bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Ephedra Herb in the Treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Yao Tianwen , Wang Qingliang , Han Shisheng , Lu Yan , Xu Yanqiu , Wang Yi
Published: July 2022

Objective. To explore the possible mechanisms of Ephedra herb (EH) in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome (NS) by using network pharmacology and molecular docking in this study. Methods. Active ingredients and related targets of EH were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, and the gene names corresponding to the proteins were found through the UniProt database. Then, target genes related to NS were screened out from GeneCards, PharmGKB, and OMIM databases. Next, the intersection targets were obtained successfully through Venn diagram, which were also seen as key target genes of EH and NS. Cytoscape 3.9.0 software was used to construct the effective “active ingredient‐target” network diagram, and “drug‐ingredient‐target‐disease (D‐I‐T‐D)” network diagram. After that, the STRING database was used to construct a protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment involved in the targets were performed by the DAVID database and ClueGO plugin in Cytoscape. Finally, AutoDockTools software was used for molecular docking to verify the binding strength between main active ingredients and key target proteins. Results. A total of 22 main active ingredients such as quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, and naringenin were obtained, which could act on 105 targets related to NS. Through PPI network, 53 core targets such as AKT1, TNF, IL6, VEGFA, and IL1B were found, which might play a crucial role in the treatment of NS. Meanwhile, these targets were significantly involved in PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, AGE‐RAGE signaling pathway, hepatitis B, and pathways in cancer through GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. The docking results indicated that active ingredients such as kaempferol, luteolin, quercetin, and naringenin all had good binding to the target protein AKT1 or TNF. Among them, luteolin and naringenin binding with AKT1 showed the best binding energy (‐6.2 kcal/mol). Conclusion. This study indicated that the potential mechanism of EH in treating NS may be related to PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and AGE‐RAGE signaling pathway, which provided better approaches for exploring the mechanism in treating NS and new ideas for further in vivo and in vitro experimental verifications.
Visual Display Method of Enterprise Internal Control Information Based on Cluster Analysis Algorithm
Authors: Cui Ranhong , Ma Hengguo
Published: July 2022

In the face of today’s fast updating and wide variety of word segmentation, it is difficult to accurately identify the keyword segmentation in the enterprise’s internal control information. Therefore, a visual display method of enterprise internal control information based on cluster analysis algorithm is proposed. Fully considering the characteristics of enterprise internal control, on the basis of clarifying the visual display process of enterprise internal control information, the visual display coefficient of enterprise internal control information is optimized based on cluster analysis algorithm. By optimizing the visual display value, the visual display parameter fusion of enterprise internal control information is realized. The dimension of enterprise internal control information is reduced, and the mean value of color difference between pixels is used to ensure the separability of visual display images, so as to realize the visual display of enterprise internal control information. The experimental results show that the proposed method can accurately identify the enterprise internal control information, which shows that the practical application ability of this method has been improved.
Overseas Warehouse Location of Cross-Border E-Commerce Based on Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Ji Xinnan
Published: July 2022

In order to solve the problem of cross-border e-commerce warehouses as transit stations and direct selling platforms, the location of a cross-border e-commerce overseas warehouse is deeply studied on the basis of particle swarm optimization. Firstly, it studies the principle of algorithm optimization and algorithm method of particle swarm optimization. Among them, the self-built overseas warehouse mode has high requirements on the construction threshold, which is suitable for large cross-border e-commerce enterprises. The overseas warehouse model is built by a professional third party, which is economical and flexible, so it is suitable for mass cross-border e-commerce enterprises. Another overseas warehouse model is to build a cross-border logistics one-stop service platform with overseas warehouse as the core for all kinds of cross-border e-commerce enterprises, which is the development direction of overseas warehouse in the future. However, due to the immature construction conditions and too strong resource integration, this model is still in the stage of research, exploration, and attempt. However, choosing the location of an overseas warehouse and how to use the particle swarm optimization algorithm in the overseas warehouse development experiment remain problems to be solved. After experiments and research, the particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to solve the problem in the context of cross-border e-commerce, which verifies the feasibility of the model, so as to give a specific scheme for the location of overseas hub warehouses and overseas warehouses.
Leukocyte Segmentation Method Based on Adaptive Retinex Correction and U-Net
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhu Mengjing
Published: July 2022

To address the issues of uneven illumination and inconspicuous leukocyte properties in the gathered cell pictures, a leukocyte segmentation method based on adaptive retinex correction and U-net was proposed. The procedure begins by processing a peripheral blood image to clearly distinguish leukocytes from other components in the image. The adaptive retinex correction, which is based on multiscale retinex with colour replication (MSRCR), redefines the colour recovery function by introducing Michelson contrast. Then, the image is trained with the U-net convolutional neural network, and the leukocyte segmentation is completed. The innovation is in the manner of processing peripheral blood images, which improves the accuracy of leukocyte segmentation. This study conducts experimental evaluations on the Cellavision, BCCD, and LISC datasets. The experimental results show that the method in this study is better than the current best method, and the segmentation accuracy rate reaches 98.87%.
Driving with Both Feet: Supplementing AKG While Inhibiting BCAT1 Leads to Synthetic Lethality in GBM
Authors: Meurs Noah , Nagrath Deepak
Published: July 2022

Understanding how carcinogenesis can expose cancers to synthetically lethal vulnerabilities has been an essential underpinning of development of modern anticancer therapeutics. Isocitrate dehydrogenase wild-type (IDHWT) glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), which is known to have upregulated branched-chain amino acid transaminase 1 (BCAT1) expression, has not had treatments developed to the same extent as the IDH mutant counterpart, despite making up the majority of cases. In this issue, Zhang and colleagues utilize a metabolic screen to identify α-ketoglutarate (AKG) as a synthetically lethal treatment in conjunction with BCAT1 inhibition in IDHWT GBM. These treatments synergize in a multipronged approach that limits substrate catabolism and disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis through perturbing the balance of NAD+/NADH, leading to mTORC1 inhibition and a reduction of nucleotide biosynthesis. Based on these results, the authors propose combination treatment targeting branched chain amino acid catabolism as a potential option for patients with IDHWT GBM.

See related article by Zhang et al., p. 2388
Editorial
Authors: Martins Lilian Al-Chueyr Pereira , Prestes Maria Elice de Brzezinski
Published: July 2022

Editorial da revista
Mediações na expressão e ressignificação das identidades polono-brasileiras
Authors: Drabeski Larissa , John Valquiria Michela
Published: July 2022

Neste artigo discorremos sobre as mediações comunicativas envolvidas nos espaços de expressão e ressignificação da identidade étnica de integrantes de duas famílias descendentes de poloneses em São Mateus do Sul – PR. Os dados apresentados são fruto da pesquisa de recepção com o objetivo de compreender como os descendentes de imigrantes poloneses utilizam processos comunicativos – sejam eles produzidos a partir da relação com a mídia ou em outros processos – na construção e ressignificação de suas identidades polono-brasileiras. Os dados obtidos no trabalho de campo foram tensionados aos conceitos de identidade (HALL, 2006) e das mediações comunicativas da cultura (MARTÍN-BARBERO, 2013). O estudo evidenciou uma construção identitária que acontece principalmente por meio das relações familiares, da religião, do pertencimento à comunidade e pela expressão da língua polonesa. Todos esses espaços são atravessados pelos usos sociais dos meios de comunicação, os quais também afetam a constituição das identidades dos sujeitos.
Marielle gigante: a narrativa de um crime político no Jornal Nacional da TV Globo
Authors: Chiara Lise , Kischinhevsky Marcelo
Published: July 2022

Este artigo busca realizar uma análise televisual da narrativa do assassinato da vereadora carioca Marielle Franco, tomando como corpus 15 edições do telejornal líder de audiência no país, o Jornal Nacional, da Rede Globo de Televisão, no mês de março de 2018. No percurso narrativo, o telejornal construiu a imagem de uma “Marielle gigante”, transformando a vereadora em uma heroína e distanciando-a do mundo real. Constatou-se que a construção narrativa do acontecimento teve a dupla função de estreitar vínculos com parcelas da audiência e de resgatar o papel de mediação do telejornalismo. Contudo, até a data da morte, a emissora não havia concedido espaço para a vereadora e sua atuação política no Rio, assim como reproduziu o silenciamento de sujeitos defendidos pela parlamentar.
Gravitational Dose‐Response Curves for Acute Cardiovascular Hemodynamics and Autonomic Responses in a Tilt Paradigm
Authors: Whittle Richard S. , Keller Nathan , Hall Eric A. , Vellore Hrudayavani S. , Stapleton Lindsay M. , Findlay Katherine H. , Dunbar Bonnie J. , Diaz‐Artiles Ana
Published: July 2022

Background

The cardiovascular system is strongly dependent on the gravitational environment. Gravitational changes cause mechanical fluid shifts and, in turn, autonomic effectors influence systemic circulation and cardiac control. We implemented a tilt paradigm to (1) investigate the acute hemodynamic response across a range of directions of the gravitational vector, and (2) to generate specific dose‐response relationships of this gravitational dependency.

Methods and Results

Twelve male subjects were tilted from 45° head‐up tilt to 45° head‐down tilt in 15° increments, in both supine and prone postures. We measured the steady‐state hemodynamic response in a range of variables including heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, oxygen consumption, total peripheral resistance, blood pressure, and autonomic indices derived from heart rate variability analysis. There is a strong gravitational dependence in almost all variables considered, with the exception of oxygen consumption, whereas systolic blood pressure remained controlled to within ≈3% across the tilt range. Hemodynamic responses are primarily driven by differential loading on the baroreflex receptors, combined with differences in venous return to the heart. Thorax compression in the prone position leads to reduced venous return and increased sympathetic nervous activity, raising heart rate, and systemic vascular resistance while lowering cardiac output and stroke volume.

Conclusions

Gravitational dose‐response curves generated from these data provide a comprehensive baseline from which to assess the efficacy of potential spaceflight countermeasures. Results also assist clinical management of terrestrial surgery in prone posture or head‐down tilt positions.
Influence of larval nutrition on biological attributes and reproductive performance in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under laboratory condition
Authors: Sagar Doddachowdappa , Thillainayagam Isaiyamudhini , Keerthi M.C. , Sujatha G.S. , Chander Subhash
Published: July 2022

An artificial diet and a rearing procedure for the polyphagous pest, Spodoptera frugiperda, were developed to facilitate its culturing under laboratory conditions [27 ± 1°C, 65 ± 5% relative humidity and a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h] throughout the year. The efficiency of the diet was assessed through a comparative study with the natural host of the pest, maize. The biological, reproductive and population parameters of the pest on artificial diet were superior, especially the enhanced mean fecundity of 1796 per female which was more than that of the insect reared on its natural host. The meridic diet gave a higher mean pupal weight (0.217 g/pupa) than the natural diet (0.188 g/pupa). About 81.8% of neonates completed their developmental cycle on artificial diet and emerged as healthy adults, compared to only 57.5% normal adult emergence on the natural diet. On observation, there were 3678 and 3551 eupyrene sperm bundles in the adults emerged from larvae reared on artificial diet and natural diet, respectively. The net reproductive rate () for adults reared on artificial diet was 945.26, it being 703.7 for adults reared on a natural diet. With a sex ratio of 0.55, the biotic potential of S. frugiperda reared on artificial diet was 5.104 × 1028, which is more than that of natural diet (5.740 × 1026). The fertility life table constructed in the present study can play a significant role in predicting population dynamics, which will further help in developing an effective integrated pest management and the developed meridic diet with rearing procedure will be helpful in insecticide resistance monitoring programmes for this folivorous pest.
A Humanistic Approach to Education 2030: Perspective and Practice in China
Authors: Qin Hangyin
Published: July 2022

A humanistic approach to education has been central in the field of international education. China has positively responded to the international action of the United Nations plan in Education 2030 with a concrete strategic plan. Although challenges remain, China’s development of a modern lifelong learning system involving all levels of education in formal and non-formal education aims at ensuring the right of all people to an education; and it lays the foundation for educational equity. Traditional Chinese education philosophy and teaching/learning practice containing the spirit of humanism should be treasured both by China and the world. A humanistic approach to education reflects the convergence between China and the world, and modernity and tradition. Supporting the education of developing countries reflects a positive attitude and responsible action contributing to the common destiny of humanity.
Physical and Optical Properties of Clouds in the Southwest Vortex from FY-4A Cloud Retrievals
Authors: Yu Zhuofu , Ma Shuo , Han Ding , Li Guanlin , Yan Wei , Liu Jingdong
Published: July 2022

The southwest vortex (SWV) is a critical weather system in China, but our knowledge of this system remains incomplete. Here, we investigate the cloud properties in the SWV. First, we search for the SWVs with time steps and center locations that are consistent between the SWV yearbook and ERA-Interim reanalysis data. Second, we supplement these SWVs’ life spans and movement paths. Third, we relocate the Fengyun (FY) satellite FY-4A cloud retrievals in the 10° × 10° region centered on each SWV and analyze the cloud occurrence frequency (COF), cloud-top height (CTH), and cloud optical thickness (COT). A distribution mode of cloud types is summarized from the COFs, with water clouds, supercooled clouds, mixed clouds, ice clouds, cirrus clouds, and overlap clouds occurring sequentially from west to east. The CTH probability density (PD) distribution features a significant north–south difference. In addition, the COT PD distributions exhibit a common trend: with increasing COT, the PD increases rapidly and then slowly before peaking, whereupon the PD decreases abruptly. From spring to summer, the region with the highest convective COF shifts from the northeast to the northwest, and an east–west gradient of the convective COF appears in autumn and winter. Furthermore, we investigate the cloud properties during SWV-related heavy rainfall. Heavy rain occurs mainly in the west of the SWV, and convective clouds are mainly in the northwest, partly in the southwest and near the SWV center. The average CTH in heavy rainfall is generally higher than 6 km, and the average COT is greater than 20.

Significance Statement

The southwest vortex (SWV) is an important weather system in China. However, we do not yet comprehensively know this weather system. The cloud properties can indicate the structures of weather systems and are key parameters in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. Thus, investigating cloud properties is necessary and meaningful to understand the SWV and accurately predict SWV-related precipitation in NWP models. In this paper, a typical distribution mode of six cloud types in the SWV is summarized from the cloud occurrence frequency, and the distribution features of convective clouds, cloud-top height, and cloud optical thickness in the SWV are analyzed. Furthermore, the cloud properties in SWV-related heavy rain are also studied.
Risk of parental major psychiatric disorders in patients with comorbid autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A population-based family-link study
Authors: Hsu Tien-Wei , Bai Ya-Mei , Tsai Shih-Jen , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Liang Chih-Sung , Chen Mu-Hong
Published: July 2022

Objective:

Few studies have investigated the parental risk of major psychiatric disorders among patients with comorbid autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This study examined the differences in such risk among patients with autism spectrum disorder–only, with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder–only and both conditions.

Methods:

Between 2001 and 2011, we enrolled 132,624 patients with autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and 1:10 matched controls for age, sex and demographics from the National Health Insurance Database of Taiwan. Poisson regression models were used to examine the risk of five major psychiatric disorders in the patients’ parents compared with those of the controls, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and substance use disorder. Patients were classified into the autism spectrum disorder–only, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder–only and dual-diagnosis groups.

Results:

The parents of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder–only and dual-diagnosis groups had a higher likelihood to be diagnosed with (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]) schizophrenia (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: 1.48 [1.39, 1.57]; dual: 1.79 [1.45, 1.20]), bipolar disorder (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: 1.91 [1.82, 2.01]; dual: 1.81 [1.51, 2.17]), major depressive disorder (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: 1.94 [1.89, 2.00]; dual: 1.99 [1.81, 2.20]), alcohol use disorder (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: 1.39 [1.33, 1.45]; dual: 1.20 [1.01, 1.42]) and substance use disorder (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: 1.66 [1.59, 1.73]; dual: 1.34 [1.13, 1.58]) than the controls. In contrast, the parents of autism spectrum disorder–only group had a higher likelihood to be diagnosed with schizophrenia (1.77 [1.46, 2.15]) and major depressive disorder (1.45 [1.32, 1.61]) and a lower likelihood to be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (0.68 [0.55, 0.84]) than the controls.

Conclusion:

The autism spectrum disorder–only group had a different parental incidence of major psychiatric disorders than the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder–only and dual-diagnosis groups. Our findings have implications for clinical practice and future genetic research.
Better not talk? A mixed-methods experimental analysis of avoiding sensitive issues in post-conflict settings
Authors: Ugarriza Juan E , Acuña Diana C , Salazar Monica A
Published: July 2022

Ex-combatants, war victims, and violence-affected community members are typically forced to live together as neighbors in post-conflict settings. Cases all over the world accumulate evidence on the fact that living together after war is a far from a harmonic endeavor, and individuals usually rely on contention mechanisms to keep on with their daily lives while in proximity of former and present-day antagonists. While decades-long academic research has unveiled a series of favorable conditions under which interactions might generate positive effects on intergroup dispositions, they usually prescribe focusing less on touching upon divisive issues, and more on emphasizing in potentially bonding commonalities. By means of a randomized controlled experiment with former war antagonists in Colombia, we set to explore whether avoidance or addressing of the most sensitive issues affecting intergroup relations yield better results in terms of attitude change under favorable conditions. Experimental effects show that perspective-giving protocols are capable of containing polarization tendencies in intergroup discussions even when participants are incentivized to directly address their co-existence problems, while qualitative analysis points out at silences and other avoidance mechanisms as the participants’ key strategies to contain conflict when contentious topics flare up during discussions.
Project SUN: Pilot Study of a Culturally Adapted Smoking Cessation Curriculum for American Indian Youth
Authors: Ramos Guadalupe G. , Sussman Steve , Moerner Lou , Unger Jennifer B. , Soto Claradina
Published: July 2022

American Indian Alaska Native (AIAN) youth have disproportionately higher rates of commercial tobacco product use compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. These rates underscore a need for commercial tobacco product cessation interventions that are culturally informed. This project studied the development, implementation, and some impact data of an adapted version of Project EX, an evidence-based intervention for teen smoking cessation. Implementation challenges resulted in a change from a three-arm to a single-arm trial with 37 AIAN youth who participated in an eight-week curriculum. Intent-to-treat analysis with biochemical validation results indicated that 32% (N = 12/37) of youth quit smoking at the three-month follow-up. Participants reported being satisfied with the program overall and enjoying the culturally adapted activities. This study detailed the program's adaptation and lessons learned during implementation.
One-stop procedure of “atrial fibrillation radiofrequency ablation + left atrial appendage closure + coronary artery fistula embolization”: A case report
Authors: Qin Zuoan , Gong Bingxing , Luo Li , Ge Liangqing
Published: July 2022

Background

Through a case of atrial fibrillation (AF) combined with coronary artery fistula, a one-stop interventional operation treatment of “AF radiofrequency ablation + left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) + coronary artery fistula (CAF) embolization” was performed. We have checked the relevant literature, and there is no similar report, which may help clinicians deal with similar situations.

Case presentation

The patient had a 6-year history of paroxysmal AF, and had experienced negative effects of the drug treatment. She had suffered many years of repeated hemoptysis due to bronchiectasis, and could not tolerate anticoagulation therapy. After in-depth clinical discussion, a one-stop interventional operation including AF radiofrequency ablation, LAAC, and CAF embolization, was formulated according to the patient’s situation. The patient recovered and was discharged smoothly.

Conclusions

In patients with AF combined with coronary artery-bronchial artery fistula, a one-stop interventional operation treatment of “AF radiofrequency ablation + LAAC+ CAF embolization” was performed. It can effectively improve the anticoagulation-worsened haemoptysis in patients with AF.
Physical therapy for facial nerve paralysis (Bell's palsy): An updated and extended systematic review of the evidence for facial exercise therapy
Authors: Khan Amir J , Szczepura Ala , Palmer Shea , Bark Chris , Neville Catriona , Thomson David , Martin Helen , Nduka Charles
Published: July 2022

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of the effectiveness of facial exercise therapy for facial palsy patients, updating an earlier broader Cochrane review; and to provide evidence to inform the development of telerehabilitation for these patients.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PEDro and AMED for relevant studies published between 01 January 2011 and 30 September 2020.

Methods

Predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria were utilised to shortlist abstracts. Two reviewers independently appraised articles, systematically extracted data and assessed the quality of individual studies and reviews (using GRADE and AMSTAR-2, respectively). Thematic analysis used for evidence synthesis; no quantitative meta-analysis conducted. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017073067).

Results

Seven new randomised controlled trials, nine observational studies, and three quasi-experimental or pilot studies were identified ( n  =  854 participants). 75% utilised validated measures to record changes in facial function and/or patient-rated outcomes. High-quality trials (4/7) all reported positive impacts; as did observational studies rated as high/moderate quality (3/9). The benefit of therapy at different time points post-onset and for cases of varying clinical severity is discussed. Differences in study design prevented data pooling to strengthen estimates of therapy effects. Six new review articles identified were all rated critically low quality.

Conclusion

The findings of this targeted review reinforce those of the earlier more general Cochrane review. New research studies strengthen previous conclusions about the benefits of facial exercise therapy early in recovery and add to evidence of the value in chronic cases. Further standardisation of study design/outcome measures and evaluation of cost-effectiveness are recommended.
Endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra in captive lions (Panthera leo) and tigers (Panthera tigris)
Authors: Carlson Ariel K. , Ramsay Edward C. , Sun Xiaocun , Chaffins Deborah , Sula Mee-Ja M.
Published: July 2022

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a pathologic condition of the uterus with increased endometrial gland to stroma ratio compared to normal cyclic uterine proliferation. In domestic animals, EH often involves cystic distension of proliferating endometrial glands and may be concurrent with pyometra. In large captive nondomestic felids, an association between EH and pyometra is common; however, detailed species differences between the histological uterine findings in lions ( Panthera leo) and tigers ( Panthera tigris) and clinical manifestations have yet to be described. Uterine sections from 14 lions and 24 tigers with EH and/or pyometra were scored for several histological parameters and clinical histories were recorded. The percentage of endometrium affected by hyperplasia, endometrial gland to stroma ratio, and adenomyosis were significantly ( P = .0385, P = .0008, and P = .0463, respectively) more severe in lions compared to tigers as univariate analytes. Although tubular complexity was not statistically significant ( P = .3254), when combined as a proposed EH grading scheme, these 4 features confirmed lions had significantly ( P = .0068) more severe EH compared to tigers. Endometrial hyperplasia severity significantly correlated with inflammation/pyometra severity when controlling for species ( P = .0203). A significant correlation exists between pyometra-associated clinical sign severity and the presence of pyometra in tigers, ( P = .0026) but not in lions ( P = .1144). There was no statistical difference in the severity of clinical signs associated with pyometra between these species ( P = .1986). This proposed grading scheme may have clinical utility in providing a more consistent and objective evaluation of EH in large captive felids.
The development and disintegration of a Classic Maya center and its climate context
Authors: Prufer KM , Thompson AE , Wickert AD , Kennett DJ
Published: July 2022

Research in Southern Belize has produced a 1000-year record of coupled human and environmental relationships at the ancient Maya city Uxbenká. Located at the southeastern margin of the Maya Lowlands, this region has excellent agricultural land and some of the highest rainfall in the Maya region. Uxbenká was the founding political center in southern Belize after 100 BCE. After 850 years, Uxbenká experienced a long geopolitical disintegration ending in depopulation as part of broad regional collapse. We use kernel density and summed probability distributions of 167 high-precision AMS 14C dates to reconstruct relative changes in population and investments in the built environment throughout the growth and decline of the polity. Those data are compared to an annually resolved speleothem paleoclimate record from Yok Balum cave, located less than 3 km from Uxbenká’s civic ceremonial core. With no Classic Period wetland fields or evidence for large-scale landscape investments in agricultural intensification, food production would have been rainfall dependent as was water availability for household use. Using a 30 m SRTM DEM, we compute flow accumulation and the upvalley extents of river networks while varying the input precipitation to reflect hypothesized changes in paleorainfall over time. Our data suggest that Uxbenká experienced rapid growth following a severe drought at 200 CE, as well as cycles of growth and contraction until just after 750 CE. We find that geopolitical disintegration in southern Belize was already underway when a severe drought began at 830 CE. That six-decade drought likely contributed to the abandonment of Uxbenká and limited geopolitical reorganization.
Telemedicine in headache care: A systematic review
Authors: Clausen Tobias Christian , Greve Nikolaos Kalogeropoulos , Müller Kai Ivar , Kristoffersen Espen Saxhaug , Schytz Henrik Winther
Published: July 2022

Objective

Telemedicine is defined as video-based consultations with synchronous video and sound. This systematic review investigated the use of telemedicine for headache patients. The primary outcomes of interest were treatment efficacy, feasibility, safety, convenience, compliance, and patient satisfaction.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed and Embase. Thirteen articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. A systematic review protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, registration number CRD42021265875.

Results

There were no significant differences in treatment efficacy, patient satisfaction, compliance or safety using telemedicine when compared to traditional consultations. Telemedicine was found to be convenient due to being less time-consuming and expensive, especially for patients with limited access to health care. Despite the frequent occurrence of technical errors, telemedicine was found to be feasible.

Conclusion

Telemedicine consultations are similar in quality to traditional in-office headache consultations and can be a more convenient solution for eligible headache patients.
Mechanical properties of aluminum/SiNT nanocomposite
Authors: Motamedi Mohsen , Mehrvar Ali , Nikzad Mohamadhossein
Published: July 2022

Molecular dynamics simulation is among the most significant methods in nanoscale studies. This paper studied the effect of strain rate, temperature, and nanotube chirality on the stress-strain behavior of aluminum/silicon nanotubes (SiNTs) using molecular dynamics simulation. Ultimate tensile stress and Young’s modulus of the nanocomposite were evaluated using molecular dynamics simulation. According to the results, Young’s modulus of the nanocomposite decreased with increasing temperature. Also, Young’s modulus decreased by increasing the strain rate. Next, an experimental approach was used based on the Box–Behnken design. According to the input parameters and the experimental approach, the number of simulations in the software was 39 runs. Overall, it is concluded that the optimal conditions were created at a temperature of 50 K, a strain rate of 0.01/ps, and chirality of (5,5), leading to the elasticity modulus of 137 GPa and the ultimate tensile stress of 11.8 GPa.
Patterns and conversational structure of knowledge sharing on Ebola virus disease among healthcare practitioners: Observations from a pilot study
Authors: Igwe Ebelechukwu Gloria , Olatokun Wole Michael
Published: July 2022

This pilot study was designed to determine the conversational structure on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), pattern of knowledge sharing and knowledge sharing behaviour of healthcare practitioners (HCP) on Medscape online network. The study was guided by Conversation Theory, and deployed a retrospective document/content analysis research design. Ninety-two comments from healthcare practitioners including 16 EVD newsposts out of 37 EVD news were randomly extracted from the network between 2014 and 2018. Extracted data were analysed using NVivo and Microsoft Excel applications. An EVD knowledge taxonomy was developed from the content mapping of EVD topics posted on the network. Results from the pilot study revealed that news on EVD were mostly on EVD outbreak management at the peak period of EVD outbreak in 2014. Also, the HCPs mostly engaged in knowledge sharing on issues relating to EVD risk. Findings revealed that the entire (37) newsposts were of interest to HCPs and they responded to 16 newsposts. There were three active and influential HCPs on the network. The novelty of this study stems from its focus on conversation patterns of HCP on online knowledge sharing using the variables of Conversation theory to examine their knowledge sharing behaviours. The outcome of the study could serve as a model for other studies on other trending viral diseases such as Coronavirus, Lassa Fever, Monkey pox, etc. This study thus recommends replicate analysis in the main study with a larger data set with further findings using network analysis and other statistical tools to examine the conversational structure on EVD and pattern of knowledge sharing among the HCPs.
Fatigue and impact load: Experimental investigation on mechanical behavior of high modulus polyethylene yarns
Authors: da Silva Belloni Eduarda , Monteiro da Fonseca Thomé da Silva Antonio Henrique , Clain Fernanda Mazuco , Marcos Guilherme Carlos Eduardo
Published: July 2022

Synthetic ropes have been used as alternatives for wire ropes owing to their low specific weight and excellent mechanical characteristics. They are essential for offshore mooring in deep water because, at these depths, the weight of steel cables and chains would exceed the forces supported by the platform structure. In addition, they are used in several applications, such as robotics, mountain climbing, fire rescue and lifting loads, sternum closure after medical surgery. They are even used as artificial muscles and active endoscopes because of their high flexibility. These applications are typically characterized by the presence of dynamic loads. Thus, this study aims to experimentally investigate the mechanical behavior of high-modulus polyethylene yarns, supplied by three different manufacturers. The yarns were analyzed after being subjected to impact load and after experiencing fatigue. The interaction between impact load and fatigue was also studied. First, the force, strain, and energy absorbed after the impact load were verified. Subsequently, the influence of the impact load on the fatigue life of the materials was analyzed. Finally, thermal analysis (DSC and TGA) and chemical analysis (FTIR, DRX, and EDS) were performed to compare the materials. It was observed that the mechanical and thermal behaviors of the three materials differed, and there was a reduction in fatigue life, which depended on the impact load due to yarn degradation. Finally, it is concluded that properties such as tensile strength should not be used as the sole parameter for dimensioning polymeric materials, because they exhibit different material properties in several tests despite possessing similar tensile strength.
Protest, Change, and Democracy: Locating Current Farmers Protest Movement in Dube’s Construct of “Understanding Change”
Authors: Mehta Shalina
Published: July 2022

S. C. Dube’s contributions to the understanding of social change are as relevant today as these were in the decades of the twentieth century. He cautioned saying “good economics is not always good sociology.” Decades following economic liberalization inequalities have continued to rise, socioeconomic distress and more recently farmers resistance to proposed agricultural reforms revalidate some of his prophecies. He cautioned that if cultural norms and the “hold traditional agricultural practises have on people’s way of life are ignored, reforms will be resisted.” In this presentation, an attempt is made to revisit some of his invaluable contributions in understanding farmers protest movement that lasted for more than a year and was withdrawn only after a public announcement by the Prime Minister of India that the three laws against which persistent protests were organized are unequivocally withdrawn. This Dube Memorial Lecture was presented on the invitations of Indian National Confederation and Academy of Anthropologists on February 22, 2021, when the protest movement was on for nearly 8 months. Tarrow’s construct of protest movements and inherent contestations in movements provides theoretical framework to explore longevity and outcome of this prolonged resistance on reforms and restructuring of political configurations.
Secukinumab: A Silver Lining in Dermatology
Authors: Manoharan Dhanaraj , N. Ravi Vignesh , Shreya Srinivasan , Suzsmi L. Saravanan
Published: July 2022

Secukinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, is a biological agent that targets interleukin-17A. Secukinumab is used in the management of the common dermatological entity - plaque-type psoriasis and its various types, namely psoriatic arthritis, hypertrophic palmoplantar psoriasis and generalized pustular psoriasis. Other less common indications of this popular interleukin -17A inhibitor, secukinumab include ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Familial Mediterranean fever, and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS). This review article was written by referring to various review articles, original articles, and some books related to highly regarded databases, such as the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. The keywords explored during review of literature consisted of combinations of the following words: human monoclonal antibody, IL-17A, and biologicals. The authors with this in-depth review hope to explore the working of this versatile biological, Secukinumab, especially as a silver lining in dermatology.
Arthroscopic lateral collateral ligament imbrication for treatment of atraumatic posterolateral rotatory instability
Authors: Chanlalit Cholawish , Mahasupachai Nattakorn , Sakdapanichkul Chidchanok
Published: July 2022

Background

Among the causative lesions of lateral elbow pain, atraumatic posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) is a rare condition, but it produces pain and disability to the elbow. It still lacks published specific treatment literature. According to the development of arthroscopy, the arthroscopic lateral collateral ligament (LCL) imbrication can possibly be an alternative minimal invasive procedure that can eradicate the atraumatic PLRI. Hypothesis/Purpose: To report clinical results of arthroscopic LCL imbrication for the treatment on atraumatic PLRI elbow. Methods: Thirty-three patients with chronic atraumatic lateral elbow pain were presented to our institution between July 2015 and December 2021. Eight patients were diagnosed with atraumatic PLRI and underwent arthroscopic LCL imbrication. Comparison between the pre- and post-operative scores were recorded, which were The Quick-Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) score, Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and Visual Analog Scale for pain (VAS). Results: Mean follow-up was 16 months (9–24 months). Comparing between pre-operation and post-operation, all of eight patients had significant improved Quick-DASH score (mean 55.62 vs 7.62, p = .004), MEPI (mean 50.00 vs 96.87, p = .000) and VAS for pain (mean 8.14 vs 1.28, p = .000). Conclusion: Atraumatic PLRI is a concerning lesion in patients with lateral elbow pain. Arthroscopic LCL imbrication can be simultaneously performed with other lateral elbow pain causations, such as tennis elbow and pathological plica, and provide painless, stable, and functional elbow.

Level of evidence

Case Series (Level of evidence: 4).
Is the Message Clear? Evaluation of Readability Levels for Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, and Craniofacial Websites
Authors: Washington George N. , Cepeda Alfredo , Moffitt Joseph , Groff Connor K , Greives Matthew R. , Nguyen Phuong D.
Published: July 2022

Web-based health information is the leading source of medical knowledge for patients and families. The American Medical Association (AMA) and US Department of Health and Human Services recommend reading material be at or below a sixth-grade reading level. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the readability of the most popularly searched cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and other craniofacial syndrome (CFS) websites.

Google searches for “cleft lip,” “cleft palate,” and “craniofacial syndromes” were performed to identify the top 40 websites in an incognito window with the location set to the United States. Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) was used to determine ease of reading from 0 (most difficult) to 100 (greatest ease of reading) and Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade (FKGL) for website content and compared between websites using an FRES of 80 to 90 and FKGL of 6.0 to 6.9 for a sixth-grade reading level.

Readability was low for all sites with 6 CL/P websites and no CFS websites at or below a sixth-grade reading level. CL/P websites had FRES readability scores of 58.5 ± 12.3 and were at a 9.4 ± 2.3 grade level. CFS websites had readability scores on the FRES of 39.8 ± 13.1 and were at a 10.8 ± 1.8 grade level.

Web-based information related to CL/P and CFS is on average several grade levels above the recommended sixth-grade reading level. Online information for CL/P and CFS may need to be revised to improve understanding for the public and families.
Health and Election Outcomes: Evidence from the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election
Authors: Panagopoulos Costas , Weinschenk Aaron C.
Published: July 2022

Recent research indicates that political developments and events can have important implications for health. In this study, we use data from a large, nationally representative survey ( N = 1750) fielded in December 2020 to understand how the 2020 Presidential Election impacted self-reported health ratings. Several important findings emerge. First, many Americans report that their mental (14%) and general (6%) health has worsened compared to before the 2020 presidential election; similar number of Americans report improvements to their mental (15%) and general (8%) health. Second, those who voted for Trump and who disagree that Biden won the election are significantly less likely than their counterparts to report better mental, but not general, health compared to before the 2020 election. These relationships persist even in the context of a wide range of controls, including demographics, political predispositions, and perceptions of polarization.
Growth of Private Pay Senior Housing Communities in Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the United States: 2015–2019
Authors: Miller Katherine E. M. , Zhao Jiayi , Laine Liisa T. , Coe Norma B.
Published: July 2022

Older adults needing assistance with activities of daily living can receive support in various settings. Senior housing communities, such as independent living, assisted living, and continuing care retirement communities, are an increasingly popular option for adults not requiring nursing home–level care. However, limited research exists due to a dearth of data on these types of communities. We use a proprietary data set to describe the market of private pay senior housing and community-level characteristics in 140 metropolitan statistical areas, from 2015 to 2019. Although the number of senior housing communities increased substantially, the supply of senior housing options supporting the continuum of care has not necessarily kept up with population growth. Describing the supply of senior housing communities across the spectrum of levels of care provides a more complete description of the formal noninstitutional long-term care supply among the 140 most populated metropolitan statistical areas.
Factors Affecting Quality of Care in Maternal and Child Health in Timor-Leste: A Scoping Review
Authors: Khorshed Mahmuda Shayema , Lindsay David , McAuliffe Marie , West Caryn , Wild Kayli
Published: July 2022

Timor-Leste faces many challenges implementing quality maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) services due to resource constraints and socio-cultural factors that disproportionately affect the health of women and children. A scoping review was conducted to map the quality of MNCH services against WHO quality standards on: 1. Provision of care, 2. Experiences of care, and 3. Cross-cutting standards. The literature search identified 1058 citations, from which 28 full-text articles met the inclusion criteria. The findings highlight health workers’ limited capacity to provide quality services and referrals. The major reasons for this are: a lack of essential supplies, poor infrastructure and transport, limited opportunities for ongoing learning, and gaps in health information systems. Provision of care standards and cross-cutting standards require attention at a broad systems level. Findings related to experiences of care highlight the importance of effective communication, respect, and emotional support, particularly for vulnerable women and children who have difficulty accessing services, and for those who have experienced violence. These experience-related standards could be addressed at an individual health worker and health service level, as well as at a systems level. This review provides direction to focus quality-improvement initiatives within local health facilities, as well as at municipal and national level.
The Pandemic Anxiety Inventory: A validation study
Authors: Schonfeld Irvin Sam , Prytherch Tasmyn , Cropley Mark , Bianchi Renzo
Published: July 2022

The Pandemic Anxiety Inventory (PAI) assesses anxiety symptoms individuals attribute to the presence of a pandemic. We conducted this study of 379 British adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and found that the PAI exhibited excellent reliability and solid criterion validity. Pandemic anxiety was associated with reduced social support, anticipated life changes, financial strain, job loss, economic insecurity, and the hospitalization or death of a close friend or relative. Using correlational and bifactor analyses, we found that the PAI demonstrated solid convergent and discriminant validity. The findings suggest that the PAI can be used in research and clinical practice.