bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Ulcerative Colitis Influence the Inter-individual Heterogeneity of the Human Intestinal Mucosal Microbiome?
Authors: Sun Yang , Li Lianwei , Lai Aiyun , Xiao Wanmeng , Wang Kunhua , Wang Lan , Niu Junkun , Luo Juan , Chen Hongju , Dai Lin , Miao Yinglei
Published: October 2020

The dysbiosis of the gut microbiome associated with ulcerative colitis (UC) has been extensively studied in recent years. However, the question of whether UC influences the spatial heterogeneity of the human gut mucosal microbiome has not been addressed. Spatial heterogeneity (specifically, the inter-individual heterogeneity in microbial species abundances) is one of the most important characterizations at both population and community scales, and can be assessed and interpreted by Taylor’s power law (TPL) and its community-scale extensions (TPLEs). Due to the high mobility of microbes, it is difficult to investigate their spatial heterogeneity explicitly; however, TPLE offers an effective approach to implicitly analyze the microbial communities. Here, we investigated the influence of UC on the spatial heterogeneity of the gut microbiome with intestinal mucosal microbiome samples collected from 28 UC patients and healthy controls. Specifically, we applied Type-I TPLE for measuring community spatial heterogeneity and Type-III TPLE for measuring mixed-species population heterogeneity to evaluate the heterogeneity changes of the mucosal microbiome induced by UC at both the community and species scales. We further used permutation test to determine the possible differences between UC patients and healthy controls in heterogeneity scaling parameters. Results showed that UC did not significantly influence gut mucosal microbiome heterogeneity at either the community or mixed-species levels. These findings demonstrated significant resilience of the human gut microbiome and confirmed a prediction of TPLE: that the inter-subject heterogeneity scaling parameter of the gut microbiome is an intrinsic property to humans, invariant with UC disease.
Attachment to parents and friends and body dissatisfaction in adolescents with eating disorders
Authors: Laporta-Herrero Isabel , Jáuregui-Lobera Ignacio , Barajas-Iglesias Belén , Serrano-Troncoso Eduardo , Garcia-Argibay Miguel , Santed-Germán Miguel Ángel
Published: October 2020

The study of attachment is a valuable theoretical framework to understand the influence of parents and friends on the evolution and development of adolescents. This study aimed to determine parents’ and peers’ attachment style, the relationship between parents’ and peers’ attachment and body dissatisfaction in adolescents with eating disorders (ED), and to compare it with a control group. The sample consisted of 260 adolescents ( Mage = 15.35, SDage = 1.461): a control group consisting of 129 non-clinical subjects and an ED group composed by 131 adolescents diagnosed with ED who attended five ED units located in different regions of Spain. They completed the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-34) and the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA). Adolescents with ED have less trust with their parents, worse communication with their parents and peers, and greater alienation with fathers and peers. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between parents’ attachment and body dissatisfaction in both groups. In ED group, peers’ alienation was positively correlated to body dissatisfaction. Parental attachment and alienation feelings with peers could influence body dissatisfaction in ED adolescents.
Management of penetrating thoracic injury sustained during a mountain-biking accident
Authors: Nel Riaan F , Janson Jacques T
Published: October 2020

Trauma is a common phenomenon in South Africa, with a large proportion of patients suffering from penetrating chest injuries. Occasionally atypical penetrating thoracic injuries require surgical intervention with special considerations. We describe the management of a 15-year-old boy who presented to our trauma unit with a large diameter branch penetrating his left chest above the left clavicle and with the tip lodged in the mediastinum between the great vessels. Pulsatile movement of the foreign body was clearly visible and required careful consideration for the optimal approach and possible complications that may arise. The tract and location of the foreign body made the approach and management of this patient unique and a valuable learning opportunity. A high lateral thoracotomy was done, and the object removed under direct vision. It yielded excellent exposure and proved to be a good alternative approach for certain atypical cases. The boy made a full recovery with no long-term complications.
One agenda-setter or many? The varying success of policy initiatives by individual Directorates-General of the European Commission 1994–2016
Authors: Rauh Christian
Published: October 2020

Analyses of strategic agenda-setting in the European Union treat the European Commission as a unitary actor with perfect information. Yet, the constraints for correctly anticipating acceptable policies vary heavily across its individual Directorates-General. Do these internal rifts affect the Commission’s agenda-setting ability? This article tests corresponding expectations on the edit distances between 2237 Commission proposals and the adopted laws across 23 years. The quality of legislative anticipation indeed varies with the responsible Directorate-General. Legislative proposals are more likely to remain unchanged if they face less parliamentary involvement, are less complex, were drafted by an experienced Directorate-General, and were coordinated more seamlessly within the Commission. However, the uncovered variation also calls for more systematic research on the distribution of legislative capacities inside the Commission.
Marrying the perfect child — Middle class norms and intergenerational arrangements in the marriage corners of urban China
Authors: Pettier Jean-Baptiste
Published: October 2020

Caught in the context of a highly competitive development process, within the framework of a policy which limited their reproductive capacity to a single child, PRC urban families have, in recent decades, attached growing importance to their child's education, aiming to lead them to professional and personal success. This, however, also had an impact on the capacities of many young adults to marry early. In this context, the phenomenon of “marriage corners” mushroomed in large cities all over China beginning in the mid-2000s. Within China, this new practice generated criticism. These markets are seen as displaying conservative forms of marriage arrangement, the disregarding of romantic love, and forms of intergenerational power organization that may be considered backwards. However, by the criticisms it generates but as well the forms of relationships that it displays, the phenomenon can allow for a better understanding of the transformation of inter-generational relationships amongst urban middle-class, and on the norms framing the lives of the new generation.
Thermal integrity testing of cast in situ piles: An alternative interpretation approach
Authors: Sun Qianchen , Elshafie Mohammed , Barker Chris , Fisher Anthony , Schooling Jennifer , Rui Yi
Published: October 2020

Integrity testing of deep cast in situ concrete foundations is challenging due to the intrinsic nature of how these foundations are formed. Several integrity test methods have been developed and are well established, but each of these have strengths and weaknesses. A relatively recent integrity testing method is thermal integrity testing. The fundamental feature is the early age concrete release of heat during curing; anomalies such as voids, necking, bulging and/or soil intrusion inside the concrete body result in local temperature variations. Temperature sensors installed on the reinforcement cage collect detailed temperature data along the entire pile during concrete curing to allow empirical identification of these temperature variations. This article investigates a new approach to the interpretation of the temperature variations from thermal integrity testing of cast in situ concrete piles and presents a field case study of this approach. The approach uses the heat of hydration and heat transfer theory and employs numerical modelling using the finite element method. The finite element model can be customised for different concrete mixes and pile geometries. The predicted temperature profile from the numerical model is then compared, in a systematic manner, to the field test temperature data. Any temperature discrepancies indicate potential anomalies of the pile structure. The proposed new interpretation approach could potentially reduce construction costs and increase the anomaly detection accuracy compared to traditional interpretation methods.
Deconstructing positionality in conflict resolution: Reflections from first-person action research in Pakistan and the South Caucasus
Authors: Cromwell Alexander , Tadevosyan Margarita
Published: October 2020

This article explores the role of first-person action research in uncovering how positionality influences conflict resolution practice. Specifically, it examines the experiences of two scholar-practitioners conducting first-person action research in different conflict/post-conflict settings. The case studies include first-person action research on encounter programs with Pakistani youth and first-person action research examining peacebuilding engagement in the South Caucasus. We highlight the significant challenge posed by positionality for scholar-practitioners in our practice and research, particularly as members of one of the conflict parties, and present first-person action research as a constructive approach to enhance self-reflexivity and improve our practices. We argue that first-person action research highlights the fluidity of positionality and the value of building insider relationships to enhance conflict resolution practice. Concurrently, this research approach illuminates challenges resulting from insider identities because of assumed agreement. Thus, first-person action research is useful for improving conflict resolution practice because it highlights the various benefits and drawbacks of practitioners’ positionalities.
Identification of Hsa_circ_0104824 as a Potential Biomarkers for Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Xiaohan , Ma Fang , Wu Ligang , Zhang Xu , Tian Jinhai , Li Jinping , Cao Jia , Ma Yunfei , Zhang Liang , Wang Libin
Published: October 2020

Background:

To study the specific expression of circular RNA (circRNA) in breast cancer and adjacent normal tissues to identify differentially expressed circRNA in breast cancer patients. To study the correlation between circRNA and clinical data of breast cancer, and to evaluate its potential as a breast cancer biomarker.

Methods:

The differential expression of circRNAs between the breast cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues was screened by Human CircRNA Microarray. Candidate circRNAs verified by qRT-PCR. CircRNA was analyzed by Agilent GeneSpring 13.0 software. SPSS23.0, GraphPad Prism, and Sigmaplot software were used for statistical analysis. Perform T test, one-way ANOVA, curve regression analysis and ROC curve analysis for evaluating the diagnostic value of circular RNA.

Results:

Among the 2021 differentially expressed circRNAs, 546 were up-regulated and 1475 were down-regulated in breast cancer tissues. The validation study demonstrated that six circRNAs were downregulated. Among them, hsa_circ_0104824 proved high correlation between breast cancer tissues and plasma samples in its expression and diagnostic value.

Conclusion:

Hsa_circ_0104824 may serve as a promising predictive biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with breast cancer.
Low Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus Volume Associated With Hypertension-Related Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Li Huagang , Sun Dong , Lu Dongwei , Zhang Junjian , Zeng Junjie
Published: October 2020

Hypertension increases the risk of cognitive impairment independent of detectable stroke or cerebral lesions. However, the principal pathophysiological basis of this increase has not been fully elucidated. The present study investigates the relationships among blood pressure, hippocampal subfields volume, and cognitive function in a relatively young non-stroke population. A total of 59 non-stroke non-dementia subjects (mean age, 57.2 ± 4.9 years) were enrolled. All subjects were subjected to complete assessment of vascular risk factors including 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, various neuropsychological tests, and 3D-T1 MR scan. Freesurfer V6.0 was used for segmentation of hippocampal subfields. Our analyses revealed that both 24-hour and daytime mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) were significantly associated with the low volume of the left DG. Higher coefficient of variation (CV) of daytime SBP was significantly associated with lower volume of the left Cornu Ammonis 4 and dentate gyrus (DG) region. Both higher CV of 24-hour mean SBP and daytime SBP were significantly associated with lower performance in both executive and linguistic function. The low volume of the left DG was significantly associated with the low performance in linguistic function. Our findings support that reduced DG volume and increased SBP variability associated with hypertension-related cognitive impairment.
Outcomes of Type II Endoleak Treatment Using Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (OnyxTM)
Authors: Nuckles Brandon , Nadal Luis , Berger Andrea , Salzler Gregory , Elmore James R. , Ryer Evan J.
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

This study reports our experience with the use of an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx™) for the treatment of type II endoleak after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (EVAR) in comparison to coils and cyanoacrylate glue.

Methods:

Clinical data of all patients treated for type II endoleak following EVAR between 2009 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter and AAA sac volume during follow-up were measured using computed tomography angiography (CTA). Treatment failure variables were created for the change in sac diameter and volume. An increase in sac diameter ≥ 5 mm was considered a failure, as was an increase ≥ 10% in AAA sac volume.

Results:

35 patients underwent treatment for a persistent type II endoleak following EVAR. Of these patients, 18 (51.4%) were treated with Onyx and 17 (48.6%) were treated with coils ± cyanoacrylate glue embolization. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to demographics. The average volume of Onyx used per treatment was 13.4 ml (range 4.5 ml- 39 ml). There was no difference in efficacy between the Onyx and non-Onyx group. Complications were limited to 1 non-target embolization without significant clinical sequelae.

Conclusions:

Ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx™) embolization is similarly effective compared to traditional cyanoacrylate glue or coil embolization in the treatment of type II endoleak after EVAR.
Predictors of diabetes distress among older persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Indonesia
Authors: Ischaq Nabil Asshiddiqi M , Yodchai Kantaporn , Taniwattananon Ploenpit
Published: October 2020

Background

Older persons living with diabetes have an obligation to change their daily lifestyle, which may contribute to diabetes distress. Furthermore, predictive factors of diabetes distress in older persons might be different from other age groups due to age-related factors.

Aims

The purpose of the study was to examine the predictive factors of diabetes distress in older persons diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Indonesia.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was used in this study. Participants were recruited from an outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Klaten City, Central Java, Indonesia. Data were analysed using multiple linear regression with a stepwise method.

Results

A total 198 older persons were included in the study. The study demonstrated self-efficacy (β = −0.298, P < 0.01), spirituality (β = −0.139, P < 0.05), blood glucose (β = 0.134, P < 0.05), and non-supportive family behaviour (β = 0.135, P < 0.05) as the variables that could statistically predict diabetes distress in older persons with T2DM.

Conclusions

Self-efficacy is the strongest predictor of diabetes distress. Moreover, the findings can be used as evidence to guide identification and future management of diabetes distress among older persons with T2DM.
Clinical characteristics of the pregnancies and deliveries of patients with moyamoya disease: A single-center analysis over three decades
Authors: Aoyama Jiro , Nariai Tadashi , Moriyama Kurumi , Hara Shoko , Mukawa Maki , Inaji Motoki , Tanaka Yoji , Miyasaka Naoyuki , Taketoshi Maehara
Published: October 2020

Background and aims

As moyamoya disease in pregnancy is clinically rare, it is poorly understood. We therefore analyzed our experiences of moyamoya disease pregnancies and deliveries over three decades.

Methods

The clinical data of 78 pregnancies and 77 deliveries among 62 moyamoya disease cases at Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital from 1991 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

There were six, 17 and 55 pregnancies in the first, second, and last decades, respectively. The mean patient age at delivery was 29.3 ± 5.0 years. The primary symptoms of moyamoya disease at diagnosis were ischemia in 50 cases (64.1%) and intracranial hemorrhage in eight cases (10.2%). Cesarean section was performed in 75 cases (96.2%). Fifteen pregnancies (19.2%) developed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; of these, 13 (86.7%) developed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy after 34 weeks of gestation and 9 (60%) required emergency cesarean section because of a sudden increase in blood pressure. Four (5.1%) women experienced renal artery stenosis complications and three of them developed hypertension during pregnancy. Two (2.6%) experienced cerebral infarctions several days after delivery, both of whom had no subsequent aftereffects. No cases of hemorrhagic stroke were reported in the peripartum period.

Conclusions

To date, this is the largest single-center analysis. It showed the number of moyamoya disease pregnancies has risen rapidly over the last decade. The hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and emergency cesarean section rates were high among moyamoya disease patients. Minor ischemic stroke was observed, but its prevalence was low. Therefore, pregnant women with moyamoya disease should be managed with the understanding that hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is a common complication.
Beyond (Mis)Representation: Visuals in COVID-19 Misinformation
Authors: Brennen J. Scott , Simon Felix M. , Nielsen Rasmus Kleis
Published: October 2020

This article provides one of the first analyses of visuals in misinformation concerning COVID-19. A mixed-methods analysis of ninety-six examples of visuals in misinformation rated false or misleading by independent professional fact-checkers from the first three months of 2020 identifies and examines six frames and three distinct functions of visuals in pieces of misinformation: how visuals illustrate and selectively emphasize arguments and claims, purport to present evidence for claims, and impersonate supposedly authoritative sources for claims. Notably, visuals in more than half of the pieces of misinformation analyzed explicitly serve as evidence for false claims, most of which are mislabelled rather than manipulated. While this analysis uncovered a small number of manipulated visuals, all were produced using simple tools; there were no examples of “deepfakes” or other artificial intelligence-based techniques. In recognizing the diverse functions of visuals in misinformation and drawing on recent literature on scientific visualization, this article demonstrates the value in both attending to visual content in misinformation and expanding our focus beyond a concern with only the representational aspects and functions of misinformation.
Hi-Fi, Middle Brow? Frederick Fennell, Mercury Records, and the Eastman Wind Ensemble From 1952 to 1962
Authors: Chamberlin Reed
Published: October 2020

Frederick Fennell, founder of the internationally acclaimed Eastman Wind Ensemble (EWE), is considered by many to be the catalyst for the modern wind-band movement, often credited with revolutionizing thought and practice within the discipline. While this perception remains valid, evidence suggests that Fennell was much less serious (or “high-brow”) than many believe. Derived from original research in the Fennell Archive at the Eastman School of Music, this article seeks to highlight tensions between Fennell’s desire to record serious wind-band music and the demands of Mercury Records (EWE record label, 1952–1964) to record populist repertoire. Fennell’s archival material suggests that his philosophy was directly influenced by Mercury’s bottom line with the objective of selling records to the masses. Surprisingly, this synthesized a dynamic approach to programming for Fennell and the EWE—one that remains a tradition to this day. The influence of recorded media’s populist objective fused an approach for Fennell that is much more “middle-brow” than many may have believed.
Are All “Friends” Beneficial? The Use of Facebook and WeChat and the Social Capital of College Students in Macau
Authors: Li Xiaoqin
Published: October 2020

Facebook is the most popular social network site (SNS) globally, and WeChat is the top SNS in China, so few regions in the world exist where both SNSs are used simultaneously and are popular among the younger generation, and even fewer studies have been conducted on the comparison of the use of the two top SNSs. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the implications of using home country and global top SNSs for social capital among Chinese students from local (i.e., Macau SAR) and mainland China by adapting the analysis framework of the formation and maintenance of social capital—that is, to assess bridging, bonding social capital, and maintained social capital. A survey of undergraduate students at the only comprehensive public university of Macau ( N = 348) reveals that both Facebook and WeChat use are positively associated with bridging social capital and bonding social capital, yet only WeChat use has a significant and positive relationship with maintained social capital. In contrast, the time spent on Facebook has a strong negative relationship with bridging and bonding social capital. On-campus living also has a positive relationship with both bridging and bonding social capital. All this suggests that keeping social connections virtually and physically simultaneously might provide greater benefits for users.
Leadership and Commitment to Service Quality in Pakistani Hospitals: The Contingent Role of Role Clarity
Authors: Pahi Munwar Hussain , Ahmed Umair , Sheikh Abdullah Zafar , Dakhan Sarfraz Ahmed , Khuwaja Faiz Muhammad , Ramayah T.
Published: October 2020

The health care system is usually a reflection of the human development and prosperity index of a country. In particular, a sound health care system is generally deemed essential for providing quality service delivery to service users. Pakistan, in this respect, is lagging even after implementing the district health management model of World Health Organization (WHO). In particular, the province of Sindh reports a higher level of dissatisfaction among the service recipients and, therefore, remains a core concern for the concerned authorities. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the levels of employees’ commitment to service quality in Pakistan’s health care sector. A quantitative survey method was adopted to collect data from 315 medical officers working in 43 public-sector hospitals in Sindh, Pakistan. The data were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique and Smart PLS 3 software. Based on cognitive dissonance theory and path-goal theory, the present study investigated the role of leadership styles in influencing commitment to service quality with the moderation of role clarity. The findings lend support to the direct hypothesized relationships of transformational and transactional leadership with commitment to service quality. The study found significant support for all the hypothetical relationships except laissez-faire leadership’s direct link with commitment to service quality. While role clarity was found to moderate the relationships of two leadership styles, namely, transformational leadership and laissez-faire leadership with commitment to service quality, there was no such moderating effect for the relationship between transactional leadership and commitment to service quality. These findings offer useful theoretical and managerial implications on the importance of leadership styles in influencing commitment to service quality and provide the basis for future research.
Does Graft Position Affect Subsidence After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?
Authors: Jang Hyun-Jun , Chin Dong-Kyu , Kim Kyung-Hyun , Park Jeong-Yoon
Published: October 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

Implant subsidence is an important prognostic factor after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Our purpose in this study was to investigate whether graft position affects subsidence after ACDF and to determine if there is a difference in clinical results based on allograft subsidence and position.

Methods:

We reviewed 92 patients who underwent single-level ACDF with allograft and plate between January 2012 and October 2018. Treatment levels were divided based on allograft position within 2 mm of the posterior margin of the augmented plate (Anterior group) or at greater than 2 mm (Center group). Subsidence was defined as segmental vertebral body height decrease of 2 mm or more at 1 year compared to 1 week after surgery.

Results:

Overall subsidence prevalence was 15 (16%) cases. Subsidence was 11% in the Anterior group (8/73) and 39% in the Center group (7/19; P = .012). The subsidence group showed smaller graft footprint size (graft/endplate ratio) compared with the nonsubsidence group, and pseudarthrosis occurred frequently in the subsidence. There was no significant difference in clinical results according to graft position. These findings indicate that anterior graft position reduces risk of subsidence (95% confidence interval = 0.085-0.949).

Conclusion:

To minimize risk of subsidence, the graft should be positioned on the anterior position of the surgical-level endplate. In addition, using a graft appropriate for endplate size will further reduce subsidence.
PortFindr: A Novel, More Accurate, and Precise Device for Locating Tissue Expander Ports
Authors: McCulloch Ian L. , Rokosz Jennifer , Chambers Justin , McClellan W. Thomas
Published: October 2020

Two-stage breast reconstruction is the most common method of reconstructive modality following mastectomy and requires serial saline infusions into temporary tissue expanders through subcutaneous ports. Historically, these ports were located using a small magnet attached to a string or support structure. Magnetic force decreases exponentially as tissue thickness or fluid accumulation creates more distance between the TE port and skin. We developed a prototype handheld electronic device, the PortFindr, which more accurately and precisely locates the centre of subcutaneous ports. This device may lead to more confident localization of ports, less inadvertent puncture of tissue expanders, and thus less complications during infusions.
Innovation or Competition? A Critical Analysis of Contemporary Divine Healing Practices of Pentecostal Africans in Africa and the Diaspora
Authors: Wabyanga Robert Kuloba , Nyamnjoh Henrietta , Ugba Abel
Published: October 2020

This article examines current practices of divine healing of Pentecostal Africans. It provides insights into current developments by using the explanatory concepts of innovation, competition, and agency. The article draws on data obtained through an interdisciplinary, transnational, and multisite investigation of eight Pentecostal churches in Kampala, Nairobi, Cape Town, and London. Methods used included ethnographic observation, visual ethnography, and semistructured interviews. Pentecostal Africans in Africa and the diaspora, this article argues, are simultaneously reenacting centuries-old faith-informed healing practices and creatively reinventing aspects of these practices to assert their relevance in a postmodern world characterized by religious plurality, competition, and secularism.
Die Personalabteilung als Wertschöpfungs-Center
Authors: Wunderer Rolf , Schlagenhaufer Peter
Published: October 2020

“Wertschöpfung” bezeichnet die Differenz zwischen den Output an betrieblich geschaffenen Gütem und/oder Dienstleistungen und den sämtliche Vorleistungen umfassenden Input. In seiner Übertragung auf die betriebliche Personalarbeit bezieht sich die Wertschöpfung auf die Dienstleistungen für die wesentlichen internen und extemen Bezugsgruppen und ermöglicht dem Personalwesen, innerbetrieblich die eigenen Leistungen zu verrechnen.

Die Autoren berichten über eine Befragung von 52 Personalleitern unterschiedlich großer Unternehmen zu den Aufgaben der Personalarbeit, zu ihrer Beurteilung des Wertschöpfung-Center-Ansatzes und zu Aspekten des Personal-Controllings.
Funktionale Theorie der Personalführung
Authors: Remer Andreas
Published: October 2020

Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit dem Funktionsbegriff in der Personalführungslehre. Seine zentrale These ist, daß der herkömmliche Funktionsbegriff zu sehr zweckfunktional (konkret) und zu wenig bestandsfunktional (abstrakt) ist. Es werden die Konsequenzen der verschiedenen Funktionsbegriffe für die Personalführung skizziert.
Führung und Querdenken
Authors: Gaitanides Michael
Published: October 2020

Im Beitrag wird zunächst Querdenken als Herausforderung von und Angriff auf Prämissen des Denkens und Handelns gedeutet. Sodann wird untersucht, wie Querdenker als Geführte bzw. Führer mit ihrer Umwelt zurechtkommen. Die Widersprüche von Führung und Querdenken lassen es daher - angesichts der wichtigen Rolle von Querdenkern in Phasen der Reorientierung - angeraten sein, die Führungssituation in eine Dialogsituation zu überführen.
Berufsethos und akademische Bürokratie
Authors: Backes-Gellner Uschi
Published: October 2020

Der folgende Beitrag widmet sich der Frage nach der Funktionsweise beider Systeme und deren relativer Leistungsfähigkeit. Zunächst werden der dem deutschen und dem US-amerikanischen Hochschulsystem zugrundeliegende professionelle Steuerungsmechanismus des Wissenschaftsethos und damit zusammenhängende universitäre Personalstrategien charakterisiert. Im Anschluβ die Anreiz- und Kontrollelemente US-amerikanischer Hochschulen skizziert und Hypothesen über die relative Leistungsfähigkeit der beiden Systeme abgeleitet. Danach werden die Auswirkungen der unterschiedlichen Steuerungsmechanismen auf die Forschungseffizienz wirtschaftswissenschaftlicher Fachbereiche/Departments empirisch analysiert und zwar einerseits anhand eines Vergleichs der relativen Forschungseffizienz deutscher und US-amerikanischer Hochschulen und andererseits auf der Basis eines Vergleichs der relativen Forschungsleistungen zwischen Departments/Fachbereichen innerhalb der jeweiligen Länder. Der Beitrag schließt mit einer vergleichenden Bewertung alternativer Steuerungsmechanismen.
Entwicklung der Professorenstellen und des wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses in der Betriebswirtschaftslehre
Authors: Gaugler Eduard
Published: October 2020

Der Beitrag analysiert die Entwicklung der Relation von Professorenstellen und des wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses in der Betriebswirtschaftslehre. Gleichzeitig entwirft er ein Bild der Institutionalisierung dieser Disziplin an den Universitäten. Dabei wird auch ausführlich auf die Entstehung des betriebswirtschaftlichen Faches Personalwesen eingegangen. Schließlich werden Perspektiven der zukünftigen institutionellen Entwicklung der Betriebswirtschafslehre an den Universitäten im deutschsprachigen Raum aufgezeigt. Nachwuchswissenschaftler erhalten dadurch nützliche Orientierungsdaten für die Planung ihrer weiteren Karriere, wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultäten bekommen Hinweise für eine eventuelle Nachwuchspolitik.
Vertikale und laterale Einflußstrategien: Zur Replikation und Kritik des “Profiles of Organizational Influence Strategies (POIS)” und seiner konzeptionellen Weiterführung
Authors: Wunderer Rolf , Weibler Jürgen
Published: October 2020

Die Beeinflussung von Organisationsmitgliedern ist für die effektive Ausübung der Managerposition zentral. Beeinflussung kann dabei durch verschiedene Einflußstrategien konkretisiert werden. Im nordamerikanischem Raum wird diesbezüglich eine von Kipnis/Schmidt (1982) vorgelegte Dimensionierung dominant diskutiert. Aufgrund einer eigenen Studie wird dieser Ansatz zunächst einer faktorenanalytischen Replikation unterzogen. Dabei findet sich keine ausreichende Bestätigung für die bisherige Konzeption der Autoren. Unter Rückgriff auf die beiden Basisstrategien menschlicher Einflußausübung (direktiv vs. nicht-direktiv) wird das vorhandene Datenmaterial alternativ analysiert. Die Befunde legen eine Reduktion der Einflußstrategien auf diese Basisstrategien nahe. Plädiert wird für eine neue Operationalisierung des Konstrukts.
Surgical Technique for Management of Severe Calcaneofibular Impingement: Case Series
Authors: Levin Jay M. , DeOrio James K.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Calcaneofibular impingement is characterized by lateral hindfoot pain and is commonly resulting from calcaneal fracture malunion or severe flatfoot deformity. Lateral calcaneal wall decompression has been used successfully to relieve pain in patients who have calcaneofibular impingement. However, in cases of severe impingement and hindfoot valgus, lateral wall excision may leave only a small remnant of calcaneal bone for weightbearing and can lead to chronic heel pain. We describe a surgical technique using a medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO) combined with a lateral wall exostectomy and report on the outcomes from our series of patients.

Methods:

Retrospective study of a single surgeon’s patients was done from 2010 to 2020 who underwent medial slide calcaneal osteotomy and lateral wall exostectomy for calcaneofibular impingement. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient characteristics. Our study included 9 patients, 6 females and 3 males, with a mean age of 59 years (range: 19-77) and a mean follow-up of 62 weeks (range: 6-184).

Results:

Five had an Achilles split approach, 2 had an oblique lateral approach, and 1 had an extensile lateral approach. Patients achieved radiographic relief of impingement and improvement in pain. Minor skin and soft tissue complications occurred in 3 patients, all of which were associated with laterally based incisions, and all resolved after a 10-day course of oral antibiotics. No major complications, emergency department visits, or readmissions occurred.

Conclusions:

MDCO and lateral wall exostectomy was a safe and effective treatment for severe calcaneofibular impingement.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
A Cross-Sectional Study Analyzing the Quality of YouTube Videos as a Source of Patient Education for Treatments on Psoriasis
Authors: Gorrepati Pavane L. , Smith Gideon P.
Published: October 2020

Background:

YouTube is currently the second most popular website in the world, with over 1 billion hours watched each day. Unlike peer-reviewed journals, there is no process to ensure the quality of YouTube videos that cover medical and treatment information, which could lead to patient misinformation.

Objective:

We set out to use the DISCERN instrument, which has previously been used in studies to assess the quality of consumer health information regarding treatment choices, to systematically evaluate the quality of the information.

Methods:

A YouTube search was performed on April 12, 2020, using the keyword “psoriasis treatments.” Since 90% of YouTube users do not view past the first 30 videos, only the first 30 results were selected. Non-English videos, advertisements, and videos that were too specific for the search criteria entered were excluded.

Results:

The average total DISCERN score was 38.3, which categorizes the videos overall as “poor” quality of content. There was a statistically significant difference in total DISCERN scores between the videos created by patients and those created by hospital/physician sources ( P < .015), with hospital-/physician-made videos scoring higher. However, regardless of the source of the video, there were still significant shortcomings in all the videos assessed.

Conclusion:

We feel we have a responsibility and an opportunity as a specialty to provide high-quality information, with a specific focus on the areas identified by the DISCERN tool as lacking, to help guide patients on evidence-based therapeutic options.
The Chinese script, Confucian script, and Nôm script: Some reflections on writing and politics in monarchical Vietnam
Authors: Nguyễn Tuấn-Cường , Bùi Anh-Chưởng
Published: October 2020

“Confucian script” 儒字 (chữ Nho) has become a unique name used to refer to the “Chinese script” 漢字 (chữ Hán) in Vietnamese. The integration between Chinese script and Confucianism had progressed through monarchical centuries, motivated by Vietnam’s political tradition. Supported by rulers of the country, Chinese script overwhelmed the difference of languages, became the official writing system, and therefore held great influence on important activities of government such as administration, diplomacy, education, and employment. By looking carefully at how Vietnamese monarchs managed to manipulate the Chinese script, Nôm script, and Confucianism to serve their political purposes, we stress that it was Confucianism that served as the link tying the Chinese script with Vietnamese rulers. This link was so strong that the Chinese script remained the dominant form of writing even with the invention of the “Nôm script” 喃字 (chữ Nôm), which was a vernacular system developed to write the Vietnamese language. Furthermore, because Confucianism itself was the spiritual core of the Chinese monarchical structure, Vietnamese rulers learned from the Chinese model by way of the Chinese script when building their own independent state. Confucianism was viewed as the core of Chinese culture.
Cost comparison of different treatment approaches of dacryocystitis and dacrocystocele
Authors: Sieck Erin G. , Zukin Leonid , Patnaik Jennifer L. , Lynch Anne M. , Kelley Peggy , Singh Jasleen K.
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

Congenital dacrocystocele with potential for dacryocystitis are common ophthalmic findings in children. There are multiple surgical approaches to open the mucocele. In this study, we look at the financial impact of these different approaches.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of 17 patients with dacrocystocele or dacryocystitis was performed. We examined four approaches: (1) bedside nasal endoscopy with marsupialization of nasolacrimal duct (NLD) cyst, (2) surgically performed nasal endoscopy with marsupialization of NLD cyst, (3) NLD probe, and (4) a combination of procedures. Cost of the procedure and length of anesthesia were collected. Reoccurrence of symptoms and disease post-procedure were also collected.

Results:

The lowest cost billed procedure was bedside nasal endoscopy performed by an otolaryngologist (US$435; n = 1). A nasal endoscopy ( n = 2) performed in the operating room (OR) had an average OR fee of US$14,557 [standard deviation (SD): US$7598] for 108.5 (SD: 87.0) min of operating time. An NLD probe ( n = 5) performed by pediatric ophthalmologists resulted in an average OR fee of US$5540 (SD: US$1752) for 31.0 min (SD: 8.6 min) of operating time. A combination of both nasal endoscopy and NLD probing ( n = 9) had an average OR fee US$10,325 (SD: US$4137) for 69 min (SD: 34.5 min) of operating time.

Conclusion:

This is the first study looking at cost benefit of four different approaches to treating dacrocystoceles/dacryocystitis. A NLD probe was a low-cost OR intervention and had the shortest operating time. The combination procedure was more cost-effective than nasal endoscopy or NLD probing alone.
Hypnosis in a specialist palliative care setting – enhancing personalized care for difficult symptoms and situations
Authors: Booth Sara
Published: October 2020

This is a personal account of using hypnosis as an adjunct to specialist palliative care (SPC) treatment approaches. After a brief systematic review of the literature, one clinician’s experience is outlined illustrated by short, anonymized case histories. It argues that the approach is underused in SPC. The barriers currently restricting its routine adoption in SPC are discussed including (1) a lack of SPC clinical trials, (2) a misunderstanding of hypnosis leading to stigma, and (3) its absence from clinicians’ training pathways. While the evidence base for the effectiveness of hypnosis in ‘supportive care’, for example, managing chemotherapy-induced vomiting, is appreciable, there is a gap in SPC. There is little data to guide the use of hypnosis in the intractable symptoms of the dying, for example, breathlessness or the distress associated with missed or late diagnosis. There are many people now ‘living with and beyond cancer’ with chronic symptomatic illness, ‘treatable but not curable’. Patients often live with symptoms over a long period, which are only partially responsive to pharmacological and other therapies. Hypnosis may help improve symptom control and quality of life. SPC trials are needed so that this useful tool for self-management of difficult symptoms can be more widely adopted.
Psycho-social correlates of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among older adults: a multivariate analysis
Authors: Lee Sunwoo , Lee Chungsup , An Jaesung
Published: October 2020

Background

Still, a considerable number of older adults hardly meet the daily physical activity recommendation. The current study examined how the elderly’s attitudinal and perceptional aspects were associated with their Leisure-Time Physical Activity (LTPA) participation in order to provide insight into the physical activity promotion.

Methods

Study used a total sample of 10,700 older adults aged 65+ drawn from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) 2014–2015 in USA. Multiple questionnaire items were employed to assess older adults’ attitudes and outlook across different life domains. LTPA participation was measured using two indicators—walking and sports/exercise. A technique of adjusted multivariate analysis was employed to examine the relationships between predictors and outcome variables.

Results

Results indicated that psychosocial indicators were significantly associated with older adults’ LTPA: self-perception of ageing, self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, spiritual engagement, perceived social tie and neighbourhood safety; while measures of perceived social relations and neighbourhood safety demonstrated different associations with walking and sports/exercise on its intensity.

Conclusions

Health professionals should be well-informed about psychosocial roles, either as facilitators or constraints, in older adults’ physical activity participation. Incorporation of psychosocial intervention into physical activity promotion can help older adults develop positive attitudes and inner strength linked to their health behaviour.
Primary care in the time of COVID-19: monitoring the effect of the pandemic and the lockdown measures on 34 quality of care indicators calculated for 288 primary care practices covering about 6 million people in Catalonia
Authors: Coma Ermengol , Mora Núria , Méndez Leonardo , Benítez Mència , Hermosilla Eduardo , Fàbregas Mireia , Fina Francesc , Mercadé Albert , Flayeh Souhel , Guiriguet Carolina , Balló Elisabet , Martinez Leon Nuria , Mas Ariadna , Cordomí Sílvia , Lejardi Yolanda , Medina Manuel
Published: October 2020

Background

To analyse the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic and the lockdown measures on the follow-up and control of chronic diseases in primary care.

Methods

Retrospective study in 288 primary care practices (PCP) of the Catalan Institute of Health. We analysed the results of 34 indicators of the Healthcare quality standard (EQA), comprising different types: treatment (4), follow-up (5), control (10), screening (7), vaccinations (4) and quaternary prevention (4). For each PCP, we calculated each indicator’s percentage of change in February, March and April 2020 respective to the results of the previous month; and used the T-Student test for paired data to compare them with the percentage of change in the same month of the previous year. We defined indicators with a negative effect those with a greater negative change or a lesser positive change in 2020 in comparison to 2019; and indicators with a positive effect those with a greater positive change or a lesser negative change.

Results

We observed a negative effect on 85% of the EQA indicators in March and 68% in April. 90% of the control indicators had a negative effect, highlighting the control of LDL cholesterol with a reduction of − 2.69% (95%CI − 3.17% to − 2.23%) in March and − 3.41% (95%CI − 3.82% to − 3.01%) in April; and the control of blood pressure with a reduction of − 2.13% (95%CI − 2.34% to − 1.9%) and − 2.59% (95%CI − 2.8% to − 2.37%). The indicators with the greatest negative effect were those of screening, such as the indicator of diabetic foot screening with a negative effect of − 2.86% (95%CI − 3.33% to − 2.39%) and − 4.13% (95%CI − 4.55% to − 3.71%) in March and April, respectively. Only one vaccination indicator, adult Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine, had a negative effect in both months. Finally, among the indicators of quaternary prevention, we observed negative effects in March and April although in that case a lower inadequacy that means better clinical outcome.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 epidemic and the lockdown measures have significantly reduced the results of the follow-up, control, screening and vaccination indicators for patients in primary care. On the other hand, the indicators for quaternary prevention have been strengthened and their results have improved.
Ultrasound to address medullary sponge kidney: a retrospective study
Authors: Pisani Isabella , Giacosa Roberto , Giuliotti Sara , Moretto Dario , Regolisti Giuseppe , Cantarelli Chiara , Vaglio Augusto , Fiaccadori Enrico , Manenti Lucio
Published: October 2020

Background

Medullary sponge kidney (MSK) is a rare disease characterized by cystic dilatation of papillary collecting ducts. Intravenous urography is still considered the gold standard for diagnosis. We identified a cohort of patients from our outpatient clinic with established diagnosis of MSK to outline some ultrasonographic characteristics that may help establish a diagnosis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of patients seen between January 1st 2009 and January 1st 2019 in our clinic. Out of 4321 patients, 18 had a diagnosis of MSK. We reviewed their clinical and family history, laboratory data and imaging studies. Specifically, we focused on ultrasound imaging.

Results

Patients were referred to our outpatient clinic because of renal impairment (44%), family history of nephropathy (17%), nephrolithiasis or an established diagnosis of MSK (39%). Seventy-two percent of patients presented with chronic kidney disease, 22% required hemodialysis. Urinary tract infections (44%), nephrolithiasis (33%), microscopic hematuria (50%) and proteinuria (44%) were reported. Seven patients underwent computed tomography; all of them received ultrasound. Ultrasound examination showed bilateral renal cysts, usually small and located in the renal medulla, and microcalcifications located in the medulla or within the cysts.

Conclusion

We identified a peculiar tetrad associated with MSK: 1) hypoechoic medullary areas, 2) hyperechoic spots, 3) microcystic dilatation of papillary zone, 4) multiple calcifications (linear, small stones or calcified intracystic sediment) in each papilla. The presence of this diagnostic tetrad, added to laboratory data and clinical history, could be helpful in the differential diagnosis to identify patients with MSK.