bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Race, Sex, and Neighborhood Socioeconomic Disparities in Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia Within a National Medicare Cohort
Authors: Kipp Ryan , Kalscheur Matthew , Sheehy Ann M. , Bartels Christie M. , Kind Amy J. H. , Powell W. Ryan
Published: December 2022

Background

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation significantly improves our ability to control VT, yet little is known about whether disparities exist in delivery of this technology.

Methods and Results

Using a national 100% Medicare inpatient data set of beneficiaries admitted with VT from January 1, 2014, through November 30, 2014, multivariable logistic regression techniques were used to examine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with receiving ablation. Census block group‐level neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage was measured for each patient by the Area Deprivation Index, a composite measure of socioeconomic disadvantage consisting of education, income, housing, and employment factors. Among 131 645 patients admitted with VT, 2190 (1.66%) received ablation. After adjustment for comorbidities, hospital characteristics, and sociodemographics, female sex (odds ratio [OR], 0.75 [95% CI, 0.67–0.84]), identifying as Black race (OR, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.62–0.90] compared with identifying as White race), and living in a highly socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhood (national Area Deprivation Index percentile of >85%) (OR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.69–0.95] versus Area Deprivation Index ≤85%) were associated with significantly lower odds of receiving ablation.

Conclusions

Female patients, patients identifying as Black race, and patients living in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods are 19% to 25% less likely to receive ablation during hospitalization with VT. The cause of and solutions for these disparities require further investigation.
Prior Myocardial Infarction and Treatment Effect of Ticagrelor Versus Prasugrel in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes ‐ A Post‐hoc Analysis of the ISAR‐REACT 5 Trial
Authors: Lahu Shqipdona , Scalamogna Maria , Ndrepepa Gjin , Menichelli Maurizio , Valina Christian , Hemetsberger Rayyan , Witzenbichler Bernhard , Bernlochner Isabell , Joner Michael , Xhepa Erion , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Kufner Sebastian , Sager Hendrik B. , Mayer Katharina , Kessler Thorsten , Laugwitz Karl‐Ludwig , Richardt Gert , Schunkert Heribert , Neumann Franz‐Josef , Kastrati Adnan , Cassese Salvatore
Published: December 2022

Background

The efficacy and safety of ticagrelor versus prasugrel in patients with acute coronary syndrome and prior myocardial infarction (MI) remain unstudied. We aimed to assess the treatment effect of ticagrelor versus prasugrel according to prior MI status in patients with ACS.

Methods and Results

Patients with acute coronary syndrome planned for an invasive strategy and randomized to ticagrelor or prasugrel in the ISAR‐REACT (Intracoronary Stenting and Antithrombotic Regimen: Rapid Early Action for Coronary Treatment) 5 trial were included. The primary end point was the composite of 1‐year all‐cause death, MI, or stroke; the secondary safety end point was the composite of 1‐year Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3 to 5 bleeding. The study included 4015 patients (prior MI=631 patients; no prior MI=3384 patients). As compared with patients without prior MI, the primary end point occurred more frequently in patients with prior MI (12.6% versus 7.2%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.78 [95% CI, 1.38–2.29]); the secondary safety end point appears to differ little between patients with and without prior MI (5.8% versus 5.7%, respectively; HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.71–1.45]). With regard to the primary end point, ticagrelor versus prasugrel was associated with an HR of 1.62 (95% CI, 1.03–2.55) in patients with prior MI and an HR of 1.28 (95% CI, 0.99–1.65) in patients without prior MI (
P
int
=0.37). With regard to the secondary safety end point, ticagrelor versus prasugrel was associated with an HR of 1.28 (95% CI, 0.56–2.91) in patients with prior MI and an HR of 1.13 (95% CI, 0.82–1.55) in patients without prior MI (
P
int
=0.79).

Conclusions

Patients with acute coronary syndrome and prior MI are at higher risk for recurrent ischemic but not bleeding events. Prasugrel is superior to ticagrelor in reducing the risk of ischemic events without a tradeoff in bleeding regardless of prior MI status.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01944800.
Peak Work Rate Increases With Lower Extremity‐Focused Exercise Training in Adolescents With Fontan Circulation
Authors: Avitabile Catherine M. , McBride Michael G. , Zhang Xuemei , Ampah Steve , Goldstein Bryan H. , Alsaied Tarek , Wittekind Samuel G. , Whitehead Kevin K. , Zemel Babette S. , Paridon Stephen M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Skeletal muscle deficits are associated with worse exercise performance in the Fontan circulation and may be improved by exercise training. We aimed to assess the change in leg lean mass (a marker of skeletal muscle), exercise performance, and functional health status after a lower extremity‐focused exercise intervention in adolescents with Fontan circulation.

Methods and Results

Densitometry for measurement of leg lean mass, cardiopulmonary exercise test, exercise cardiac magnetic resonance, peripheral vascular testing, physical activity questionnaire, and quality of life assessment were performed at baseline and after a 24‐week, hybrid center‐ and home‐based training program. Leg lean mass Z‐scores were generated, and exercise parameters were expressed as percentage expected based on reference data. The effect of training was assessed by paired t‐tests and simple linear regression. Twenty participants (15.6±1.7 years, 50% male) demonstrated low baseline leg lean mass Z‐scores with no significant improvement with training (−1.38±1.02 pre versus −1.31±1.06 post,
P
=0.33). Maximum and percent predicted work increased from 121.9±29.8 (0.66±0.12) to 131.3±35.1 (0.70±0.15) watts (
P
=0.02). Peak respiratory exchange ratio increased (1.19±0.02 versus 1.25±0.01,
P
=0.02) but percent predicted oxygen consumption was unchanged, suggesting higher anaerobic activity after training. Physical activity questionnaire score positively associated with peak work at baseline (ß=18.13 [95% CI, 0.83–35.44],
R
2
=0.21;
P
=0.04) but physical activity questionnaire, quality of life scores, exercise cardiac magnetic resonance performance, and peripheral vascular function were unchanged with training.

Conclusions

Peak work rate and anaerobic activity increased with lower extremity‐focused training in adolescents with Fontan circulation. Larger studies should test the impact of these changes on functional status and quality of life.
Impact of Virtual Interviewing on Geographic Placement for Cardiology Fellowship Recruitment
Authors: Hasnie Usman A. , Hasnie Ammar A. , Estrada Carlos A. , Weissman Gaby , Williams Winter L. , Lloyd Steven G.
Published: December 2022

Background

Virtual interviewing for cardiology fellowship was instituted in the 2021 fellowship application cycle because of the COVID‐19 pandemic and restricted travel. The impact on geographic patterns of fellow‐training program matching is unknown. This study sought to determine if there was a difference in geographic placement of matched fellows for cardiology fellowship match after initiation of virtual interviews compared with in‐person interviewing.

Methods and Results

All US‐based accredited cardiovascular disease fellowship programs that participated in the 2019 to 2021 fellowship match cycles and had publicly available data with fellowship and residency training locations and training year were included. Each fellow was categorized based on whether their fellowship and residency programs were in the same institution, same state, same US census region, or different census region. Categories were mutually exclusive. Of 236 eligible programs, 118 (50%) programs were identified, composed of 1787 matched fellows. Compared with the previrtual cohort (n=1178 matched fellows), there was no difference in the geographic placement during the 2021 virtual cycle (n=609 matched fellows) (
P
=0.19), including the proportion matched at the same program (30.6% versus 31.5%), same state but different program (13% versus 13.8%), same region but different state (24.2% versus 19.7%), or different region (35% versus 33.1%). There was also no difference when stratified by program size or geographic region.

Conclusions

The use of virtual interviewing in the 2021 cardiology fellowship application cycle showed no significant difference in the geographic placement of matched fellows compared with in‐person interviewing. Further study is needed to evaluate the impact of virtual interviewing and optimize its use in fellowship recruitment.
NOAA’s Great Lakes Wave Prediction System: A Successful Framework for Accelerating the Transition of Innovations to Operations
Authors: Alves Jose-Henrique , Tolman Hendrik , Roland Aron , Abdolali Ali , Ardhuin Fabrice , Mann Greg , Chawla Arun , Smith Jane
Published: December 2022

The establishment of the Great Lakes wave forecast system is an early success story inspiring the introduction of open-innovation practices at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It shows the power of community modeling to accelerate the transition of scientific innovations to operational environmental forecasting. This paper presents an overview of wave modeling in the Great Lakes from the perspective of its societal benefits. NOAA’s operational wave modeling systems and development practices are examined, emphasizing the importance of community- and stakeholder-driven collaborative efforts to introduce innovations such as using advanced spatial grid types and physics parameterizations, leading to improved predictive skill. The success of the open-innovation approach, set in motion at NOAA by initiatives such as the Great Lakes wave forecasting system, accelerated the transition of innovations to operations. The culture change to operational modeling efforts became part of the foundation for establishing the Unified Forecast System and, more recently, the Earth Prediction Innovation Center. Open-innovation initiatives will improve operational weather and climate forecast systems through scientific and technical innovation, reducing the devastating impacts of hazardous weather and supporting NOAA’s mission of protecting life and property and enhancing the national economy.
Antarctic Sea Ice Holds the Fate of Antarctic Ice-Shelf Basal Melting in a Warming Climate
Authors: Kusahara Kazuya , Tatebe Hiroaki , Hajima Tomohiro , Saito Fuyuki , Kawamiya Michio
Published: December 2022

Changes in the Antarctic ice sheet play a critical role in the Southern Ocean and global climates. Although many studies have pointed out that enhanced ocean heat delivery onto the Antarctic continental shelf regions can cause significant changes in Antarctic ice-shelf basal melting, the associated physical mechanisms require further research. Here, we perform numerical experiments using an ocean–sea ice model with an ice-shelf component to simulate future projections in Antarctic ice-shelf basal melting in a warming climate, focusing on the driving mechanism and the physical linkages with the seasonal Antarctic sea ice fields and coastal water masses. The model projects a distinct superlinear response of ice-shelf basal melting to future atmospheric warming, demonstrating that future projections of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean climate bifurcate with the level of global warming. Detailed examinations of sea ice and water masses show that in an extreme warming scenario, a combination of enhanced intrusions of warm deep water and warm summertime surface water can cause the nonlinear response of Antarctic ice-shelf basal melting. A large reduction in Antarctic coastal sea ice and the associated ocean freshening by decreasing coastal sea ice production in winter provide favorable conditions for summertime warm surface water formation and warm deep water intrusions onto some continental shelves. The model results demonstrate that disappearing summertime sea ice along the Antarctic coastal margins in a warming climate heralds the nonlinear increase in Antarctic ice-shelf basal melting, presumably contributing to the negative mass balance of the Antarctic ice sheet and the sea level rise.
Topography Effects on the Seasonal Variability of Ocean Bottom Pressure in the North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Chen Lei , Yang Jiayan , Wu Lixin
Published: December 2022

Ocean bottom pressure pB is an important oceanic variable that is dynamically related to the abyssal ocean circulation through geostrophy. In this study we examine the seasonal pB variability in the North Pacific Ocean by analyzing satellite gravimetric observations from the GRACE program and a data-assimilated ocean-state estimate from ECCOv4. The seasonal pB variability is characterized by alternations of low and high anomalies among three regions, the subpolar and subtropical basins as well as the equatorial region. A linear two-layer wind-driven model is used to examine forcing mechanisms and topographic effects on seasonal pB variations. The model control run, which uses a realistic topography, is able to simulate a basinwide seasonal pB variability that is remarkably similar to that from GRACE and ECCOv4. Since the model is driven by wind stress alone, the good model–data agreement indicates that wind stress is the leading forcing for seasonal changes in pB. An additional model simulation was conducted by setting the water depth uniformly at 5000 m. The magnitude of seasonal pB anomaly is amplified significantly in the flat-bottom simulation as compared with that in the control run. The difference can be explained in terms of the topographic Sverdrup balance. In addition, the spatial pattern of the seasonal pB variability is also profoundly affected by topography especially on continental margins, ridges, and trenches. Such differences are due to topographic effects on the propagation pathways of Rossby waves.
Policing and Prosecuting Sexual Assault Against Women of Color: Applying Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality Frameworks to Examine Arrest and Charging Decisions in Cases Involving Black and Latina Victims
Authors: Acquaviva Brittany L. , Kelley Shamika M. , Meeker Katherine A. , Fleming Jessica C.
Published: December 2022

Using Critical Race Theory and an intersectional framework, the present study focuses on the case processing of sexual assault (SA) incidents involving Black and Latina victims. Importantly, much of the prior literature assessing arrest and charging decisions have been whitewashed by failing to consider that the factors influencing the case progression of white victims’ SA experiences may not appropriately apply to women of Color. Oftentimes, this scholarship merely controls for victim and suspect race without considering how legal and extralegal incident and case factors may operate differently for victims of Color. The present study addresses this oversight.
Is Intergenerational Transmission of Violence a Strong Predictor of Intimate Partner Violence? Evidence from Nepal
Authors: Bradley Tamsin , Tanwar Jagriti
Published: December 2022

Literature on women’s economic empowerment argues that women’s income builds resilience and leads to reduction in intimate partner violence (IPV). We challenge this by showing a positive (statistically) insignificant link between women’s economic status and IPV, but significant positive links between women’s economic contribution and IPV, and men’s intergenerational violent behaviour and IPV. Based on a sample of 553 married women drawn from Nepal, we find that paid or precarious work is positively but insignificantly associated with IPV. Findings however reveal that after controlling for other factors, women contributing equally or more to household income are significantly at higher risks of IPV. Similarly, if a man has witnessed domestic violence while growing up, he is more likely to commit violence within his own marriage. We therefore argue for the need to transform men’s attitude and behaviours through targeted programmes to break the cycle of violence.
Fibromodulin, a Multifunctional Matricellular Modulator
Authors: Zheng Z. , Granado H.S. , Li C.
Published: December 2022

Fibromodulin (FMOD) is an archetypal member of the class II small leucine-rich proteoglycan family. By directly binding to extracellular matrix structural components, such as collagen and lysyl oxidase, FMOD regulates collagen cross-linking, packing, assembly, and fibril architecture via a multivalent interaction. Meanwhile, as a pluripotent molecule, FMOD acts as a ligand of various cytokines and growth factors, especially those belonging to the transforming growth factor (TGF) β superfamily, by interacting with the corresponding signaling molecules involved in cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation, migration, invasion, differentiation, and metastasis. Consequently, FMOD exhibits promigratory, proangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrogenic properties and plays essential roles in cell fate determination and maturation, progenitor cell recruitment, and tissue regeneration. The multifunctional nature of FMOD thus enables it to be a promising therapeutic agent for a broad repertoire of diseases, including but not limited to arthritis, temporomandibular joint disorders, caries, and fibrotic diseases among different organs, as well as to be a regenerative medicine candidate for skin, muscle, and tendon injuries. Moreover, FMOD is also considered a marker for tumor diagnosis and prognosis prediction and a potential target for cancer treatment. Furthermore, FMOD itself is sufficient to reprogram somatic cells into a multipotent state, creating a safe and efficient cell source for various tissue reconstructions and thus opening a new avenue for regenerative medicine. This review focuses on the recent preclinical efforts bringing FMOD research and therapies to the forefront. In addition, a contemporary understanding of the mechanism underlying FMOD’s function, particularly its interaction with TGFβ superfamily members, is also discussed at the molecular level to aid the discovery of novel FMOD-based treatments.
An improved algorithm for delay constrained relay node deployment in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Zhang Qian , Yao Haiqing , Zheng Chaoqun , Lian Jie
Published: December 2022

Given that Delay Constrained Relay Node Placement (DCRNP) problem is getting more and more attention in time-critical domains, this paper proposes an Improved Greedy-based Selection Algorithm (IGSA) to tackle such problem under delay and budget constraints. IGSA first employs communication cost matrix and Dijkstra’s algorithm to detect whether the problem is solvable, then selects the amount and locations of deployed relay nodes (RNs) layer by layer by continuously calling the greedy coverage algorithm until all sensors have a feasible path to the sink under a preset delay constraint, and finally removes redundant RNs to reach the approximate optimal solution. Extensive simulations show that our approach can save 15%–30% of deployed RNs than the Two-phase Set-Covering-based Algorithm (TSCA), which is the state-of-the-art algorithm for the DCRNP problem, only with a slight sacrifice of solving time. Meanwhile, Ad Hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol is applied to further examine the performance of the deployment results solved by TSCA and IGSA, respectively. Results show that every RN deployed by IGSA is involved in data forwarding, while IGSA deploys leisure RNs which do not participate in the data forwarding. Besides, compared with TSCA, the network formed by IGSA has lower network delay in the data transmission process, and the energy consumption of the central node and throughput of the two topologies are almost at the same level.
Emergency extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: A study on feasibility and efficacy in stone clearance and reducing morbidity in ureteric and renal stones with colic
Authors: Tiwari Ashutosh Kumar , Sarkar Debansu , Pal Dilip Kumar
Published: December 2022

Objectives:

Evaluation of safety, efficacy, and feasibility of emergency extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (eESWL) in combating obstructing stones with colic on emergency basis.

Materials and methods:

From November 2019 to November 2021, 102 subjects underwent emergency ESWL for obstructing ureteric and renal stones with colic within 24 h of presentation.

Results:

Patients in this study belonged to age group of 18–67 years with mean being 39 years consisting of 85 males and 22 females (M:F = 85:22). Mean stone dimensions were 8.26 mm in length and 7.65 mm in width. A total of 42 patients had their stone in kidney or upper ureter while 24 patients had stone in mid ureter and remaining patients ( n = 36) had stone in lower ureter. About 65 patients had their stone completely cleared after single ESWL session while 20 patients required multiple sessions to achieve complete clearance. Of these 17 patients (16.67%) were not rendered stone free even after three sessions and had to undergo ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL). Overall Stone Free Rate (SFR) was 83.33%. For stone attenuation of ⩽900 HU, SFR was 97.18% while for >900 HU it was only 51.61%.

Conclusion:

eESWL is safe, feasible, and efficacious noninvasive alternative for definitive management of obstructing ureteral and renal stones with colic as far as stone clearance and rapid and definitive pain relief are concerned and that too with very minimal morbidity without the need for admission and hence can reduce the prolonged waiting period for endoscopic stone surgery in any high-volume tertiary care hospital. Length, width, and attenuation of stone were found to be the main factors dictating the success of eESWL.
Markers of local kidney cancer recurrence: A surgeon’s mistake or a pattern? Review
Authors: Gaas Margarita Y , Kaprin Andrey D , Vorobyev Nikolay V , Rapoport Leonid M , Korolev Dmitry O , Kalpinsky Alexey S
Published: December 2022

The influence of various morphological, anatomical, genetic and other factors on the local recurrence-free survival of patients who have undergone different renal cell cancer (RCC) treatment is still a rather complex, ambiguous and controversial issue for practicing oncourologists. This review evaluates the effect of several factors on both recurrence-free survival and local recurrence-free survival. The review includes articles, clinical cases, literature reviews, and meta-analyses highlighting the analysis of independent and interrelated predisposing factors for developing local recurrence of RCC from 1984 to 2020. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched in English, Spanish, and German. A review of the literature showed the role of the following indices in the local recurrence RCC: microvascular invasion ( p = 0.001), tumor necrosis ( p = 0.0001), high malignancy (Fuhrman III or IV) (HR = 38.3, 95% CI 3.1–467, p = 0.004) as histological factors, tumor size as an anatomical factor. Thus, the authors state that every centimeter of the tumor increases the risk of local recurrence ( p < 0.05). A group from the Mayo Clinic showed the equivalence of different treatment methods in local RCC recurrence. Thus, in the group of patients with cT1a stage kidney cancer, the 5-year local recurrence-free survival rates were 97.7% (96.7–98.6), 95.9% (92.3–99.6), and 95.9% (92.3–99.6) for renal resection, RFA, and cryoablation, respectively. Surgical margin status is the most studied and controversial marker of local renal cell carcinoma recurrence. Researchers found a direct effect of PSM on the risk of local RCC recurrence ( p < 0.01). The personalized approach with the search and evaluation of predisposing factors for the local recurrence, as well as further selection of the most optimal treatment, will allow oncourologists to improve both the effectiveness of primary treatment and the recurrence-free survival of patients.
Gendered social address in China’s convergence culture: The case of meinü (beautiful woman)
Authors: Lang Jun , Jing-Schmidt Zhuo
Published: December 2022

Henry Jenkins posited that digital culture is convergence culture. This prognosis has since been intensely debated. Critiques of its romanticization of grassroots participation and objections to its neglect of the political economy of media convergence are particularly pertinent in the context of China where media is under state control despite the drastic platformization of society. The present study probes China’s convergence culture through a sociolinguistic lens. We examine patterns of convergence in the usage of a viral social address, meinü (美女, literally ‘beautiful woman’), and we survey the perception of this term across social categories. Results on usage pointed to a linguistic convergence of popular culture and state media, which fuels the viral spread of meinü in China’s digital ecosystem where interactions between stakeholders defy a simple user–censor dichotomy. Results on perception showed a generational contestation. Contrary to previous findings, older Chinese are more likely than younger Chinese to use meinü, and older women experience gratification when called meinü but younger women experience effrontery at its use. The generation gap suggests socially distributed experiences and practices among China’s digital media participants. Our study not only reveals the complexities, contradictions, and contingencies of media convergence in China, but also has theoretical and empirical implications for convergence culture.
Reconsidering the Greek Agri-Food Export Sector: What Lessons from the EU Partners?
Authors: Karkanis Dimitrios , Melfou Katerina
Published: December 2022

The conjuncture of both the economic and the pandemic crisis has brought to fore the urgency for the Greek economy to reconsider sustainable economic growth strategies. In the light of recent efforts to boost Greek exports, the agri-food sector is called upon to play an important role. This article is about the need for the Greek economy to revisit its export growth strategies with regard to the agri-food sector, by assessing the factors affecting the performance of the EU Mediterranean agri-food exporter countries, such as France, Italy and Spain, including Greece. The applied gravity model methodology and both OLS and PPML estimations were conducted by use of UNCTADStat data between 1995 and 2019. The findings suggest that improving the availability of Greek agri-food products for exports constitutes a prerequisite for the competitiveness of this sector in international markets, which can be achieved by strengthening synergies between agribusinesses and by facilitating product standardization procedures.
Effect of Human Papillomavirus Subtype on the Rate of Positive Surgical Margin After Cervical Conization
Authors: Purut Yunus Emre , Giray Burak , Akis Serkan , Peker Esra Keles , Babayeva Gulchin , Kabaca Canan , Api Murat
Published: December 2022

Objective. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a risk factor for cervical carcinoma. Over 100 types of HPV have been identified. The excisional procedures are recommended for women with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Surgical margin status is an important predictor of the risk of relapse. The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether HPV genotype is a predictive factor of positive surgical margin after cervical cone excision. Materials and Methods. The records of 448 HPV-infected patients who underwent loop electrosurgical excision or cold knife conization at a tertiary gynecological cancer center were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into 6 groups according to HPV positivity: HPV 16 only, HPV 18 only, HPV 16/18, other high-risk HPV (hrHPV), HPV 16/hrHPV, and HPV 18/hrHPV. Results. There was no significant difference between the HPV groups in terms of age, parity, menopausal status, endocervical canal involvement, conization method, and the rates of positive margin ( P = .15, P = .49, P = .07, P = .20, P = .24, P = .39, respectively). Conclusion. The results show that HPV subtypes might not be associated with endocervical canal involvement and the rates of positive margin. In addition, margin status was not related to the conization method and the number of excised cervical tissue.
How Media Reports on COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories Impact Consensus Beliefs and Protective Action: A Randomized Controlled Online Trial
Authors: Logemann Hannah Timna , Tomczyk Samuel
Published: December 2022

This study examines the influence of news coverage on coronavirus disease (COVID)-related conspiracy theories on consensus perceptions regarding the seriousness of COVID-19 and its impact on attitudes and behaviors. In an online experiment, 395 participants either watched a report containing conspiracy theories, scientific facts, or information about a political summit, and they subsequently completed a questionnaire. Viewing reports on conspiracy theories lead to higher assessments of consensus compared with other reports. Perceived consensus correlated positively with attitudes toward COVID, which further correlated positively with behavior. The study shows that news reports can bias assessments of consensus, which has implications for public communication.
Electronic Consumer-to-Consumer Interaction (eCCI) Post a Service Failure: The Psychological Power of Need for Approval
Authors: Wei Wei , Zhang Lu , Rathjens Bobbie , McGinley Sean
Published: December 2022

The prevalence of eCCI (electronic customer-to-customer interaction) is rapidly growing as customers increasingly employ online tools to reach fellow customers and voice their opinions, especially after service failures. Adopting a quasi-experimental design, this research examines the impact of eCCI on restaurant customers, considering their need for approval. A total of 201 responses were obtained for the main experiment (Study 1). Results indicated that people with a lower need for approval reported greater social media engagement, customer-customer interaction justice, and empathy quality in the condition of positive eCCI. People with a higher need for approval exhibited similar responses on all dependent variables, regardless of the eCCI condition. The results remained stable across different restaurants’ response strategies (Study 2). This paper examines the novel eCCI phenomenon and adds a new twist to the literature on CCI and customer reviews. It further offers valuable guidelines for managerial involvement in digital customer service encounters.
Stretching the Double Hermeneutic: A Critical Examination of Lay Meanings of ‘Emotional Labour’
Authors: Stulikova Hana , Dawson Matt
Published: December 2022

This article explores how the concept of emotional labour has moved from sociological into lay discourse as a case study of the double hermeneutic and concept creep, demonstrating the effect sociological concepts can have on lay actors’ understanding of their everyday lives. From an analysis of 41 news and magazine articles about emotional labour, we identify the various meanings the term carries as well as the ideologies and logics that underpin them. The concept has become a tool used to frame discussions around gender inequalities in unpaid work, including housework, emotion work, and providing support. However, the Marxist underpinnings of the original concept have been subverted within a lay discourse that is largely reflective of a liberal feminist and neoliberal ethos.
Skin disease and military conflicts: Lessons from the Crimean War (1854–56)
Authors: Huang Chenghao , Pickavance Charlotte L , Gawkrodger David J
Published: December 2022

In the Crimean War (1854–56), infamous for its high death rate from disease at 212 per thousand British troops annually – one third of which was due to cholera or dysentery – skin disease was common, accounting for 13% of all admissions and 4.2% of all deaths. Excluding typhus, skin disease caused 252 per thousand annual admissions and 8.8 per thousand annual deaths, with an overall case fatality of 3.4%. The commonest skin diseases were: localised cellulitis/abscess, ulcer, venereal disease, frostbite, scurvy, eruptive rashes and scabies. The biggest number of skin disease-related deaths were from frostbite and scurvy. Cutaneous afflictions with the highest case fatality were erysipelas (27%), gangrene (25%), smallpox (21%) and frostbite (19%). Problems from frostbite lessened during the better provisioned second winter. The experience of skin disease in the Crimea highlights the importance of public health and personal sanitation to skin health in the military context, and shows that skin-related infections and nutritional deficiencies easily develop if environmental conditions deteriorate.
Intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring is associated with lower spontaneous abortion rate compared with conventional blood glucose monitoring in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes: An observational study
Authors: Lemaitre Madleen , Faiz Kenza , Baudoux Florence , Subtil Damien , Vambergue Anne
Published: December 2022

Aim

The objective of the present real-life study in France was to assess and compare characteristics and outcomes in a cohort of pregnant women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) or conventional blood glucose monitoring (BGM).

Material and Methods

We performed an observational study of a cohort of 153 women with T1D: 77 women were using isCGM, and 76 were using BGM. We compared the groups’ maternal characteristics and maternal-fetal complications. The level of HbA1c was measured before pregnancy and then four times (after 8–12, 24–28, 30–33, and 35–37 weeks of gestation).

Results

The two groups were similar in terms of age, prepregnancy BMI, diabetes duration, and diabetic vascular complications. There were no significant intergroup differences in the obstetric history. The spontaneous abortion rate was lower in the isCGM group than in the blood glucose monitoring group (5.3% vs. 20%, respectively; p = .0129), while the prepregnancy and first-trimester HbA1c levels were similar. There were no significant intergroup differences in the incidence of other maternal-fetal complications.

Conclusions

This observational study demonstrates that isCGM use is associated with lower spontaneous abortion compared with conventional BGM. Large prospective studies are needed to corroborate our findings and fully understand the relationship between glucose data at the time of conception/early pregnancy and foetal outcome.
Employment Inclusion Policies and Evidence-Based Policy: Incorporating “Qualitative Significance” Into a Mixed-Methods Study Protocol
Authors: Allen-Perkins Diego , Conde-Caballero David , Rivero Jiménez Borja , Mariano Juárez Lorenzo
Published: December 2022

Despite the advice given in evidence-based policy guidelines, intervention programmes incorporating effectiveness assessments are still rare in the Spanish context. To emphasise the potential of qualitative data for impact assessment, this study presents a mixed-methods study protocol evaluating the impact of European Union intervention programmes aimed at improving employability for women at risk of poverty and social exclusion. The protocol for impact assessment is based on a randomised clinical trial of three intervention groups – women with assistance in the social and employment sphere; with healthcare assistance; or with a personalised plan combining both – and a control group, applying validated, standardised scales at three key points during a 12-month period. The protocol also incorporates qualitative techniques to gather thick descriptions of the participants experiences. This proposal underscores the importance of producing qualitative empirical materials – not just as a complementary feature or to illustrate statistical results, but because they allow breaking traditional paradigms and incorporating “qualitative significance” as a tool for effectiveness assessment. The impact assessment of interventions is presented in terms of numerical correlations as well as findings derived from the processes of understanding embedded in the participants’ life narratives.
Could epidural analgesia be safely used for acute postoperative pain in older adults to enhance recovery?
Authors: Shawqi Muhammad , Mohamed Sahar Abdel-Baky , Hetta Diab
Published: December 2022

Epidural analgesia is often considered cornerstone in multimodal analgesia when used in major surgeries. However, its role in managing acute postoperative pain in elderly patients is debatable because of its known potential complications. Furthermore, postoperative pain in elderly patients is under-treated because of complex comorbidities, and they are more prone to adverse events related to pain therapies. All systemic analgesic drugs have pharmacological limitations and precautions in elderly people. Recent meta-analyses showed that epidural analgesia provided better postoperative pain control compared to intravenous opioids. Interestingly, peripheral nerve blocks had no superior control of pain over epidural analgesia. In addition, epidural analgesia has shown to positively affect perioperative morbidities and mortalities, and reduce opioid-related side effects because of its non-analgesic effects on each organ system. When tailored in a specific multimodal approach, it shortens the intensive care and hospital stays. In conclusion, if complications are identified and treated early, and contraindications are ruled out, epidural analgesia can achieve sufficient postoperative pain management with insignificant adverse events in this population.
Bedtime Prediction of Nocturnal Hypoglycemia in Insulin-Treated Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Kronborg Thomas , Hangaard Stine , Hejlesen Ole , Vestergaard Peter , Jensen Morten Hasselstrøm
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims:

Hypoglycemia may lead to anxiety, poor adherence, and hypoglycemia unawareness and is especially a threat during the night in patients with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (T2D). It would therefore be beneficial to warn patients at risk of hypoglycemia at bedtime so they can react accordingly and avoid the episode. Hence, the aim of the present study was to develop a model for predicting nocturnal hypoglycemia.

Methods:

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), mealtime, and insulin data were collected from 67 insulin-treated patients with T2D (NCT01819129). Data were structured into 24-hour periods and labeled as nocturnal hypoglycemia or not depending on whether 15 consecutive minutes were spent below 3.0 mmol/L (54 mg/dL) during the following night. Each period was divided into “last night,” “morning,” “day,” and “evening” for feature extraction purposes, and 72 potential features were extracted for every period. A five-fold cross-validation was used to select features by forward selection and for training and validating a model based on logistic regression.

Results:

The prediction model was based on 30 patients with 60/496 periods resulting in nocturnal hypoglycemia. Forward selection revealed that the best features were based on CGM and involved the last value and mean value during the evening, as well as the relative difference in maximum value during the day between the present period and previous periods. The model obtained a mean area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.82 with an accuracy of 0.79.

Conclusions:

The model was able to predict nocturnal hypoglycemia with an acceptable accuracy and could therefore prevent such cases.
Google Maps’ COVID-19 layer as an interface for pandemic life
Authors: Gekker Alex
Published: December 2022

The paper explores Google Maps’ COVID-19 layer, a special feature launched by the cartographic platform in September 2020, and shut down two years later. Through the reading of promotional corporate blogposts and interfacial analysis of the layer, it critiques the layers' mediation of the pandemic, caught between public health needs and Google's overarching ethos. The analysis underscores three central claims: that interfacial choices endemic to the layer impose certainty and reduce necessary user hesitancy; promote data commodification regardless of its pandemic need; and stake unnecessary exceptionalism to the pandemic-spcecific information rather than integrating it into the maps’ existing hybridity. The paper ends with design recommendation for a better COVID layer, centered around bottom-up community practices, higher degree of personalisation, and increased friction.
Breastfeeding Practices of Women Returning to Full-Time Employment in China: Prevalence and Determinants
Authors: Huang Yi-Yan , Liu Qian , Li Jun-Yan , Yue Shu-Wen , Xue Bing , Redding Sharon R. , Zhou Wen-Bin , Ouyang Yan-Qiong
Published: December 2022

Background:

Returning to work after childbirth is a common reason for women to stop breastfeeding. This study aimed to assess breastfeeding practices and breastfeeding support available to employed women in China, and factors affecting breastfeeding duration.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey of 1,243 breastfeeding women employed full-time was conducted. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Workplace Breastfeeding Support Scale (WBSS). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the factors that are associated with breastfeeding.

Results:

The mean exclusive breastfeeding duration and any breastfeeding duration of full-time employed women were 5.7 ± 0.5 months and 9.8 ± 1.5 months, respectively. The total WBSS score was 46.6 ± 5.3 ( M ± SD). Generally, women perceived coworkers ( M [ SD] = 4.8 [1.0]) and supervisors ( M [ SD] = 5.7 [1.2]) to be supportive of breastfeeding. Lower scores on the WBSS were related to lack of technical and facility support, indicating no access to a refrigerator to store breast milk ( M [ SD] = 2.0 [1.5]) or to a breast pump ( M [ SD] = 1.7 [1.7]). Similarly, a private area for expressing breast milk ( M [ SD] = 1.4 [1.0]) was unavailable. Maternity leave, residential province, ethnicity, education level, average monthly household income, main reason for stopping exclusive breastfeeding, commute time greater than 1 hour, and the total WBSS score were also factors influencing breastfeeding duration of the full-time employed women.

Conclusions:

There were gaps in breastfeeding practices and workplace breastfeeding support of Chinese full-time employed women when compared with the World Health Organization recommendations. Occupational health providers should consider these findings when developing programs to support breastfeeding in the workplace.
Health, Safety, and Wellness Concerns Among Law Enforcement Officers: An Inductive Approach
Authors: Poirier Sébastien , Allard-Gaudreau Noémie , Gendron Philippe , Houle Julie , Trudeau François
Published: December 2022

Background: Although studies have assessed the impact of occupational risk factors on the health of law enforcement officers (LEO’s), few have involved (LEO’s) as informants in ways that allow their points of view to be heard directly. Thus, the objective of this study is to explore the occupational health, safety, and wellness (OHSW) concerns of (LEO’s). Methods: (LEO’s) working in Quebec, Canada were invited to answer an open-ended question regarding their OHSW concerns. Using a multi-stage content analysis, the collected answers were analyzed and coded by two members of the research team to identify the most recurrent concerns of (LEO’s). Findings: Five themes relating to the OHSW concerns of (LEO’s) were identified, namely, the work schedule, occupational stress, work equipment, workplace health promotion, and operational risks. Furthermore, our analyses highlighted differences in the concerns of (LEO’s) based on their level of experience and sex. Conclusions/Application to Practice: This study addresses a gap in the literature on the OHSW concerns from the perspective of (LEO’s). Overall, our results support that the work schedule and occupational stress associated with law enforcement are the two most recurrent concerns of (LEO’s). Thus, the results of this study further stress the need for police organizations to implement strategies and policies, which could mitigate the deleterious effects of these hazards on the overall wellness of (LEO’s).
Surgical Management of the Metastatic Spine Disease: A Review of the Literature and Proposed Algorithm
Authors: Al Farii Humaid , Aoude Ahmed , Al Shammasi Ahmed , Reynolds Jeremy , Weber Michael
Published: December 2022

Study Design

Narrative Review. The spine remains the most common site for bony metastasis. It is estimated that up to 70% of cancer patients harbor secondary spinal disease. And up to 10% will develop a clinically significant lesion. The last two decades have seen a substantial leap forward in the advancements of the management of spinal metastases. What once was a death sentence is now a manageable, even potentially treatable condition. With marked advancements in the surgical treatment and post-operative radiotherapy, a standardized approach to stratify and manage these patients is both prudent and now feasible.

Objectives

This article looks to examine the best available evidence in the stratification and surgical management of patients with spinal metastases. So the aim of this review is to offer a standardized approach for surgical management and surgical planning of patients with spinal metastases.
Code of Conduct for Top Management and Board: An Exploratory Study on Indian Listed Firms
Authors: Subramanian S. , Kulkarni Smita
Published: December 2022

In the late 2000s, the Indian market regulator made it mandatory for the listed Indian companies to have a code of conduct for the board members and the top management. However, no significant study has been done to understand the content of the code of conduct documents. This article does an exploratory analysis of the content of the listed Indian firms’ code of conduct document. We hand-collected the corporate code of ethics (CCE) documents of the top 100 listed Indian firms (excluding financial service firms) and analysed the content using a structured instrument and arrived at an index. Our analysis found that ‘conduct on behalf of the firm’ and ‘conduct against the firm’ are the parameters on which the CCE contents focused on. We found significant differences in the content CCE of Indian firms based on the controlling ownership category. However, there were no differences between the CCE content of the firms across industries.
Seeking Space in Post-Partition Bengal: Reading Kalyani Thakur Charal’s Autobiography Ami Kano Charal Likhi through a Gender and Caste Perspective
Authors: Gayen Soumitra
Published: December 2022

Space for Dalits is either hierarchically organized or publicly restricted or perpetually excluded from mainstream Indian society. The process of ‘Othering’ and abandonment of the outcastes for possessing a space, sanctioned by the laws of varnashrama, was subtly retained and manipulated by the new democratic Indian government during the rehabilitation process of the post-partition Bengal and thus enforced the Dalit refugees to adopt the identity of either vagabonds or delinquents. Spatial insecurity and its explicit exhibition through the emotions of the Dalit men usually suppressed the pain and suffering of the Dalit women that entailed their struggle for psychic space due to their inability to articulate their angst. This article aims to explore how both the Dalit men and women were struggling to seek a physical and psychical space and also discuss how the long-term consequence of the partition left an imprint of both the negative and positive impact on the coming generations of Dalit women with special reference to Kalyani Thakur Charal’s autobiography, Ami Kano Charal Likhi (2016) which effectively echoes the collective voice of her Namasudra community through the ‘inherited’ memory of the partition.
Book review: Mark Swilling, The Age of Sustainability: Just Transitions in a Complex World
Authors: Arvind Jasmitha
Published: December 2022

Mark Swilling, The Age of Sustainability: Just Transitions in a Complex World. Routledge, 2019, 350 pp., £31.49 (eBook). ISBN: 978-0-429-05782-3