bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new species of Nerice Walker, 1855 and further additions to the catalogue of Indian Notodontidae Stephens, 1829 (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea) from Himalaya with report of range extensions
Authors: MAZUMDER ARNA , RAHA ANGSHUMAN , SANYAL ABESH KUMAR , GAYEN SUBRATA , MALLICK KAUSHIK , BANDYOPADHYAY UTTARAN , CHANDRA KAILASH , SCHINTLMEISTER ALEXANDER
Published: March 2020

The present work deals with the additional species of Notodontidae recorded from different provinces of Indian Himalaya subsequent to the publication of Catalogue of Indian Notodontidae which provided systematic account of 242 species and 10 subspecies. Current communication comprises: (I) Description of a new species of genus Nerice Walker, 1855, Nerice (Nerice) mishmiensis Mazumder, Raha, Chandra & Schintlmeister sp. nov., from Eastern Himalayan landscape of Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, along with a comparative diagnosis with two other congeners viz. N. aemulator Schintlmeister & Fang, 2001 and N. upina Alphéraky, 1892; (II) Reporting of 3 species new to the Indian fauna from Eastern and Western Himalaya: Periergos genitale Schintlmeister, 2002, Honveda nepalina Nakamura, 1976 and Syntypistis nigribasalis tropica (Kiriakoff, 1974) with their diagnosis and genitalic illustrations; (III) Addition of 5 species and 1 more subspecies to the existing list from various literature; (IV) Additional distribution records of 40 species detected through primary sampling along with details of the materials examined; among which 3 species viz. Pseudallata laticostalis (Hampson, 1900), Baradesa lithosioides lithosioides Moore, 1883 and Ptilodon flavistigma (Moore, 1879) showed unusual altitudinal records around 3000 m. Thus, altogether Indian Notodontidae fauna has been updated to 247 species (including nominotypical subspecies) and 15 subspecies under 116 genera of 10 subfamilies.
New records of interaction between Pseudoxenos (Strepsiptera) and the solitary wasp Pachodynerus grandis in Brazil (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae) with an updated worldwide checklist of eumenine host species of Pseudoxenos
Authors: DE OLIVEIRA LETÍCIA A. , BARBOSA LUCAS F. L. , DE OLIVEIRA LUIZ R. , PEREIRA MATHEUS C. S. A. , HERMES MARCEL G.
Published: March 2020

Interactions between Strepsiptera (Pseudoxenos Saunders, 1872) and solitary wasps (Eumeninae) are recorded for the first time in Brazil for Pachodynerus grandis Willink & Roig-Alsina, 1998. An updated worldwide checklist of the host species of Eumeninae for Pseudoxenos is provided.
Integrating Social Needs Screening and Community Health Workers in Primary Care: The Community Linkage to Care Program
Authors: Fiori Kevin P. , Rehm Colin D. , Sanderson Dana , Braganza Sandra , Parsons Amanda , Chodon Tashi , Whiskey Renee , Bernard Patrizia , Rinke Michael L.
Published: March 2020

Clinic-based social needs screening has been associated with increased access to social services and improved health outcomes. Using a pragmatic study design in an urban pediatric practice, we used logistic regression to identify factors associated with successful social service uptake. From December 2017 to November 2018, 4948 households were screened for social needs, and 20% self-reported at least one. Of the 287 households with unmet needs who were referred and interested in further assistance, 43% reported successful social service uptake. Greater than 4 outreach encounters (adjusted odds ratio = 1.92; 95% confidence interval = 1.06-3.49) and follow-up time >30 days (adjusted odds ratio = 0.43; 95% confidence interval = 0.25-0.73) were significantly associated with successful referrals. These findings have implementation implications for programs aiming to address social needs in practice. Less than half of households reported successful referrals, which suggests the need for additional research and an opportunity for further program optimization.
Mapping the field of international comparative research in school social work
Authors: Beck Kathrin Franziska , Hämäläinen Juha
Published: March 2020

This article maps the field of international comparative research in school social work. For this purpose, a systematic literature review was conducted and subjected to a narrative synthesis. The review reveals 11 publications that are predominantly non-empirical, take mainly Asian, European, North American countries and Australia and New Zealand into account, and are focused on profession-related and sociopolitical aspects of school social work. A synthesis of school social work practice themes transcending national boundaries emerged from the findings, covering child-, family-, school-, and community-related issues. Accordingly, children are predominantly confronted with similar issues, irrespective of the place where they live, such as violence toward themselves, at home, in school, and in their community. Bearing in mind methodological challenges when carrying out comparative studies, recommendations include the conduct of practice-focused studies that generate new stimuli to improve already well-developed practices in a culturally appropriate way and enable mutual learning among school social workers.
Skull Base Osteomyelitis Complicated by Petrous Internal Carotid Artery Blowout
Authors: Weitzman Rachel E. , Parikh Anuraag S. , Gadkaree Shekhar K. , Corrales C. Eduardo
Published: March 2020

Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is an invasive infection of the external auditory canal, with involvement of the skull base, typically in the elderly diabetic population. Diagnosis may be challenging, as it requires a combination of clinical, laboratory, and radiographical findings. The mainstay of treatment is long-term antibiotic therapy, but surgical debridement of the temporal bone may be necessary in refractory cases. Commonly reported complications include cranial neuropathies, meningitis, temporal lobe abscess, and dural venous sinus thrombosis. A rare and life-threatening complication of SBO is petrous internal carotid artery (ICA) blowout, which has been described as presenting with bleeding from the ear. Here, we describe the case of a 77-year-old woman with SBO complicated by a petrous ICA blowout, which presented with fulminant epistaxis. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of a massive hemorrhage from a petrous ICA blowout secondary to SBO and the first presentation with massive epistaxis. We present this case to raise awareness of this potential impending complication in patients with SBO and recommend consideration of this etiology when assessing patients with massive epistaxis in the appropriate clinical setting.

Level of evidence: III
Anti-Capital for the XXIst Century (on the metacrisis of capitalism and the prospects for radical politics)
Authors: Azmanova Albena
Published: March 2020

Using the temperate nature of recent social protest as its entry point, this analysis investigates the current state of liberal democracies as one in which the purported crisis of capitalism has entered a crisis of its own – a social condition of metacrisis, marked by the absence of utopian energies and prospects for a revolution, even as society experiences itself in perpetual crisis. This inquiry then discerns the potential for radical change in terms of subverting capitalism (rather than overthrowing or resisting it) through practices that counteract the very constitutive dynamic of capitalism – the production of profit.
The Gendered Effects of Local Immigration Enforcement: Latinas’ Social Isolation in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Phoenix
Authors: Simmons William Paul , Menjívar Cecilia , Valdez Elizabeth Salerno
Published: March 2020

The 2017 revitalization of the controversial Security Communities program, which requires local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration officials in the United States, has made it urgent to better understand such enforcement programs’ effects on the well-being of Latinas/os, especially the foreign-born. Social isolation from increased immigration enforcement can have significant impacts on economic, social, and health outcomes among Latina/o immigrants and non-immigrants. This article analyzes the gendered impacts of different levels of increased local involvement in immigration enforcement on social isolation, using a survey of over 2000 Latinas/os in four large US cities, all considered to be traditional destinations. Unsurprisingly, respondents reported increased social isolation resulting from local law enforcement’s involvement in immigration enforcement. In contrast to results from previous research, our analysis found that women and men were equally likely to feel socially isolated and that having children led to more social isolation for both women and men. Personal and vicarious experiences with immigration enforcement, as well as living in Phoenix and Houston — two urban areas with the strictest enforcement regimes — were strongly related to social isolation. Our results indicate that local authorities’ increased involvement in immigration enforcement can lead to more social isolation for Latina immigrants, particularly those who have children, aligning their experiences with men’s and, thus, undermining Latinas’ previously recognized role as bridges between their families and social institutions and as community builders.
Beyond mobilisation at McDonald’s: Towards networked organising
Authors: Wood Alex J
Published: March 2020

This article uses McAlevey’s mobilising/organising dichotomy to analyse the recent McDonald’s mobilisation in Britain. It argues that this movement has had some impressive successes but building on these requires greater organising activities. However, conventional union organising techniques are unlikely to be successful in hospitality. Instead, the approach of another low-wage worker movement OUR Walmart demonstrates how social media can be used not only to benefit mobilising activities but to enable organising beyond the workplace.
The Double Edge of Professional Agency: The Contradictory Roles of Human Resource Professionals in the Implementation of the Parental Leave Policy in South Korea
Authors: Baek Kyungmin , Choi Seongsoo
Published: March 2020

Why do organizations respond differently to social policies? This is an important question because it gives us a clue as to why social progress is often slow even with successful legislation. We argue that HR professionals’ conflicting roles within organizations affect modes of organizations’ compliance with a law because HR professionals are expected to adjust legal pressure to business interests when translating external requirements into internal policies. How they manage this challenge depends on variation in the development of different dimensions of their professional agency: formalization and substantive empowerment. We demonstrate empirically this argument by taking the case of South Korea’s parental leave policy. Using workplace-level data, we find that the presence of formal HR structures predicts that minimal compliance is more likely than is noncompliance, but is less likely than is maximal compliance, and that substantively empowered HR professionals contribute to making both compliance and maximal compliance more probable.
Application of a life cycle assessment for assessing municipal solid waste management systems in Bolivia in an international cooperative framework
Authors: Ferronato Navarro , Gorritty Portillo Marcelo Antonio , Guisbert Lizarazu Edith Gabriela , Torretta Vincenzo
Published: March 2020

Using a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate municipal solid waste management (MSWM) systems is strongly recommended and the approach has been used in high-income contexts. However, stakeholders in low to middle income countries are not aware of the potential of this approach, mainly due to a lack of financial resources and technical ability. The present work introduces a LCA of MSWM system scenarios into a developing city using an academic licence for the LCA software that is available for use exclusively by researchers. The MSWM system in place in 2018 in La Paz (Bolivia) was assessed according to seven scenarios. The novelty of the research is twofold: the use of LCA academic licensing in a low to middle income region where LCA is unknown as planning tool; and discussing the potential of the approach in conjunction with local and international stakeholders with a view to starting MSWM projects. The results of the analysis allow for the consideration of energy recovery and materials recycling as the main methods by which the environmental impact of MSW can be reduced, as has also been reported by other LCA studies conducted with full licensing of the relevant software. Moreover, the research is the basis for cooperative development projects that will adopt the LCA approach as the main assessment tool. The study discusses the importance of cooperation between universities and local governments for implementing new strategies for MSWM assessment and planning. The research is a contribution towards improving technical knowledge in developing countries for boosting sustainable development.
“If It Hadn’t Been Online I Don’t Think I Would Have Applied”: Applicant Experiences of an Online Family Violence Intervention Order Process
Authors: Ross Stuart , Aitken Sophie
Published: March 2020

Domestic violence protection orders are civil court orders intended to protect victim/survivors from further violence by prohibiting alleged perpetrators from engaging in threatened or actual violence or harassment of victim/survivors and their children. However, their availability and ultimately their effectiveness is limited by complex procedural requirements and court accessibility barriers that victim/survivors can find intimidating, confusing, and unsafe, and that contribute to delays between lodgment of an application and the making of an intervention order by the court. This study examined the experiences of applicants who used either a conventional court process or an online application process that was trialed in three courts in Victoria, Australia. We examined court data on 791 applicants who sought an intervention order at the three courts during the study period, and interviewed 28 applicants including 12 who had applied online. We also examined the impact of the online process on court workloads and risk assessments, and conducted interviews and focus groups with magistrates and registry staff at each of the three trial locations. Compared with the court registry process, the online application was rated as simpler and easier to understand and less stressful. Online applicants also reported that the application process was more accessible and enhanced their sense of agency. The online application process also reduced the workload of court staff and resulted in faster case processing, with online applicants reaching the court hearing stage nearly 2 weeks earlier than paper-based applicants. However, we did not find that the online application process provided earlier or better risk identification.
A Cross-Sectoral Comparison of Prevalence and Predictors of Symptoms of Depression Over Time Among Older Adults in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Neufeld Eva , Freeman Shannon , Spirgiene Lina , Horwath Urszula
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

Late-life depression, a common mental health issue, poses a significant burden of illness globally. We investigated factors associated with symptoms of depression among older adults across 3 health sectors in Ontario, Canada.

Method:

Electronic health assessment data on older adults aged 60 years+ in home care (HC; N = 359 217), long-term care (LTC; N = 125 496), and palliative care (PC; N = 29 934) were examined. Change in symptoms of depression, measured using the interRAI Depression Rating Scale (DRS), over time was examined, including predictors of the development of depression.

Results:

At baseline, symptoms of depression were observed in 19.1% (HC), 24.2% (LTC), and 11.9% (PC). This increased to 20.6% (HC), 33.8% (LTC), and 13.2% (PC) at follow-up. For most older adults, DRS scores remained the same across sectors over time. Three independent variables emerged consistently across sectors as the main risk and protective factors for symptoms of depression.

Conclusion:

Although variations in the risk and protective factors for late-life depression were demonstrated across each sector, some commonalities emerged including unmanaged pain, symptoms of depression at baseline, social connectedness, and activity.
Profiling of non-criteria antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with SLE: differentiation of thrombotic SLE patients and risk of recurrence of thrombosis
Authors: Tkachenko O , Lapin S , Mazing A , Emanuel V , Belolipetskaia E , Beliaeva I , Myachikova V , Maslyanskiy A , Gilburd B , Schierack P , Roggenbuck D
Published: March 2020

To reveal the clinical significance of criteria and non-criteria antiphospholipid antibodies detected by line immunoassay in comparison with ELISA, systemic lupus erythematosus patients with and without thrombotic events were investigated. Thus, 107 systemic lupus erythematosus patients (48% with deep vein thrombosis or/and arterial thrombosis) and 120 healthy donors were enrolled. Serum antiphospholipid antibodies were detected by ELISA (Orgentec Diagnostika, Germany) and line immunoassay (GA Generic Assays, Germany). Lupus anticoagulant and IgG to cardiolipin and β2GPI but not IgM as well as triple positivity by ELISA and line immunoassay were linked with thrombosis in systemic lupus erythematosus. IgG to phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine by line immunoassay showed significantly higher levels in systemic lupus erythematosus with deep vein thrombosis/arterial thrombosis than without and were independent risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (odds ratio 3.9, 95% confidence interval 1.1, 13.2) and arterial thrombosis (odds ratio 5.1, 95% confidence interval 1.3, 19.8) as well as thrombosis (odds ratio 3.6, 95% confidence interval 1.1, 11.3) and recurrence thereof (odds ratio 6.9, 95% confidence interval 2.1, 22.6), respectively. The occurrence of >4 IgG antiphospholipid antibodies by line immunoassay was an independent risk factor for thrombosis (odds ratio 10.9, 95% confidence interval 1.2, 101.5), arterial thrombosis (odds ratio 14.6, 95% confidence interval 2.5, 86.3), deep vein thrombosis (odds ratio 5.8, 95% confidence interval 1.0, 32.4) and recurrence of thrombosis (odds ratio 35.9, 95% confidence interval 3.8, 342.8). Line immunoassay is a promising multiplex test for the simultaneous detection of criteria and non-criteria antiphospholipid antibodies. Profiling of antiphospholipid antibodies by line immunoassay can differentiate systemic lupus erythematosus patients with thrombosis from systemic lupus erythematosus patients without and assess the risk for thrombosis and recurrence thereof.
Regression multiple imputation for missing data analysis
Authors: Yu Lili , Liu Liang , Peace Karl E
Published: March 2020

Iterative multiple imputation is a popular technique for missing data analysis. It updates the parameter estimators iteratively using multiple imputation method. This technique is convenient and flexible. However, the parameter estimators do not converge point-wise and are not efficient for finite imputation size m. In this paper, we propose a regression multiple imputation method. It uses the parameter estimators obtained from multiple imputation method to estimate the parameter estimators based on expectation maximization algorithm. We show that the resulting estimators are asymptotically efficient and converge point-wise for small m values, when the iteration k of the iterative multiple imputation goes to infinity. We evaluate the performance of the new proposed methods through simulation studies. A real data analysis is also conducted to illustrate the new method.
Data transformations for statistical assessment of quantitative imaging biomarkers: Application to lung nodule volumetry
Authors: Gong Qi , Li Qin , Gavrielides Marios A , Petrick Nicholas
Published: March 2020

Variance stabilization is an important step in the statistical assessment of quantitative imaging biomarkers. The objective of this study is to compare the Log and the Box–Cox transformations for variance stabilization in the context of assessing the performance of a particular quantitative imaging biomarker, the estimation of lung nodule volume from computed tomography images. First, a model is developed to generate and characterize repeated measurements typically observed in computed tomography lung nodule volume estimation. Given this model, we derive the parameter of the Box–Cox transformation that stabilizes the variance of the measurements across lung nodule volumes. Second, simulated, phantom, and clinical datasets are used to compare the Log and the Box–Cox transformations. Two metrics are used for quantifying the stability of the measurements across the transformed lung nodule volumes: the coefficient of variation for the standard deviation and the repeatability coefficient. The results for simulated, phantom, and clinical datasets show that the Box–Cox transformation generally had better variance stabilization performance compared to the Log transformation for lung nodule volume estimates from computed tomography scans.
Career mentoring in aged care: Not all it seems
Authors: Coppin Rosalie , Fisher Greg
Published: March 2020

Understanding the nature of career mentoring is important for improving the career experience of aged care workers. This study explores the career mentoring behaviours of sponsorship, coaching, advocacy, challenging assignments, exposure and visibility in the residential aged care context. Interviews were conducted with 32 aged workers from several occupations within the care context. It was found that career mentoring in the aged care context was limited. The mentor behaviours of coaching, sponsorship and advocacy were limited and there was no opportunity in aged care to provide challenging assignments or promote exposure and visibility. Organisations and managers can facilitate learning and personal development by providing inclusive training for all workers regardless of the need to meet professional registration requirements. Learning needs to be continuous as careers and clinical techniques evolve. Extension of existing mentoring programmes to include all care workers would improve overall quality of care in residential aged care facilities.
Identifying best practice in career education and development in Australian secondary schools
Authors: Keele Sophie M , Swann Ray , Davie-Smythe Annette
Published: March 2020

This review aimed to identify the tenets of best practice in career education and development within Australian schools. Analysis of 13 articles revealed that career education and development is increasingly recognised as the critical transitional mechanism for young people. An embedded, whole-school approach with services tailored to the individual, school, community and culture was a central theme. Furthermore, one-on-one counselling by appropriately resourced and qualified professionals, provision of experiential learning opportunities, and the inclusion of activities aimed at inspiring students and equipping them with the skills of forethought, reflection, flexibility and decision-making were also critical. Designing a perfect model of delivery or theoretical framework is untenable, but identifying attributes of exemplary practice provides a basis for improvement and adaptation to students and contexts with differing needs. Opportunities for future research are also discussed briefly.
Effect of Lateral Gutter Osteophyte Resection on Correction of Varus Deformity in Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis
Authors: Saiga Kenta , Yokoo Suguru , Ohashi Hideki , Horita Masahiro , Furumatsu Takayuki , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: March 2020

Background:

Recently, arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis has been performed for moderate-to-severe varus-deformed ankle osteoarthritis. However, the effect of osteophyte resection in the lateral gutter in arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis has not been clarified. We hypothesized that a varus-deviated ankle with lateral gutter osteophytes can be corrected by osteophyte resection.

Methods:

Thirty-nine ankles of 38 patients were included. The mean age of patients was 70.0 (45-83) years. The patients were divided into the following groups: group with an osteophyte in the lateral gutter (osteophyte) and group with no osteophytes (nonosteophyte). Preoperative and postoperative tibiotalar angle, tibial plafond angle, and tibiotalar angle under valgus stress, as well as the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) ankle/hindfoot scale, were recorded. Twelve ankles underwent lateral gutter osteophyte resection, whereas the other 27 ankles did not require osteophyte resection.

Results:

Preoperative tibiotalar angle was higher in the osteophyte group than in the nonosteophyte group (21.8 vs 11.2 degrees, P = .01). The tibiotalar angle in the preoperative valgus stress imaging was higher in the osteophyte group (12.9 vs 5.7, P < .01). However, the postoperative tibiotalar angle was similar between the 2 groups (7.1 vs 5.4, P = .183). JSSF ankle/hindfoot scale improved in both groups.

Conclusion:

Lateral gutter osteophyte resection enabled correction of the varus malalignment in arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.
5-Fluorouracil degradation rate as a predictive biomarker of toxicity in breast cancer patients treated with capecitabine
Authors: Botticelli Andrea , Scagnoli Simone , Roberto Michela , Lionetto Luana , Cerbelli Bruna , Simmaco Maurizio , Marchetti Paolo
Published: March 2020

Capecitabine is an oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil with a relevant role in the treatment of breast cancer. Severe and unexpected toxicities related to capecitabine are not rare, and the identification of biomarkers is challenging. We evaluate the relationship between dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, thymidylate synthase enhancer region and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms, 5-fluorouracil degradation rate and the onset of G3–4 toxicities in breast cancer patients. Genetic polymorphisms and the 5-fluorouracil degradation rate of breast cancer patients treated with capecitabine were retrospectively studied. Genetic markers and the 5-fluorouracil degradation rate were correlated with the reported toxicities. Thirty-seven patients with a median age of 58 years old treated with capecitabine for stages II–IV breast cancer were included in this study. Overall, 34 (91.9%) patients suffered from at least an episode of any grade toxicity while nine patients had G3–4 toxicity. Homozygous methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677TT was found to be significantly related to haematological toxicity (OR = 6.5 [95% IC 1.1–37.5], P = 0.04). Three patients had a degradation rate less than 0.86 ng/mL/106 cells/min and three patients greater than 2.1 ng/mL/106 cells/min. At a univariate logistic regression analysis, an altered value of 5-fluorouracil degradation rate (values < 0.86 or >2.10 ng/mL/106 cells/min) increased the risk of G3–4 adverse events (OR = 10.40 [95% IC: 1.48–7.99], P = 0.02). A multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, comorbidity and CAPE-regimen, confirmed the role of 5-fluorouracil degradation rate as a predictor of G3–4 toxicity occurrence (OR = 10.9 [95% IC 1.2–96.2], P = 0.03). The pre-treatment evaluation of 5-fluorouracil degradation rate allows to identify breast cancer patients at high risk for severe 5-FU toxicity.
Development and implementation of an electrolyte replacement protocol in the outpatient oncology infusion centers of a large academic healthcare system
Authors: Ajewole Veronica B , Solomon Jenna M , Schneider Amy M , Heyne Kirk E
Published: March 2020

Background

Patients receiving chemotherapy frequently experience electrolyte imbalances. Electrolyte replacement is, therefore, a necessity as patients may experience life-threatening symptoms. Study objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of low serum potassium and magnesium, and identify the rate of replacement for patients with low serum potassium and magnesium levels. Based on our findings, we developed and implemented a nursing-driven electrolyte replacement protocol.

Methods

Preimplementation phase – A retrospective review for serum potassium and magnesium values obtained during infusion clinic visit between 1 August and 31 October 2016 was conducted. Implementation phase – A nursing-driven electrolyte replacement protocol with medication order “smart-set” and order selection intelligence within EPIC Beacon was developed and implemented in May 2017. Postimplementation phase – The postimplementation phase data were collected from 1 August to 30 November 2017 using a similar approach as the preimplementation phase.

Results

Preimplementation phase – During the preimplementation phase of the study, a total of 1495 serum potassium levels and 1193 serum magnesium levels were obtained. Among the 152 patients who needed potassium replacement, 34% ( n = 52) were replaced and among the 118 serum magnesium levels that needed replacement, 30% ( n = 35) were replaced. Postimplementation phase – 3979 serum potassium and 2707 magnesium levels were obtained. Among the 170 patients who needed potassium replacement, 75% ( n = 127) were replaced. Among the 142 patients who needed magnesium replacement, 73% ( n = 104) were replaced.

Conclusion

A 121% increase in potassium replacement and a 143% increase in magnesium replacement were identified after implementing this protocol.
The Nature and Arrangement of Pentatricopeptide Domains and the Linker Sequences Between Them
Authors: Barik Sailen
Published: March 2020

The tricopeptide (amino acid number in the 30s) repeats constitute some of the most common amino acid repeats in proteins of diverse organisms. The most important representatives of this class are the 34-residue and 35-residue repeats, eponymously known as tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) and pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR), respectively. The unit motif of both consists of a pair of alpha helices. As members of the large, all-helical repeat classes, TPR and PPR share structural similarities, but also play specific roles in protein function. In this study, a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of the PPR units and the linkers that connect them was conducted. The results suggested the existence of PPR repeats of various formats, as well as smaller, PPR-unrelated repeats. Besides their length, these repeats differed in amino acid arrangements and location of key amino acids. These findings provide a broader and unified perspective of the pentatricopeptide family while raising provocative questions about the assembly and evolution of these domains.
A thematic analysis of smokers’ and non-smokers’ accounts of E-cigarettes
Authors: Wilson Georgia Louise , Grogan Sarah , Powell Susan , Gee Ivan , Porcellato Lorna , Keenan Joseph
Published: March 2020

This study explored smokers’ and non-smokers’ accounts of E-cigarettes. A total of 51 UK-based participants, 20 men and 31 women, responded to open-ended questions online. Inductive thematic analysis identified that the factors that influence E-cigarette behaviour and opinion in adult smokers and non-smokers are related to social context, informative sources, practical aspects and health implications. Participants presented varying accounts of E-cigarettes, suggesting that individual narratives regarding E-cigarettes are multi-faceted. This is important information for health professionals and policy makers tasked with advising on E-cigarette use.
Transfer of tasks in work disability assessments in European social security
Authors: de Wind Annette E. , Brage Sören , Latil Francois , Williams Nerys
Published: March 2020

European social security organisations experience shortages of insurance physicians and they attempt to streamline procedures in the disability assessment services in order to save costs, while safeguarding the quality of the assessments. Hence, they look at alternative ways for efficient and cost-effective assessments by transferring insurance physician tasks to other (non)-healthcare professionals. This study, carried out by European Union of Medicine in Assurance and Social Security (EUMASS), aimed to describe and compare the use of task transfer (task shifting, delegation and support) in European social security systems. The approach was threefold: (1) A survey questionnaire was sent to all 20 EUMASS members, inquiring about the present and planned use of task transfer in work disability assessments, and how it has been evaluated; (2) A literature study was undertaken on task transfer; (3) Case studies were carried out in selected countries (Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom) where different approaches to task transfer have been used. Task transfer in disability assessments has been introduced in seven countries, mostly in Western Europe. A mixture of task shifting, delegation, and support was often used. Nurses were the main group to take over new tasks, but other (non)-healthcare professionals were also involved. Task transfer is implemented in different ways in line with the cultural traditions and the specific organisations that comprise the political and financial framework of the individual country. Education and training were important for a successful change of tasks. The changes were mostly seen as positive. Innovative and flexible approaches are described which can provide examples for other countries and can inform further study.
Acute traumatic quadriplegia: Predictors of in-hospital and six-month mortality
Authors: Alimohammadi Ehsan , Ahadi Paniz , Rezaee Cyrous , Safari-Faramani Roya , Bagheri Seyed Reza , Janatolmakan Maryam
Published: March 2020

Background

Traumatic spinal cord injury is one of the most disastrous and devastating health burdens all over the world with a high mortality rate. The present study aimed to evaluate the predictors of in-hospital and six-month mortality in these patients.

Methods

The electronic medical records of 87 consecutive patients with acute complete traumatic quadriplegia were reviewed to extract clinical, radiological, and laboratory data. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate crude and adjusted odds with 95% confidence interval (CI) ratios for the predictors of in-hospital mortality and six-month mortality.

Results

There were 48 males and the mean age was 38.67 ± 12.81; in-hospital and six-month mortality were 21.84% and 11.76%, respectively. Traffic road accidents (67.8%) and falls (12.6%) were the most common causes of injury. The univariate analysis demonstrated advanced age, level of injury, late surgery or no surgical intervention, the lack of methylprednisolone therapy, a higher Charlson comorbidity index, the Injury Severity Score, and the presence of respiratory failure or bradycardia on admission were predictors of in-hospital mortality ( p < 0.05). In the final multiple logistic regression model, the level of injury (OR = 0.02 (0.001,0.35), p = 0.008) and the presence of respiratory failure (OR = 2.37 (0.03,13.88), p = 0.024) were the only predictors of in-hospital mortality. The univariate model showed that the level of injury, respiratory failure on admission, and the Injury Severity Score were the predictors of six-month mortality; however, the level of injury was the only predictor of the six-month mortality (OR = 1.12 (0.99, 1.27), p = 0.028) according to the multiple logistic regression model.

Conclusions

Several factors could affect in-hospital and six-month mortality in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury. Our findings demonstrated the level of injury and respiratory failure on admission as independent predictors of in-hospital mortality in these patients. Furthermore, the level of injury was the only independent predictor of six-month mortality in the present study.
Sexting, power, and patriarchy: Narratives of sexting from a college population
Authors: Bonilla Sara , McGinley Mallaigh , Lamb Sharon
Published: March 2020

This qualitative study explores the sexting experiences of college-aged students with attention to gendered understandings and motivations of sexting. We gathered data on the decision-making process, relational contexts in which sexting occurred, body-image management, and perceived outcomes of past experiences. Participants in this study were asked to describe two experiences of sexting behavior in short vignettes, and then they were prompted to respond to additional questions about the vignette and sexting. A total of 342 vignettes were read and analyzed using discourse analytic strategies of reading for positioning, construction of discourses, and implied actions.
Influence of microcork particles on the lap shear strength of an epoxy adhesive subjected to fatigue loading and different environmental conditions
Authors: Akhavan-Safar Alireza , Barbosa Ana Queirós , Ayatollahi Majid Reza , da Silva Lucas Filipe Martins
Published: March 2020

The present study deals with the effects of temperature and cyclic loading on the strength of single lap adhesive joints enhanced with different amounts of microcork particles. To achieve this, different joints with various overlap lengths were manufactured and tested. The joints were tested at two different temperatures (−20 ℃ and 75 ℃) in quasi-static conditions. Results of high temperature (75 ℃) show that the joints tensile strength decreases with the amount of cork particles. For low temperature (−20 ℃), the strength of the joint with 1 vol.% of cork increased; however, higher amounts of cork led to a reduction of the joint strength. To investigate the influence of cork particles on the fatigue endurance, joints were tested at room temperature under sinusoidal cyclic loading. Based on the experimental data it was found that the cork particles can significantly improve the fatigue life of adhesive joints (up to 4.6 times). Microfailure analysis of the tested joints was also performed using the scanning electron microscope technique.
Caiman Versus LigaSure Hemorrhoidectomy: Postoperative Pain, Early Complications, Long-Term Follow-up, and Costs
Authors: Eberspacher Chiara , Mascagni Pietro , Di Nardo Domenico , Pironi Daniele , Pontone Stefano , Martellucci Jacopo , Naldini Gabriele , Mascagni Domenico
Published: March 2020

Purpose. Recently, the use of radiofrequency for hemorrhoidectomy has minimized incidence of postoperative complications. Effectiveness of LigaSure is demonstrated, but it is quite expensive. This study aims to compare LigaSure with Caiman, a cheaper instrument that uses radiofrequency for hemorrhoidectomy. Methods. A total of 35 patients were enrolled in this study between January 2015 and December 2017: 35 (Group A: Caiman) patients were matched with 35 control patients (Group B) from our historical cohort, treated with LigaSure. They were checked at 1 week after operation, at 4 weeks, and then after 2, 6, and 12 months. We considered different factors: intraoperative (operative time, number of piles removed, necessity of stiches or ligation), immediate postoperative (pain, bleeding within 4 weeks, incontinence, soiling within 4 weeks, healing time of anal wounds, return to working activities), and with a long-term follow-up. Results. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in analyzed intraoperative data: operative time (Group A 35 minutes vs Group B 33 minutes; P = .198) and stitches used. Postoperative data were comparable too, in particular pain (Group A 1 day Visual Analog Score = 6.25 vs Group B = 5.4, P = .178; Group A 1 week Visual Analog Score = 2.7 vs Group B = 1.14, P = .22) and bleeding (Group A = 2 vs Group B = 4; P = .2). Conclusions. According our initial experience, Caiman can be a safe and cheaper alternative to LigaSure for hemorrhoidectomy.
Environmental Needs, Barriers, and Facilitators for Optimal Healing in the Postoperative Process: A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Lived Experiences and Perceptions
Authors: Hesselink Gijs , Smits Merlijn , Doedens Mariël , Nijenhuis Sharon M. T. , van Bavel Denise , van Goor Harry , van de Belt Tom H.
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

Gaining an understanding of postoperative patients’ environmental needs, barriers, and facilitators for optimal healing.

Background:

An optimal hospital environment (the “healing environment”) can enhance patients’ postoperative recovery and shorten length of stay. However, insights lack into patients’ lived environmental needs for optimal healing after surgery and how these needs are being met.

Method:

A qualitative study was conducted between August 2016 and August 2017 with 21 patients who underwent elective major abdominal surgery in a Dutch university hospital. Data were collected through context-mapping exercises and interviews to capture patients’ lived experiences and explore the meaning of these experiences. Data were systematically analyzed according to the principles of thematic content analysis.

Results:

Three themes were identified. First, participants want a sense of control over their treatment, ambient features, privacy, nutrition, and help requests. Participants described the need for positive distractions: personalizing the room, connecting with the external environment, and the ability to undertake activities. Finally, participants expressed the importance of functional, practical, and emotional support from professionals, peers, and relatives. According to participants, the hospital environment often does not meet their healing needs while being hospitalized.

Conclusion:

The hospital environment often does not meet patients’ needs. Needs fulfillment can be improved by practical adjustments to the physical and interpersonal environment and considering patient’s individual preferences and changing needs during recovery. Patient narratives, pictures, and drawings are valuable sources for hospital managers in their efforts to design evidence-based environments that anticipate to patient-specific needs for achieving early recovery.
Identification of Risk Factors Prospectively Associated With Musculoskeletal Injury in a Warrior Athlete Population
Authors: Teyhen Deydre S. , Shaffer Scott W. , Goffar Stephen L. , Kiesel Kyle , Butler Robert J. , Rhon Daniel I. , Plisky Phillip J.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Musculoskeletal injuries are a primary source of disability. Understanding how risk factors predict injury is necessary to individualize and enhance injury reduction programs.

Hypothesis:

Because of the multifactorial nature of musculoskeletal injuries, multiple risk factors will provide a useful method of categorizing warrior athletes based on injury risk.

Study Design:

Prospective observational cohort study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

Baseline data were collected on 922 US Army soldiers/warrior athletes (mean age, 24.7 ± 5.2 years; mean body mass index, 26.8 ± 3.4 kg/m2) using surveys and physical measures. Injury occurrence and health care utilization were collected for 1 year. Variables were compared in healthy versus injured participants using independent t tests or chi-square analysis. Significantly different factors between each group were entered into a logistic regression equation. Receiver operating characteristic curve and accuracy statistics were calculated for regression variables.

Results:

Of the 922 warrior athletes, 38.8% suffered a time-loss injury (TLI). Overall, 35 variables had a significant relationship with TLIs. The logistic regression equation, consisting of 11 variables of interest, was significant (adjusted R2 = 0.21; odds ratio, 5.7 [95% CI, 4.1-7.9]; relative risk, 2.5 [95% CI, 2.1-2.9]; area under the curve, 0.73). Individuals with 2 variables had a sensitivity of 0.89, those with 7 or more variables had a specificity of 0.94.

Conclusion:

The sum of individual risk factors (prior injury, prior work restrictions, lower perceived recovery from injury, asymmetrical ankle dorsiflexion, decreased or asymmetrical performance on the Lower and Upper Quarter Y-Balance test, pain with movement, slower 2-mile run times, age, and sex) produced a highly sensitive and specific multivariate model for TLI in military servicemembers.

Clinical Relevance:

A better understanding of characteristics associated with future injury risk can provide a foundation for prevention programs designed to reduce medical costs and time lost.
The “Hip Fracture” Bundle—Experiences, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Malik Azeem Tariq , Khan Safdar N. , Ly Thuan V. , Phieffer Laura , Quatman Carmen E.
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

With growing popularity and success of alternative-payment models (APMs) in elective total joint arthroplasties, there has been recent discussion on the probability of implementing APMs for geriatric hip fractures as well.

Significance:

Despite the growing interest, little is known about the drawbacks and challenges that will be faced in a stipulated “hip fracture” bundle.

Results:

Given the varying intricacies and complexities of hip fractures, a “one-size-fits-all” bundled payment may not be an amenable way of ensuring equitable reimbursement for participating physicians and hospitals.

Conclusions:

Health-policy makers need to advocate for better risk-adjustment methods to prevent the creation of financial disincentives for hospitals taking care of complex, sicker patients. Hospitals participating in bundled care also need to voice concerns regarding the grouping of hip fractures undergoing total hip arthroplasty to ensure that trauma centers are not unfairly penalized due to higher readmission rates associated with hip fractures skewing quality metrics. Physicians also need to consider the launch of better risk-stratification protocols and promote geriatric comanagement of these patients to prevent occurrences of costly adverse events.
Minimally invasive treatment of tibial plateau depression fractures using balloon tibioplasty: Clinical outcome and absorption of bioabsorbable calcium phosphate cement
Authors: Greimel Felix , Weber Markus , Renkawitz Tobias , Voellner Florian , Freude Thomas , Grifka Joachim , Craiovan Benjamin
Published: March 2020

The exact reconstruction of the tibial plateau and articular surface is the main operative aim in the treatment of tibial plateau depression fractures. For selected cases, a novel technique with the use of balloon tibioplasty in combination of bioabsorbable calcium phosphate cement is available. In this study, the first objective was to answer the question whether the clinical outcome parameters after balloon tibioplasty are comparable to open reduction procedures described in the literature. Secondly, we asked whether the cement absorption is safe in relation to adverse effects like osteolysis and measured the absorption ability during the bone conversion process in the proximal tibia bone. Eight patients (mean age 54 years; 4 males and 4 females) received the abovementioned surgical procedure. Mean follow-up period was 27 months. This study evaluated clinical outcome and radiological measured cement absorption within the postoperative course. Cement absorption was measured on X-rays and calculated based on the greatest extend on anterior–posterior and lateral view radiographs just after the operation on the latest available follow-up. WOMAC score showed a mean of 93. Radiologic absorption was 1/5 at a mean of 18 months. No osteolysis reaction was seen surrounding the cement. This far, promising clinical and radiological results have been shown with WOMAC scores comparable to the results of noninjured knees. The indication for this relatively new technique is restricted to isolated depression fractures. It is a useful tool to facilitate the reduction of select depressed tibial fractures. The radiologic absorption effect seems to be quite fast in bone remodeling and safe without any osteolysis or osseous reaction.