bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of clock and clock-controlled genes during morphine reward and reinforcement: Involvement of the period 2 circadian clock
Authors: Custodio Raly James Perez , Kim Mikyung , Sayson Leandro Val , Ortiz Darlene Mae , Buctot Danilo , Lee Hyun Jun , Cheong Jae Hoon , Kim Hee Jin
Published: April 2022

Background:

Morphine abuse is a devastating disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, and literature evidence indicates a relationship between opioid abuse and the circadian clock.

Aim:

We explored morphine reward and reinforcement using mouse models with Per2 gene modifications (knockout (KO); overexpression (OE)).

Methods:

Mice were exposed to various behavioral, electroencephalographic, pharmacological, and molecular tests to assess the effects of morphine and identify the underlying mechanisms with a focus on reward and reinforcement and the corresponding involvement of circadian and clock-controlled gene regulation.

Results:

Per2 deletion enhances morphine-induced analgesia, locomotor sensitization, conditioned place preference (CPP), and self-administration (SA) in mice, whereas its overexpression attenuated these effects. In addition, reduced withdrawal was observed in Per2 KO mice, whereas an augmented withdrawal response was observed in Per2 OE mice. Moreover, naloxone and SCH 23390 blocked morphine CPP in Per2 KO and wild-type (WT) mice. The rewarding (CPP) and reinforcing effects (SA) observed in morphine-conditioned and morphine self-administered Per2 KO and WT mice were accompanied by activated μ-opioid and dopamine D1 receptors and TH in the mesolimbic (VTA/NAcc) system. Furthermore, genetic modifications of Per2 in mice innately altered some clock genes in response to morphine.

Conclusion:

These findings improve our understanding of the role of Per2 in morphine-induced psychoactive effects. Our data and those obtained in previous studies indicate that targeting Per2 may have applicability in the treatment of substance abuse.
The meningeal lymphatic vessels and the glymphatic system: Potential therapeutic targets in neurological disorders
Authors: Li Gaowei , Cao Yi , Tang Xin , Huang Jianhan , Cai Linjun , Zhou Liangxue
Published: April 2022

The recent discovery of the meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs) and glymphatic pathways has challenged the long-lasting dogma that the central nervous system (CNS) lacks a lymphatic system and therefore does not interact with peripheral immunity. This discovery has reshaped our understanding of mechanisms underlying CNS drainage. Under normal conditions, a close connection between mLVs and the glymphatic system enables metabolic waste removal, immune cell trafficking, and CNS immune surveillance. Dysfunction of the glymphatic-mLV system can lead to toxic protein accumulation in the brain, and it contributes to the development of a series of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's diseases. The identification of precise cerebral transport routes is based mainly on indirect, invasive imaging of animals, and the results cannot always be applied to humans. Here we review the functions of the glymphatic-mLV system and evidence for its involvement in some CNS diseases. We focus on emerging noninvasive imaging techniques to evaluate the human glymphatic-mLV system and their potential for preclinical diagnosis and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Potential strategies that target the glymphatic-mLV system in order to treat and prevent neurological disorders are also discussed.
Combining a digital design-mediated surgery-first approach and clear aligners to treat a skeletal Class III defect for aesthetic purposes: a case report
Authors: Kong Lei , Liu Xinqiang , Zhang Jie
Published: April 2022

This case report introduces digital surgery-first approach orthognathic surgery assisted by three-dimensional virtual planning and combined with invisible orthodontic treatment for a 21-year-old female patient with a skeletal Class III high-angle gummy smile malocclusion. We explored the clinical significance of the widespread application of digital technology for rapid development of the orthodontic/orthognathic field. The regional acceleratory phenomenon and clear aligners were used to achieve fast and aesthetic tooth movement after surgery. The treatment lasted only 8 months, and the patient was satisfied with the aesthetic results. The results remained stable after 1 year of follow-up. This case report highlights the advantages of combining a digital design and a surgery-first approach to produce accurate, rapid, safe, stable, and fulfilling cosmetic results. The combination of the surgery-first approach and clear aligners can facilitate patient-oriented surgical orthodontic treatment.
Does Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia also cause bone destruction? A rare case report
Authors: Lin Jun-Ming , Yuan Xiao-Jun , Zhang Lu , Li Guang , Gan Xin-rong , Xu Wen-Hua
Published: April 2022

Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare type of malignant B-cell lymphoma. The main feature of WM is elevated serum monoclonal immunoglobulin M, similar to multiple myeloma (MM). Unlike in MM, the rarity of destructive bone lesions in WM has been repeatedly emphasized. We report a unique case of WM with a vertebral compression fracture as the first symptom. This case highlights that the presence or absence of bone destruction may not clearly distinguish between WM and MM. The possibility of WM should be considered in patients with vertebral fracture and destruction as the first presentation. Performing vertebral bone marrow aspiration biopsy during percutaneous vertebroplasty is a convenient and effective method to assist in the diagnosis of WM.
Readily Implementable Strategies for Reducing Embodied Environmental Impacts of Concrete Pavements in the United States
Authors: Rangelov Milena , Dylla Heather , Dobling Brian , Gudimettla Jagan , Sivaneswaran Nadarajah , Praul Michael
Published: April 2022

This study evaluates strategies that agencies can implement to reduce the embodied carbon of paving concrete to support decarbonization efforts in the concrete industry and transportation sector. First, key decarbonization measures reported in the literature were investigated with regard to the decarbonization hierarchy, agencies’ decision-making authority, time, and economic considerations. Second, the state of the practice in concrete paving was benchmarked by evaluating the main-lane paving concrete mixtures collected by the Federal Highway Administration’s Mobile Concrete Technology Center using lifecycle assessment (LCA). The analyzed dataset included 27 projects across the United States between 2011 and 2019. Lastly, the opportunities for embodied carbon reduction were identified for the analyzed dataset, and readily implementable savings were calculated. The results indicate that the most significant and available opportunity for embodied carbon footprint reduction is avoiding mixture overdesign by lowering the cement content. The use of supplementary cementitious materials is another beneficial practice for carbon footprint reduction; however, the results indicate that this practice is already common. Because cement contributes to 73%–93% of the concrete carbon footprint, cement production’s plant- and product-specific footprint is a critical priority. Mixture design optimization aided by the appropriate specifications and consistent environmental reporting can synergize the decarbonization efforts of agencies and the industry. Lastly, this study demonstrates the use of LCA to help agencies make data-driven decisions and evaluate context-specific strategies to reduce their embodied environmental impacts.
Influence of Built Environment on Subway Trip Origin and Destination: Insights Based on Mobile Positioning Data
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Xiaojian , Pan Renbin , Yan Yusong
Published: April 2022

An accurate understanding of the relationship between subway trips and the built environment is crucial to meet people’s travel demands and promote the coordinated development of urban land. However, existing literature mainly examines this relationship at the station level, ignoring the variations between the surrounding areas of the station. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the influencing factors and spatial variations of subway trips at the grid level. First, a method was proposed to extract the subway trips using mobile positioning data in Chengdu, China. Then, two geographically weighted regression (GWR) models were adopted to examine the spatially varying relationships between the subway trip origin and destination and selected explanatory variables. The results show that the hotel, company, residential, tourist, bus, subway, road density, and transfer stations variables positively affect trip origin and destination. However, distance to the nearest subway station has a negative impact. Besides, the goodness of fit of the GWR model is better than that of the global regression model, indicating that the influence of the built environment on trip origin and destination varies across space. This study can guide planning departments and transportation agencies to implement target policies and create a convenient travel environment at the micro-level.
Care v. Caring: Obligation, Duty, and Love Among Latino Alzheimer’s Family Caregivers
Authors: Martinez Iveris L. , Acosta Gonzalez Elaine
Published: April 2022

The number of Latinos living with Alzheimer’s disease is projected to grow. Latinos currently make one-fifth of U.S. family caregivers. In this paper, we explore the cultural scripts and gendered practice of care in Latino families in relation to the underutilization of services to persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. We conducted interviews with 24 Latino caregivers in Miami-Dade, Florida representing six Latin American countries of origin. Interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. We critically examined the concept of familism in order to better understand in-depth experiences of diverse Latino caregivers and concluded that an ethics of care model better elucidates the complexities of the care experience. Our analysis illustrates the ambivalence, contradictions, and changes in the beliefs and practice of care. These findings can help advance understanding among researchers and providers to develop a formal support system that is responsive to Latino caregiver needs.
Concrete and Abstract Dimensions of Diverse Adolescents’ Social-Emotional Meaning-Making, and Associations With Broader Functioning
Authors: Gotlieb Rebecca J.M. , Yang Xiao-Fei , Immordino-Yang Mary Helen
Published: April 2022

Adolescence is a sensitive period of social-emotional growth, when new abilities for abstract thinking also emerge. Especially among youth from under-resourced communities, how do adolescents’ proclivities to engage in abstract meaning-making about the social world manifest, alongside more concrete interpretations? How is meaning-making associated with other aspects of social and cognitive functioning? We interviewed 65 adolescents (aged 14–18) from low-SES urban neighborhoods about compelling mini-documentaries depicting teenagers. We also measured real-world social-emotional functioning and a range of cognitive capacities. Qualitative analyses, followed by exploratory factor analysis, revealed that, when reacting to the stories, every participant invoked: (1) concrete meaning-making, involving context-dependent reactive, or contagious feelings and advice giving; and (2) abstract meaning-making, involving perspectives, values, reflections, and curiosities that transcend the story context. Quantified concrete and abstract meaning-making scores were normally distributed, uncorrelated and unrelated to SES. Even controlling for IQ and demographic variables, concrete meaning-making predicted youths’ reporting more satisfying relationships and desired daily affective experiences, while abstract meaning-making was associated with greater working memory, executive functioning, long-term memory, social reasoning, and creativity. Findings tie theoretical dimensions of adolescent development to modern youth’s concrete and abstract construals and demonstrate that these construals may be associated with different developmental affordances.
A Phenomenological Mouse Circadian Pacemaker Model
Authors: Cao Federico , Ralph Martin R. , Stinchcombe Adam R.
Published: April 2022

Mathematical models have been used extensively in chronobiology to explore characteristics of biological clocks. In particular, for human circadian studies, the Kronauer model has been modified multiple times to describe rhythm production and responses to sensory input. This phenomenological model comprises a single set of parameters which can simulate circadian responses in humans under a variety of environmental conditions. However, corresponding models for nocturnal rodents commonly used in circadian rhythm studies are not available and may require new parameter values for different species and even strains. Moreover, due to a considerable variation in experimental data collected from mice of the same strain, within and across laboratories, a range of valid parameters is essential. This study develops a Kronauer-like model for mice by re-fitting relevant parameters to published phase response curve and period data using total least squares. Local parameter sensitivity analysis and parameter distributions determine the parameter ranges that give a near-identical model and data distribution of periods. However, the model required further parameter adjustments to match characteristics of other mouse strains, implying that the model itself detects changes in the core processes of rhythm generation and control. The model is a useful tool to understand and interpret future mouse circadian clock experiments.
Toward a universalistic behavioural model of perceived managerial and leadership effectiveness for the health services sector
Authors: Hamlin Robert G , Ruiz Carlos E , Jones Jenni , Patel Taran
Published: April 2022

Much management and leadership development provision for healthcare professionals has been the subject of considerable criticism, and there have been numerous calls for training programmes explicitly focused on the specific managerial (manager/leader) behaviours healthcare managers, physician leaders and nurse managers need to exhibit to be perceived effective. The aim of our multiple cross-case/cross-nation comparative study has been to: i) identify similarities and differences between the findings of published qualitative critical incident studies of effective and ineffective managerial behaviour observed within British, Egyptian, Mexican and Romanian public hospitals, respectively, and ii) if possible, deduce from the identified commonalities a healthcare-related behavioural model of perceived managerial and leadership effectiveness. Adopting a philosophical stance informed by pragmatism, epistemological instrumentalism and abduction, we used realist qualitative analytic methods to code and classify into a maximum number of discrete behavioural categories empirical source data obtained from five previous studies. We found high degrees of empirical generalization which resulted in the identification of five positive ( effective) and four negative ( ineffective) behavioural dimensions (BDs) derived, respectively, from 14 positive and 9 negative deduced behavioural categories (BCs). These BDs and underpinning BCs are expressed in the form of an emergent two-factor universalistic behavioural model of perceived managerial and leadership effectiveness. We suggest the model could be used to critically evaluate the relevance and appropriateness of existing training provision for physician leaders, nurse managers and other healthcare managers/leaders in public hospitals or to design new explicit training programmes informed and shaped by healthcare-specific management research, as called for in the literature.
Observer-based lateral stability adaptive control method for distributed drive electric vehicles
Authors: Guoqing Geng , Zhishuai Yan , Chen Duan , Xing Xu , Houzhong Zhang
Published: April 2022

Aiming at the lateral instability of distributed drive electric vehicles (DDEV) under extreme conditions, a nonlinear adaptive lateral stability control strategy is designed based on Cubature Kalman filter (CKF) observer and adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control (FSMC) theory. To solve the problem that it is difficult to measure some parameters of road and vehicle state directly, a vehicle state observer based on a double CKF algorithm is designed. The joint sliding mode surface is designed by the deviation between the ideal and observed values of yaw rate and sideslip angle. The SMC algorithm is combined with the adaptive fuzzy algorithm to design an adaptive FSMC to accurately obtain the additional yaw moment of the vehicle. Simulation verification is carried out based on CarSim and MATLAB/Simulink simulation platforms. The results show that the proposed lateral stability adaptive method can effectively improve the robustness of the DYC system.
Material Benefits Crowd Out Moralistic Punishment
Authors: Rai Tage S.
Published: April 2022

Across four experiments with U.S.-based online participants ( N = 1,495 adults), I found that paying people to engage in moralistic punishment reduces their willingness to do so. In an economic game with real stakes, providing a monetary bonus for engaging in third-party punishment of unfair offers nearly cut participants’ willingness to do so in half. In judgments of hypothetical transgressions, participants viewed punishers who accepted payment as having worse character and rated the punishers’ punitive actions as less morally acceptable. Willingness to engage in punishment was restored if participants were offered large enough payments or were told that punishment accompanied by payment still signals moral virtue. Data were consistent with a signal-corruption mechanism whereby payment interferes with the prosocial signal that moralistic punishment provides about a punisher’s motives. These findings have implications for the cultural evolution of punishment and suggest that understanding perpetrators’ sociomoral incentives is essential to implementing conflict-reduction policies.
How Australia’s foreign interference laws undermine press freedom
Authors: Kendall Sarah
Published: April 2022

This article considers the impact of Australia’s foreign interference laws on press freedom. It finds that the laws have the potential to criminalise legitimate, good faith journalism, without providing adequate protections for journalists and sources. It makes several recommendations for law reform so that national security is protected without unduly undermining freedom of the press.
Coronal plane Calcaneal-Talar Orientation in Varus Ankle Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kang Ho Won , Kim Dae-Yoo , Park Gil Young , Lee Dong-Oh , Lee Dong Yeon
Published: April 2022

Background:

We do not yet fully understand how the subtalar joint position is related to the varus osteoarthritic ankle joint. The purposes of this study were (1) to investigate the coronal orientation of the calcaneus relative to the talus according to the ankle osteoarthritis stage, talar tilt (TT), and (2) to determine if there is TT threshold at which apparent subtalar compensation begins to fade.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 132 ankles that underwent weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) for varus ankle osteoarthritis. The TT, subtalar inclination angle (SIA), and calcaneal inclination angle (CIA) were measured using WBCT. Ankles were divided into 5 groups according to Takakura stage and 2 groups according to the apparent compensation status of the subtalar joint and compared the index of the inclination of the subtalar joint relative to the ankle (SIA) or the index of the inclination of the calcaneus relative to the ankle (CIA). Additionally, we explored the relationship between SIA or CIA and the TT.

Results:

Apparent subtalar compensation (SIA and CIA) was significantly lower in Takakura stages 3b and 4. The SIA and CIA significantly differed according to the apparent compensation status ( P < .001 and P = .030, respectively). The CIA of the noncompensated group varied widely, whereas the SIA was relatively constant. Furthermore, TT was greater than 9.5, which indicated a high probability of a noncompensated heel (sensitivity, 92.6%; specificity, 89.7%).

Conclusion:

The position of the calcaneus appears compensatory with coronal plane orientation in varus ankle osteoarthritis when the TT is ≤9.5 degrees.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Asymptotically correct boundary conditions for the higher-order theory of plate bending
Authors: Wilde Maria V , Surova Maria Yu , Sergeeva Nadezhda V
Published: April 2022

The construction of refined boundary conditions for the case of edge loading, corresponding to the theory with modified inertia in respect to the order of asymptotic approximation, is considered. The methods of investigation are based on the works of A. L. Goldenveizer and A. V. Kolos. The solution of three-dimensional (3D) problem is constructed as a superposition of the long-wave approximation and boundary layers. The traction on the edge is presented as generalized Fourier expansions, using the Legendre polynomials. This approach allows to obtain explicit expressions for the coefficients of boundary layers via an iteration procedure, in course of which the boundary conditions are satisfied with a pure asymptotic error. As a result, the refined boundary conditions (RBCs) are constructed. Effective stress resultants and couples are introduced, the coefficients of which (the Goldenveizer–Kolos constants) are the simple polynomial functions of Poisson’s ratio. In addition, the contribution of boundary layers to edge displacements is determined. The comparison of the dispersion curve for the edge wave, calculated on the basis of the theory with modified inertia and RBC, with the 3D solution show good agreement in the 10 times wider frequency range than that of the Kirchhoff’s theory. The same result is obtained for the amplitude of a transient edge wave, excited by edge loading. It is also shown that with making use of RBC one can consider the action of a self-equilibrated edge load in the framework of two-dimensional (2D) theory.
Éclosions in Literacy Research: Rereading Brandt and Clinton’s “Limits of the Local”
Authors: Ferguson Daniel E. , Lemieux Amélie
Published: April 2022

In processing the impact of the pandemic amidst other global crises, we found rereading Brandt and Clinton's “The Limits of the Local” article, published 20 years ago next year, to offer much, both theoretically and practically. Written within its own tumultuous time, according to its editors, it argues for transcontextualizing accounts of literacy and employing thingness as a means to subvert local/global dichotomies in literacy studies. In this essay, we reflect on this work 20 years later, and propose an extension of Brandt and Clinton's transcontextualizing perspective through an affirmative ontology of éclosion. We hope this actualization will provide an orientation for furthering transcontextual literacy studies that meet the urgency of our own tumultuous times.
Exercise in the Treatment of Addiction: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Patterson Megan S. , Spadine Mandy N. , Graves Boswell Taylor , Prochnow Tyler , Amo Christina , Francis Allison N. , Russell Alex M. , Heinrich Katie M.
Published: April 2022

Background

Exercise has been recognized as a promising and emerging treatment for individuals recovering from addiction. The purpose of this article was to systematically review scientific studies using exercise as a means to improve, sustain, or treat addictions, and to provide suggestions for the future use of exercise as a treatment method for addiction.

Methods

Using PRISMA guidelines, a database search was conducted for articles that tested the impact of exercise interventions on addiction-related outcomes. To be included, peer-reviewed experimental design studies had to use human subjects to investigate the relationship between exercise and the treatment of or recovery from addiction. Garrard’s Matrix Method was used to extract data from reviewed articles ( n = 53).

Results

Nearly three quarters of the studies reviewed documented a significant change in addiction-related outcomes (e.g., more days abstinent, reduced cravings) in response to exercise exposure, particularly while someone was receiving treatment at an in or outpatient clinic. Many studies investigated the effect of acute bouts of exercise on nicotine dependence, and many studies had small sample sizes, leaving room for future research on how exercise might benefit people recovering from substance and process addictions.

Conclusion

Results affirm that exercise can be a helpful aspect of addiction treatment. Future researchers should investigate different exercise settings (e.g., group-based exercise vs individual) and explore exercise maintenance and the long-term outcomes following discharge from treatment facilities.
Behavioral Activation, Depression, and Promotion of Health Behaviors: A Scoping Review
Authors: May David , Litvin Boris , Allegrante John
Published: April 2022

Diverse approaches to the treatment of depressive disorders are necessary to improve evidence-based practice and maximize treatment outcomes. As a result, a range of behaviors and other factors associated with the onset and course of depressive disorders should be examined more comprehensively. Behavioral activation (BA) is a treatment approach to these disorders that can be tailored to address certain health behaviors within the context of depression in an attempt to promote health behaviors whose adoption and maintenance can prove complementary in the treatment of depression. We conducted a scoping review of published studies in which BA-based interventions were used to promote certain health behaviors in individuals with depression. Our search of Medline and the Web of Science identified 336 potential candidate studies. Following screening and with the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria to isolate potentially eligible full-text records, we ultimately identified and evaluated 20 papers that report the nature and efficacy of these modified interventions. Across various domains, including substance use, exercise, medication adherence, and occupational and social success, we found evidence that many—but not all—of the studies we reviewed demonstrated that BA-based interventions were efficacious in promoting the health behavior of interest as well as reducing depressive symptomatology in participants. Implications for more widespread dissemination of such interventions, especially via mobile and web-based platforms due to their accessibility and affordability, are discussed. More research on the feasibility and efficacy of BA-based interventions tailored toward various determinants of health behavior and comorbidities of depressive disorders is warranted.
Intention to Quit and Predictive Factors Among Current Smokers in Vietnam: Findings From Adult Tobacco Survey 2020
Authors: Hoang Le T , Tuyet Hanh Tran T , Khue Luong N , Hai Phan T , Can Phan V , Long Khuong Q , Linh Nguyen T , Anh Duong T , Van Minh Hoang
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Smoking leads to many smoking-attributable diseases. The promotion of quitting tobacco smoking is urgent as it has significant and immediate health benefits and improves the impacts of other tobacco control strategies. Intention to quit smoking is considered the first step before quitting smoking.

METHODOLOGY

This paper used data from Vietnam provincial GATS 2020 on 80,166 participants who were 15-year-old or older. Data were collected from 34 provinces and cities throughout Vietnam and managed using REDCap.

RESULTS

Among those who were current smokers, 50.3% (95% CI: 49.1%–51.4%) had the intention to quit smoking. Some predictive factors found to be positively associated with the intention to quit smoking were age (from 45-64), education level, received information about harmful effects or encouragement to quit smoking from media channels (from 6 channels), hearing about the Tobacco Control Law and noticing health warnings on the cigarette package. There was no significant difference in intention to quit smoking between current smokers from urban and rural areas or among different age groups to start smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions or health promotion programs on smoking cessation should be focused on current smokers who have low education levels as they have a higher smoking rate and are less motivated to stop smoking. Received information about harmful effects or encouragement to quit smoking from media channels is also associated with stopping smoking in the future. The importance of health warning pictures on tobacco packages should be maintained and promoted as it has a specific effect on one’s intention to stop smoking.
Frailty and outcomes following revascularization of lower-extremity peripheral artery disease: Insights from the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI)
Authors: Al-Damluji Mohammed S , Smolderen Kim G , Meng Can , Dai Feng , Nanna Michael G , Sumpio Bauer , Henke Peter , Mena-Hurtado Carlos
Published: April 2022

Background:

Multiple frailty screening tools are implemented; however, it is unclear whether they perform in a comparable way for both frailty detection and prediction of perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing lower-extremity revascularization.

Methods:

Patients undergoing lower-extremity revascularization were identified from the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) national database. Two cohorts were established based on the revascularization type (percutaneous vascular interventions (PVI) or lower-extremity bypass). Frailty was assessed by the 5-item modified frailty index (mFI-5) and the VQI-derived risk analysis index (RAI).

Results:

Out of 134,081 patients undergoing PVI, frailty was identified in 67% by mFI-5 and 28% by RAI. Similarly, out of 41,316 patients in the bypass cohort, frailty was identified in 69% by mFI-5 and 16% by RAI. There was little agreement between the two frailty tools for both vascular cohorts (PVI: kappa: 0.17; bypass: kappa: 0.13). In an adjusted analysis, frailty as assessed by mFI-5 and RAI was associated with higher odds of mortality in both cohorts ( p < 0.001). A significant association between frailty and unplanned amputations was only noted in the bypass cohort when RAI was applied (OR: 1.50, p < 0.01). The addition of frailty to traditional PAD risk factors marginally improved model performance to predict mortality and unplanned major amputations.

Conclusion:

There was significant variation in frailty detection by mFI-5 and RAI. Although frailty was associated with mortality, the predictive value of these tools in predicting outcomes in PAD was limited. Future research should focus on designing new frailty screening tools specific to the PAD population.
Pandemic parenting: A pilot study of in-person versus internet-DOCS K-5 for caregivers of school-age children with disruptive behaviors
Authors: Agazzi Heather , Hayford Holland , Thomas Nicholas , Dickinson Sarah , Ortiz Cristina , Salinas-Miranda Abraham
Published: April 2022

Behavioral parent training (BPT) programs are needed to address disruptive behavior disorders among school-aged children. Given the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and associated mental health consequences, adapting BPTs to telehealth modalities is necessary to ensure continued services to children and families. This pilot study evaluated the use of a telehealth vs in-person modality to deliver the Developing Our Children’s Skills K-5 (DOCS K-5) BPT. Participants were caregivers of children enrolled in elementary school exhibiting disruptive behaviors who participated in either in-person DOCS K-5 ( n = 21) or internet-DOCS K-5 (i-DOCS K-5; n = 34). Pre- and post-intervention outcome measures were collected for child disruptive behavior, parenting stress, and caregiver symptoms of depression while consumer satisfaction was assessed at post-test only. Multiple linear and Poisson regression models were performed to assess the effect of session modality on the outcomes. Child disruptive behavior, parenting stress and depression, and consumer satisfaction scores were not significantly different across groups, even after adjusting for baseline characteristics. The results of this study provide preliminary evidence that the i-DOCS K-5 modality is as effective as the in-person program. Study findings may be beneficial to practitioners treating school-age children and utilizing telehealth interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic and onward.
A novel machine learning based tangent stiffness calculation method for 3D wheel-rail interaction element
Authors: Pan Jinghao , Huang Caigui , Huang Surong , Gu Quan
Published: April 2022

A machine learning (ML) based method is presented in this paper for obtaining tangent stiffness of a complicated three-dimensional wheel-rail interaction element that is able to practically and effectively simulate the complicated dynamic responses of vehicle-track problems. The element tangent stiffness, defined as differentiation of element insisting force to nodal displacement, is important in improving efficiency when Newton’s method is used to solve implicit nonlinear finite element equations. However, deriving and software implementing the tangent stiffness require significant efforts, and calculating the tangent stiffness in each iteration of the Newton method is usually time consuming. On the other hand, ML can directly obtain the implicit mapping between inputs and outputs of complex calculation process with limited programming effort and high computational efficiency, and is potentially a good alternative way to calculate the tangent stiffness of complicated element. In this paper, a feedforward artificial neural network is trained for obtaining the tangent stiffness, while inputs are the displacement and velocity of the element and outputs are the entries of the tangent stiffness matrix. The ML based tangent stiffness are implemented in an open source finite element software framework, OpenSees, and verified by application examples of a wheelset and a light rail vehicle running on straight rigid rail. The accuracy and efficiency are compared between the use of ML based tangent stiffness (MLTS) and the consistent tangent stiffness obtained at different speeds. The results demonstrate the MLTS can ensure the calculation accuracy and significantly improve the calculation efficiency.
Smoking and labour market participation: a 5-year prospective cohort study of transitions between work, unemployment and sickness absence
Authors: Kragelund Kamilla , Tolstrup Janne S. , Lau Cathrine J. , Christensen Anne I. , Jørgensen Maja B.
Published: April 2022

Aim:

To examine whether smokers are at higher risk of unemployment and sickness absence and have a lower chance of getting employed compared to never smokers.

Methods:

The study sample in this prospective register-based cohort study consisted of 87,830 men and women between 18 and 60 years of age from the Danish National Health Survey 2010. Assessment of smoking status was obtained at baseline and the participants were followed in the Danish register-based evaluation of marginalisation database from 2010 to 2015. Data were analysed by Cox proportional hazards.

Results:

The median age was 44.5 years and 47.3% were men. At baseline, 88.8% were categorised as working, 7.7% as unemployed and 3.5% as being on sickness absence. At the 5-year follow-up, hazard ratios for transitions from work to unemployment were 1.31 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22–1.40; P<0.001) for current smokers (<15/day) and 1.52 (95% CI 1.43–1.62; P<0.001) for current heavy smokers (⩾15/day), compared to never smokers. Hazard ratios for transitions from work to sickness absence were 1.31 (95% CI 1.24–1.38; P<0.001) for current smokers (<15/day) and 1.64 (95% CI 1.56–1.71; P<0.001) for current heavy smokers (⩾15/day). Current heavy smokers (⩾15/day) also had a lower chance of becoming re-employed with a hazard ratio of 0.81 (95% CI 0.75–0.88; P<0.001) compared to never smokers.

:

Smoking was associated with a higher risk of unemployment and sickness absence, and a lower chance of becoming employed. More focus on smoking prevention and smoking cessation could therefore be implemented in relation to job seeking and sickness absence.
Optimization and analysis of mine drainage pump with high efficiency and large flow
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Xiaolin , Liu Houlin , Xie Lei
Published: April 2022

This paper aimed to systematically maximize hydraulic efficiency and pump head for mine drainage pump using numerical simulation method and optimization design method. First, the preliminary design of the pump is carried out according to the traditional design method, and then the impeller and diffuser of mine drainage pump are optimized by orthogonal test method and computational fluid dynamics numerical simulation method aiming at the hydraulic efficiency of the pump. The results show that under the rated working conditions, the hydraulic efficiency of the optimized mine drainage pump is 82.11%, the pump head is 25.94 m, and the hydraulic efficiency and pump head are increased by 3.58% and 1.53 m, respectively. Furthermore, under the flow conditions of 0.8 Qd, 1.0 Qd and 1.2 Qd, the average radial force of the optimized impeller is reduced by 22.4  N, 18.5  N and 13.1  N respectively, and the average axial force is reduced by 36.7  N, 30.2  N and 27.3  N compared with the original scheme. It indicated that the optimization effect of mine drainage pump is obvious. Through the analysis of the characteristics of the internal flow field, it is illustrated that the reasonable control of the internal flow law of the pump can effectively improve the hydraulic performance of the pump and improve the stability of the pump operation.
Experimental study of wave force on breakwater head under oblique waves
Authors: Han Xinyu , Dong Sheng
Published: April 2022

The head of a breakwater warrants special consideration to achieve the necessary stability at vulnerable part of its structure. To widen the entrance to a harbour, a caisson is used for the breakwater head. Therefore, the wave force on the caisson head under oblique waves was analysed in this study. Physical model tests were performed in a wave tank, where wave loads on two weathering sections (S1 and S2) of the caisson head were measured under oblique-regular and irregular wave attacks. The results have shown that the improved Goda’s method can predict the wave forces on the caisson head. The wave forces on the two sections increased with an increase in the period under different incident angles. The phase lag between the horizontal forces on S1 and S2 was evidently influenced by the incident angle. The relationship between the maximum wave force on one section and its accompanying wave force on another section was described, and the results have demonstrated that under the same incident angle, as the period increased, the maximum wave force of S1/S2 is gradually equal to its accompany wave force of another section.
Invited Commentary on “Combatting neo-Colonialism in Health Research: What can Aboriginal Health Research Ethics and Global Health Research Ethics Teach Each Other?”
Authors: R. Brear Michelle
Published: April 2022

Bridget Pratt and Adrian Harper ( 2021 ) conducted a comparison of articles identified through six electronic literature searches. Their aim was to “identify ethics literature… that discussed combatting neo-colonial models of research”. They used manifest content analysis to compare the conceptual content of articles from the fields of global health (GH) and Australian Aboriginal health (AH). This innovative application of a literature review approach from literary and media studies, to health sciences in which literature reviews have traditionally focused on synthesizing evidence about intervention effectiveness, should be commended. It has potential to advance theoretical understandings of ethics in health research. However, I argue here that Pratt and Harper’s (2021) search strategy has several weaknesses, which suggests that their results must be interpreted with caution.
Paradoxical Obesity and Overweight Disparities Among Sexual Minority Men: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: López Castillo Humberto , Blackwell Christopher W. , Schrimshaw Eric W. ,   [Author name withheld on request]
Published: April 2022

This study aims to analyze the prevalence and likelihood of overweight, obesity, and elevated body mass index (BMI) among sexual minority men (i.e., men who have sex with men [MSM], men who have sex with men and women [MSMW], and all sexual minority men), using men who have sex with women (MSW) as the reference group. Studies reporting mean BMIs or prevalence or likelihood of obesity, overweight, or elevated BMI categorized by sexual orientation were included. Data were pooled and analyzed to report mean differences (MDs) of BMIs, prevalence rates, odds ratios (ORs), and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Forty-three studies were included, with a median of 26,507 participants (median 3.37% sexual minority men). The respective mean overweight, obesity, and elevated BMI prevalence rates among MSM (36%, 23%, and 39%) and MSMW (33%, 27%, and 47%) were lower than those of MSW (44%, 26%, and 55%). This finding was consistent with a significantly lower BMI (MD −1.50 [−1.93, −1.08] kg/m2) and a decreased likelihood of overweight (OR 0.75 [0.64, 0.88]) and obesity (OR 0.84 [0.78, 0.90]). Sexual minority men present with a lower prevalence and likelihood of obesity and overweight than their heterosexual counterparts. The obesity paradox—a sustained catabolic state presenting with lower BMI—is a feasible explanation for this phenomenon, although further research exploring paradoxical cardiovascular findings is granted.
Analysis of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network in Peripheral Blood of Radiation Workers
Authors: Gao Jin , Lan Tinxi , Zong Xumin , Shi Gensheng , He Shuqing , Na Chen  , Cui Fengmei , Tu Yu
Published: April 2022

The health of radiation workers has always been our focus. Epidemiological investigation shows that long-term exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation can affect human health, especially cancer and cardiovascular disease, and there are many studies on it. However, up to now, there have been few reports on the research of blood and biological samples from radiation workers. In this study, radiation workers and healthy control groups were strictly screened, and the transcriptome of mRNA and circRNA was sequenced by extracting their peripheral venous blood. At the same time, appropriate data sets were selected in the GEO database for bioinformatics analysis, and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed. We identified 9 different circular ribonucleic acids, 3 tiny ribonucleic acids, and 2 central genes (NOD 2 and IRF 7). These differentially expressed genes and non-coding RNA are closely related to ionizing radiation damage, and play an important role as biological markers. In conclusion, this study may provide new insights into the role of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in the health of radiation workers, and provides a new strategy for the future study of radiation biology.
Neuropathic pain
Authors: Rossides Alexander
Published: April 2022

Neuropathic pain, caused by a range of lesions and diseases of the somatosensory system, can be particularly problematic to diagnose and treat. It is a common disorder, causing significant personal and societal burden. Diagnosis is mainly based on history and clinical examination but it can often go unrecognised. Treatment modalities include pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies and a shared plan should be agreed with patients in order to maximise positive outcomes. This article aims to improve understanding of neuropathic pain, describe common presentations seen in primary care, and outline recommended treatments.
Both subthalamic and pallidal deep brain stimulation are effective for GNAO1-associated dystonia: three case reports and a literature review
Authors: Liu Ye , Zhang Qingping , Wang Jun , Liu Jiyuan , Yang Wuyang , Yan Xuejing , Ouyang Yi , Yang Haibo
Published: April 2022

Background:

Mutations in the G-protein subunit alpha o1 ( GNAO1) gene have recently been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of early infantile epileptic encephalopathy and movement disorders. The clinical manifestations of GNAO1-associated movement disorders are highly heterogeneous. However, the genotype–phenotype correlations in this disease remain unclear, and the treatments for GNAO1-associated movement disorders are still limited.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to explore diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for GNAO1-associated movement disorders.

Methods:

This study describes the cases of three Chinese patients who had shown severe and progressive dystonia in the absence of epilepsy since early childhood. We performed genetic analyses in these patients. Patients 1 and 2 underwent globus pallidus internus (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) implantation, and Patient 3 underwent subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS implantation. In addition, on the basis of a literature review, we summarized and discussed the clinical characteristics and outcomes after DBS surgery for all reported patients with GNAO1-associated movement disorders.

Results:

Whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis revealed de novo variants in the GNAO1 gene for all three patients, including a splice-site variant (c.724–8G > A) in Patients 1 and 3 and a novel heterozygous missense variant (c.124G > A; p. Gly42Arg) in Patient 2. Both GPi and STN DBS were effective in improving the dystonia symptoms of all three patients.

Conclusion:

DBS is effective in ameliorating motor symptoms in patients with GNAO1-associated movement disorders, and both STN DBS and GPi DBS should be considered promptly for patients with sustained refractory GNAO1-associated dystonia.