bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teleradiology as a relevant indicator of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic management on emergency room activities: a nationwide worrisome survey
Authors: Vatele Jordan , Gentile Stéphanie , Thomson Vivien , Devictor Bénédicte , Cloux Marine , Girouin Nicolas , Bratan Flavie , Bergerot Jean-François , Seux Mylène , Banaste Nathan , Tazarourte Karim , Gorincour Guillaume
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of COVID-19’s lockdown on radiological examinations in emergency services.

Methods

Retrospective, multicentre analysis of radiological examinations requested, via our teleradiology network, from 2017 to 2020 during two timeframes (calendar weeks 5–8 and then 12–15). We included CT scans or MRIs performed for strokes, multiple traumas (Body-CT), cranial traumas (CTr) and acute non-traumatic abdominal pain (ANTAP). We evaluated the number and percentages of examinations performed, of those with a pathological conclusion, and of examinations involving the chest.

Results

Our study included 25 centres in 2017, 29 in 2018, 43 in 2019 and 59 in 2020. From 2017 to 2019, the percentages of examinations were constant, which was also true for chest CTs. Each centre’s number of examinations, gender distribution and patient ages were unchanged. In 2020, examinations significantly decreased: suspected strokes decreased by 36% (1052 vs 675, p < 0.001), Body-CT by 62% (349 vs 134, p < 0.001), CTr by 52% (1853 vs 895, p < 0.001) and for ANTAP, appendicitis decreased by 38% (45 vs 90, not statistically significant (NS)) sigmoiditis by 44% (98 vs 55, NS), and renal colic by 23% (376 vs 288, NS). The number of examinations per centre decreased by 13% (185.5 vs 162.5, p < 0.001), whereas the number of examinations of the "chest" region increased by 170% (1205 vs 3766, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Teleradiology enabled us to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic management on emergency activities, showing a global decrease in the population's use of care.
Idiopathic spontaneous compartment syndrome of the right lower limb: a case report
Authors: Bandapaati Sareesh , Mitrakrishnan Rayno Navinan
Published: March 2021

Background

Acutely painful lower limb is a common presentation to the emergency department, and acute compartment syndrome is an important differential diagnosis to consider given the correct predisposing history and clinical presentation. However, idiopathic spontaneous compartment syndrome is an uncommon occurrence.

Case presentation

A 54-year-old Caucasian man with no previous comorbidities presented with acute right-sided lower limb pain with classical symptoms showing gradual evolution. He had no other history of medical relevance and no preceding injury. Examination showed a marginally enlarged right lower limb with stretched skin and tenderness. Routine blood tests were normal including D-dimer levels. However, in the absence of any underlying risk factors, acute compartment syndrome was suspected on clinical merit and confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging. He underwent successful surgical intervention with fasciotomy and achieved good recovery.

Discussion

Acute compartment syndrome, though commonly attributed to trauma, can occur due to varied causes. Spontaneous acute compartment syndrome is attributed to diabetes mellitus. Idiopathic acute spontaneous compartment syndrome occurs in the absence of either intrinsic or extrinsic risk factors and is rarely documented in the literature. This case highlights the importance of appreciating classical clinical signs and having the clinical acumen to consider an obvious diagnosis even in its rarer form of presentation.
Human mesenchymal stem cell treatment of premature ovarian failure: new challenges and opportunities
Authors: Fu Yun-Xing , Ji Jing , Shan Fang , Li Jialing , Hu Rong
Published: March 2021

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is one of the common disorders found in women leading to 1% female infertility. Clinical features of POF are hypoestrogenism or estrogen deficiency, increased gonadotropin level, and, most importantly, amenorrhea. With the development of regenerative medicine, human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) therapy brings new prospects for POF. This study aimed to describe the types of MSCs currently available for POF therapy, their biological characteristics, and their mechanism of action. It reviewed the latest findings on POF to provide the theoretical basis for further investigation and clinical therapy.
Aligning EHR Data for Pediatric Leukemia With Standard Protocol Therapy
Authors: Wood Nicole M. , Davis Sierra , Lewing Karen , Noel-MacDonnell Janelle , Glynn Earl F. , Caragea Doina , Hoffman Mark A.
Published: March 2021

PURPOSE

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are treated according to risk-based protocols defined by the Children's Oncology Group (COG). Alignment between real-world clinical practice and protocol milestones is not widely understood. Aggregate deidentified electronic health record (EHR) data offer a useful resource to evaluate real-world clinical practice.

METHODS

A cohort of children with ALL was identified in the Cerner Health Facts deidentified aggregate EHR data. Manual review identified candidate procedural milestones. Automated methods were developed to classify likely standard-risk precursor B-cell ALL patients. Milestone procedures were adjusted relative to initiation of therapy and then aligned to the COG protocols for standard induction therapy.

RESULTS

We identified 7,728 patients with pediatric ALL with 188,187 encounters. Records for lumbar punctures (LP) and bone marrow biopsies were frequently present in the data and were appropriate targets to evaluate guideline performance. Alluvial graph analysis of 14 health systems indicated that none of the systems have data from all three COG-recommended lumbar procedures for all patients but alignment demonstrated that most systems test at the recommended times.

CONCLUSION

Source-system variation introduces inconsistency and incompleteness into aggregate EHR data. Data visualization was helpful in characterizing and interpreting the data. Health systems with patients meeting the inclusion criteria demonstrated strong alignment with the recommended milestones for LP. Large-scale aggregate EHR data are useful to evaluate alignment of recommended versus actual clinical milestones in support of treating children with ALL. This work can inform other guideline and protocol driven care.
Impact of Smoking Status on Perioperative Morbidity, Mortality, and Long-Term Survival Following Transthoracic Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Kamarajah Sivesh K. , Madhavan Anantha , Chmelo Jakub , Navidi Maziar , Wahed Shajahan , Immanuel Arul , Hayes Nick , Griffin S. Michael , Phillips Alexander W.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Esophagectomy is a key component in the curative treatment of esophageal cancer. Little is understood about the impact of smoking status on perioperative morbidity and mortality and the long-term outcome of patients following esophagectomy.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate morbidity and mortality according to smoking status in patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing two-stage transthoracic esophagectomy (TTE) for esophageal cancers (adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma) between January 1997 and December 2016 at the Northern Oesophagogastric Unit were included from a prospectively maintained database. The main explanatory variable was smoking status, defined as current smoker, ex-smoker, and non-smoker. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), while secondary outcomes included perioperative complications (overall, anastomotic leaks, and pulmonary complications) and survival (cancer-specific survival [CSS], recurrence-free survival [RFS]).

Results

During the study period, 1168 patients underwent esophagectomy for cancer. Of these, 24% (n = 282) were current smokers and only 30% (n = 356) had never smoked. The median OS of current smokers was significantly shorter than ex-smokers and non-smokers (median 36 vs. 42 vs. 48 months; p = 0.015). However, on adjusted analysis, there was no significant difference in long-term OS between smoking status in the entire cohort. The overall complication rates were significantly higher with current smokers compared with ex-smokers or non-smokers (73% vs. 66% vs. 62%; p = 0.018), and there were no significant differences in anastomotic leaks and pulmonary complications between the groups. On subgroup analysis by receipt of neoadjuvant therapy and tumor histology, smoking status did not impact long-term survival in adjusted multivariable analyses.

Conclusion

Although smoking is associated with higher rates of short-term perioperative morbidity, it does not affect long-term OS, CSS, and RFS following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Therefore, implementation of perioperative pathways to optimize patients may help reduce the risk of complications.
Sports Medicine-Related Breast and Chest Conditions—Update of Current Literature
Authors: Obourn Peter J. , Benoit Janeeka , Brady Geena , Campbell Elisabeth , Rizzone Katherine
Published: March 2021

This article reviews the most up-to-date evidence-based recommendations pertaining to breast and upper chest conditions, specifically for the sports medicine physician. Because of the unique circumstances of the team physician, they can see a wide breadth of pathology. Athletes may not have a primary care physician and may prefer to present to their team physician for breast and upper chest conditions. It is often more comfortable and convenient for athletes to seek treatment in the team setting. Therefore, it is important that the medical professional be aware of not only common pathology but also of that which is rarer. Any delay in evaluation can result in unnecessary morbidity and lead to complications or extended time lost from sport. Consequently, it also is important to facilitate an atmosphere encouraging early presentation and workup.
TicTimer Web: software for measuring tic suppression remotely
Authors: Black Jonathan K. , Koller Jonathan M. , Black Kevin J.
Published: March 2021

Woods and Himle developed a standardized tic suppression paradigm (TSP) for the experimental setting, to quantify the effects of intentional tic suppression in Tourette syndrome. We previously provided a computer program to facilitate recording tic occurrence and to automate reward delivery during the several experimental conditions of the TSP. The present article describes a web-based program that performs the same functions. Implementing this program on the web allows research sessions to be performed remotely, in tandem with a video calling program. Relevant data for each session, such as the timing of tics and dispensed rewards, are stored in plain text files for later analysis. Expected applications include research on Tourette syndrome and related disorders.
Nuevas ideas para viejas prácticas: hibridaciones técnicas en el sureste de Mallorca durante el siglo II a.C.
Authors: García Rosselló Jaume , Calvo Trías Manuel
Published: March 2021

El objetivo de este trabajo es contextualizar la aparición de nuevos sistemas constructivos en piedra y en barro, conocidos en contextos coloniales mediterráneos de la segunda Edad del Hierro, pero de nueva factura en el contexto indígena balear. Dichos sistemas constructivos han sido identificados recientemente, y su presencia se circunscribe, hasta el momento, al poblado del Puig de Sa Morisca y su entorno, situado en el sur de la isla de Mallorca. Dentro de un espacio de alta conectividad entre comunidades locales y grupos púnico-ebusitanos, documentamos la aparición de una praxis tecnológica arquitectónica que debe interpretarse como una nueva práctica técnica híbrida, que no es completamente foránea, ni estrictamente local, y que solo tiene sentido dentro de la lógica social en la que se inserta. De hecho, no es casual su documentación en un espacio que se diferencia del resto de su entorno isleño por la intensidad de los contactos con el mundo púnico y sus áreas de influencia, y por el modo en que se están negociando viejas y nuevas identidades desde el siglo VI a.C.
El ritual de la apertura de la boca en la tradición religiosa fenicio-púnica
Authors: Gómez Peña Álvaro , Carranza Peco Luis Miguel
Published: March 2021

En la presente publicación se propone la existencia dentro de la tradición fenicio-púnica del conocido como ritual de la apertura de la boca. Para ello, en primer lugar se analizan las partes de las que estaba y está compuesto este ceremonial en las religiones egipcia, mesopotámica, hebrea, hindú y budista. En todos los casos se observa que con dicha liturgia se pretende purificar las estatuas de culto para que la esencia de la deidad pueda vivir y actuar desde ellas antes de introducirlas en el sancta sanctorum del templo. Solamente en el caso egipcio se observa que esta ceremonia se realizaba también a los difuntos para hacer que éstos pudieran ver, oír y hablar tras su fallecimiento. Por último, se ponen en relación con este ritual varias piezas y contextos religiosos de clara filiación fenicio-púnica que guardan estrechos paralelos con los objetos empleados en exclusiva dentro de la liturgia egipcia.
Examination of Chinese Older Adults’ Attitudes Toward Senior Living Institutions
Authors: Liu Juan , Wei Wei , Peng Qingyun , Xue Chenzhe
Published: March 2021

Amid population aging, the senior living industry has become an important sector of the service industry, especially in China. Population control throughout the past four decades has led to the quintessential “sandwich” family, wherein a young couple faces pressure to care for four elderly parents as well as their own child(ren). A lack of proper home care for older adults in China has thus accelerated social and economic demand for senior living institutions (SLIs). Although a growing number of SLIs are being built in the country, occupancy rates remain low. It is therefore crucial to explore why older adults are not accepting SLIs as a solution to their needs. This study broaches this topic by investigating the mechanism underlying the impact of family support for choosing an SLI on older adults’ attitudes toward these institutions. Specifically, a mediation model was proposed to investigate the roles of life satisfaction and older adults’ subjective knowledge of SLIs among 1,723 older Chinese adults. Multigroup path analysis was also carried out to test applicable sociodemographic differences. Findings revealed a significant suppressing effect of life satisfaction and a partial mediating effect of subjective knowledge along with group differences. Overall, this study provides meaningful implications for SLI marketing.
Modeling Soil-Metal Sliding Resistance
Authors: Robbins Donald H. , Johnson Clarence E. , Schafer Robert L. , Way Thomas R.
Published: March 2021

Highlights

A model was developed to express soil-metal sliding resistance in terms of normal stress and sliding path length.

Soil-metal sliding resistance data, different from those used to develop the model, were acceptably simulated.

The model is expected to be useful in the design and development of soil-engaging equipment.

Abstract. Most previous soil-material sliding resistance studies have focused on the measurement and formulation of only qualitative relationships between sliding resistance and the material type, applied normal stress, sliding path length, and/or soil-properties. Few studies have attempted to formulate quantitative mathematical relationships between soil-material sliding resistance and these factors, or to mathematically express the relative contributions of the frictional and adhesive components to the total sliding resistance. In this study, a mathematical model was developed to express the components of soil-metal sliding resistance for a clay soil as functions of applied normal stress and sliding path length. The model is restricted to soil containing enough moisture to exhibit cohesive strength, but not so much moisture to exhibit gross plastic behavior. Soil-metal sliding resistance data, different from those used to develop the model, were acceptably simulated, as the mean square error between the simulated sliding resistance and the measured sliding resistance ranged from 0.653 to 2.44. Keywords: Adhesion, Friction, Normal stress, Sliding path length, Sliding resistance.
A Proposed Method for Quantifying Thermal Exposure Incurred during Rough-Rice Drying
Authors: Graham-Acquaah Seth , Siebenmorgen Terry J.
Published: March 2021

Highlights

Drying conditions affect rice end-use functionality.

Thermal exposure incurred by rough rice may differ depending on drying conditions.

A framework is proposed for deriving an index that can show how much heat exposure rough rice incurs during drying.

Abstract. Heated air is used to dry most rice in the U.S. Thus, commercial rice drying can be considered a thermal process that aims to remove moisture from rough rice until a desired moisture content is reached. Parallels can be drawn between rice drying and thermal sterilization that is targeted at reducing microbial load because moisture content reduction during drying follows similar decay rate kinetics as the reduction in microbial load during thermal sterilization. Given the different combinations of drying air conditions (air temperature and relative humidity), as well as drying and tempering durations, employed in various dryer designs for rice drying and the impact that these conditions have on rice end-use functionality, this study sought to derive a thermal treatment index (drying process values) that is similar to the F0 value concept used in thermal sterilization for quantifying and comparing the thermal exposure incurred by rice during drying under various scenarios. Using data collected from rough-rice drying experiments, a decimal desorption value (Dmv) that represents the duration required to cause a 90% reduction in moisture ratio during drying at a specified temperature was determined, from which a thermal desorption constant (Zmv) that represents the increase in temperature necessary to cause a 90% reduction in Dmv during drying was established. Subsequently, a thermal desorption value (Fmv) was derived to express the duration that a rice lot would have been heat treated at a reference temperature during drying to produce an equivalent effect on moisture content as that produced by the actual drying process. Keywords: End use, Moisture content, Peak viscosity, Postharvest, Relative humidity, Rice, Temperature.
TOR functions as a molecular switch connecting an iron cue with host innate defense against bacterial infection
Authors: Ma Yi-Cheng , Dai Li-Li , Qiu Bei-Bei , Zhou Ying , Zhao Yu-Qiang , Ran Yu , Zhang Ke-Qin , Zou Cheng-Gang
Published: March 2021

As both host and pathogen require iron for survival, iron is an important regulator of host-pathogen interactions. However, the molecular mechanism by which how the availability of iron modulates host innate immunity against bacterial infections remains largely unknown. Using the metazoan Caenorhabditis elegans as a model, we demonstrate that infection with a pathogenic bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium induces autophagy by inactivating the target of rapamycin (TOR). Although the transcripts of ftn-1 and ftn-2 encoding two H-ferritin subunits are upregulated upon S. Typhimurium infection, the ferritin protein is kept at a low level due to its degradation mediated by autophagy. Autophagy, but not ferritin, is required for defense against S. Typhimurium infection under normal circumstances. Increased abundance of iron suppresses autophagy by activating TOR, leading to an increase in the ferritin protein level. Iron sequestration, but not autophagy, becomes pivotal to protect the host from S. Typhimurium infection in the presence of exogenous iron. Our results show that TOR acts as a regulator linking iron availability with host defense against bacterial infection.
DEAD-box RNA helicase Dbp4/DDX10 is an enhancer of α-synuclein toxicity and oligomerization
Authors: Popova Blagovesta , Wang Dan , Pätz Christina , Akkermann Dagmar , Lázaro Diana F. , Galka Dajana , Kolog Gulko Miriam , Bohnsack Markus T. , Möbius Wiebke , Bohnsack Katherine E. , Outeiro Tiago F. , Braus Gerhard H.
Published: March 2021

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with misfolding and aggregation of α-synuclein as a hallmark protein. Two yeast strain collections comprising conditional alleles of essential genes were screened for the ability of each allele to reduce or improve yeast growth upon α-synuclein expression. The resulting 98 novel modulators of α-synuclein toxicity clustered in several major categories including transcription, rRNA processing and ribosome biogenesis, RNA metabolism and protein degradation. Furthermore, expression of α-synuclein caused alterations in pre-rRNA transcript levels in yeast and in human cells. We identified the nucleolar DEAD-box helicase Dbp4 as a prominent modulator of α-synuclein toxicity. Downregulation of DBP4 rescued cells from α-synuclein toxicity, whereas overexpression led to a synthetic lethal phenotype. We discovered that α-synuclein interacts with Dbp4 or its human ortholog DDX10, sequesters the protein outside the nucleolus in yeast and in human cells, and stabilizes a fraction of α-synuclein oligomeric species. These findings provide a novel link between nucleolar processes and α-synuclein mediated toxicity with DDX10 emerging as a promising drug target.
Endangered predators and endangered prey: Seasonal diet of Southern Resident killer whales
Authors: Hanson M. Bradley , Emmons Candice K. , Ford Michael J. , Everett Meredith , Parsons Kim , Park Linda K. , Hempelmann Jennifer , Van Doornik Donald M. , Schorr Gregory S. , Jacobsen Jeffrey K. , Sears Mark F. , Sears Maya S. , Sneva John G. , Baird Robin W. , Barre Lynne
Published: March 2021

Understanding diet is critical for conservation of endangered predators. Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) (Orcinus orca) are an endangered population occurring primarily along the outer coast and inland waters of Washington and British Columbia. Insufficient prey has been identified as a factor limiting their recovery, so a clear understanding of their seasonal diet is a high conservation priority. Previous studies have shown that their summer diet in inland waters consists primarily of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), despite that species’ rarity compared to some other salmonids. During other times of the year, when occurrence patterns include other portions of their range, their diet remains largely unknown. To address this data gap, we collected feces and prey remains from October to May 2004–2017 in both the Salish Sea and outer coast waters. Using visual and genetic species identification for prey remains and genetic approaches for fecal samples, we characterized the diet of the SRKWs in fall, winter, and spring. Chinook salmon were identified as an important prey item year-round, averaging ~50% of their diet in the fall, increasing to 70–80% in the mid-winter/early spring, and increasing to nearly 100% in the spring. Other salmon species and non-salmonid fishes, also made substantial dietary contributions. The relatively high species diversity in winter suggested a possible lack of Chinook salmon, probably due to seasonally lower densities, based on SRKW’s proclivity to selectively consume this species in other seasons. A wide diversity of Chinook salmon stocks were consumed, many of which are also at risk. Although outer coast Chinook samples included 14 stocks, four rivers systems accounted for over 90% of samples, predominantly the Columbia River. Increasing the abundance of Chinook salmon stocks that inhabit the whales’ winter range may be an effective conservation strategy for this population.
Reducing underreporting of abortion in surveys: Results from two test applications of the list experiment method in Malawi and Senegal
Authors: Moseson Heidi , Jayaweera Ruvani , Huber-Krum Sarah , Garver Sarah , Norris Alison , Gerdts Caitlin
Published: March 2021

Background

Accurately measuring abortion incidence poses many challenges. The list experiment is a method designed to increase the reporting of sensitive or stigmatized behaviors in surveys, but has only recently been applied to the measurement of abortion. To further test the utility of the list experiment for measuring abortion incidence, we conducted list experiments in two countries, over two time periods.

Materials and methods

The list experiment is an indirect method of measuring sensitive experiences that protects respondent confidentiality by hiding individual responses to a binary sensitive item (i.e., abortion) by combining this response with answers to other non-sensitive binary control items. Respondents report the number of list items that apply to them, not which ones. We conducted a list experiment to measure cumulative lifetime incidence of abortion in Malawi, and separately to measure cumulative five-year incidence of abortion in Senegal, among cisgender women of reproductive age.

Results

Among 810 eligible respondents in Malawi, list experiment results estimated a cumulative lifetime incidence of abortion of 0.9% (95%CI: 0.0, 7.6). Among 1016 eligible respondents in Senegal, list experiment estimates indicated a cumulative five-year incidence of abortion of 2.8% (95%CI: 0.0, 10.4) which, while lower than anticipated, is seven times the proportion estimated from a direct question on abortion (0.4%).

Conclusions

Two test applications of the list experiment to measure abortion experiences in Malawi and Senegal likely underestimated abortion incidence. Future efforts should include context-specific formative qualitative research for the development and selection of list items, enumerator training, and method delivery to assess if and how these changes can improve method performance.
Socioeconomic, racial and ethnic differences in patient experience of clinician empathy: Results of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Roberts Brian W. , Puri Nitin K. , Trzeciak Christian J. , Mazzarelli Anthony J. , Trzeciak Stephen
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Empathy is essential for high quality health care. Health care disparities may reflect a systemic lack of empathy for disadvantaged people; however, few data exist on disparities in patient experience of empathy during face-to-face health care encounters with individual clinicians. We systematically analyzed the literature to test if socioeconomic status (SES) and race/ethnicity disparities exist in patient-reported experience of clinician empathy.

Methods

Using a published protocol, we searched Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, CENTRAL and PsychINFO for studies using the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) Measure, which to date is the most commonly used and well-validated methodology for measuring clinician empathy from the patient perspective. We included studies containing CARE Measure data stratified by SES and/or race/ethnicity. We contacted authors to request stratified data, when necessary. We performed quantitative meta-analyses using random effects models to test for empathy differences by SES and race/ethnicity.

Results

Eighteen studies (n = 9,708 patients) were included. We found that, compared to patients whose SES was not low, low SES patients experienced lower empathy from clinicians (mean difference = -0.87 [95% confidence interval -1.72 to -0.02]). Compared to white patients, empathy scores were numerically lower for patients of multiple race/ethnicity groups (Black/African American, Asian, Native American, and all non-whites combined) but none of these differences reached statistical significance.

Conclusion

These data suggest an empathy gap may exist for patients with low SES. More research is needed to further test for SES and race/ethnicity disparities in clinician empathy and help promote health care equity.

Trial registration

Registration (PROSPERO):CRD42019142809.
Wastewater treatment works change the intestinal microbiomes of insectivorous bats
Authors: Mehl Calvin , Schoeman M. Corrie , Sanko Tomasz J. , Bezuidenhout Carlos , Mienie Charlotte M. S. , Preiser Wolfgang , Vosloo Dalene
Published: March 2021

Mammals, born with a near-sterile intestinal tract, are inoculated with their mothers’ microbiome during birth. Thereafter, extrinsic and intrinsic factors shape their intestinal microbe assemblage. Wastewater treatment works (WWTW), sites synonymous with pollutants and pathogens, receive influent from domestic, agricultural and industrial sources. The high nutrient content of wastewater supports abundant populations of chironomid midges (Diptera), which transfer these toxicants and potential pathogens to their predators, such as the banana bat Neoromicia nana (Vespertilionidae), thereby influencing their intestinal microbial assemblages. We used next generation sequencing and 16S rRNA gene profiling to identify and compare intestinal bacteria of N. nana at two reference sites and two WWTW sites. We describe the shared intestinal microbiome of the insectivorous bat, N. nana, consisting of seven phyla and eleven classes. Further, multivariate analyses revealed that location was the most significant driver (sex, body size and condition were not significant) of intestinal microbiome diversity. Bats at WWTW sites exhibited greater intestinal microbiota diversity than those at reference sites, likely due to wastewater exposure, stress and/or altered diet. Changes in their intestinal microbiota assemblages may allow these bats to cope with concomitant stressors.
Pharmacokinetic profile of injectable tramadol in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) and prediction of its analgesic efficacy
Authors: Kimble Benjamin , Vogelnest Larry , Valtchev Peter , Govendir Merran
Published: March 2021

Tramadol is used as an analgesic in humans and some animal species. When tramadol is administered to most species it undergoes metabolism to its main metabolites M1 or O-desmethyltramadol, and M2 or N-desmethyltramadol, and many other metabolites. This study describes the pharmacokinetic profile of tramadol when a single subcutaneous bolus of 2 mg/kg was initially administered to two koalas. Based on the results of these two koalas, subsequently 4 mg/kg as a single subcutaneous injection, was administered to an additional four koalas. M1 is recognised as an active metabolite and has greater analgesic activity than tramadol, while M2 is considered inactive. A liquid chromatography assay to quantify tramadol, M1 and M2 in koala plasma was developed and validated. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry confirmed that M1 had been identified. Additionally, the metabolite didesmethyltramadol was identified in chromatograms of two of the male koalas. When 4 mg/kg tramadol was administered, the median half-life of tramadol and M1 were 2.89 h and 24.69 h, respectively. The M1 plasma concentration remained well above the minimally effective M1 plasma concentration in humans (approximately 36 ng/mL) over 12 hours. The M1 plasma concentration, when tramadol was administered at 2 mg/kg, did not exceed 36 ng/mL at any time-point. When tramadol was administered at 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg the area under the curve M1: tramadol ratios were 0.33 and 0.50, respectively. Tramadol and M1 binding to plasma protein were determined using thawed, frozen koala plasma and the mean binding was 20% and 75%, respectively. It is concluded that when tramadol is administered at 4 mg/kg as a subcutaneous injection to the koala, it is predicted to have some analgesic activity.
Investigation on cement-improved phyllite based on the vertical vibration compaction method
Authors: Jiang Yingjun , Fan Jiangtao , Yi Yong , Tian Tian , Yuan Kejia , Deng Changqing
Published: March 2021

The vertical vibration compaction method (VVCM), heavy compaction method and static pressure method were used to form phyllite specimens with different degrees of weathering. The influence of cement content, compactness, and compaction method on the mechanical properties of phyllite was studied. The mechanical properties of phyllite was evaluated in terms of unconfined compressive strength (Rc) and modulus of resilience (Ec). Further, test roads were paved along an expressway in China to demonstrate the feasibility of the highly weathered phyllite improvement technology. Results show that unweathered phyllite can be used as subgrade filler. In spite of increasing compactness, phyllite with a higher degree of weathering cannot meet the requirements for subgrade filler. With increasing cement content,RcandEcof the improved phyllite increases linearly.RcandEcincrease by at least 15% and 17%, respectively, for every 1% increase in cement content and by at least 10% and 6%, respectively, for every 1% increase in compactness. The higher the degree of weathering of phyllite, the greater the degree of improvement of its mechanical properties.
Time series analysis of the demand for COVID-19 related chest imaging during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: An explorative study
Authors: Koehler Daniel , Ozga Ann-Kathrin , Molwitz Isabel , May Philipp , Görich Hanna Maria , Keller Sarah , Adam Gerhard , Yamamura Jin
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate possible patterns of demand for chest imaging during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and derive a decision aid for the allocation of resources in future pandemic challenges.

Materials and methods

Time data of requests for patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lung disease were analyzed between February 27th and May 27th 2020. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to evaluate differences in the number of requests between 3 time intervals (I1: 6am - 2pm, I2: 2pm - 10pm, I3: 10pm - 6am). A cosinor model was applied to investigate the demand per hour. Requests per day were compared to the number of regional COVID-19 cases.

Results

551 COVID-19 related chest imagings (32.8% outpatients, 67.2% in-patients) of 243 patients were conducted (33.3% female, 66.7% male, mean age 60 ± 17 years). Most exams for outpatients were required during I2 (I1 vs. I2: odds ratio (OR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62–0.86, p = 0.01; I2 vs. I3: OR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.04–1.48, p = 0.03) with an acrophase at 7:29 pm. Requests for in-patients decreased from I1 to I3 (I1 vs. I2: OR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.09–1.41, p = 0.01; I2 vs. I3: OR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.05–1.28, p = 0.01) with an acrophase at 12:51 pm. The number of requests per day for outpatients developed similarly to regional cases while demand for in-patients increased later and persisted longer.

Conclusions

The demand for COVID-19 related chest imaging displayed distinct distribution patterns depending on the sector of patient care and point of time during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. These patterns should be considered in the allocation of resources in future pandemic challenges with similar disease characteristics.
Constitutional Theories, International Legal Doctrines and Jurisprudential Foundation for State of Emergency
Authors: Abdulai Emmanuel Saffa
Published: March 2021

The conceptualisation of a state of emergency has emerged in the discourse of politics, international human rights and constitutional law as the most potent threat to the full realisation and implementation of constitutional and international human rights. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, state of emergency has become a tool for the violation of fundamental human rights not only in the West African region, but globally. This article seeks to examine the concept of state of emergency in international law and constitutional jurisprudence in order to understand whether recent claims of many governments declaring states of emergency can be justified. This article analyses and reviews the constitutional history of the use of state of emergency in Europe, United States and eventually three West Africa counties in Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
Full issue
Authors: Harave Narayana
Published: March 2021

Full issue PDF
Conditions for Initiating the Procedure of Poland’s Withdrawal from the European Union
Authors: Trosiak Cezary
Published: March 2021

Polexit is a concept that emerged in the political science discourse when the United Kingdom held a referendum on its continued membership of the European Union on June 26, 2016. The article analyzes the reasons which facilitate a discussion on the withdrawal of Poland from the European Union. On the one hand, this results from disputes on the direction of the evolution of the European project between ‘old’ and ‘new’ member states. On the other, its intensity is affected by the dynamics of the dispute between the Polish government and the European Commission on the state of the rule of law in Poland. For supporters of a change in relations between European institutions and member states, the European parliamentary elections offered an opportunity of starting a discussion on the change of treaties. However, due to the fact that proponents of treaty changes failed to win the appropriate number of seats, the vision of an EU of ‘two speeds’ is becoming realistic. This may mark the beginning of a sequence of events concluded with a referendum on the withdrawal of Poland from the European Union.
Deutschlands Krisenmanagement in der CORONA-Pandemie. Herausforderungen eines föderalen politisch-administrativen Systems
Authors: Franzke Jochen
Published: March 2021

Dieser Beitrag befasst sich mit der Analyse und der Bewertung des Krisenmanagements in Deutschland im Zuge der COVID-19 Pandemie (Redaktionsschluss Mitte August 2020). Schwerpunkt bilden die Analyse und kritische Bewertung der Kompetenzverteilung zwischen Bund, Ländern und Kommunen in Deutschland bei Gesundheitskrisen wie dieser. Rechtliche Basis dafür ist die allgemeine Generalklausel des Nationalen Infektionsschutzgesetzes (IfSG), die weitgehende Eingriffe in das öffentliche Leben erlaubt, ohne den Notstand ausrufen zu müssen. Im nächsten Schritt werden die bisherigen Phasen der Pandemiebekämpfung in Deutschland kurz dargestellt. Als Fallbeispiel werden schließlich die Anpassungsstrategien der Kommunen während der CORONA-Krise bezüglich der Verwaltungsführungen, der Kernverwaltungen, der kommunalen Unternehmen, der Kommunalpolitik und der lokalen Bürgerbeteiligung herausgearbeitet. Der Beitrag endet mit einem Fazit, welches vorläufig bleiben muss, da die Pandemie noch nicht vorüber ist.
Three-dimensional scanning electron microscopy used as a profilometer for the surface characterization of polyethylene-coated paperboard
Authors: Brugés Martelo Javier , Andersson Mattias , Liguori Consolatina , Lundgren Jan
Published: March 2021

In food packaging, low-density polyethylene (PE) coating is applied to paperboards to act as a functional barrier and to provide the smoothness required to enhance printability. These characteristics are related to the material’s surface roughness, the parameter monitored during the manufacturing process. Measurement of surface roughness using optical profilometry has gained importance in the paper industry. The optical instruments used to measure surface roughness are limited spatially by the relationship with the light wavelength at which they operate. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is an alternative for overcoming the spatial resolution limitation, and the use of stereo-photogrammetry on SEM images can be seen as an alternative profilometry technique to measure surface roughness. In this investigation, the surface topography of industrially manufactured high-quality PE-coated paperboard was studied, comparing the SEM stereo-photogrammetry technique with a reference profilometry method, i. e., chromatic confocal microscopy (CCM). We found close agreement between the calculated surface roughness and the results of the techniques used and compared them according to the new ISO 25178 Geometric Product Specifications. We concluded that SEM stereo-photogrammetry provides comparable accurate alternative profilometry method for characterizing the surface roughness of PE-coated paperboard in the micrometer scale.
Self-reported communicative distance between Polish and English in formal and informal situational contexts
Authors: Gawlik-Kobylińska Małgorzata
Published: March 2021

This study explores the issue of communicative distance between Polish and English; its perception and conceptualization, as a function of self-reflection, are related to individual, socio-cultural and environmental, as well as linguistic factors. The aim of the article is to prove that the communicative distance is different while speaking Polish (L1) and English (L2). It was assumed that on the basis of an interlocutor’s self-reported observation and evaluation of verbal and nonverbal cues, it is possible to prove the existence of communicative distance. The research results revealed that in formal English conversations, distance was perceived as shorter than in formal Polish conversations, but in informal conversations, there were no significant differences. Due to gradual language development and absorption of English words into Polish, the study relies on a retrospective data analysis to find out the possible changes in communicative distance perception. The data was retrieved from a series of two surveys conducted in 2008 (n = 150) and 2016 (n = 150) among Poles who use English as a second language.
Nigerian newscasters’ English as a model of standard Nigerian English?
Authors: Oyebola Folajimi , Gut Ulrike
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate whether the form of English spoken by Nigerian newscasters enjoys the status of a standard in Nigeria. The study employs a verbal guise test and a questionnaire to measure the attitudes of 137 Nigerian participants towards the variety of English used by Nigerian newscasters. The findings show that an exonormative orientation is still present in Nigeria: both British and American English accents are preferred over a Nigerian one for Nigerian newscasters, and a British accent is perceived to be more prevalent than a Nigerian one in Nigerian newscasting. However, the results of the verbal guise test demonstrate that there are very positive attitudes towards all Nigerian newscasters’ accents. The results also show that neither gender nor a stay abroad has a significant effect on Nigerians’ attitudes towards newscasters’ English, but that the age group of the participants significantly influences their evaluations: the older participants rated the newscasters’ English accents higher than the younger ones. Overall, the findings of the study suggest a limited potential of Nigerian newscasters’ English becoming a model of English in Nigeria, as British English as an exonormative norm seems to continue to play a major role.
How Can We PrEP? Exploring Black MSM's Experiences With Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Through Photovoice
Authors: LeMasters Katherine , Atkins Kaitlyn , Oloonabadi Saeed Ahmadi , Munn Terry , Eng Eugenia , Lightfoot Alexandra F.
Published: March 2021

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce the risk of HIV infection by over 90% among those at high risk via sexual transmission. PrEP acceptance and adherence remains low among those at highest risk of HIV, including Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the southern U.S. This community-based participatory research project explored Black MSM's experiences with PrEP in North Carolina through photovoice, a methodology using photography and discussion. Our findings highlighted challenges and opportunities with PrEP, including intersectional stigma, the need for improved patient-provider education, and the role of community-based organizations in closing patient-provider gaps. This work is a first step towards understanding the daily lives of Black MSM on PrEP in the Triangle Region of North Carolina, including barriers and facilitators to PrEP use. Implications for public health practice highlight the need for conducting community-level interventions, integrating PrEP into primary care, and normalizing PrEP through community conversations.
Too Much of a Good Thing: Who We Follow, What We Do, And How Much Time We Spend on Social Media Affects Well-Being
Authors: Hunt Melissa , All Katherine , Burns Brennan , Li Kyler
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Given previous experimental research on the benefits of limiting time spent on social media and correlational research linking active use to better well-being, we designed an experimental study to investigate the effects of limiting time and increasing active use on social media on well-being.

Method: After completing a survey on who they followed on social media and undergoing a week of baseline monitoring, 88 undergraduates at a private university were randomly assigned to either limit Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat use to 30 minutes in total per day and increase their active use, just limit their use to 30 minutes per day, or continue to use social media as usual for three weeks.

Results: The initial survey revealed that following more friends was negatively correlated with loneliness whereas following more strangers was positively correlated with depression. Highly depressed participants in the limited use group showed significant reductions in depression compared to the control group, but the active group did not show similar benefits. Highly active participants in the active group reported greater loneliness and anxiety and lower self-esteem at week 4 compared to less active participants in the active group, whereas the most passive participants in the control group showed the worst depression overall.

Discussion: Our findings suggest that following friends rather than strangers and limiting time spent on social media may lead to significant improvements in well-being, and that moderately active engagement may be the most adaptive.
Relationships, Not Boundaries
Authors: Combs Gene , Freedman Jill
Published: March 2021

The authors find it more useful to pay attention to relationships than to boundaries. By focusing attention on bounded, individual psychological issues, the metaphor of boundaries can distract helping professionals from thinking about inequities of power. It oversimplifies a complex issue, inviting us to ignore discourses around gender, race, class, culture, and the like that support injustice, abuse, and exploitation. Making boundaries a central metaphor for ethical practice can keep us from critically examining the effects of distance, withdrawal, and non-participation. The authors describe how it is possible to examine the practical, moral, and ethical effects of our participation in relationships by focusing on just relationships rather than on boundaries. They give illustrations and clinical examples of relationally-focused ethical practices that derive from a narrative approach to therapy.
Treating Opioid Use Disorder in Peripartum Mothers: A Look at the Psychodynamics, Neurobiology, and Potential Role of Oxytocin
Authors: Patterson Danielle K. , Pollock David , Carter C. Sue , Chambers Joanna E.
Published: March 2021

The peripartum period (pregnancy and postpartum) is a unique time filled with psychodynamic and biological changes that are critical in affecting the lives of mother and baby. Attachment, the biologically based emotional connection between a caregiver and infant, is critical to the development of the child. The early interactions in an infant's life shape their reward neuro-circuitry and the development of their internal working models and styles of attachment. Opioid use disorders in the mother affect the psychodynamics and neurobiology of attachment. There is significant overlap between the neurobiology of attachment and that of opioid use disorders. In this article, we hope to describe how opioid use disorders affect mother-infant attachment and how psychodynamic psychotherapy that is informed by attachment theory may be a potential treatment for mothers with opioid use disorders. Further, oxytocin plays a role in the attachment process and may function abnormally in mothers with opioid use disorders. As oxytocin affects attachment, administration of oxytocin during postpartum mother-infant interactions in the setting of psychotherapy may facilitate bonding and promote recovery from opioid use disorders in the peripartum population.