PURPOSE: Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced (DCE) MRI with 2nd generation pharmacokinetic models provides estimates of plasma flow and permeability surface-area product in contrast to the broadly used 1st generation models (e.g. the Tofts models). However, the use of 2nd generation models requires higher frequency with which the dynamic images are acquired (around 1.5 s per image). Blind deconvolution can decrease the demands on temporal resolution as shown previously for one of the 1st generation models. Here, the temporal-resolution requirements achievable for blind deconvolution with a 2nd generation model are studied. METHODS: The 2nd generation model is formulated as the distributed-capillary adiabatic-tissue-homogeneity (DCATH) model. Blind deconvolution is based on Parker's model of the arterial input function. The accuracy and precision of the estimated arterial input functions and the perfusion parameters is evaluated on synthetic and real clinical datasets with different levels of the temporal resolution. RESULTS: The estimated arterial input functions remained unchanged from their reference high-temporal-resolution estimates (obtained with the sampling interval around 1 s) when increasing the sampling interval up to about 5 s for synthetic data and up to 3.6-4.8 s for real data. Further increasing of the sampling intervals led to systematic distortions, such as lowering and broadening of the 1st pass peak. The resulting perfusion-parameter estimation error was below 10% for the sampling intervals up to 3 s (synthetic data), in line with the real data perfusion-parameter boxplots which remained unchanged up to the sampling interval 3.6 s. CONCLUSION: We show that use of blind deconvolution decreases the demands on temporal resolution in DCE-MRI from about 1.5 s (in case of measured arterial input functions) to 3-4 s. This can be exploited in increased spatial resolution or larger organ coverage.

• Keywords
• 2nd generation pharmacokinetic model, Blind deconvolution, DCE-MRI, Temporal resolution,
• MeSH
• Algorithms MeSH
• Time Factors MeSH
• Contrast Media * pharmacokinetics   MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging * methods   MeSH
• Perfusion MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Contrast Media * MeSH

This article presents the design of a seven-country study focusing on childhood vaccines, Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy in Europe (VAX-TRUST), developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study consists of (a) situation analysis of vaccine hesitancy (examination of individual, socio-demographic and macro-level factors of vaccine hesitancy and analysis of media coverage on vaccines and vaccination and (b) participant observation and in-depth interviews of healthcare professionals and vaccine-hesitant parents. These analyses were used to design interventions aimed at increasing awareness on the complexity of vaccine hesitancy among healthcare professionals involved in discussing childhood vaccines with parents. We present the selection of countries and regions, the conceptual basis of the study, details of the data collection and the process of designing and evaluating the interventions, as well as the potential impact of the study. Laying out our research design serves as an example of how to translate complex public health issues into social scientific study and methods.

• Keywords
• Vaccine hesitancy, cross-country study, health sociology, public health, study design,
• MeSH
• COVID-19 * prevention & control   MeSH
• Child MeSH
• Trust * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Vaccination Hesitancy * psychology   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Parents psychology   MeSH
• COVID-19 Vaccines administration & dosage   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Europe MeSH
• Names of Substances
• COVID-19 Vaccines MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Though researchers and scholars have greatly emphasized addressing the influencing factors of vaccination hesitancy, little attention has been paid to patients with celiac disease. Addressing the variables hampering attitudes might help direct appropriate patient advocacy and doctor-patient communication endeavors to encourage vaccination among celiac disease patients. The present investigation seeks to explore the coverage against vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccination attitudes, and related possible factors among celiac disease patients in the Pakistani setting. METHODS: A self-reported online survey was conducted in Islamabad, Pakistan, for celiac disease patients aged 18 and above. The questionnaire was completed by 226 participants, with a response rate of 43.8%. The influencing variables for vaccination hesitancy were examined, and 95% confidence intervals for the crude and adjusted odds ratios were computed. RESULTS: Among the study population, the majority were females, with a ratio of 75.66%. A prominent proportion of 69.03% was observed for influenza vaccination, while 39.82% were unable to recall all of the vaccinations they had previously received. Only 7% of the patients were considered to have a negative attitude toward vaccination, compared to an estimated 76% who were in favor of it. The significantly positive influencing factors observed toward vaccination were being well-educated (graduate, master, or above), possible recurrence of vaccine-preventable diseases with declining vaccination coverage (adjusted OR: 13.36), and increased confidence in vaccines from health care experts compared to electronic media (adjusted OR: 8.41). Contrarily, practicing complementary and alternative medicines (adjusted OR: 5.59), willingness to get vaccinated again in the future (adjusted OR: 15.59), and prior negative perspectives (adjusted OR: 1.01) were the determinants with a significant negative association. DISCUSSION: In conclusion, the outcomes of the current work raise the possibility that health practitioners may be accountable for inappropriately prescribing vaccines to this demographic since 77% of the participants had a favorable attitude toward vaccination. These findings could serve as a springboard for creating targeted immunization efforts to raise vaccination coverage against vaccine-preventive diseases among celiac disease patients.

• Keywords
• COVID-19, Pakistan, celiac disease, policy, vaccination hesitancy, vaccine-preventable diseases,
• MeSH
• Celiac Disease * MeSH
• Immunization MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Vaccination Hesitancy MeSH
• Vaccine-Preventable Diseases * MeSH
• Vaccination MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

Road users' inattention is one of the leading factors that contribute to crashes. It has been thoroughly researched from many perspectives, but there is limited information about the factors that influence risk perception and road users' attitudes. These factors are formed by personal and mediated experience, but education and public awareness play important roles. In this context, media seems to significantly influence risk perception and it may result in behavioural changes. This study aimed to review the coverage of driver inattention in the Czech media to analyse how it covers different types of inattention. Both quantitative and qualitative content analyses were conducted, and the sources of inattention mentioned in media reports were coded. We found the following: distraction is the most often reported inattention subtype; the media often communicates illegal behaviour, such as mobile phone handling; the preventive and educational potential of media coverage seems to not be fully utilized; and media reports are often focused on specific crashes, consequences, and immediate causes. Other risky aspects or inattention contributory factors tend to be neglected.

• Keywords
• Crash, Distraction, Inattention, Media, Traffic safety,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

OBJECTIVES: Pregnant women are among the priority groups to receive influenza vaccines in the Czech Republic since 2011, data on vaccination coverage are not yet available. The aim of the study was to determine the influenza vaccination coverage (IVC) and provide source data for further activities. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed in a large maternity hospital in Prague. The self-completed questionnaire was distributed to 5,475 pregnant women between September 1, 2020 and August 31, 2021. Questions included maternal sociodemographic characteristics, influenza vaccination status and sources of maternal vaccination recommendations during pregnancy. RESULTS: A total of 4,617 completed questionnaires have been analysed. The median age of study participants (N = 4,592) was 33 years (range: 18-51 years). The majority (69.7%) of women had completed their university education, most women were childless (58.5%) or had one child (32.5%) before the start of the study. Less than 2% of women reported being vaccinated against influenza during their pregnancy (1.5%; 95% CI, 1.1-1.9%). Only 21% of women knew that it's possible to get vaccinated against influenza during pregnancy. Participants considered influenza vaccination in pregnancy as important (3.3%), useful (41.1%) and useless (44.4%). Out of 959 pregnant women who had information about influenza vaccination during pregnancy, only 6.9% were vaccinated, while among those who did not have this information, 0.1% were vaccinated during pregnancy (p < 0.001). The most frequent source of information was Internet, then media and a general practitioner. CONCLUSIONS: The IVC during pregnancy in our study was extremely low. In order to improve IVC among pregnant women, it is necessary to increase awareness of recommendations and vaccination options among the public and professionals and incorporating vaccination recommendation in routine antenatal practice.

• Keywords
• Health knowledge, Influenza, Pregnancy, Prevention, Vaccination,
• MeSH
• Influenza, Human * epidemiology   prevention & control   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Pregnancy Complications, Infectious * prevention & control   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Hospitals, Maternity MeSH
• Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
• Seasons MeSH
• Pregnancy MeSH
• Pregnant People MeSH
• Vaccination MeSH
• Influenza Vaccines * therapeutic use   MeSH
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Pregnancy MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Observational Study MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic epidemiology   MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Influenza Vaccines * MeSH

This paper focuses on migrants and migration in the context of the Czech Republic, an ethnically and nationally homogeneous country without significant migration experience. Despite this fact, the issue of migration became very prominent in 2015 and has been an integral part of Czech political and public discourse since then. Although the topic has attracted scholarly interest, but the reflection on migrant images held by citizens has been omitted. To fill this gap, first, we conducted a quantitative computer-assisted content analysis of the main Czech media (2015-2018) to investigate how important the issue of migration was and in what context migrants and migration were discussed in the media. We then conducted a series of focus groups with Czech citizens to answer not only how they perceived migrants and migration in general, but also how they perceived the (quality of) media coverage of this issue. The findings offer insight into patterns of media consumption: Our respondents were well aware that media representation of the topic is exaggerated and does not include all possible points of view. The prevailing perception was that the mostly negative media representation was fixated on the image of a migrant coming from the Middle East, most likely to be a terrorist who is not going to adapt to a "normal" life in the Czech Republic. Indeed, the very term migrant is mainly associated with someone who, according to the mental projections of the respondents, is "different" at first sight, fails to fit in and integrate into the majority society, does not look for work thus becoming dependent on the social system of the host country. In other words, for Czechs, people who come to settle and work are excluded from the socially constructed category of migrants.

• Keywords
• Cultural and media studies, Politics and international relations,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Czech population experienced a second lockdown lasting for about half a year, restricting free movement and imposing social isolation. However, it is not known whether the impact of this long lockdown resulted in habituation to the adverse situation or in the traumatization of the Czech population, and whether the media and specific media use contributed to these effects. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of the long lockdown on the mental health of the Czech population, and the role of exposure to COVID-19 news reports and specific forms of media news use in mental health. METHODS: We conducted two consecutive surveys in the early (November 2020) and late (March/April 2021) phases of the nationwide lockdown on the same nationally representative group of Czech adults (N=1777) participating in a longitudinal panel study. RESULTS: Our findings showed that the self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression increased in the second observation period, confirming the negative effect of the pandemic lockdown as it unfolded, suggesting that restrictive measures and continuous exposure to a collective stressor did not result in the strengthening of resilience but rather in ongoing traumatization. The results also suggest a negative role of the media's coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic in mental health during the early, and particularly late, phases of the lockdown. Furthermore, we found several risk and protective factors of specific media news use. The media practice in news consumption connected to social media use was the strongest predictor of exacerbated mental health symptoms, particularly in the late phase of the lockdown. Moreover, news media use characterized by internalization of information learned from the news, as well as negative attitudes toward media news, were associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. Conversely, the use of infotainment, together with an in-depth and contextual style of reading news articles, were related to improvement of mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the long lockdown resulted in traumatization rather than habituation, and in more pronounced effects (both negative and positive) of media use in mental health.

• Keywords
• COVID-19, anxiety, depression, lockdown, longitudinal study, media news, media use, mental health, mental stress, nationally representative data, pandemic, psychological trauma, social isolation, social media, survey,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

I read with great interest the article entitled "The Long-Term Effects of 12-Week Intranasal Steroid Therapy on Adenoid Size, Its Mucus Coverage and Otitis Media with Effusion: A Cohort Study in Preschool Children" by Zwierz et al. [...].

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Julian Ochorowicz (1850-1917) belonged to the first generation of psychologists who regarded this discipline as a scientific, positive endeavor. At the same time, he was a representative of psychic sciences, following a strictly positivist attitude to researching psychic phenomena. This article discusses the key event of his career, experiments with the famous medium Eusapia Palladino, in Warsaw, between late 1893 and early 1894. Ochorowicz's séances with Palladino attracted wide local and international attention and improved his standing as an internationally leading psychic researcher. In Warsaw, however, these experiments were fiercely controversial and, as a result, Ochorowicz was discredited and left the city. As I argue, this dissociation of credibilities was the outcome of a changing media landscape in the late nineteenth century. While Ochorowicz's strategy of boundary-work and asserting his credibility aimed at scholarly media, it proved fatal when facing intensive, daily coverage in the popular press.

• Keywords
• Poland, boundary-work, credibility, pariah science, positivism, science and media, spiritism,
• MeSH
• Mass Media * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) are increasingly gaining popularity due to a set of valuable features like wastewater remediation under varied conditions, ecosystem quality preservation, landscape conservation, and aesthetic benefits. FTW is a phyto-technology in which macrophytes grow on a floating raft with their roots in permanent contact with water and remove pollutants via several physicochemical-biological processes. FTW is highly capable of overcoming technical and operational challenges that come way in stormwater treatment due to the erratic nature of hydrologic and input pollutant loads because this innovative buoyant hydroponic design can move up and down with fluctuating water levels in the stormwater pond and can treat highly variable flows. Plants and biofilms attached to the roots hanging beneath the floating mat play a pivotal role in FTWs. The present review encompasses the concept of FTWs, their structural designs, relevance in stormwater management, and mechanism of plant uptake for pollutant removal. The role of FTWs to remove heavy metals and nutrients is also critically analyzed. Understanding hydraulics and other parameters of FTW is vital to effective design. Hence, the role of vegetation coverage, vegetation type, sorption media, aeration frequency, and intensity, and plant density to enhance system efficiency is also highlighted. Due to their operational flexibility and environmentally friendly working with no additional burden on existing urban land use, FTWs entice broad international interest and offer a coherent solution for stormwater management. MAIN FINDINGS: The review delivers state-of-the-art analysis of the current understanding of hydraulics and other parameters of FTWs, and associated mechanisms to enhance the treatment efficiency of FTWs for nutrients and heavy metals removal.

• Keywords
• Constructed wetland, Heavy metal, Plant, Remediation, Stormwater, Water pollution,
• MeSH
• Water Pollutants, Chemical * analysis   MeSH
• Water Purification * MeSH
• Rain MeSH
• Ecosystem MeSH
• Wetlands MeSH
• Waste Disposal, Fluid MeSH
• Metals, Heavy * MeSH
• Water Supply MeSH
• Nutrients MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Water Pollutants, Chemical * MeSH
• Metals, Heavy * MeSH