Current Relevance Research Articles

Current biological implications and clinical relevance of metastatic circulating tumor cells.

Metastatic disease and cancer recurrence are the primary causes of cancer-related deaths. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) are the driving forces behind the spread of cancer cells. The emergence and development of liquid biopsy using rare CTCs as a minimally invasive strategy for early-stage tumor detection and improved tumor management is a promising advancement in recent years. However, before blood sample analysis and clinical translation, precise isolation of CTCs from patients' blood based on their biophysical properties, followed by molecular identification of CTCs using single-cell multi-omics technologies is necessary to understand tumor heterogeneity and provide effective diagnosis and monitoring of cancer progression. Additionally, understanding the origin, morphological variation, and interaction between CTCs and the primary and metastatic tumor niche, as well as and regulatory immune cells, will offer new insights into the development of CTC-based advanced tumor targeting in the future clinical trials.

Review on pattachitra

Kalamkari is a highly esteemed traditional art form that has long drawn admirers due to its intricate hand-painted designs on fabrics. This article explores the complex world of Kalamkari, a classic Indian art form that is well-known for its intricately painted textile pieces. Through a multifaceted investigation, the study seeks to understand Kalamkari's historical development, cultural value, and current relevance. The process includes a comprehensive reading of the material, a field investigation, a visual analysis of the artwork, and a comparison analysis between different locations and eras of history. While the field study entails interacting with artists and documenting their methods and processes, the literature review offers insights into the history, methods, and sociocultural aspects of Kalamkari. Visual analysis examines the narrative components, colours, and motifs in Kalamkari textiles to shed light on their artistic and symbolic meanings.

The current relevance of three classical cases of social research: Milgram, Humphreys, and Zimbardo

The current relevance of three classical cases of social research: Milgram, Humphreys, and Zimbardo

Recent progress and future directions in nanoglass materials: A deep insight into synthesis, characterization, and application

This review article provides a comprehensive examination of the most recent advances in research on nanoglasses, including the methods used to create these materials, their characteristics, and their diverse range of uses. An overview of the current trends in nanoglass research connects them to the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the current relevance of this topic. The process of manufacturing nanoglasses is explained in depth, highlighting advanced approaches such as inert gas condensation and severe plastic deformation, among other techniques. The prime focus of this review is on analyzing the various dimensions of nanoglass materials, including their structural dynamics and electrical configurations, and how these features contribute to their exceptional thermal stability and mechanical strength. The magnetic characteristics of nanoglasses are examined, highlighting their potential for driving innovation across multiple industries. The primary emphasis is on the biological usefulness of nanoglasses, specifically examining their bioactivity and interaction with biological components, and emphasizing their growing use in nanoscale biomedical applications. With regard to the practical applications of nanoglasses, there are specific discussions of their contributions to biological evaluation, wound healing, catalysis, and environmental sustainability. There is an emphasis on the durability and resistance of nanoglasses in these contexts. The comprehensive overview of nanoglasses provided in this article highlights their significance as revolutionary materials in fields of science and technology. The potential of nanoglasses to contribute to a future that is more sustainable and health oriented is indicated. The article ends by discussing the future directions for nanoglass research and looks forward to the promising possibilities for further investigation and innovation.

Theoretical Dimensions of Classification and Segmentation in Therapeutic Wellness Tourism

The article explores the rapidly growing field of wellness tourism, emphasizing the segmentation and classification of therapeutic tourism. It identifies four main types: healing tourism, wellness tourism, spa tourism, and spiritual tourism, all of which contribute significantly to this sector. The knowledge gap lies in the need for a more comprehensive framework for classifying wellness tourism segments and understanding the different health, economic, and cultural implications. The study employs a multi-dimensional analysis that includes therapeutic services, socio-demographic factors, and geographical locations. Findings indicate that hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and spiritual tourism play a central role in promoting health and wellness, with distinct implications across different regions and tourist profiles. The results underscore the importance of utilizing natural resources like thermal springs for both recreational and medical purposes, emphasizing their historical and current relevance in tourism. The implication of this research suggests that categorizing wellness tourism can aid in targeted marketing strategies, enhance tourist satisfaction, and support the sustainable development of wellness tourism hubs globally.

From aspect to information structure: Non-aspectual functions of change of state markers in Austronesian and beyond

Abstract This paper discusses a phenomenon that has so far received little attention in previous literature: the presence, in several languages from different branches of the Austronesian family, of polyfunctional markers, which combine an aspectual meaning of change of state with information and discourse structuring functions. In this study, based on a comparative analysis of fifty-two Austronesian languages, I show that polyfunctional change of state markers are distributed throughout the entire family, crosscutting the major typological and geographical divide between Western and Eastern Austronesian. I argue that the development of information and discourse structuring functions of change of state markers derives from applying the notions of current relevance and transition to new situation not to eventualities, but to elements of propositions, and I also suggest that this process may be universally valid and could explain the similar development of change of state markers into information and discourse structuring devices attested in non-Austronesian languages.

Impact of mercury released from permafrost on food safety in Switzerland

ABSTRACT (ENGLISH) Climate change has caused the permafrost to thaw, releasing the previously sequestered mercury into the environment. Mercury has the ability to convert to methylmercury, a bioaccumulative neurotoxin. Exposure occurs in humans through the ingestion of contaminated food and it is associated with adverse health effects. In the context of global warming, this report aims to provide a basis for discussion on the impact of mercury released from permafrost on Switzerland's food safety. Data available in the scientific literature and in databases were reviewed in order to identify the relevant fish indicating the mercury exposure of the Swiss population and the potential evolution of the situation in the coming years. To assess the current relevance for Switzerland of undertaking mercury monitoring in indicator fish, gaps in the literature were identified. In addition, several experts were contacted regarding the topics described above in order to complement and refine the results of the literature review. The main results suggest that the current situation does not yet pose a threat to the Swiss population. However, mercury is certainly being released from the permafrost and its future impact remains uncertain at present. Two species provide some indication of the amount of mercury released by thawing permafrost: Atlantic cod Gadus morhua, one of the fish most imported into Switzerland from FAO zones 18, 21, 27 and 67, and Arctic cod Boreogadus saida because of its position in the Arctic food chain. To conclude, although fish is not a major component of the Swiss diet, it would be worthwhile to monitor the contamination of mercury in the two species mentioned above due to the uncertainty of the situation. It is not necessary for Switzerland to conduct its own chemical analyses of mercury in fish but it is important to regularly consult databases such as, the Arctic database(s) Seafood Data and to identify any possible increasing trend.

Quantitative Assessment of Body Composition in Cirrhosis.

Changes in body composition often accompany the progression of liver disease and seem to be an aggravating pathophysiological factor. Specifically, accelerated loss of skeletal muscle mass, lower muscle quality, and changes in body fat distribution have been shown to be associated with poor clinical outcomes. The aim of the present narrative review was to discuss the current status and relevance of commonly applied, advanced, non-invasive methods to quantify skeletal muscle mass, muscle fat infiltration-i.e., myosteatosis-and fat distribution. This review focuses in particular on Computed Tomography (CT), Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Ultrasonography (US). We propose future directions to enhance the diagnostic and prognostic relevance of using these methods for quantitative body composition assessment in patients with cirrhosis.

Multiple complex developmental disorder (MCDD): Did we throw the baby out with the bathwater too fast? A systematic review

Background Multiple complex developmental disorder (MCDD) manifests as early-onset impairment across different domains. Although it could appear as a transitional condition between autism and childhood-onset schizophrenia, interest in MCDD has progressively waned. This study attempts to discern MCDD current relevance to avoid “throwing the baby out with the bathwater” too fast. Methods All available studies published up to January 2024 were retrieved and evaluated following on the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews using the term “multiple complex developmental disorder” or “MCDD”, without any filter for study design nor year of publication. Results Only 16 studies were included and analyzed. Overall, a variable heterogeneity was observed in terms of country of investigation, study design, and clinical groups. Most of the included studies explored the construct of MCDD in developmental age, comparing MCDD mostly with autistic patients, and observing how the former group had higher levels of paranoia, illusions, and psychotic thoughts, whereas the latter showed more frequently difficulties in social interactions and stereotypical behaviors. Conclusion Overall, these results showed how progressive changes in diagnostic criteria over time led MCDD to be abandoned as nosographic construct, leaving perhaps a diagnostic void between autism and psychotic disorders that needs to be further studied. A systematic review on the Multiple Complex Developmental Disorder (MCDD): a forgotten diagnosis between autism and schizophrenia.

The Growing Field of Musical Signification: Origins, Major Contributions, and Current Relevance

The Growing Field of Musical Signification: Origins, Major Contributions, and Current Relevance

The role of African extractive industries in the global energy transition: An analysis of barriers and strategies

Endowed with a significant proportion of the world’s petroleum and solid mineral resources, Africa is the location of a vibrant and dynamic extractive industries sector, which today, is its chief economic mainstay. The revenue generated from the extractive industries has been a significant source of finance for public infrastructure development and investments in education, health and the development of other economic sectors across the continent. However, the African extractive industries have faced massive setbacks in recent years, in particular due to the economic disruptions caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the global transition to a low carbon economy that has formed a central part of ongoing efforts to respond to the climate change emergency. These challenges have accentuated concerns on the current and future relevance of the African extractive industries in a low-carbon economy world order.This article examines the role played by the African extractive industries in the global energy transition, contextualising these concerns against a continuum of disruption arising as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and emergent efforts to redress the crisis posed by anthropogenic climate change. If well managed, extractive resources could play a crucial role in advancing energy security and transition in the African continent in the face of these challenges. In addition to its role in addressing current high levels of energy poverty across Africa in this disruptive setting, environmentally-responsible production of extractive resources can help sustain economic and social development across Africa in going forward. This article examines the current opportunities and challenges for cleaner and environmentally-responsible extractive investments in Africa in a low carbon world. It analyses the preconditions and barriers to environmentally-responsible fossil fuels developments in Africa and highlights the key considerations for African policymakers. Its analysis is informed by recognition of, and sensitivity towards, the extreme disruption to fossil fuel governance embodied by the twin concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current “climate emergency.” Through a qualitative analysis, this research has found that if well-managed, African resource-rich countries could utilise the revenues from the extractive industries to invest in low carbon technologies.

Investigating the modulation of the endocannabinoid system by probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMC513 in a zebrafish model of di-n-hexyl phthalate exposure

Environmental pollutants used as plasticizers in food packaging and in thousands of everyday products have become harmful for their impact on human health. Among them, phthalates, recognized as emerging endocrine disruptors (EDs) can induce toxic effects leading to different health disorders. Only few studies evaluated the effects of di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHP) in in vivo models and no studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of DnHP on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), one of the majors signaling pathways involved in the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Due to the current relevance of probiotic bacteria as beneficial dietary interventions, the present study was aimed at evaluating the potential neuroprotective impact of daily administration of Lactiplantibacillus (Lpb.) plantarum IMC513 on zebrafish adults exposed to DnHP, with a focus on ECS modulation. Gene expression analysis revealed a promising protective role of probiotic through the restoration of ECS genes expression to the control level, in the brain of zebrafish daily exposed to DnHP. In addition, the levels of main endocannabinoids were also modulated. These findings confirm the potential ability of probiotics to interact at central level by modulating the ECS, suggesting the use of probiotics as innovative dietary strategy to counteract alterations by EDs exposure.

Revisiting the Multi-Tiered System of Supports Framework: An Important Mechanism for Realizing Equitable Education in Urban Schools

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework was established as a comprehensive, equitable approach for addressing urban students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. Still, confusion surrounded its implementation. On returning to in-person instruction, urban educators have been challenged to resurrect their school’s MTSS framework while simultaneously confronting many other issues, such as increased student absenteeism, academic achievement deficits, and staffing shortages. Consequently, revisiting this matter is warranted, particularly concerning operating MTSS frameworks in high-poverty urban schools. Accordingly, this paper explains the design and operation of an MTSS and then discusses its historical evolution and current relevance. Next, the article identifies drivers of well-functioning MTSS frameworks while discussing the circumstances surrounding high-poverty urban schools. The paper concludes with a discussion of a core component of an MTSS framework that urban educators have identified as one for which they need more information: intensifying instruction. Properly addressing this component will equip urban educators with the foundational knowledge they need to design and implement an MTSS framework tailored to their unique circumstances.

High prevalence but no current clinical relevance of methyldibromo glutaronitrile since its ban in Turkey in 2015.

Regulatory actions significantly reduced methyldibromo glutaronitrile (MDBGN)-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from cosmetics in Europe. Turkey banned MDBGN in 2015. To assess sensitization and ACD rates to MDBGN before and after its ban in Turkey. Data from 2653 consecutively patch tested patients between 1996 and 2023 with MDBGN 0.1% pet. (n = 573) or 0.2%-0.3% pet. (n = 1310) or 0.5% pet. (n = 770) were analysed. MDBGN was tested as MDBGN/phenoxyethanol (PE) in 1434 patients. The sensitization prevalence was 1.7% (45/2653), peaking at 5.3% in 2018 and 2023 with MDBGN 0.3% pet. There was a two-fold male predominance, with patients exclusively ≥20 years old. None of the patients reacted to PE. ACD occurred in 0.7% (19/2653), mainly affecting hands and linked to non-occupational exposure (78.9%), particularly from rinse-off/leave-on cosmetics. The pattern of 'middle-aged men with hand eczema and fragrance allergy' was particularly notable. Occupational ACD was rare (21.1%), occurring mainly in hairdressers from hair gel. Positive reactions with current clinical relevance dropped from 48.3% (1996-2014) to zero after 2015 (p < 0.001). The ban effectively reduced MDBGN-induced ACD in Turkey, yet the prevalence of positive patch test reactions remains high, likely due to past exposures or other undisclosed sources. We suggest continued testing of MDBGN in the EBS in Turkey.

The Estimation of Withdrawing and Withdrawn Foreign Companies Contribution in Industries and Regions of Russia

Despite the current relevance of foreign companies’ withdrawal from Russia, there are no significant scientific works on this topic. Some researchers have attempted to assess the scope of foreign companies’ withdrawal from Russia. But similar works on a regional level are almost absent. The article attempts to estimate the shares of foreign companies that announced their withdrawal, suspension of activities, reduction of operations, suspension of investments, as well as those that objectively withdraw and reduced the activities in industries and regions of Russia. Analysis showed that foreign companies that announced their withdrawal accounted for 0.8% of the employees and 2.3% of the revenue of all organizations in the Russian economy, while foreign companies that objectively withdraw accounted for 0.6% and 1.8%. Among the industries, the automotive industry is the most affected. Among the regions, the largest diversified (city of Moscow, Moscow region, city of St. Petersburg), industrial diversified (Republic of Tatarstan, Tula region), automotive (Kaluga, Leningrad and Samara regions), timber processing (Republics of Komi and Karelia, Novgorod region), Sakhalin region are more affected. The most critical situation in terms of risks for the labor market and regional economies is developing in the automotive and timber processing regions.

Offshore oil spills in Brazil: An extensive review and further development

The present study offers an extensive overview on the evolution and current state of marine oil spill research in Brazil and then discusses further directions. Given the historical and current relevance of this issue, this paper also aims to summarize the exploration, geological background, design of oil spills timeline and assessment of the most important of them. Moreover, it includes a critical comparison of Brazilian oil spill models in terms of their simulation abilities, real-time field data assimilation, space and time forecasts and uncertainty evaluation. This study also presents the perspectives of the Multi-User System for Detection, Prediction, and Monitoring of Oil Spills at Sea (SisMOM) the largest and most important Brazilian project to face the offshore oil spills.

The Institutional Leaders in Universities: A Framework for Improving Competency Assessment

This study describes the process of creating and improving a leadership competency framework within an organisation responsible for identifying potential leaders in universities. Specifically, this study assesses the leadership competency framework created in 2015 and its current relevance. Based on the focus group discussions, this study emphasises the need to refine the existing leadership competencies framework to accurately represent the current state of leadership at universities. The participants unanimously agreed to retain all clusters with minor changes. Specifically, the participants suggested that self-management should replace self-confidence to improve personal effectiveness. The leaders must have the ability to manage stress efficiently and maintain a stable state of mind. This study indicates participants understood diversity and flexibility, and leaders must adapt and use others' skills, especially in certain circumstances. The ability to adjust behaviour and ideas to environmental changes fosters inventiveness, critical thinking, and methodological challenge. In addition, the leaders must have a friendly and highly skilled demeanour. The participants also suggested introducing five additional assessment tools to evaluate the competence of future leaders. The five instruments include the 180-degree assessment, the 360-degree leadership assessment, the psychometric tests for IQ and EQ, the psychometric tests for personality, and the scenario planning analysis. The findings of this study provide an improved structure for identifying a competent leader who is exceptionally well suited to universities' unique demands.

Numerical study of Marangoni convective hybrid-nanofluids flow over a permeable stretching surface

This paper is discussing nanofluid flow with effect of radiation along a stretching sheet in a porous means. Also, magnetic field is applied uniformly. The hybrid nanofluid is blend of base fluid kerosine oil and suspending particles of Copper Aluminum Oxide (Cu − Al2O3). The Marangoni boundary condition is considered. The flow considered is mathematically modeled with suitable boundary conditions in partial differential equations. Similarity transformations applied and followed numerical computations with Runge–Kutta method of order 4th aided by shooting approach. The graphs for different flow control parameters plotted and analytical study carried with illustration of temperature and velocity fields. Heat transfer rate for hybrid-nanofluid falls with increasing Mass transfer, Wall parameter (fw)and Prandtl Number (Pr), and the reversed effect for same is seen for higher Radiation parameter values (R). The current study's relevance has numerous applications in the key fields of materials processing, industrial thermal control, and heat transfer optimization in energy-efficient systems.

Empowering Vulnerable Populations through Technology: Innovations and Challenges in Social Work

Purpose: This study aims to explore the efficacy of integrating digital solutions and technological aids in social work practices, specifically for assisting vulnerable populations. It investigates the historical and current relevance of technology in social work, with a focus on overcoming the digital divide that restricts access for these groups. Methodology: Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research combines qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including surveys, interviews, and observational studies, to examine the advantages and limitations of digital interventions like telehealth platforms compared to traditional face-to-face services. Additionally, it delves into the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related technologies to foster independence among vulnerable populations. Findings: The study reveals that while digital solutions offer significant benefits, including increased accessibility and potential for personalization through AI, they also present challenges, notably the digital divide due to economic, cognitive, and socio-cultural barriers. It suggests that hybrid models incorporating both digital and traditional methods could enhance social work practices. The research underscores the importance of addressing ethical considerations in the deployment of AI technologies. Originality: This research contributes original insights into the integration of technology within social work, highlighting the complexities of the digital divide and proposing a strategic framework for incorporating technological aids. It offers a foundational understanding of how digital tools can complement traditional social work practices, ensuring ethical considerations are prioritized. Furthermore, it opens avenues for future research on the dynamic interplay between technology and social work, aiming for a more inclusive and effective approach to supporting vulnerable populations.

Biocontrol measures to manage Parthenium hysterophorus: Current paradigms, scope and relevance

Biocontrol measures to manage Parthenium hysterophorus: Current paradigms, scope and relevance