bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
De Daasanech van Zuid-West Ethiopië: Begrippen Rond Welzijn en Tegenspoed
Authors: Houtteman Yvan 
Published: February 2021

The Daasanech of South-Western Ethiopia: Concepts Around Prosperity and Misfortune
The question that is taken up in this lecture is how models which deal with prosperity and misfortune and with sickness and health are related to action-models of restoration and defence. I try to illuminate the connections between the experience of cosmos, body and social world, between rituals and the prosperity of the individual and his social group. Misfortune is always a consequence of a broken relationship between man and the social and cosmic order. As such, it can be seen as a "magical" punishment because of “wrong” behaviour. To restore health is to take away the punishment through appropriate action in which both the offender and the victim (or his social group) are involved. Starting from a short explication of the social, cosmic and bodily models, I concentrate on the concepts that deal with the causes of sickness and infertility and focus on some of the principles that shape the restoration-rituals.
Medias et Imperialisme Culturel: Le cas du Burkina Faso
Authors: Théophile Balima Serge 
Published: February 2021

Media and Cultural Imperialism in Burkina Faso
The various kinds of information released in the press and other media are cultural products that partake in the shaping of citizens' opinions and minds. Radio and television in particular present their audiences in Burkina Faso with various life-styles through diverse entertainment programmes which have grown popular among the urban population. These are fertile fields for cultural imperialism in the country. In the on-going process of internationalization of culture facilitated by the new communication technology, the cultural identity of Africans is increasingly threatened. This phenomenon is the result of adverse political and economic conditions with significant cultural consequences. In the long run, these cultural consequences will lead to the marginalization of Africa on the international scene and its increased dependence on the western powers.
Taiwan Rainbands Formed in the Outer Region of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Lin Che-Yu , Yu Cheng-Ku 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study used Doppler radar data, surface observations, and National Centers for Environmental Prediction reanalysis data to explore the statistical characteristics of Taiwan rainbands (TRs) that formed in the outer region of tropical cyclones (TCs). A comprehensive examination of the available radar measurements from 2002 to 2017 identified a total of 103 TRs from 44 TC events and showed that approximately 47% of all TCs influencing Taiwan could develop TRs. The spatial distribution of TR formation exhibited a substantial offshore extent, with the highest frequency observed ~25–100 km offshore. The TRs tended to be initiated when the northwestward-moving typhoons passed over the oceanic area northeast of Luzon Island (16°–20°N, 122°–127°E), the Philippines. This track characteristic brought stronger easterly onshore flow to the eastern coast of Taiwan and favored the development of a pronounced coastal pressure ridge. In particular, the offshore convergence caused by upstream deceleration of the onshore flow due to orographic blocking was found to be a primary contributor to the initiation of the TRs. The strength of the observed coastal pressure ridge and its high correlation with the intensity of environmental onshore flow associated with outer circulations of TCs were consistent with the theoretical prediction of pressure distributions generated as incident flow interacted dynamically with the Taiwan topography. Results from the study suggest that the typhoon location relative to the Taiwan landmass is a critical factor determining TR initiation.
The use of routine blood tests to assist the diagnosis of COVID-19 in symptomatic hospitalized patients
Authors: Parsons IT , Parsons AT , Balme E , Hazell G , Gifford R , Stacey M , Woods DR , Russell-Jones D 
Published: February 2021

Introduction Specific patterns of blood test results are associated with COVID-19 infection. The aim of this study was to identify which blood tests could be used to assist in diagnosing COVID-19. Method A retrospective review was performed on consecutive patients referred to hospital with a clinical suspicion of COVID-19 over a period of four weeks. The patient’s clinical presentation and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR) were recorded. The patients were divided by diagnosis into COVID (COVID-19 infection) or CONTROL (an alternate diagnosis). A retrospective review of consecutive patients over a further two-week period was used for the purposes of validation. Results Overall, 399 patients (53% COVID, 47% CONTROL) were analysed. White cell count, neutrophils and lymphocytes were significantly lower, while lactate dehydrogenase and ferritin were significantly higher, in the COVID group in comparison to CONTROL. Combining the white cell count, lymphocytes and ferritin results into a COVID Combined Blood Test (CCBT) had an area under the curve of 0.79. Using a threshold CCBT of –0.8 resulted in a sensitivity of 0.85 and a specificity of 0.63. Analysing this against a further retrospective review of 181 suspected COVID-19 patients, using the same CCBT threshold, resulted in a sensitivity of 0.73 and a specificity of 0.75. The sensitivity was comparable to the SARS-CoV-2 RT PCR. Discussion Mathematically combining the blood tests has the potential to assist clinical acumen allowing for rapid streaming and more accurate patient flow pending definitive diagnosis. This may be of particular use in low-resource settings.
Effect of formalin fixation on measured concentrations of deposited gadolinium in human tissue: an autopsy study
Authors: Hasegawa Makoto , Marshall Desiree A , Gonzalez-Cuyar Luis F , Hippe Daniel S , Samy Shar , Maravilla Kenneth R 
Published: February 2021

Background Generally, studies of gadolinium (Gd) deposition in humans measure concentration by analyzing formalin fixed postmortem tissue. However, the effect of formalin fixation on measured Gd concentration has not been well investigated. Purpose To evaluate the effect of fixation by comparing Gd concentration in fresh versus formalin-fixed postmortem human tissues. Material and Methods Fresh samples of bone and skin were collected from autopsy cases with previous exposure to Gd-based contrast agents (GBCAs). The type of GBCA administered, dose, and estimated glomerular filtration rate were recorded. Each tissue sample was cut into three aliquots. Paired samples were stored fresh frozen while the remaining two were stored in 10% neutral buffered formalin for one and three months, respectively. Gd concentration was measured using ICP-MS. Results Of 18 autopsy cases studied, 12 were exposed to only macrocyclic GBCA, one to only linear agents, and five received both macrocyclic and linear agents. On average, Gd concentration for bone decreased 30.7% after one month of fixation ( P = 0.043) compared to non-fixed values. There was minimal, if any, change in concentration between one and three months (average decrease 1.5%; P = 0.89). The findings were numerically similar for skin tissue with an average decrease of 36.9% after one month ( P = 0.11) and 6.0% ( P = 0.73) between one and three months. Conclusion Formalin fixation appears to decrease Gd concentration in bone and skin by approximately 30%–40% on average. The largest decrease occurs within the first 30 days of fixation followed by a considerably smaller decrease at 60 days.
Towards a Comprehensive Index of Labour Law Reform and Ranking of States
Authors: Dasgupta Bhaskar 
Published: February 2021

Since the pioneering paper by Besley and Burgess (2004) claimed to have found a positive relationship between flexible and pro-employer labour regulations with manufacturing sector performance, there has been an increasing pitch among policymakers to rationalise India’s complicated labour laws. Several state governments have since undertaken significant reforms in their respective labour law regimes. During the recent pandemic-induced lockdown, some states have gone to the extent of temporarily suspending labour laws to kick-start the economy. The Government of India has also recently consolidated the fragmented labour laws by integrating them into four functionally arranged Codes. But the regulatory measure developed by Besley and Burgess, the very basis of their conclusions, has been criticised on the ground of narrow coverage, methodological inconsistency, misclassification of amendments, etc. This article, therefore, attempts to construct a comprehensive Index by mapping state level-amendments in five important labour legislations over the seven-decade period from 1949 to 2017 and coding those amendments. The article is organised as follows: After the context-setting introductory section, the second section summarises the existing evidence on the relationship between labour regulations and manufacturing sector performance in India. The third section discusses the limitations of Besley–Burgess Index. The fourth section briefly mentions the research direction post publication of Besley–Burgess paper. The fifth section develops a comprehensive Index, and it discusses how it improves the BB Index. The sixth section concludes the article. JEL: J3, K3
Building Support for Place-Based Solutions to Childhood Obesity: Findings From Missouri
Authors: Calise Tamara Vehige , Ryder Amanda , Spezeski Jenette , Tong Katherine , Spitzer Natalie , Hatcher Ashley 
Published: February 2021

Background Place-based efforts offer promise in reducing childhood obesity. Yet, lack of public demand and support may hinder implementation. Aims This study aimed to assess whether the emphasis on place-based solutions, community-wide strategies, and multisector engagement in the Healthy Schools Healthy Communities (HSHC) initiative would shift public views on obesity including the need for greater public involvement and an increase in awareness and support for strategies. Method As part of the evaluation, two surveys were conducted—in 2014 and 2016—to examine the relationship between HSHC strategies and changes in public perception, support, and awareness of obesity. Both surveys were cross-sectional and conducted with a randomized sample of households. Results Most respondents indicated that parents/family (84.3% in 2014; 87.8% in 2016) and children (70.9% in 2014; 74.8% in 2016) had a large/very large responsibility for addressing childhood obesity. A higher percentage of 2016 respondents indicated willingness to work with others to increase availability of healthy foods (71.3% vs. 64.2%, respectively; p = .0280) and increase the number of places to be physically active in their community (71.1% vs. 60.7%, respectively; p = .0015). Discussion Findings suggest awareness and support of place-based efforts and willingness to engage may help garner ongoing support. However, individuals and families are still perceived as primarily responsible for addressing childhood obesity. Countering this mindset remains an ongoing challenge. Conclusion Streamlined messaging regarding the issue and associated solutions, enhanced skills and capacity to implement these efforts, and citizen engagement to garner support for place-based initiatives are important.
The non-operative management of bony mallet injuries
Authors: Trickett Ryan W. , Brock James , Shewring David J. 
Published: February 2021

Over a 4-year period, 218 mallet fractures in 211 adult patients were treated using a custom-made thermoplastic splint. Clinical results were collected prospectively, including the visual analogue score for pain, the range of motion and extensor lag, and the Patient Evaluation Measure (PEM). The joints were congruent in 168 and subluxed in 50. There were no differences in range of movement, extensor lag or PEM associated with articular subluxation or the size of the articular fragment. Pre-existing joint degeneration did not influence outcome. Non-surgical treatment demonstrates predictably good outcomes regardless of fragment size or subluxation in most patients and should be considered when discussing treatment for patients with bony mallet fractures. Level of evidence: III
Impact of Initial eGlycemic Management System Dosing Strategy on Time to Target Blood Glucose Range
Authors: Emamdjomeh Amir S. , Warren Jamie N. , Harper Courtney L. , Olin Jacqueline L. 
Published: February 2021

Background: Glucommander™ (GM), an electronic glycemic management system, was implemented across a multi-hospital health system as the standard of care for glycemic control. GM provides insulin dosing recommendations based on patient-specific blood glucose (BG) trends after providers select either a custom dose or weight-based multiplier as the initial dosing strategy for the first 24 hours. This study evaluated the impact of initial subcutaneous (SC) GM insulin dosing strategies on glycemic management. Methods: Non-intensive care unit patients treated with SC GM using either initial custom (based on provider discretion) or weight-based multiplier settings (0.3, 0.5, or 0.7 units/kg/day) were evaluated in this retrospective chart review. The primary endpoint was time to target BG range defined as time to first two consecutive in range point of care BG. Secondary endpoints included percentage of BG values in target range, percentage of orders following institutional recommendations, length of stay (LOS), average BG, and incidence of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Results: A review of 348 patients showed time to target BG was not significantly different between custom and multiplier groups (55 vs 64 hours, P = .07). Target BG was achieved in less than half of patients in both groups (47% vs 44%, respectively). There were no differences in hospital LOS, proportion of BG in target range, rates of hypo/hyperglycemia, and average BG. Conclusions: Custom initial SC GM insulin dosing settings showed a nonsignificant decrease in time to target BG range compared to pre-defined multiplier settings. Future studies evaluating the impact of compliance with institutional recommendations on BG control are warranted.
Invasive fungal rhinitis with adnexal involvement caused by Histoplasma capsulatum in a cat from a non-enzootic location
Authors: Grinstead Catherine R , Hanzlicek Andrew S , Largura Heather W , Wheat L Joseph 
Published: February 2021

Case summary This report describes a cat with a rare form of histoplasmosis: invasive rhinitis with adnexal involvement, mimicking disease more commonly caused by cryptococcosis or aspergillosis. This case is especially noteworthy as it was from an area where histoplasmosis is not enzootic. Relevance and novel information Invasive fungal rhinitis causes significant morbidity in cats. Diagnostic investigation of more common pathogens includes detection of fungal antigen ( Cryptococcus) or antifungal antibodies ( Aspergillus). This case demonstrates that histoplasmosis can present as chronic nasal disease in cats. Histoplasma antigen testing provides a non-invasive diagnostic option. Moreover, this case serves as a reminder that histoplasmosis can affect cats anywhere, even in non-enzootic areas.
Therapy for Stage IV Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer With Driver Alterations: ASCO and OH (CCO) Joint Guideline Update
Authors: Hanna Nasser H. , Robinson Andrew G. , Temin Sarah , Baker Sherman , Brahmer Julie R. , Ellis Peter M. , Gaspar Laurie E. , Haddad Rami Y. , Hesketh Paul J. , Jain Dharamvir , Jaiyesimi Ishmael , Johnson David H. , Leighl Natasha B. , Moffitt Pamela R. , Phillips Tanyanika , Riely Gregory J. , Rosell Rafael , Schiller Joan H. , Schneider Bryan J. , Singh Navneet , Spigel David R. , Tashbar Joan , Masters Gregory 
Published: February 2021

PURPOSE To provide evidence-based recommendations updating the 2017 ASCO guideline on systemic therapy for patients with stage IV non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with driver alterations. A guideline update for systemic therapy for patients with stage IV NSCLC without driver alterations was published separately. METHODS The American Society of Clinical Oncology and Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) NSCLC Expert Panel updated recommendations based on a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from December 2015 to January 2020 and meeting abstracts from ASCO 2020. RESULTS This guideline update reflects changes in evidence since the previous update. Twenty-seven RCTs, 26 observational studies, and one meta-analysis provide the evidence base (total 54). Outcomes of interest included efficacy and safety. Additional literature suggested by the Expert Panel is discussed. RECOMMENDATIONS All patients with nonsquamous NSCLC should have the results of testing for potentially targetable mutations (alterations) before implementing therapy for advanced lung cancer, regardless of smoking status recommendations, when possible, following other existing high-quality testing guidelines. Most patients should receive targeted therapy for these alterations: Targeted therapies against ROS-1 fusions, BRAF V600e mutations, RET fusions, MET exon 14 skipping mutations, and NTRK fusions should be offered to patients, either as initial or second-line therapy when not given in the first-line setting. New or revised recommendations include the following: Osimertinib is the optimal first-line treatment for patients with activating epidermal growth factor receptor mutations (exon 19 deletion, exon 21 L858R, and exon 20 T790M); alectinib or brigatinib is the optimal first-line treatment for patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase fusions. For the first time, to our knowledge, the guideline includes recommendations regarding RET, MET, and NTRK alterations. Chemotherapy is still an option at most stages. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/thoracic-cancer-guidelines .
Cardiac myosin super relaxation (SRX): a perspective on fundamental biology, human disease and therapeutics
Authors: Schmid Manuel , Toepfer Christopher N. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
The fundamental basis of muscle contraction ‘the sliding filament model’ (Huxley and Niedergerke, 1954; Huxley and Hanson, 1954) and the ‘swinging, tilting crossbridge-sliding filament mechanism’ (Huxley, 1969; Huxley and Brown, 1967) nucleated a field of research that has unearthed the complex and fascinating role of myosin structure in the regulation of contraction. A recently discovered energy conserving state of myosin termed the super relaxed state (SRX) has been observed in filamentous myosins and is central to modulating force production and energy use within the sarcomere. Modulation of myosin function through SRX is a rapidly developing theme in therapeutic development for both cardiovascular disease and infectious disease. Some 70 years after the first discoveries concerning muscular function, modulation of myosin SRX may bring the first myosin targeted small molecule to the clinic, for treating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (Olivotto et al., 2020). An often monogenic disease HCM afflicts 1 in 500 individuals, and can cause heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Even as we near therapeutic translation, there remain many questions about the governance of muscle function in human health and disease. With this review, we provide a broad overview of contemporary understanding of myosin SRX, and explore the complexities of targeting this myosin state in human disease.
This article has an associated Future Leaders to Watch interview with the authors of the paper.
Isolation and primary culture of Galleria mellonella hemocytes for infection studies
Authors: Senior Nicola J. , Titball Richard W. 
Published: February 2021

Galleria mellonella larvae are increasingly used to study the mechanisms of virulence of microbial pathogens and to assess the efficacy of antimicrobials. The G. mellonella model can faithfully reproduce many aspects of microbial disease which are seen in mammals, and therefore allows a reduction in the use of mammals. The model is now being widely used by researchers in universities, research institutes and industry. An attraction of the model is the interaction between pathogen and host. Hemocytes are specialised phagocytic cells which resemble neutrophils in mammals and play a major role in the response of the larvae to infection. However, the detailed interactions of hemocytes with pathogens is poorly understood, and is complicated by the presence of different sub-populations of cells. We report here a method for the isolation of hemocytes from Galleria mellonella. A needle-stick injury of larvae, before harvesting, markedly increased the recovery of hemocytes in the hemolymph. The majority of the hemocytes recovered were granulocyte-like cells. The hemocytes survived for at least 7 days in culture at either 28°C or 37°C. Pre-treatment of larvae with antibiotics did not enhance the survival of the cultured hemocytes. Our studies highlight the importance of including sham injected, rather than un-injected, controls when the G. mellonella model is used to test antimicrobial compounds. Our method will now allow investigations of the interactions of microbial pathogens with insect hemocytes enhancing the value of G. mellonella as an alternative model to replace the use of mammals, and for studies on hemocyte biology.
Analysis of diagnostic product portfolios using the Portfolio-To-Impact modelling tool
Authors: Redard-Jacot Maël , Emperador Devy M. , Junyent Eva , Urdea Mickey , Thayer Rich , Sampath Rangarajan 
Published: February 2021

Background: The Portfolio-To-Impact version 2 (P2I v.2) financial forecasting tool estimates funding requirements for development of portfolios of candidate health products (drugs, biologics, vaccines or diagnostics). The assumptions and archetypes relating to diagnostics in P2I v.2 are based on limited data and may not accurately describe research and development costs, timelines and probability of success. This study aimed to revise the P2I v.2 tool by modifying the diagnostic assumptions to improve accuracy of predictions for diagnostic portfolios. Methods: Data from expert interviews and historical information on development of 26 existing diagnostics were used to determine approximate research and development costs, timelines and probability of success for development of diagnostics, and to revise diagnostic archetypes and development phases. To compare the revised tool with P2I v.2, data on 27 candidates from the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) tuberculosis and pandemic preparedness portfolios were input into both versions. Results: The number of diagnostic archetypes increased from two in P2I v.2 to three in the revised tool. Total estimated costs to move the 27 candidates along the pipeline to launch were US$641.62 million with P2I v.2 and US$274.00 million with the revised model. The number of expected launches was 21.65 over five years with P2I v.2 and 11.48 over eight years with the revised model. Development timelines were extended and probability of success was lower with the revised model compared with P2I v.2. Conclusions: Outputs from the revised tool were in line with expert experience, suggesting that the proposed revisions improve the accuracy of the tool for estimating research and development costs, timelines and probability of success relating to diagnostic portfolios. Additional improvements to the tool could include further refinement of archetypes, incorporation of a measure of potential public health impact, and addition of a commercialization phase for diagnostics.