bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of preoperative erythrocyte electrophoresis exponent for acute deep vein thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Xiaoyu Dai , Kai Chen , Zhihui Huang , Huan Li , Naidong Zhang , Wenge Ding
Published: October 2020

Background

Hemorheological parameters have been confirmed to be related with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This study is aimed to verify whether preoperative erythrocyte electrophoresis exponent was associated with postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) risk after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with primary knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods

From March 2010 to May 2020, a total of 750 consecutive KOA patients who accepted unilateral TKA were enrolled. They were divided into DVT (176 patients) and non-DVT groups (574 patients) according to the examination results of the Doppler ultrasound of deep veins in both lower limbs on postoperative day 3. The Chi-square test, Student’s t test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to analyze the correlation of erythrocyte electrophoresis exponent and DVT risk in 2 groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess predictive value of erythrocyte electrophoresis exponent for DVT.

Results

A low erythrocyte electrophoresis exponent was a significant risk factor for DVT in patients with primary KOA (p < 0.05), especially in females when stratified by gender (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that lower erythrocyte electrophoresis before surgery may be independently associated with a higher post-surgery DVT risk in primary KOA patients. It is necessary to optimize prophylaxis strategies for DVT in these patients.
How we assess the perioperative anxiety of surgical patients with pulmonary nodules: the revision of state-trait anxiety inventory
Authors: Zhou Zhenyu , Wang Ying , Niu Yuequn , He Zhehao , Huang Manli , Zhou Yuqiong , Lv Wang , Hu Jian
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aim of the study was to develop a short form of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and calculate the norms for the assessment of anxiety in surgical patients in mainland China.

Methods

Patients who were scheduled to carry out pulmonary surgery in our department were included. The sinicized 40-item STAI Form-Y was used to assess the anxiety on the surgery eve. Then the coefficient of variation, coefficient of correlation, stepwise regression analysis, principal component analysis, and structural equation model were successively to filter the items. The reliability and validity of the revised STAI was estimated and the norms were computed.

Results

445 intact replies were collected. A 13-item STAI with 6 items in state subscale and 7 items in trait subscale produced similar scores with the full version of STAI. The Cronbach alpha coefficients for the state and trait subscales were 0.924 and 0.936, respectively. The determinant coefficients were 0.781 and 0.822, respectively. Moreover, the norms of both state subscale and trait subscale are provided according to the age and gender.

Conclusions

The revised short form of STAI has good reliability and validity. It is likely to be more acceptable by reducing the fatigue effects, and is suitable for follow-up study on the assessment and intervention of perioperative anxiety of surgical patients with pulmonary nodules.
Shengmai Yin formula modulates the gut microbiota of spleen-deficiency rats
Authors: You Yu , Luo Lin , You Yanyan , Lin Yanjun , Hu Huiling , Chen Yunhui , Fu Chaomei , Xie Tian
Published: October 2020

Background

Spleen-deficiency syndrome, an important pathological change in traditional Chinese medicine, has been proven to attribute to intestinal dysbacteriosis. Shengmai Yin (SMY), a classic formula for replenishing qi and restoring pulse, is a common medicine for critical emergencies in traditional Chinese Medicine. Interestingly, our previous study established a spleen-deficiency rat model and verified the potency of SMY formula in curing spleen-deficiency rats. Our goal herein was to explore whether SMY can modulate the composition of intestinal flora and alleviate spleen-deficiency in rats.

Methods

This experiment was randomly divided into three groups, namely the normal control group (NC), model control group (MC), and the Shengmai Yin group (SMY). After the treatment, the weight and symptom indexes of the rats were recorded, histological changes in the colon were observed, levels of serum D-xylose, gastrin (GAS), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were measured, and gut microbiota profiling was conducted by 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results

The body mass of the spleen-deficiency model rats significantly decreased compared with that of the NC group, and SMY treatment significantly increased body mass compared with the MC group (P < 0.01). Colon histopathology revealed that SMY treatment alleviated colonic mucosal damage in spleen-deficiency rats. The serum levels of D-xylose and gastrin (GAS) were significant increased by SMY (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) was reduced by SMY (P < 0.01) compared with MC. Furthermore, alpha diversity was significantly decreased in the model rats compared to the normal rats (P < 0.05) and increased with SMY treatment (P < 0.01). The most abundant phyla were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, followed by Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Actinobacteria. At the genus level, there was a lower relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Akkermasia, and Allobaculum, and a higher relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A 136 group, Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, and Sphingomonas in the MC group. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Alistipes, Bifidobacterium, Bifidobacterium, Bifidobacteriaceae, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136group, Lactobacillus, Lactobacillaceae, Bacilli, Verrucomicrobiae, and Akkermansia were significantly abundant in the treatment groups, and thus may be singled out as potential biomarkers for SMY in the treatment of spleen deficiency. In addition, analysis on the correlation between species and physicochemical indexes showed that the abundance of Parasutterella was negatively correlated with the change in GAS, and positively correlated with the change in VIP (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our findings have provided preliminary evidence that modulating the gut microbiota may play a role in the treatment of spleen deficiency with SMY. However, further studies are needed to clarify the mechanism by which SMY regulation of related gut microbiota occurs.
Early recognition and response to increases in surgical site infections using optimized statistical process control charts—the Early 2RIS Trial: a multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial with stepped wedge design
Authors: Anderson Deverick J. , Ilieş Iulian , Foy Katherine , Nehls Nicole , Benneyan James C. , Lokhnygina Yuliya , Baker Arthur W.
Published: October 2020

Background

Surgical site infections (SSIs) cause significant patient suffering. Surveillance and feedback of SSI rates is an evidence-based strategy to reduce SSIs, but traditional surveillance methods are slow and prone to bias. The objective of this cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to determine if using optimized statistical process control (SPC) charts for SSI surveillance and feedback lead to a reduction in SSI rates compared to traditional surveillance.

Methods

The Early 2RIS Trial is a prospective, multicenter cluster RCT using a stepped wedge design. The trial will be performed in 29 hospitals in the Duke Infection Control Outreach Network (DICON) and 105 clusters over 4 years, from March 2016 through February 2020; year one represents a baseline period; thereafter, 8–9 clusters will be randomized to intervention every 3 months over a 3-year period using a stepped wedge randomization design. All patients who undergo one of 13 targeted procedures at study hospitals will be included in the analysis; these procedures will be included in one of six clusters: cardiac, orthopedic, gastrointestinal, OB-GYN, vascular, and spinal. All clusters will undergo traditional surveillance for SSIs; once randomized to intervention, clusters will also undergo surveillance and feedback using optimized SPC charts. Feedback on surveillance data will be provided to all clusters, regardless of allocation or type of surveillance. The primary endpoint is the difference in rates of SSI between the SPC intervention compared to traditional surveillance and feedback alone.

Discussion

The traditional approach for SSI surveillance and feedback has several major deficiencies because SSIs are rare events. First, traditional statistical methods require aggregation of measurements over time, which delays analysis until enough data accumulate. Second, traditional statistical tests and resulting p values are difficult to interpret. Third, analyses based on average SSI rates during predefined time periods have limited ability to rapidly identify important, real-time trends. Thus, standard analytic methods that compare average SSI rates between arbitrarily designated time intervals may not identify an important SSI rate increase on time unless the “signal” is very strong. Therefore, novel strategies for early identification and investigation of SSI rate increases are needed to decrease SSI rates. While SPC charts are used throughout industry and healthcare to improve and optimize processes, including other types of healthcare-associated infections, they have not been evaluated as a tool for SSI surveillance and feedback in a randomized trial.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT03075813, Registered March 9, 2017.
A technology-enhanced model of care for transitional palliative care versus attention control for adult family caregivers in rural or medically underserved areas: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Holland Diane E. , Vanderboom Catherine E. , Mandrekar Jay , Borah Bijan J. , Dose Ann Marie , Ingram Cory J. , Griffin Joan M.
Published: October 2020

Background

Transitioning care from hospital to home is associated with risks of adverse events and poor continuity of care. These transitions are even more challenging when new approaches to care, such as palliative care, are introduced before discharge. Family caregivers (FCGs) are expected to navigate these transitions while also managing care. In addition to extensive caregiving responsibilities, FCGs often have their own health needs that can inhibit their ability to provide care. Those living in rural areas have even fewer resources to meet their self-care and caregiving needs. The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of an intervention to improve FCGs’ health and well-being. The intervention uses video visits to teach, guide, and counsel FCGs in rural areas during hospital-to-home transitions. The intervention is based on evidence of transitional and palliative care principles, which are individualized to improve continuity of care, provide caregiver support, enhance knowledge and skills, and attend to caregivers’ health needs. It aims to test whether usual care practices are similar to this technology-enhanced intervention in (1) caregiving skills (e.g., caregiving preparedness, communication with clinicians, and satisfaction with care), (2) FCG health outcomes (e.g., quality of life, burden, coping skills, depression), and (3) cost. We describe the rationale for targeting rural caregivers, the methods for the study and intervention, and the analysis plan to test the intervention’s effect.

Methods

The study uses a randomized controlled trial design, with FCGs assigned to the control condition or the caregiver intervention by computer-generated lists. The intervention period continues for 8 weeks after care recipients are discharged from the hospital. Data are collected at baseline, 2 weeks, 8 weeks, and 6 months. Time and monetary costs from a societal perspective are captured monthly.

Discussion

This study addresses 2 independent yet interrelated health care foci—transitional care and palliative care—by testing an intervention to extend palliative care practice and improve transition management for caregivers of seriously ill patients in rural areas. The comprehensive cost assessment will quantify the commitment and financial burden of FCGs.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT03339271. Registered on 13 November 2017.

Protocol version: 11.
Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) use in modelling disease progression in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: an analysis from the EUSTAR database
Authors:   on behalf of the EUSTAR Collaborators, Allanore Yannick , Bozzi Sylvie , Terlinden Augustin , Huscher Doerte , Amand Caroline , Soubrane Christina , Siegert Elise , Czirják László , Carreira Patricia E. , Hachulla Eric , Zanatta Elisabetta , Li Mengtao , Airò Paolo , Mendoza Fabian A. , Rosato Edoardo , Distler Oliver
Published: October 2020

Background

Patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) have a poor prognosis. The importance of monitoring subjective measures of functioning and disability, such as the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), is important as dcSSc is rated by patients as worse than diabetes or hemodialysis for quality of life impairment. This European Scleroderma Trials and Research (EUSTAR) database analysis was undertaken to examine the importance of impaired functionality in dcSSc prognosis. The primary objectives were to identify predictors of death and HAQ-DI score progression over 1 year. HAQ-DI score, major advanced organ involvement, and death rate were also used to develop a comprehensive model to predict lifetime dcSSc progression.

Methods

This was an observational, longitudinal study in patients with dcSSc registered in EUSTAR. Death and HAQ-DI scores were, respectively, analyzed by Cox regression and linear regression analyses in relation to baseline covariates. A microsimulation Markov model was developed to estimate/predict natural progression of dcSSc over a patient’s lifetime.

Results

The analysis included dcSSc patients with (N = 690) and without (N = 4132) HAQ-DI score assessments from the EUSTAR database. Baseline HAQ-DI score, corticosteroid treatment, and major advanced organ involvement were predictive of death on multivariable analysis; a 1-point increase in baseline HAQ-DI score multiplied the risk of death by 2.7 (p <  0.001) and multiple advanced major organ involvement multiplied the risk of death by 2.8 (p <  0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that baseline modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) and baseline HAQ-DI score were associated with HAQ-DI score progression at 1 year (p <  0.05), but there was no association between baseline organ involvement and HAQ-DI score progression at 1 year. HAQ-DI score, major advanced organ involvement, and death were successfully used to model long-term disease progression in dcSSc.

Conclusions

HAQ-DI score and major advanced organ involvement were comparable predictors of mortality risk in dcSSc. Baseline mRSS and baseline HAQ-DI score were predictive of HAQ-DI score progression at 1 year, indicating a correlation between these endpoints in monitoring disease progression. It is hoped that this EUSTAR analysis may change physician perception about the importance of the HAQ-DI score in dcSSc.
Small cell carcinoma of the prostate after low-dose-rate brachytherapy: a case report
Authors: Van Bos Eva , Dekuyper Peter , Gabriel Charlotte , Waterloos Marjan , Van Baelen Anthony , Huybrechts Stefan , Ameye Filip , Lambrecht Antoon , Vulsteke Christof , Soenens Charlotte
Published: October 2020

Background

Small cell carcinoma of the prostate is a rare condition with important differences from prostatic adenocarcinoma in terms of clinical and prognostic characteristics. A low prostate-specific antigen and a symptomatic patient, including paraneoplastic symptoms, characterize small cell carcinoma of the prostate. Diagnosis is made on the basis of prostate biopsy, and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography is often used for staging because up to 60% of patients present with de novo metastatic disease. Patients with metastatic disease are usually treated with platinum-based cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens similar to those used for small cell carcinoma of the lung. However, prognosis remains poor, with a median overall survival of 9 to 17 months despite therapy.

Case presentation

This report describes a case of an 80-year-old Caucasian patient with lymph node and bone metastatic small cell carcinoma of the prostate following low-dose-rate brachytherapy for a low-risk prostate carcinoma and treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Conclusion

Low-dose-rate brachytherapy might be an etiology of small cell prostate cancer.
Optimal control problem arises from illegal poaching of southern white rhino mathematical model
Authors: Aldila Dipo , Azizah Nadhira , Handari Bevina D.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a novel dynamical population model of a southern white rhino with legal and illegal poaching activity is introduced. The model constructed is based on a predator–prey model with southern white rhinos as prey and humans (hunters) as predators. We divide the southern white rhino population into three classes based on their horn condition. We investigate the existence and the stability of the equilibrium points, which depend on some threshold functions. From an analytical result, it is trivial that arresting as many hunters as possible helps conserve white rhinos, but it comes at a high cost. Therefore, an optimal strategy is needed. The optimal control is then constructed using Pontryagin’s minimum principle and solved numerically with an iterative forward–backward method. Optimal control simulations are given to provide additional insight into the dynamics of the model. Analysis of the cost function effectiveness is conducted using the ACER (Average Cost–Effectiveness Ratio) and ICER (Incremental Cost–Effectiveness Ratio) indicator method. The results show that the hunter population can be more easily controlled with a time-dependent hunter arrest rate rather than by treating it as a constant.
Successful surgical procedure based on careful preoperative imaging for chronic idiopathic colonic pseudo-obstruction: a case report
Authors: Yoshimura Kosuke , Ohge Hiroki , Shimada Norimitsu , Uegami Shinnosuke , Watadani Yusuke , Nakashima Ikki , Hirano Toshinori , Kitagawa Hiroki , Kaiki Yuki , Takahashi Shinya
Published: October 2020

Background

Chronic idiopathic colonic pseudo-obstruction (CICP) is a rare disease, defined as a condition of the chronically damaged colon, without obstruction or stenosis, and a pathological abnormality in the myenteric plexus. To date, there is no effective medication for CICP, and existing medication is not useful, making surgery the only effective treatment. Laparoscopic surgery is useful for reducing surgical trauma and postoperative adhesion. Herein, we report a patient with recurrent laxative-uncontrolled bowel obstruction, who underwent successful treatment with laparoscopic total colectomy based on preoperative detailed evaluation of bowel function.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old female patient without any past abdominal or psychological medical history was referred to our hospital because of chronic constipation and abdominal pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography, barium enema, cine magnetic resonance imaging, and defecography indicated an enlarged colon from the cecum to the transverse colon (proximal to the splenic flexure) without apparent mechanical obstruction, and a collapsed colon from the descending colon to the rectum, with reduced peristalsis. Bowel movements of the rectum and anorectal function were normal. Based on these findings, we diagnosed CICP and performed laparoscopic total colectomy and ileo-rectal anastomosis in this case. Postoperative recovery was good, without the need for postoperative laxatives. Pathologically, no degeneration of the muscle layers or Auerbach’s plexus was found in the resected specimen.

Conclusion

Surgery is the only effective treatment for patients with CICP. Careful imaging before surgery is important for detecting the extent of excision required. This will reduce the need for additional surgery due to symptom relapse in the remnant colon. However, continued observation of the patient is required.
Impact of communication latency on distributed optimal power flow performance
Authors: Korner Clemens , Gavriluta Catalin , Pröstl Andrén Filip , Meisel Marcus , Sauter Thilo
Published: October 2020

In this work, we study the performance of a distributed optimal power flow control algorithm with respect to realistic communication quality of service. By making use of a communication network simulator, namely “GNS3”, we created a framework that simulates both the controllers involved in the optimal power flow algorithm and the communication between them. Using this platform, we investigate and give insights into the convergence time of the distributed algorithm when applied to the IEEE 13 and IEEE 123 node test feeders. By leveraging the simulation results, we define parameters on the network quality of service, such that the distributed optimal power flow algorithm could be used for secondary or tertiary control.To deal with the complexity induced by a large number of components involved in these simulations, we present a methodology to automate and streamline the generation and the analysis of simulation scenarios.
Agent-based bidirectional charging algorithms for battery electric vehicles in renewable energy communities
Authors: Surmann Arne , Walia Rohit , Kohrs Robert
Published: October 2020

This paper introduces a framework for agent based autonomous charging and discharging of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) at local energy communities. Agents are programmed to control the bidirectional charging according to green energy utilisation incentives, based on load and generation forecasts. The optimization is achieved within a group of independent prosumers following a fully distributed approach using multiple self-organising agents. No central instance is needed for communication, billing or decision making. To demonstrate the ecological benefits of the system, simulations for a car pool, with a Photovoltaic (PV) plant, in a residential neighborhood were performed. The simulations resulted in an increased community PV self-consumption value of 48% compared to 29% in case of uncontrolled charging processes.
The battle against Covid-19: the experience of an Egyptian radiology department in a university setting
Authors: Mohammad Shaimaa AbdelSattar , Osman Ahmed M. , Abd-Elhameed Abeer Maghawry , Ahmed Khaled A. , Taha Noha M. , Saleh Ayman , Omar Ashraf , El-Meteini Mahmoud , Mohamed Mona Adel
Published: October 2020

Background

The current COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in marked and rapid changes to the standing policies of radiology departments globally. The aim of this review article is to describe the various processes implemented by a radiology department in an educational institution in a resource limited country during the COVID-19 crisis, giving insights into the adopted strategies in other institutions in developed countries.

Main body

Our preparedness strategy was directed into five main domains: protection and wellness of radiology faculty and staff, radiological examinations and patients’ safety, education, research, and financial support. By implementing new strategies, we found that work reorganization through the use of home PACS provided safe and effective reporting service, low infection rate with zero mortality, and online lectures and theses defense were successful. Furthermore, governmental support and donations were helpful in facing financial challenges during the pandemic. A comprehensive literature review search for policies adopted by other radiology departments in the world was performed. The adopted strategies of various centers are generally similar to ours aiming for mitigating the spread of the virus, keeping good patients’ care, and maintaining the educational process. Few policy differences across institutions were found in the reporting strategy of COVID-19 pneumonia and according to the availability of resources.

Conclusion

Covid-19 pandemic has opened the door for changes in the radiology department policies with renewed focus on educational, clinical, and scientific strategies. Documentation of the dynamic modifications of everyday practices and lessons learned are important as a reference for preparedness for possible second surge or future crisis.
Importance of congruence between communicating and executing implementation programmes: a qualitative study of focus group interviews
Authors: Lindholm Lars H. , Laitila Minna , Lassila Antero , Kampman Olli
Published: October 2020

Background

The Ostrobothnia Depression Programme (ODP) in Finland was intended to implement two evidence-based brief psychotherapy interventions, namely motivational interview and behavioural activation, in several regional psychiatric teams. A simultaneous effectiveness study was conducted. Considerable tension was encountered between these two arms, causing resistance to change. We conducted a qualitative case study to better understand this tension and to discuss how managerial and executive practices may ensure the successful running of a hybrid design programme.

Methods

We conducted focus group interviews to evaluate the phases of preparation and practical execution of the ODP from the perspectives of management and the programme executives. To gather the data, we applied the revised Socratic approach for health technology assessment and focus group interviews. We analysed the data deductively according to the Normalization Process Theory.

Results

We identified two main critical issues: (1) The ODP programme plan ignored the team leaders’ crucial role in influencing the implementation climate and mobilizing organizational strategies. The ODP had a simplistic top-down design with minimal and delayed collaboration with its target groups in the preparation phase. (2) Incongruence occurred between what the project group had explicitly communicated about being the spearhead of the ODP and what they then actually enacted. These two issues caused tension between the implementation efforts and the effectiveness study as well as resistance to change among the staff.

Conclusion

Early, open collaboration with all prospective stakeholders towards a shared understanding about the programme is the first action the programme administrators should take. Agreement on goals and the means to achieve them would lower tension between the two arms of a hybrid design programme, thereby reducing resistance to change. Congruence between the goals communicated and the actual managerial and executive actions is of paramount importance in getting the programme recipients on board.
Building improvement capacity in mental health services
Authors: Vincent Charles
Published: October 2020

Improving the delivery of existing treatment may often bring much greater benefits than developing new treatments and technologies. To achieve this, clinical teams and organisations need to build capacity for sustained and systematic improvement. Organisations can build improvement capacity and skills by developing permanent multidisciplinary centres to provide sustained inspiration, research, training and practical support for implementation and innovation. In the longer term, organisations need to build an infrastructure for quality improvement that includes an information system to track change and dedicated improvement leads across the organisation.
From Extreme to Mainstream: The Erosion of Social Norms
Authors: Bursztyn Leonardo , Egorov Georgy , Fiorin Stefano
Published: October 2020

Social norms, usually persistent, can change quickly when new public information arrives, such as a surprising election outcome. People may become more inclined to express views or take actions previously perceived as stigmatized and may judge others less negatively for doing so. We examine this possibility using two experiments. We first show via revealed preference experiments that Donald Trump’s rise in popularity and eventual victory increased individuals’ willingness to publicly express xenophobic views. We then show that individuals are sanctioned less negatively if they publicly expressed a xenophobic view in an environment where that view is more popular. (JEL D72, D85, Z13)
Small and Large Firms over the Business Cycle
Authors: Crouzet Nicolas , Mehrotra Neil R.
Published: October 2020

This paper uses new confidential Census data to revisit the relationship between firm size, cyclicality, and financial frictions. First, we find that large firms (the top 1 percent by size) are less cyclically sensitive than the rest. Second, high and rising concentration implies that the higher cyclicality of the bottom 99 percent of firms only has a modest impact on aggregate fluctuations. Third, differences in cyclicality are not simply explained by financing, and in fact appear largely unrelated to proxies for financial strength. We instead provide evidence for an alternative mechanism based on the industry scope of the very largest firms. (JEL D22, E32, G32, L25)
Escalation and de-escalation of the radiology response to COVID-19 in a tertiary hospital in South London: The King’s College Hospital experience
Authors: Panayiotou Andreas , Rafailidis Vasileios , Puttick Thomas , Satchithananda Keshthra , Gray Adam , Sidhu Paul S
Published: October 2020

The pandemic of COVID-19 presented an enormous challenge to the medical world in terms of diagnosis, treatment and health-care management as well as service organisation and provision. This novel virus and its spread affected every aspect of modern medical practice, ranging from investigating transmission of this new pathogen, antigen testing of symptomatic patients, imaging, assessing different treatment regimens and the production of a new vaccine. Imaging played a crucial role in the diagnosis of COVID-19-related lung disease, with plain radiography and CT being the main diagnostic modalities, with ultrasound a useful bedside imaging tool. The accurate and early diagnosis of the disease was not the only issue faced by Radiology Departments across the world; prevention of nosocomial infection, creating capacity with elective imaging suspension, management and protection of the workforce being few of the numerous challenges. The purpose of this manuscript is to present the steps that the Radiology Department of a large urban tertiary facility with a local vulnerable population, undertook to adapt the imaging service and structure, both initially escalating and then de-escalating a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A step-by-step management strategy, effective and sustained staff deployment, imaging management are presented and discussed, to provide a guide for managing a major incident in a radiology department.
Giovanni Sartori jako filozof
Authors: Bankowicz Marek
Published: October 2020

Giovanni Sartori as a PhilosopherGiovanni Sartori, one of the most outstanding world political scientists, a “fullyfledged political scientist” – according to Gianfranco Pasquino’s opinion, was by education a philosopher and he has started his academic career on a philosophical plane. Philosophical writings of Sartori are not widely well-known, because they have been published practically only in Italian. Certainly, Sartori did not elaborate his own philosophical system, however, he was an expert and an avid analyst of Kant, Hegel, Marx and Croce. In the philosophical sense Sartori was a Kantist. He looked at Kant admiringly, was distanced from Hegel and was strongly critical of Marx. Although it needs to be stressed that Sartori focused his attention on Benedetto Croce, the greatest Italian philosopher of XX century, whose oeuvre he judged ambiguously.
Filozofia polityczna Hegla w interpretacji Joachima Rittera
Authors: Jankowski Paweł
Published: October 2020

Hegel’s Political Philosophy in Joachim Ritter’s InterpretationThis article outlines Joachim Ritter’s attempt to detach Hegel’s political and social philosophy from its Marxist interpretation. The first section examines the differences between the reception of Hegel’s legacy by Ritter and by the Frankfurt School. The latter views Hegel primarily as a forerunner of Marx, while Ritter perceives Hegel as committed theorist and advocate of modern state and civil society. The second section focuses on Ritter’s attitude towards the post-revolutionary society. In particular, it explores Ritter’s interpretation of the concept of modern university and interest in history as a reaction to rapid modernization. The last section turns to Ritter’s criticism of the rejection of the contemporary social and political realities – represented by both right-winged reactionaries and far-left progressivists – and also demonstrates Ritter and his School’s contribution to intellectual legitimization of the post-war German Federal Republic.
(Nie)doskonała równowaga? Problemy relacji między unią, stanami a ludem w amerykańskiej debacie politycznej w latach 1798-1861
Authors: Lis Rafał
Published: October 2020

(Im)perfect Balance? Problems of Relations between the Union, States and the People in the American Political Debate in the Years 1798-1861 The aim of the article is to present the controversy related to maintaining the ideal of balance between the two levels of power in the American political system (Union and state), indicated by James Madison in his essay. This balance was strongly justified by the reference to the principle of people’s sovereignty, which was to be threatened by both centrifugal and separatist, as well as centralist and unification tendencies. The review of positions from the years 1798– 1861 presented in the article allows us to state that the controversy resulted from Madison’s failure to precisely define the people – especially where exactly they should be placed in the conflict between the two jurisdictions.
Powstanie Wielkanocne w prasie polskiej (Komentarze polityczne)
Authors: Stępnik Krzysztof
Published: October 2020

Easter Rising in the Polish Press (Political Commentaries)The author of the paper describes the ways in which the Polish press were informed about the Easter Rising, sources of gaining this knowledge (Reuters Agency and European daily newspapers); particularly, he makes analysis of political commentaries which were published in Warsaw, Cracow and Lvov newspapers. He shows a specific character of Polish reaction to the events in Ireland, which was rooted in the analogy of historical destiny of both nations, and gained a particularly strong resonance on the turn of April and May 1916. The author points out to the causes of this resonance of which a gradual change in the attitude of the Polish society towards Germany was the most important. The permission of German authorities-in-occupation for a great national manifestation in Warsaw on 3 May 1916 strengthened the orientation towards the central states which was evidenced by the participation of the political figuring on Germany in this event. Reports of the fall of the uprising in Ireland and the accompanying commen aries coincided with comprehensive accounts of manifestation celebrating 125th ann versary of 3rd May Constitution, which was of significant importance for the reception of the Easter Rising. Emotional stress in Warsaw, strongly stimulating patriotic feelings, created an extremely emotional attitude towards the uprising in Dublin experienced by Poles as a charter almost from their history.
Characterisation of palliative sedation use in inpatients at a medium-stay palliative care unit
Authors: Murillo-Zamora Efrén , García-López Nallely A , de Santiago-Ruiz Ana , Chávez-Lira Alcira Emperatriz , Mendoza-Cano Oliver , Guzmán-Esquivel José
Published: October 2020

Background

Palliative sedation has been used to refer to the practice of providing symptom control through the administration of sedative drugs. The objective of this article was to characterise palliative sedation use in inpatients at a medium-stay palliative care unit.

Material and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 125 randomly selected patients (aged 15 or older) who had died in 2014. The Palliative Performance Scale was used to evaluate the functional status.

Results

Palliative sedation was documented in 34.4% of the patients and midazolam was the most commonly used sedative agent (86.0%). More than half (53.5%) of those who recieved sedation presented with delirium. Liver dysfunction was more frequent in the sedated patients (p=0.033) and patients with heart disease were less likely (p=0.026) to be sedated.

Conclusion

Palliative sedation is an ethically accepted practice. It was commonly midazolam-induced, and differences were documented, among sedated and non-sedated patients, in terms of liver dysfunction and heart disease.
Psychosocial predictors of asthma onset during mid-adulthood: evidence from the National Child Development Study
Authors: Hammond Cathie
Published: October 2020

This paper provides evidence about how psychosocial factors predict asthma onset during mid-adulthood. Questions addressed are:

1. Do life course adversities predict asthma onset? What types of adversity are important?

2. What factors confound and mediate associations between childhood adversity and asthma onset?

3. In the context of life course adversity, do psychological factors predict asthma onset?

Data from the National Child Development Study from birth to age 42 were used. Asthma onset was measured between 33 and 42.

To reduce bias and maintain numbers, missing values were imputed in multiple data sets. Logistic regression analyses were conducted of asthma onset on life course adversities, classified as material (including occupation-related) and social (family-/relationship-related, child loss, traumatic). Nested models were used to address questions 2 and 3, and a wide range of factors tested.

After adjustment for gender, asthma onset during mid-adulthood was more common among cohort members who reported life course adversities (odds ratio per category = 1.232 (1.140–1.332)) in eight categories. Social adversities predicted asthma onset after adjustment for material adversities. The association between childhood adversity and asthma onset was mediated by subsequent adversity and depressive symptoms at 33. Asthma onset was predicted by female gender, atopic history, life course adversity, internalising childhood temperament and depressive symptoms at 33.

This study contributes to a small evidence base that life course adversities substantially increase the risk of adult-onset asthma, and highlights the importance of psychosocial pathways. The salience of depressive symptoms shortly before diagnosed onset is a new finding.
Sparse-view CBCT reconstruction via weighted Schatten p-norm minimization
Authors: Xu Congcong , Yang Bo , Guo Fupei , Zheng Wenfeng , Poignet Philippe
Published: October 2020

A novel iterative algorithm is proposed for sparse-view cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) reconstruction based on the weighted Schatten p-norm minimization (WSNM). By using the half quadratic splitting, the sparse-view CBCT reconstruction task is decomposed into two sub-problems that can be solved through alternating iteration: simple reconstruction and image denoising. The WSNM that fits well with the low-rank hypothesis of CBCT data is introduced to improve the denoising sub-problem as a regularization term. The experimental results based on the digital brain phantom and clinical CT data indicated the advantages of the proposed algorithm in both structural information preservation and artifacts suppression, which performs better than the classical algorithms in quantitative and qualitative evaluations.
Light diffraction in slab waveguide lenses simulated with the stepwise angular spectrum method
Authors: Ebers Lena , Hammer Manfred , Förstner Jens
Published: October 2020

A stepwise angular spectrum method (SASM) for curved interfaces is presented to calculate the wave propagation in planar lens-like integrated optical structures based on photonic slab waveguides. The method is derived and illustrated for an effective 2D setup first and then for 3D slab waveguide lenses. We employ slab waveguides of different thicknesses connected by curved surfaces to realize a lens-like structure. To simulate the wave propagation in 3D including reflection and scattering losses, the stepwise angular spectrum method is combined with full vectorial finite element computations for subproblems with lower complexity. Our SASM results show excellent agreement with rigorous numerical simulations of the full structures with a substantially lower computational effort and can be utilized for the simulation-based design and optimization of complex and large scale setups.
Arab diasporic media in Turkey: A story of (trans)national narratives in the Middle East
Authors: Alrmizan Mohammed
Published: October 2020

The aim of this article is to investigate what seems to be a developing phenomenon of regime-critical Arab diasporic media post-Arab Spring in Turkey. First, the article explores the academic literature covering the concepts of (Arab) diaspora and (Arab) diasporic media. Second, it highlights the development of the Arab diasporic media in Turkey drawn from Syrian, Egyptian, Yemeni and Libyan landscapes. Finally, the article discusses the reasons that made Turkey welcome such a phenomenon. Methodologically, the article employs a qualitative analysis of secondary sources to explore and describe the subject. The Arab diasporic media in Turkey began to emerge noticeably in the aftermath of the Arab Spring in 2011 and ended up mostly in Istanbul. Turkey was motivated to welcome the Arab diaspora and diasporic media because it has some tensions with Arab regimes, the AKP’s support to Muslim Brotherhood Movement, and geographical, economic and political interests. However, although some of these media are still active, many had to end their operations, mainly due to financial issues.
Evaluating Flinders Technology Associates card for transporting bacterial isolates and retrieval of bacterial DNA after various storage conditions
Authors: Shalaby Azhar G. , Bakry Neveen R. , Mohamed Abeer A. E. , Khalil Ashraf A.
Published: October 2020

Background and Aim: Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) cards simplify sample storage, transport, and extraction by reducing cost and time for diagnosis. This study evaluated the FTA suitability for safe transport and storage of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cells of animal origin on its liquid culture form and from organ impression smears (tissues) under the same routine condition of microbiological laboratory along with detecting their nucleic acid over different storage conditions.

Materials and Methods: Increase in bacterial count from 104 to 107 (colony-forming units/mL) of 78 isolates representing seven bacterial species was applied onto cards. FTA cards were grouped and inoculated by these bacteria and then stored at different conditions of 24-27°C, 4°C, and –20°C for 24 h, for 2 weeks, for 1 and 3 month storage, respectively. Bacteriological examination was done, after which bacterial DNA was identified using specific primers for each bacterial type and detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: The total percentage of recovered bacteria from FTA cards was 66.7% at 24-27–C for 24 h, the detection limit was 100% in Gram-positive species, while it was 57.4% in Gram-negative ones. Regarding viable cell detection from organ impression smears, it was successful under the previous conditions. No live bacterial cells were observed by bacteriological isolation rather than only at 24-27°C for 24 h storage. All bacterial DNA were sufficiently confirmed by the PCR technique at different conditions.

Conclusion: Overall, the FTA card method was observed to be a valid tool for nucleic acid purification for bacteria of animal origin in the form of culture or organ smears regardless of its Gram type and is used for a short time only 24 h for storage and transport of live bacteria specifically Gram-positive type. Moreover, the bacterial nucleic acid was intact after storage in –20°C for 3 months and was PCR amplifiable.
Current advances in molecular subtyping using multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analysis of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium in Egyptian chickens
Authors: Hassan Wafaa M. M. , El Tawab Ashraf A. Abd , El-Shannat Sara M.
Published: October 2020

Aim: This study aimed to characterize the genetic diversity, evolutionary level, and prevalence of genotypes of common isolates of Salmonella (Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium). Using one of the most advanced molecular recognition techniques, multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA), we characterized the genotype and prevalence of S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-five internal organ samples were collected from the major chicken slaughterhouses in Egypt, and Salmonella species were isolated. PCR was utilized to amplify the IE-1 and Flic-C genes to identify S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium DNA, respectively, from Salmonella isolates. MLVA was applied on nine samples of S. Enteritidis DNA and three samples of S. Typhimurium DNA. Six variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) loci (Sal02, Sal04, Sal06, Sal10, Sal20, and Sal23) were amplified.

Results: Of the examined samples (n=125), a total of 12 isolates (9.6%) were either identified as Enteritidis or Typhimurium. PCR-mediated amplification of IE-1 and Flic-C revealed that 75% (n=9) of the 12 Salmonella isolates were S. Enteritidis and 25% (n=3) were S. Typhimurium. The six loci amplified through MLVA had allelic diversity. The most discriminatory heterogenic locus for S. Enteritidis was Sal20. Sal04 and Sal23 were the most discriminatory heterogenic loci for S. Typhimurium. VNTR allelic profile analysis revealed nine unique genotypes for S. Enteritidis and three for S. Typhimurium.

Conclusion: This study was the first to use MLVA analysis to identify S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium strains isolated from chickens in Egypt. The molecular typing data reported herein allowed us to characterize the genotypes of S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium that are most prevalent in Egyptian chickens. Moreover, this epidemiological information provides valuable insight on how to prevent disease transmission. Moreover, our methods provide an alternative to traditional serotyping techniques that may produce inaccurate strain identifications for organisms with rough lipopolysaccharide structures.
Interregionalism
Authors: Lehoczki Bernadett
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study is to give an introduction to the place and role of Latin America as a world region in interregional relations. Latin America –at the regional and the state level– has long and deep experiences in being involved in inter-regional cooperation, a new element of global governance. After a short introduction to the phenomenon of interregionalism, the study focuses on the Latin American way of involvement and participation in inter-regional cooperation trying to detect special regional characteristics for deeper understanding.