bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immersed in the Dominant Global Imaginary: Reflecting on Internationalization of Higher Education Discourses in Brazil
Authors: Leal Fernanda , Abba Julieta , Finardi Kyria Rebecca
Published: December 2024

As a result of the reconfiguration of the functions performed by higher education worldwide, efforts directed at the process conventionally called internationalization are intensified and expressed as an imperative. In this study, an extract of a doctoral research supported by the epistemological lenses of Modernity/(De)Coloniality and based on principles of the Critical Discourse Analysis, we contextualize and discuss the discourses undertaken by an organization with discursive power towards the internationalization of Brazilian universities. The analysis suggests the existence of a hegemonic narrative around the meaning of internationalization, giving the broader context that this Association is immersed. The privileged narratives end up reinforcing the idea that in Brazil internationalization is, above all, an object of external determinations. In this sense it tends to ignore the complexity-heterogeneity of the Brazilian university and the international relations that have been unequally constituted over history, and which are functional to the advance of currently ongoing global university capitalism.
Protecting Anonymity in Rural Locales: The Use of Composite Narratives in Intimate Partner Violence Research
Authors: Mullany Anna L. , Gubrium Aline
Published: December 2024

A crucial consideration in the presentation of findings within intimate partner violence (IPV) research is the protection of participant identities. While it is necessary to center survivors’ voices, it is equally important to provide layers of anonymity, especially in smaller rural settings where “everyone knows everyone,” and where it is thus difficult to guarantee confidentiality for interlocutors. One such way to protect identity is the use of composite narratives: extracting data from several interviews and blending narrative details into one individual story that highlights cross-cutting themes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the affordances of using composite narratives in presenting research findings from rural survivors of IPV. In addition to providing necessary anonymity, this paper also illustrates how composite narratives can showcase ethnographic specificity and utilize the methodological concept of “narrative shock” to enhance empathy, awareness, intervention, and training around IPV for a wide audience.
“I am responsible”: Perceptions of employees on health and safety program implementation in small and medium sized businesses in Indonesia
Authors: Maharani Cynthia , Casteel Carri , Rohlman Diane , Afifi Rima , Baker Kelly , Fethke Nathan
Published: December 2024

Background

Prior research conducted in the small bag manufacturing sector in Indonesia reported that occupational injuries occurred almost every month, with some workers reporting severe injuries that led to their fingers being amputated. Another study mentioned that the food manufacturing sectors tend to be more focused on improving their production activities than on paying attention to protecting their workers. Despite these conditions, employees are commonly seen by the owners as being responsible for their own safety at the workplace. Additionally, research examining how employees perceive occupational safety and health (OSH) and the current OSH programming available in SMB food and bag manufacturing in Indonesia is still limited.

Objective

This study aims to identify the perceptions among SMBs employees on OSH implementation in small and medium sized food and bag manufacturing businesses in Indonesia.

Methods

This qualitative study utilized in-depth interviews with employees of small and medium sized food and bag manufacturing businesses located in Bogor City, West Java Province.

Results

Occupational injuries happened to employees in almost all the businesses participated in the study. However, almost all the employees are not covered by insurance and accounted themselves to be responsible for both the injuries and to have the insurance. The employees often have casual or ‘family-like’ relationships with the business owners.

Conclusions

The ‘family-like’ relationship between business owners and employees in small and medium sized businesses can contribute to employees taking the responsibility for injuries that occur to themselves or their colleagues.
Objective evaluation of seat discomfort on eRacing performance
Authors: Vanheusden Frederique J , Ogilvie Molly O
Published: December 2024

Background

While physical and mental health training guidelines have received much attention and scientific scrutinisation for traditional sports, these guidelines have not yet been developed for electronic sports (eSports). One important factor for developing these guidelines is to find appropriate ways to objectively measure performance and wellbeing of eSport participants through a combination of behavioural and physiological measurements.

Objective

To determine the effect of perceived discomfort on stress levels and task performance during racing simulation (eRacing) activities using physiological and behavioural measurements.

Methods

Discomfort and stress were analysed using questionnaires, electro-encephalography, electrocardiography, and galvanic skin response while 17 participants engaged in off-line Assetto Corsa racing simulation competitions.

Results

Discomfort slightly increased with prolonged seating, and perceived task difficulty significantly increased stress and self-assessed task performance. While significant differences could be observed in electro-encephalographic (EEG) alpha-, beta-band activity and galvanic skin responses (GSR) data, these were not correlated to perceived stress, discomfort, or performance.

Conclusions

This study showed the potential for using physiological measurements to monitor eSport player performance before, after and during eRacing activities. While no significant correlations with behavioural assessments were found, further studies could build on the suggested physiological markers to determine effects of competitive environments on eSport participants’ wellbeing.
Effect of intermittent catheterization combined with acupuncture in the treatment of urinary retention after spinal cord injury: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liao Jiaquan , Yang Zhen , Wu Bo , Tang Changmin
Published: December 2024

Objective: 

To evaluate the effectiveness of combining intermittent catheterization with acupuncture in treating urinary retention following spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods: 

Sixty-six patients were randomly assigned to either an observation group or a control group, with 33 patients in each. All underwent personalized intermittent catheterization guided by a bladder capacity scanner. The observation group received acupuncture in conjunction with catheterization, while the control group had acupuncture performed separately. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. Daily records of catheterization frequency, volume, and spontaneous urination were maintained. Measurements, including maximum bladder capacity, detrusor pressure, residual urine volume, and quality of life scores, were taken at baseline and after 8 weeks.

Results: 

The observation group exhibited greater improvements in catheterization reduction, spontaneous urination, detrusor pressure, residual urine volume, and quality of life compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The median time to stop catheterization was shorter in the observation group (26, 17.68–34.31 days) compared to the control group (38, 32.54–43.45 days), with a significant difference (P = 0.045).

Conclusion: 

Combining intermittent catheterization with acupuncture effectively improves bladder function, reduces catheterization frequency, enhances urination, and promotes better bladder storage and voiding functions in SCI patients.
Cleft Team Clinicians’ Perspectives on the Process of Patient Transition from Childhood to Adulthood in New Zealand
Authors: Entwistle Maia Rose , Macrae Phoebe , Ardouin Kenny
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study sought to understand cleft team clinician experiences of transitioning patients from pediatric to adult cleft care services in New Zealand.

Design

The qualitative study conducted 4 interviews and 4 focus groups with Cleft Team clinicians either in person or over Zoom. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify themes.

Participants

Twelve Cleft Team clinicians from 4 Health New Zealand cleft services.

Results

Patients are treated by the same clinicians both before and after transition, however, changes at age 16 include gaining treatment decision-making autonomy, inpatient stays within general plastic surgery wards, and evolving life experiences outside of the hospital. Clinicians reported unmet psychosocial needs of patients and their families, and difficulties experienced by patients returning to cleft services as adults. The development of peer support networks between adolescents and young adults who have experiences of cleft care is also recommended.

Conclusions

Ongoing cleft care provision and expansion of services are recommended. Furthermore, future studies to understand patients’ perspectives of transition are paramount, and incorporating patient voice into any proposed interventions is essential. Potential supports for families of patients with a cleft should also be further investigated, and the application of international standards would promote increased consistency and collaboration between the practice of Cleft Team clinicians around the world.
Perianal Paget Disease With an Enteric Phenotype and Associated In-Situ/Dysplastic Glandular Component: Report of a Potentially Novel Entity and Review of the Literature
Authors: Pea Dana , Assarzadegan Naziheh , Terracina Krista , Saulino David
Published: December 2024

Extramammary Paget disease is an uncommon cutaneous malignancy that primarily affects areas rich in apocrine glands. Here, we aim to present an 84-year-old woman with a distinctive perianal neoplastic process comprised of conventional Paget disease with an intertwined in-situ glandular component. Rare foci of glands embedded in pools of mucin were also identified in the most recent excision, consistent with mucinous adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated an enteric phenotype of the tumor cells, with expression of keratin 20, caudal type homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX2), and special AT-rich sequence binding protein 2 (SATB2) (patchy, weak); keratin 7 and BerEP4 staining were also noted. Molecular analysis via next generation sequencing revealed pathogenic variants in ERBB2, TP53, and SF3B1. Given the unique histomorphology and immunohistochemical staining pattern, suspicion for a colorectal primary tumor was high, however; extensive workup including imaging, testing for tumor markers, and colonoscopic evaluation has not identified any other lesion thus far. Multiple biopsies and excisions in the area demonstrated recurrent disease over a 4-year span; with no evidence of deep invasion or metastasis. This tumor appears to be exceptional among reports in the literature given its extensive in-situ glandular component; and we are not aware of any documented SF3B1 mutation to date. Disease recurrence in this patient highlights the need for clinical vigilance. Defining the molecular profile in these lesions can also be useful, particularly when assessing potential treatment options for advanced disease.
Blood-Based Multi-Cancer Early Detection Tests (MCEDs) as a Potential Approach to Address Current Gaps in Cancer Screening
Authors: Carbonell Chantelle , Hutchinson John M. , Hilsden Robert J. , Yang Huiming , Brenner Darren R.
Published: December 2024

Screening and early detection is one of the most effective approaches to reduce the population-level impact of cancer. Novel approaches to screening such as multi-cancer early detection tests (MCEDs) may further reduce cancer incidence and mortality. Many MCEDs detect fragments of circulating DNA containing mutations that originated from tumour cells, thereby informing both the presence of cancer and the cell-type of origin. In this review, we examine the current evidence of MCEDs as a potential tool to improve population-based cancer outcomes. We review the role of MCEDs to address low participation rates, disparities among underserved populations, changing epidemiology of common cancers, and the absence of screening tests for many cancer types. MCEDs have the potential to increase participation in cancer screening programs, as they may be less invasive than other procedures, and can screen for multiple cancer types in one appointment. Additionally, due to the lack of specialized collection equipment needed for these tests, underscreened populations and targeted populations could gain greater access to screening. Finally, because MCEDs can detect cancer types without screening tests that are moderately common and increasing in western populations, efficacious tests for these sites could alleviate the cancer burden and improve patient outcomes. While these tests offer great promise, considerable limitations and evidence gaps must be addressed. Notable limitations include scenarios where early detection does not improve survival outcomes, the costs and impact on health care resources for false positives, and false reassurance with subsequent lack of adherence to existing screening protocols.
Interpretable Machine Learning Approach for Predicting 30-Day Mortality of Critical Ill Patients with Pulmonary Embolism and Heart Failure: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Liu Jing , Li Ruobei , Yao Tiezhu , Liu Guang , Guo Ling , He Jing , Guan Zhengkun , Du Shaoyan , Ma Jingtao , Li Zhenli
Published: December 2024

Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) patients combined with heart failure (HF) have been reported to have a high short-term mortality. However, few studies have developed predictive tools of 30-day mortality for these patients in intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to construct and validate a machine learning (ML) model to predict 30-day mortality for PE patients combined with HF in ICU.

Methods

We enrolled patients with PE combined with HF in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care Database (MIMIC) and developed six ML models after feature selection. Further, eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD) was utilized for external vali- dation. The area under curves (AUC), calibration curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were performed to evaluate the prediction performance. Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) was performed to enhance the interpretability of our models.

Results

A total of 472 PE patients combined with HF were included. We developed six ML models by the 13 selected features. After internal validation, the Support Vector Ma- chine (SVM) model performed best with an AUC of 0.835, a superior calibration degree, and a wider risk threshold (from 0% to 90%) for obtaining clinical benefit, which also outperformed traditional mortality risk evaluation systems,as evaluated by NRI and IDI. The SVM model was still reliable after external validation. SHAP was performed to explain the model. Moreover, an online application was developed for further clinical use.

Conclusion

This study developed a potential tool for identify short-term mortality risk to guide clinical decision making for PE patients combined with HF in the ICU. The SHAP method also helped clinicians to better understand the model.
Midostaurin-Associated acute pancreatitis
Authors: Akyildiz Mert , Geygel Nebi Cankat , Burhan Esma Hazal , Gulumsek Erdinc , Avci Begum Seyda , Ozturk Huseyin Ali , Arici Fatih Necip , Bankir Mehmet , Saler Tayyibe , Sumbul Hilmi Erdem
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The multikinase inhibitor midostaurin is the first targeted drug for the treatment of AML FLT3. It reduces mortality by 23% more than standard chemotherapy group. Although it has many gastrointestinal side effects, there is no data in the literature regarding its association with acute pancreatitis. We wanted to present an acute pancreatitis case that developed after midostaurin treatment in our clinic.

Case Report

A patient with AML FLT3 who developed abdominal pain, elevated amylase-lipase enzymes and increased volume around the pancreas on abdominal imaging after the addition of midostaurin to chemotherapy was hospitalized with a prediagnosis of acute pancreatitis.

Management & Outcome

Oral feeding was stopped, intravenous hydration was provided and anti-symptomatic treatment was given. The patient was discharged on the 4th day of hospitalization after the acute pancreatitis clinic resolved.

Discussion

Drug induced acute pancreatitis is a rare clinical condition which is difficult to diagnose. It has a good prognosis and low mortality rate. The mechanisms of drug-induced pancreatitis include immunological reactions, direct toxic effect, accumulation of toxic metabolites, overstimulation of pancreatic acinar cells, ischemia, intravascular thrombosis and increased viscosity of pancreatic secretion. Although there are many gastrointestinal side effects of midostaurin, there are no clear data in the literature regarding the relationship with acute pancreatitis.
UMap: An application-oriented user level memory mapping library
Authors: Peng Ivy , Wahlgren Jacob , Youssef Karim , Iwabuchi Keita , Pearce Roger , Gokhale Maya
Published: December 2024

Exploiting the prominent role of complex memories in exascale node architecture, the UMap page fault handler offers new capabilities to access large memory-mapped data sets directly. UMap provides flexible configuration options to customize page handling to each application, including analysis of massive observational and simulation data sets. The high-performance design features I/O decoupling, dynamic load balancing, and application-level controls. Page faults triggered by application threads and processes accessing data mapped to a UMapp’ed region are handled via the Linux userfaultfd protocol, an asynchronous message-oriented kernel-user communication mechanism that avoids the context switch penalty of traditional signal fault handlers. UMap is fully open source. In this paper, we give an overview of the UMap library architecture, its extensible plugin architecture, and the use/performance of UMap in emerging heterogeneous memory hierarchies such as near-node Non-volatile Memory (NVM) and network attached memories. We highlight new capabilities in two pagefault management plugins, the NetworkStore and SparseStore. We demonstrate the integration between UMap and multiple ECP products including Caliper, Metall, ZFP, Mochi, and Ripples.
From housewife’s expertise to the women’s movement: Empowerment through scientific management during the progressive era
Authors: Agulhon Sophie , Mueller Thomas Michael
Published: December 2024

Scientific Management is usually studied for what it brought to factories, production and the organization of work: yet, it did much more. Our contribution focuses on how Taylor’s ideas were adapted to domestic occupation by overlapping with another forgotten movement promoting household efficiency and primarily led by women: Home Economics and its sanitary science. Drawing on the methodology of intellectual history, we examine the pioneering writings of Ellen Richards, Mary Talbot, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and Christine Frederick and see how they promoted female vindications and emancipation. If Scientific Management is criticized for its alienating effects, its spillovers were also partially positive during the Progressive Era. Indeed, Scientific Management was envisioned as a normative guide to a new model of society and, surprisingly, as a tool for emancipation and empowerment, meant to provide women with a mean of social liberation and legitimization. Furthermore, the social movements that characterized the Progressive Era became crucial to tackling democratic issues through an empirical lens. Engaging in some of Critical Management Studies major themes, this contribution to management history aims to produce novel insight on Scientific Management and its contribution to domestic work and women’ identity in the early 20th century.
“We have limited time, so it's a zero-sum game”: Influence of secondary organizational socialization on the forms of physical education teacher education provided by European, Asian, and North American-based mid-career faculty members
Authors: Baek Seungsoo , Curtner-Smith Matthew D.
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to describe the influence of secondary organizational socialization on six mid-career faculty members’ provision of physical education teacher education (PETE). The specific research questions we sought to answer were: (a) what forms of PETE did mid-career faculty members provide for their preservice teachers? and (b) what factors aided or undermined mid-career faculty members’ provision of PETE? The faculty members worked in universities situated on three continents. The primary data source was a semi-structured interview with each faculty member. Optional supplementary data were supplied by three of the participants in the form of artifacts and film. Data were reduced to themes through analytic induction and constant comparison. Key findings were that faculty members provided two forms of PETE that were combinations of the critical-inquiry, traditional/craft, personalistic, and behavioristic orientations to teacher education. Three faculty members worked in what they perceived to be negative cultures, two in positive cultures, and one in a neutral culture. All six faculty members worked in what they perceived to be unfavorable conditions. Collectively, this situation made it difficult for faculty members to provide PETE as they intended. Faculty members dealt with adverse cultures and conditions by attempting to strategically redefine them or by strategically complying with them. The findings of the study may help to improve the culture and conditions in which sport pedagogy faculty members work, negate the effects of reality shock on neophyte faculty members, and promote faculty members’ thinking about the forms of PETE they provide.
Early adoption of telehealth/remote patient monitoring and hospital revenue changes during COVID-19
Authors: Rhoades Claudia A , Whitacre Brian E , Davis Alison F
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically affected the financial performance of hospitals across the U.S. The prompt availability of telehealth options likely impacted both a hospital's healthcare options and opportunities for revenue in the short-term. The aim of this study was to explore the association between early adoption of telehealth and changes in revenue during the early phase of the pandemic, and to compare whether the results differed between rural and urban hospitals.

Methods

We performed first-difference regressions on a cross-sectional dataset of 1,742 U.S. hospitals. Our dependent variables were percent changes in four categories of revenue between 2019 and 2020: inpatient, outpatient, gross, and net. The adoption of telehealth and remote patient monitoring as of 2019 served as the primary independent variables of interest. We controlled for changes in hospital characteristics from 2019 to 2020, including case mix index and number of employees.

Results

Our results suggest that telehealth adoption prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with significant increases in all four revenue categories from 2019 to 2020, ranging from 1.79% (net patient revenue) to 2.92% (outpatient revenue). However, RPM implementation in 2019 was associated with significant declines in gross patient (0.08%) and outpatient revenue (1.50%). The results were largely similar across rural and urban locations.

Discussion

Adopting telehealth before the onset of COVID-19 helped hospitals increase revenue during the initial phase of the pandemic. Alternatively, implementation of remote patient monitoring was associated with revenue declines, likely due to limited ability for monetization. Whether these relationships have persisted needs further investigation.
A randomized double-blind noninferiority clinical multicenter trial on oral moxifloxacin versus placebo in the outpatient treatment of uncomplicated acute appendicitis: APPAC IV study protocol
Authors: Lund Heidi , Haijanen Jussi , Suominen Saku , Hurme Saija , Sippola Suvi , Rantanen Tuomo , Rautio Tero , Mattila Anne , Pinta Tarja , Nordström Pia , Kössi Jyrki , Ilves Imre , Salminen Paulina
Published: December 2024

Background:

Antibiotic therapy is currently considered a safe and effective treatment alternative for computed tomography (CT)-confirmed uncomplicated acute appendicitis with recent studies reporting good results on both oral antibiotics only and outpatient management. Furthermore, there are promising pilot results on uncomplicated acute appendicitis management with symptomatic treatment (placebo). This trial aims to assess whether both antibiotics and hospitalization can be safely omitted from the treatment of uncomplicated acute appendicitis.

Methods:

The APPAC IV (APPendicitis Acuta IV) trial is a randomized, double-blind, multicenter noninferiority clinical trial comparing oral moxifloxacin with oral placebo in an outpatient setting with a discharge directly from the emergency room (ER). Adult patients (18–60 years) with CT-confirmed uncomplicated acute appendicitis (absence of appendicolith, abscess, perforation, tumor, appendiceal diameter ⩾15 mm on CT, or body temperature >38 °C) will be enrolled in nine Finnish hospitals. Primary outcome is treatment success at 30 days, that is, the resolution of acute appendicitis resulting in discharge from the hospital without appendectomy during the 30-day follow-up evaluated using a noninferiority design with a noninferiority margin of 6 percentage points. Noninferiority will be evaluated using one-sided 95% confidence interval of proportion difference between groups. Secondary endpoints include postintervention complications, recurrent appendicitis after the 30-day follow-up, duration of hospital stay, admission to hospital and reason for admission, readmissions to emergency department or hospitalization, VAS pain scores, quality of life, sick leave, and treatment costs. The follow-up after discharge from the ER includes a phone call at day 1, and at 3–4 days, 30 days, and 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 years. Those eligible patients, who decline to undergo randomization, will be invited to participate in a concurrent observational cohort study with follow-up at 30 days, and 1 and 5 years.

Discussion:

To our knowledge, APPAC IV trial is the first large randomized, double-blind, noninferiority multicenter clinical trial aiming to compare oral antibiotics and placebo for CT-diagnosed uncomplicated acute appendicitis in an outpatient setting. The study aims to bridge the major knowledge gap on whether antibiotics and hospitalization or both can be omitted in the treatment of uncomplicated acute appendicitis.

Trial registration:

The study protocol has been approved by the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), study number: 2023-506213-21-00 and the trial has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06210269.
Personal theories of police officers about authority
Authors: Weber Matthias , Schophaus Malte
Published: December 2024

Police authority supposedly guides the actions of police officers. This article reconstructs personal theories on the authority of police by means of qualitative interviews with German police officers and police candidates. These personal theories are divided into four self-schemata composed of: dealing effectively and preferably with possible problems occurring with police work; different normative orders that define the relationship between the police and civil society; a reference to desirable personality traits for police officers; and symbolic representations of police authority. Such self-schemata influence police interactions with citizens and disclose a diversity of police ideas about authority. The different self-schemata of authority seem to originate from different backgrounds such as practical experience of policing, formal education in police colleges, compliance with commonly accepted societal norms like fairness, non-violence, respect and personal convictions. It is discussed how these self-schemata can be constructively reflected in formal police education in Germany. This article contributes to a nuanced understanding of police authority and how this might be integrated into training. Further research should investigate how these schemata can be integrated into a dynamic model and carry out a comparative, intercultural analysis of these personal theories.
The politics of abolition: Reframing the death penalty's history in comparative perspective
Authors: Strange Carolyn , Pascoe Daniel , Novak Andrew
Published: December 2024

Literature on opposition to the death penalty typically characterizes abolition as inexorable and attributes its fulfillment to the age of human rights. Although most countries abolished capital punishment after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, this article uses three comparative case studies to demonstrate abolition’s entanglement with a broader range of political, legal, and cultural factors. Applying a historically grounded nonteleological approach, we offer three insights. First, civilizationist values drove abolitionism in countries in the “vanguard,” such as Canada and England/Wales, where human rights rationales were expressed well after abolition and as a mark of superiority. Second, death penalty abolition has often allied with decolonization and penal reform, but assertions of independence and sovereignty have periodically provoked reinstatement, as in Mexican and Philippine history, which underscores the fragility of abolition. Third, state-centric approaches to de jure and de facto abolition overlook the practice of extrajudicial and summary “rebel” executions in polities such as Myanmar and Mali, which lack a state monopoly on force. Further historical studies that do not presuppose a human rights explanation of abolition and that compare jurisdictions within as well as between the Global North and South will better grasp the death penalty’s complex history.
More equal than different? Gender and legislative turnover in the European Parliament and west European legislatures
Authors: Gouglas Athanassios , Marzi Paolo , Maddens Bart , Brans Marleen , Verzichelli Luca
Published: December 2024

The article investigates incumbent exit rates of women and men parliamentarians in the national chambers and European Parliament delegations of eight West European countries after elections. Relying on original data, the article uses a multi-level model to analyse the fixed effects of gender, type of delegation, and the politico-institutional context on incumbent exit rates, while also assessing random effects produced at the country level. The study finds that incumbent exit rate of men is significantly higher than women's. However, this result is significant in the European Parliament, not national legislature delegations. Additionally, we find that men are pushed towards the exit by gender quotas and proportional electoral systems. Finally, our findings show different dynamics with respect to countries and types of delegation, thus expanding our understanding of the gendered implications of political careers and institutional frameworks across different parliamentary contexts in Western Europe.
The Appropriate Translation of the Nurse Practitioner Will Foster Health Equity
Authors: Hickson Rubi Alva de
Published: December 2024

Background: In September 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom of California signed Assembly Bill 890 (AB 890) into law, which changed Title 16 of the Nurse Practice Act, granting California nurse practitioners (NPs) a stepwise approach to full practice authority. Written within the law, NPs are required to verbally identify themselves specifically to all Spanish-speaking patients, as enfermera(o) especializada (o). Local Problem: AB 890 requires NPs to identify themselves using inappropriate Spanish terminology. There are concerns regarding the translational accuracy of nurse practitioners under AB 890. To avoid confusion, it is essential to ensure the translation of the NP role is precise and unambiguous to ensure health equity. Context: This law has a significant impact on approximately 37,000 NPs in the state of California who provide essential healthcare services to the Spanish-speaking community. Critically, the Hispanic/Latino community accounts for almost 40% of California state's population, and Intervention: This literature review will delve into the current literature for the accurate Spanish terminology of the “Advanced Practice Nurse,” “Advanced Practice Registered Nurse,” and Nurse Practitioner.” Outcome Measures: To accurately translate “Advanced Practice Nurse,” “Advanced Practice Registered Nurse,” and “Nurse Practitioner.”
Medical Students’ Views on Their Experience of Applying to Research Ethics Committees: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Yıldız Abdullah , Kurtoğlu Ayşe , Arda Berna
Published: December 2024

The scope of medical training has expanded to encompass clinical skills and the ability to conduct and interpret scientific research. Therefore, medical students must develop an awareness of research and publication ethics to advance in their careers. This study aimed to understand medical students’ perceptions of their first encounter with a research ethics committee. Qualitative methods were used to conduct three focus group interviews with students, and the data were thematically analysed. Findings revealed that the students had limited knowledge prior to their encounters, initially found the experience instructive yet challenging and negative, and later recognised its value. Students suggested enhancements to the practical and functional aspects of ethics committees and emphasised the need for ethics counselling in research.
Fourth-generation Pipeline™ Vantage flow diversion: First reported US experience of safety and feasibility
Authors: Sweid Ahmad , Chahine Ahmad , Hage Stephanie , Morsi Rami Z , Thind Sonam , Karar Lina , Baskaran Archit , Carrión-Penagos Julián , Desai Harsh , Kothari Sachin A , Rana Rohini , Verhagen Metman Okker , Zakaria Jehad , Siegler James E , Awad Issam , Hurley Michael C , Prabhakaran Shyam , Polster Sean , Kass-Hout Tareq
Published: December 2024

Background

The Pipeline™ Vantage embolization device (Medtronic, Irvine, CA) is the fourth generation of Pipeline flow diverter devices, offering numerous technical improvements. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of The Pipeline™ Vantage embolization device (Medtronic, Irvine, CA).

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective study describing the use of The Pipeline™ Vantage embolization device for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Technical feasibility and safety were assessed in terms of intra and postprocedural complications, as well as neurological morbidity upon follow-up. Both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms were included.

Results

We included 12 patients in our study (mean age 62; females: n = 9/12, 75%). Aneurysm morphology varied between saccular (41.6%), fusiform (41.6%), blister (8.3%), and pseudoaneurysm (8.3%). Three cases (25%) involved ruptured aneurysms treated in the acute setting. A transradial access was used in 10 cases (83.3%). There was a 100% success in deployment. Seven cases (58.3%) were treated with adjunct embolization device other than a flow diversion. Eight cases (66.6%) were treated with a single flow diversion, three cases (25%) were treated with two flow diversion, and one case (8.3%) was treated with three flow diversion stents. There were no intraoperative complications. There was one postprocedural complication in a dissecting ruptured PICA aneurysm that was ultimately treated with two flow diversion stents and an intrasaccular device.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first US series assessing the periprocedural safety and feasibility of consecutive patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with the Pipeline™ Vantage device (Medtronic, Irvine, CA).
Rapid microwave-assisted synthesis of rare-earth hexaborides powders
Authors: Mnatsakanyan Raman , Aghoyan Artur , Adamyan Robert , Kharatyan Suren , Akopyan Argam V , Davtyan Davit
Published: December 2024

Rare-earth hexaborides (RB6) are promising materials for photonic and electronic applications in modern technology. However, the known methods of synthesis of RB6s are challenging due to their complexities and nuances, usually requiring high temperatures, long synthesis durations and complicated by the use of complex precursors. This paper reports the development of an energy-efficient and straightforward microwave-assisted synthesis (MS) method. The series of rare-earth metal hexaboride powders RB6 (R = La, Ce, Nd and Sm) have been prepared by the MS method in a dramatically short times (synthesis duration is 10 minutes). For the synthesis, easily available raw materials (lanthanide oxides and boron) were used, although the reactions R2O3/B → RB6 are thermodynamically prohibited (except CeO2/B system). The x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis show that all hexaborides are cubic phases with high crystallinity. Although the shapes are similar, the sizes are in the range of 1 to 10 μm. being different for each of the formulations.
Indian Trial of Tranexamic acid in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage study protocol
Authors: Pandian Jeyaraj Durai , Phillips Atul , Verma Shweta Jain , Arora Deepti , Dhasan Aneesh , Raju Pheba S , Sylaja PN , Ray Biman Kanti , Chakraborty Uddalak , Johnson Jacob , Sharma Praveen Kumar , Bhoi Sanjeev , Jha Menka , Iype Thomas , P Chithra , Khurana Dheeraj , Ray Sucharita , Das Dwijen , Kalita Naurima , Adhikari Sweekriti , Sharma Ashish , Roy Jayanta , Sahonta Rajeshwar , Singh Sulena , Chaudhary Vikram , Menon Girish , Aaron Sanjith , Bal Deepti , Dhamija Rajinder K , Chaturvedi Monali , Maheshwari Siddarth , Saroja Aralikatte Onkarappa , Naik Karkal R , Bhutani Neeraj , Dhankhar Kailash , Sharma Dinesh , Bhatia Rohit , Gorthi Sankar Prasad , Sarmah Binod , Pamidimukkala Vijaya , Saravanan Sankaralingam , Narayan Sunil , Basumatary Lakshya J , Sundarachary Nagarjunakonda V , Upputuri Aruna K , Karadan Ummer , Pradeep Kumar VG , Parthasarathy Rajsrinivas , Doshi Darshan , Wagh Satish , Ramakrishnan TCR , Akhtar Saleem , Desai Soaham , Borah NC , Das Rupjyoti , Mittal Gaurav , Jain Agam , Alapatt Paul J , Kulkarni Girish Baburao , Menon Deepak , Raja Pritam , Puri Inder , Nambiar Vivek , Yerasu Muralidhar Reddy , Jaiswal Shyam K , Zirpe Kapil , Gurav Sushma , Sharma Sudheer , Kumaravelu S , Benny Rajesh , Thakkar Vicky , Pathak Abhishek , Kempegowda Madhusudhan , Chander Praveen , Ramrakhiani Neetu , KS Arya Devi , Sarma P Sankara , Huilgol Rahul , Sharma Meenakshi , Dhaliwal Rupinder S
Published: December 2024

Rationale:

Early mortality in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is due to hematoma volume (HV) expansion, and there are no effective treatments available other than reduction in blood pressure. Tranexamic acid (TXA) a hemostatic drug that is widely available and safe can be a cost-effective treatment for ICH, if proven efficacious.

Hypothesis:

Administration of TXA in ICH patients when given within 4.5 h of symptom onset will reduce early mortality at 30 days.

Design:

Indian Trial of Tranexamic acid in Spontaneous Intracerebral Haemorrhage (INTRINSIC trial) is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, trial enrolling patients aged more than 18 years presenting with non-traumatic ICH within 4.5 h of symptom onset or when last seen well. Study participants received 2 g of TXA administered within 45 min while control group received standard of care. Intensive blood pressure reduction as per INTERACT 2 protocol is followed is done in both groups. Study plans to recruit 3400 patients. Primary outcome is mortality at day 30. Secondary outcomes are radiological reduction in HV at 24 h from baseline, neurological impairment at day 7 or earlier (if discharged), and assessments of dependency and quality of life at day 90.

If proven to be beneficial, TXA will have a major impact on medical management of ICH.

Trial registration:

Clinical Trial Registry India (CTRI/2023/03/050224) and Clinical Trials.gov (NCT05836831).
Racial and ethnic disparities in short-stay primary total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Pandey Vivek N , Thomas Sarah K , Moore John W , Guareschi Alexander S , Rogalski Brandon L , Eichinger Josef K , Friedman Richard J
Published: December 2024

Background

There is a paucity of literature evaluating the utilization of short-stay total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in different racial groups. The purpose of this study is to compare short-stay TSA utilization and postoperative outcomes across racial groups.

Methods

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried from 2010 to 2018 to identify patients who underwent primary short-stay TSA, defined as a length of stay of less than 2 midnights. Annual proportions of short-stay TSA, demographic variables, preoperative comorbidities, and postoperative complications were compared across groups.

Results

All racial groups showed increases in the proportion of short-stay TSA cases over time, but this increase was most evident in Whites. Hispanics had increased rates of pneumonia (0.8% vs. 0.2%; p = 0.002) and transfusion (2.0% vs 1.0%; p = 0.015) compared to Whites, but no other differences in outcomes were observed between groups.

Discussion

Postoperative outcomes were similar across groups despite differing comorbidity profiles, suggesting that short-stay TSA is being implemented appropriately based on perceived preoperative risk. However, differences in utilization across groups suggest that underlying disparities may exist. Given the continued increase in short-stay TSA procedures, opportunities to resolve racial disparities are essential in mitigating the effects of social determinants of health in minority patient groups.
Frequency of depression in Huntington's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zadegan Shayan Abdollah , Ramirez Frank , Park Jung Woo , Rocha Natalia Pessoa , Furr Stimming Erin , Teixeira Antonio L
Published: December 2024

Background

Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease characterized by a combination of motor, cognitive, and mental health issues, with depression being the most common. Despite its importance, the relationship between depression and disease progression is still debatable.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to examine the frequency of depression across different disease stages in individuals with HD. We also explored the associations between depression and other HD-related factors.

Methods

This systematic review comprehensively searched MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, and Embase databases for studies on depression in individuals with HD. Pooled depression frequencies were calculated for premanifest and manifest HD. Depression was analyzed based on HD functional stages and diagnostic tools, alongside reviewing its association with various HD factors.

Results

We assessed 6523 records and included 104 studies. Our meta-analyses revealed that the overall frequency of depression was higher in manifest HD compared to premanifest HD (0.38 vs. 0.23). However, the progression of depression did not follow a consistent pattern, with peaks occurring in earlier rather than later stages. Additionally, the frequency of depression was lower in studies using diagnostic criteria compared to those using clinical scales (0.25 vs. 0.42).

Conclusions

Our findings showed that the rate of depression is high in HD and varies depending on the disease stage and the criteria used. This emphasizes the necessity for tailored and unified diagnostic criteria for depression in HD.
The DERMIS Study: Methodologies, Results, and Implications for the Future
Authors: Hirsch Irl B. , Khakpour Dorrine , Joseph Jeffrey , Shinohara Michi M. , Wang Ruikang K. , Klueh Ulrike , Kreutzner Donald , Riveline Jean-Pierre , Jacquemier Pauline , Maier Lisa , Longaker Michael T. , Parkin Christopher G. , Pieber Thomas , Kalus Andrea
Published: December 2024

Ongoing innovation in diabetes technologies has led to the development of advanced tools such as automated insulin delivery (AID) systems that adjust insulin delivery in response to current and predicted glucose levels, residual insulin action, and other inputs (eg, meal and exercise announcements). However, infusion sets continue to be the “Achilles heel” of accurate and precise insulin delivery and continued device use. A recent study by Kalus et al (DERMIS Study) revealed higher vessel density and signals of inflammation by optical coherence tomography (OCT), in addition to increased inflammation, fat necrosis, fibrosis, and eosinophilic infiltration by histopathology. Although the study provided a comprehensive description of what was happening, the results raise important questions that require additional research. On February 29, 2024, the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust sponsored a conference to begin addressing these issues. This article summarizes the DERMIS study findings and testing methodologies discussed at the conference and proposes the next steps for developing insulin infusion sets that reduce the variability in insulin delivery and extend wear.
Improvement in Newly Defined Continuous Glucose Monitor Metrics, Extended Hypoglycemia, and Extended Hyperglycemia With Automated Insulin Delivery Initiation in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Karakus Kagan E. , Snell-Bergeon Janet , Mason Emma , Akturk Halis K.
Published: December 2024

Objective:

Extended hypoglycemia (Ehypo) and extended hyperglycemia (Ehyper) are recently defined continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics by the International Consensus for clinical trials as secondary endpoints for continuous outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the changes in Ehypo and Ehyper before and after automated insulin delivery (AID) initiation in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Research Methods:

This is a retrospective single-center study that evaluated Ehypo and Ehyper in addition to other CGM metrics in 154 adults that initiated an AID system. Metrics were compared before and after AID initiation by Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results:

Median (interquartile range) Ehypo (<70 mg/dL) events/week decreased from 0.1 (0-0.4) to 0 (0-0.1) and Ehyper (>250 mg/dL) events/week decreased from 2.2 (0.9-4.5) to 0.8 (0.3-1.7) (both P < .001) after AID initiation compared with before AID initiation. All other CGM metrics improved after AID initiation. There was a strong positive correlation between Ehyper (>250 mg/dL) and mean glucose (before AID: r = 0.947, after AID: r = 0.894), glucose management indicator (before AID: r = 0.947, after AID: r = 0.887), and time above range (TAR; >180 mg/dL) (before AID: r = 0.957, after AID: r = 0.917) and a strong positive correlation between Ehypo (<70 mg/dL) and time below range (TBR; <70 mg/dL) (before AID: r = 0.823, after AID: r = 0.608) before and after AID initiation, respectively.

Conclusion:

Automated insulin delivery initiation significantly improved Ehypo and Ehyper metrics. Ehypo and Ehyper had a strong positive correlation with TBR and TAR, respectively. Ehypo and Ehyper events can be used in addition to TBR and TAR metrics in clinical studies as secondary outcomes.
A rare case of granular cell tumor affecting the upper back in a child
Authors: Aihole Jayalaxmi Shripati
Published: December 2024

Granular cell tumors (GCT) are rare mesenchymal tumors belonging to Schwann cell lineage constituting 0.5% of all soft tissue neoplasms. They occur in skin, subcutaneous tissues, mucosal surfaces including within the deeper organs. They are considered unusual and unique neoplasm due to their distinctive pathologic diagnosis. Such a rare case has been discussed here due to unusual age at presentation and in its location.