bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Optimizing Based on OTCPN in Multi-Tier Shuttle Warehousing System
Authors: Zhu Huishuang , Wang Meng , Gao Huaijin
Published: August 2022

This paper models the multi-tier shuttle warehousing system and optimizes the system structure and control strategy. This kind of system is a discrete event dynamic system because it only takes place at discrete time points, while previous warehousing system models. We propose the object-oriented timed colored Petri net to model it, to improve the accuracy of the model and avoid the problem of status explosion in the process of Petri net modeling. We propose two control strategy optimization methods: one is to balance the task assignment, and the other is to change the return time point of the buffer status information. The results of numerical experiments show that consideration of both optimization strategies can reduce the total picking time by

40
%
∼
62
%

. Additionally, we analyze the influence of the buffer capacity. The results show that the buffer capacity can reduce the total picking time, and enough amount of buffer capacity has the same effect as control strategy optimization.
Sparse Bayesian Model and Artificial Intelligence in Enterprise Goodwill Evaluation and Dynamic Management
Authors: Song Jianing , Gong Wen
Published: August 2022

With the rapid development of mobile Internet information technology, automated search text has occupied a leading position in many industries. This article not only makes a detailed case study on the basic working principles of text feature extraction and classification methods but also makes in-depth case analysis on the extraction algorithm and its basic concepts as well as some problems that may be encountered in text feature classification and explained their advantages and disadvantages in detail. Aiming at the shortcomings of various algorithms, a sparse Bayesian probability model is proposed, so that it can better meet the requirements of database and text classification and further improve related technologies. Nowadays, the evaluation of China’s goodwill value, whether in theory or in practice, usually simply adopts traditional fixed asset evaluation methods. However, traditional methods have the disadvantages of ignoring comparisons with the same industry and failing to take into account different factors that affect corporate goodwill. This article adopts a new method that combines traditional methods to evaluate goodwill and tries to improve the results obtained by this traditional method to make the evaluation results more accurate. Then, by studying the adaptability of traditional Chinese risk assessment and forecasting models, a comprehensive comparison is made. Aiming at the embarrassing situation that the current methods of corporate excess asset return risk assessment difficult to predict in practice, the new gray factors evaluation models are creatively studied.
Determinants of Organic Fertilizer Adoption in Moretna Jeru District, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Belete Atinkugn Assefa
Published: August 2022

Agriculture is the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy. It is responsible for 35.45% of the country’s total domestic output. This means that the sector is critical for enhancing the lives of the wider population. Despite its importance, Ethiopia’s agricultural sector produces little. The Ethiopian government has focused on increasing the usage of organic fertilizers to improve this and overall economic growth. Organic fertilizer use is still inadequate in most parts of Ethiopia, including Moretna Jeru District in North Shewa Zone, Amhara region. The main objective of this study was to investigate factors that influence the adoption (use) of organic fertilizer technology in Moretna Jeru District. For this study, primary data were acquired from 192 smallholder farmers who were chosen at random throughout the 2020/21 growing seasons. The factors influencing organic fertilizer adoption were investigated using a probit model. Farmers’ characteristics such as extension contact, number of livestock, landownership via title deed, and household size have a favorable and significant impact on organic fertilizer usage. Farmers should be encouraged to use manure technology. This would be attainable if the government, nongovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders focused more on improving extension services and providing better information and training on the use of organic fertilizers.
Therapeutic Targeting of Tumor-Infiltrating Regulatory T Cells in Breast Cancer
Authors: Fattori Stephane , Roux Hugo , Connen Emilie , Robert Lucie , Gorvel Laurent , Le Roy Aude , Houacine Jemila , Foussat Arnaud , Chretien Anne-Sophie , Olive Daniel
Published: August 2022

Regulatory T cells (Treg) are an immunosuppressive subtype of CD4+ T cells essential for maintaining self-tolerance in physiological settings. Tregs also abundantly infiltrate inflamed tumor tissues, impeding the host's antitumor immune response and contributing to tumor growth and metastasis. In breast cancers, subsets of Tregs express highly immunosuppressive effector phenotypes that favor tumorigenesis, progression, and resistance to immune-checkpoint inhibitor therapies. Tregs share phenotypic features with cytotoxic lymphocytes, rendering them difficult to inhibit without compromising productive antitumor immunity. In addition, systemic targeting of Tregs causes serious autoimmune adverse events in patients with cancer. Hence, the identification of candidate targets or methodologies allowing the specific elimination of tumor antigen-specific Tregs, including tumor-infiltrating Tregs, is a prerequisite for developing efficient and safe combinatorial immunotherapeutic strategies in breast cancers. To date, numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated that specific targeting of breast tumor–infiltrating Tregs restores a competent antitumor immune response and improves responses to immune-checkpoint inhibitors such as PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Herein, we discuss major candidate molecules for Treg-targeted therapeutic strategies in breast cancers, detailing the pros and cons of various approaches, including mAb-mediated depletion, homeostasis destabilization, and functional blockade.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation with Enhanced Fibrinolysis Caused by Heart Metastasis of Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Helal Clara , Lambert Tiphaine , Joly Bérangère S. , Dumont Clément , Gauthier Hélène , Culine Stéphane
Published: August 2022

Heart metastases from urothelial carcinoma of the bladder have rarely been reported in the literature. We present a case complicated by symptomatic disseminated intravascular coagulation in a 67-year-old woman. A rapid and sustained recovery from hemostatic troubles was obtained following fibrinogen supplementation combined with second-line paclitaxel chemotherapy.
Sleep Apnea as a Risk Factor for Diastolic Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Al-Sadawi Mohammed , Theodoropoulos Kleanthis , Saeidifard Farzane , Kiladejo Adekunle , Al-Ajam Mohammad , Salciccioli Louis , Budzikowski Adam S.
Published: August 2022

Background: This meta-analysis assessed the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and echocardiographic parameters of diastolic dysfunction (DD), which are used in the assessment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Methods: We searched the databases including Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and EBSCO CINAHL from inception up to December 26, 2020. The search was not restricted to time, publication status, or language. Two independent investigators screened the identified studies and extracted the data in duplicate. We conducted a meta-analysis using RevMan v.5. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane collaboration tools. Comparisons were made between patients with OSA, diagnosed in-laboratory polysomnography or home sleep apnea testing, and patients without OSA in relation to established markers of DD. Results: Primary search identified 2,512 studies. A total of 18 studies including 2,509 participants were included. The two groups were free of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Significant structural changes were observed between the two groups. Patients with OSA exhibited greater left atrial volume index (LAVI) (3.94 95% CI [0.8, 7.07]; p = 0.000) and left ventricular mass index (11.10 95% CI [2.56, 19.65]; p = 0.000) as compared to control group. The presence of OSA was also associated with more prolonged deceleration time (10.44 ms 95% CI [0.71, 20.16]; p = 0.04), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) (7.85 ms 95% CI [4.48, 11.22]; p = 0.000), and a lower ratio of early to late mitral inflow velocities (E/A) ratio (−0.62 95% CI [−1, −0.24]; p = 0.001) suggestive of early DD. The early mitral inflow velocity to mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/e′) ratio (0.94 95% CI [0.44, 1.45]; p = 0.000) was increased. Linear correlation between severity of OSA and LAVI and IVRT parameters was observed but this association did not sustain for the E/A and E/e′. The ejection fraction was not significantly different between patients with OSA and healthy controls (−0.48 95% CI [−1.18, 0.23]; p = 0.18). Conclusion: An association between OSA and echocardiographic parameters of DD was detected that was independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. OSA may be independently associated with DD perhaps due to higher LV mass. Investigating the role of continuous positive airway pressure therapy in reversing or ameliorating DD is recommended.
Impact of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Feeding on Nutritional Status in Patients Undergoing Chemoradiotherapy for Oesophageal Cancer
Authors: Garcia Joana Lemos , Rodrigues Rita Vale , Mão-de-Ferro Susana , Ferreira Sara , Serrano Miguel , Castela Joana , Sacarrão Raquel , Francisco Fátima , Sousa Liliana , Dias Pereira António ,   Grupo Multidisciplinar de Cancro do Esófago e Estômago IPOLFG
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Oesophageal cancer causes dysphagia and weight loss. Malnutrition further worsens with multimodal treatment. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement in the nutritional status of patients with oesophageal cancer requiring chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods: A comparative study with a prospective arm and a historical cohort was conducted. Oesophageal cancer patients undergoing CRT with dysphagia grade >2 and/or weight loss >10% were submitted to PEG-tube placement (pull method) before CRT. Stoma seeding was evaluated through a swab obtained after placement and, in surgical patients, the resected stoma. A matched historical cohort without PEG placement was used as control (trial ACTRN12616000697482). Results: Twenty-nine patients (intervention group, IG) were compared to 30 patients (control group, CG). Main outcomes did not differ in the IG and CG: weight loss during CRT 8.1 ± 5.5 kg versus 9.1 ± 4.2 kg (p = 0.503); 6-month mortality after CRT or surgery 17.2% versus 26.7% (p = 0.383); perioperative complication rate 54.5% versus 55.6% (p = 1.000); unplanned hospital admissions 34.5% versus 40.0% (p = 0.661). In the CG, during CRT, 14 (46.7%) patients presented with dysphagia grade 3–4, of whom 12 required nasogastric tube feeding (n = 10), surgical gastrostomy (n = 1), and oesophageal dilation (n = 1). In the IG, 89.7% used the PEG tube during CRT, sometimes exclusively in 51.7%. Adverse events were mainly minor (n = 12, 41.4%), mostly late peristomal infections, 1 major complication (exploratory laparotomy due to suspected colonic interposition, not confirmed). There was no cytological or histological evidence of stomal tumour seeding. Conclusion: Weight loss, hospital admissions, surgical complications, and mortality were identical in oesophageal cancer patients referred for CRT, regardless of prophylactic PEG. However, half of the patients required exclusive enteral nutritional support, making PEG-tube placement an alternative to consider.
BRAF and MEK Inhibitor Treatment for Metastatic Undifferentiated Sarcoma of the Spermatic Cord with BRAF V600E Mutation
Authors: Saijo Ken , Imai Hiroo , Katayama Hiromichi , Fujishima Fumiyoshi , Nakamura Kenichi , Kasahara Yuki , Ouchi Kota , Komine Keigo , Shirota Hidekazu , Takahashi Masanobu , Ishioka Chikashi
Published: August 2022

An 18-year-old Japanese man was diagnosed with an undifferentiated sarcoma of the spermatic cord, with multiple distant metastases to the lungs and bones. The patient received doxorubicin-based standard chemotherapy. Although the chemotherapy was effective, it induced severe adverse events, which led to treatment discontinuation. A comprehensive genomic profiling test using resected tumor tissue revealed the BRAF V600E mutation. Based on the result, the patient received combination therapy with dabrafenib and trametinib. The combination therapy achieved a good response with few adverse events. However, 6.5 months later, pleural metastases and meningeal dissemination had emerged. A liquid comprehensive genomic profiling test was performed after the progression to identify the resistance mechanism, which resulted in the detection of no actionable gene alterations other than BRAF V600E. This report shows that the BRAF V600E mutation may be a promising therapeutic target and that resistance to the targeted therapy could also occur in soft tissue sarcoma. The significance of BRAF mutations across different types of cancer should be validated, and it is necessary to apply targeted therapies and develop methods to overcome resistance based on the optimal use of comprehensive genomic profiling tests.
Nintedanib-Induced Delayed Mucosal Healing after Adjuvant Radiation in a Case of Oropharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Takahashi Satoru , Endo Masashi , Fukuda Yukiko , Ogawa Kazunari , Nakamura Michiko , Okada Kohei , Kawahara Masahiro , Akahane Keiko , Nagatomo Takafumi , Onaga Ryutaro , Nishino Hiroshi , Mori Harushi , Shirai Katsuyuki
Published: August 2022

Since the launch of imatinib in 2001, tyrosine kinase inhibitors are being used in chemotherapy for a wide range of malignant tumors. Drugs that inactivate multiple molecular mechanisms are called multikinase inhibitors (MKIs). Nintedanib is a type of MKI that inhibits downstream cascades in three systems: vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor inhibitions. It was initially developed as an anticancer drug for non-small-cell lung carcinoma; however, it was also found to inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts associated with chronic inflammation in the lungs. Therefore, it is being more widely used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a benign disease, than as an antineoplastic agent. Several studies have reported adverse events associated with the concurrent use of MKIs with surgery or radiotherapy. Specifically, there has been a report cautioning against delayed wound healing associated with the use of nintedanib in patients undergoing surgery. However, there is no specific mention of its concurrent use during irradiation. We describe a case of a 72-year-old man with severely delayed recovery from radiation mucositis when nintedanib was being administered for benign disease.
Combined Large-Cell Neuroendocrine and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix with a Personal History of the Primary Breast Duct Carcinoma in situ: A Clinicopathological Characteristic and Outcome
Authors: Le Duc Thanh , Do Kien Hung , Do Tu Anh , Bui Hoai Thu Thi , Nguyen Chu Van
Published: August 2022

Squamous cell carcinoma admixed with large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix is an extremely rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. We report a 50-year-old woman with mixed squamous cell carcinoma and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the uterine cervix with an individual history of early-stage breast cancer. She was diagnosed preoperatively with cervical cancer stage FIGO 1B2. However, during surgery, a lesion was found in Douglas’s peritoneum. The histopathological result of surgical specimens was mixed squamous cell carcinoma and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Then, she received concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Currently, after 3 months of treatment, she has not developed recurrent lesions.
Circ_0002762 Accelerates Glycolysis Metabolism to Promote Cervical Cancer Progression via the miR-526b-5p/HK2 Axis
Authors: Zhao Nian , Hu Ling , Chen Hui
Published: August 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of circ_0002762 in CC. Design: This study was designed for silencing circ_0002762 in CC cells and xenograft tumor models to investigate the role of circ_0002762 in CC in vitro and in vivo. Materials and Methods: The relative expression levels of circ_0002762, miR-526b-5p, and hexokinase2 (HK2) in CC tissues and cells were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. Glycolysis-related extracellular acidification rate, glucose production, lactic acid consumption, and ATP levels were measured using the appropriate kits. Cell proliferation was assessed by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine and colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The binding relationship between miR-526b-5p and circ_0002762 or HK2 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. Tumor growth in vivo was detected by xenograft tumor model. Results: The expressions of circ_0002762 and HK2 were up-regulated and miR-526b-5p was down-regulated in CC tissues and cells. Circ_0002762 knockdown inhibited glycolysis and proliferation and promoted apoptosis of CC cells. In addition, miR-526b-5p suppression reversed the inhibition of CC development induced by circ_0002762 silencing. HK2 overexpression eliminated the inhibition of miR-526b-5p on CC progression. Moreover, silencing of circ_0002762 inhibited CC tumor growth in vivo. Limitations: The practical application of circ_0002762 in clinical practice needs further investigation. Conclusion: Circ_0002762 knockdown inhibited CC progression by regulating miR-526b-5p/HK2 axis, suggesting that circ_0002762 was a promising therapeutic strategy for CC.
Reflexões sobre a verdade e a crença na comunicação do testemunho literário
Authors: Inácio Adriana
Published: August 2022

Apresenta-se, neste artigo, uma reflexão a respeito da verdade e da crença na comunicação do testemunho literário – gênero composto por relatos de sobreviventes de experiências históricas consideradas limite (guerras, ditaduras, genocídios, etc.). Parte-se, para tanto, das considerações de François Rastier sobre a caracterização do enunciador do testemunho literário – seu compromisso ético e consequente projeto estético – e de dois modelos epistêmicos distintos, mas complementares – o modelo de Algirdas Julien Greimas, que fixa as modalidades do quadrado epistêmico e as bases gerais das operações de comunicação e de reconhecimento da verdade, e o modelo de Claude Zilberberg, no qual se definem os sintagmas elementares da crença de acordo com seus modos de junção (implicativo ou concessivo). Descrevem-se, a partir daí, os dois modos de apresentação da verdade constitutivos do testemunho literário.
Charles W. Morris on truth. Towards a semiotically oriented epistemology
Authors: Gramigna Remo
Published: August 2022

Truth is a very complex phenomenon that has exercised a fascination upon the human mind for millennia. Discussion on truth and falsehood goes back to the earliest day of philosophy and has continued ever since. Semiotics, as an independent discipline, has shown some interest towards this subject, although the research conducted in this field has been scant. This paper focuses on one aspect of this issue for it discusses the semiotic conception of truth in Charles Morris’ work. The reasons for this proposal are threefold. Firstly, in Sign, Language, and Behavior (1946), Morris tackles at length the problem of truth from a semiotic perspective. He offers a thorough and very technical account of truth that lays down the theoretical underpinnings for addressing this issue from a semiotic stance. Secondly, Morris develops an interesting yet overlooked conceptual apparatus. He introduced a precise and lucid set of semiotic distinction of the terms such as ‘truth, ‘adequacy’, ‘reliability’, ‘belief’ and ‘knowledge’ as applied to signs, which all deserve close scrutiny. One of Morris’ merits was to underscore that when such terms are applied to the study of signs, they must be kept distinct for they are independent terms. Thirdly, Morris’ theory of truth deserves attention because it has been almost neglected in contemporary semiotics. Thus, the goal of this study is to rework Morris’ stance on the subject, review the main theoretical distinctions that Morris formulated in regard to the semiotic conception of truth, and to discuss whether this pragmatic account on truth is still applicable today.
As metamorfoses da verdade, entre sentido e interação
Authors: Landowski Eric , Silva Gabriela Santos e
Published: August 2022

Ao se abster de levantar qualquer problema de ordem ontológica a respeito da Verdade, a semiótica de Greimas se afastou da lógica dos lógicos e da tradição filosófica, focalizando a atenção, desde a origem, sobre os processos intersubjetivos e cognitivos do fazer crer verdadeiro. Mais recentemente, a sociossemiótica, distanciando-se, por sua vez, dos postulados da semiótica standard, efetuou um outro passo adiante: acabou com o domínio exclusivo da dimensão cognitiva e destacou a importância do fator sensível, especialmente no âmbito da política. Isso conduziu a admitir que, ao lado dos cidadãos que concordam (ou se opõem) por convicção, baseando-se em “verdades” provadas ou negociadas, uma minoria importante acredita por contágio, confiando em formas de “verdade” revelada ou experimentada. Para dar conta dessa diversidade das dinâmicas de adesão política e compreender as distintas concepções da “verdade”, nós postulamos que cada um dos regimes veridictórios em pauta encontra sua base, sua coerência e seu sentido no quadro de um determinado regime interacional que o engloba e o rege. O objetivo do artigo é evidenciar a lógica destas correspondências.
Formas da camuflagem gastronômica: veridicção na cozinha
Authors: Marrone Gianfranco
Published: August 2022

Neste ensaio, analisamos os regimes da verdade e as formas de camuflagem culinária inscritas em alguns dos pratos mais emblemáticos de célebres chefs italianos, cujo trabalho condensa as diversas tendências ficcionais que circulam no campo da gastronomia. Para tanto, partimos do chamado quadrado semiótico de veridicção, que a semiótica discursiva propôs e utiliza há algum tempo. A análise revela como o discurso gastronômico da haute cuisine italiana produz efeitos de ilusão, segredo, falsidade e verdade. A concorrência desses diferentes modos de veridicção desembocam em um modelo que dá conta dos vários estilos de camuflagem, descrevendo assim tendências atuais na cozinha contemporânea.
Phylogeny of the Neotropical wood degrading beetles (Scarabaeoidea: Passalidae) of the tribe Passalini, inferred from molecular and morphological data
Authors: Jiménez-Ferbans Larry , Beza-Beza Cristian , Marshall Christopher J. , Reyes-Castillo Pedro
Published: August 2022

Passalini comprises 209 species divided into six genera. To date there is no published work that addresses the phylogenetic relationships among the genera of Passalini. Additionally, the monophyly of Passalus, the largest genus of the tribe (81% of its species) is contested. We performed a phylogenetic analysis based on morphological data and partial sequence of the 16S ribosomal subunit, to elucidate the relationships among the genera of Passalini, and test their monophyly. Of the genera for which we tested their monophyly, Passalus was the only genus found to be non-monophyletic, the same occurred for the subgenera Passalus (Passalus) and Passalus (Pertinax). The results indicated the subgenus Pertinax is divided into at least four distinct lineages, one of them corresponding to Rodocanthopus; thus, we propose the revalidation of Rhodocanthopus Kaup, 1869.
Latin and Romance Influence on the Basque Verbal Morphosyntax
Authors: Martínez-Areta Mikel
Published: August 2022

Basque is the only non-Indo-European language in western Europe. This fact, and particularly its ergative alignment, make its morphosyntactic structure and its verb different from those of Standard Average European. However, the massive and prolonged influence which Basque has received first from Latin and later from Romance has conditioned the layout of the analytic vps (the open type) in a very curious way. Since Basque synthetic verbs have a template of the type S-vb.root for intransitives and O-vb.root-A for transitives, as opposed to vb.root-A/S for any kind of verb in sae, lexical borrowing of verbs from Latin was impossible. A solution arose when the old periphrastic resultative perfect was grammaticalized in Late Latin as the primary expression of the perfect. This form distinguished intransitive and transitive verbs, so it served as an entry point for Latin and Romance verbal lexicon into Basque, by means of autochthonous auxiliaries.
Dissociable Roles of Theta and Alpha in Sub-Second and Supra-Second Time Reproduction: An Investigation of their Links to Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Liang Mingli , Lomayesva Sara , Isham Eve A.
Published: August 2022

A growing collection of observations has demonstrated the presence of multiple neural oscillations participating in human temporal cognition and psychiatric pathologies such as depression and anxiety. However, there remains a gap in the literature regarding the specific roles of these neural oscillations during interval timing, and how these oscillatory activities might vary with the different levels of mental health. The current study examined the participation of the frontal midline theta and occipital alpha oscillations, both of which are prevalent cortical oscillatory markers frequently reported in working memory and time perception paradigms. Participants performed a time reproduction task in the sub- (400, 600, 800 ms) and supra-second timescales (1600, 1800, 2000 ms) while undergoing scalp EEG recordings. Anxiety and depression levels were measured via self-report mental health inventories. Time–frequency analysis of scalp EEG revealed that both frontal midline and occipital alpha oscillations were engaged during the encoding of the durations. Furthermore, we observed that the correlational relationship between frontal midline theta power and the reproduction performance in the sub-second range was modulated by state anxiety. In contrast, the correlational relationship between occipital alpha and the reproduction performance of supra-second intervals was modulated by depression and trait anxiety. The results offer insights on how alpha and theta oscillations differentially play a role in interval timing and how mental health further differentially relates these neural oscillations to sub- and supra-second timescales.
“Attagenus” burmiticus from mid-Cretaceous amber reinterpreted as a member of Orphilinae (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)
Authors: LI YAN-DA , HUANG DI‑YING , CAI CHEN‑YANG
Published: August 2022

Various dermestids have been reported from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber (e.g., Deng et al., 2017; Háva & Damgaard, 2017; Háva, 2020, 2021). Among them, Attagenus burmiticus Cai et al. was the first adult described from this deposit (Cai et al., 2017). This fossil was originally attributed to the extant genus Attagenus in subfamily Attageninae. However, an important character was overlooked when they made this placement. Attagenus burmiticus has metacoxae meeting elytral epipleura laterally, which are unknown in any other Dermestidae except subfamily Orphilinae (Háva, 2004; Lawrence & Ślipiński 2005). In this study, we re-examine the holotype of A. burmiticus and transfer it into genus Nothattagenus Li & Cai gen. nov. in Orphilinae, as Nothattagenus burmiticus comb. nov.
The earliest known species of Permeca (Insecta, Mecoptera, Permochoristidae) from the late Guadalupian Yinping Formation of China
Authors: LIAN XIN-NENG , CAI CHEN‑YANG , HUANG DI-YING
Published: August 2022

Mecoptera are commonly known as scorpionflies, as some mecopterans have bulbous genitals that are upturned, resembling the stinger of scorpions. As one of the most ancient holometabolous orders (Kristensen, 1981; Dunford & Somma, 2008), the stem group of mecopterans can be dated back to the early Permian (Rasnitsyn, 2004). Mecopterans play an important role in our understanding of the origin of fleas. Some Mesozoic giant fleas have been suggested to be derived from extinct long-proboscid mecopterans (Huang et al., 2012), and recent phylogenomic evidence has clearly demonstrated that fleas are nested within Mecoptera (Tihelka et al., 2020). Mecoptera are very abundant in the geological past, with more than 700 species and 210 genera placed in 39 families (Novokshonov et al., 2016; Ren et al., 2019; Wang, 2020). Extant faunas are represented by ca. 700 species and 40 genera assigned to 9 families (Bicha, 2018; Wang, 2020).
Home Away From Home: Mentorship and Research in Private Practices for Students Without Home Programs
Authors: Ramirez Arianna Victoria , Espinoza Victor , Ojeaga Macaulay , Garza Alexis , Hensler Blake , Honrubia Vincent
Published: August 2022

As the competitiveness of matching to an otolaryngology residency continues to climb, students are encouraged to seek mentorship and research within their home institution. This notion, however, does not account for students without a home otolaryngology program or department. Here, we present a research model where medical students conduct clinical research and gain experience and mentorship within a local otolaryngology private practice. Over the span of 6 years, rotating students produced an average of 3 research projects per year. Fourth‐year medical students within the practice had an average of 20.5 publications, exceeding the 2020 National Residency Match Program's metrics for matched otolaryngology applicants. Private practices may provide research and mentorship for students with limited resources. Similarly, physicians who oversee such students may gain added help to conduct research within their practice. This symbiotic relationship may serve in advancing evidence‐based clinical practice while amplifying the diverse voices of students otherwise seldom heard.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery: The Big Picture
Authors: Haugen Thorsen , Pai Kavya , Desiato Vincent , Lesh Randy
Published: August 2022

Efforts are being made to achieve equitable health care for all, in addition to providing equal opportunity for those working within the health care system. Many challenges, however, still need to be overcome as research increasingly brings to light new areas of concern. In this commentary, we highlight recently published findings within the field of otolaryngology in the United States. These findings are then discussed within the context of global health care disparities to emphasize the importance of equitable health care on a global scale.
Gamification of graduate medical education in an emergency medicine residency program
Authors: Gue Shayne , Ray Joseph , Ganti Latha
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Our program implemented East EMWars, a year-long, longitudinal game that added competition to our existing curricular content. We surveyed residents to investigate the impact of gamification in emergency medicine residency training. We hypothesized that residents would report higher levels of motivation, engagement, and challenge with gamification compared to traditional didactics. Furthermore, we hypothesized that residents would exhibit generally positive perceptions about gamification as a learning tool and that it would translate to improved performance on the annual in-training examination.

Methods

This was a single-center, prospective pre- and post-intervention survey study at a community-based emergency medicine residency program. Given the multiplicity of research questions and inherent nature of educational research, a mixed methods approach was utilized. We utilized nonparametric testing for quantitative data with paired responses pre- and post-intervention. We solicited comments on the post-intervention that were categorized under thematic approach and presented in complete and unedited form in the results.

Results

Eighteen (100%) of eligible residents in our program participated in both surveys. There were statistically significant increases in reported levels of motivation, engagement, and challenge with gamification compared to traditional didactic methods. Residents also reported overwhelmingly positive general perceptions about gamification and its broader generalizability and applicability. We did not reach statistical significance in determining if in-training exam scores were associated with our gamification initiative.

Conclusions

This study was a first-of-its-kind look into a longitudinal game in an emergency medicine residency program. Although our results are encouraging, medical educators need further research to determine if this increase in motivation, engagement, and challenge will be associated with an increase in examination scores or, more importantly, healthcare outcomes. Theory-based, broader-scale, prospective studies are needed to further explore and help establish these associations and outcomes.
Modeling exercise using optogenetically contractible Drosophila larvae
Authors: Ghosh Arpan C. , Hu Yanhui , Tattikota Sudhir Gopal , Liu Yifang , Comjean Aram , Perrimon Norbert
Published: August 2022

The pathophysiological effects of a number of metabolic and age-related disorders can be prevented to some extent by exercise and increased physical activity. However, the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial effects of muscle activity remain poorly explored. Availability of a fast, inexpensive, and genetically tractable model system for muscle activity and exercise will allow the rapid identification and characterization of molecular mechanisms that mediate the beneficial effects of exercise. Here, we report the development and characterization of an optogenetically-inducible muscle contraction (OMC) model in Drosophila larvae that we used to study acute exercise-like physiological responses. To characterize muscle-specific transcriptional responses to acute exercise, we performed bulk mRNA-sequencing, revealing striking similarities between acute exercise-induced genes in flies and those previously identified in humans. Our larval muscle contraction model opens a path for rapid identification and characterization of exercise-induced factors.
A cohort study on longitudinal changes in postural balance during the first year after stroke
Authors: Buvarp Dongni , Rafsten Lena , Abzhandadze Tamar , Sunnerhagen Katharina S.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Many patients with strokes report increased incidence of fall that can be due to impaired postural balance. The recovery of balance in patients with varying degrees of impairments and activity limitations is less studied, and whether individuals with mild paresis can recover their balance faster is unclear. Better knowledge about factors influencing the recovery of postural balance can be used to guide clinical management after stroke to provide the right rehabilitation to the right person at the right time, and thus to avoid potential fall incidences.

Objective

This study aims to examine longitudinal changes in postural balance during the first year after stroke.

Methods

Postural balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) within 5 days, 1, 2, and 3 months and 1-year post-stroke. Stroke severity was stratified using a cluster analysis by including multidimensional baseline measures. A longitudinal mixed-effect model was constructed to analyze changes in proportional balance impairment by stroke severity over time. Individuals with a cut-off of BBS below 45 scores were identified through a classification algorithm using baseline predictors.

Results

A total of 135 patients were stratified to mild stroke (77 [57%] patients) or moderate stroke (58 [43%] patients). Ninety-three patients were included in the longitudinal analysis. Significant recovery was found at 1-year for moderate stroke (48% recovery from the initial impaired postural balance, adjustedP < 0.001), but not for mild stroke, after adjusting for age and cognition. Both stroke severities had a maximal recovery in postural balance at 3 months post-stroke, but the moderate stroke group deteriorated after that. Patients with higher age and worse cognition had more severe balance impairments. The classification model achieved a sensitivity of 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91–0.98) and a specificity of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98–1.0) for classifying individuals with BBS below 45 points.

Conclusions

This study indicates that continuous improvements in postural balance ends at 3 months regardless for mild or moderate stroke groups, and patients with moderate stroke significantly deteriorate in postural balance after 3 months.
The accuracy of fatty liver index for the screening of overweight and obese children for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in resource limited settings
Authors: de Silva Mawanane Hewa Aruna Devapriya , Hewawasam Ruwani Punyakanthi , Kulatunge Chanika Roshini , Chamika Rathnayake Mudiyanselage Anjali
Published: August 2022

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common liver disease among children with a higher prevalence among obese. Fatty liver index (FLI), an algorithm derived to screen NAFLD using the waist circumference, body mass index, triglyceride and gamma glutamyl-transferase concentration was rarely investigated in Asian paediatric population. Since each component is routinely measured in clinical practice, it is feasible to measure FLI even in resource limited settings. Hence, we determined the accuracy of FLI for the screening of NAFLD in obese children in Southern Sri Lanka.

Methods

A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on ninety five children (56 boys) aged 5–15 years with BMI ≥ 85th percentile for age and gender based on CDC 2000 growth charts recruited from the nutrition clinic at the Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya, Sri Lanka. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonography. Factors associated with ultrasonographic fatty liver such as biochemical parameters and fatty liver index in either sex or the whole population were determined by a multivariate analysis. The ability of FLI to screen NAFLD was determined by the analysis of area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) and the maximum Youden index analysis.

Results

Overweight and obese children with ultrasonographic fatty liver had a significantly higher FLI than those without fatty liver according to the multivariate analysis performed (Odds ratio 3.524; 95% CI 1.104–11.256, P = 0.033). AUROC of FLI for NAFLD was 0.692 (95% CI; 0.565–0.786) and the optimal cut off value for the screening of NAFLD was 30 (Maximum Youden index 0.2782, Sensitivity, 58.33%; Specificity, 69.49%).

Conclusion

FLI could accurately be used in resource limited community settings and in epidemiological studies to screen overweight and obese children for NAFLD.
Walking and cycling, as active transportation, and obesity factors in adolescents from eight countries
Authors: Ferrari Gerson , Drenowatz Clemens , Kovalskys Irina , Gómez Georgina , Rigotti Attilio , Cortés Lilia Yadira , García Martha Yépez , Pareja Rossina G. , Herrera-Cuenca Marianella , Del’Arco Ana Paula , Peralta Miguel , Marques Adilson , Leme Ana Carolina B. , Sadarangani Kabir P. , Guzmán-Habinger Juan , Chaves Javiera Lobos , Fisberg Mauro
Published: August 2022

Background

Evidence has shown that active transportation decreases obesity rates, but considering walking or cycling as separate modes could provide additional information on the health benefits in adolescents. This study aimed to examine the associations between walking and cycling as form active transportation and obesity indicators in Latin American adolescents.

Methods

Population-based study with 671 adolescents (mean age: 15.9 [standard deviation: 0.8] years) from eight countries participating in the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health/Estudio Latino Americano Nutrition y Salud (ELANS). Walking and cycling for active transportation were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire long version. Body mass index, waist circumference, neck circumference, and relative fat mass were used as obesity indicators. Associations were estimated using logistic regression models for the pooled data adjusted for country, sex, age, socio-economic levels, race/ethnicity, leisure-time physical activity and energy intake.

Results

Mean time spent walking and cycling was 22.6 (SD: 33.1) and 5.1 (SD: 24.1) min/day, respectively. The median values were 12.8 (IQR: 4.2; 25.7) and 0 (IQR: 0; 6.2) for walking and cycling. Participants reporting ≥ 10 min/week of walking or cycling for active transportation were 84.2% and 15.5%, respectively. Costa Rica (94.3% and 28.6%) showed the highest prevalence for walking and cycling, respectively, while Venezuela (68.3% and 2.4%) showed the lowest prevalence. There was no significant association between walking for active transportation and any obesity indicator. In the overall sample, cycling for ≥ 10 min/week was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of overweight/obesity based on BMI (OR: 0.86; 95%CI: 0.88; 0.94) and waist circumference (OR: 0.90; 95%CI: 0.83; 0.97) adjusted for country, sex, age, socio-economic level, race/ethnicity, leisure-time physical activity and energy intake compared to cycling for < 10 min/week. There were no significant associations between cycling for active transportation and neck circumference as well as relative fat mass.

Conclusions

Cycling for active transportation was negatively associated with obesity indicators, especially body mass index and waist circumference. Programs for promoting cycling for active transportation could be a feasible strategy to tackle the high obesity rates in adolescents in Latin America.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT02226627. Retrospectively registered on August 27, 2014.
Empowerment for behaviour change through social connections: a qualitative exploration of women’s preferences in preconception health promotion in the state of Victoria, Australia
Authors: Walker Ruth , Quong Sara , Olivier Patrick , Wu Ling , Xie Jue , Boyle Jacqueline
Published: August 2022

Background

Health behaviours in the preconception period have the potential to impact on fertility and pregnancy outcomes, and the health of all women regardless of pregnancy intention. Public awareness of this is low and interventions that promote behaviour change have not been integrated into real-world settings. Aims were to explore women’s understandings of health and health behaviours and what supports are important to promote behaviour change in the preconception period.

Methods

This qualitative study is the first phase of a broader co-design project set in the state of Victoria, Australia. Over 3 months, a series of in-depth interviews were conducted with female participants who were intending to become pregnant in the next 2 years (n = 6) and participants who were not intending to become pregnant in the next 2 years (n = 6). Community advisors (n = 8) aged 18-45 years provided feedback throughout the process. Coding of transcripts from interviews and meetings was undertaken by two researchers before a deductive process identified themes mapped to the COM-B framework.

Results

Nine themes and eight sub-themes were identified. Participants had a holistic view of health with nutrition, physical activity and sleep being most valued. Social connections were considered as being important for overall health and wellbeing and for promoting health behaviours. The only difference between groups was that pregnancy was an additional motivator for women who were planning to become pregnant in the next 2 years. A range of health information is available from health professionals and other sources. Unlimited access to information was empowering but sometimes overwhelming. Being listened to and shared experiences were aspects of social connections that validated participants and guided them in their decision-making.

Conclusions

Women valued their health and had a holistic view that includes physical, mental and social dimensions. Women viewed social connections with others as an opportunity to be listened to and to gain support that empowers behaviour change. Future interventions to promote behaviour change in preconception women should consider the importance all women placed on social connections and leverage off existing resources to connect women.
Measles incidence in South Africa: a six-year review, 2015—2020
Authors: Yousif Mukhlid , Hong Heather , Malfeld Susan , Smit Sheilagh , Makhathini Lillian , Motsamai Tshepo , Tselana Dipolelo , Manamela Morubula , Kamupira Mercy , Maseti Elizabeth , Ranchod Heena , Otwombe Kennedy , McCarthy Kerrigan , Suchard Melinda
Published: August 2022

In 2012 the World Health Organization (WHO) aimed to eliminate measles in five regions by 2020. This retrospective descriptive study reviewed measles surveillance data in South Africa for the period 2015—2020 to document the epidemiology of measles and the progress made towards meeting the 2020 measles elimination goal.

A total of 22,578 specimens were tested over the period 2015—2020 yielding 401 (1.8%) confirmed measles cases, 321 (1.4%) compatible and 21,856 (96.8%) discarded cases. The most affected age group was 0–4 year olds. At the provincial level, South Africa achieved adequate surveillance, defined as more than two cases of febrile rash notified annually per 100 000 popoulation, except for KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo in 2020, probably due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Of confirmed cases, only 26% were vaccinated, 3% were too young to receive vaccines, 5% were not vaccinated, and 65% had unknown vaccination status. Measles vaccine effectiveness amongst 1–4 year olds was 80%. Using the standard case definition, South Africa achieved the measles elimination target of less than one case per one million nationally in years 2015, 2016 and 2020. The years 2017 to 2019 had incidence rates exceeding one per million nationally. Using a narrow case definition, that excluded positive rubella cases, improved the indicators with only the year 2017 having an incidence rate of more than one per million.

South Africa displays intermittent measles outbreaks approximately six-yearly interspersed by inter-epidemic periods in which the country meets measles elimination targets. Intense effort is needed to increase the vaccine coverage to avoid periodic outbreaks. Enhanced molecular testing of each case will be required as measles incidence declines regionally.