bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Layer by Layer: The Manufacture of Graeco-Roman Funerary Masks
Authors: Vandenbeusch Marie , O’Flynn Daniel , Moreno Benjamin
Published: December 2021

Ptolemaic cartonnage masks were produced by layering textiles – or reused papyrus sheets – with plaster and glue. Despite the use of the same basic components, the process of manufacture could vary depending on shape, size, time and place. This article aims to clarify the production methods and the different phases of manufacture of these masks, using different imagery techniques, such as X-ray, CT and surface scanning. To provide a better understanding of their production, we examined these masks layer by layer, considering the use of a mould to shape the face from inside, the layering of textile, the application of gesso to strengthen the mask or to sculpt features, and finally the decorative layer of paints and gilding.
On 3D printing of electro-active PVDF-Graphene and Mn-doped ZnO nanoparticle-based composite as a self-healing repair solution for heritage structures
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Singh Rupinder , Ahuja Inderpreet Singh
Published: December 2021

Construction is the part of human activity which is directly linked to urbanization for moving ahead on the path of growth and prosperity. Construction activities in past centuries are now part of our precious heritage. The repair and maintenance of heritage structures are of great importance for present-day researchers. One of the most common damage these century-long constructions faces are in form of surface cracks. In the present study, investigations were performed for a 3D printing-based customized solution for crack repair and maintenance of heritage structures. In this study, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer was reinforced with graphene (Gr) and Mn-doped ZnO nano-particles to prepare a smart composite material for crack repair and restoration. The composite was successfully 3D printed on fused deposition modeling (FDM) based 3D printer after investigating its rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties. The in-house developed composite was tested for smart characteristics to use as a programmable solution for filling cracks. The piezoelectric property and dielectric constant of 3D printed disk-shaped composite (PVDF-Gr-Mn-ZnO) were obtained after DC poling (to be used as stimulus) of the functional prototype. The results of the study suggest that the electro-active nature, volumetric change, and charge storing capacity of the additively manufactured composite may be used practically to acquire the shape of cavity/crack present in the constructed wall and repair the damages that occurred in a heritage site. The photoluminescence (PLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis was used to ascertain the properties of the prepared composite. Also, the results obtained from the morphological analysis are reported to support the outcomes of the research.
Helminth infection and human mobility in sambaquis: Paleoparasitological, paleogenetic, and microremains investigations in Jabuticabeira II, Brazil (2890 ± 55 to 1805 ± 65 BP)
Authors: Iñiguez Alena Mayo , Brito Lorrayne , Guedes Lucélia , Chaves Sergio Augusto de Miranda
Published: December 2021

Sambaquis or shellmounds are archeological sites constructed by hunter-fisher-gatherers that inhabited the Brazilian coast about 10,000–2000 yrs BP. Jabuticabeira II (JABII: 2890 ± 55 to 1805 ± 65 BP) is one of dozens of contemporaneous sambaquis of the Santa Catarina state, South Brazil, and contains hundreds of neatly organized burials, indicating great population density. In order to gather information about the health, diet and way of life of people in JABII, a paleoparasitological, paleogenetic, and micro-human remains investigation was carried out. Pelvic region and environmental control samples from six individuals exhumed from JABII were submitted to microscopic and ancient DNA (aDNA) investigation. Paleoparasitological analyses based on light microscopy were negative. However, a variety of informative microremains were found. Diatoms, fish scales, and algae characterize the marine and estuarine environment. Ipomoea batatas and Zea mays starch grains suggested cultivated items as part of their diet in agreement with the literature. The finding of Podocarpus sp. pollen grain, characteristic of highlander vegetation, suggests human mobility of JABII individuals which were settlement in the coast. Paleogenetic analyses showed Ascaris sp. helminth infection based on nad1 gene fragment detected from an individual excavated at L3 FS7 burial (1826 ± 40 BP). This aDNA result places the antiquity of Ascaris sp. infection, and haplotypes that are circulating in humans and other animals nowadays, in Pre-Columbian South American times.
Pollen evidence of variations in Holocene climate and Southern Hemisphere Westerly Wind strength on sub-Antarctic South Georgia
Authors: Zwier Maaike , van der Bilt Willem GM , de Stigter Henko , Bjune Anne E
Published: December 2021

The Southern Hemisphere Westerlies (SHW) play a major role in the global climate system. The winds drive ocean circulation and affect the Southern Oceans’ ability to take up atmospheric CO2. Recently, the SHW core belt has strengthened and shifted south, but there is an insufficient understanding of its long-term behaviour. Palaeoclimatic records are key for capturing long-term variability through the SHW’s effect on surface temperature and moisture availability. However, terrestrial records are sparse in the Southern Hemisphere. We use a palynological record from Lake Diamond on sub-Antarctic South Georgia to provide reconstructions of vegetation and climate for the last ~10,000 years. Influx of long-distance transported pollen is used as a measure of surface wind strength. Changes in relative pollen abundance of native taxa occupying either upland (cold) or lowland (warm) environments indicate local climatic variability. On South Georgia, we find long-distance transported pollen from South American taxa, mainly Nothofagus and Ephedra. They show a general increase in abundance throughout the Holocene, with peak influxes between 5700–5400, 2800–1500 and 1000–500 cal yr BP. These intervals coincide with colder periods inferred from the palynological record, suggesting that SHW variation and temperature on South Georgia are highly connected. Agreement with palaeoecological records from eastern Patagonia show that climatic changes have been regionally consistent. The record from Lake Diamond further illustrates the importance of remote islands in contributing to a deeper understanding of atmospheric circulation and climatic variability in the sub-Antarctic.
Stratigraphic signature of the Perito Moreno ice-dammings during the Little Ice Age (southern Patagonia, Argentina)
Authors: Caffau Mauro , Lodolo Emanuele , Donda Federica , Zecchin Massimo , Lozano Jorge G , Nasi Federica , Bran Donaldo M. , Tassone Alejandro , Caburlotto Andrea
Published: December 2021

The spectacular water outburst occurring semi-periodically when the ice-dam formed by the external front of the Perito Moreno glacier collapses, is one of the most attracting events in the UNESCO ‘Parque Nacional Los Glaciares’ of southern Patagonia. These occurrences have been documented since 1936. Instead, evidence of previous events has been only indirectly provided by dendrochronology analysis. Here we show for the first time radiocarbon-dated sediment cores collected within a small inlet of Brazo Sur, that is, the southern arm of Lago Argentino that record ice-dammings in the Little Ice Age, at 324–266 cal yrs BP, as measured on a vegetal fragment sampled at ca. 14 cm from the top of a core. A common characteristic of the three sediment cores is the abrupt change in the stratigraphic record found at variable depths of 14–18 cm from the top of the cores. This change is marked by a hiatus spanning ca. 3200 years, separating planar-laminated sediments below from an alternation of erosional and depositional events above it, indicating recurring high-energy conditions generated by the emptying of the lake basin. In addition, we observed significant changes in the abundance of environmental indicators as testate amoebae below and above the hiatus. These well-preserved stratigraphic records highlight the key role of glaciolacustine deposits in reconstructing the glacial dynamics and palaeoclimate evolution of a glaciated region.
Population Growth and Economic Development: Theoretical Arguments and Empirical Findings— A Survey of Literature
Authors: Singh Ajit Kumar
Published: December 2021

The relationship between population growth and economic development has remained a controversial topic since the time of Malthus. Opinion among the scholars on this issue is sharply divided. This article examines the theoretical arguments about the likely consequences—positive or negative—of higher population growth on economic development and looks at the empirical findings on the issue based on the survey of literature in the field. The article traces the historical profile of demographic change in the developed and the developing countries over the last two centuries and analyses the factors behind them with particular reference to China and India. The implications of the findings for population control policy are also examined. There is a growing realisation of the fact that fertility decline is dependent upon socio-economic development. There is a general consensus among demographers that policies for fertility reduction should stress voluntary decisions on the part of the individuals concerned rather than compulsion and should be conceived in the context of a much wider programme for social, economic, and political development. The positive and negative incentives in this situation have a limited role to play in this context.
Mothering from a Distance: The Lived Experiences of Filipina Transnational Mothers in Singapore
Authors: Ballaret Jeffrey R. , Lanada Jonel P.
Published: December 2021

Transnational motherhood continues to grow among Filipina mothers. It resulted in economic prosperity and quality of life of Filipino families but caused family pressures within the sphere of motherhood. This qualitative study is grounded through the philosophical lens of phenomenology aimed to explore the lived experiences of transnational mothers. It seeks to understand their life history, present experiences that redefined their motherhood, and reflections of the future. The lived experiences of transnational mothers began with the experience of the personal and structural dimensions of poverty in the past. Their decision to embark on labor migration was primarily instrumental to alleviate their life condition. However, mothering from a distance has ensued emotional, social, and psychological strains. To cope with the situation, they observed four central coping ways: the role of faith and prayer; the repression of emotional strains through work and friends; focus and positive thinking; and the rationalization of distance by way of regular virtual communication and remittances. The hopes of transnational mothers revealed their yearning for family reunification predicated on improving their family life through financial security, savings, and children's education. This intersection between motherhood and labor migration has therefore created new family forms, structures, roles, meaning, and expectations.
A comparative analysis of discourses shaping physical education provision within and across the UK
Authors: Gray Shirley , Sandford Rachel , Stirrup Julie , Aldous David , Hardley Stephanie , Carse Nicola Rhys , Hooper Oliver , Bryant Anna S
Published: December 2021

Set within the context of a longitudinal project that seeks to engage physical education teachers from the four countries of the UK in cross-border curriculum analysis, dialogue and learning, the current study lays the foundation by mapping and comparing curriculum discourses that currently shape how physical education is conceptualised in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. As a team of researchers with affiliations to each of the four nations of the UK, we identified those curriculum documents from each context that were written to directly inform physical education teachers’ curriculum planning and enactment. We firstly identified those discourses evident in each document to understand how physical education is conceptualised within each curriculum, before engaging in a dialogical process that converged around how physical education is constructed similarly or differently within and across curricula. We found some variation in relation to how the concept of health is articulated. With the exception of the curriculum in Wales, we also found that performance discourses related to developing motor competencies for sports continue to dominate as the main purpose of physical education. Finally, there are several points of divergence in relation to how much agency or guidance teachers are afforded within each curriculum. The intention of this research is to initiate dialogue across each of the four nations, creating opportunities for learning so that, collectively, teachers can build capacity to contribute to future curricula and pedagogies in physical education.
The practice of accountability in questioning prime ministers: Comparative evidence from Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom
Authors: Serban Ruxandra
Published: December 2021

This paper compares the practice of holding prime ministers to account in four case studies: Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Using text analysis, as well as research on prime ministerial responsibilities, it investigates oral questions asked in parliamentary procedures where prime ministers are questioned together with ministers (Question Period in Canada and Question Time in Australia) versus procedures where they are questioned individually (PMQs in the United Kingdom and Oral Questions to the Taoiseach in Ireland), and explores the degree to which they are questioned for matters that are within their remit. It argues that the practice of prime ministerial accountability is decisively shaped by procedural features such as whether written notice is required for questions, as well as by the broader role of the questioning mechanism in the political system, and less by the collective or individualised nature of questioning.
Finite element model updating for the Tsing Ma Bridge tower based on surrogate models
Authors: Cheng Xiao-Xiang , Fan Jian-Hua , Xiao Zhi-Hong
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates the efficiency of three surrogate model-based dynamic finite element model updating methods, the response surface, the support vector regression, and the radial basis function neural network, using the engineering background of the Tsing Ma Bridge tower. The influences of two different sampling methods (central composite design sampling and Box–Behnken design sampling) on the model updating results are also assessed. It was deduced that the impact of the surrogate model type on the updating results is not significant. More precisely, the models updated using the response surface method and the support vector regression method are similar in terms of reproducing the dynamic characteristics of the physical truth. However, the effects of the employed sampling method on the model updating results are significant as the model updating quality using the central composite design sampling method is higher than that using the Box–Behnken design sampling method in some considered cases.
A Cross-Sectional Study of the Association Between Chronic Oral Disease Burden and Serum Biomarkers in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Rocha Layna Cristine Brito , Nunes-dos-Santos Danila Lorena , Costa Elisa Miranda , Gomes Samira Vasconcelos , Rodrigues Vandilson Pinheiro , Pereira Antonio Luiz Amaral
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Poor oral health can negatively affect general health and quality of life of kidney transplant recipients. The study aimed to investigate the association between chronic oral disease burden, serum biomarkers, and comorbidities in kidney transplant recipients.

Design

A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted with 44 patients after kidney transplant. The burden of chronic oral disease was composed of the following observable variables: moderate periodontitis and presence of dental caries. Serum biomarkers and comorbidities data were collected. The chi-square or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables and Student's t-test or Mann–Whitney test for continuous variables were used. Robust Poisson regression was used to model the association.

Results

Higher levels of mean uric acid ( P = .01) and creatinine ( P = .03) were observed in the group of patients with oral disease burden, while the highest level of high-density lipoprotein was observed in the group without oral disease. Higher values of uric acid were associated with the occurrence of chronic oral disease burden (Adjusted PR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03-1.48, P = .019). There was no statistical difference between the groups with and without oral disease burden in comorbidities present.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that chronic oral diseases burden can be associated with uric acid and creatinine levels in kidney transplant recipients.
Joint power control and user grouping for uplink power domain non-orthogonal multiple access
Authors: Rehman Bilal Ur , Babar Mohammad Inayatullah , Ahmad Arbab Waheed , Alhumyani Hesham , Abdel Azim Gamil , Saeed Rashid A. , Abdel Khalek Sayed
Published: December 2021

Orthogonal multiple access schemes based on assignment of communication resource blocks among multiple contenders, although widely available, still necessitate an upper limit on the number of concurrent users for minimization of multiple-user interference. The feature thwarts efforts to cater for pressing connectivity demands posed by modern-day cellular communication networks. Non-orthogonal multiple access, regarded as a key advancement towards realization of high-speed 5G wireless communication networks, enables multiple users to access the same set of resource blocks non-orthogonally in terms of power with controllable interference, thereby allowing for overall performance enhancement. Owing to the combinatorial nature of the underlying optimization problem involving user pairing/grouping scheme, power control and decoding order, the computational complexity in determining optimal and sub-optimal solutions remains considerably high. This work proposes three novel alternative approaches (Randomly, 2-Opt and Hybrid) for arriving at a near-optimal solution for the problem of user pairing/grouping. The algorithms not only offer reduced computational complexity but also outperform orthogonal multiple access and existing schemes reported in the literature for uplink non-orthogonal multiple access systems.
Sources of Government Approval During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Threat or Electoral Predispositions?
Authors: Pignataro Adrián
Published: December 2021

Rally-round-the-flag events are short-term boosts of government approval during crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic produced such an effect in many countries. But why did some people join the rally while others didn’t? Using public opinion data from Costa Rica, this paper tests two hypotheses: first, that threat increases government approval at the outbreak of the pandemic; second, that electoral predispositions shape approval. Results indicate that COVID-19 contagions, as a measure of the threat, are not associated with approval, while past voting patterns are. Positive assessments of the economy and the relief measures also predict higher support for the government. In brief, Costa Rica's rally-round-the-flag event did not overcome the partisan divisions or the ordinary drivers of approval.
Fostering Post-Pandemic Resilience Among Students and Stakeholders Using Solution-Focused Scaling
Authors: Sabella Russell A.
Published: December 2021

While helping students transition to a post-pandemic future, school counselors may inadvertently be overlooking a vital source of resiliency: strengths, opportunities, and resources in the student’s past. By using solution-focused scaling, school counselors can enhance students’ well-being by identifying and amplifying how they have already successfully navigated extraordinary challenges they have endured. The solution-focused scaling approach is an effective and efficient way to empower students as they transition to being back in the classroom.
Meniscal and Cartilage Changes on Serial MRI After Medial Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Choi Han Gyeol , Kang Yu Suhn , Kim Joo Sung , Lee Han Sang , Lee Yong Seuk
Published: December 2021

Background:

Assessments of the effects of realignment using opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) on the medial, lateral, and patellofemoral compartments have been limited to cartilage evaluations.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to evaluate the effects of OWHTO on the meniscus and cartilage of each compartment as a cooperative unit (meniscochondral unit) using serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It was hypothesized that (1) favorable changes in the meniscochondral unit would occur in the medial compartment and (2) that changes in the patellofemoral and lateral compartments would be negligible.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Included were 36 knees that underwent OWHTO from March 2014 to February 2016 and had postoperative serial MRI. The MRI was performed at 19.9 ± 7.4 and 52.3 ± 8.3 months postoperatively, and the cartilage and meniscal changes were evaluated by highlighting the regions of interest. We evaluated the T2 relaxation times of each cartilage and meniscal area, the cross-sectional area of the menisci, and the extrusion of the medial meniscus (MM). The meniscochondral unit was assessed using subgroup analyses according to the status of the MM.

Results:

Significant decreases were seen in T2 relaxation times in the medial femoral condyle (MFC) ( P < .001) and medial tibial plateau (MTP) ( P = .050), and significant increases were seen in the lateral femoral condyle (LFC) ( P = .036). The change was more prominent in the MFC compared with the MTP and LFC ( P = .003). No significant changes were observed in the lateral tibial plateau, patella, or trochlear groove. The area of the lateral meniscus (body and posterior horn) was decreased compared with preoperative MRI ( P < .001 for both). The extent of MM extrusion decreased between the preoperative, first follow-up, and second follow-up MRIs ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

OWHTO affected the medial compartment positively, the lateral compartment negatively, and the patellofemoral compartment negligibly. The effects were more prominent and consistent in the medial than in the lateral compartment.
Intercultural Development Among Music Students and Teachers: A Literature Review
Authors: Kang Sangmi
Published: December 2021

In a diverse society, it is crucial to transform one’s attitudes from ethnocentric to ethnorelative to deeply engage in, negotiate, and reconcile various cultural manifestations. Using the umbrella term of intercultural development, I reviewed empirical studies of cross-cultural endeavors, contexts, and outcomes among music students and teachers in K–12 and higher education settings. Intercultural development takes place in various contexts, including classroom projects, university partnerships, service learning, and professional development. According to the literature, music students and teachers working in intercultural settings have elicited learning outcomes related to their intercultural development. The outcomes included intercultural competence and sensitivity, musical and pedagogical understanding, and critical awareness of power dynamics. Based on the literature review, I provide implications for intercultural development in music teaching and learning, and suggest future research directions for scholars.
Use of intravenous lidocaine for dose reduction of propofol in paediatric colonoscopy patients: a randomised placebo-controlled study
Authors: Yao Wenshui , Zhang Longxin , Lu Guolin , Wang Jing , Zhang Li , Wang Yuping , Xiao Peihan , Chen Xiaofen , Chen Chanjuan , Zhou Min
Published: December 2021

Background

Propofol, a widely used sedative in endoscopic procedures, sometimes causes cardiopulmonary complications. Intravenous lidocaine can diminish visceral pain and decrease the dose of propofol. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous lidocaine in reducing propofol dosage during paediatric colonoscopy.

Methods

Forty children who underwent colonoscopy were divided into two groups. Lidocaine hydrochloride (1.5 mg/kg induction and 2 mg/kg/h maintenance) was given intravenously to the lidocaine group, and the same amount of saline was given to the control group after they received lidocaine induction. Propofol initial plasma concentration of 5 μg/mL was targeted, and the procedure was performed after the bispectral index value reached 55. The primary outcome was propofol requirement.

Results

The propofol requirement in the lidocaine group was decreased by 35.5% (128.6 ± 30.4 mg vs. 199.4 ± 57.6 mg;p < 0.001; 95%CI: − 100.60, − 41.02). The incidence of involuntary body movements was significantly lower in the lidocaine group (p = 0.028; OR = 0.17; 95%CI: 0.03, 0.92). The awakening time (p < 0.001; 95%CI: − 7.67, − 5.13) and recovery times (p < 0.001; 95%CI: − 7.45, − 4.35) were significantly lower in the lidocaine group. Pain was significantly less at 30 min and 60 min after the procedure in the lidocaine group (0 [0–4] vs. 3 [0–5],p < 0. 001; 0 [0–2] vs. 1 [0–3],p = 0.001). There was no difference in the incidence of bradycardia, hypotension, or hypoxia between the two groups.

Conclusions

For colonoscopy procedures in paediatric patients, intravenous lidocaine reduces the amount of propofol needed, provides better sedation and postprocedural pain management, as well as a reduction in recovery time.

Trial registration

The trial was registered on November 6, 2020 at China Clinical Trials Registration Center (www.chictr.org.cn) ref.: ChiCTR 2,000,039,706.
Improving the understanding of how patients with non-dystrophic myotonia are selected for myotonia treatment with mexiletine (NaMuscla): outcomes of treatment impact using a European Delphi panel
Authors: Chapman Ann-Marie , Schurer Marieke , Weijers Laure , Omar Amer , Lee Hiba , Weidenfeller Alla Zozulya , Ellis Crispin , Sonecha Shaneil , Schneider-Gold Christiane
Published: December 2021

Background

Non-dystrophic myotonias (NDMs) comprise muscle chloride and sodium channelopathies due to genetic defects of the CLCN1- and SCN4A-channels. No licensed antimyotonic treatment has been available until approval of mexiletine (NaMuscla®) for adult patients by the EMA in December 2018. This Delphi panel aimed to understand how outcomes of the pivotal phase III Mexiletine study (MYOMEX) translate to real world practice and investigate health resource use, quality of life and the natural history of NDM to support economic modelling and facilitate patient access.

Methods

Nine clinical experts in treating NDM took part in a two-round Delphi panel. Their knowledge of NDM and previous use of mexiletine as an off-label treatment prior to NaMuscla’s approval ensured they could provide both qualitative context and quantitative estimates to support economic modelling comparing mexiletine (NaMuscla) to best supportive care. Consensus in four key areas was sought: healthcare resource utilization (HRU), treatment with mexiletine (NaMuscla), patient quality of life (QoL), and the natural history of disease. Concept questions were also asked, considering perceptions on the feasibility of mapping the validated Individualized Neuromuscular Quality of Life (INQoL) instrument to the generic EQ-5D™, and the potential impact on caregiver QoL.

Results

Consensus was achieved for key questions including the average long-term dosage of mexiletine (NaMuscla) in practice, the criteria for eligibility of myotonia treatment, the clinical importance of QoL outcomes in MYOMEX, the higher proportion of patients with increased QoL, and the reduction in the need for mental health resources for patients receiving mexiletine (NaMuscla). While consensus was not achieved for other questions, the results demonstrated that most experts felt mexiletine (NaMuscla) reduced the need for HRU and was expected to improve QoL. The QoL mapping exercise suggested that it is feasible to map domains of INQoL to EQ-5D. Points of interest for future research were identified, including that mexiletine (NaMuscla) may slow the annual decrease in QoL of patients over their lifetime, and a significant negative impact on QoL for some caregivers.

Conclusions

This project successfully provided data from an informed group of clinical experts, complementing the currently available clinical trial data for mexiletine (NaMuscla) to support patient access decisions.
Prevalence and duration of prescribed opioid use during pregnancy: a cohort study from the Quebec Pregnancy Cohort
Authors: Zhao Jin-Ping , Berthod Christelle , Sheehy Odile , Kassaï Behrouz , Gorgui Jessica , Bérard Anick
Published: December 2021

Background

Recent studies show a rapid growth among pregnant women using high potency opioids for common pain management during their pregnancy. No study has examined the duration of treatment among strong opioid users and weak opioid users during pregnancy. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of prescribed opioid use during pregnancy, in Quebec; and to compare the duration of opioid treatment between strong opioid users and weak opioid users.

Methods

Using the Quebec Pregnancy Cohort (1998–2015), we included all pregnancies covered by the Quebec Public Prescription Drug Insurance Program. Opioid exposure was defined as filled at least one prescription for any opioid during pregnancy or before pregnancy but with a duration that overlapped the beginning of pregnancy. Prevalence of opioids use was calculated for all pregnancies, according to pregnancy outcome, trimester of exposure, and individual opioids. The duration of opioid use during pregnancy was analyzed according to 8 categories based on cumulative duration (< 90 days vs. ≥90 days), duration of action (short-acting vs. long-acting) and strength of the opioid (weak vs. strong).

Results

Of 442,079 eligible pregnancies, 20,921 (4.7%) were exposed to opioids. Among pregnancies ending with deliveries (n = 249,234), 5.4% were exposed to opioids; the prevalence increased by 40.3% from 3.9% in 1998 to 5.5% in 2015, more specifically a significant increase in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Weak opioid, codeine was the most commonly dispensed opioid (70% of all dispensed opioids), followed by strong opioid, hydromorphone (11%), morphine (10%), and oxycodone (5%). The prevalence of codeine use decreased by 47% from 4.3% in 2005 to 2.3% in 2015, accompanied by an increased use of strong opioid, morphine (0.029 to 1.41%), hydromorphone (0.115 to 1.08%) and oxycodone (0.022 to 0.44%), from 1998 to 2015. The average durations of opioid exposure were significantly longer among pregnancies exposed to strong opioid as compared to weak opioid regardless of the cumulative duration or duration of action (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Given the differences in the safety profile between strong opioids and the major weak opioid codeine, the increased use of strong opioids during pregnancy with longer treatment duration raises public health concerns.
Hypofractionated radiotherapy in ten fractions for postmastectomy patients: a phase II study compared with another hypofractionation schedule with sixteen fractions
Authors: Jiang Huayong , Meng Lingling , Zhang Huijuan , Dai Xiangkun , Zhang Qian , Ju Zhongjian , Yu Wei , Ma Lin
Published: December 2021

Background

The purpose of this phase II study was to evaluate the feasibility of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) with a dose of 36.5 Gy in 10 fractions in postmastectomy patients.

Methods

From March 2014 to December 2015, 85 patients with locally advanced breast cancer were eligible to participate in this study with a schedule of 36.5 Gy in 10 fractions. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) was delivered to the chest wall with or without the supraclavicular region. The primary endpoint was radiation-related toxicities. The secondary endpoints were locoregional failure-free survival (LRFFS), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). And the outcomes were compared with our retrospective study of 72 patients with 42.5 Gy in 16 fractions.

Results

The median follow-up was 69.0 (range 66.5-71.5) months in the 36.5 Gy group and 93.0 (range 91.9-94.1) months in the 42.5 Gy group, respectively. Radiation-related toxicities were mainly grade 1, although a few patients had grade 2 plexopathy (1.2%) and acute skin toxicity (1.2%) in the 36.5 Gy group, and grade 2 acute skin toxicity (5.6%) and lymphedema (4.2%) in the 42.5 Gy group. There were no significant differences between the groups in acute and late toxicities. For all the patients, the 5-year LRFFS, DFS and OS were 97.7 and 100.0%, 93.1 and 90.3%, 98.8 and 97.2%, respectively, without significant differences between the groups.

Conclusion

Postmastectomy HFRT with a schedule of 36.5 Gy in 10 fractions was feasible, with mild toxicities and excellent 5-year clinical outcome.

Trial registration

Trial registration number: ChiCTR-ONRC-14004391.

Date of registration: 9/3/2014.
Analysis of retinal detachment resulted from post-operative endophthalmitis treated with 23G pars Plana Vitrectomy
Authors: Zheng Ying , Casagrande Maria , Dimopoulos Spyridon , Bartz-Schmidt Karl-Ulrich , Spitzer Martin Stephan , Skevas Christos
Published: December 2021

Background

To evaluate the rate, risk factors, functional outcome and prognosis in eyes with retinal detachment after post-operative endophthalmitis treated with 23G Pars Plana Vitrectomy.

Methods

Electronic patient files from 2009 until 2018 were screened for the presence of an endophthalmitis. Included were 116 eyes of 116 patients. This population was evaluated for the rate of retinal detachment after 23G Pars Plana Vitrectomy for endophthalmitis following cataract surgery or intravitreal injection. The main outcome measures were retinal detachment and visual acuity.

Results

The reasons for endophthalmitis were previous cataract surgery in 78 patients and following intravitreal injection in 38 patients. The first clinical evidence of endophthalmitis was present in median 5 days after the triggering intervention. Twenty-five eyes (21.55%) developed a retinal detachment an average of 25 days after endophthalmitis. RD is significantly associated with preoperative visual acuity (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

We emphasize the prognostic role of preoperative visual acuity in RD development of the endophthalmitis treated with 23G Pars Plana Vitrectomy.
Exploring the factors related to adolescent health literacy, health-promoting lifestyle profile, and health status
Authors: Chu-Ko Fen , Chong Meng-Ling , Chung Chi-Jung , Chang Chun-Chi , Liu Hsin-Yi , Huang Li-Chi
Published: December 2021

Background

Health literacy has been concerned a key factor for determining the use of health information and promoting health. The study aimed to explore adolescent health literacy, health-promoting lifestyle profile, and health status and related factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was used; 918 first year junior college students were recruited in Taiwan. The measurements were the Chinese Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-C-Q), the Chinese Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP-S), and the Health Status Questionnaire.

Results

The mean score for health literacy was 36.15 (±6.21), with 30.17% of the participants having insufficient or problematic health literacy. Further, 19.9% of participants were obese and 11.2% experienced emotional instability. Health literacy and health-promoting lifestyle profile showed significant positive and negative correlations with perceived health status and depression, respectively (p < 0.05). An exercise frequency of ≥3 times/week was a predictor of health literacy, health-promoting lifestyle profile, and emotional stability.

Conclusions

Adolescent health literacy, health-promoting lifestyle profile, and health status require careful consideration. In adolescents, developing regular exercise may increase health literacy, thereby developing healthy lifestyle profiles and ameliorating obesity and depression-related issues.
Evaluating hemoptysis hospitalizations among patients with bronchiectasis in the United States: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Lim Rachel K. , Tremblay Alain , Lu Shengjie , Somayaji Ranjani
Published: December 2021

Background

The burden of hospitalizations and mortality for hemoptysis due to bronchiectasis is not well characterized. The primary outcome of our study was to evaluate in-hospital mortality in patients admitted with hemoptysis and bronchiectasis, as well as the rates of bronchial artery embolization, length of stay, and hospitalization costs.

Methods

The authors queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) claims database for hospitalizations between 2016 and 2017 using the ICD-10-CM codes for hemoptysis and bronchiectasis in the United States. Multivariable regression was used to evaluate predictors of in-hospital mortality, embolization, length of stay, and hospital costs.

Results

There were 8240 hospitalizations (weighted) for hemoptysis in the United States from 2016 to 2017. The overall in-hospital mortality was 4.5%, but higher in males compared to females. Predictors of in-hospital mortality included undergoing three or more procedures, age, and congestive heart failure. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) was utilized during 2.1% of hospitalizations and was more frequently used in those with nontuberculous mycobacteria and aspergillus infections, but not pseudomonal infections. The mean length of stay was 6 days and the median hospitalization cost per patient was USD $9,610. Having comorbidities and procedures was significantly associated with increased length of stay and costs.

Conclusion

Hemoptysis is a frequent indication for hospitalization among the bronchiectasis population. In-hospital death occurred in approximately 4.5% of hospitalizations. The effectiveness of BAE in treating and preventing recurrent hemoptysis from bronchiectasis needs to be explored.
Correction to: ciRS-7 is a prognostic biomarker and potential gene therapy target for renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Mao Weipu , Wang Keyi , Xu Bin , Zhang Hui , Sun Si , Hu Qiang , Zhang Lei , Liu Chunhui , Chen Shuqiu , Wu Jianping , Chen Ming , Li Wei , Peng Bo
Published: December 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Implementing a successful proactive telephone breastfeeding peer support intervention: volunteer recruitment, training, and intervention delivery in the RUBY randomised controlled trial
Authors: Grimes Heather A. , McLachlan Helen L. , Forster Della A. , McLardie-Hore Fiona , Mortensen Kate , Shafiei Touran
Published: December 2021

Background

The RUBY randomised controlled trial demonstrated the benefit of proactive telephone peer support in promoting breastfeeding continuation in a setting with high breastfeeding initiation, where typically this is difficult to achieve. This paper describes the implementation and delivery of the peer support intervention with a focus on recruitment, training, and support of peer volunteers, and includes a description of the key components of the calls.

Methods

Data collection occurred between December 2012 and June 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. Volunteers completed enrolment forms at the training session and recorded data related to each call in a Call Log maintained for each mother supported. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics and responses to open-ended questions analysed using content analysis.

Results

A total of 693 women expressed interest in the peer support role, with 246 completing training, that is, 95% of whom supported at least one mother. Each supported a mean of two mothers (range 1 to 11). Training session topics included respecting individual values, using positive language, confidence building, active listening, empathetic support, and normal baby behaviour. There were 518 periods of support where at least one call was made between a volunteer and a mother to whom she was allocated. Of the 518 periods of support, 359 Call Logs (69%) were returned. The 359 call logs recorded a total of 2398 calls between peers and mothers. Call length median duration was 12 min (range 1 to 111 min). Volunteers perceived the most valued aspects of the calls were the provsion of ‘general emotional support’ (51%) and ‘general information/discussion about breastfeeding’ (44%). During the first call, mothers raised questions about ‘nipple pain/ damage’ (24%) and 'general breastfeeding information’ (23%). At ≥12 weeks postpartum, issues raised related to ‘normal infant behaviour’ (22%), ‘feed frequency’ (16%), and ‘general breastfeeding information’ (15%). Volunteers referred women to other resources during 28% of calls, most commonly to the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that the RUBY trial was feasible and sustainable in terms of recruiting volunteers who were willing to participate in training and who proceeded to provide peer support. Call content was responsive to the evolving breastfeeding information needs of mothers and the provision of emotional support was perceived by volunteers to be important.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN 12612001024831.
A study of the labor process from a technology transformation perspective: the case of internet virtual teams
Authors: Liang Meng
Published: December 2021

This article presents an empirical study of the labor process of internet virtual teams. It argues that organizations with a “horizontally virtual and vertically real” structure face a dilemma in the virtual team labor process. While a culture of engineers, which embodies equality, liberty, and cooperation, is the cultural basis of the virtual team, management is bureaucratic, emphasizing individual interests and hierarchical features. The coexistence of the two leads to cooperation and division of labor in virtual teams. Essentially, this is a compromising institutional arrangement adopted by corporations to triangulate technology culture and managerial control to obtain surplus value. Based on the preceding discussion, this paper ends by proposing a new theoretical framework for studying the labor process under the technological conditions of the internet.
Endothelial-specific depletion of TGF-β signaling affects lymphatic function
Authors: Fukasawa Kunpei , Hanada Kako , Ichikawa Kei , Hirashima Masanori , Takagi Takahiro , Itoh Susumu , Watabe Testuro , Itoh Fumiko
Published: December 2021

Background

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a multifunctional cytokine involved in cell differentiation, cell proliferation, and tissue homeostasis. Although TGF-β signaling is essential for maintaining blood vessel functions, little is known about the role of TGF-β in lymphatic homeostasis.

Methods

To delineate the role of TGF-β signaling in lymphatic vessels, TβRIIfl/fl mice were crossed with Prox1-CreERT2 mice to generate TβRIIfl/fl; Prox1-CreERT2 mice. The TβRII gene in the lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) of the conditional knockout TβRIIiΔLEC mice was selectively deleted using tamoxifen. The effects of TβRII gene deletion on embryonic lymphangiogenesis, postnatal lymphatic structure and drainage function, tumor lymphangiogenesis, and lymphatic tumor metastasis were investigated.

Results

Deficiency of LEC-specific TGF-β signaling in embryos, where lymphangiogenesis is active, caused dorsal edema with dilated lymphatic vessels at E13.5. Postnatal mice in which lymphatic vessels had already been formed displayed dilation and increased bifurcator of lymphatic vessels after tamoxifen administration. Similar dilation was also observed in tumor lymphatic vessels. The drainage of FITC-dextran, which was subcutaneously injected into the soles of the feet of the mice, was reduced in TβRIIiΔLEC mice. Furthermore, Lewis lung carcinoma cells constitutively expressing GFP (LLC-GFP) transplanted into the footpads of the mice showed reduced patellar lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion

These data suggest that TGF-β signaling in LECs maintains the structure of lymphatic vessels and lymphatic homeostasis, in addition to promoting tumor lymphatic metastasis. Therefore, suppression of TGF-β signaling in LECs might be effective in inhibiting cancer metastasis.
Reviews
Authors: Green William
Published: December 2021

The Science and Politics of Global Climate Change: A Guide to the Debate, by Andrew Dessler and Edward Parson, ISBN 978-1-316-63132-4, 2019, Cambridge University Press, 278 p. Structural Geology — A Quantitative Introduction, by David Pollard and Stephen Martel, ISBN 978-1-107-03506-5, 2020, Cambridge University Press, 434 p.
Student Zone: Gaining knowledge and experience through the EVOLVE program
Authors: Yasser Menna
Published: December 2021

I first heard about SEG's EVOLVE program in early 2020. I started contacting program participants to learn more about it, and the more I learned, the more enthusiastic I became about joining. After successfully completing nine eventful and educational months of the program, I can honestly say that it has exceeded my expectations in every way. I received mentoring from world-class professionals in their respective fields, found a geoscience community full of support and collaboration, learned a great deal, and evolved in many ways.
Mental health services in Luxembourg: an overview
Authors: Malmendier-Muehlschlegel Anja , Power Niamh Catherine
Published: December 2021

We describe mental health services in Luxembourg and how they have evolved over the past 50 years. Health services in Luxembourg are provided through a social health insurance-based system and mental health services are no exception. Additional services are offered through mixed-funding avenues drawing on social care budgets in the main. Luxembourg is closely connected with neighbouring countries, where a large proportion of its workforce live. No run-through medical training exists and the entire medical workforce, including psychiatrists, have trained in other countries. This is reflected in a rich but often non-uniform approach to the provision of psychiatric care.