bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The physiology of Venezillo arizonicus (Isopoda, Armadillidae): metabolism and thermal tolerance
Authors: Harris Zechariah C. , Wright Jonathan C. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Venezillo arizonicus (Mulaik & Mulaik, 1942) is the only oniscidean isopod native to the Southwest Desert Province of North America. In accordance with its desert habitat, we hypothesized that V. arizonicus would have a higher upper lethal temperature than mesic oniscideans. If oniscidean thermal tolerance is limited by an oxygen consumption-uptake mismatch (physiological hypoxia), as indicated by recent work with other land isopods, we further hypothesized that V. arizonicus would possess highly efficient pleopodal lungs, as defined by its capacity for metabolic regulation in reduced . Other adaptations to counter oxygen limitation at high temperatures could include reduced temperature sensitivity of metabolism (low ) and an overall reduction in metabolic rate. Thermal tolerance was measured using the progressive method of Cowles & Bogert and the catabolic rate of animals () was measured as a function of temperature and . The critical thermal maximum (CTmax) of winter-acclimatized animals was 43.0 ± 0.85°C, 1.6-2.6°C higher than published values for summer-acclimatized mesic oniscideans. The catabolic rate at 25°C was 1.50 ± 0.203 μl min−1 g−1, markedly lower than values determined for mesic Oniscidea (4-6 μl min−1 g−1) and was unaffected by hypoxia as low as 2% O2 (ca. 2 kPa). Catabolism was, however, quite sensitive to temperature, showing a mean of 2.58 over 25-42°C. The efficient pleopodal lungs and low metabolic rate of V. arizonicus will both tend to mitigate physiological hypoxia, consistent with the species’ high CTmax. A low catabolic rate may also be an adaptation to low habitat productivity and seasonally constrained activity patterns.
In the Name of Equality: The ‘Bengal Rule’
Authors: De Herdt Sandrine W. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Following a call for equal treatment from the Sri Lankan delegation, the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea recognized that the provision on sedimentary thickness in Article 76(4) of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea would result in inequity for States in the southern part of the Bay of Bengal, as more than half of the margin would be cut off. Accordingly, the Conference adopted a ‘Statement of Understanding Concerning a Specific Method to Be Used in Establishing the Outer Edge of the Continental Margin’ that specifically applies to States in this area. This geographical limitation poses a question of equality: Are other States with a continental shelf with similar characteristics excluded? This article addresses this issue with reference to four States that have referred to the Statement in their submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.
Ethiopia Before The United Nations Treaty Monitoring Bodies
Authors: Brems Eva 
Published: February 2021

Ethiopia before the United Nations Treaty Monitoring Bodies
Among the many human rights conventions adopted by the UN, seven are known – together with their additional protocols – as the core international human rights instruments:
‒ The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination;
‒ The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;
‒ The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights;
‒ The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women;
‒ The Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment;
‒ The Convention on the Rights of the Child;
‒ The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families.
The main international control mechanism under these conventions is what may be considered the standard mechanism in international human rights protection: state reporting before an international committee. An initial report is due usually one year after joining the treaty and afterwards, reports are due periodically (every four or five years). The international committees examine the reports submitted by the state parties. In the course of this examination they include information from other sources, such as the press, other United Nations materials or NGO information. They also hold a meeting with representatives of the state submitting the report. At the end of this process the committee issues 'concluding observations' or 'concluding comments'. This paper focuses on the experience of one state – Ethiopia – with the seven core human rights treaties. This should allow the reader to gain insights both into the human rights situation in Ethiopia and in the functioning of the United Nations human rights protection system.
Umbilical Fascial Defects are Common and Predict Trocar Site Hernias After Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Authors: Hernandez Steven M. , Kiselak Elizabeth A. , Zielonka Tania , Tucker Scarlett , Blatt Melissa , Perez Javier M. , Kaul Sanjeev , Dayal Saraswati , Sharma Jyoti , Dalal Setu , Rippey Kelly , Kuo Yen-Hong , Cohn Stephen M. 
Published: February 2021

Introduction Investigations have demonstrated that trocar site hernia (TSH) is an under-appreciated complication of laparoscopic surgery, occurring in as many as 31%. We determined the incidence of fascial defects prior to laparoscopic appendectomy and its impact relative to other risk factors upon the development of TSH. Methods TSH was defined as a fascial separation of ≥ 1 cm in the abdominal wall umbilical region on abdominal computerized tomography scan (CT) following laparoscopic appendectomy. Patients admitted to our medical center who had both a preoperative CT and postoperative CT for any reason (greater than 30 days after surgery) were reviewed for the presence of TSH from May 2010 to December 2018. CT scans were measured for fascial defects, while investigators were blinded to film timing (preoperative or postoperative) and patient identity. Demographic information was collected. Results 241 patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy had both preoperative and late postoperative CT. TSH was identified in 49 (20.3%) patients. Mean preoperative fascial gap was 3.3 ± 4.3 mm in those not developing a postoperative hernia versus 14.8 ± 7.3 mm in those with a postoperative hernia ( P < .0001). Preoperative fascial defect on CT was predictive of TSH ( P < .001, OR = 1.44), with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of .921 (95%CI: .88–.92). Other major risk factors for TSH were: age greater than 59 years ( P < .031, OR = 2.48); and obesity, BMI > 30 ( P < .012, OR = 2.14). Conclusions The incidence of trocar site hernia was one in five following laparoscopic appendectomy. The presence of a pre-existing fascial defect, advanced age, and obesity were strong predictors for the development of trocar site hernia.
A psychoeducational mental health promotion intervention in a comprehensive schools: Recognising problems and reducing stigma
Authors: Onnela Anna , Hurtig Tuula , Ebeling Hanna 
Published: February 2021

Objective: Adolescence is a vulnerable age for emerging mental health problems, but also a time at which the foundations for a healthy lifestyle are established. Attitudes towards mental health problems and the ability to recognise them can be affected at this age. The aim of this study was to describe a psychoeducative intervention aimed at increasing knowledge of mental health problems and decreasing the stigma of mental health disorders among eighth-grade students in Finland. Design: Mixed-methods exploration of how a universal psychoeducation delivered in the classroom can affect attitudes towards, and recognition of, mental health disorders and how young people perceive the psychoeducation received. Setting: The study involved 162 eighth-grade students in two comprehensive schools in Finland. Method: The intervention consisted of four lessons on the topics of anxiety, eating disorders, conduct disorder, and depression and substance use. Results: Students in both the intervention and non-intervention groups recognised the symptoms of mental health disorders well before and after the intervention, and the intervention improved boys’ ability to recognise conduct disorder. Following the intervention, students saw mental health disorders as real medical conditions. Students experienced the intervention as beneficial, increasing their knowledge, understanding and open-mindedness with regards to mental health. Conclusion: Mental health promotion interventions have the goal of increasing the ability of individuals to understand mental health issues and engage in self-care of mental health. Providing mental health promotion interventions to young people has the potential to increase knowledge and skills in maintaining a healthy lifestyle in adulthood.
Estimating and Characterizing COVID-19 Deaths, Puerto Rico, March–July 2020
Authors: Azofeifa Alejandro , Valencia Diana , Rodriguez Carmen J. , Cruz Maritza , Hayes Devin , Montañez-Báez Edén , Tejada-Vera Betzaida , Villafañe-Delgado Joshua E. , Cabrera Jessica J. , Valencia-Prado Miguel 
Published: February 2021

Objectives Using the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) classification guidelines, we characterized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)–associated confirmed and probable deaths in Puerto Rico during March–July 2020. We also estimated the total number of possible deaths due to COVID-19 in Puerto Rico during the same period. Methods We described data on COVID-19–associated mortality, in which the lower bound was the sum of confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths and the upper bound was excess mortality, estimated as the difference between observed deaths and average expected deaths. We obtained data from the Puerto Rico Department of Health COVID-19 Mortality Surveillance System, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Electronic Disease Surveillance System Base System, and the National Center for Health Statistics. Results During March–July 2020, 225 COVID-19–associated deaths were identified in Puerto Rico (119 confirmed deaths and 106 probable deaths). The median age of decedents was 73 (interquartile range, 59-83); 60 (26.7%) deaths occurred in the Metropolitana region, and 140 (62.2%) deaths occurred among men. Of the 225 decedents, 180 (83.6%) had been hospitalized and 93 (41.3%) had required mechanical ventilation. Influenza and pneumonia (48.0%), sepsis (28.9%), and respiratory failure (27.1%) were the most common conditions contributing to COVID-19 deaths based on death certificates. Based on excess mortality calculations, as many as 638 COVID-19–associated deaths could have occurred during the study period, up to 413 more COVID-19–associated deaths than originally reported. Conclusions Including probable deaths per the CSTE guidelines and monitoring all-cause excess mortality can lead to a better estimation of COVID-19–associated deaths and serve as a model to enhance mortality surveillance in other US jurisdictions.
Feasibility study to detect occupant thermal sensation using a low-cost thermal camera for indoor environments in Indonesia
Authors: Faridah Faridah , Waruwu Memory Motivanisman , Wijayanto Titis , Budiarto Rachmawan , Pratama Raditya Cahya , Prayogi Septian Eka , Nadiya Nur Muna , Yanti Ressy Jaya 
Published: February 2021

This paper concerns the feasibility study of 7 classes of thermal sensation detection in Indonesia's indoor environment using a low-cost thermal camera through face skin temperature. This study is required as an initial step to build a thermal comfort sensor system of HVAC control systems to produce a comfortable indoor environment with minimum and efficient energy use. The feasibility study was started by studying the thermoregulation system of respondents in Indonesia through measuring their body and facial skin temperatures under heating and cooling conditions, including their relationship with thermal sensations. The facial skin temperature variable, which is covered by four measurement points, namely forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin, represents the MST variable by the coefficient of determination of 0.54. The thermal sensation detection algorithm based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is 35.7% of accuracy. The thermal sensation questionnaire with 7 class categories is unsuitable for Indonesian respondents, and the number of the category classes predicted too much compared to the number of inputs. The detection algorithm has better accuracy with a smaller number of classes, namely 52.2% and 68.70% for the 5 and 3 classes of thermal sensation. Practical application: The air conditioning buildings system is possible to influence a thermal environmental control system to meet the occupants' thermal comfort level requirement in an indoor environment if the system is equipped with a sensor that can detect the occupants' thermal sensations. The thermal camera can be used as a non-contact sensor, detecting the occupant’s thermal sensation by reading the occupant's face skin temperature in an indoor environment.
The Impact of MassPAT on Opioid Prescribing Patterns for Otolaryngology Surgeries
Authors: Rubin Samuel , Wulu Jacqueline A. , Edwards Heather A. , Dolan Robert W. , Brams David M. , Yarlagadda Bharat B. 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveDetermine whether opioid prescriber patterns have changed for tonsillectomy, parotidectomy, and thyroidectomy after implementation of the Massachusetts Prescription Awareness Tool (MassPAT).Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingSingle‐center tertiary care hospital.MethodsPatients were included if they received tonsillectomy, parotidectomy, or thyroid surgery at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center (Burlington, Massachusetts) between October 1, 2015, and October 1, 2019. Prescribing patterns were compared prior to implementation of MassPAT, October 1, 2015, to October 14, 2016, to postimplementation of MassPAT, October 15, 2016, to October 1, 2019. Quantity of opioids prescribed was described using total morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Data were analyzed using univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, and trend line using line of best fit.ResultsA total of 737 subjects were included in the study. There was a downward trend in the quantity of opioids prescribed for all 3 surgeries during the study period. There was a significant difference in the quantity of opioids prescribed pre‐ and postimplementation of MassPAT for tonsillectomy (647.70 ± 218.50 MME vs 474.60 ± 185.90 MME, P <. 001), parotidectomy (241.20 ± 57.66 MME vs 156.70 ± 72.99 MME, P <. 001), and thyroidectomy (171.20 ± 93.77 MME vs 108.50 ± 63.84 MME, P <. 001). There was also a decrease in the number of patients who did not receive opioids for thyroidectomy pre‐ and post‐MassPAT (7.56% vs 24.14%).ConclusionWe have demonstrated that there is an association with state drug monitoring programs and decrease in the amount of opioids prescribed for acute postoperative pain control for common otolaryngology surgeries.
Indian Medical Students with Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidal Behavior: Why Do They Not Seek Treatment?
Authors: Arun Praveen , Ramamurthy Parthasarathy , Thilakan Pradeep 
Published: February 2021

Background: Identification of barriers to mental healthcare seeking among medical students will help organize student mental health services in medical colleges across India. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety disorders, and suicidal behavior among medical students and to identify the potential barriers to mental healthcare seeking among them. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, the medical students from a medical college in South India were asked to complete a structured pro forma for sociodemographic details, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7),and Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). The barriers to mental healthcare seeking were assessed using the mental health subscale of Barriers to Healthcare Seeking Questionnaire for medical students. A cut-off of 15 was used for determining the presence of depression on PHQ-9. A cut-off of 10 on GAD-7 indicated the presence of anxiety disorder, and a cut-off of 7 on SBQ-R indicated suicidal risk. Results: Out of the 425 participants, 59 (13.9%) were found to have depression (moderately severe or severe) and 86 (20.2%) were found to have anxiety disorders (moderate or severe). A total of 126 (29.6%) students were found to have a suicidal risk. Preference for informal consultations, concerns about confidentiality, and preference for self-diagnosis were the most commonly reported barriers to mental healthcare seeking. Students with psychiatric disorders perceived more barriers to mental healthcare seeking than students without psychiatric disorders. Conclusions: One-fourth of the medical students were detected to have depression and/or anxiety disorders. Establishing student mental health services, taking into account the perceived barriers, will go a long way in improving medical students’ mental well-being.
Improvement in quality of life with treatment of chronic venous disease: A longitudinal observational study in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Authors: Low Zhen Luan , Allen John Carson , Østbye Truls , Galketiya Kuda Banda , Keong Si Ying Julienne , Tan Hiang Khoon 
Published: February 2021

Objective This study assessed the improvement in Quality of Life (QoL) of Chronic Venous Disease (CVD) patients in Sri Lanka following treatment. Methods This was a prospective observational study of 58 newly or previously diagnosed CVD patients. QoL was assessed by the 14-item ChronIc Venous dIsease quality of life Questionnaire (CIVIQ-14) at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Results At 8 weeks, the improvement in Global score from baseline was greatest in the surgical group with adjusted least squares mean of 23.5 (p < 0.001) followed by the non-surgical group at 13.3 (p < 0.001). There was no significant improvement in the no-treatment group at 0.333 (p = 0.950). Similar results were obtained for Pain and Physical domain scores at 8 weeks. Likewise, at 4 weeks, Global score and Pain and Physical domain scores showed significant improvement in the surgical and non-surgical groups (all p < 0.001) only. Conclusion Both surgical and non-surgical treatments improved QoL of CVD patients.
Effect of Medialization of the Trochlear Groove and Lateralization of the Tibial Tubercle on TT-TG Distance: A Cross-sectional Study of Dysplastic and Nondysplastic Knees
Authors: Paiva Mathias , Blønd Lars , Hölmich Per , Barfod Kristoffer Weisskirchner 
Published: February 2021

Background: Tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is often used as a measure of lateralization of the TT and is important for surgical planning. Purpose: To investigate if increased TT-TG distance measured on axial magnetic resonance images is due to lateralization of the TT or medialization of the TG. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 84 knees (28 normal [NK], 28 with trochlear dysplasia [TD], and 28 with patellar dislocation without TD [PD]) were examined. The medial border of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was chosen as the central anatomic landmark. The distance from the TT to PCL (TT-PCL) was measured to examine the lateralization of the TT. The distance from the TG to the PCL (TG-PCL) was measured to examine the medialization of the TG. Between-group differences were investigated by use of 1-way analysis of variance. Results: The mean values for TT-TG distance were 8.7 ± 3.6 mm for NK, 12.1 ± 6.0 mm for PD, and 16.7 ± 4.3 mm in the TD group ( P < .01). The mean values for TT-PCL distance were 18.5 ± 3.6 mm for NK, 18.5 ± 4.5 mm for PD, and 21.2 ± 4.2 mm in the TD group ( P = .03). The mean values for TG-PCL distance were 9.6 ± 3.0 mm for NK, 7.1 ± 3.4 mm for PD, and 5.1 ± 3.3 mm in the dysplastic group ( P < .01). Conclusion: The present results indicate that increased TT-TG distance is due to medialization of the TG and not lateralization of the TT. Knees with TD had increased TT-TG distance compared with the knees of the control group and the knees with PD. The TT-PCL distance did not differ significantly between groups, whereas the TG-PCL distance declined with increased TT-TG.
Lumbopelvic Control and the Development of Upper Extremity Injury in Professional Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Laudner Kevin , Wong Regan , Evans Daniel , Meister Keith 
Published: February 2021

Background: The baseball-throwing motion requires a sequential order of motions and forces initiating in the lower limbs and transferring through the trunk and ultimately to the upper extremity. Any disruption in this sequence can increase the forces placed on subsequent segments. No research has examined if baseball pitchers with less lumbopelvic control are more likely to develop upper extremity injury than pitchers with more control. Purpose: To determine if baseball pitchers who sustain a chronic upper extremity injury have less lumbopelvic control before their injury compared with a group of pitchers who do not sustain an injury. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 49 asymptomatic, professional baseball pitchers from a single Major League Baseball organization participated. Lumbopelvic control was measured using an iPod-based digital level secured to a Velcro belt around each player’s waist to measure anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) deviations (degrees) during single-leg balance with movement and static bridge maneuvers. During a competitive season, 22 of these pitchers developed upper extremity injuries, while the remaining 27 sustained no injuries. Separate 2-tailed t-tests were run to determine if there were significant differences in lumbopelvic control between groups ( P < .05). Results: There were no significant between-group differences for the stride leg (nondominant) during the bridge test in either the AP ( P = .79) or the ML ( P = .42) directions, or either direction during the drive leg bridge test ( P > .68). However, the injured group had significantly less lumbopelvic control than the noninjured group during stride leg balance in both the AP ( P = .03) and the ML ( P = .001) directions and for drive leg balance in both the AP ( P = .01) and the ML ( P = .04) directions. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that baseball pitchers with diminished lumbopelvic control, particularly during stride leg and drive leg single-leg balance with movement, had more upper extremity injuries than those with more control. Clinicians should consider evaluating lumbopelvic control in injury prevention protocols and provide appropriate exercises for restoring lumbopelvic control before returning athletes to competition after injury. Specific attention should be given to testing and exercises that mimic a single-limb balance task.