissions traditionally use a wind-speed-based
gas transfer velocity, <i>k</i><sub>CC</sub> (introduced by Cole and Caraco,
1998), for
calculating diffusive flux with the boundary layer method (BLM). We compared
CH<sub>4</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> fluxes from BLM with <i>k</i><sub>CC</sub> and two other gas transfer
velocities (<i>k</i><sub>TE</sub> and <i>k</i><sub>HE</sub>), which include the effects of water-side
cooling to the gas transfer besides shear-induced turbulence, with
simultaneous eddy covariance (EC) and floating chamber (FC) fluxes during a
16-day measurement campaign in September 2014 at Lake Kuivajärvi in Finland.
The measurements included both lake stratification and water column mixing
periods. Results show that BLM fluxes were mainly lower than EC, with the
more recent model <i>k</i><sub>TE</sub> giving the best fit with EC fluxes, whereas FC
measurements resulted in higher fluxes than simultaneous EC measurements. We
highly recommend using up-to-date gas transfer models, instead of <i>k</i><sub>CC</sub>,
for better flux estimates.
<br><br>
BLM CO<sub>2</sub> flux measurements had clear differences between daytime and
night-time fluxes with all gas transfer models during both stratified and
mixing periods, whereas EC measurements did not show a diurnal behaviour in
CO<sub>2</sub> flux. CH<sub>4</sub> flux had higher values in daytime than night-time during
lake mixing period according to EC measurements, with highest fluxes detected
just before sunset. In addition, we found clear differences in daytime and
night-time concentration difference between the air and surface water for
both CH<sub>4</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub>. This might lead to biased flux estimates, if only
daytime values are used in BLM upscaling and flux measurements in general.
<br><br>
FC measurements did not detect spatial variation in either CH<sub>4</sub> or CO<sub>2</sub>
flux over Lake Kuivajärvi. EC measurements, on the other hand, did not show
any spatial variation in CH<sub>4</sub> fluxes but did show a clear difference between CO<sub>2</sub>
fluxes from shallower and deeper areas. We highlight that while all flux
measurement methods have their pros and cons, it is important to carefully
think about the chosen method and measurement interval, as well as their effects on
the resulting flux.
Titan is the only world we know, other than Earth, that has a liquid on its surface. It also has a thick atmosphere composed of nitrogen and methane with a thick organic haze. There are lakes, rain, and clouds of methane and ethane. Here, we address the question of carbon-based life living in Titan liquids. Photochemically produced organics, particularly acetylene, in Titan’s atmosphere could be a source of biological energy when reacted with atmospheric hydrogen. Light levels on the surface of Titan are more than adequate for photosynthesis, but the biochemical limitations due to the few elements available in the environment may lead only to simple ecosystems that only consume atmospheric nutrients. Life on Titan may make use of the trace metals and other inorganic elements produced by meteorites as they ablate in its atmosphere. It is conceivable that H2O molecules on Titan could be used in a biochemistry that is rooted in hydrogen bonds in a way that metals are used in enzymes by life on Earth. Previous theoretical work has shown possible membrane structures, azotosomes, in Titan liquids, azotosomes, composed of small organic nitrogen compounds, such as acrylonitrile. The search for a plausible information molecule for life in Titan liquids remains an open research topic—polyethers have been considered and shown to be insoluble at Titan temperatures. Possible search strategies for life on Titan include looking for unusual concentrations of certain molecules reflecting biological selection. Homochirality is a special and powerful example of such biology selection. Environmentally, a depletion of hydrogen in the lower atmosphere may be a sign of metabolism. A discovery of life in liquid methane and ethane would be our first compelling indication that the universe is full of diverse and wondrous life forms.