bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early life serum neurofilament dynamics predict neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants
Authors: Goeral Katharina , Hauck Annalisa , Atkinson Andrew , Wagner Michael B. , Pimpel Birgit , Fuiko Renate , Klebermass-Schrehof Katrin , Leppert David , Kuhle Jens , Berger Angelika , Olischar Monika , Wellmann Sven
Published: February 2021

Background and purpose

To determine whether neurofilament light chain (NfL), a promising serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker of neuroaxonal damage, predicts functional outcome in preterm infants with neonatal brain injury.

Methods

Our prospective observational study used a sensitive single-molecule array assay to measure serum and CSF NfL concentrations in preterm infants with moderate to severe peri/intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH). We determined temporal serum and CSF NfL profiles from the initial diagnosis of PIVH until term-equivalent age and their association with clinical and neurodevelopmental outcome until 2 years of age assessed by Bayley Scales of Infant Development (3rd edition). We fitted univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to determine risk factors for poor motor and cognitive development.

Results

The study included 48 infants born at < 32 weeks of gestation. Median serum NfL (sNfL) at PIVH diagnosis was 251 pg/mL [interquartile range (IQR) 139–379], decreasing markedly until term-equivalent age to 15.7 pg/mL (IQR 11.1–33.5). CSF NfL was on average 113-fold higher (IQR 40–211) than corresponding sNfL values. Additional cerebral infarction (n = 25)-but not post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus requiring external ventricular drainage (n = 29) nor any other impairment-was independently associated with sNfL. Multivariate logistic regression models identified sNfL as an independent predictor of poor motor outcome or death at 1 and 2 years.

Conclusions

Serum neurofilament light chain dynamics in the first weeks of life predict motor outcome in preterm infants with PIVH.
Independent and combined impact of hypoxia and acute inorganic nitrate ingestion on thermoregulatory responses to the cold
Authors: Arnold Josh T. , Bailey Stephen J. , Hodder Simon G. , Fujii Naoto , Lloyd Alex B.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study assessed the impact of normobaric hypoxia and acute nitrate ingestion on shivering thermogenesis, cutaneous vascular control, and thermometrics in response to cold stress.

Method

Eleven male volunteers underwent passive cooling at 10 °C air temperature across four conditions: (1) normoxia with placebo ingestion, (2) hypoxia (0.130 FiO2) with placebo ingestion, (3) normoxia with 13 mmol nitrate ingestion, and (4) hypoxia with nitrate ingestion. Physiological metrics were assessed as a rate of change over 45 min to determine heat loss, and at the point of shivering onset to determine the thermogenic thermoeffector threshold.

Result

Independently, hypoxia expedited shivering onset time (p = 0.05) due to a faster cooling rate as opposed to a change in central thermoeffector thresholds. Specifically, compared to normoxia, hypoxia increased skin blood flow (p = 0.02), leading to an increased core-cooling rate (p = 0.04) and delta change in rectal temperature (p = 0.03) over 45 min, yet the same rectal temperature at shivering onset (p = 0.9). Independently, nitrate ingestion delayed shivering onset time (p = 0.01), mediated by a change in central thermoeffector thresholds, independent of changes in peripheral heat exchange. Specifically, compared to placebo ingestion, no difference was observed in skin blood flow (p = 0.5), core-cooling rate (p = 0.5), or delta change in rectal temperature (p = 0.7) over 45 min, while nitrate reduced rectal temperature at shivering onset (p = 0.04). No interaction was observed between hypoxia and nitrate ingestion.

Conclusion

These data improve our understanding of how hypoxia and nitric oxide modulate cold thermoregulation.
Plant species- and stage-specific differences in microbial decay of mangrove leaf litter: the older the better?
Authors: Pradisty Novia Arinda , Amir A. Aldrie , Zimmer Martin
Published: February 2021

Leaf litter and its breakdown products represent an important input of organic matter and nutrients to mangrove sediments and adjacent coastal ecosystems. It is commonly assumed that old-grown stands with mature trees contribute more to the permanent sediment organic matter pool than younger stands. However, neither are interspecific differences in leaf decay rates taken into account in this assumption nor is our understanding of the underlying mechanisms or drivers of differences in leaf chemistry sufficient. This study examines the influence of different plant species and ontogenetic stage on the microbial decay of mangrove leaf litter. A litterbag experiment was conducted in the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, Malaysia, to monitor leaf litter mass loss, and changes in leaf litter chemistry and microbial enzyme activity. Four mangrove species of different morphologies were selected, namely the trees Rhizophora apiculata and Bruguiera parviflora, the fern Acrostichum aureum and the shrub Acanthus ilicifolius. Decay rates of mangrove leaf litter decreased from A. ilicifolius to R. apiculata to B. parviflora to A. aureum. Leaf litter mass, total phenolic content, protein precipitation capacity and phenol oxidase activity were found to decline rapidly during the early stage of decay. Leaf litter from immature plants differed from that of mature plants in total phenolic content, phenolic signature, protein precipitating capacity and protease activity. For R. apiculata, but not of the other species, leaf litter from immature plants decayed faster than the litter of mature plants. The findings of this study advance our understanding of the organic matter dynamics in mangrove stands of different compositions and ages and will, thus, prove useful in mangrove forest management.
Das wohltemperierte Haifischbecken oder was es heißt, eine Profession zu sein
Authors: Heubel Friedrich
Published: February 2021

Seit der Einführung der G‑DRGs als Instrument zur Vergütung von Krankenhausleistungen steht das Gesundheitswesen als System unter Kritik. Denn die Ausrichtung der Krankenhäuser auf wirtschaftlichen Erfolg relativiert den Anspruch aller Bürgerinnen und Bürger auf gute medizinische Versorgung. Der Artikel geht der Frage nach, von welchem Akteur im System welche Aktivität erzwungen, erwartet, oder verlangt werden kann, dem entgegenzuwirken. Die genannten alltagsmoralischen Urteile werden unter Rückgriff auf Kants Moralphilosophie validiert und auf die wichtigsten Akteure angewandt. Ergebnis: Der Kern des Ökonomisierungs‑/Kommerzialisierungs-Problems besteht in der Entwertung der Professionalität der patientennahen Berufe. Die Neujustierung des Systems kann vom Gesetzgeber nur dann verlangt werden, wenn die verfasste Ärzteschaft sich dazu bekennt, mit den ihr zu Gebote stehenden Mitteln gegen professionswidrige Handlungsanreize vorzugehen.
Wohlergehen – mehr als nur Gesundheit?
Authors: Hirsch Anna
Published: February 2021

Das medizinethische Prinzip der Fürsorge richtet sich auf das Wohlergehen von Patientinnen. Im klinischen Kontext liegt der Fokus häufig auf der Linderung von Schmerzen, der Beseitigung von Symptomen sowie der Wiederherstellung körperlicher Funktionen. Welche Bedeutung diese gesundheitsbezogenen Aspekte für das allgemeine Wohlergehen von Patientinnen haben, hängt jedoch auch von persönlichen Wertvorstellungen, Wünschen und Lebensplänen ab. Eine Überbetonung der subjektiven Sicht von Patientinnen auf ihr Wohlergehen würde allerdings zu einer starken inhaltlichen Annäherung der beiden medizinethischen Prinzipien der Fürsorge und des Respekts der Autonomie führen und wäre darüber hinaus nicht mit den Leitlinien ärztlichen Handelns vereinbar. Eine rein objektive Sicht auf das Patientenwohl birgt umgekehrt die Gefahr, einzelnen Patientinnen Wertvorstellungen aufzudrängen, die sie nicht teilen, und ihnen durch vermeintlich fürsorgliches Handeln mehr zu schaden als zu nutzen. Durch eine genauere Analyse des Verhältnisses zwischen gesundheitsbezogenem und allgemeinem Wohlergehen zeigt der vorliegende Beitrag auf, dass Gesundheit nur einen relativen Wert für unser allgemeines Wohlergehen besitzt. Eine besondere Bedeutung kommt dabei elementaren Gesundheitsgütern wie einem intakten Herz-Kreislauf-System oder funktionsfähigen Lungen zu, da sie unabhängig von individuellen Präferenzen und Lebensplänen geschätzt werden und somit als objektiv wertvoll gelten können.
The role of periradicular infiltration in dorsal root ganglion stimulation for chronic neuropathic pain
Authors: Sievert H. , Piedade G. S. , McPhillips P. , Vesper J. , Slotty P. J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Targeting the correct spinal level is essential in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation. Anatomical selection of the DRG alone is not ideal since the pain area is not necessarily confined to the borders of the dermatomes. This study aims to establish the role of periradicular infiltration therapy (PRT) in the preoperative assessment of the correct level for DRG stimulation performed under general anesthesia.

Method

We report a prospective study of 20 patients selected for DRG stimulation and submitted to a PRT for identification of the spinal level. Lead implantation for the stimulation trial occurred under general anesthesia: 19 patients experienced positive results and underwent implantation of the pulse generator. All patients suffered from chronic neuropathic pain unresponsive to best medical treatment. PRT levels were compared with the levels targeted with DRG leads. Patients were followed for up to 12 months; pain intensity and coverage of the painful area were assessed.

Results

In 12 patients, the trial leads were placed on the same level as previously tested positive by PRT. In 6 patients, leads were placed in the PRT target and additionally in adjacent spinal levels. In one case, the selected target for the trial diverged from the PRT target because of intense fibrosis in the chosen level. Coverage of the target area of at least 50% was achieved by two-thirds of the patients. For the six subjects with additional implanted leads as a consequence of the PRT results, 80% achieved a coverage of at least 50%. A total of 47.4% of the patients achieved sustained significant pain relief in the last follow-up. None of the patients needed a repeated surgery for implantation of additional leads.

Conclusions

PRT is a helpful tool to confirm the stimulation targets. A PRT preceding the stimulation trial is an additional opportunity to optimize the coverage of the target area with stimulation-induced paresthesia for patients operated under general anesthesia.
Microsurgical and endovascular treatment of un-ruptured cerebral aneurysms by European hybrid neurosurgeons to balance surgical skills and medical staff management
Authors: Al-Schameri Abdul Rahman , Thakur Som , Kral Michael , Schwartz Christoph , Pikija Slaven , Sherif Camillo , Weymayr Friedrich , Richling Bernd
Published: February 2021

Background

In Europe, aneurysm treatment performed by dually trained neurosurgeons is extremely scarce. We provide outcome data for un-ruptured aneurysm patients treated at a European hybrid center to prove that hybrid neurosurgeons achieve clinical and angiographical results allowing to integrate hybrid neurosurgery into routine aneurysm treatment. This will not only help to maintain neurovascular microsurgical skills but will influence staff costs in related hospitals.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all consecutively treated un-ruptured aneurysm patients between 2000 and 2016. The decision-making took into account the pros and cons of both modalities and considered patient and aneurysm characteristics. Clinical outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Occlusion rates were stratified into grade I for 100%, grade II for 99–90%, and grade III for <90% occlusion. To account for the introduction of stents, two treatment periods (p1, 2000 to 2008; p2, 2009 to 2016) were defined.

Results

The study population consisted of 274 patients (median age 55 years) harboring 338 un-ruptured aneurysms. Microsurgery (MS) was performed in 51.8% and endovascular therapy (EVT) in 43.1%; 5.1% required combined treatment. Overall, 93% showed a favorable clinical outcome (mRS 0–2), 94.3% after MS and 91.5% after EVT. Grade I aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 82.6% patients, 91.9% after MS and 72.9% after EVT. Procedure-related complications occurred after MS in 5.6% and after EVT in 4.4% patients. Mortality was recorded for five (1.8%) patients, one patient after MS and four after EVT. For the EVT cohort, significant improvement from p1 to p2 was seen with clinical outcomes (P=0.030, RR = 0.905, CI: 0.8351–0.9802) and occlusion rates (P=0.039, RR = 0.6790, CI: 0.499–0.923).

Conclusion

Hybrid neurosurgeons achieve qualified clinical and angiographic results. Dual training will allow to maintain neurovascular caseloads and preserve future aneurysm treatment within neurosurgery. Furthermore economic benefits could be observed in hospital management.
Synthesis of chimera oligopeptide including furanoid β-sugar amino acid derivatives with free OHs: mild but successful removal of the 1,2-O-isopropylidene from the building block
Authors: Duong Kim Hoang Yen , Goldschmidt Gőz Viktória , Pintér István , Perczel András
Published: February 2021

Complementary to hydrophobic five membered ring β-amino acids (e.g. ACPC), β-sugar amino acids (β-SAAs) have found increasing application as hydrophilic building blocks of foldamers and α/β chimeric peptides. Fmoc-protected β-SAAs [e.g. Fmoc-RibAFU(ip)-OH] are indeed useful Lego elements, ready to use for SPPS. The removal of 1,2-OH isopropylidene protecting group increasing the hydrophilicity of such SAA is presented here. We first used N3-RibAFU(ip)-OH model compound to optimize mild deprotection conditions. The formation of the 1,2-OH free product N3-RibAFU-OH and its methyl glycoside methyl ester, N3-RibAFU(Me)-OMe were monitored by RP-HPLC and found that either 50% TFA or 8 eqv. Amberlite IR-120 H+ resin in MeOH are optimal reagents for the effective deprotection. These conditions were then successfully applied for the synthesis of chimeric oligopeptide: -GG-X-GG- [X=RibAFU(ip)]. We found the established conditions to be effective and—at the same time—sufficiently mild to remove 1,2-O-isopropylidene protection and thus, it is proposed to be used in the synthesis of oligo- and polypeptides of complex sequence combination.
Prenatal attachment: using measurement invariance to test the validity of comparisons across eight culturally diverse countries
Authors: Foley Sarah , Hughes Claire , Murray Aja Louise , Baban Adriana , Fernando Asvini D. , Madrid Bernadette , Osafo Joseph , Sikander Siham , Abbasi Fahad , Walker Susan , Luong-Thanh Bao-Yen , Vo Thang Van , Tomlinson Mark , Fearon Pasco , Ward Catherine L. , Valdebenito Sara , Eisner Manuel
Published: February 2021

Studies in high-income countries (HICs) have shown that variability in maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) predict important maternal health and child outcomes. However, the validity of MFA ratings in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains unknown. Addressing this gap, we assessed measurement invariance to test the conceptual equivalence of the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI: Muller, 1993) across eight LMICs. Our aim was to determine whether the PAI yields similar information from pregnant women across different cultural contexts. We administered the 18-item PAI to 1181 mothers in the third trimester (Mean age = 28.27 years old, SD = 5.81 years, range = 18–48 years) expecting their first infant (n = 359) or a later-born infant (n = 820) as part of a prospective birth cohort study involving eight middle-income countries: Ghana, Jamaica, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. We used Multiple Group Confirmatory Factor Analyses to assess across-site measurement invariance. A single latent factor with partial measurement invariance was found across all sites except Pakistan. Group comparisons showed that mean levels of MFA were lowest for expectant mothers in Vietnam and highest for expectant mothers in Sri Lanka. MFA was higher in first-time mothers than in mothers expecting a later-born child. The PAI yields similar information about MFA across culturally distinct middle-income countries. These findings strengthen confidence in the use of the tool across different settings; future studies should explore the use of the PAI as a screen for maternal behaviour that place children at risk.
Healing of intrabony defects following regenerative surgery by means of single-flap approach in conjunction with either hyaluronic acid or an enamel matrix derivative: a 24-month randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Pilloni Andrea , Rojas Mariana A. , Marini Lorenzo , Russo Paola , Shirakata Yoshinori , Sculean Anton , Iacono Roberta
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare the clinical outcomes obtained in intrabony defects following regenerative periodontal surgery using the single-flap approach (SFA) in conjunction with either hyaluronic acid (HA) or enamel matrix derivative (EMD).

Materials and methods

Thirty-two intrabony defects in 32 healthy subjects were randomly assigned: HA (test group) or EMD (control group). Clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (REC), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at baseline,12, 18, and 24 months after surgery.

Results

At 24 months, both treatments resulted in statistically significant clinical improvements evidenced by PD-reduction and CAL-gain (p<0.001). The mean CAL-gain was 2.19±1.11 mm in the test and 2.94±1.12 mm in the control sites (p=0.067). PD-reduction was statistically significantly higher for the control group (4.5±0.97 mm) than the test group (3.31±0.70 mm), (p=0.001). CAL-gain ≤ 3 mm was observed in 87.5% and in 62.5% of the test and control sites, respectively. Test sites showed slightly lower REC values than the control sites. No statistically significant differences were found for BOP between treatments.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate that both treatments led to statistically significant clinical improvements compared to baseline, although the application of EMD resulted in statistically significantly higher PD-reduction compared to the use of HA.

Clinical relevance

The use of HA in conjunction with a SFA resulted in significant PD-reduction and CAL-gain, pointing to the potential clinical relevance of this material in regenerative periodontal surgery.
Microbiology of parapharyngeal abscesses in adults: in search of the significant pathogens
Authors: Klug Tejs Ehlers , Greve Thomas , Andersen Camilla , Hahn Pernille , Danstrup Christian , Petersen Niels Krintel , Ninn-Pedersen Mirjana , Mikkelsen Sophie , Pauli Søren , Fuglsang Simon , Døssing Helle , Christensen Anne-Louise , Rusan Maria , Kjeldsen Anette
Published: February 2021

We aimed to describe the microbiology of parapharyngeal abscess (PPA) and point out the likely pathogens using the following principles to suggest pathogenic significance: (1) frequent recovery, (2) abundant growth, (3) growth in relative abundance to other microorganisms, (4) percentage of the isolates recovered in both absolute and relative abundance, (5) more frequent recovery in PPA pus compared with tonsillar surface and tissue. Comprehensive bacterial cultures were performed on specimens obtained from adult patients (n = 60) with surgically verified PPA, who were prospectively enrolled at five Danish ear-nose-throat departments. The prevalent isolates (in PPA pus) were unspecified anaerobes (73%), non-hemolytic streptococci (67%), Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG) (40%), Corynebacterium spp. (25%), Neisseria spp. (23%), Fusobacterium spp. (22%), Fusobacterium necrophorum (17%), Prevotella spp. (12%), and Streptococcus pyogenes (10%). The bacteria most frequently isolated in heavy (maximum) growth were unspecified anaerobes (60%), SAG (40%), F. necrophorum (23%), and Prevotella spp. (17%). The predominant microorganisms (those found in highest relative abundance) were unspecified anaerobes (53%), SAG (28%), non-hemolytic streptococci (25%), F. necrophorum (15%), S. pyogenes (10%), and Prevotella spp. (10%). Four potential pathogens were found in both heavy growth and highest relative abundance in at least 50% of cases: F. necrophorum, Prevotella spp., SAG, and S. pyogenes. SAG, Prevotella spp., F. necrophorum, S. pyogenes, and Bacteroides spp. were recovered with the same or higher frequency from PPA pus compared with tonsillar tissue and surface. Our findings suggest that SAG, F. necrophorum, Prevotella, and S. pyogenes are significant pathogens in PPA development.
The experiences of foundation doctors with dyspraxia: a phenomenological study
Authors: Walker Eleanor , Shaw Sebastian C. K. , Reed Malcolm , Anderson John L.
Published: February 2021

Dyspraxia, otherwise known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a specific learning difficulty (SpLD). Its main difficulties manifest as problems with motor coordination, organisation, academic and social difficulties. There are now more students arriving at university with SpLDs, and, therefore, a similar rise may be expected within medical education. There has been no previous research focusing on dyspraxia in doctors. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used. Six UK foundation schools disseminated the announcements. Three participants took part in loosely structured telephone interviews regarding their experiences of undertaking medical school and foundation school with dyspraxia. These were transcribed verbatim and then thematically analysed. The themes could be split into two main categories: “Weakness and Coping Strategies” and “Perspectives of Dyspraxia”. “Weakness” included: clumsiness, organisation and needing extra time. The participants focused on their “Coping Strategies” that included: Ensuring safety, adapted learning preferences and external support. “Perspectives of Dyspraxia” included: diagnosis, career choice, stigma, “normalisation” and the “difference view” or “medical deficit” view of dyspraxia. Doctors with dyspraxia often mask their difficulties through sophisticated coping strategies. These were determined and hardworking individuals who believe that their dyspraxia was a positive aspect of their identity, adopting a “difference view”. They felt further education is needed about dyspraxia to change the perceived stigma. There is now a need for further research in this area.
Exploring assumptions in crop breeding for climate resilience: opportunities and principles for integrating climate model projections
Authors: Whitfield Stephen , Chapman Sarah , Mahop Marcelin Tonye , Deva Chetan , Masamba Kennedy , Mwamahonje Andekelile
Published: February 2021

Crop breeding for resilience to changing climates is a key area of investment in African agricultural development, but proactively breeding for uncertain future climates is challenging. In this paper, we characterise efforts to breed new varieties of crops for climate resilience in southern Africa and evaluate the extent to which climate model projections currently inform crop breeding activity. Based on a survey of seed system actors, we find that the prioritisation of crops and traits is only informed to a limited extent by modelled projections. We use an ensemble of CORDEX models for mid and end of century for southern Africa to test some of the assumptions that underpin current breeding activity, particularly associated with breeding for reduced durations and drought tolerance in maize, and demonstrate some of the ways in which such projections can help to inform breeding priorities and agenda setting (e.g. through the case of assessing cassava toxicity risk). Based on these examples, we propose five potential applications of climate models in informing breeding priorities. Furthermore, after unpacking the sources of uncertainty within the presented model projections, we discuss general principles for the appropriate use of climate model information in crop breeding.
Insights into early ontogenesis: characterization of stress and development key genes of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Schäfer Nadine , Kaya Yagmur , Rebl Henrike , Stüeken Marcus , Rebl Alexander , Nguinkal Julien A. , Franz George P. , Brunner Ronald M. , Goldammer Tom , Grunow Bianka , Verleih Marieke
Published: February 2021

There are still numerous difficulties in the successful farming of pikeperch in the anthropogenic environment of various aquaculture systems, especially during early developmental steps in the hatchery. To investigate the physiological processes involved on the molecular level, we determined the basal expression patterns of 21 genes involved in stress and immune responses and early ontogenesis of pikeperch between 0 and 175 days post hatch (dph). Their transcription patterns most likely reflect the challenges of growth and feed conversion. The gene coding for apolipoprotein A (APOE) was strongly expressed at 0 dph, indicating its importance for yolk sac utilization. Genes encoding bone morphogenetic proteins 4 and 7 (BMP4,BMP7), creatine kinase M (CKM), and SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) were highly abundant during the peak phases of morphological changes and acclimatization processes at 4–18 dph. The high expression of genes coding for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha and delta (PPARA,PPARD) at 121 and 175 dph, respectively, suggests their importance during this strong growth phase of juvenile stages. As an alternative experimental model to replace further in vivo investigations of ontogenetically important processes, we initiated the first approach towards a long-lasting primary cell culture from whole pikeperch embryos. The present study provides a set of possible biomarkers to support the monitoring of pikeperch farming and provides a first basis for the establishment of a suitable cell model of this emerging aquaculture species.
The “first match” between high-tech entrepreneurial ventures and universities: the role of founders’ social ties
Authors: Colombo Massimo G. , Guerini Massimiliano , Rossi-Lamastra Cristina , Bonaccorsi Andrea
Published: February 2021

This paper studies the collaborations between entrepreneurial ventures and universities by investigating the“first match”, namely, the probability that a given entrepreneurial venture, which has never established university collaborations before, forms a collaboration with a given university (out of all the possible collaborations it might have formed). Expanding on the literature about university–industry collaborations, we argue that the formation of the first match is socially bounded. Specifically, we contend that individual social ties, which the founders of an entrepreneurial venture have formed with the personnel of a given university as they worked there, increase the probability of a first match because these ties reduce the costs and increase the benefits of forming a collaboration (H1). We also hypothesize that geographical (H2) and cognitive proximity (H3) between entrepreneurial ventures and universities influence these costs and benefits, thus moderating the relation sub H1. Econometric estimations on a large set of dyads, which represent realized and potential first matches between Italian high-tech entrepreneurial ventures and universities, support our hypotheses.
Temporal trends in the Colonisation of the Pacific: Palaeodemographic Insights
Authors: McFadden Clare , Walter Richard , Buckley Hallie , Oxenham Marc F.
Published: February 2021

The colonisation of eastern parts of the Pacific Islands was the last phase in the preindustrial expansion of the human species. Given the scale and challenges of the endeavour it is unsurprising that scholars have long been interested in understanding the conditions that drove and supported the exploration and settlement of this vast region. There has been speculation as to the influence of demographic factors, either as drivers or in some way regulating the rate and success of human expansion, but testing this has proven challenging. This study evaluates two hypotheses of population dynamics: the adaptation/resilience hypothesis, which proposes that populations respond to localised environmental conditions and changes in subsistence strategy, technology, differences in pathogen loads, and other events that occur at different times in different places; and the temporal hypothesis, which proposes that populations respond to major events such as climate change that occur in a region at an absolute point in, or over an absolute period of, time (noting that the two hypotheses are not mutually exclusive). Applying new methods for estimating the rate of natural population increase from human skeletal remains, this study utilised 23 samples to evaluate trends in population increase following the human expansion into the region. The results indicate a trend in population growth following colonisation, with initially high population growth, followed by a significant decrease and subsequently an increase in growth rates. The lack of a temporal trend may represent a high degree of heterogeneity in the impacts of climate change on individual archipelagos and islands.
Autochthony Belief and Making Amends to Indigenous Peoples: The Role of Collective Moral Emotions
Authors: Nooitgedagt Wybren , Martinović Borja , Verkuyten Maykel , Jetten Jolanda
Published: February 2021

Intergroup relations in settler societies have been defined by historical conflict over territorial ownership between indigenous peoples and settler majorities. However, the indigenous groups were there first, and first arrival is an important principle for assigning ownership to a group. In two studies among Australians of Anglo-Celtic origin (N = 322 and N = 475), we argued and found that the general belief in entitlements for first comers (i.e. autochthony) is related to more support for reparations in terms of apology and instrumental compensation for Aborigines, as well as to less topic avoidance. We further proposed that the group-based emotions of collective guilt, moral shame and image shame account for these associations. We found that majority members who endorsed autochthony belief experienced more guilt (Study 1 and 2), moral shame (Study2) and image shame (Study 2). In turn, guilt and moral shame were related to more support for reparations and less topic avoidance, whereas image shame was related to more topic avoidance, thereby partially suppressing the negative association between autochthony belief and topic avoidance. Our research points at the importance of considering autochthony belief and different types of moral emotions in research on past transgressions and current attempts to restore social justice for indigenous peoples.
The non-existence of institutional facts
Authors: Dörge Friedrich Christoph , Holweger Matthias
Published: February 2021

That certain paper bills have monetary value, that Vladimir Putin is the president of Russia, and that Prince Philip is the husband of Queen Elizabeth II: such facts are commonly called ‘institutional facts’ (IFF). IFF are, by definition, facts that exist by virtue of collective recognition (where collective recognition can be direct or indirect). The standard view or tacit belief is that such facts really exist. In this paper we argue, however, that they really do not—they really are just well-established illusions. We confront realism about IFF with six criteria of existence, three established and three less so but highly intuitive. We argue that they all tell against the existence of IFF. An obvious objection to IFF non-realism is that since people’s behaviour clearly reflects the existence of IFF, denying their existence leaves an explanatory gap. We reject this argument by introducing a variant of the so-called ‘Thomas Theorem,’ which says that when people collectively recognize a fact as existing, they largely behave accordingly, regardless of whether that fact really exists or not.
Description of a Multi-faceted COVID-19 Pandemic Physician Workforce Plan at a Multi-site Academic Health System
Authors: Pendharkar Sachin R. , Minty Evan , Shukalek Caley B. , Kerr Brendan , MacMullan Paul , Lail Parabhdeep , Cheema Kim , Alimohamed Nimira , Allen Thomas , Vlasschaert Meghan E. O. , Kachra Rahim , Ma Irene W. Y. , Johannson Kerri A. , Gibson Paul S. , Elliott Meghan J. , Papini Adam , Smith Stephanie , Lemaire Jane , Ruzycki Shannon M. , Hunter Angela , Desjardins-Kallar Wendy , Schaefer Jeffrey P. , Zarnke Kelly B. , Bharwani Aleem , Fabreau Gabriel E.
Published: February 2021

Background

The evolving COVID-19 pandemic has and continues to present a threat to health system capacity. Rapidly expanding an existing acute care physician workforce is critical to pandemic response planning in large urban academic health systems.

Intervention

The Medical Emergency-Pandemic Operations Command (MEOC)—a multi-specialty team of physicians, operational leaders, and support staff within an academic Department of Medicine in Calgary, Canada—partnered with its provincial health system to rapidly develop a comprehensive, scalable pandemic physician workforce plan for non-ventilated inpatients with COVID-19 across multiple hospitals. The MEOC Pandemic Plan comprised seven components, each with unique structure and processes.

Methods

In this manuscript, we describe MEOC’s Pandemic Plan that was designed and implemented from March to May 2020 and re-escalated in October 2020. We report on the plan’s structure and process, early implementation outcomes, and unforeseen challenges. Data sources included MEOC documents, health system, public health, and physician engagement implementation data.

Key Results

From March 5 to October 26, 2020, 427 patients were admitted to COVID-19 units in Calgary hospitals. In the initial implementation period (March–May 2020), MEOC communications reached over 2500 physicians, leading to 1446 physicians volunteering to provide care on COVID-19 units. Of these, 234 physicians signed up for hospital shifts, and 227 physicians received in-person personal protective equipment simulation training. Ninety-three physicians were deployed on COVID-19 units at four large acute care hospitals. The resurgence of cases in September 2020 has prompted re-escalation including re-activation of COVID-19 units.

Conclusions

MEOC leveraged an academic health system partnership to rapidly design, implement, and refine a comprehensive, scalable COVID-19 acute care physician workforce plan whose components are readily applicable across jurisdictions or healthcare crises. This description may guide other institutions responding to COVID-19 and future health emergencies.
Effect of Different SiO2 Polymorphs on the Reaction Between SiO2 and SiC in Si Production
Authors: Folstad Marit Buhaug , Ringdalen Eli , Tveit Halvard , Tangstad Merete
Published: February 2021

This work investigates the phase transformations in silica (SiO2) during heating to a target temperature between 1700 °C and 1900 °C and the effect of SiO2 polymorphs on the reduction reaction 2SiO2 + SiC = 3SiO + CO in silicon production. Different heating rates up to target temperature have been used to achieve the different compositions of quartz, amorphous silica and cristobalite. The different heating rates had a minor effect on the final composition, and longer time at temperatures > 1400 °C were necessary to achieve greater variations in the final composition. Heating above the melting temperature gave more amorphous silica and less cristobalite, as amorphous silica also may form from β-cristobalite. Isothermal furnace experiments were conducted to study the extent of the reduction reaction. This study did not find any significant difference in the effects of quartz, amorphous silica or cristobalite. Increased temperature from 1700 °C to 1900 °C increased the reaction rate.
Suicidal ideation and associated factors among school-going adolescents in rural Ghana
Authors: Quarshie Emmanuel Nii-Boye , Odame Samuel Kofi
Published: February 2021

Suicidal ideation is a critical risk for attempted suicide and eventual suicide. Little is known about suicidal ideation among rural adolescents in most sub-Saharan African countries. We aimed to estimate the 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation and to describe some of the common and gender-specific associated factors among in-school adolescents in rural Ghana. We conducted a cross-sectional survey involving a random sample of 1101 in-school adolescents aged 10–19 years in a rural district in Eastern Ghana. The Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire-Revised was used to assess suicidal ideation. Overall, 25.1% participants (95% CI = 22.5–27.7), representing 28.3% females (95% CI = 24.7–32.2) and 21.5% males (95% CI = 18.0–25.2) reported suicidal ideation during the previous 12 months. Females who experienced personal and interpersonal adversities mainly outside the family context were likely to report suicidal ideation, while suicidal ideation among males was associated with conflict with parents. Regardless of gender, adolescents who reported exposure to a friend’s attempted suicide were about two times more likely to report suicidal ideation. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among adolescents in rural Ghana compares with in-school estimates from other countries within sub-Saharan Africa, but also underscores the need for targeted and universal prevention programmes and intervention efforts to mitigate the potential transition from suicidal ideations to suicidal attempts and eventual deaths by suicide among rural adolescents.
The psychological burden of volunteers in psychosocial emergency care – a qualitative interview study
Authors: Greinacher Anja , Cranz Anna , Jenzer Julia , Nikendei Alexander , Kottke Renate , Wiesbeck Jürgen , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Nikendei Christoph
Published: February 2021

Psychosocial emergency care personnel provide voluntary psychological support directly after potentially traumatic events. During emergency responses, they experience challenging situations. However, previous quantitative studies suggest that the psychological burden of psychosocial emergency care personnel does not exceed that of the general population. This study aimed to obtain an in-depth analysis of the volunteers’ psychological reactions and resources regarding emergency responses. 36 psychosocial emergency care volunteers (12 pre-training, 12 post-training, 12 experienced) were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. The volunteers were selected from previous cross-sectional and longitudinal studies on secondary traumatization in psychosocial emergency care volunteers. A qualitative content analysis of the transcribed interviews was performed following the principles of summary and inductive category development. We identified 845 codes which we summarized in three overarching categories: (I) reactions to emergency responses, (II) psychosocial emergency care work related resources and (III) experiences and changes in life perspective related to working in psychosocial emergency care. The volunteers described both emotional and physical reactions to emergency responses. While they perceived social support as a key coping resource and reported a greater appreciation of their own lives and their families due to their work, many volunteers also felt increased concern that something could happen to them. The volunteers’ reactions and symptoms are reasonable responses to stress and not indicative of serious impairment. Nevertheless, emergency responses are both emotionally and physically challenging. Volunteers should be carefully selected, receive regular supervision and determine the frequency of emergency responses.
De Garengeot Hernia: Case Report and Review of the Literature of a Rare Femoral Hernia
Authors: Licari Leo , Campanella Sofia , Carolla Claudia , Viola Simona , Salamone Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

De Garengeot hernia is a rare femoral hernia defined as the presence of the appendix within the femoral hernia sac. The incidence of appendicitis in this type of hernia is a rare condition that accounts for 0.08–0.13% of all De Garengeot hernias. We describe the case of a 61-year-old woman that presented at the emergency department with a tender mass (diameter 10 × 8 cm) in the right groin region for 5 days associated with pain in lower right abdomen and accompanied by fever (38 °C). Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed the presence of a complex fluid collection with small foci of air in the right inguinal region, measuring 9 × 7 × 10 cm in the 3 orthogonal dimensions and a blind ending tubular structure extending from the caecal base into the groin mass through a narrowed neck defect, medial to the common femoral vessels. The CT scan demonstrated the suspected diagnosis of De Garengeot hernia complicated by acute appendicitis. The intra-operative findings confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was successfully managed operatively. The surgical strategy took into account the need to significantly reduce the diffusion of the infection inside the abdominal cavity. The patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day without peri-/postoperative complications.
Animal husbandry from the Middle Bronze Age through the Iron Age in the Shephelah—faunal remains from the new excavations at Lachish
Authors: Vermeersch Shyama , Riehl Simone , Starkovich Britt M. , Streit Katharina , Höflmayer Felix
Published: February 2021

Lachish (Tell ed-Duweir) is located in the southern part of the Judean foothills, known as the Shephelah, and is one of the larger and most extensively excavated multi-period sites in the southern Levant. We present the faunal results of the first three seasons of the most recent excavations, the Austrian-Israeli Expedition to Tel Lachish. The expedition focusses on two areas of the tell encompassing the Middle Bronze Age III through the Iron Age II, area S (deep section) and area P (palace area). The aims for the faunal analysis are threefold: comparing the results between the two areas, seeing how our results compare to previous analyses, and comparing Lachish to other synchronous sites in the Shephelah. We observe differences in subsistence strategies between the areas in addition to diachronic differences. Ovicaprids dominate all assemblages, but we see shifts in the sheep to goat ratio and mortality profiles through time indicating changes in subsistence strategies. Our new results largely agree with the results from previous analyses, showing the value of previous studies and their potential compatibility with newer research. A synchronic comparison of Lachish within the Shephelah shows the occupants of the site were largely self-sufficient but possibly engaged in an exchange of resources in the vicinity.
Impact of 100% organic diets on pig performance, carcass composition and carcass nutrient deposition efficiency
Authors: Bee Giuseppe , Kragten Silvia Ampuero , Früh Barbara , Girard Marion
Published: February 2021

The ultimate objective of organic pig production is to use ingredients of 100% organic origin in the animals’ diets. However, this approach is challenging, especially when needing to ensure adequate quantities of essential amino acids (EAAs) and protein in grower-finisher diets. The current standard is 95% organic feed ingredients, but this percentage can be increased by reducing the EAA supply or by accepting an unbalanced EAA profile. A further incentive also exists to include forages in organic diets as a way to raise dietary crude fibre content. The current study therefore investigates three organic diets (T95: 5% of non-organic origin; T100: 0% of non-organic origin and T100-CF: T100 plus an increased crude fibre level), which were offered ad libitum to 48 pigs (16 per diet) weighing 22 to 110 kg. Comparison of the three diets revealed that increasing the crude fibre content (T100-CF) reduced growth, increased total feed intake and impaired feed and protein deposition efficiency, but the unbalanced EAA profile (T100) had no effect on growth traits and protein deposition efficiency. The T100 and T100-CF pigs differed from the T95 pigs in terms of feeding behaviour traits, as they displayed more frequent but shorter feeder visits, shorter between-meal intervals and smaller meals. Increasing the fibre content with press cake ingredients raised the degree of unsaturation of the backfat and might cause problems in meat processing. In conclusion, the results revealed that pigs could cope with a mild EAA imbalance.
The Fluid-Dynamics of Endo Vascular Aneurysm Sealing (EVAS) System failure
Authors: Battista F. , Ficarelli R. , Perrotta A. , Gualtieri P. , Casciola C. M. , Romano G. P. , Taurino M.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The main objective of this work is to investigate hemodynamics phenomena occurring in EVAS (Endo Vascular Aneurysm Sealing), to understand if and how they could lead to type 1a endoleaks and following re-intervention. To this aim, methods based on computational fluid mechanics are implemented as a tool for checking the behavior of a specific EVAS configuration, starting from the post-operative conditions. Pressure and velocity fields are detailed and compared, for two configurations of the Nellix, one as attained after correct implantation and the other in pathological conditions, as a consequence of migration or dislocation of endobags.

Methods

The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach is used to simulate the behavior of blood within a segment of the aorta, before and after the abdominal bifurcation. The adopted procedure allows reconstructing the detailed vascular geometry from high-resolution computerized tomography (CT scan) and generating the mesh on which the equations of fluid mechanics are discretized and solved, in order to derive pressure and velocity field during heartbeats.

Results

The main results are obtained in terms of local velocity fields and wall pressures. Within the endobags, velocities are usually quite regular during the whole cardiac cycle for the post-implanted condition, whereas they are more irregular for the migrated case. The largest differences among the two cases are observed in the shape and location of the recirculation region in the rear part of the aorta and the region between the endobags, with the formation of a gap due to the migration of one or both of the two. In this gap, the pressure fields are highly different among the two conditions, showing pressure peaks and pressure gradients at least four times larger for the migrated case in comparison to the post-implanted condition.

Conclusions

In this paper, the migration of one or both endobags is supposed to be related to the existing differential pressures acting in the gap formed between the two, which could go on pushing the two branches one away from the other, thus causing aneurysm re-activation and endoleaks. Regions of flow recirculation and low-pressure drops are revealed only in case of endobag migration and in presence of an aneurysm. These regions are supposed to lead to possible plaque formation and atherosclerosis.