Greenhouse gas emissions are a critical concern for China’s automotive industry, especially for passenger cars due to their high sales’ volume. Recently, the trend towards connected and autonomous driving vehicles has been significant in the passenger car market. However, the impact of these systems on the life cycle emissions of vehicles remains unclear. This paper focuses on system function levels from driver assistance to full driving automation and studies their life cycle greenhouse gas emissions. This research establishes a component list for the hardware system and a material inventory. Then, this paper reveals significant differences in total system emissions at these technology levels, 540.1 kg for primary, 1318.7 kg for medium, and 2279.2 kg for advanced systems. Despite this difference, the total is less than 7.23% of the total vehicle emissions. To further reduce this portion of GHG emissions, it is recommended that vehicles favor millimeter-wave radar over solid-state LiDAR in their sensing system hardware, coupled with cameras as the primary sensing element. In addition, Intelligent Hardware Systems are not recommended for internal combustion engine passenger cars for optimal balance between functionality and environmental impact. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive finite element analysis to compare the performance of different element formulations (classic shell elements, solid elements, and continuum shell elements) in simulating the hot-forming process at 725${}^{\circ }\mathrm{C}$ of a complex Ti-6Al-4V aerospace component with an initial blank thickness of 1.6mm (0.063inches). The Ti-6Al-4V blank is modeled as a deformable body exhibiting anisotropic plastic behavior, whereas the forming tools (matrix and punch) are assumed to be rigid bodies. The simulation accounts for temperature and strain rate effects on the material properties, incorporating phenomena such as friction and anisotropy. Three different element types are studied and compared: S4R and S4 (classic shells), C3D8R and C3D8 (solids), and SC8R (continuum shell with reduced integration). Finally, the model is validated by comparing the predicted final part geometry, especially the thickness distribution, against the experimental measurements. The model can also predict the springback effect on the final geometry. The SC8R continuum shell element provides the smoothest representation of thickness variations along critical regions of the final part. The study highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate element type for the accurate simulation of hot-forming processes involving large deformations and complex contact conditions. The ability of continuum shell elements to accurately capture the thickness variations makes them an ideal candidate for such applications. Full article

The use of natural active substances and the development of new formulations are promising directions in the cosmetic and pharmacy industries. The primary purpose of this research was the production of microparticles based on whey protein isolate (WPI) and calcium alginate (ALG) containing Calendula officinalis flower extract and their incorporation into films composed of gelatin, WPI, and glycerol. Both swollen and dry microparticles were studied by optical microscopy and their sizes were measured. Water absorption by the microparticles, their loading capacity, and the release profile of flower extract were also characterized. The films were analyzed by mechanical tests (Young’s modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break), swelling capacity, contact angle, and moisture content measurements. The presented data showed that the active ingredient was successfully enclosed in spherical microparticles and completely released after 75 min of incubation at 37 °C. The incorporation of the microparticles into polymer films caused a decrease in stiffness and tensile strength, simultaneously increasing the ductility of the samples. Moreover, the films containing microparticles displayed higher swelling ability and moisture content compared to those without them. Hence, the materials prepared in this study with Calendula officinalis flower extract encapsulated into polymeric microspheres can be a starting point for the development of new products intended for skin application; advantages include protection of the extract against external factors and a controlled release profile. Full article

Tire recycling is becoming an increasingly important problem due to the growing number of end-of-life tires (ELTs). World-wide, ELTs account for more than 80 million tons. ELTs contribute to environmental pollution in the long term. They are flammable, toxic and non-biodegradable. At the same time, ELTs contain rubber, metal and textile cord, which are valuable raw materials. ELTs are buried in landfills, burned, crushed and restored. Most of these methods have a negative impact on the environment. From an environmental point of view, the most preferred ways to recycle tires are retreading and shredding. Rubber powder (RP) or crumb is mainly used for rubber pavers production, waterproofing, curbs, road slabs and various surfaces. An alternative method for RP processing, eliminating the disadvantages of the above approaches, is plasma gasification and pyrolysis. The paper presents a thermodynamic and kinetic analysis and an experiment on plasma processing of RP from worn tires to produce flammable gas. At a mass-average temperature of 1750 K, the yield of synthesis gas from plasma-air gasification of RP was 44.6% (hydrogen—19.1, carbon monoxide—25.5), and 95.6% of carbon was gasified. The experimental and calculated results satisfactorily agreed. It was found that plasma products from RP did not contain harmful impurities, either in calculations or experiments. Plasma gasification allows for recycling ELTs in an environmentally friendly way while also generating flammable gases that are valuable commodities. In this research, plasma technology was demonstrated to be effective for gasifying RP to produce flammable gas. Full article

Energy distribution justice is of primary concern within the energy justice framework and it is crucial to increase public acceptance of offshore wind energy and further advance its development. The rapid development of offshore wind energy in China has inevitably impacted the livelihoods of coastal vulnerable groups (CVGs) engaged in fisheries and tourism in the coastal zone. While current policies often compensate for livelihood losses through cash payments, the fiscal strain caused by COVID-19 renders this approach unsustainable. Consequently, this research pioneers the exploration of Chinese tourist groups’ landscape preferences towards offshore wind farms (OWFs). This study proposes a new approach to enhance OWF landscapes for tourism development, thereby balancing the distribution of costs and benefits between CVGs and tourists. The research focuses on Beihai City in the Beibu Gulf Economic Region, utilizing a combination of Q-methodology and choice experiments that incorporates cut-offs. Answers to eighty Q-methodology questionnaires and 1324 choice experiment questionnaires are obtained. The findings indicate that this region can achieve energy distribution justice by compensating for the livelihood losses of CVGs through tourism. Contrary to traditional assumptions about wind farm noise preferences, Chinese tourists prefer proximity to OWFs, as an appropriate coastal acoustics landscape can enhance their tourism experience. In light of these findings, this paper presents policy recommendations towards energy distribution justice. Full article

Concerns surrounding breast cancer have been increasing, as it leads to the current global cancer incidence and causes a high mortality rate in women. This study investigated the physiological effects of common dietary polyphenols that might prevent breast cancer progression. Quercetin, kaempferol, and rosmarinic acid were selected to explore their potential bioactivities. Each polyphenol was formulated into a microemulsion to improve its bioactivity and bioavailability. In vitro antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities of the selected polyphenols and their microemulsion forms were further investigated. The optimized microemulsion carrier with 1% oleic acid, 3% ethanol, 10% polysorbate 20, and 86% ultrapure water achieved more than 90% polyphenol encapsulation efficiency. The microemulsion was stable for more than 30 days when encapsulating polyphenol in the fluctuating temperature treatment. In vitro studies suggested that rosmarinic acid-loaded microemulsion had the best antioxidant activity compared with other polyphenol-loaded microemulsions (PL-MEs). Blank microemulsion and all PL-MEs significantly inhibited the proliferation of both hormone-dependent (T47D) and hormone-independent (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cells. More studies are warranted to confirm the contribution of the microemulsion carrier components to the polyphenols’ improved antioxidant activity and high toxicity of PL-MEs on breast cancer cells. Full article

There is a trend towards the commercialisation of strawberry tree fruit spirit (AUS) with wood ageing, motivated by its favourable sensory characteristics. Additionally, further studies are necessary to elucidate the optimal conditions regarding ageing time and toasting level. This study evaluated the changes in colour and low molecular weight compounds (LMWC) of AUS aged for three and six months using oak wood (Quercus robur L.) with light, medium and medium plus toasting levels. For this purpose, phenolic acids (gallic, ellagic, ferulic and syringic acids), phenolic aldehydes (vanillin, syringaldehyde, coniferaldehyde and sinapaldehyde) and furanic aldehydes (furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and 5-methylfurfural) were quantified using the HPLC method. Chromatic characteristics, colour sensory analysis and total polyphenol index were also analysed. Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR) was used to discriminate between samples. The results emphasized the favourable effect of oak wood contact on enhancing the colour and enriching AUS with low molecular weight compounds (LMWC). AUS aged in medium toasted wood exhibits high levels of total phenolic index, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, coniferaldehyde, sinapaldehyde, sum LMWC and chromatic characteristics b* and C. Concentrations of syringaldehyde, ellagic acid, vanillin and syringic acid and a lighter colour (a* chromaticity coordinates) are higher in AUS aged with slightly more toasted wood. Nearly all analysed parameters showed an increase with ageing time. The FT-NIR technique allowed for the differentiation of aged AUS, focusing more on ageing time than on toasting level. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mechanical (pigeage, délestage and remontage) and oxygenation treatments on the phenolic and aromatic compounds and sensory characteristics of Teran wines. The experiment included a 20-day maceration period, during which the above-mentioned treatments were applied, as well as the post-fermentation processes of pressing and first rack. The analysis of phenolic, chromatic and aroma compounds and the sensory characterization of the wines were used to describe the effects of the treatments investigated. After the observed maceration period, remontage resulted in wines with the highest total phenols (2682.0 ± 14.8 mg GAE/L). In contrast, délestage resulted in the lowest total phenols (2499.1 ± 17.6 mg GAE/L) and total anthocyanins (530.1 ± 2.8 mg/L) and had the strongest effects on chromatic characteristics. The post-fermentation processes (pressing, racking) showed similar trends and resulted in higher phenolic concentrations in the remontage wine, while the délestage was again characterized by lower total phenol and anthocyanin concentrations. In addition, the délestage wine contained a higher concentration of almost all analyzed esters and two higher alcohols (2-methylpropan-1-ol and 1-hexanol), while the remontage wine had the highest concentration of 2-phenylethanol and 3-methylbutyl acetate. Finally, maceration proved to be a key factor in defining the wines’ sensory characteristics, with the remontage-treated wine showing the best overall quality. Full article

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) is a berry bush widely cultivated in Europe for producing juices, jams, jellies, and syrups. In addition to berries, blackcurrant leaves and pomace, as byproducts, have also been shown to have health-promoting effects. Static digestion, simulating oral, gastric, and small intestinal digestion, was applied, and blackcurrant leaves, fruits, and pomace and the polyphenol bioaccessibility were evaluated in terms of recovery index. The results were related to sample type, and the recovery index presented higher values in the case of fruits, indicating this morphological part of blackcurrant as the most bioaccessible. The antioxidant potential of blackcurrant was evaluated using four different methods, with the leaves proving to be a significant and powerful antioxidant compared to fruits and pomace. The counteracting potential of inhibiting the oxidation process was evaluated using in vitro-induced lipid peroxidation and the inhibition potential of superoxide and hydroxyl anions. The antioxidant evaluation and the inhibition of biological and non-biological radicals indicate the leaf extract is the most powerful antioxidant studied. Also, the results proved that not only fruits but also the blackcurrant byproducts (pomace and leaves) are promising sources of bioaccessible antioxidants with potential benefits in animal nutrition. Full article

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is associated with thickening of the left ventricular wall, is one of the most common heart pathologies in cats. This disease has a hereditary etiology and is primarily related to mutations in the MYBPC3 and MYH7 genes. This study aims to determine the effect of the presence of heterozygosity or homozygosity for the p. A31P mutation (c.91G > C) in the MYBPC3 gene in cats (Maine Coon) of different ages referring to the HCM severity and development, and to compare echocardiographic data and various clinical aspects for the most objective detection of disease in cats of different breeds. The incidence of HCM was 59% of the 103 cases of heart disease in cats in this study. In 23 cats diagnosed with HCM, cats heterozygous for the mutation accounted for 34%, and homozygous cats accounted for 26%. Cats homozygous for this mutation had moderate to severe HCM, suggesting an association with high penetrance of HCM and a significant risk of cardiac death in this group. The penetrance of the heterozygous type was lower than that of the homozygous genotype. This study also indicates that HCM has some age-related penetrance. The disease did not occur in the study group of cats aged up to 1 year, whereas at the age of 7 and older, the percentage of animals diagnosed with HCM was the highest and amounted to 44.3% of the total number of studied cats with HCM. Full article

Walnuts are high in protein content and rich in nutrients and are susceptible to oxidation during production and processing, leading to a decrease in the stability of walnut protein emulsions. In this paper, the effect of alkyl peroxyl radical oxidation on the stability of walnut protein emulsions is investigated. With the increase of 2,2-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) concentration, both its protein and fat were oxidized to different degrees, and the droplets of the emulsion were first dispersed and then aggregated as seen from the laser confocal, and the stability of walnut protein emulsion was best at the AAPH concentration of 0.2 mmol/L. In addition to this, the adsorption rate of adsorbed proteins showed a decreasing and then an increasing trend with the increase in the oxidized concentration. The results showed that moderate oxidation (AAPH concentration: 0–0.2 mmol/L) promoted an increase in protein flexibility and a decrease in the protein interfacial tension, leading to the decrease in emulsion droplet size and the increase of walnut protein emulsion stability, and excessive oxidation (AAPH concentration: 1–25 mmmol/L) weakened protein flexibility and electrostatic repulsion, making the walnut protein emulsion less stable. The results of this study provide theoretical references for the quality control of walnut protein emulsions. Full article

Objectives: In this study, we investigated the antitumor immunomodulatory effects of rapamycin in oral cancer. Study Design: We examined the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of cancer cells and investigated the cell surface expression levels of immune accessory molecules and T cell immune responses in vitro. We investigated the effect of in vivo administration of rapamycin on immune cell distribution and T cell immune responses in oral tumor-bearing mice. Results: Rapamycin treatment significantly inhibited OSCC cell proliferation and migration, increased apoptotic cell death, and upregulated cell surface expression of several immune accessory and adhesion molecules, including CD40, CD83, PD-L1, PD-L2, MHC class I, P-selectin, and VCAM-1. These cancer cells augmented T cell proliferation. In vivo rapamycin administration significantly attenuated mouse tumor growth with an increased proportion of immune cells, including CD4⁺ T cells, CD8⁺ T cells, and dendritic cells (DCs); decreased the proportion of immune suppressive cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells; enhanced DC maturation and upregulated the surface expression of CD40, CD86, and ICAM-1. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the therapeutic effect of mTOR inhibition in oral cancer can cause direct antitumor and immunomodulatory effects. Full article

Human dihydrofolate reductase (hDHFR) is an essential cellular enzyme, and inhibiting its activity is a promising strategy for cancer therapy. We have chosen the trimethoprim molecule (TMP) as a model compound in our search for a new class of hDHFR inhibitors. We incorporated an amide bond, a structural element typical of netropsin, a ligand that binds selectively in the minor groove of DNA, into the molecules of TMP analogs. In this work, we present previously obtained and evaluated eleven benzamides (JW1–JW8; MB1, MB3-MB4). Recently, these compounds were specifically projected as potential inhibitors of the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and β-secretase (BACE1). JW8 was most active against AChE, with an inhibitory concentration of AChE IC₅₀ = 0.056 µM, while the IC₅₀ for donepezil was 0.046 µM. This compound was also the most active against the BACE1 enzyme. The IC₅₀ value was 9.01 µM compared to that for quercetin, with IC₅₀ = 4.89 µM. All the benzamides were active against hDHFR, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 4.72 to 20.17 µM, and showed activity greater than TMP (55.26 µM). Quantitative results identified the derivatives JW2 and JW8 as the most promising. A molecular modeling study demonstrates that JW2 interacts strongly with the key residue Gly-117, while JW8 interacts strongly with Asn-64 and Arg-70. Furthermore, JW2 and JW8 demonstrate the ability to stabilize the hDHFR enzyme, despite forming fewer hydrogen bonds with the protein compared to reference ligands. It can be concluded that this class of compounds certainly holds great promise for good active leads in medicinal chemistry. Full article

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Cell apoptosis in the myocardium plays an important role in ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury, leading to cardiac damage and dysfunction. Platelets are major players in hemostasis and play a crucial role in vessel occlusion, inflammation, and cardiac remodeling after I/R. Here, we studied the impact of platelets on cell apoptosis in the myocardium using a close-chest mouse model of AMI. We found caspase-3-positive resident cardiac cells, while leukocytes were negative for caspase-3. Using two different mouse models of thrombocytopenia, we detected a significant reduction in caspase-3 positive cells in the infarct border zone after I/R injury. Further, we identified platelet FasL to induce cell apoptosis via the extrinsic pathway of Fas receptor activation of target cells. Mechanistically, hypoxia triggers platelet adhesion to FasR, suggesting that platelet-induced apoptosis is elevated after I/R. Platelet-specific FasL knock-out mice showed reduced Bax and Bcl2 expression, suggesting that platelets modulate the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis, leading to reduced infarct size after myocardial I/R injury. Thus, a new mechanism for how platelets contribute to tissue homeostasis after AMI was identified that should be validated in patients soon. Full article

The synthesis of betalain using microorganisms is an innovative developmental technology, and the excavation of microorganisms closely related to betalain can provide certain theoretical and technical support to this technology. In this study, the characteristics of soil microbial community structures and their functions in the rhizospheres of white-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) and red-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) were analyzed. The results show that the soil bacterial and fungal compositions in the rhizospheres were shaped differently between H. undatus and H. polyrhizus. Bacterial genera such as Kribbella and TM7a were the unique dominant soil bacterial genera in the rhizospheres of H. undatus, whereas Bradyrhizobium was the unique dominant soil bacterial genus in the rhizospheres of H. polyrhizus. Additionally, Myrothecium was the unique dominant soil fungal genus in the rhizospheres of H. polyrhizus, whereas Apiotrichum and Arachniotus were the unique dominant soil fungal genera in the rhizospheres of H. undatus. Moreover, TM7a, Novibacillus, Cupriavidus, Mesorhizobium, Trechispora, Madurella, Cercophora, and Polyschema were significantly enriched in the rhizospheres of H. undatus, whereas Penicillium, Blastobotrys, Phialemonium, Marasmius, and Pseudogymnoascus were significantly enriched in the rhizospheres of H. polyrhizus. Furthermore, the relative abundances of Ascomycota and Penicillium were significantly higher in the rhizospheres of H. polyrhizus than in those of H. undatus. Full article

Logistics companies are increasingly adopting private blockchains for enhanced data management because of the trends in cooperation. Nevertheless, this practice poses new challenges concerning the security and sharing of data. The real-time nature and diversity of logistics data increase the difficulty of protecting the data. Additionally, when transportation information changes, downstream enterprises must promptly adjust their production plans to accommodate these alterations. The strict access controls of private blockchains can obstruct downstream enterprises from obtaining data, posing a challenge to the overall operational efficiency. In this paper, we propose an innovative logistics data protection scheme that employs private set intersection (PSI) and blockchain cross-chain technology to achieve data security. In our scheme, logistics companies within the logistics consortium are added as trusted agents to the public blockchain, enabling downstream enterprises to acquire logistics data integration from the public blockchain. Utilizing an RSA-based PSI protocol, our approach enhances exchange efficiency while protecting private data without transmitting additional information. We evaluate the performance of the proposed solution through a series of experiments, and the results demonstrate that our solution can achieve secure and efficient logistics data exchange. Full article

The aim of this work was to study the ability of 28-homobrassinolide (HBL) and 28-homocastasterone (HCS) to increase the resistance of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants to drought and to alter their endogenous brassinosteroid status. Germinated barley seeds were treated with 0.1 nM HBL or HCS solutions for two hours. A water deficit was created by stopping the watering of 7-day-old plants for the next two weeks. Plants responded to drought through growth inhibition, impaired water status, increased lipid peroxidation, differential effects on antioxidant enzymes, intense proline accumulation, altered expression of genes involved in metabolism, and decreased endogenous contents of hormones (28-homobrassinolide, B-ketones, and B-lactones). Pretreatment of plants with HBL reduced the inhibitory effect of drought on fresh and dry biomass accumulation and relative water content, whereas HCS partially reversed the negative effect of drought on fresh biomass accumulation, reduced the intensity of lipid peroxidation, and increased the osmotic potential. Compared with drought stress alone, pretreatment of plants with HCS or HBL followed by drought increased superoxide dismutase activity sevenfold or threefold and catalase activity (by 36%). The short-term action of HBL and HCS in subsequent drought conditions partially restored the endogenous B-ketone and B-lactone contents. Thus, the steroidal phytohormones HBL and HCS increased barley plant resistance to subsequent drought, showing some specificity of action. Full article

Cryptococcal infection poses a significant global public health challenge, particularly in regions near the equator. In this review, we offer a succinct exploration of the Cryptococcus spp. genome and various molecular typing methods to assess the burden and genetic diversity of cryptococcal pathogens in the environment and clinical isolates. We delve into a detailed discussion on the molecular pathogenesis and diagnosis of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) associated with cryptococcosis, with a specific emphasis on cryptococcal meningitis IRIS (CM-IRIS). Our examination includes the recent literature on CM-IRIS, covering host cellulomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and genomics. Full article

Real-time monitoring of physiological indicators inside the body is pivotal for contemporary diagnostics and treatments. Implantable electrodes can not only track specific biomarkers but also facilitate therapeutic interventions. By modifying biometric components, implantable electrodes enable in situ metabolite detection in living tissues, notably beneficial in invasive glucose monitoring, which effectively alleviates the self-blood-glucose-managing burden for patients. However, the development of implantable electrochemical electrodes, especially multi-channel sensing devices, still faces challenges: (1) The complexity of direct preparation hinders functionalized or multi-parameter sensing on a small scale. (2) The fine structure of individual electrodes results in low spatial resolution for sensor functionalization. (3) There is limited conductivity due to simple device structures and weakly conductive electrode materials (such as silicon or polymers). To address these challenges, we developed multiple-channel electrochemical microneedle electrode arrays (MCEMEAs) via a separated functionalization and assembly process. Two-dimensional microneedle (2dMN)-based and one-dimensional microneedle (1dMN)-based electrodes were prepared by laser patterning, which were then modified as sensing electrodes by electrochemical deposition and glucose oxidase decoration to achieve separated functionalization and reduce mutual interference. The electrodes were then assembled into 2dMN- and 1dMN-based multi-channel electrochemical arrays (MCEAs), respectively, to avoid damaging functionalized coatings. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that the as-prepared MCEAs exhibit excellent transdermal capability, detection sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility, which was capable of real-time, in situ glucose concentration monitoring. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of anti-interleukin-1 therapeutics for treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Our research included interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitors, IL-1 antibodies and IL-1 receptor antagonists (IL-1 Ras). Methods: We systematically searched PubMed and Mendeley to find randomized control trials (RCTs) or clinical trials (CTs) of anti-interleukin-1 therapeutics in KOA from 2000 to 2023. The outcomes were changes in pain, function and stiffness scores. The research was conducted between November 2023 and January 2024. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool RoB 2. Results: Analysis of the nine included studies showed a statistically significant difference in terms of the pain relief group (SMD = −0.20, 95% CI: −0.39 to −0.01, p = 0.0348), physical function improvement (SMD = −0.20, 95% CI: −0.39 to 0.00, p = 0.0479) and stiffness reduction (SMD = −0.22, 95% CI: −0.43 to 0.00, p = 0.0475) between anti-IL-1 therapeutics and placebo or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, when we separately analysed placebo and NSAIDs subgroups, the statistical significance was observed only in the placebo group. Our article was limited by the quality of the included RCTs. Two of the included trials were of poor methodological quality, and five showed selective reporting. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that anti-IL-1 therapeutics might have better efficacy in KOA treatment than placebo or NSAIDs; yet, taking into account the limited availability of studies and data concerning anti-IL-1 in osteoarthritis treatment, we think that more high-quality RCTs on this subject are needed. Full article

Background: Research has shown that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are prevalent and are associated with psychological distress. Some studies indicate facing these adversities can lead to post-traumatic growth. This study aims to assess the impact of ACEs on psychological distress and post-traumatic growth and to determine the mediating effect of post-traumatic growth between ACEs and psychological distress, in a sample of adults. Methods: In this study, there were 521 participants (mean = 31.32, SD = 12.28), who answered the following surveys online: a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Family ACE Questionnaire, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Results: ACEs were positive and significant predictors of psychological distress, and the “Change in the perception of the self and life in general” factor of post-traumatic growth was the strongest predictor of lower perceived psychological distress. Post-traumatic growth did not mediate the relationship between ACEs and psychological distress. Conclusions: These findings contribute to the improvement of clinical practice and health policies and highlight the need for a more in-depth understanding of the impact of ACEs on mental health. Full article

It is a common view that Popper’s defense of the open society has been a defense of Western, liberal democracies. This seems to imply that by fostering democratic institutions we are ipso facto fostering open societies. I criticize this view by arguing that in-built incentives in democratic mechanisms move us away from (or hamper) the open society. Democracy promotes voters’ ignorance, indulges voters’ irrationality, and allows voters to externalize costs. This is contrary to well-informed, rational decisions and personal responsibility that lie at the fundamentals of the open society. I suggest that it has been free-market capitalism, or free-market societies, which has moved us closer to the ideal of the open society and which best realizes open society’s values. Full article