bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the responses of subalpine forest landscape dynamics to climate change on the eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Junyan , Zou Heng‐Xing , Bachelot Benedicte , Dong Tingfa , Zhu Zhongfu , Liao Yuchen , Plenković‐Moraj Anđelka , Wu Yan
Published: June 2021

Subalpine vegetation across the Tibetan Plateau is globally one of the most sensitive to climate change. However, the potential landscape‐scale effects of climate change on subalpine forest dynamics remain largely unexplored. Here, we used a forest landscape model (LANDIS‐II) coupled with a forest ecosystem process model (PnET‐II) to simulate forest dynamics under future climate change in Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve in the eastern subalpine region of the Tibetan Plateau. We examined changes in the composition, distribution and aboveground biomass of cold temperate coniferous forests, temperate coniferous forests, deciduous broad‐leaved forests and redwood forest under four climate change scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP8.5 and the current climate) from 2016 to 2096. Our model predicts that by 2096, (i) cold temperate coniferous forests will expand and increase by 7.92%, 8.18%, 8.65% and 7.02% under current climate, RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively; (ii) distribution of forests as a whole shows upward elevational range shift, especially under RCP8.5 scenario and (iii) total aboveground biomass slowly increases at first and then decreases to 12%–16% of current distribution under RCPs. These results show that climate change can be expected to significantly influence forest composition, distribution and aboveground biomass in the subalpine forests of eastern Tibetan Plateau. This study is the first to simulate forest dynamics at the landscape scale in subalpine areas of the Tibetan Plateau, which provides an important step in developing more effective strategies of forest management for expected climate change, not only in China but also around the world.
CONTEMPLATION AND EMPATHY: ON THE JOY OF NATURE (‘NATURGENUSS’) AND FEELING FOR NATURE (‘NATURGEFÜHL’) IN ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT'S APPROACH TO SCIENCE
Authors: Herrera Fuentes Adrián
Published: June 2021

Alexander von Humboldt pursued a philosophy and practice of science that was contemplative and emotional. From this perspective, the study of nature started in observation and contemplation, and in the experience of feelings. This meant that Humboldt's scientific approach was not limited to the productive potential of science and technology, which was crucial to the expansion of capitalism and colonialism in the nineteenth century. The enjoyment of nature was both the origin and purpose of Humboldt's work. He emphasised the need to write about science and his travels in such a way that the feelings of the explorer towards nature (‘Naturgefühl’) were evoked, while at the same time awakening in his readership the joy of nature (‘Naturgenuss’) he experienced himself. This paper explores the contemplative and emotional aspects of Humboldt's philosophy of science and investigates the extent to which Humboldt's epistemology positioned itself in opposition to the productive and pragmatic aims of scientific understanding.

   

Alexander von Humboldt verfolgte eine Wissenschaftspraxis und ‐philosophie, die als emotional und kontemplativ verstanden werden können. Daraus ging die Untersuchung der Natur anhand der Beobachtung und Betrachtung von Naturphänomenen hervor, wobei die Erfahrung von Emotionen eine zentrale Rolle spielte. Deshalb war Humboldts Konzept nicht nur auf das produktiv‐pragmatische Potenzial von Technologie und Wissenschaft begrenzt, welche die Expansion von Kapitalismus und Kolonialismus im 19. Jh. entscheidend beeinflussten. Vielmehr war für Humboldt der Naturgenuss sowohl Ursprung als auch Ziel seiner wissenschaftlichen Arbeit. Er betonte, dass wissenschaftliche und Reiseliteratur das eigene Naturgefühl der Wissenschaftler*innen wiedergeben sollen, um gleichzeitig einen Naturgenuss in der Leserschaft hervorzurufen. Dieser Artikel untersucht den kontemplativen und den emotionalen Aspekt in Humboldts Wissenschaftsphilosophie und diskutiert, inwiefern Humboldts Epistemologie sich gegenüber der produktiv‐pragmatischen Ziele der Wissenschaft positioniert.
Development of protease nanobiocatalysts and their application in hydrolysis of sunflower meal protein isolate
Authors: Katić Katarina , Banjanac Katarina , Simović Milica , Ćorović Marija , Milivojević Ana , Marinković Aleksandar , Bezbradica Dejan
Published: May 2021

In this study, the suitability of fumed silica nanoparticles (FNS) and its derivatives (amino‐modified FNS (AFNS), cyanuric chloride‐activated AFNS (CCAFNS) and epoxy‐modified FNS (GFNS)), for covalent immobilisation of two commercial protease preparations Alcalase® and Flavourzyme® was investigated. The highest hydrolytic activities of immobilised preparations were 25 IU g−1 support (Alcalase‐GFNS) and 2.95 IU g−1 support (Flavourzyme‐CCAFNS). Furthermore, the immobilised preparations showed 43% and 20% of initial specific activities of commercial protease preparations, respectively. Flavourzyme‐CCAFNS also exhibited the highest exopeptidase activity of 22.83 L‐pNAU g−1 support. Finally, these two nanobiocatalysts were successfully applied for hydrolysis of sunflower meal protein isolate (SMPI), providing two times higher hydrolysis yields in comparison to free enzymes, justifying the applied immobilisation process. Namely, the highest hydrolysis yield (30%) was gained by the sequential hydrolysis with Alcalase‐GFNS and Flavourzyme‐CCAFNS, which resulted in the formation of small hydrophobic and hydrophilic peptides, ≤5 kDa, confirmed by HPLC analysis and electrophoretic separation.
Can explanations improve applicant reactions towards gamified assessment methods?
Authors: Georgiou Konstantina
Published: June 2021

Gamification is increasingly being used by organizations in hiring decisions. However, the use of gamification in assessment has advanced quicker than corresponding research. One area in need of research is how applicants' perceptions of fairness are formed when gamified assessments are used in employee selection. Therefore, two studies were conducted to explore the impact of using gamified assessments to applicants' justice perceptions and the role of providing explanations to applicants. Adopting an experimental design to explore organizational justice model in the context of gamified assessments, results indicated that individuals' perceptions of job relatedness are higher when a situational judgment tests (SJT) is used rather than a gamified version, leading to more positive perceptions of procedural fairness and organizational attractiveness (Study 1). The mediating effects of the procedural rules of ease of faking and opportunity to perform were not supported. Subsequently, a 2 × 2 design was used (Study 2) to explore the role of providing explanations. It seems that the provision of explanations on the assessment's faking difficulty generates more positive reactions towards gamified SJTs than text‐based SJTs, in relation to ease of faking and procedural justice, and a spillover effect, invoking favorable reactions to the recruiting organization as well (Study 2).
Examining effective communication in nursing practice during COVID‐19: A large‐scale qualitative study
Authors: Simonovich Shannon D. , Spurlark Roxanne S. , Badowski Donna , Krawczyk Susan , Soco Cheryl , Ponder Tiffany N. , Rhyner Debi , Waid Rachel , Aquino Elizabeth , Lattner Christina , Wiesemann Lucy Mueller , Webber‐Ritchey Kashica , Li Suling , Tariman Joseph D.
Published: May 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to conduct a primary examination of the qualitative communication experiences of nurses during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States.

Background

Ambiguity in ever‐evolving knowledge on how to provide care during COVID‐19. Remaining safe has created a sense of urgency, which has in turn created the need for organizations to quickly alter their operational plans and protocols to support measures that increase capacity and establish a culture of safe care and clear communication. However, no known study has described communication in nursing practice during COVID‐19.

Methods

Utilizing qualitative descriptive methodology, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 100 nurse participants from May to September 2020 and recorded for thematic analysis. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ), a 32‐item checklist, were used to ensure detailed and comprehensive reporting of this qualitative study protocol.

Findings

Study participants shared descriptions of how effective communication positively impacted patient care and nursing practice experiences during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The thematic network analyses identified the importance of effective communication across three levels: (1) organizational leadership, (2) unit leadership and (3) nurse‐to‐nurse communication. Within this structure, three organizing themes, essential to effective communication, were described including (a) presence, (b) education and (c) emotional support.

Conclusion

Examining existing crisis communication policies and procedures across healthcare organizations is imperative to maintain highly relevant, innovative, and data‐driven policies and strategies that are fundamental to preserving quality patient care and supporting optimal nursing practice.

Implications for Nursing Policy and Health Policy

Effective communication is critical to support nurses through extended periods of crisis. COVID‐19 represents a unique contemporary challenge to the nursing workforce given the high stress and prolonged strain it has created for both human and healthcare supply resources. There is value in nurses’ presence at local, unit level and organizational leadership levels to convey critical information that directly informs leadership decision‐making during unprecedented emergencies such as the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Use of infrared thermography to delineate temperature gradients and critical isotherms during catheter ablation with normal and half normal saline: Implications for safety and efficacy
Authors: Huang Henry D. , Ravi Venkatesh , Rhodes Paul , Du‐Fay‐de‐Lavallaz Jeanne M. , Winterfield Jeffrey , Allen‐Proctor Mary , Wasserlauf Jeremiah , Krishnan Kousik , Trohman Richard , Sharma Parikshit S. , Larsen Timothy R.
Published: June 2021

Background

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation with half‐normal saline (HNS) has shown promise as a bail‐out strategy following failed ventricular tachycardia ablation using standard approaches.

Objective

To use a novel infrared thermal imaging (ITI) model to evaluate biophysical and lesion characteristics during RF ablation using normal saline (NS) and HNS irrigation.

Methods

Left ventricular strips of myocardium were excised from fresh porcine hearts. RF ablation was performed using an open‐irrigated ablation catheter (Thermocool ST/SF) with NS (n = 75) and HNS (n = 75) irrigation using different power settings (40/50 W), RF durations (30/60 s), contact force of 10–15 g, and flow rate of 15 ml/min. RF lesions were recorded using an infrared thermal camera and border zone, lethal, 100° isotherms were matched with necrotic borders after 2% triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Lesion dimensions and isotherms (mm2) were measured.

Results

In total, 150 lesions were delivered. HNS lesions were deeper (6.4 ± 1.1 vs. 5.7 ±0.8 mm; p = .03), and larger in volume (633 ± 153 vs. 468 ± 107 mm3; p = .007) than NS lesions. Steam pops (SPs) occurred during 19/75 lesions (25%) in the NS group and 32/75 lesions (43%) in the HNS group (p = .34). Lethal (57.8 ± 6.5 vs. 36.0 ± 3.9 mm2; p = .001) and 100°C isotherm areas (16.9 ± 6.9 vs. 3.8 ± 4.2 mm2; p = .003) areas were larger and were reached earlier in the HNS group.

Conclusions

RFA using HNS created larger lesions than NS irrigation but led to more frequent SPs. The presence of earlier lethal isotherms and temperature rises above 100°C on ITI suggest a potentially narrower therapeutic‐safety window with HNS.
2021 European Guideline on the management of proctitis, proctocolitis and enteritis caused by sexually transmissible pathogens
Authors: de Vries H.J.C. , Nori A.V. , Kiellberg Larsen H. , Kreuter A. , Padovese V. , Pallawela S. , Vall‐Mayans M. , Ross J
Published: May 2021

This guideline intents to offer guidance on the diagnosis and management of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and a suspected sexually transmitted cause. Proctitis is defined as an inflammatory syndrome of the anal canal and/or the rectum. Infectious proctitis can be sexually transmitted via genital–anal mucosal contact, but some also via digital contact and toys. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis (including lymphogranuloma venereum), Treponema pallidum and herpes simplex virus are the most common sexually transmitted anorectal pathogens. Shigellosis can be transferred via oral–anal contact and may lead to proctocolitis or enteritis. Although most studies on these infections have concentrated on men who have sex with men (MSM), women having anal intercourse may also be at risk. A presumptive clinical diagnosis of proctitis can be made when there are symptoms and signs, and a definitive diagnosis when the results of laboratory tests are available. The symptoms of proctitis include anorectal itching, pain, tenesmus, bleeding, constipation and discharge in and around the anal canal. The majority of rectal chlamydia and gonococcal infections are asymptomatic and can only be detected by laboratory tests. Therefore, especially when there is a history of receptive anal contact, exclusion of anorectal infections is generally indicated as part of standard screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condom use does not guarantee protection from STIs, which are often spread without penile penetration. New in this updated guideline is: (i) lymphogranuloma venereum proctitis is increasingly found in HIV‐negative MSM, (ii) anorectal Mycoplasma genitalium infection should be considered in patients with symptomatic proctitis after exclusion of other common causations such N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, syphilis and herpes, (iii) intestinal spirochetosis incidentally found in colonic biopsies should not be confused with syphilis, and (iv) traumatic causes of proctitis should be considered in sexually active patients.
Effect of enterocin M and durancin ED26E/7 supplementation on blood parameters, immune response and jejunal morphometry in rabbits
Authors: Pogány Simonová Monika , Lauková Andrea , Chrastinová Ľubica , Kandričáková Anna , Ščerbová Jana , Strompfová Viola , Gancarčíková Soňa , Plachá Iveta , Žitňan Rudolf
Published: June 2021

Natural feed additives application in rabbit nutrition can help to control and prevent digestive disturbances and improve gut health and immunity around the critical weaning period. While probiotics are frequently used in rabbits, in vivo administration of bacteriocins is often limited. Therefore, the present study evaluates the effect of enterocin EntM, durancin EntED26E/7 and their combination on serum biochemistry, phagocytic activity and jejunal morphometry of rabbits. Eighty rabbits (aged 35 days, meat line M91, both sexes) were divided into experimental groups E (EntM; dose 50 µl/animal/day, activity 25,600 AU/ml), D (EntED26E/7; 50 µl/animal/day, 12,800 AU/ml), E + D (50 µl EntM + 50 µl EntED26E/7 /animal/day) and control group (C). Additives were administrated in drinking water for 21 days. Both enterocins positively influenced tested serum parameters, with emphasis on durancin EntED26E/7 administration, alone and/or in combination with EntM. Increased total proteins (E, D: p < 0.001), urea (D: p < 0.001), albumin (D: p < 0.05) and triglycerids (E, D, E+D: p < 0.001) were found. Hypocholesterolaemic effect of both additives was recorded (p < 0.001), with the lowest HDL concentration in E + D. The most of tested hepatic enzymes were positively influenced by enterocins combination (E + D; p < 0.001). The lowest AST was noted in group D (p < 0.001). Mineral profile was also improved (p < 0.001), with the highest values in D. Oxidative stress, was not evoked during enterocins application. Both additives showed a tendency to improve phagocytic activity (prolonged effect of EntED26D/7; D, E+D: p < 0.05) and jejunal morphometry parameters (increased villus cut surface; E, D, E+D; p < 0.001). Diet supplementation with EntM and mostly with EntED26E/7 can improve serum biochemistry, phagocytic activity and jejunal morphometry.
Dry matter intake, digestibility, nitrogen utilization and fermentation characteristics of sheep fed Atriplex hay‐based diet supplemented with discarded dates as a replacement for barley grain
Authors: Khattab Ibrahim Mohamed , Anele Uchenna Y.
Published: June 2021

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of substituting barley grain with discarded dates on intake and digestibility, nitrogen (N) utilization and fermentation characteristics of sheep fed Atriplex hay‐based diets. Four Barki sheep (50.9 ± 2.93 kg of body weight (BW)) fitted with rumen cannula were used in a 4 × 4 Latin Square design with 23‐day periods. Four isonitrogenous (~140 g crude protein (CP)/kg of dry matter (DM)) experimental diets were formulated with Atriplex hay, and dietary sugar content was increased by replacing barley grain with discarded dates (the proportions of discarded dates in the diet were 0, 93, 187 and 280 g/kg DM). Nutrient intakes were not influenced by diet. Organic matter, CP and neutral detergent fibre digestibility increased (p < 0.05) linearly and DM digestibility tended to increase with increased dates inclusion. Ruminal pH and molar proportion of butyrate increased (p < 0.05) linearly with increasing levels of dates inclusion, whereas ruminal ammonia‐N decreased (p < 0.05) linearly. Total volatile fatty acid concentration was unaffected. Microbial protein synthesis (MCP) increased linearly and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis tended to increase as discarded dates increased. Total N intake was not affected by diets whereas, urinary N, urea‐N and total N execrations linearly decreased (p < 0.05) with higher amounts of dates in the diets. Blood urea‐N tended to decrease with increasing levels of dates. It could be concluded that replacing 100% barley grain with discarded dates as a source of soluble carbohydrates can enhance the utilization of N in Atriplex hay‐based diet and consequently improve digestibility and MCP.
History of Psychological Testing from the Perspective of Test Developers in Japan1
Authors: Suzuki Tomoko
Published: June 2021

In this study, the history of psychological testing in Japan is described using the oral history method. Seven test developers discussed the development of Japanese versions of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale, Binet‐Simon Intelligence Scale, and Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children. Three conclusions were identified. First, the motivation for developing the tests shifted from one of personal aspiration to a wider responsibility of specialists' desiring to make social contributions. Second, the test developers shifted from working in small, familiar, collaborative groups to working in groups of specialists conducting well‐organized projects. Third, the development of tests has variously been led by researchers, publishers, researcher‐and‐publisher collaborations, or institutes. In addition, this study identifies contemporary challenges for developing psychological tests, specifically due to insufficient numbers of participants and test developers.
The challenge and promise of estimating the de novo mutation rate from whole‐genome comparisons among closely related individuals
Authors: Yoder Anne D. , Tiley George P.
Published: June 2021

Germline mutations are the raw material for natural selection, driving species evolution and the generation of earth's biodiversity. Without this driver of genetic diversity, life on earth would stagnate. Yet, it is a double‐edged sword. An excess of mutations can have devastating effects on fitness and population viability. It is therefore one of the great challenges of molecular ecology to determine the rate and mechanisms by which these mutations accrue across the tree of life. Advances in high‐throughput sequencing technologies are providing new opportunities for characterizing the rates and mutational spectra within species and populations thus informing essential evolutionary parameters such as the timing of speciation events, the intricacies of historical demography, and the degree to which lineages are subject to the burdens of mutational load. Here, we will focus on both the challenge and promise of whole‐genome comparisons among parents and their offspring from known pedigrees for the detection of germline mutations as they arise in a single generation. The potential of these studies is high, but the field is still in its infancy and much uncertainty remains. Namely, the technical challenges are daunting given that pedigree‐based genome comparisons are essentially searching for needles in a haystack given the very low signal to noise ratio. Despite the challenges, we predict that rapidly developing methods for whole‐genome comparisons hold great promise for integrating empirically derived estimates of de novo mutation rates and mutation spectra across many molecular ecological applications.
Emergency Remote Language Teaching and U.S.‐Based College‐Level World Language Educators’ Intention to Adopt Online Teaching in Postpandemic Times
Authors: JIN LI , XU YI , DEIFELL ELIZABETH , ANGUS KATIE
Published: May 2021

This study adopted a mixed methods approach to explore the impact of emergency remote language teaching (ERLT) in the spring of 2020 on 662 U.S.‐based college‐level world language educators’ intention to teach languages online in postpandemic times. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from an online questionnaire and follow‐up interviews. The quantitative data were analyzed through exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural path analysis, which identified 3 factors—perceived values of online language teaching, self‐confidence in online language teaching, and stress felt during ERLT—having significant positive predictions of world language educators’ intention to teach online in the future. All other ERLT‐related factors had indirect effects on their intention. Typological analysis was conducted with qualitative data, which revealed primary reasons for the 3 types of intention to teach online in the future. The results indicate that U.S.‐based college‐level world language educators were generally positive about adopting online language teaching in postpandemic times after the ERLT experience, although many preferred hybrid teaching if given the choice.
Seeing‐in and Singling Out: How to Reconcile Pictures with Singular Thought
Authors: Terrone Enrico
Published: June 2021

According to the standard view of pictorial reference, a picture produces singular thought in virtue of both its appearance and its history. Zeimbekis (2010) challenges this view, arguing that the perception of the picture's appearance does not contribute to the production of singular thought. The paper defends the standard view from Zeimbekis' challenge, specifying the roles of appearance and history in pictorial reference. While knowledge about the picture's history allows one to identify the standpoint from which to see the scene depicted, the perception of the picture's appearance exploits that standpoint to single out individuals in that scene.
Parental neurotic excoriation injury of children: A case series of hidden physical abuse
Authors: Hines Larissa , Lang Margaret E. , Johnson Katie L. , Ruiz‐Maldonado Tagrid M. , Feldman Ken W. , Graff Arne H. , Hand Jennifer L.
Published: June 2021

Background

Recognizable skin findings of child physical abuse include bruises, abrasions, lacerations, bite marks, burns, and oral injuries. Self‐induced skin picking, or neurotic excoriation, can correspond to emotional stress, underlying psychiatric illness, or substance abuse. Parental neurotic excoriation injury of children has not been reported previously as a form of physical abuse.

Methods

We present a case series of five children abused via parental excoriation. All affected children were three years of age or younger and otherwise healthy. Each child presented with wounds determined to be consistent with chronic picking. Patient age, injury location, and in some cases, witness accounts confirmed the lesions were not self‐inflicted.

Results

In three cases, caregivers reported methamphetamine use. In these cases, caregivers repeatedly picked or wiped the infants’ skin. In two cases, the caregiver demonstrated personal neurotic excoriation behavior, which was imposed upon her children resulting in similar lesions. One affected child died at 14 days of age from abusive head trauma, while the other four children were placed in foster care by Child Protective Services.

Conclusion

Excoriation injury places children at risk for significant scarring and other long‐term effects. We report examples demonstrating that repetitive skin injury by caregivers is a diagnostic consideration for abuse in young children.
Topical sirolimus: Difference between compounded preparations and commercial oral solution
Authors: Brichta Lars , Carver James G. , Carver DeKlotz Cynthia Marie
Published: June 2021

Topical sirolimus has become a crucial treatment option for many dermatologic disorders. Because an FDA‐approved topical formulation is not commercially available, sirolimus creams, ointments, and gels are professionally prepared by compounding pharmacies. Also, the topical use of a commercially available sirolimus solution approved for oral administration is described regularly. To better guide providers in their decision‐making when topical sirolimus is being considered, this article highlights the substantial pharmaceutical and clinical differences between commercial oral solution and compounded preparations specifically designed for topical therapy.
Decreased neutrophil‐mediated bacterial killing in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Nomani Masoumeh , Varahram Mohammad , Tabarsi Payam , Hashemian Seyed MohammadReza , Jamaati Hamidreza , Malekmohammad Majid , Ghazi Mona , Adcock Ian M. , Mortaz Esmaeil
Published: May 2021

The coronavirus disease COVID‐19 was first described in December 2019. The peripheral blood of COVID‐19 patients have increased numbers of neutrophils which are important in controlling the bacterial infections observed in COVID‐19. We sought to evaluate the cytotoxic capacity of neutrophils in COVID‐19 patients. 34 confirmed COVID‐19 patients (29 severe, five mild disease), and nine healthy controls were recruited from the Masih Daneshvari Hospital (Tehran, Iran) from March to May 2020. Polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells were isolated from whole blood and incubated with green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐labelled methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). Bacterial growth was determined by measuring the florescence of co‐cultures of bacteria and neutrophils and reported as the lag time before exponential growth. The number of viable bacteria was determined after 70 hours as colony‐forming units (CFU). The immunophenotype of tested cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. Isolated neutrophils have higher surface expression of CD16 and CD62L with negative markers for PMN‐MDSC. Bacterial growth in the presence of SA (22 ± 0.9 versus 9.2 ± 0.5 h, P < .01) and PA (12.4 ± 0.6 versus 4.5 ± 0.22, P < .01) was significantly reduced in COVID‐19 patients. After 70 h incubation of PMN with bacteria (SA and PA), CFUs were significant increased in COVID‐19 patients SA (2.6 ± 0.09 × 108 CFU/mL‐severe patients and 1.4 ± 0.06 × 108 CFU/mL‐mild patients, P < .001) and PA (2.2 ± 0.09 × 109 CFU/mL‐severe patients and 1.6 ± 0.03 × 109 CFU/mL‐mild patients, P < .001). Gentamycin proliferation assays confirmed the presence of intracellular bacteria. Reduced bacterial killing by neutrophils from COVID‐19 patients may be responsible for the high bacterial yield seen in these patients.
The impact of donor ferritin testing on blood availability in Canada
Authors: Blake John T. , O'Brien Sheila F. , Goldman Mindy
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background and Objectives

Iron depletion is a side effect of blood donation. Agencies have developed policies to test donors and to extend inter‐donation intervals (IDIs) for individuals with low ferritin levels. Ferritin testing, however, has an impact on product availability due to longer IDIs and the effect of test results on donor behaviour. In this paper we apply a model to evaluate the impact of ferritin testing in the Canadian donor population on whole blood donations.

Materials and Methods

A discrete event simulation was adopted for the study. The model represents a population of individuals that donate blood, are tested for ferritin levels, and may exit the system. Data for the simulation was derived from operational data, donor research studies from Canadian Blood Services and previously published sources.

Results

Red cell collections will decline by at least 3.1% and could decline by as much as 19.2% after ferritin testing is put in place. Requirements for new donors could rise by as much as 36.0%.

Conclusion

The impact of ferritin testing on repeat donor behaviour, rather than extensions to the mandated inter‐donation interval, is the largest factor influencing declines in whole blood donations. Because behaviour changes following the receipt of a low ferritin result, blood agencies must ensure that donors with low ferritin are motivated to modify their lifestyle and, when healthy, return to the donor pool.
Improving Reading and Writing Literacy in I Cycle of Primary Education in Montenegro
Authors: Milić Tamara , Marić Anita
Published: May 2021

The aim of this research is to examine didactic/pedagogical issues and teaching/learning strategies by determining the characteristics of pre-literary skills in the I grade, reading skills in the II grade and reading and writing skills in the III grade, as well as to which difficulties teachers are encountered in the literacy process itself. We observed primary public school pupils - 136 in I and 136 in II grades and 400 in III grades from Podgorica, Mojkovac, Budva and Nikšić. The number of examined teachers from the same schools is 83. It was noticed that a significant number of I grade pupils did not have functional linking of symbols, has difficulties in understanding the words structures. Pupils in the II grade do not make a distinction in hand written and hand printed letters and have difficulties with punctuation. There are difficulties in general understanding and the simultaneous processing of information; the existence of elements of dyslexia and dysgraphia was observed. Among pupils in III grades there is uncertainty in writing, insufficient knowledge of fine graphomotorics, each 10th child has a difficulty in reading and understand what was read, around 13% has a difficulty in writing down what was read, and about 22% of them has a reduced skill to write a story based on the picture. The study findings show a need to redefine teaching goals, increase the number of hours for acquiring pre-school skills, teaching languages and teaching literature, propose more clearly the activities of adopting pre and general literacy skills, earlier learning of the Latin letters, to modernize teaching, and have a team approach.
Belated Measures - the Reality of Digital Archaeological Archiving in Poland
Authors: Oniszczuk Agnieszka , Makowska Agnieszka
Published: June 2021

Archaeology in Poland, as in any other corner of the world, thrives on the application of digital technologies in fieldwork and subsequent analysis. Unfortunately, legal and administrative solutions have not been responsive enough to keep up with these changes.

This article summarises the reality of archaeological digital archiving in Poland, shaped by a legally determined focus on paper documentation and the decentralisation of the state heritage service. The practice of digital archaeological archiving is illustrated by the results of a survey carried out among archaeologists from provincial heritage offices. It has revealed that, while they struggle with a lack of adequate technical measures and skills, they also opt for increasing the significance and proportion of digital archaeological archives and realise what should be done for this Digital Dark Age to end.

On a more general level, the existence of digital documentation has already been recognised in laws on archiving and implementation of IT solutions. This article describes the actions taken at a national level to tackle these issues; namely, two state repositories: one for electronic documents and the other for digital resources of science and culture. It also presents current initiatives of the National Institute of Cultural Heritage in this regard.
Gas Flowrate Evaluation in Coal Coupling the Matrix Shrinkage Effect Caused by Water Extraction
Authors: Miao Yanan , Zhao Chaojie , Zhou Gang
Published: May 2021

Estimating production in coal accurately is crucial for promoting the process of safe, efficient, and green coal mining. It has been gradually recognized that horizontal wells with multiple fractures are employed to develop the coal reservoir, which signifies that the linear flow regime will dominate for a rather long time. However, the traditional analysis approaches of transient linear flow regimes may yield the overestimation of coal reservoir property. In this work, a new analytical model was proposed to estimate the rate-transient of wells with multi-fractures in coal reservoir that produce at a constant flowing pressure, which considers multiple flow mechanisms. Especially, the matrix shrinkage effect caused by water extraction from microscopic pores was incorporated, which has never been investigated by current production analysis models. In comparison with the conventional reservoir, the advanced pseudo-pressure and pseudo-time equations incorporating earlier critical mechanisms were established, including the four effects of gas slippage, effective stress, and matrix shrinkage caused by gas desorption/water extraction. In addition, the excellent agreement between the predicted rate by the proposed model and field data was achieved to validate the reliability of proposed models. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis was carried out to clarify the influence of a series of factors on the seepage mechanism and productivity curve. Results demonstrated that the matrix shrinkage effect caused by water extraction may increase the well production rate in coal reservoirs. Selecting one field case as an example, the production rate predicted by the red curve is obviously higher than that by the green curve, the average discrepancy yields around 39.5%. The relative humidity in the coal matrix will present a positive impact on well production performance. Taking a field case as an instance, when the relative humidity varies from 8% to 14%, the well production sharply increases by about 11.6%.
Optimal Sizing of Cylindrical Receivers for Surround Heliostat Fields Using fluxtracer
Authors: Grigoriev Victor , Milidonis Kypros , Constantinou Marios , Corsi Clotilde , Pye John , Blanco Manuel
Published: May 2021

This article presents an innovative approach for optimizing the dimensions of cylindrical receivers for solar tower systems. In this approach, a single set of rays, representative of a complete annual ray-tracing simulation of the solar tower system, is used and processed to evaluate numerous receiver designs simultaneously and to select the optimum. The simultaneous evaluation of receiver designs is achieved by exploiting the geometrical properties of the intersection between a ray and a cylinder, which allows estimating the annual energy intercepted by receivers of different heights without the need for processing the annual set of rays more than one time. Once the annual intercepted energy is known for each receiver, the application of a costing function estimating the receiver cost as a function of its surface area allows to estimate their cost and, therefore, to select the receiver dimensions that will yield a minimum surface area for a given annual energy interception factor. The overall workflow to carry out the mentioned receiver optimization approach has been implemented by adapting several open-source tools that The Cyprus Institute (CyI) is developing in collaboration with the Australian National University (ANU) to assist in the modeling, analysis, design, and optimization of concentrated solar thermal (CST) systems. This article also presents a detailed overview of the overall simulation workflow as well as a case study demonstrating the capabilities of the approach.
Isolation and Properties of a Deuterium-Tolerant Mutant of
Pasteurella tularensis
Authors: Tulis Jerry J. , Eigelsbach Henry T.
Published: May 2021

A spontaneously occurring stable deuterium-tolerant mutant was selected from highly virulent
Pasteurella tularensis
strain SCHU S4; the frequency of mutants in the cell populations was between 10
−3
and 10
−4
. Upon cultivation of parent strain SCHU S4 in media containing D
2
O in lieu of H
2
O, inhibitory effects became manifest at 18% D
2
O and increased significantly beyond 54% D
2
O; mutant strain SCHU DT was not inhibited by media containing as much as 98% D
2
O. When cultivated in media containing D
2
O, mutant SCHU DT, in comparison with parent strain SCHU S4, showed a significant reduction in dermal and respiratory virulence for laboratory animals. Its immunogenic properties were comparable to viable
P. tularensis
vaccine strain LVS. Data on the comparative growth of various
P. tularensis
strains on media containing D
2
O suggested that “Old World” strains might be more tolerant to isotopic substitution of deuterium for protium than North American strains. Because of the residual virulence of SCHU DT for experimental animals it is believed to have limited value as a potential live vaccine strain.
Influence of Enovid on the Cytopathic Action of Staphylococcal Alpha Toxin
Authors: Yotis William , Savov Zlatko
Published: May 2021

The effect of the widely employed oral contraceptive steroid, Enovid, on the cytolytic action of the staphylococcal alpha toxin was investigated as an extension of previous studies in which it was shown that steroids were capable of suppressing induced staphylococcal infection in experimental animals. The cytotoxic action of alpha toxin for tissue cultures was evaluated by use of such parameters as total and viable cell counts, glucose and protein determination, and cytopathic effects in the presence and absence of Enovid. To 3-day-old primary rabbit baby kidney tissue cultures a mixture of 20 μg of norethynodrel per ml [17α-ethynyl-hydroxy-5(10)-estren-3-one] and 5 μg of mestranol per ml (17-ethynelestradiol-3-methyl ether) was added; growth of tissue cultures in Eagle medium was continued till the sixth day, and then one tissue cytopathic dose of alpha toxin per ml was added and the subsequent fate of tissue cultures was assayed. Such cultures yielded higher total and viable cell counts, utilized more glucose, and contained more protein than the control cultures. In control cultures, cytopathogenicity appeared on the third day after the addition of alpha toxin, and it was complete in 24 hr, whereas in tissue cultures treated with Enovid cytopathogenicity was significantly reduced. Thus the mixture of synthetic hormones known as Enovid, in pharmacological concentrations, was found capable of reducing the cytopathic action of alpha toxin, but only to a slightly lesser degree than such natural hormone as progesterone.
Relationship of Serogroups of
Neisseria meningitidis
I. Microagglutination, Gel Diffusion, and Slide Agglutination Studies of Meningococcal Antisera Before and After Absorption with RAS-10 Strain of Meningococci
Authors: Devine Leonard F. , Hagerman Cline R.
Published: May 2021

Microagglutination tests were used to show the relationship of a nongroupable strain of
Neisseria meningitidis
(RAS-10) to other serological groups. RAS-10 antiserum has been prepared and studied for the first time. Antibodies to the RAS-10 strain were shown to be present in many grouping antisera obtained from different sources. These antibodies were absorbed from antisera to heterologous sero-groups with the RAS-10 strain. This procedure was shown to make antisera more specific by eliminating serological cross-reactions and false grouping of RAS-10 strains. Antisera before and after absorption with RAS-10 cells were studied by using double diffusion in gels. An antigen-antibody precipitation line for the RAS-10 meningococci was shown to be removed by this procedure. Antiserum to group 29E meningococci was absorbed with group Z cells, and precipitation lines for Z cells were removed. Group 29E antiserum agglutinated group 29E and group Z cells in the slide agglutination test but was specific for group 29E cells in this test after absorption with group Z cells.
The genome of Trypanosoma cruzi contains a constitutively expressed, tandemly arranged multicopy gene homologous to a major heat shock protein
Authors: Dragon E A , Sias S R , Kato E A , Gabe J D
Published: June 2021

cDNA libraries have been constructed in the plasmid vector pUC18 with mRNA isolated from both epimastigotes and trypomastigotes of the Peru strain of Trypanosoma cruzi. Pools of randomly selected clones were analyzed by hybridization-selection-translation. Translation products were immunoprecipitated either with normal human sera or with sera from patients with Chagas' disease (chagasic sera), and the immunoprecipitates were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. With this approach, a cDNA clone (pEC5) was identified which encodes a portion of an 85,000-Mr polypeptide. A genomic clone was subsequently isolated (FG1) by using oligonucleotide probes derived from the DNA sequence of this cDNA clone. A portion of this clone was isolated and sequenced, and the coding region for the protein was identified. Computer analysis of the predicted protein sequence indicates that this protein is closely related to the 83,000-Mr heat shock protein (hsp83) of Drosophila melanogaster, the hsp90 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and the hsp90 of chicken. This gene is tandemly organized in the T. cruzi genome as a cluster of 6 to 10 copies.
Intrapartum interventions and outcomes for women and children following induction of labour at term in uncomplicated pregnancies: a 16-year population-based linked data study
Authors: Dahlen Hannah G , Thornton Charlene , Downe Soo , de Jonge Ank , Seijmonsbergen-Schermers Anna , Tracy Sally , Tracy Mark , Bisits Andrew , Peters Lilian
Published: June 2021

Objectives

We compared intrapartum interventions and outcomes for mothers, neonates and children up to 16 years, for induction of labour (IOL) versus spontaneous labour onset in uncomplicated term pregnancies with live births.

Design

We used population linked data from New South Wales, Australia (2001–2016) for healthy women giving birth at 37+0 to 41+6 weeks. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed for intrapartum interventions, postnatal maternal and neonatal outcomes, and long-term child outcomes adjusted for maternal age, country of birth, socioeconomic status, parity and gestational age.

Results

Of 474 652 included births, 69 397 (15%) had an IOL for non-medical reasons. Primiparous women with IOL versus spontaneous onset differed significantly for: spontaneous vaginal birth (42.7% vs 62.3%), instrumental birth (28.0% vs 23.9%%), intrapartum caesarean section (29.3% vs 13.8%), epidural (71.0% vs 41.3%), episiotomy (41.2% vs 30.5%) and postpartum haemorrhage (2.4% vs 1.5%). There was a similar trend in outcomes for multiparous women, except for caesarean section which was lower (5.3% vs 6.2%). For both groups, third and fourth degree perineal tears were lower overall in the IOL group: primiparous women (4.2% vs 4.9%), multiparous women (0.7% vs 1.2%), though overall vaginal repair was higher (89.3% vs 84.3%). Following induction, incidences of neonatal birth trauma, resuscitation and respiratory disorders were higher, as were admissions to hospital for infections (ear, nose, throat, respiratory and sepsis) up to 16 years. There was no difference in hospitalisation for asthma or eczema, or for neonatal death (0.06% vs 0.08%), or in total deaths up to 16 years.

Conclusion

IOL for non-medical reasons was associated with higher birth interventions, particularly in primiparous women, and more adverse maternal, neonatal and child outcomes for most variables assessed. The size of effect varied by parity and gestational age, making these important considerations when informing women about the risks and benefits of IOL.
Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool prognostic value in older hospitalised patients: a prospective multicentre study
Authors: Piers Ruth , De Brauwer Isabelle , Baeyens Hilde , Velghe Anja , Hens Lineke , Deschepper Ellen , Henrard Séverine , De Pauw Michel , Van Den Noortgate Nele , De Saint-Hubert Marie
Published: June 2021

Background

An increasing number of older patients are hospitalised. Prognostic uncertainty causes hospital doctors to be reluctant to make the switch from cure to care. The Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT) has not been validated for prognostication in an older hospitalised population.

Aim

To validate SPICT as a prognostic tool for risk of dying within one year in older hospitalised patients.

Design

Prospective multicentre study. Premorbid SPICT and 1-year survival and survival time were assessed.

Setting/participants

Patients 75 years and older admitted at acute geriatric (n=209) and cardiology units (CUs) (n=249) of four hospitals.

Results

In total, 59.3% (124/209) was SPICT identified on acute geriatric vs 40.6% (101/249) on CUs (p<0.001). SPICT-identified patients in CUs reported more functional needs and more symptoms compared to SPICT non-identified patients. On acute geriatric units, SPICT-identified patients reported more functional needs only.

The HR of dying was 2.9 (95% CI 1.1 to 8.7) in SPICT-identified versus non-identified after adjustment for hospital strata, age, gender and did not differ between units. One-year mortality was 24% and 22%, respectively, on acute geriatric versus CUs (p=0.488). Pooled average sensitivity, specificity and partial area under the curve differed significantly between acute geriatric and CUs (p<0.001), respectively, 0.82 (95%CI 0.66 to 0.91), 0.49 (95%CI 0.40 to 0.58) and 0.82 in geriatric vs 0.69 (95% CI 0.42 to 0.87), 0.66 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.77) and 0.65 in CUs.

Conclusions

SPICT may be used as a tool to identify older hospitalised patients at risk of dying within 1 year and who may benefit from a palliative care approach including advance care planning. The prognostic accuracy of SPICT is better in older patients admitted at the acute geriatric versus the CU.
Fallacy of the last bed dilemma
Authors: Valera Luca , Carrasco María A. , Castro Ricardo
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the relevance of adequate decision making at both public health and healthcare levels. A bioethical response to the demand for medical care, supplies and access to critical care is needed. Ethically sound strategies are required for the allocation of increasingly scarce resources, such as rationing critical care beds. In this regard, it is worth mentioning the so-called ‘last bed dilemma’. In this paper, we examine this dilemma, pointing out the main criteria used to solve it and argue that we cannot face these ethical issues as though they are only a dilemma. A more complex ethical view regarding the care of COVID-19 patients that is focused on proportional and ordinary treatments is required. Furthermore, discussions and forward planning are essential because deliberation becomes extremely complex during an emergency and the physicians’ sense of responsibility may be increased if it is faced only as a moral dilemma.