bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of naproxen versus intracervical block for pain control during the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system insertion in young women: a multivariate analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: de Oliveira Elaine Cristina Fontes , Baêta Thaís , Brant Ana Paula Caldeira , Silva-Filho Agnaldo , Rocha Ana Luiza Lunardi
Published: October 2021

Background

To compare the effectiveness of 550 mg naproxen sodium versus 6 mL 2%-lidocaine intracervical block in pain lowering at the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) placement in young women.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, 100 women aged 15–24 years were block-randomized to receive either 6 mL 2%-lidocaine intracervical block 5 min before the LNG-IUS insertion or 550 mg naproxen 30 min before the procedure. Forty-nine women received 550 mg naproxen and 51 received intracervical block. The primary outcome was pain at LNG-IUS insertion. Secondary outcomes were ease of insertion, insertion failures, and correct IUS positioning. Neither participants nor doctors were blinded. Pain at insertion was assessed by using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Results

Women randomized to lidocaine intracervical block presented lower mean pain score at insertion, when compared to women who received naproxen (5.4 vs. 7.3, respectively; p < 0.001). Parous women had a 90.1% lower chance of experiencing severe pain (p = 0.004). There was a 49.8% reduction in the chance of severe pain for every 1-cm increase in the hysterometry (p = 0.002). The only complication observed during insertion was vasovagal-like reactions (7%). The insertion was performed without difficulty in 82% of the women. Participants in the intracervical block group presented higher proportion of malpositioned IUS on transvaginal ultrasound examination compared to women in naproxen group. Nevertheless, all the malpositioned IUS were inserted by resident physicians.

Conclusion

Lidocaine intracervical block was found to be more effective than naproxen in reducing LNG-IUS insertion pain.

Trial registration number: RBR-68mmbp, Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, Retrospectively registered (August 4, 2020), URL of trial registry record: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-68mmbp/.
Factors of quality of care and their association with smartphone based PHR adoption in South Korean hospitals
Authors: Choi Byung Kwan , Park Young-Taek , Park Hyeoun-Ae , Lane Chris , Jo Emmanuel C. , Kang Sunghong
Published: October 2021

Background

Healthcare organizations have begun to adopt personal health records (PHR) systems to engage patients, but little is known about factors associated with the adoption of PHR systems at an organizational level. The objective of this study is to investigate factors associated with healthcare organizations’ adoption of PHR systems in South Korea.

Methods

The units of analysis were hospitals with more than 100 beds. Study data of 313 hospitals were collected from May 1 to June 30, 2020. The PHR adoption status for each hospital was collected from PHR vendors and online searches. Adoption was then confirmed by downloading the hospital’s PHR app and the PHR app was examined to ascertain its available functions. One major outcome variable was PHR adoption status at hospital level. Data were analysed by logistic regressions using SAS 9.4 version.

Results

Out of 313 hospitals, 103 (32.9%) hospitals adopted PHR systems. The nurse-patient ratio was significantly associated with PHR adoption (OR 0.758; 0.624 to 0.920, p = 0.005). The number of health information management staff was associated with PHR adoption (OR 1.622; 1.228 to 2.141, p = 0.001). The number of CTs was positively associated with PHR adoption (OR 5.346; 1.962 to 14.568, p = 0.001). Among the hospital characteristics, the number of beds was significantly related with PHR adoption in the model of standard of nursing care (OR 1.003; 1.001 to 1.005, p < 0.001), HIM staff (OR 1.004; 1.002 to 1.006, p < 0.001), and technological infrastructure (OR 1.050; 1.003 to 1.006, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

One-third of study hospitals had adopted PHR systems. Standard of nursing care as well as information technology infrastructure in terms of human resources for health information management and advanced technologies were significantly associated with adoption of PHR systems. A favourable environment for adopting new technologies in general may be associated with the adoption and use of PHR systems.
Intersectoral costs of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV: a systematic review of cost-of-illness (COI) studies
Authors: Schnitzler Lena , Jackson Louise J. , Paulus Aggie T. G. , Roberts Tracy E. , Evers Silvia M. A. A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV can generate costs both within and outside the health sector (i.e. intersectoral costs). This systematic review aims (i) to explore the intersectoral costs associated with STIs and HIV considered in cost-of-illness (COI) studies, (ii) to categorise and analyse these costs according to cost sectors, and (iii) to illustrate the impact of intersectoral costs on the total cost burden.

Methods

Medline (PubMed), EMBASE (Ovid), Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EconLit and NHS EED were searched between 2009 and 2019. Key search terms included terms for cost-of-illness, cost analysis and all terms for STIs including specific infections. Studies were included that assessed intersectoral costs. A standardised data extraction form was adopted. A cost component table was established based on pre-defined sector-specific classification schemes. Cost results for intersectoral costs were recorded. The quality of studies was assessed using a modified version of the CHEC-list.

Results

75 COI studies were considered for title/abstract screening. Only six studies were available in full-text and eligible for data extraction and narrative synthesis. Intersectoral costs were captured in the following sectors: Patient & family, Informal care and Productivity (Paid Labour). Patient & family costs were addressed in four studies, including patient out-of-pocket payments/co-payments and travel costs. Informal care costs including unpaid (home) care support by family/friends and other caregiver costs were considered in three studies. All six studies estimated productivity costs for paid labour including costs in terms of absenteeism, disability, cease-to-work, presenteeism and premature death. Intersectoral costs largely contributed to the total economic cost burden of STIs and HIV. The quality assessment revealed methodological differences.

Conclusions

It is evident that intersectoral costs associated with STIs and HIV are substantial. If relevant intersectoral costs are not included in cost analyses the total cost burden of STIs and HIV to society is severely underestimated. Therefore, intersectoral costs need to be addressed in order to ensure the total economic burden of STIs and HIV on society is assessed, and communicated to policy/decision-makers.
LncRNA ASAP1-IT1 enhances cancer cell stemness via regulating miR-509-3p/YAP1 axis in NSCLC
Authors: Liu Yantao , Yang Yuping , Zhang Lingli , Lin Jiaqiang , Li Bin , Yang Min , Li Honghui , Chen Kangwu , Zhao Wei
Published: October 2021

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and cancer stem cell is responsible for the poor clinical outcome of NSCLC. Previous reports indicated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in maintaining cancer stemness, however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the role of ASAP1 Intronic Transcript 1 (ASAP1-IT1) in cancer cell stemness of NSCLC.

Methods

The expression of ASAP1-IT1, microRNA-509-3p (miR-509-3p) and apoptosis-/stemness-related genes was analyzed by qRT-PCR in NSCLC tissues, cancer cells and spheres of cancer stem cells. Knockdown of ASAP1-IT1 or overexpression of miR-509-3p in NSCLC cells by infection or transfection of respective plasmids. Sphere formation and colony formation were used to detect NSCLC stem cell-like properties and tumor growth in vitro. Luciferase reporter assays, RNA immunoprecitation (RIP) and qRT-PCR assays were used to analyze the interaction between lncRNA and miRNA. The expression of expression of regulated genes of ASAP1-IT1/miR-509-3p axis was evaluated by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The NSCLC xenograft mouse model was used to validate the role of ASAP1-IT1 in NSCLC stemness and tumor growth in vivo.

Results

ASAP1-IT1 was up-regulated in NSCLC tissues, cancer cells, and in spheres of A549-derived cancer stem cells. Downregulation of ASAP1-IT1 or overexpression of miR-509-3p significantly decreased cell colony formation and stem cell-like properties of A549-dereived stem cells with decreased expression of stem cell biomarkers SOX2, CD34, and CD133, and suppressing the expression of cell growth-related genes, Cyclin A1, Cyclin B1, and PCNA. Furthermore, knockdown of ASAP1-IT1 or overexpression of miR-509-3p repressed tumor growth in nude mice via reducing expression of tumorigenic genes. ASAP1-IT1 was found to interact with miR-509-3p. Moreover, overexpression of ASAP1-IT1 blocked the inhibition by miR-509-3p on stem cell-like properties and cell growth of A549-dereived stem cells both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, the level of YAP1 was regulated by ASAP1-IT1 and miR-509-3p.

Conclusions

YAP1-involved ASAP1-IT1/miR-509-3p axis promoted NSCLC progression by regulating cancer cell stemness, and targeting this signaling pathway could be is a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome NSCLC stemness.
Spatial distribution of Plasmodium knowlesi cases and their vectors in Johor, Malaysia: in light of human malaria elimination
Authors: Pramasivan Sandthya , Ngui Romano , Jeyaprakasam Nantha Kumar , Liew Jonathan Wee Kent , Low Van Lun , Mohamed Hassan Norzihan , Wan Sulaiman Wan Yusoff , Jaraee Ropiah , Abdul Rahman Roslinda , Jelip Jenarun , Vythilingam Indra
Published: October 2021

Background

Plasmodium knowlesi, a simian malaria parasite infection, increases as Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections decrease in Johor, Malaysia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the distribution of vectors involved in knowlesi malaria transmission in Johor. This finding is vital in estimating hotspot areas for targeted control strategies.

Methods

Anopheles mosquitoes were collected from the location where P. knowlesi cases were reported. Cases of knowlesi malaria from 2011 to 2019 in Johor were analyzed. Internal transcribed spacers 2 (ITS2) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes were used to identify the Leucosphyrus Group of Anopheles mosquitoes. In addition, spatial analysis was carried out on the knowlesi cases and vectors in Johor.

Results

One hundred and eighty-nine cases of P. knowlesi were reported in Johor over 10 years. Young adults between the ages of 20–39 years comprised 65% of the cases. Most infected individuals were involved in agriculture and army-related occupations (22% and 32%, respectively). Four hundred and eighteen Leucosphyrus Group Anopheles mosquitoes were captured during the study. Anopheles introlatus was the predominant species, followed by Anopheles latens. Spatial analysis by Kriging interpolation found that hotspot regions of P. knowlesi overlapped or were close to the areas where An. introlatus and An. latens were found. A significantly high number of vectors and P. knowlesi cases were found near the road within 0–5 km.

Conclusions

This study describes the distribution of P. knowlesi cases and Anopheles species in malaria-endemic transmission areas in Johor. Geospatial analysis is a valuable tool for studying the relationship between vectors and P. knowlesi cases. This study further supports that the Leucosphyrus Group of mosquitoes might be involved in transmitting knowlesi malaria cases in Johor. These findings may provide initial evidence to prioritize diseases and vector surveillance.
Correction to: Proteoglycan-4 is an essential regulator of synovial macrophage polarization and inflammatory macrophage joint infiltration
Authors: Qadri Marwa , Jay Gregory D. , Zhang Ling X. , Schmidt Tannin A. , Totonchy Jennifer , Elsaid Khaled A.
Published: October 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Hydroxychloroquine use is not associated with QTc length in a large cohort of SLE and RA patients
Authors: Park Elizabeth , Giles Jon T. , Perez-Recio Thania , Pina Paloma , Depender Christopher , Gartshteyn Yevgeniya , Askanase Anca D. , Bathon Joan , Geraldino-Pardilla Laura
Published: October 2021

Background

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a cornerstone therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, reports of its use and subsequent fatal arrhythmias in patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) have raised concern regarding its cardiovascular (CV) safety. Therefore, we examined the relationship between HCQ use and corrected QT (QTc) length in SLE and RA patients without clinical CV disease (CVD).

Methods

SLE patients from the Columbia University Lupus Cohort registry (n = 352) and two RA cohorts (n = 178; ESCAPE-RA and RHYTHM-RA) with electrocardiograms (ECGs) collected as part of study data were analyzed. RA cohort participants were recruited from tertiary referral centers with additional referrals from community rheumatologists, while SLE subjects originated from the Columbia University Lupus Cohort. All patients met American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for SLE or RA and lacked known CVD. The exposure of interest was HCQ use and main outcome measure was QTc length [continuous or categorical (≥ 440 ms and ≥ 500 ms)].

Results

Of the combined SLE and RA cohorts (n = 530), 70% were HCQ users and 44% had a QTc ≥ 440 ms. The adjusted mean QTc length was comparable between HCQ users vs non-users (438 ms vs 437 ms). In multivariable logistic models, HCQ use was not a significant predictor of a QTc ≥ 440 ms for the entire cohort (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.48–1.23; p = 0.27). Importantly, a QTc ≥ 500 ms was inversely associated with HCQ use and not associated with arrhythmias or deaths. A significant interaction was found between HCQ use and use of anti-psychotics. Ultimately, the use of HCQ combined with any QTc prolonging medication as a group was associated with a QTc length (434 ms; 95% CI 430, 439) which was comparable to that of use of HCQ alone (433 ms; 95% CI 429-437).

Conclusion

In a combined cohort of SLE and RA patients without clinical CVD, adjusted QTc length was comparable between HCQ and non-HCQ users, supporting its CV safety in patients with rheumatic diseases.
Semi-quantitative measurements of chemokine receptor 4-targeted 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT in response assessment of Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma
Authors: Pan Qingqing , Cao Xinxin , Luo Yaping , Li Jian , Li Fang
Published: October 2021

Purpose

68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT was reported to have a high sensitivity in detecting tumor involvement of Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (WM/LPL) in our previous study. We aimed to further investigate the semi-quantitative measurements of68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT in response assessment in WM/LPL.

Methods

Fifteen patients with WM/LPL were recruited in a prospective cohort study and underwent both68Ga-pentixafor and18F-FDG PET/CT at baseline and post-treatment. PET/CT-based responses were analyzed with semi-quantitative assessments of metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesions glycolysis/uptake (TLGFDGand TLUCXCR4), and the correlation between PET/CT-based response and clinical response, monoclonal protein and IgM response was analyzed.

Results

After chemotherapy, 5 patients had complete response or very good partial response, 8 had partial response or minimal response and 2 had progressive disease. In quantitative analysis,68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT-based response (measured in ∆TLUCXCR4%, ∆MTVCXCR4%, ∆SUVpeak%) showed a significant direct correlation with clinical response, monoclonal protein and IgM response (p < 0.01). However,18F-FDG PET/CT-based response was independent from clinical response (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The semi-quantitative measurements of68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT outperformed18F-FDG PET/CT in response assessment of WM/LPL.
Anti-cancer effects of lucidadiol against malignant melanoma cells
Authors: Shin Seong-Ah , Lee Jun Seob , Joo Byeong Jun , Ryu Gyoungah , Han Minjoo , Kim Huiji , An Jangeun , Koo Man Hyung , Youn Ui Joung , Lee Jun Hyuck , Park Hyun Ho , Lee Chang Sup
Published: October 2021

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and lethal skin cancers. Lucidadiol is a triterpenoid isolated from Ganoderma lucidum and is known to have various biological functions, including antibacterial effects. However, the anti-cancer effects and mechanism of action of lucidadiol in malignant melanoma are unknown. In this study, lucidadiol significantly reduced B16 melanoma cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, lucidadiol induced apoptosis and suppressed cell mobility in B16 melanoma cells. Moreover, our findings revealed that lucidadiol remarkably downregulated phospho-Akt/ERK/JNK, but not p38. Taken together, our results suggest that lucidadiol could exerts its anti-cancer effects by inducing apoptosis via modulation of the Akt/MAPK pathway. Therefore, lucidadiol may be a potential cancer therapeutic agent for malignant melanoma.
Locked in grief: a qualitative study of grief among family members of missing persons in southern Sri Lanka
Authors: Isuru Amila , Bandumithra Padmakumara , Williams S. S.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The psychological and social issues experienced by family members of missing persons are different from normal grief following the death of a loved one. The term “Ambiguous loss” describes this psychological phenomenon. Ambiguous loss acts as a barrier to adjusting to grief, leading to symptoms of depression and intra and interpersonal relational conflicts. An in-depth phenomenological understanding of this subjective experience is important.

Method

A qualitative study was conducted among close family members of persons who had gone missing during the civil conflict and the 2004 tsunami in southern Sri Lanka following formal ethical approval from an university ethics review committee. Purposive and snowballing sampling methods were used to recruit the participants. Theoretical sample saturation was achieved with 24 family members of missing persons. Responders were mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, and siblings of missing individuals. In-depth interviews were recorded with the help of a semi-structured guide, after informed consent. The recordings were transcribed and coded by three independent investigators. The investigators through consensus arrived at the phenomenological themes and grounded them through reflexivity. The triangulation process involved cross-checking observational notes made by the interviewers and consulting the interviewees.

Results

We interviewed 24 first degree relatives of missing individuals. Twenty-one of the interviewees were unsure about the fate of the missing individual, while three of them believed the missing individual to be dead. Of the 24 missing individuals, 20 were males and 18 had gone missing in civil conflicts and 6 in the Indian Ocean Tsunami. Six predominant phenomenological themes were identified. Those were lack of closure, hope, guilt, helplessness, perpetual suffering, and an emotional vacuum. These phenomenological experiences are highlighted by the interviewees through a range of utterances that hold profound cultural, social and emotional significance of unresolved and vacillating grief.

Conclusion

The highlighted phenomenology of grief in surviving family members of those who go missing following traumatic events demands a response from health and social services in every country that experiences disaster. The surviving loved one is ‘locked in grief’ indefinitely and future research on evidence-based interventions to overcome this predicament is warranted.
Choosing Wisely Canada – pediatric otolaryngology recommendations
Authors: McDonough Mitchell , Hathi Kalpesh , Corsten Gerard , Chin Christopher J. , Campisi Paolo , Cavanagh Jonathan , Chadha Neil , Graham M. Elise , Husein Murad , Johnson Liane B. , Jones Jodi , Korman Bruce , Manoukian John , Nguyen Lily H. P. , Sommer Doron D. , Strychowsky Julie , Uwiera Trina , Yunker Warren , Hong Paul
Published: October 2021

The Choosing Wisely Canada campaign raises awareness amongst physicians and patients regarding unnecessary or inappropriate tests and treatments. Using an online survey, members of the Pediatric Otolaryngology Subspecialty Group within the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery developed a list of nine evidence based recommendations to help physicians and patients make treatment decisions regarding common pediatric otolaryngology presentations: (1) Don't routinely order a plain film x-ray in the evaluation of nasal fractures; (2) Don't order imaging to distinguish acute bacterial sinusitis from an upper respiratory infection; (3) Don't place tympanostomy tubes in most children for a single episode of otitis media with effusion of less than 3 months duration; (4) Don't routinely prescribe intranasal/systemic steroids, antihistamines or decongestants for children with uncomplicated otitis media with effusion; (5) Don't prescribe oral antibiotics for children with uncomplicated tympanostomy tube otorrhea or uncomplicated acute otitis externa; (6) Don't prescribe codeine for post-tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy pain relief in children; (7) Don't administer perioperative antibiotics for elective tonsillectomy in children; (8) Don't perform tonsillectomy for children with uncomplicated recurrent throat infections if there have been fewer than 7 episodes in the past year, 5 episodes in each of the past 2 years, or 3 episodes in each of the last 3 years; and (9) Don't perform endoscopic sinus surgery for uncomplicated pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis prior to failure of maximal medical therapy and adenoidectomy.
Maximization of container slot booking profits for carriers in the liner shipping industry
Authors: Guo Yu , Yan Ran , Wang Hans
Published: October 2021

In the liner shipping industry, if a shipper wants to transport its cargo by container ships, it first needs to contact a carrier to book container slots based on the estimated transportation demand. However, one problem in the booking process is that the actual demand is uncertain, resulting in mismatch between the required demand and the booked quantity. To address this issue, this study develops a Newsvendor model to find the optimal order quantity of container slots for the shipper. In addition, uncertainties in the quantity of container slots booking made by the shipper might cause revenue loss to the carrier and low utilization of ship capacity in the daily operations of liner shipping services. Therefore, this study suggests that the shipper should pay reservation fee when booking container slots. This study also aims to find the maximum profit for the carrier under the optimal order quantity of the shipper. In sensitive analysis, how different prices per container slot offered by the carrier would influence the reservation fee, the optimal order quantity of the shipper, and the expected profit of the carrier are explored and discussed. This study can help to manage and promote the online container booking systems in the liner shipping industry.
Enthusiastic but Inconsistent: Graduate Teaching Assistants’ Perceptions of Their Role in the CURE Classroom
Authors: Goodwin Emma C. , Cary Jessica R. , Shortlidge Erin E.
Published: October 2021

Expectancy-value theory was used to explore how graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) value for teaching a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) impacts their motivation and perceptions of their role as CURE mentors. GTAs have varying perceptions of their role that do not closely correspond to their value for teaching CUREs.
Exercise is Medicine: Implementing a New Initiative to Increase Patients' Activity and Functional Mobility in Pediatric Stem-Cell Transplant Unit
Authors: Robey Lydia , Schreck Haleigh , Eames Gretchen , Reiling Brittany , Munger Jessica , Mohamed Ashraf
Published: October 2021

PURPOSE:

Patients undergoing stem-cell transplants endure prolonged hospitalizations and aggressive medical treatments. This combination can quickly evolve into loss of functional strength and physical debilitation. We aimed to promote independent patient activity during hospitalizations, to improve compliance with prescribed physical therapy (PT) sessions, and to focus those sessions on resistance and endurance exercises.

METHODS:

We used the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Model of Improvement as our quality improvement (QI) framework, and we implemented an initiative called Exercise is Medicine. The initiative included three key components: (1) educating staff and caregivers about the importance of early ambulation, (2) incorporating the Miles in Motion (MiM) program to encourage patients' daily activity, and (3) eliminating barriers to allow for higher completion rates of prescribed PT sessions. Data were collected for the completion rate of PT sessions, rate of high-frequency PT sessions, participation in the MiM program, and 1-minute sit-to-stand test scores on admission and discharge.

RESULTS:

Before intervention, 42% of patients required high-frequency PT because of significant debilitation, which decreased to 17% after intervention. The completion rate of PT sessions increased from 71% to 87%. By discharge, 79% of patients improved their 1-minute sit-to-stand test scores and 21% returned to baseline score, indicating stable or improved functional strength, and 92% of patients participated in MiM.

CONCLUSION:

The Exercise is Medicine initiative facilitated positive changes with patients showing stable or improved functional strength and endurance and increased participation in independent activity during inpatient stays.
Evading Libitina
Authors: Valles Alissa
Published: October 2021

Under the sign of Libitina, the Roman goddess of burials and funerals invoked in Horace's Ode 3.30, this essay provides a celebratory introduction to the work of the Polish Jewish poet Zuzanna Ginczanka (1917–44), situating her within the cultural history of commemoration and consecration of the dead in Poland and the painful confrontation with the unburied dead of the Holocaust, of whom Ginczanka is one. Her best-known poem, a bitter parody of Juliusz Słowacki's “My Testament,” turns the Horatian notion of poetry as the most precious and enduring legacy on its head by construing the author's meager household possessions, looted after her denunciation to the Nazis in wartime, as the only offering her fellow citizens will cherish, while the text itself was actually brought as evidence in a postwar trial of the Polish woman she accuses in the poem and contributed to a conviction for collaboration. Using historian Thomas Laqueur's terms necro-sociability and necronominalism as competing impulses in a seemingly intractable struggle, this essay argues that it is possible to find in Ginczanka's joyful defiance of traditional accounts of body and spirit the point of departure for a poetics that claims a new freedom of imagination in the attempt to transcend the most stubborn of memory wars.
Transitions in development – an interview with Marie Monniaux
Authors: Eve Alex
Published: October 2021

Marie Monniaux is a permanent CNRS researcher in the ‘Evo-devo of the flower’ group at the Laboratory for Plant Reproduction and Development (RDP) at the École normale supérieure (ENS) in Lyon, France. Marie uses Petunia to understand the development and evolution of the flower petal. We met Marie over Teams for a virtual chat about her career path, finding a permanent position and her ideas for the future.
Motor control in the epaxial musculature of bluegill sunfish in feeding and locomotion
Authors: Jimenez Yordano E. , Brainerd Elizabeth L.
Published: October 2021

Fishes possess an impressive repertoire of feeding and locomotor behaviors that in many cases rely on the same power source: the axial musculature. As both functions employ different skeletal systems, head versus body, integrating these functions would likely require modular motor control. Although there have been many studies of motor control in feeding or locomotion in fishes, only one study to date has examined both functions in the same individuals. To characterize bilateral motor control of the epaxial musculature in feeding and locomotion, we measured muscle activity and shortening in bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) using electromyography and sonomicrometry. We found that sunfish recruit epaxial regions in a dorsal-to-ventral manner to increase feeding performance, such that high-performance feeding activates all the epaxial musculature. In comparison, sunfish seemed to activate all three epaxial regions irrespective of locomotor performance. Muscle activity was present on both sides of the body in nearly all feeding and locomotor behaviors. Feeding behaviors used similar activation intensities on the two sides of the body, whereas locomotor behaviors consistently used higher intensities on the side undergoing muscle shortening. In all epaxial regions, fast-starts used the highest activation intensities, although high-performance suction feeding occasionally showed near-maximal intensity. Finally, active muscle volume was positively correlated with the peak rate of body flexion in feeding and locomotion, indicating a continuous relationship between recruitment and performance. A comparison of these results with recent work on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) suggests that centrarchid fishes use similar motor control strategies for feeding, but interspecific differences in peak suction-feeding performance are determined by active muscle volume.
Structure Analysis of Polyhalogenated Persistent Organic Pollutants by the Crystalline Sponge Method
Authors: Chen Jiazhuo , Kikuchi Takashi , Takagi Kazuhiro , Kiyota Hiromasa , Adachi Kiyohiro , Mitsuhashi Takaaki , Fujita Makoto
Published: October 2021

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are harmful organic compounds remaining in the environment for a long time, but are slowly degraded in the environment. Structural elucidation of the scarce amount of the POP degradation products is highly desired to understand the degradation process of the POPs. Herein, we demonstrated the crystalline sponge (CS) method, a crystallization-free X-ray crystallography technique on the nanogram to microgram scale, is quite efficient for the analysis of a series of representative POP compounds. The X-ray structures of three POPs were reported for the first time. Halogen interactions take a key role in the molecular recognition in the CS pores.
The Long-Run Impacts of Special Education
Authors: Ballis Briana , Heath Katelyn
Published: October 2021

Over 13 percent of US students participate in special education (SE) programs annually, at a cost of $40 billion. However, due to selection issues the effect of SE placements remains unclear. This paper uses administrative data from Texas to examine the long-run effect of reducing SE access. Our research design exploits variation in SE placement driven by a unique state policy that required school districts to reduce SE caseloads to 8.5 percent. This policy led to sharp reductions in SE enrollment. These reductions generated significant reductions in educational attainment, suggesting that marginal participants experience long-run benefits from SE services. (JEL H75, I21, I28, J13, J14)
Collaborative Tax Evasion in the Provision of Services to Consumers: A Field Experiment
Authors: Doerr Annabelle , Necker Sarah
Published: October 2021

We conduct a field experiment with sellers of home improvement services on two German online markets. We take the role of consumers and vary whether we request an invoice for the delivery of the service. In a market that allows anyone to sell anonymously, a willingness to evade is prevalent. In a market that keeps track of credentials, sellers are only willing to evade when a willingness to collude is signaled. The evasion discount is in most estimates not larger than the tax subsidy for legal demand. Evasion is unlikely to be beneficial for many consumers in our setting. (JEL C93, H25, H26, L84)
Sociocultural Functional Literacy As a Planned Learning Outcome of a Primary Schoolchild
Authors: Fedorova N.
Published: October 2021

The article highlights the problem of the formation of socio-cultural literacy in a junior schoolchild, which is considered as the planned result

of his education in primary school. The characteristic of the concept of “socio-cultural literacy” is given, the difficulties of the formation of its

individual components are discussed: civic identity; legal and financial culture; tolerance, etc. The examples of methods and techniques aimed at the development of socio-cultural literacy are given, the expediency of using different forms of organization of education is revealed, which contributes to the formation of the ability of primary schoolchildren to constructively build relationships in children’s society and successfully interact.
Youth Preferences in the Choice of Information Resources on the Internet
Authors: Bocharova T. , Bocharov M.
Published: October 2021

The article analyzes the results of a questionnaire survey of students of Moscow Technical University of Communications and Informatics, aimed at studying the role of electronic resources in youth communication. The results of empirical research aimed at attitudes of students to various forms of interaction in the Web are presented.

The preferences of students in the choice of the optimal mass media, programs for the rapid exchange of information are indicated. The motives and peculiarities of the attitude to the Internet are analyzed and explained. In this regard, it has been determined to what extent university students are involved in the information and communication environment of the Internet, ready for the perception of educational and other information on the Web. Separately, the amount of time that students devote to communication in social networks is characterized. In addition, the questionnaire survey focuses on the normative aspect of communication on the Internet, reveals the attitude of young people to the violation of legislation on the World Wide Web.
Asymptotically Optimal Lagrangian Policies for Multi-Warehouse, Multi-Store Systems with Lost Sales
Authors: Miao Sentao , Jasin Stefanus , Chao Xiuli
Published: October 2021

Simple Algorithms for Complex Multiwarehouse, Multistore Inventory Control Problems

Retailers (both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce) have always faced the problem of allocating inventories in their warehouses (or central distribution centers) to the stores (or smaller local warehouses) in order to minimize total costs. The problem is particularly challenging when the network structure is large and complex, the selling season is long, and the replenishment is frequent. For example, giant retail chains such as Macy’s typically have many warehouses and hundreds of stores across the United States, and online retailers such as Amazon have many distribution centers and over one hundred fulfillment centers. The authors develop algorithms to solve this multiwarehouse, multistore (MWMS) inventory control problem. Their algorithms are computationally efficient and asymptotically optimal as the problem becomes large and complex. This feature is very appealing to today’s fast-moving retail industry with rapidly expanding business scale.
Designing Zonal-Based Flexible Bus Services Under Stochastic Demand
Authors: Lee Enoch , Cen Xuekai , Lo Hong K. , Ng Ka Fai
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we develop a zonal-based flexible bus services (ZBFBS) by considering both passenger demands’ spatial (origin-destination or OD) and volume stochastic variations. Service requests are grouped by zonal OD pairs and number of passengers per request, and aggregated into demand categories which follow certain probability distributions. A two-stage stochastic program is formulated to minimize the expected operating cost of ZBFBS, in which the zonal visit sequences of vehicles are determined in stage 1, whereas in stage 2, service requests are assigned to either regular routes determined in stage 1 or ad hoc services that incur additional costs. Demand volume reliability and detour time reliability are introduced to ensure quality of the services and separate the problem into two phases for efficient solutions. In phase 1, given the reliability requirements, we minimize the cost of operating the regular services. In phase 2, we optimize the passenger assignment to vehicles to minimize the expected ad hoc service cost. The reliabilities are then optimized by a gradient-based approach to minimize the sum of the regular service operating cost and expected ad hoc service cost. We conduct numerical studies on vehicle capacity, detour time limit and demand volume to demonstrate the potential of ZBFBS, and apply the model to Chengdu, China, based on real data to illustrate its applicability.
Cryotherapy and compression in sports injury management: a scoping review
Authors: Alexander Jill , Selfe James , Greenhalgh Olivia , Rhodes David
Published: October 2021

Background/Aims

For the management of sports injury, cryotherapy is commonly applied, yet modalities differ extensively in application including levels of compression. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of the current position in the literature on contemporary cryo-compression applications for musculoskeletal sports injury management.

Methods

A total of eight databases were searched: Sport Discus, Science Direct, CINHAL, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, ProQuest and MEDLINE. Publications were restricted to 30 years and had to be in the English language. Medical subject headings, free-text words, and limiting descriptors for concepts related to cryotherapy and compression for sports injury were applied. Inclusion criteria determined at least one modality of cryotherapy treatment applied simultaneous to compression or as a comparison, relevant to sports injury management. Modalities included cryo-compressive devices and gel/ice packs, in association with concomitant compression. Male, female, healthy and injured participants were included. Two reviewers independently selected eligible articles, resulting in 22 studies meeting the inclusion criteria following full-text appraisal.

Results

Inconsistent methodologies, low sample sizes and variability in outcome measures provided uncertainty over optimum protocols. A lack of previous understanding in the protocols in the available literature for isolated cryotherapy/compression applications prevents understanding of the therapeutic benefits of combined cryo-compression. No definitive agreement behind optimal cryo-compression applications were identified collectively from studies other than the consensus that compression aids the magnitude of cooling.

Conclusions

Although compression appears a useful adjunct to cooling modalities for the management of sports injury, no definitive agreement on optimum compression concurrent with cooling protocols were drawn from the studies. This was because of several methodological gaps in reporting throughout studies, highlighting a lack of studies that represent applications of compression and cryotherapy within a sporting context or applied nature within the available research.
Climatological water balance and climate classification of thornthwaite and mather for benin, west Africa, in 1970-2015 period
Authors: Todote Vidéhouénou Ariane Lucrèce , Lyra Gustavo Bastos , Abreu Marcel Carvalho
Published: October 2021

The climate is described by the predominant atmospheric conditions in a particular region and influences several human activities. In agriculture, water availability defines the growth and yield of crops and can be obtained by the water balance. The climate classification also aids to identify suitable areas for agricultural crops. Thus, the aim of this work was to elaborate the water balance and perform the climate classification through the method of Thornthwaite and Mather (1955) for six weather stations (Bohicon, Cotonou-Airport, Kandi-Airport, Natitingou, Parakou-Airport and Savè) located in Benin, Western Africa. For the execution of this work, monthly series of precipitation and potential evapotranspiration from 1970 to 2015 were used. Once the monthly water balance of the six seasons was elaborated, it was observed that the rainy (dry) period decreases (increases) from the coast (Cotonou-Airport) to the north of Benin (Kandi-Airport) and, coincides with Boreal summer and part of autumn (Boreal winter and part of spring). Regarding the climate classification, the Cotonou-Airport station was characterized as Subhumid Megathermal climate with moderate winter deficit (C2wA’a’); the stations of Bohicon and Savè presented similar climate classification with Subhumid Dry Megathermal climate with low or without water surplus (C1dA’a’); Natitingou with Subhumid Dry climate Megathermal with large summer surplus (C1s2A’a’); Parakou-Airport with Subhumid climate Dry Megathermic with moderate summer surplus (C1sA’a’) and, Kandi-Airport presented Semi-arid Megathermal climate with moderate summer surplus (DsA’a’). In Benin, subsistence and rainfed farming showed greater risk in the north of the country due to the decrease in the rainy season and the water surplus from the coast (south) to the north of the country, with the increase in aridity.
Historical knowledge mobilisation in a post-factual era in the United States
Authors: Malin Joel R. , Hornbeck Dustin
Published: October 2021

Background:

In the US, and conspicuously via social media, we are witnessing an acceleration of what we term historical knowledge mobilisation: increasingly and in various ways, evidence derived from academic historical research is being shared with broader publics. Moreover, evidence-based and false or misleading historical claims are being advanced with an eye toward influencing key decisions and/or impelling social change.

Aims and objectives:

This exploratory study draws upon Ward’s (2017: 477) ‘framework for knowledge mobilisers’ to facilitate an analysis of what and whose historical knowledge is being shared, and how and why this is happening. It aims to provide information and guidance to support scholars of knowledge mobilisation or evidence use, as well as active historical knowledge mobilisers.

Methods:

This study sought to identify patterns vis-à-vis historical knowledge mobilisation by applying qualitative media analysis to a set of cases. We attended to content, style, and process of historical knowledge mobilisation.

Findings:

Three main themes help to explain the historical knowledge mobilisation: (a) correcting or countering a master narrative; (b) real-time correction of historical claims; and (c) contextualising complicated political moments. We also described new ways to disseminate/exchange this knowledge which altogether function to expand access to historical knowledge, but also to competing historical claims.

Discussion and conclusions:

The trends revealed provide insights into how historical knowledge is being used to justify political aims, and how some academics are using non-traditional means to counter false and misleading claims. Further infrastructural and empirical development is needed to support these efforts.
Development and validation of a framework to improve neglected tropical diseases surveillance and response at sub-national levels in Kenya
Authors: Ng’etich Arthur K. S. , Voyi Kuku , Mutero Clifford M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Assessment of surveillance and response system functions focusing on notifiable diseases has widely been documented in literature. However, there is limited focus on diseases targeted for elimination or eradication, particularly preventive chemotherapy neglected tropical diseases (PC-NTDs). There are limited strategies to guide strengthening of surveillance and response system functions concerning PC-NTDs. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a framework to improve surveillance and response to PC-NTDs at the sub-national level in Kenya.

Methods

A multi-phased approach using descriptive cross-sectional mixed-method designs was adopted. Phase one involved a systematic literature review of surveillance assessment studies to derive generalised recommendations. Phase two utilised primary data surveys to identify disease-specific recommendations to improve PC-NTDs surveillance. The third phase utilised a Delphi survey to assess stakeholders’ consensus on feasible recommendations. The fourth phase drew critical lessons from existing conceptual frameworks. The final validated framework was based on resolutions and inputs from concerned stakeholders.

Results

The first phase identified thirty studies that provided a combination of recommendations for improving surveillance functions. Second phase described PC-NTDs specific recommendations linked to simplified case definitions, enhanced laboratory capacity, improved reporting tools, regular feedback and supervision, enhanced training and improved system stability and flexibility. In the third phase, consensus was achieved on feasibility for implementing recommendations. Based on these recommendations, framework components constituted human, technical and organisational inputs, four process categories, ten distinct outputs, outcomes and overall impact encompassing reduced disease burden, halted disease transmission and reduced costs for implementing treatment interventions to achieve PC-NTDs control and elimination.

Conclusion

In view of the mixed methodological approach used to develop the framework coupled with further inputs and consensus among concerned stakeholders, the validated framework is relevant for guiding decisions by policy makers to strengthen the existing surveillance and response system functions towards achieving PC-NTDs elimination.
Preservation of collagen in the soft tissues of frozen mammoths
Authors: Hattori Shunji , Kiriyama-Tanaka Tomomi , Kusubata Masashi , Taga Yuki , Ebihara Testuya , Kumazawa Yuki , Imai Katsuyuki , Miura Mitsutaka , Mezaki Yoshihiro , Tikhonov Alexei , Senoo Haruki
Published: October 2021

We investigated the characteristics of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the soft tissue of two frozen baby woolly mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius) that died and were buried in Siberian permafrost approximately 40,000 years ago. Morphological and biochemical analyses of mammoth lung and liver demonstrated that those soft tissues were preserved at the gross anatomical and histological levels. The ultrastructure of ECM components, namely a fibrillar structure with a collagen-characteristic pattern of cross-striation, was clearly visible with transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Type I and type IV collagens were detected by immunohistochemical observation. Quantitative amino acid analysis of liver and lung tissues of the baby mammoths indicated that collagenous protein is selectively preserved in these tissues as a main protein. Type I and type III collagens were detected as major components by means of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis after digestion with trypsin. These results indicate that the triple helical collagen molecule, which is resistant to proteinase digestion, has been preserved in the soft tissues of these frozen mammoths for 40,000 years.