bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Language and cultural code peculiarities within the framework of cross-cultural communication
Authors: Baghana Jerome , Voloshina Tatiana G. , Glebova Yana A. , Chernova Olga O. , Karpenko Victor N.
Published: February 2023

The article deals with the peculiarities of linguistic and cultural code-specific features which have a significant impact on the successful communication process within the framework of intercultural interaction. According to the research work, the basic ground of cross-cultural communication operates with definitions and cultural elements, which are of primary importance in the language-mastering process and adaptation procedure to the foreign language environment. The authors of the research work analyze the concepts of code existing processes in modern linguistics, considering the key components of the linguistic and cultural code, stressing the complex nature of intercultural communication procedure due to the subjective application of individual background knowledge of a person while adapting to a foreign country's language and culture environment. Special attention is paid to the process of code-switching, which entails a stage of the new coding system. The analyzed process is a system of subcodes transformation procedure while sub coding information is carried out using an unlimited number of verbal and nonverbal communication signs. The article presents the author's ideas about the strategic influence of Standard British English on the language and cultural conditions of such language variants as Nigerian English. Being used as the official language, Nigerian English presents a hybrid type language variant, adapting British English phonetics, lexis and grammar to the needs of local cultures and languages. The code-switching process from local languages into English in formal communication is a typical process for Nigerians. While analyzing the specific features of the code-switching process in Nigerian English, the authors stress the necessity of paying attention to all language group variants: basilect, mesolect and acrolect, which are equally used in Nigerian society. One must admit code-switching process results in the popularity of Nigerian Pidgin English which has become the most popular unofficial language to nearly all Nigerian social groups thanks to it simplification in all language levels. Nigerian cultures and languages made Standard British English adapt to the local environment due to the needs of speakers. To conclude, the authors stress the specificity of the speaker is revealed in the process of cross-cultural communication and adaptation based on the peculiarities of the peoples' mentality as well as on a communicant's national character specificity.
Resveratrol inhibits multiple organ injury in preeclampsia rat model
Authors: Lang Xiao , Liu Wei , Chen Qinfang , Yang Xingyu , Chen Dan , Cheng Weiwei
Published: February 2023

Objective: To investigate the effects of resveratrol on multiple organ injury and energy metabolism and its possible mechanism in preeclampsia model. Methods: A total of 45 clean-grade female adults Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (weight 270–320 g) were randomly divided into three groups: a control group, preeclampsia group (PE), and Preeclampsia with resveratrol treatment group (RE). Preeclampsia was induced in rats by administering 200 mg/kg/day L-NAME. Expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the lungs and kidney tissues were analysed by ELISA, while the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined by biochemical assays. The levels of lactic acid and pyruvate were detected using biochemical assays, while the epinephrine level in the kidney and heart tissues was determined by the ELISA method. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and the western blotting were used to detect the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) in the myocardial tissues. Results: We found that resveratrol treatment inhibited the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA in the lungs and kidney tissues, while the SOD activity was increased. Treatment with resveratrol reduced the levels of lactic acid, pyruvate, and epinephrine in the kidney and heart tissues. Furthermore, resveratrol treatment significantly increases the expression of PDK4 myocardial tissues in RE group compared to PE group. Conclusion: Resveratrol may inhibit the release of tissue inflammatory factors, regulate the body’s energy metabolism, and ultimately protect tissue damage caused during Preeclampsia.
Electrolytic co-deposition Cobalt Oxide (III) with Nickel (III) and Chrome (III) oxides and formation of binary oxide compounds
Authors:   Ukrainian State Chemical and Technological University, Nagirnyi V. M. , Polishchuk Yu. V. ,   Ukrainian State Chemical and Technological University
Published: February 2023

With the help of the polarization curves method (E-lgIa) there are investigated the anode processes at Co2O3 anode deposition together with the doping additives – nickel (NiO, Ni2O3) and chromium (Cr2O3) oxides at the electrolysis from the mixed sulfate solutions. The possible mechanisms of these processes interconnection with nucleation and crystal growth of binary oxide compounds of Co-Ni and Co-Cr and crystal structure formation of anode deposits are considered.
Efeitos de diferentes topografias de interação social mediadas por computador na cooperação em um Jogo dos Bens Públicos
Authors: Fonseca Samuel de Araujo , Almeida Louanne Emanuelle Rufino de , Costa Dyego de Carvalho , Sampaio Angelo Augusto Silva
Published: February 2023

Esse estudo verificou a influência de diferentes modalidades de interação socialmediadas por computador sobre a cooperação em um Jogo dos Bens Públicos (Public GoodsGame). Divididos em cinco grupos, 20 estudantes universitários participaram da coleta virtualde forma anônima no Google Meet e na plataforma oTree. Em cada tentativa, os participantes(1) resolviam operações matemáticas simples, produziam 20 pontos fictícios e poderiaminteragir a partir da topografia de comunicação sinalizada por 2 min; e (2) poderiam contribuirindividualmente com valores entre zero e 20 pontos para um fundo de investimentos.A soma das contribuições individuais produzia a imagem de uma das quatro estruturasintegrantes de uma escola fictícia (i.e., bem público) a partir dos intervalos de contribuiçõesgrupais. Cada condição foi composta por 10 tentativas. Os pontos acumulados por cada participanteao final de sua participação foram multiplicados por 0,02 e convertidos em dinheiro.Em um delineamento de sujeito único com reversão, as condições experimentais, representadaspelos cinco tipos de comunicação (i.e, isolados, chat de mensagens escritas, áudio, vídeo,áudio e vídeo), foram apresentadas em duas sequências: ABCDEA e ABDECA. No geral,as taxas de cooperação (i.e., contribuições grupais e construção de escolas) aumentaram demaneira gradual nas condições com comunicação, sobretudo na comunicação face-a-face(i.e., vídeo e áudio). Os resultados não permitiram identificar e hierarquizar as topografias decomunicação com maior eficiência, o que indica a função majoritária da exposição gradual esequencial às tarefas experimentais.
Etyczne standardy relacji pomiędzy lekarzami a firmami farmaceutycznymi w Stanach Zjednoczonych
Authors: Makowska Marta
Published: February 2023

This paper attempts an overview on the ethical issues of pharmaceutical industry gift-giving in
the United States of America. The article shows that law is not the only way in which the relationship
between physicians and pharmaceutical industry can be regulated.
Most important professional associations of physicians, pharmacists, residents etc. consider
industry gifts as a conflict of interest. They created different ethical guidelines for this complicated
issue.
The paper demonstrates various solutions of ethical matters in the relationship between physicians
and pharmaceutical industry by analyzing codes and guidelines of different associations. On the one
hand it shows organizations which allow exchanging of gifts of no value. On the other hand it presents
associations that forbid physicians accepting even a pen. The article also shows various attitudes of
these associations to situations like inviting physicians to dinner, accepting drug samples, taking
subsidies from the company to defray the cost of the conference etc.
The problem of those relations has been neglected for long time. From society’s point of view it is
important for physicians to be informed about the rules and ways that pharmaceutical companies try to
influence physicians’ prescription habits.
Rodzina i ochrona życia poczętego na sesjach nadzwyczajnych ONZ (Kair plus pięć, Pekin plus pięć, Stambuł plus pięć)
Authors: Kropiwnicki Jerzy
Published: February 2023

For me the history of the battle for fundamental values of our civilization began in the mid-1990s.
At that time three major conferences took place: the International Conference on Population
and Development in Cairo in 1994, the 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing
and the Conference on Human Settlements in Istanbul in 1996. Surprisingly to most governments
and international public opinion they became the battlefield of the war of ideas, which was especially
significant during the conferences in Cairo and Beijing. The liberal circles fiercely attacked traditional
values which constitute the basis of the international order. Among others, it was the right to live
and the institutional family which were especially attacked. There was even an attempt to replace
the word family with partnership.
The Polish delegation for the conference in Cairo was instructed not only to support the idea of
strengthening the family as a basic unit of society, but also to insist on accepting the common definition
of marriage as a union of a man and women and defend the position that abortion cannot be treated as
a method of family planning or birth control.
The discussion at the Cairo conference evolved into a battle for the right to kill unborn children as
a method of family planning. Among the Holy See and Poland, it was the countries of Latin America
and Muslim countries including African Muslim countries that spoke in defence of traditional values.
At the Istanbul conference, also thanks to the Polish delegation, the family was acknowledged as
a natural subject of housing policy.
In the years 1999, 2000 and 2000 three UN special sessions were held: Cairo +5, Beijing +5
and Istanbul +5. The Polish representation played an important role and the instruction for the Cairo
delegation was fulfilled and remains valid.Although the documents of UN Special Sessions are not legally binding for the UN member
states they are important for UN policy agendas e.g. economic help for third world countries. It is
possible to define the problem of famine as a one of the overpopulation and think of sending condoms
to the starving as a solution.
There is another consequence of such documents and their language: they influence the public
opinion and, after some time, they have an impact on rules of law in the UN member states.
That consequence indicates the importance of that battle for the quality of life in the contemporary
world.
Effect of Acidification and Types of Solvent on Anthocyanin Yield, Total Phenols, Flavonoids, Antioxidant Activity and Colour Values of Extracts from Mangosteen Pericarp (Garcinia mangostana L.)
Authors: Aparna G.S. , Lekshmi P.R. Geetha
Published: February 2023

Background: Anthocyanin is a natural pigment with potential application in the textile, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.), the ‘Queen of fruits’ is famous for its nutritious edible aril. The mangosteen pericarp is rich in anthocyanin and can be utilized as a natural colorant with health benefits. There is a need to standardize easier methods for the efficient extraction of anthocyanin from mangosteen pericarp so that it can be effectively utilized in food industry. Materials: The pericarp of ripe mangosteen fruits were dried, pulverized and the anthocyanin was extracted by hot maceration with distilled water (aqueous extraction) and ethanol as solvents, acidified at different levels with citric acid (0.1% and 0.2%) and acetic acid (1% and 2%). The anthocyanin yield, total phenol, flavonoid, antioxidant activity and colour values of the concentrated extracts were determined. Result: Acidification of the solvent medium increased the extraction efficiency of anthocyanin pigment from mangosteen pericarp. The hot maceration with 50% ethanol acidified at 2% acetic acid contributed the highest yield for anthocyanin, total phenols and flavonoids with 82.68% antioxidant activity and exhibited good colour values. This anthocyanin pigment can be utilized as a safe natural colorant for the development of functional foods.
Properties of nanocellulose and zirconia alumina on polymethylmethacrylate dental composite
Authors: Febrina Eva , Evelyna Angela , Harmaji Andrie , Sunendar Bambang
Published: February 2023

Background: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is one of the synthetic polymers generally used for temporary jacket crown restorations because of its good translucency, making its aesthetic value higher, but its mechanical properties, such as hardness and flexural strength are lower than composite resins. Hence, adding zirconia and cellulose filler is necessary to enhance its mechanical properties. Purpose: This is an experimental laboratory study to make nanocomposites with PMMA as a matrix with crystalline nanocellulose, zirconia, and alumina added as fillers. Methods: The crystalline nanocellulose filler was synthesized by acid hydrolysis. Zirconia and alumina were synthesized using the sol-gel technique and then characterized by transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. The Micro Vickers hardness test and three-point bending tested mechanical properties. The analysis was carried out with a one-way analysis of variance, followed by a post hoc Tuckey’s test with a P < 0.05 taken as statistically significant. Results: The Micro Vickers hardness test showed the highest hardness in the group with a ratio of PMMA and zirconia-alumina filler of 50%: 2%: 48% (12.73 VHN). The results of the three-point bending test showed that the highest flexural strength was found in the control group (19.4 MPa). Conclusion: The addition of crystalline nanocellulose, zirconia, and alumina increase the hardness of the nanocomposite, while the flexural strength was lower than PMMA without filler addition.
Knowledge of orofacial pain in students of the Dental Professional Program Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga
Authors: Hariyadi Desvia Nuzela Qurzani , Wardani Ari Hapsari Tri , Winias Saka , Mahdani Fatma Yasmin , Parmadiati Adiastuti Endah , Ayuningtyas Nurina Febriyanti , Surboyo Meircurius Dwi Condro
Published: February 2023

Background: Orofacial pain is associated with the hard and soft tissues of the head, face, and neck. Knowledge of orofacial pain helps in getting information on clinical symptoms, trigger factors, and risks of orofacial pain, as well as clinical and supportive examinations for identifying the pain. The dental professional students’ knowledge influences the ability to diagnose and decide on an appropriate treatment plan. This knowledge is seen from the intelligence level in obtaining information about orofacial pain. Purpose: To describe the level of knowledge of orofacial pain in the students of the Dental Professional Program, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, based on intelligence level. Methods: This research was a descriptive study. Data was taken using a questionnaire on google form with a simple random sampling data technique and was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: The majority understand the general description of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), as well as the risk factors and triggers (93.4% and 87.8%, respectively) associated with it. Further, 90.6% understand burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and the clinical symptoms of PHN. BMS based on clinical examination and support is understood by 96.1%, and 82.9% know how to manage trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Intelligence level is divided into three categories, namely source of knowledge (55.8% are from lectures, journals, and textbooks), material repetition (77.3% never repeated), and retention of material (65.2% no retention). Conclusion: Students’ knowledge of orofacial pain is good, but the relationship between the level of intelligence and knowledge is not yet known.
Pathogen infection in Alzheimer’s disease: pathophysiology and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Xiong Min , Yu Honglu , Tian Ye , Meng Lanxia , Zhang Zhentao
Published: February 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, which is characterized by the deposition of senile plaques composed of amyloid-β (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) composed of hyperphosphorylated tau. Currently, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of AD are still unclear. Growing evidence suggests that pathogen infections prominently promote the development of AD pathology. In this article, we reviewed the effect of multiple infectious pathogens that contribute to AD pathogenesis. Pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi are detected in the brains of AD patients and are known to be able to promote the development of AD pathology, including Aβ deposition and the formation of tau tangles. Here, we summarized the infectious pathogen-associated mechanisms of AD and provided new insight into the anti-infection remedy for AD.
Widespread Review of Vehicular Ad Hoc Network
Authors:   Research Scholar, Department of Computer Application, Dr.M.G.R Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, R Monisha , T Prabhu ,   Associate Professor, MCA Department, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute
Published: February 2023

In this paper, main objective is collecting the information from road side traffic and share the collected information. The Identity based Batch verification (IBV) scheme is one such scheme, which makes VANET more secure and efficient maintaining privacy through anonymity and reduction of verification time of messages by verifying the min batch, are the ideas of this scheme. This paper highlights the security issues of the current IBV scheme and introduces the concept of the random change of anonymous identity with time as well as location, to prevent the security attack and to maintain the privacy. In this scheme, performances are evaluated in terms of delay and transmission overhead.
The Quantum Regime Operation of Beam Splitters and Interference Filters
Authors: Vatarescu Andre
Published: February 2023

The presence of the quantum Rayleigh scattering, or spontaneous emission, inside a dielectric medium such as a beam splitter or an interferometric filter, prevents a single-photon from propagating in a straight-line. Modelling a beam splitter by means of a unitary transformation is physically meaningless because of the loss of photons. Additional missing elements from the conventional theory are: 1) the quantum Rayleigh stimulated emission which can form groups of photons of the same frequencies, and 2) the unavoidable parametric amplification of single-photons in the original parametric crystal. An interference filter disturbs, through multiple internal reflections, the original stream of single-photons, thereby confirming the existence of groups of photons being spread out to lengthen the coherence time. The approach of modelling individual, single measurements with statistical ensemble probability amplitudes leads to the counterintuitive explanations of the experimental outcomes and should be replaced with pure states describing instantaneous measurements which are afterwards averaged.
Analytical Descriptions of High-Tc Cuprates by Introducing Rotating Holes and a New Model to Handle Many-Body Interactions
Authors: Ishiguri Shinichi
Published: February 2023

This study describes all the properties of high Tc cuprates by introducing rotating holes that are created by angular momentum conservations on a 2D CuO2 surface, and which have a different mass from that of a normal hole because of the magnetic field energy induced by the rotation. This new particle called a macroscopic Boson describes the doping dependences of pseudo-gap temperature and the transition temperature at which an anomaly metal phase appears and describes the origin of the pseudo-gap. Furthermore, this study introduces a new model to handle many-body interactions, which results in a new statistic equation. This statistic equation describing many-body interactions accurately explains why high Tc cuprates have significantly high critical temperatures. Moreover a partition function of macroscopic Bosons describes all the properties of anomaly metal phase, which sufficiently agree with experiments, using the result from our previous study [1] that analytically describes the doping dependence of Tc. By introducing a macroscopic Boson and the new statistical model for many-body interactions, this study uncovered the mystery of high Tc cuprates, which have been a challenge for many researchers. An important point is that, in this study, pure analytical calculations are consistently conducted, which agree with experimental data well (i.e., they do not use numerical calculations or fitting methods but use many actual physical constants).
Earthworm-Driven Changes in Soil Bacterial Microbiota, Tree/Tea Litter Decomposition and Plant Growth in a Mesocosm Experiment With Two Plant Species
Authors: Sofo Adriano , Khanghahi Mohammad Yaghoubi , Curci Maddalena , Reyes Francesco , Briones Maria J. I. , Sarneel Judith M. , Cardinale Domenico , Crecchio Carmine
Published: February 2023

Earthworms and soil microorganisms contribute to soil health, quality and fertility, but their importance in agricultural soils is often underestimated. This study aims at examining whether and to what extent the presence of earthworms [Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826)] affected the a) soil bacterial community composition, b) litter decomposition, and c) plant growth (Brassica oleracea L., broccoli; Vicia faba L., faba bean). We performed a mesocosm experiment in which plants were grown outdoors for four months with or without earthworms. Soil bacterial community structure was evaluated by a 16S rRNA-based metabarcoding approach. Litter decomposition rates were determined by using the tea bag index (TBI) and litter bags (olive residues). Earthworm number almost doubled throughout the experimental period. Independently of the plant species, earthworm presence had a significant impact on the structure of soil bacterial communities, in terms of enhanced α- and β-diversity (especially that of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Myxococcota, and Verrucomicrobia) and increased 16S rRNA gene abundance (+89% in broccoli and +223% in faba bean). Microbial decomposition (TBI) was enhanced in the treatments with earthworms, and showed a significantly higher decomposition rate constant (kTBI) and a lower stabilization factor (STBI), whereas decomposition in the litter bags (dlitter) increased by about 6% in broccoli and 5% in faba bean. Earthworms significantly enhanced root growth (in terms of total length and fresh weight) of both the plant species. Our results show the strong influence of earthworms and crop identity in shaping soil bacterial communities, litter decomposition and plant growth. These findings could be used for developing nature-based solutions that ensure the long-term biological sustainability of soil agro- and natural ecosystems.
Extrinsic Quaternion Spin
Authors: Sanctuary Bryan
Published: February 2023

We present an analysis of the Dirac equation when the spin symmetry is changed from SU(2) to the quaternion group, $Q_8$, afforded by multiplying one of the $\gamma$-matrices by the imaginary number $i$. The resulting spin equation separates into distinct and complementary Hermitian and antiHermitian spaces. The former describes a 2D structured spin and the latter its helicity, generated by a unit quaternion. We discuss some consequences.
Untangling the Complexities of Processing and Analysis for Untargeted LC-MS Data Using Open-source Tools
Authors: Parker Εlizabeth J. , Billane Kathryn C. , Austen Nichola , Cotton Anne , George Rachel M. , Hopkins David , Lake Janice A. , Pitman James K. , Prout James N. , Walker Heather J. , Williams Alex , Cameron Duncan D.
Published: February 2023

Untargeted metabolomics is a powerful tool for measuring and understanding complex biological chemistries. However, employment, bioinformatics and downstream analysis of mass spectrometry (MS) data can be daunting for inexperienced users. Numerous open-source and free-to-use data processing and analysis tools exist for various untargeted MS approaches, including liquid chro-matography (LC), but choosing the ‘correct’ pipeline isn’t straight-forward. This tutorial, in con-junction with a user-friendly online guide presents a workflow for connecting these tools to process, analyse and annotate various untargeted MS datasets. The workflow is intended to guide explor-atory analysis in order to inform decision-making regarding costly and time-consuming down-stream targeted MS approaches. We provide practical advice concerning experimental design, organisation of data and downstream analysis, and offer details on sharing and storing valuable MS data for posterity. The workflow is editable and modular, allowing flexibility for updated/ changing methodologies and increased clarity and detail as user participation becomes more common. Hence, the authors welcome contributions and improvements to the workflow via the online repository. We believe that this workflow will streamline and condense complex mass-spectrometry approaches into easier, more manageable, analyses thereby generating opportunities for researchers previously discouraged by inaccessible and overly complicated software.
TRPA1 Agonists and Bladder Nociception in Female Rats Suggest Potential for Nutraceutical Benefit from Cinnamon
Authors: Ness Timothy J. , Babi Amer , Ness Madeline E. , DeWitte Cary
Published: February 2023

Background. TRPA1-related drugs alter sensation, particularly in conditions of inflammation. To further characterize the role of these drugs in bladder sensation, the TRPA1 agonist cinnamaldehyde (CMA) and oral true cinnamon spice were examined in preclinical models of bladder pain. Methods. Female, adult rats with and without acute zymosan-induced cystitis, were anesthetized and visceromotor (VMR) and cystometric responses to urinary bladder distension (UBD) determined following either the intravesical administration of CMA/vehicle solutions or the oral administration of true cinnamon/vehicle. ELISA measures of bladder TRPA1 content were also determined. Results. Acute cystitis resulted in increases in bladder TRPA1 content and produced an increased vigor of the VMRs to UBD and a lowering of micturition volume thresholds for activation of a micturition response. Intravesical CMA produced a robust inhibition of VMRs to UBD in rats with cystitis, but not in those without. Micturition volume thresholds were lowered by CMA in rats without cystitis, but had no additional effect in rats with cystitis. Oral cinnamon also produced a robust inhibition of VMRs to UBD in rats with cystitis and a mild augmentation of VMRs to UBD in rats without cystitis. Conclusions. A potentially analgesic effect of the spice, true cinnamon, in the treatment of the pain of acute cystitis was suggested by these preclinical studies. Human studies are indicated.
Cellular Targets of the HIV-1 Protease: Just the Tip of the Iceberg?
Authors: Centazzo Matteo , Manganaro Lara , Alvisi Gualtiero
Published: February 2023

The human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) viral protease (PR) is one of the most studied viral enzymes, and approval of drugs targeting its catalytic activity opened the door to the develop-ment of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Despite the fact that its crucial role in viri-on maturation is well characterized, an increasing body of research is starting to focus on its abil-ity to cleave host cell proteins, based on recent advances in proteomics and genomics technologies. Such findings are apparently in contrast with the dogma of HIV-1 PR activity being restricted to the interior of nascent virions, and suggest catalytic activity within the host cell environment. Given the limited amount of PR present in the virion at the time of infection, it is tempting to specu-late that such events mainly occur during viral late gene expression, mediated by newly synthe-sized Gag-Pol polyprotein precursors, rather than at a very early stage of infection, before pro-viral integration. Among cellular targets of HIV-1 PR, three major clusters can be identified: pro-teins involved in viral and cellular translation, those controlling cell survival, and restriction fac-tors responsible for innate/intrinsic antiviral responses. Indeed, by cleaving host cell translation initiation factors HIV-1 PR can impair cap-dependent translation, thus promoting IRES-mediated translation of late viral transcripts and viral production, while by targeting several apoptotic fac-tors it modulates cell survival, thus promoting immune evasion and viral dissemination. Addi-tionally, HIV-1 PR counteracts restriction factors incorporated in the virion that would otherwise interfere with nascent virus vitality. Thus, HIV-1 PR appears to modulate host cell function at dif-ferent times and locations during its life cycle, to ensure efficient viral persistency and propaga-tion. This kind of PR-mediated host cell modulation is found in a plethora of different viruses and HIV-1 is no exception, and although we are far from having a complete picture, it is clear that the PR has a multifaceted role in interfering with host machineries to better suit viral replication, and is a field that needs to be explored further.
Exploring the Unbinding Mechanism of Drugs from SERT via Molecular Dynamics Simulation and its Implication in Antidepressants
Authors: Tan Xin-Guan , Liu Xue-Feng , Li Xin , Pang Ming-Hui , Wang Yu-Qing , Zhao Yun-Jie
Published: February 2023

The human serotonin transporter (hSERT) terminates neurotransmission by removing serotonin from the synaptic cleft, which is an essential process plays an important role in depression. In addition to substrate serotonin, hSERT is also the target of drugs of abuse like cocaine and clinically used antidepressants such as escitalopram and paroxetine. To date, few studies attempt to investigate the unbinding mechanism underlying the orthosteric and allosteric modulation of hSERT. The high-resolution X-ray structure of hSERT resolved recently enables us to theoretically study the unbinding of the above four ligands against the S1 or S2 site of hSERT, by means of molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) and potential of mean force (PMF) simulations. We proved that for either the S1 or S2 site, the other three ligands (cocaine, escitalopram and paroxetine) are much more favorable than the original substrate serotonin, whether in kinetics along the unbinding pathways or in thermodynamics at the equilibrium states. Furthermore, the S1 site is much more favorable than the S2 site, for each ligand. Interestingly, inspection revealed that there are ~ 3Å lengths between the allosteric site of serotonin and cocaine, and an unseen un-binding pathway for escitalopram at the S1 site except for verification of the broadest trail.
Epidemiology of the Acceptance of Anti Covid-19 Vaccine in Urban and Rural Settings in Cameroon
Authors: Djuikoue Cecile Ingrid , Kamga Wouambo Rodrigue , Pahane Majeste , Demanou Fenkeng Blaise , Seugnou Nana Cedric , Djamfa Nzenya Joelle , Fotso Kamgne Flore , Ngalani Toutchou Cedric , Thumamo Pokam Benjamin D. , Apalata Teke
Published: February 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic has rapidly evolved in December 2019 and to prevent its spread, effective vaccines has been produced and made available to the population. Despite their availability so far in Cameroon, the vaccination coverage remains low. This study aimed at describing the epidemiology of the acceptance of vaccines against Covid-19 in some urban and rural areas of Cameroon. A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical survey was conducted from March 2021 to August 2021 targeting unvaccinated individuals from urban and rural area. After getting appropriate administrative authorizations and an ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Board (or Ethics Committee) of Douala University (N° 3070CEI-Udo/05/2022/M), a cluster sampling at many degrees was performed and a language adapted questionnaire was filled by each consenting participant. Data were analyzed using Epi info version 7.2.2.6 software and for P-values ˂ 0.05, the difference was considered as statistically significant. Out of 1053 individuals, 58.02% (611/1053) participants were residing in urban and 41.98% (442/1053) in rural areas. Good knowledge relative to Covid-19 was significantly higher in urban areas as compared to rural areas (97.55%vs.85.07, P<0.000). The proportion of respondents who intended to accept the anti Covid-19 vaccine was significantly higher in urban areas than rural areas (42.55%vs.33.26, p=0.0047). Conversely, the proportion of anti Covid-19 reluctant respondents thinking that the vaccine can induce a disease was significantly higher in rural areas than urban areas (54 (35.07 vs 8.84, P<0.0001). The significant determinants of anti-COVID-19 acceptance were the level of education (p=0.0001) and profession in the rural areas (p=<0.0001), and only the profession (p=0.0046) in the urban areas. This study globally shows that anti-COVID-19 vaccination remains a major challenge in urban as well as rural area in Cameroon. We should keep sensitizing and educate population about vaccine importance in preventing the COVID-19 spread.
A Missed Pediatric Achilles Tendon Rupture with a Large Gap Managed with Surgical Reconstruction with Allograft
Authors: van Oudtshoorn Sarah , Maor Dror
Published: February 2023

Case:

A 15-year-old adolescent girl presented with a complete Achilles tendon rupture from playing netball, which was diagnosed 6 weeks later. Unfortunately, there was a significant deficit of 92 mm, and an allograft reconstruction was required to bridge the gap.

Conclusion:

Achilles tendon ruptures are rare in children and adolescents without a penetrating injury, but the diagnosis must not be missed. Achilles tendon ruptures should be considered in children with acute-onset ankle pain during running, jumping, or sudden dorsiflexion of the ankle. Tendon transfers and allograft may be required after rupture and retraction has occurred in subacute or chronic injuries.
Tibial Post Fracture After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Ultrasound as a Viable Diagnostic Tool
Authors: Michaels Ross , Muscatelli Stefano , McHugh Michael , Lewno Adam , Urquhart Andrew
Published: February 2023

Case:

A 60-year-old woman presented with knee instability and pain that started approximately 13 years after a posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty. Physical examination revealed significant posterior laxity. Bedside ultrasound (US) documented a free-floating, hyperechoic linear artifact within the posterior knee joint capsule. Revision with liner of increased thickness alleviated presenting symptoms.

Conclusion:

Tibial postfractures often present with instability and pain. Diagnosis of a tibial postfracture can be based on clinical examination; other diagnostics commonly used include arthroscopy or computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. US by a qualified sonographer is a potential diagnostic route that should be explored more rigorously.
Evaluating Basic Knee Arthroscopy Skills in Orthopaedic Trainees in a Limited-Resource Setting
Authors: Berry Kirsty , von Bormann Richard , Roche Stephen , Laubscher Maritz , McCollum Graham , Held Michael
Published: February 2023

Background:

Orthopaedic training in Southern Africa is largely focused on trauma, although elective procedures, such as knee arthroscopy, are increasing. This is especially true in the private sector where most trainees will practice. The primary aim of this study was to assess the arthroscopic competency of orthopaedic trainees in a setting of limited resources.

Methods:

A prospective observational cohort study was conducted. Orthopaedic trainees of a Southern African university hospital performed basic arthroscopy on a knee model. Their surgical competency was assessed by 2 surgeons proficient in arthroscopy using the modified Basic Knee Arthroscopy Skill Scoring System (mBAKSSS).

Results:

A total of 16 trainees (12 male) were included (6 junior and 10 senior trainees). The median age of participants was 36 (34.8-37) years. The median mBAKSSS was 28.0 (20.3-32.5) but showed a large variability (12.0-42.5). The overall reliability was excellent with Cronbach's alpha of 0.91 and interclass correlation of 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.75-0.97).

Conclusions:

The average knee arthroscopy proficiency of our trainees is comparable with that of international training programs, but there was great variability with inconsistent skills among the trainees. This calls for improved and reproducible arthroscopy training and skills transfer, exposure to procedures, and ongoing assessment.

Level of Evidence:

II (prospective observational cohort study).
Racial and Gender Diversity of Physicians Accepted to American Military Orthopaedic and Surgical Residencies
Authors: Hoyt Benjamin W. , Anderson Ashley B. , Dingle Marvin E. , Dickens Jon F. , Eckel Tobin T. , Sterbis Joseph R. , Potter Benjamin K. , Kilcoyne Kelly G.
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Orthopaedic surgery ranks among the least racially and gender diverse medical/surgical specialties. United States military surgeons train in military or military-funded residency positions to care for a markedly diverse population; however, the composition and diversity of these training programs have not been previously assessed. The purpose of this study was to analyze the trends of physician diversity in military orthopaedics in comparison with other surgical specialties over time.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study evaluating matriculation into first year of residency training in US military surgical training programs between 2002 and 2020. In total, 9,124 applicants were reviewed. We collected matriculant self-reported race/ethnicity and sex and the medical/specialty program. We considered under-represented minorities as those who reported their race as African American, Indian/Alaskan Native, and Native, other, or who reported ethnicity as Hispanic. We calculated changes in persons accepted to training positions over time and used linear regression to model trends in diversity among orthopaedic matriculating residents when compared with other surgical subspecialities over time.

Results:

Across all surgical subspecialities, the average change in percent women was 0.94% per year for the study period (p < 0.01). The average annual percent women entering orthopaedic surgery residency programs was 14% for the 18-year study period. Across all surgical subspecialties, the average change for accepted applicants from groups underrepresented in medicine (URiM) was 1.01% per year for the study period (p < 0.01). The average annual percent URiM entering orthopaedic surgery residency programs was 17% for the 18-year study period. The annual change of women and URiM entering military orthopaedic residencies was 0.10% and 1.52%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Despite statistically significant improvements, recruitment efforts as used to date fall far short of reversing sexual, racial, and ethnic disparities in military orthopaedic residencies. Orthopaedics has a lower representation of both women and physicians with minority backgrounds when compared with many surgical subspecialties. Additional interventions are still necessary to increase diversity for military orthopaedic surgeons.
Pregnancy in Orthopaedic Residents
Authors: Ruse Stacia , Bergman Rachel , Crawford Eileen
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

While there are multiple barriers that may discourage women from choosing a career in orthopaedic surgery, one area of concern is pursuing pregnancy during residency training. This study's primary purpose was to determine the most prominent barriers to pursuing pregnancy during orthopaedic surgery residency.

Methods:

A 63-item survey designed to evaluate multiple aspects of childbearing during orthopaedic surgery residency was distributed through email and a targeted Facebook platform to female orthopaedic surgeons and orthopaedic trainees in the United States. Given the study design, statistics were largely descriptive in nature. Multivariate logistic regression was also used to determine independent factors associated with professional dissatisfaction as it related to pregnancy during orthopaedic residency.

Results:

A total of 328 women responded to the survey. The 3 most prominent barriers to pursuing pregnancy during orthopaedic residency were concerns about the ability to balance clinical and maternal duties (67%), fear of how the resident would be viewed by those in the program (60%), and being unable to ensure optimal prenatal and postpartum care for the mother and child given an unpredictable schedule (38%). On univariate analysis of those who reported ≥1 pregnancy during residency (n = 71), maternity leave ≤6 weeks was statistically associated with “revisiting career choice” (p = 0.02) and “lack of resources and support” (p = 0.01).

Conclusion:

The results raise concern that qualified female applicants may be deterred from the field of orthopaedics given perceived difficulties associated with pregnancy as a resident. If policies are created to support women who desire to have children during residency, more women may be encouraged to pursue a career in orthopaedic surgery.

Level of Evidence:

V
Efficacy and Safety of Intra-Articular Botulinum Toxin A Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ismiarto Yoyos Dias , Prasetiyo Gregorius Thomas
Published: February 2023

Background:

Botulinum toxin A has the potential to be used for analgesia because of its anti-inflammatory effect. The utility of intra-articular injections of botulinum toxin A for knee osteoarthritis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the utility of such injections in knees with osteoarthritis.

Methods:

We conducted a literature search of 4 databases (Scopus, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Europe PMC) up to September 10, 2022, using formulated keywords. Articles were included in the study if they had data on botulinum toxin A injection compared with the control group in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Results were summarized using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and accompanying 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results:

Pooled analysis of data from 6 trials involving 446 patients with knee osteoarthritis revealed that, compared with placebo, intra-articular injection of botulinum toxin A was associated with greater reductions in early visual analog scale (VAS) pain (SMD, −0.63 [95% CI, −1.08 to −0.18], p = 0.007, I2 = 79%), late VAS pain (SMD, −0.57 [95% CI, −1.07 to −0.08], p = 0.02, I2 = 81%), early Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) (SMD, −0.84 [95% CI, −1.61 to −0.06], p = 0.03, I2 = 90%), and late WOMAC (SMD, −1.12 [95% CI, −1.91 to −0.32], p = 0.006, I2 = 93%) scores from baseline in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Conclusions:

Intra-articular injection of botulinum toxin A may offer benefits in reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee osteoarthritis, with a relatively good safety profile. Larger randomized trials are warranted to confirm the results of our study.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
“Hello Ableds, Is It Vacation Yet?”
Authors: Arthur Tori Omega
Published: February 2023

When the novel coronavirus began spreading globally in 2020, people within disability communities marked the term ‘social distancing’ as oxymoronic and ignorant of those for whom isolation, quarantine, and limited public life is common. For many, COVID-19 did not signal a complete upheaval of their domestic lives; instead, it created opportunities to increase disability visibility in digital spaces and to lament the ways the pandemic further erased their existences. The first few months of quarantine saw the digital rise of prominent disability advocate Imani Barbarin, known to her social media communities as @crutches_and_spice. Barbarin’s persona as a Black disabled fat queer woman became distinct subversion to non-disabled people’s frequent social media laments of boredom, loneliness, and/or living in quarantine. Drawing upon Bailey’s digital alchemy theory situating how Black women’s online identity performances combat anti-Blackness and sexism (2021), I assert Barbarin is a purveyor of ‘disabled digital alchemy’ who employs social media for the “construction, constitution, and production of self through identity play and performance” (Marshall & Barbour 2015, p. 2). Combining Bailey’s framework with disability and persona studies conceptualizations of performance, I use Brock’s critical technocultural discourse analysis to examine how Barbarin utilizes social media affordances to challenge ableist notions of disabled people’s selfhood while calling out problematic pandemic rhetoric. Critically analyzing @crutches_and_spice specifically within TikTok enables a nuanced grasp of disabled people’s digital personas, how they are often ignored, and ways they perform domesticity to mitigate erasure in an ableist body politic.
The #Tradwife Persona and the Rise of Radicalized Domesticity
Authors: Proctor Devin
Published: February 2023

The “momosphere”—a collection of parenting, relationship, cooking, and crafting blogs and social media—has seen exponential growth during the socially distant pandemic years. It has also seen the rise of a new domestic online persona: the “tradwife.” These #tradwives write blogs and social media posts that promote “traditional” gender roles and family life, wherein the man provides for and protects the family, and the woman has children and takes care of the needs of the family. To combat the obvious critiques of misogyny, many self-identified tradwives use feminist rhetoric to frame the movement as a choice they are making about how to live their own lives as empowered women. But the problematic nature of tradwife identity can go beyond issues of gender roles and into radical white supremacy. While these tradwives do not always identify as alt-right and/or white nationalists themselves (though some do), they are often accompanied by either overtly white supremacist content, hashtags that signal allegiance to white supremacist hate groups (e.g., #thirdposition, #14words, #1488), or through associated profiles of followers. Focusing on three well-known tradwife profiles, this article applies the five dimensions of online persona (Moore, Barbour, and Lee 2017), to unpack the construction of tradwife persona. As the profiles widen their networks to include multiple platforms and expanding lists of followers, they reveal different possible paths that the tradwife persona can take, and how online identities—public, mediatized, performative, collective, and intentional—can contribute to the process of extremist radicalization through their personas alone.