bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectional study assessing the risk of needlestick injury from an insulin pen among nursing care providers
Authors: Zhang Yanlin , Liu Li , Cai Kaixiu , Zhang Lirong , Liu Ling , Zhou Xianli , Liu Zhiping , Peng Yu
Published: October 2020

Objective

Needlestick injuries caused by insulin pen injection are a serious occupational hazard for health care workers in China. We evaluated the prevalence of stick injuries with insulin pen injection and identified associated risk factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted from 1 October to 30 November 2018 in two tier three hospitals in Chongqing, China. Self-administered questionnaires were developed by the Chinese Nursing Association Diabetes Care Special Committee. We analyzed associations between potential risk factors and injuries at different operational steps.

Results

A total 233 of 302 (77%) participants (mean age 28.5±5.3 years) reported a needlestick incident. Most respondents (49%) had 3 to 10 years’ working experience and had received injection safety training. Most needlestick injuries occurred while recapping needles after injection. The risk of injury was significantly associated with department and job position. The injury rate increased with increased number of years worked. Respondents with ≥10 years working experience reported the highest needle-capping injury rate (88%): odds ratio 1.93, 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 3.69.

Conclusion

Recapping needles after injection showed the highest risk for stick injury with an insulin pen. Nurses in the surgery department and those with longer work histories were more likely to be injured.
Comparison of Road Safety Management Systems of Local Governments using Indicators
Authors: Han Sangjin , Lee Hyejin
Published: October 2020

More than two-thirds of road fatalities in the Republic of Korea (hereafter Korea) occur on roads managed by local governments. There is also a big difference in road traffic death rates between local governments. This study aims to develop indicators to evaluate the current status of road safety management systems (RSMS) of local governments, which can result in different road safety performance. The indicators for RSMS will be categorized into: institutional management, intervention, intermediate outcome, and final outcome. A comparison of those indicators will help local governments to identify the pros and cons of their RSMSs. It will also help to benchmark good practices of other local governments and eventually contribute to reducing the gap of road safety outcomes between local governments. Indicators have been developed for both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The former includes road mortality rates for various road user types and budgets for road safety, and the latter includes the existence of a road safety team and the level of cooperation between relevant organizations. The overall road safety score is calculated based on the weighted sum of the selected indicator scores. The weights are derived through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). A comparison of developed indicators between local governments shows many local governments in Korea need to set up a responsible organization for road safety. This comparison will also provide useful information on how the central government can help local governments with low scores.
Telemedicine in the ICU: Innovation in the Critical Care Process
Authors: Khurrum Muhammad , Asmar Samer , Joseph Bellal
Published: October 2020

Tele-ICU is a technology-based model designed to deliver effective critical care in the intensive care unit (ICU). The tele-ICU system has been developed to address the increasing demand for intensive care services and the shortage of intensivists. A finite number of intensivists from remote locations provide real-time services to multiple ICUs and assist in the treatment of critically ill patients. Risk prediction algorithms, smart alarm systems, and machine learning tools augment conventional coverage and can potentially improve the quality of care. Tele-ICU is associated with substantial improvements in mortality, reduced hospital and ICU length of stay, and decreased health care costs. Although multiple studies show improved outcomes following the implementation of tele-ICU, results are not consistent. Several factors, including the heterogeneity of tele-ICU infrastructure deployed in different facilities and the reluctance of health care workers to accept tele-ICU, could be associated with these varied results. Considerably high installation and ongoing operational costs might also be limiting the widespread utilization of this innovative service. While we believe that the implementation of tele-ICU offers potential advantages and makes critical care delivery more efficient, further research on the impact of this technology in critical care settings is warranted.
Predictors of Feminist Identity Utilizing an Intersectional Lens With a Focus on Non-Hispanic White, Hispanic, and African American MSW Students
Authors: Charter Mollie Lazar
Published: October 2020

A fundamental value of social work is social justice, which includes gender and racial/ethnic equality. Feminists address gender-based oppression and often work to address racial/ethnic inequalities as well as many other forms of oppression. However, most literature suggest that less than half of social work students identify as feminists. This study investigated factors that contribute to student feminist self-identification, focusing on how racial/ethnic identity may influence feminist identity. Four predicting constructs were identified: method of exposure to feminism, feminist knowledge, feminist attitudes and ideologies, and description of feminists. A multiple regression model was applied to the overall sample ( N = 660) and to each racial/ethnic group. Findings indicate that in the overall sample, all four constructs significantly contributed to predicting feminist identification, while in the non-Hispanic white sample ( n = 366), method of exposure, feminist attitudes and ideologies, and description of feminists made significant contributions; for the Hispanic sample ( n = 157), only feminist attitudes and ideologies made significant contributions to predicting feminist identification; and for the African American sample ( n = 137), method of exposure and description of feminists made significant contributions. These findings indicate differences among racial/ ethnic background in feminist identity and provide a comprehensive picture of feminist identity among Master’s of Social Work (MSW) students.
Workplace Violence Against Prehospital Paramedic Personnel (City and Road) and Factors Related to This Type of Violence in Iran
Authors: Sheikhbardsiri Hojjat , Afshar Parya Jangipour , Baniasadi Hamideh , Farokhzadian Jamileh
Published: October 2020

Medical personnel such as those working in emergency medical systems are in direct contact with the patient or the injured and are exposed to workplace violence. This study aimed to determine workplace violence against prehospital paramedical personnel and factors related to this type of violence in Iran. The cross-sectional study was conducted in 72 prehospital emergency centers affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2019. Using a researcher-made questionnaire, we assessed workplace violence and factors associated with this type of violence in prehospital paramedical personnel with a census method ( N = 308). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including mean and standard deviation ( SD), frequency, percentage, and analytic statistics, such as the Kolmogorov–Smirnov, ANOVA, t test, and multiple linear regression tests. The results of this study showed that the most frequent types of workplace violence were verbal violence (47%), physical violence (32.50%), cultural violence (16%), and no violence (4.50%), respectively. From the perspective of paramedical personnel, the total mean score of workplace violence was at a moderate level (52.19 ± 10.72). The most important factors affecting workplace violence from the perspective of paramedical personnel were “lack of awareness of people about the duties of emergency medical personnel” and “lack of specialists in prehospital (city or road) bases.” Majority of the paramedical personnel believed that “no reaction and observance of patients and their families’ rights” were the most important types of reactions. They also believed that violence was normal at the workplace and should not be considered in emergency medical services. Results suggest that national and local policies in Iran should provide prehospital paramedical personnel with various training courses about how to decrease the rate of workplace violence, promote public health, and decrease their psychological stresses and occupational burnout.
Sleep Disturbance in Older Adults With or Without Mild Cognitive Impairment and Its Associated Factors Residing in Rural Area, China
Authors: Xie Li Qin , Yang Bing Xiang , Liao Yang Hui , Gao Gui Xian , Jiang Na , Zhou Jun , Richmond Christopher J.
Published: October 2020

Aims:

To evaluate the prevalence of sleep disturbance in older adults with or without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and associated factors among residents in rural central China.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in adults in rural areas of the Hunan province aged≥60 years. Study participants (N = 1213) included 479 individuals meeting the criteria for MCI and 734 with normal cognitive abilities. The participants completed the Athens Insomnia Scale, Stress Resilience Quotient Scale, Affect Balance Scale and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale. Chi-square test, Wilcoxon rank sum analyses and multiple logistic regression were used in this study.

Results:

A total of 60.33% of participants with MCI demonstrated sleep disturbance (60.33%, 95% CI: 0.559-0.649), which was significantly higher than in the non-MCI group (43.73%, 95% CI: 0.759-0.838). Multiple logistic regression conducted separately in the populations of older adults with or without MCI showed that age, drinking habits, affect balance and activities of daily life were correlates of self-reported sleep disturbance in rural older adults with MCI ( B = −5.469), whereas age, ADL, living arrangement and resilience were the main influencing factors in older adults without MCI ( B = 2.991).

Conclusion:

Sleep disturbance is more common in older adults with MCI than without MCI in rural areas of China. The factors influencing sleep disturbances vary between older adults with or without MCI, with age and ADL representing common factors influencing sleep disturbance in both groups. Interventions focusing on the age, drinking habits, affect balance and ADL may improve sleep quality in MCI older adults.
Numerical and experimental analysis of rubbing–misalignment mixed fault in a dual-rotor system
Authors: Xie Wenzhen , Liu Chao , Wang Nanfei , Jiang Dongxiang
Published: October 2020

Dual-rotor systems are widely used in aero-engines, in which rubbing–misalignment mixed faults are essential, as both are frequently observed and can occur simultaneously due to the harsh working conditions of high temperature, high pressure, and high speed. To analyze the vibration characteristics of such faults, a dual-rotor system model is established and dynamic responses under varying parameters of the dual-rotor system with rubbing–misalignment mixed fault are investigated. Through numerical simulation, the effects of speed ratio, rubbing clearance, and rubbing stiffness on the dual-rotor system with rubbing–misalignment fault are revealed. Meanwhile, experimental tests are conducted for validation, the main findings of which are that the characteristic frequency components could benefit the diagnosis of mixed faults in dual-rotor systems.
The British library in China: Connecting through culture and learning
Authors: Andrews Jamie , Chapman Kai-Chuan
Published: October 2020

This article provides an overview of the recently completed The British Library in China: Connecting through Culture and Learning project, funded by HM Treasury as part of a portfolio of bilateral UK–China cultural announcements in 2015. We will outline the key activities and outcomes from the Project’s major public events, high-level engagements, new digital platforms and reciprocal knowledge exchange programmes.
Age Advantages in Emotional Experience Persist Even Under Threat From the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Carstensen Laura L. , Shavit Yochai Z. , Barnes Jessica T.
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating unprecedented, sustained, and unavoidable stress for the entire population, and older people are facing particularly heightened risk of contracting the virus and suffering severe complications, including death. The present study was conducted when the pandemic was spreading exponentially in the United States. To address important theoretical questions about age differences in emotional experience in times of crisis, we surveyed a representative sample of 945 Americans between the ages of 18 and 76 years and assessed the frequency and intensity of a range of positive and negative emotions. We also assessed perceived risk of contagion and complications from the virus, as well as personality, health, and demographic characteristics. Age was associated with relatively greater emotional well-being both when analyses did and did not control for perceived risk and other covariates. The present findings extend previous research about age and emotion by demonstrating that older adults’ relatively better emotional well-being persists even in the face of prolonged stress.
Immunopathological effects of experimental T-2 mycotoxicosis in Wistar rats
Authors: Rahman Shafiqur , Sharma Anil Kumar , Singh Nittin Dev , Prawez Shahid
Published: October 2020

It is well known that T-2 toxin has cytotoxic radiomimetic like effects on the immune system. Because of scant research data demonstrating the chronic effects of low doses of the T-2 toxin on humoral and cellular responses in rats, the present experiment was undertaken. The animals were divided into four groups, namely, group I (0.5 ppm), group II (0.75 ppm) and group III (1.0 ppm) and group IV (control) were given toxin-free diet for 12 weeks and eight animals each were sacrificed at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12-week of the experimental period. The humoral immune response was evaluated based on hemagglutination test (HA), and levels of serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) while the cell-mediated immune response was evaluated by delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to ovalbumin, lymphocyte stimulation index, analyses of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and mRNA expression levels of selected cytokines like IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 by quantitative Real-time PCR in experimental groups. T-2 treatment caused suppression in both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses as evidenced by a decrease in all these parameters in toxin fed animals compared to the control in the dose and duration-dependent manner. This dose-dependent effect on the immune system has been further reflected largely by the depletion of lymphocytes from lymphoid organs as observed histopathologically in the spleen, thymus, and Peyer’s patches in the present study.
What is the literacy supportive role of the school librarian in the United Kingdom?
Authors: Merga Margaret K.
Published: October 2020

Building students’ literacy skills is a key educative purpose of contemporary schooling. While libraries can play a key role in fostering literacy and related reading engagement in schools, more needs to be known about school librarians’ role in promoting these goals. To this end, this article seeks to identify the nature and scope of the literacy supportive role required of the school librarian in the United Kingdom. It also investigates how this aspect is situated within the broader competing role requirements of the profession. Using a hybrid approach to content analysis including both qualitative and quantitative methods, this article presents in-depth analysis of 40 recent job description documents recruiting school librarians in the United Kingdom to investigate these research aims. The vast majority of documents (92.5%) included literacy supportive roles or characteristics of a school librarian, and recurring salient components included supporting literature selection, having a broad and current knowledge of literature, promoting and modelling reading for pleasure, devising and supporting reading and literature events, promoting a whole-school reading culture, working closely with students to support reading and literacy skill development, and implementing and supporting reading programmes. This literacy supportive role was found to sit within a potentially highly complex and diverse work role which may compete with the literacy supportive role for time and resourcing in school libraries. This research suggests that the role of school librarians in the United Kingdom is both complex and evolving, and that school librarians in the United Kingdom have a valuable literacy supportive role to play in their school libraries.
Turkey’s Engagement with the African Organisations: Partner or Competitor?
Authors: Sıradag˘ Abdurrahim
Published: October 2020

Turkey has been among one of the most active players in African politics over the last decade. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) governments have changed the traditional foreign policy approach towards Africa. Turkey has sought to develop its strategic relations with non-Western regional and sub-regional organisations during the AK Party governments. In this regard, Turkish Embassy in Addis Ababa was accredited to the African Union (AU) and other sub-regional African organisations since 2005. In this research, the main question is ‘why has Turkey deepened and widened its strategic relations with African regional and sub-regional organizations?’ This research will scrutinise Turkey’s engagement with the African organisations by employing a theoretical approach and a holistic approach. According to the findings of this research, Turkey has changed its traditional approach towards African politics and played a dynamic role in establishing a new global order despite persistent challenges in the world.
Diagnosis of the coronavirus disease 2019 with chest computed tomography: A retrospective inter-observer agreement study between radiologists and clinicians
Authors: Cengel Ferhat , Gurkan Okan , Calik Mustafa , Demirkol Mustafa Asim , Sargin Altunok Elif , Kaya Mehmet Fatih , Nacar Dogan Sebahat
Published: October 2020

Background:

Effective triage and early detection are very important for the control and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019. For this purpose, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and chest computed tomography are used in emergency departments.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to examine the diagnostic performance of computed tomography and to compare the inter-observer agreement among radiologists and between clinicians, in a coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia high-prevalence area.

Methods:

After exclusions, 534 patients were retrospectively included in this study. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was considered as gold standard for diagnosis. All computed tomography images were independently reviewed by two radiologists who were blinded to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results and other clinical information. Each computed tomography scan was scored in four categories as typical, intermediate, atypical, and negative, regarding coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia according to Radiological Society of North America guideline. As for the evaluation of the diagnostic performance, typical and intermediate appearances were accepted as positive for coronavirus disease 2019. In addition, the computed tomography scans were scored by two clinicians as coronavirus disease 2019 positive and negative.

Results:

The study group included 534 patients after the exclusion criteria. As a result of the repeated reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests, 396 (74%) patients were diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019, 138 (26%) patients had a negative result and were evaluated as a control group. When the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results were referenced as the gold standard; the accuracy rates of radiologists and clinicians (R1, R2, C1, and C2) in the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 were 78%, 79%, 73%, and 71%, their sensitivity rates were 83%, 83%, 74%, and 75%, and the negative predictive values were 57%, 58%, 49%, and 46%, respectively. Inter-observer agreements among the reviewers ranged from good to excellent.

Conclusions:

Radiological Society of North America guideline related to coronavirus disease 2019 has excellent inter-observer agreement among chest radiologists. In this study, radiologists and clinicians have presented similar and good diagnostic performances in the evaluation of coronavirus disease 2019–suspected patients with chest computed tomography in high-epidemic area.
Nasopharyngeal nephroblastoma in a 3-month-old Boer goat
Authors: Athey Jillian M. , Rice Laura E. , Harvey Aja B. , Washburn Kevin E. , Rodrigues-Hoffmann Aline
Published: October 2020

A 3-mo-old, female Boer goat was presented because of respiratory difficulties. Tachypnea and inspiratory dyspnea were noted during physical examination. Thoracic radiographs were unremarkable; however, upper airway and nasal passage radiographs revealed a soft tissue mass within the nasal passages. The patient underwent cardiorespiratory arrest and did not respond to resuscitation efforts during endoscopy. A large, pedunculated, semi-firm mass originated from the soft palate and obstructed 90% of the nasopharynx on autopsy. Histologically, the mass was composed of primitive cells that multifocally formed tubules and glomeruloid structures intermingled with areas of fusiform and blastemal cells. The neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin (tubular and glomeruloid cells), vimentin (fusiform population and blastemal cells), and Wilms tumor 1 protein (glomeruloid structures) on immunohistochemistry, consistent with a triphasic nephroblastoma. To our knowledge, nasopharyngeal nephroblastoma has not been reported previously in any species.
Commonly Reported Adverse Events Associated With Pediatric Immunotherapy: A Systematic Review From the Children’s Oncology Group
Authors: Withycombe Janice S. , Carlson Aimee , Coleman Carly , Leslie Sharon L. , Skeens Micah , Tseitlin Hanna , Duffy Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Immunotherapy is a new and promising approach to treating pediatric cancers. These types of therapies have unique mechanisms of action for identifying and fighting cancer, as compared with traditional chemotherapy, and therefore are associated with different therapy-related adverse events (AEs). The purpose of this systematic review was to review available evidence to: (a) identify commonly reported AEs associated with immunotherapy agents frequently used in pediatric oncology and (b) generate recommendations for nursing practice.

Method:

A clinical question was developed and used to guide the systematic literature review. Five immunotherapy agents (dinutuximab, blinatumomab, rituximab, inotuzumab ozogamicin, brentuximab vedotin) were selected for inclusion secondary to their high relevance to pediatric oncology. A literature search was conducted to locate articles published between January 1, 2003 and October 31, 2018.

Results:

Seventeen articles met eligibility criteria for inclusion and were evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria. The most commonly reported AEs for the selected immunotherapy agents were identified and summarized. Strong recommendations are made for nurses to become familiar with the unique AE profiles associated with individual immunotherapy agents. Agent-specific recommendations for nursing practice regarding AEs associated with dinutuximab and rituximab were generated.

Conclusions:

Immunotherapy is rapidly emerging as an effective therapy for pediatric cancers. Nurses need to be aware of the breadth of agent-specific, immunotherapy-related AEs to appropriately monitor and manage patients receiving these therapies. Additional work is needed to confidently profile immunotherapy-related AEs in pediatric oncology and to develop agent-specific educational materials for patients/families.
Oral Contraceptive Types in Relation to ABO Blood Groups Among Saudi Women of Different Reproductive Age Groups and Impact on Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Mohamed Abdulrahman B. O. , Al-Ama Nabeel , Al Kreathy Huda , Ahmed Khalid H. B. , Al Amri Turki , Harakeh Steve , Mousa Shaker A. , De Laat Bas
Published: October 2020

Saudi women have recently started using oral contraceptives (OCs), which has led to risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The risk varies with the type of OC generations used, and with OC use the risk for VTE increases by 2- to 6-fold. This study evaluated the effect of OC types in relation to ABO blood group on the risk of VTE among Saudi women. Thrombin generation (TG) was measured in the plasma of the women in the presence and absence of platelet rich plasma, platelet poor plasma and thrombomodulin or activated protein C. OC usage increased TG parameters ETP and Peak height by 9.81% and 16.04%, respectively. An increased risk of VTE was seen among women on third generation OCs as compared to those on second generation products. Within OC generations, we found that for women using fourth generation OCs, their ETP increased by 36.18% as compared to those using second generation and by 6.07% in those using third generation compared to those using second generation. There was significant difference with respect to ABO blood groups and OC generation types, but larger sample size is required. Women who are 40 years and older and using third generation OC had a higher risk of having thrombosis (11.84%), as compared to those using second generation OC (8.79%) and to those using fourth generation OC (5.03%). An association between different OC groups and non-O blood group in thrombosis generation was noted. TG parameters were significantly increased in relation to BMI when comparing to OC users versus non-users. In addition, inhibition of TG parameters in the presence of recombinant human thrombomodulin (TM) and activated protein C (APC) were significantly increased.
A multicenter review of infusion-related reactions to daratumumab for relapsed multiple myeloma in the real world setting
Authors: Geirnaert Marc , Howarth Jacy , Martin Kristen , Ricard Chad , Streilein Scott , Wasney Danica , Dao Vi , Kotb Rami , Rimmer Emily , Minuk Leonard
Published: October 2020

Background

Daratumumab is used in the treatment of relapsed multiple myeloma. Daratumumab infusion-related reactions can occur with the highest incidence on the first infusion.

Methods

A retrospective review of all daratumumab infusions used as part of the DVd and DRd regimens for relapsed multiple myeloma was undertaken. The review of infusion-related reactions was conducted by reviewing the treatment room nursing note on the days that daratumumab was administered. If the patient experienced an infusion-related reaction, then the data captured included if the full dose was administered.

Results

Daratumumab infusion-related reactions occurred most frequently on the first dose. The rates of infusion-related reactions using a split dose approach for daratumumab administration were lower than that reported in clinical trials. All of the infusion-related reactions were managed with appropriate interventions in the outpatient setting. The adoption of rapid infusion daratumumab beginning with cycle 2 of DVd and DRd was well tolerated.

Conclusions

Our experience of daratumumab infusions using a split dose approach was associated with an infusion-related reaction rate in 28% of patients on cycle 1, day 1 of DVd and DRd regimens. All patients were able to complete full doses of daratumumab by utilizing split dose. The rates of daratumumab infusion-related reactions are highest on the first infusion. In addition, our adoption of rapid infusion daratumumab was safe.
Can I Get a Witness? Speculative Fiction as Testimony and Counterstory
Authors: Toliver S. R.
Published: October 2020

Drawing on Black feminist/womanist storytelling and the three-dimensional narrative inquiry space, this article showcases how one Black girl uses speculative fiction as testimony and counterstory, calling for readers to bear witness to her experiences and inviting witnesses to respond to the negative experiences she faces as a Black girl in the United States. I argue that situating speculative fiction as counterstory creates space for Black girls to challenge dominant narratives and create new realities. Furthermore, I argue that considering speculative fiction as testimony provides another way for readers to engage in a dialogic process with Black girls, affirming their words as legitimate sources of knowledge. Witnessing Black girls’ stories is an essential component to literacy and social justice contexts that tout a humanizing approach to research. They are also vital for dismantling a system bent on the castigation and obliteration of Black girls’ pasts, presents, and futures.
Efficient graphic processing unit implementation of the chemical-potential multiphase lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Ye Yutong , Zhu Hongyin , Zhang Chaoying , Wen Binghai
Published: October 2020

The chemical-potential multiphase lattice Boltzmann method (CP-LBM) has the advantages of satisfying the thermodynamic consistency and Galilean invariance, and it realizes a very large density ratio and easily expresses the surface wettability. Compared with the traditional central difference scheme, the CP-LBM uses the Thomas algorithm to calculate the differences in the multiphase simulations, which significantly improves the calculation accuracy but increases the calculation complexity. In this study, we designed and implemented a parallel algorithm for the chemical-potential model on a graphic processing unit (GPU). Several strategies were used to optimize the GPU algorithm, such as coalesced access, instruction throughput, thread organization, memory access, and loop unrolling. Compared with dual-Xeon 5117 CPU server, our methods achieved 95 times speedup on an NVIDIA RTX 2080Ti GPU and 106 times speedup on an NVIDIA Tesla P100 GPU. When the algorithm was extended to the environment with dual NVIDIA Tesla P100 GPUs, 189 times speedup was achieved and the workload of each GPU reached 96%.
Primary Immunoglobulin G4-Related Laryngeal Disease: A Case Series and Review of Literature
Authors: Maughan Elizabeth F , Michaels Joshua , Miller Benjamin , Weir Justin , Salama Alan , Warner Elinor , Ghufoor Khalid , Sandhu Gurpreet , Al Yaghchi Chadwan
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an increasingly recognised cause of various systemic fibro-inflammatory conditions. However, laryngeal involvement as a primary feature is extremely rare. We aimed to report on a case series of such patients and examine the global literature relating to laryngeal involvement.

Methods:

Having previously reported a case of IgG4-RD laryngeal pseudotumour, we describe a case series of further 4 patients with primary laryngeal IgG4-RD managed by our UK quaternary airway service and provide a brief overview of laryngeal IgG4-RD.

Results:

Including our cases, 14 cases of primary laryngeal IgG4-RD have been reported. Vocal cord involvement is relatively uncommon. Repeat biopsies may be required to achieve histological diagnosis. Remission is achievable by commencement of immunomodulatory treatment, following which laryngeal reconstruction may be necessary.

Conclusion:

Laryngeal involvement is a rare presentation of IgG4-RD, itself a rare and difficult-to-diagnose condition. A high and prolonged index of suspicion is necessary from both surgical and pathological specialists for correct diagnosis and management.
A complementary product of a nearby ski lift company
Authors: Wallimann Hannes
Published: October 2020

The availability of attractive complementary products offered by a nearby company positively affects other companies in the value network of a winter sports destination. We aim to illustrate empirically the positive effects of the campaign of a local ski lift company in Switzerland on other companies in the same value network. For the first time in tourism research, the synthetic control method is used to investigate the impact of a new pricing strategy. In this case, the company’s practice of radically discounting the prices of its seasonal lift passes had a positive impact on accommodation businesses in the same winter sports destination. The impact amounts to about 35% additional overnight stays by domestic tourists per winter season that is a seasonal increase of 32,000 overnight stays. However, the ski lift company concluded that the campaign had been unsuccessful. We therefore discuss the difficulties of such a new pricing strategy and emphasize the importance of cooperation between independent companies in the wider destination area.
Research misconduct complaints and institutional logics: The case of Hans Eysenck and the British Psychological Society
Authors: Craig Russell , Pelosi Anthony , Tourish Dennis
Published: October 2020

A formal complaint was lodged with the British Psychological Society in 1995 that alleged serious scientific misconduct by Hans J Eysenck. The complaint referred to research into the links between personality traits and the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer and heart disease. Using a framework of institutional logics, we criticise the Society’s decision not to hear this complaint at a full disciplinary hearing. We urge the BPS to investigate this complaint afresh. We also support calls for the establishment of an independent National Research Integrity Ombudsperson to deal more effectively with allegations of research misconduct.
The digital racist fellowship behind the anti-Aboriginal internet memes
Authors: Al-Natour Ryan
Published: October 2020

In Australian social media platforms, non-Indigenous social media users commonly utilize digital spaces to communicate anti-Aboriginal racism. This article investigates the phenomenon of anti-Aboriginal internet memes that appear across Australian social media pages and closely examines the prominent racializations evident in these memes. This article discusses 19 internet memes and how they function in the development of a racist colonial digital movement. As this article uncovers, several racializations targeting Aboriginality in relation to skin colour and several racist stereotypes are communicated in these memes. This article unpacks the vulgarity of these internet memes and the ways they sustain a racist digital bond among participants.
Pushing feminist new materialist vitalism to an extreme: on bare death
Authors: Rogowska-Stangret Monika
Published: October 2020

In this article, I wish to engage in reflecting on the limits of affirmative and vitalist potentials visible in new materialist research. An enthusiastic note is clearly heard from within the new materialist perspective, for example in the important work of Rosi Braidotti. I offer an interpretation of her ‘The Ethics of Becoming Imperceptible’ in hopes of reflecting on the limits of the affirmative approach. This interpretation is fuelled by more hesitant notes also heard within new materialist research, tones expressing doubts, tracing the limits of materialist, vitalist, affirmative takes and offering perspectives that turn to ‘a matter that fails to come to life’, ‘unproductive and devoid of relations’. This turn – according to my reading – is an effort to respond to the need to recognise ‘ our today’ in its complexity. To fully grasp the landscapes of ‘ our today’, I offer a concept of bare death (in dialogue with bare life as coined by Giorgio Agamben and as used by Braidotti) as a concept that relates to instances where something has died but cannot enter into the ‘generative powers of a Life’. It is depicted with references to the nuclear and plastic landscapes of the Anthropocene. Relating to those landscapes, I make use of an art installation by Pinar Yoldas, The Ecosystem of Excess, as a kind of companion for thinking about becoming and the transformation of life and death in order to respond to the ambivalent landscapes of ‘ our today’ and to understand how death matters beyond the human self.
Prognostic Value of the Site of Distant Metastasis and Surgical Interventions in Metastatic Gastric Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Li Yinghua , Xie Danna , Chen Xiaojing , Hu Teng , Lu Simin , Han Yunwei
Published: October 2020

Background:

Studies on the prognostic significance of site-specific distant metastasis, multiple-site metastases, and the impact of surgery of the primary tumor and metastatic lesion on survival outcomes of patients with metastatic gastric cancer (GC) remain elusive. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of the site of distant metastasis among patients with metastatic GC. Furthermore, the effect of surgery of the primary tumor and metastatic lesion on the prognosis of metastatic GC was also analyzed.

Methods:

The data of 4,221 eligible patients, who were diagnosed with metastatic GC between 2010 and 2015, were identified from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between potential prognostic factors, including the site of metastasis and surgery, and survival of patients with metastatic GC. Overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival (CSS) were determined using the Kaplan-Meier survival curves and differences were assessed using the Log-rank test.

Results:

Out of the total 4,221 GC patients with definite organ metastases, 3312 patients had single-site metastasis while 909 patients had multiple-site metastases. GC patients with single-site metastasis of liver or lung exhibited better CSS and OS compared to those with bone metastasis. Furthermore, GC patients with liver metastasis benefited from surgery of both the primary and metastatic lesions, while those with lung metastasis benefited from surgery of metastasis resection only. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that GC patients with single-site metastasis, well-differentiated tumors, GC patients who underwent surgery of the primary tumor and those who received chemotherapy exhibited favorable prognosis.

Conclusions:

The site of metastasis was an independent prognostic factor for metastatic GC. Surgery had survival benefits in certain cases of metastatic GC; however, further studies are warranted to clarify these benefits in carefully selected patients.
Stronger Together: Conditional Indirect Effect of Servant Leadership on Transactive Memory Systems
Authors: David Emily M. , Johnson Lars U. , Meng Ching-Yuan , Lopez Tyleen N.
Published: October 2020

The leadership literature suggests that followers are likely to be autonomously motivated when working for servant leaders, leading them to experience greater psychological empowerment. Guided by self-determination theory, we predicted that this empowerment would then heighten individuals’ perceptions of their teams’ transactive memory systems. When subordinates perceive that discrimination is occurring in their workgroup, however, we expected that the empowerment—transactive memory systems link would be weakened. This moderated mediation model was tested at multiple timepoints using 211 employees from a variety of industries and job types. The results generally supported our predictions, and the implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Commentary: Robotic Techniques in Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery (Innovations, May/June 2020)
Authors: Grossi Eugene A. , Chen Stacey , Loulmet Didier F.
Published: October 2020

This is a response to the papers in the May/June issue of Innovations focused on robotic techniques in cardiac and thoracic surgery. Successful robotic surgery relies on a high level of preparation and communication from each member of the operating room. The lack of a team approach can result in not only failure to establish and/or sustain a robotic program, but more importantly, in serious consequences at the detriment to patient care and safety. While these are salient points, the authors of this commentary wish to highlight that the first robot-assisted mitral valve surgery in North America was performed at NYU Langone Health using the Zeus robotic surgical system. Although that robotic platform had several disadvantages that limited its clinical advancement, an appreciation for this history in robotic cardiac surgery is important if we as cardiothoracic surgeons seek to move toward a future of expanding robotic surgery within the ever-changing landscape of cardiac surgery.
Efficacy of Aspirin for Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction in Men: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Ismail Shaiful Bahari , Noor Norhayati Mohd , Hussain Nik Hazlina Nik
Published: October 2020

One of the major causes of erectile dysfunction (ED) is an endothelial vascular disorder. This meta-analysis is performed to determine the efficacy of aspirin on erectile function in men with vasculogenic ED. For this purpose, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and reference lists of articles up to November 2019 were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected that compared aspirin with placebo in men of any ethnicity with vasculogenic ED. A total of 58 trials were retrieved. Finally, two trials of 214 men fulfilled our selection criteria. High selection and detection bias were identified for one trial. The participants showed a significant improvement in erectile function when they took aspirin (mean difference: 5.14, 95% CI [3.89, 6.40], and I2 = 0%). Although the present meta-analysis suggested that aspirin has a significant effect on the improvement of erectile function, there were limited RCTs available on this topic and doses of aspirin varied. Additional studies are needed to support findings from this meta-analysis. Aspirin needs to be considered by practitioners when prescribing drugs for vasculogenic ED.
Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid Arthrodesis: A 10-Year Follow-up Study of Complications in 58 Wrists
Authors: Rogers Miranda J. , Lu Chao-Chin , Stephens Andrew R. , Garcia Brittany N. , Chen Wei , Sauer Brian C. , Tyser Andrew
Published: October 2020

Background:

Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) arthrodesis is a procedure used for specific degenerative arthritis and instability patterns of the wrist. This study evaluates nonunion rate and risk factors for reoperation after STT arthrodesis in the Veterans Affairs Department patient population. The purpose of our study was to assess the long-term nonunion rate following STT arthrodesis and to identify factors associated with reoperation.

Methods:

The national Veterans Health Administration Corporate Data Warehouse and Current Procedural Terminology codes identified STT arthrodesis procedures from 1995 to 2016. Frequencies of total wrist arthrodesis (TWA) and secondary operations were determined. Univariate analyses provided odds ratios for risk factors associated with complications.

Results:

Fifty-eight STT arthrodeses were performed in 54 patients with a mean follow-up of 120 months. Kirschner wires (K-wires) were the most common fixation method (69%). Six wrists (10%) required secondary procedures: 5 TWAs and 1 revision STT arthrodesis. Four patients underwent additional procedures for nonunion (7%). Twenty-four patients required K-wire removal, 8 (14%) of these in the operating room, which were not included in regression analysis. Every increase in 1 year of age resulted in a 15% decrease in likelihood of reoperation (95% confidence interval: 0.77-0.93; P < .0001). Opioid use within 90 days before surgery ( P = 1.00), positive smoking history ( P = 1.00), race ( P = .30), comorbidity count ( P = .25), and body mass index ( P = .19) were not associated with increased risk of reoperation.

Conclusions:

At a mean follow-up of 10 years, patients undergoing STT arthrodesis have a 10% risk of reoperation, and this risk decreases with older patient age. There was a symptomatic nonunion rate of 7%, similar to prior published rates. Patient demographics, comorbidity, smoking history, and opioid use did not appear to increase risk of reoperation.
Splitting spectral element method for fractional reaction-diffusion equations
Authors: Li Qi , Song Fangying
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we propose a second-order operator splitting spectral element method for solving fractional reaction-diffusion equations. In order to achieve a fast second-order scheme in time, we decompose the original equation into linear and nonlinear sub-equations, and combine a quarter-time nonlinear solver and a half-time linear solver followed by final quarter-time nonlinear solver. The spatial discretization is eigen-decomposition based on spectral element method. Since this method gives a full diagonal representation of the fractional operator and gets an exponential convergence in space. We have an accurate and efficient approach for solving spacial fractional reaction-diffusion equations. Some numerical experiments are carried out to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of this method. Finally, we apply the proposed method to investigate the effect of the fractional order in the fractional reaction-diffusion equations.
Maternal and child health: is making ‘healthy choices’ an oxymoron?
Authors: Low Felicia M. , Gluckman Peter D. , Hanson Mark A.
Published: October 2020

The right to exercise choice is fundamental to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and it is assumed that all individuals generally enjoy freedom of choice in managing their health. Yet closer examination of this assumption calls into question its credibility and validity, especially with regard to maternal and child health around the globe. We argue that the concept of individual ‘healthy choice,’ particularly as applied to those with inadequate support and who are relatively disempowered, is flawed and unhelpful when considering the wider social, economic, and political forces underlying poor health. We instead propose that the realistic promotion of healthy choices requires acknowledging that agency lies beyond just the individual, and that individuals need to be supported through education and other structural and policy changes that facilitate a genuine ability to make healthy choices.
EU democracy in the times of coronavirus
Authors: Movarelli Margherita
Published: October 2020

The future of the European integration project depends on the EU’s ability to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and to other crises in the future. The pandemic constitutes an opportunity for EU democracy to be reinvented and for its complex institutional design and mechanisms to be adapted to the current challenges. This article examines the long-standing debate around the shortcomings of EU democracy and focuses on two elements—populism and communication—as crucial components in understanding the difficulties of democratic governance in the EU today. The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the flaws of the populist forces, which seemed to lose their consensus in the first months after the outbreak of the pandemic, thus giving traditional parties a chance to reaffirm their position. Furthermore, COVID-19 has emphasised the need for more and better communication between EU institutions, member states and citizens. Overall, EU democracy could benefit from these difficult times and bring the EU closer to its citizens.