bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic Image Restoration Algorithm for Prevention of Nervous Disorders during the Recovery Period of Patients Receiving Sevoflurane Anesthesia
Authors: Chen Gong , Yang Jinquan , Chen Qin , Liu Damin
Published: October 2021

In this article, dexmedetomidine (Dex) was used to prevent neurological disorders in patients anesthetized with sevoflurane and the effect was analyzed using ultrasound images based on the restoration algorithm of the linear system model. Children injected with Dex were in the experimental group, while children injected with normal saline were in the control group. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), Pediatric anesthesia agitation scale (PAED) score, Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) score, and adverse drug event (ADE) in the two groups were compared before the injection (T1), at 5 min (T2), 10 min (T3), and 20 min (T4) after the injection, and when the patient came to himself (T5). It was found that in contrast with the control group, the MAP in the experimental group at T2, T3, and T4 periods was lower, while it was higher at T5 period and its HR at T2, T3, T4, and T5 periods was higher (

P

 < 0.05); the PAED and FLACC scores were lower (

P

 < 0.05), and the incidence of ADE (10.53%) was lower than that in the control group (31.58%) (

P

 < 0.05). However, SpO2 at different periods showed no obvious differences between the two groups (

P

 > 0.05). In conclusion, the restoration algorithm-based ultrasound images had high quality, and they demonstrated good application value in evaluating the effect of Dex to prevent neurological disorders in patients anesthetized by sevoflurane.
Anti‐inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) Varieties Cultivated in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayawardana Sooriya Arachchige Sachini , Samarasekera Jayanetti Koralalage Ramani Radhika , Hettiarachchi Gardhi Hettiarachchige Chamari Madhu , Gooneratne Jaanaki , Choudhary Muhammad Iqbal , Jabeen Almas
Published: October 2021

The prevalence of inflammatory‐mediated and oxidative stress‐associated diseases is increasing worldwide, creating an increasing demand for novel sources of anti‐inflammatory agents and antioxidants. This study was focused on determining the in vitro arachidonate 5‐lipoxygenase (A5‐LOX), xanthine oxidase (XO), hyaluronidase and oxidative burst inhibitory activities, and antioxidant properties of Ravi, Rawana, and Oshadha finger millet varieties using ethanolic and methanolic extracts. Among all extracts, the methanolic extract of Oshadha exhibited the highest A5‐LOX (IC50 value: 484.42 μg/ml) and XO (IC50 value: 764.34 μg/ml) inhibitory activities. All extracts showed less than 50% hyaluronidase inhibitory activity at 1 mg/ml concentration. Methanolic extracts showed moderate inhibitory potential on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from whole blood phagocytes, with IC50 values ranging between 26.9 and 27.7 μg/ml, when compared to ibuprofen (IC50 value: 11.18 μg/ml). All extracts showed potent inhibition of ROS produced from polymorphonuclear neutrophils isolated from human blood when compared to ibuprofen (IC50 value: 2.47 μg/ml) and IC50 values of methanolic and ethanolic extracts ranged from 0.29 to 0.47 μg/ml and 1.35 to 1.70 μg/ml, respectively. All extracts had significantly high amounts of phenolic compounds including flavonoids and the potential to scavenge 2,2 ′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic) acid (ABTS) cation, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH), and oxygen radicals. Besides, they were able to reduce metal ions and chelate metal ions terminating radical generating reactions. This is the first report of A5‐LOX, XO, hyaluronidase, and oxidative burst inhibitory properties of any extract of any finger millet variety cultivated in Sri Lanka. The findings revealed the potential of using these finger millet extracts as natural sources of anti‐inflammatory drug candidates. Additionally, the findings indicated that Ravi, Rawana, and Oshadha varieties are good sources of antioxidants. Therefore, consumption of these finger millet varieties on a regular basis may play an important role in the prevention and dietary management of oxidative stress‐associated diseases.
Healthcare Communication Role in the Detection of Unhealthy Behavior in University Students
Authors: Alarnous Razan , Albasalah Aida , Alshawwa Samar
Published: October 2021

The current study aims to identify unhealthy behaviors among university students, establish means of detection of unhealthy behavior, identify obstacles to digital volunteering, and explore the relationship between volunteer preferred style of volunteering and the obstacles to volunteering. Data for the study was gathered by administering an unstructured, anonymous questionnaire to 207 female university students and staff. The survey design included questions about sociodemographic characteristics, views on different facets of volunteering, unhealthy behaviors, and correlation between volunteering and unhealthy behaviors. The results revealed unhealthy behavior detected by the respondents (51.7%). Twenty-eight (13.5%) of the 207 respondents reported using social media in detecting women with offending behavior. The value of Pearson’s R is 0.245; thus, it is considered as weak or no correlation. There is hence no correlation between how respondents preferred volunteer work and the obstacle to volunteering. There is not much difference in the obstacles to volunteering faced by respondents despite their preferred style of volunteering. The findings reveal that digital volunteering effectively gains ground in detecting and managing unhealthy behaviors among university students. Much more could be achieved through digital volunteering if more awareness is created and volunteering programs are designed to be more interesting and less time-consuming to allow more students to participate.
Corporear Moema: o corpo feminino no tempo-espaço da (re)produção do Brasil Colônia
Authors: Santos Iaci d' Assunção
Published: October 2021

Moema, personagem icônico do poema épico “Caramuru”, de José de Santa Rita Durão, de 1781, é assumida aqui como corpo que se transforma em modo contínuo, quer seja na literatura, nas narrativas históricas ou nas suas manifestações na pintura e escultura. Vestígios da temática do indianismo, assim como da morte na água, da morte romântica e da temática do nu feminino se entrelaçam com questões que dizem respeito a aspectos do brutal processo de (re)produção do tempo-espaço do Brasil Colônia. Corporear Moema é convite para desdobrar, a partir do corpo feminino, a reflexão sobre dinâmicas próprias da passagem para a Era Moderna. A análise crítica opera a releitura da personagem para colocar em debate o papel do corpo feminino na transição para a sociedade capitalista.
Do “Prey Species” Hide Their Pain? Implications for Ethical Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
Authors: Carbone Larry
Published: October 2021

Accurate pain evaluation is essential for ethical review of laboratory animal use. Warnings that “prey species hide their pain,” encourage careful accurate pain assessment. In this article, I review relevant literature on prey species’ pain manifestation through the lens of the applied ethics of animal welfare oversight. If dogs are the species whose pain is most reliably diagnosed, I argue that it is not their diet as predator or prey but rather because dogs and humans can develop trusting relationships and because people invest time and effort in canine pain diagnosis. Pain diagnosis for all animals may improve when humans foster a trusting relationship with animals and invest time into multimodal pain evaluations. Where this is not practical, as with large cohorts of laboratory mice, committees must regard with skepticism assurances that animals “appear” pain-free on experiments, requiring thorough literature searches and sophisticated pain assessments during pilot work.
New and noteworthy species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Vietnam and Laos
Authors: AVERYANOV LEONID V. , NURALIEV MAXIM S. , KONSTANTINOV EUGENE L. , MAISAK TATIANA V. , KOPYLOV-GUSKOV YURY O. , LYSKOV DMITRY F. , QUANG BUI HONG , KUZNETSOV ANDREY N. , KUZNETSOVA SVETLANA P. , NGUYEN KHANG SINH , SHUI YU-MIN
Published: October 2021

The paper provides additions to the known diversity of Begonia in Vietnam and Laos. One species new to science from Lao PDR (B. vivipara) and three new species from Vietnam (B. aspersa, B. gracilifolia, B. maculifolia) are described. Three species (B. rotundilimba, B. versicolor, B. wenshanensis) are reported as new records for the flora of Vietnam. For each species, the information on ecology, phenology, estimated conservation status and distribution is presented, as well as the relevant taxonomic notes and analytical photographic illustrations.
Analysis of Interwoven Nitinol Stenting for the Treatment of Critical Limb Ischemia: Outcomes From an Average 3-Year Follow-up Period
Authors: Krishnan Prakash , Tarricone Arthur , Gee Allen , Farhan Serdar , Kamran Haroon , Kapur Vishal , Gujja Karthik , Kini Annapoorna , Sharma Samin
Published: October 2021

We assessed the clinical outcomes of patients with critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) who underwent interwoven nitinol stent (Supera) implantation for significant stenoses of the femoropopliteal segment. In this retrospective cohort study, 116 consecutive patients with CLTI who were treated with Supera stents between September 2015 and March 2020 were included in this analysis. Primary endpoint analysis was completed for amputation-free survival, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and mortality. After a mean follow-up time of 3.4 years, 21 (18%) patients had undergone amputations, 3 (2.6%) died, and, overall, the amputation-free survival rate was 81%. TLR occurred in 21 (18%) patients, resulting in the freedom from target lesion revascularization of 82%. The average Wagner score for all patients was 2.8 ± 1.1. A subgroup analysis of 57 patients revealed a median ulcer size of 3.0 cm2 [1.65, 9.0], with complete healing for 45 patients by 20 months. The Wagner score of this subgroup decreased by an average of 3.4 ± .9 points. Supera stents can be used together with other endovascular therapies and are a safe and effective treatment modality for CLTI.
The Long-term Effect of Inferior Turbinate Surgery Techniques on Nasal Obstruction and Quality of Life
Authors: Harju Teemu , Numminen Jura
Published: October 2021

Objective:

The aim of the study was to compare the long-term effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty (MAIT), and diode laser techniques on the severity of nasal obstruction and quality of life (QOL) in a 3-year follow-up.

Methods:

The patients filled a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) regarding the severity of nasal obstruction and the Glasgow Health Status Inventory (GHSI) questionnaire preoperatively and during the control visits at 3 months and 3 years. Acoustic rhinometry was also performed. A total of 78 patients attended both control visits.

Results:

All 3 techniques improved the VAS score for the severity of nasal obstruction and the GHSI total score significantly compared to the preoperative values at both 3 months and 3 years. Compared to the preoperative values, all 3 techniques increased the V2 to 5 cm values significantly at 3 months. After 3 years, compared to the preoperative values, the MAIT ( P = .005) and diode laser ( P < .001) still had a statistically significant volume increase in V2 to 5 cm, whereas the RFA ( P = .06) did not achieve a statistically significant effect.

Conclusion:

The RFA, MAIT, and diode laser all improved both the patients’ subjective sensation of the severity of nasal obstruction and QOL significantly. The response was sustained during the 3-year follow-up period with all 3 techniques. A weakening in the objective treatment response to RFA was found in the longer follow-up, but that did not cause a weakening of the patients’ subjective treatment response.
Cricopharyngeal Achalasia Presenting as Acute Dysphagia in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: O’Neill Laura Beth , Magyar Matthew , Reilly Brian , Gayle Tamara
Published: October 2021

Objective:

To describe a case of idiopathic cricopharyngeal achalasia (CPA) in a pediatric patient with acute onset of dysphagia managed conservatively with supportive care.

Methods:

Sixteen-month-old boy presented with acute onset of gagging and coughing with feeding. His exam was notable for a well-appearing child with pooling of oral secretions and coarse breath sounds. Plain film series did not show radio-opaque foreign body (FB) and an esophagram demonstrated an endoluminal filling defect of the cervical esophagus and aspiration of contrast. He was taken to the operating room for urgent endoscopy but no FB or food impaction was observed. He had persistent symptoms that required further evaluation and a multidisciplinary team approach. Bedside laryngoscopy did not reveal any abnormalities. Modified barium swallow (MBS) study revealed upper esophageal sphincter (UES) dysfunction, consistent with cricopharyngeal achalasia. Repeat upper endoscopy with biopsies demonstrated mucosal irritation overlying the UES but histologic studies were negative for infectious causes.

Results:

He was treated with supportive care, including nasogastric feedings for nutrition supplementation as he was unable to tolerate oral feedings without aspiration. Over the course of 3 months after discharge, his symptoms resolved and repeat MBS was normal.

Conclusion:

CPA is a rare cause of dysphagia in the pediatric population. Conservative management with supportive care is a reasonable approach in cases with acute onset in otherwise healthy children without underlying medical problems.
Towards a Native OPERA Hypothesis: Musicianship and English Stress Perception
Authors: Choi William
Published: October 2021

Musical experience facilitates speech perception. French musicians, to whom stress is foreign, have been found to perceive English stress more accurately than French non-musicians. This study investigated whether this musical advantage also applies to native listeners. English musicians and non-musicians completed an English stress discrimination task and two control tasks. With age, non-verbal intelligence and short-term memory controlled, the musicians exhibited a perceptual advantage relative to the non-musicians. This perceptual advantage was equally potent to both trochaic and iambic stress patterns. In terms of perceptual strategy, the two groups showed differential use of acoustic cues for iambic but not trochaic stress. Collectively, the results could be taken to suggest that musical experience enhances stress discrimination even among native listeners. Remarkably, this musical advantage is highly consistent and does not particularly favour either stress pattern. For iambic stress, the musical advantage appears to stem from the differential use of acoustic cues by musicians. For trochaic stress, the musical advantage may be rooted in enhanced durational sensitivity.
Transcending path dependencies: Why the study of post-socialist cities needs to capitalise on the discussion on urbanisation in the South (and vice versa)
Authors: Galuszka Jakub
Published: October 2021

Recently, the theoretical relevance and utility of the regionalised notion of post-socialist cities have been questioned. The ensuing debate has resulted in several positions, including suggestions to drop the term entirely or to create a distinctive narrative based on the concept of a Global East, in order to position the knowledge as equal vis-a-vis discourses originating from Western power centres. This article responds to this call through efforts to transcend the dominant frames of research on post-socialist cities. However, I argue that the first step in overcoming the subaltern positioning of local knowledge is to refocus attention on previously marginalised urban phenomena, and to link the post-socialist research agenda to existing empowering discourses. The importance of creating linkages with the research originating from the South, and the potential for such joint engagements to contribute to global theory-making are discussed in the context of the study of urban informality.
CommunityStat: A Public Health Intervention to Reduce Opioid Overdose Deaths in Burlington, Vermont, 2017–2020
Authors: del Pozo Brandon
Published: October 2021

From 2017 to early 2020, the US city of Burlington, Vermont led a county-wide effort to reduce opioid overdose deaths by concentrating on the widespread, low-barrier distribution of medications for opioid use disorder. As a small city without a public health staff, the initiative was led out of the police department—with an understanding that it would not be enforcement-oriented—and centered on a local adaptation of CompStat, a management and accountability program developed by the New York City Police Department that has been cited as both yielding improvements in public safety and overemphasizing counterproductive police performance metrics if not carefully directed. The initiative was instrumental to the implementation of several novel interventions: low-threshold buprenorphine prescribing at the city’s syringe service program, induction into buprenorphine-based treatment at the local hospital emergency department, elimination of the regional waiting list for medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and the de-facto decriminalization of diverted buprenorphine by the chief of police and county prosecutor. An effort by local legislators resulted in a state law requiring all inmates with opioid use disorder be provided with MOUD as well. By the end of 2018, these interventions were collectively associated with a 50% (17 vs. 34) reduction in the county’s fatal overdose deaths, while deaths increased 20% in the remainder of Vermont. The reduction was sustained through the end of 2019. This article describes the effort undertaken by officials in Burlington to implement these interventions. It provides an example that other municipalities can use to take an evidence-based approach to reducing opioid deaths, provided stakeholders assent to sustained collaboration in the furtherance of a commitment to save lives. In doing so, it highlights that police-led public health interventions are the exception, and addressing the overdose crisis will require reform that shifts away from criminalization as a community’s default framework for substance use.
Guaranteed cost finite-time control of large-scale singular systems with interconnected delays
Authors: Huong Pham T , Phat Vu N
Published: October 2021

The guaranteed cost finite-time control problem of large-scale singular systems subjected to interconnected state delays is addressed in this article. A singular value decomposition approach combining with the Lyapunov function method is proposed to study the problem. Based on the method, delay-dependent sufficient conditions are established to design guaranteed cost controllers, which are presented in terms of tractable linear matrix inequalities. An example with simulation is given to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the theoretical results.
The Satyam Effect on Related Party Loans in India
Authors: Kushwaha Narendra Nath , Dixit Bipin Kumar
Published: October 2021

We examine the impact of the failure of Satyam Computer Services Ltd. (“Satyam”), a major corporate governance related event in India, on related party loans of Indian public companies. Using data from a balanced panel of 794 firms for the years 2006–2012, we find that the Satyam failure had a significant negative impact on related party loans given by Indian firms. The average of net related party loans (as a proportion of total assets) declined from 2.37% in 2008 to 0.23% in 2010. Furthermore, the reduction in related party loans was more prominent in firms with lower levels of external monitoring. Finally, since prior research suggests that there was no significant Satyam effect on the frequency or attendance at audit committee meetings, our results suggest that there can be substantive changes in operational decisions without observable changes in governance.
Preparing Patients with Early Stage Prostate Cancer to Participate in Clinical Appointments Using a Shared Decision Making Training Video
Authors: Scherr Karen , Delaney Rebecca K. , Ubel Peter , Kahn Valerie C. , Hamstra Daniel , Wei John T. , Fagerlin Angela
Published: October 2021

Background

Rates of shared decision making (SDM) are relatively low in early stage prostate cancer decisions, as patients’ values are not well integrated into a preference-sensitive treatment decision. The study objectives were to develop a SDM training video, measure usability and satisfaction, and determine the effect of the intervention on preparing patients to participate in clinical appointments.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare a plain-language decision aid (DA) to the DA plus a patient SDM training video. Patients with early stage prostate cancer completed survey measures at baseline and after reviewing the intervention materials. Survey items assessed patients’ knowledge, beliefs related to SDM, and perceived readiness/intention to participate in their upcoming clinical appointment.

Results

Of those randomized to the DA + SDM video group, most participants (91%) watched the video and 93% would recommend the video to others. Participants in the DA + SDM video group, compared to the DA-only group, reported an increased desire to participate in the decision (mean = 3.65 v. 3.39, P < 0.001), less decision urgency (mean = 2.82 v. 3.39, P < 0.001), and improved self-efficacy for communicating with physicians (mean = 4.69 v. 4.50, P = 0.05). These participants also reported increased intentions to seek a referral from a radiation oncologist (73% v. 51%, P = 0.004), to take notes (mean = 3.23 v. 2.86, P = 0.004), and to record their upcoming appointments (mean = 1.79 v. 1.43, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

A novel SDM training video was accepted by patients and changed several measures associated with SDM. This may be a scalable, cost-effective way to prepare patients with early stage prostate cancer to participate in their clinical appointments. [Box: see text]
Radiologist-patient communication of musculoskeletal ultrasonography results: a choice between added value and costs
Authors: Kwee Thomas C , Kasalak Ömer , Yakar Derya
Published: October 2021

Background

Literature on radiologist-patient communication of musculoskeletal ultrasonography (US) results is currently lacking.

Purpose

To investigate the patient's view on receiving the results from a radiologist after a musculoskeletal US examination, and the additional time required to provide such a service.

Material and Methods

This prospective study included 106 outpatients who underwent musculoskeletal US, and who were equally randomized to either receive or not receive the results from the radiologist directly after the examination.

Results

In both randomization groups, all quality performance metrics (radiologist's friendliness, explanation, skill, concern for comfort, concern for patient questions/worries, overall rating of the examination, and likelihood of recommending the examination) received median scores of good/high to very good/very high. Patients who had received their US results from the radiologist rated the radiologist's explanation and concern for patient questions/worries as significantly higher ( P = 0.009 and P = 0.002) than patients who had not. In both randomization groups, there were no significant differences between anxiety levels before and after the US examination ( P = 0.222 and P = 1.000). Of the 48 responding patients, 46 (95.8%) rated a radiologist-patient discussion of US findings as important. US examinations with a radiologist-patient communication regarding US findings (median = 11.29 min) were significantly longer ( P < 0.0001) than those without (median = 8.08 min).

Conclusion

Even without communicating musculoskeletal US results directly to patients, radiologists can still achieve high ratings from patients for their communication and empathy. Nevertheless, patient experience can be further enhanced if a radiologist adds this communication to the examination. However, this increases total examination time and therefore costs.
The well-being of music educators during the pandemic Spring of 2020
Authors: Miksza Peter , Parkes Kelly , Russell Joshua A , Bauer William
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many aspects of life, including the instructional practices of music educators. The purpose of this study was to examine music teachers’ well-being following the disruptions in schooling that resulted from the pandemic in the Spring of 2020. We also investigated how disruptions may have affected music teachers’ perceptions of their efficacy and the status of the profession. A questionnaire was completed by 2,023 music teachers who were members of the National Association for Music Education. We collected data related to (a) demographic and institutional information, (b) well-being, (c) teaching efficacy, (d) the impact of the pandemic upon the profession, and (e) the impact of the pandemic upon student learning. The questionnaire included the PERMA Profiler, a measure of well-being, and a portion of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Both PK–12 and collegiate teachers reported significantly lower levels of overall well-being and significantly higher levels of depression than published norms. Additional analyses examined the relationship of individual difference and teaching context variables to the well-being measures, perceptions of teaching efficacy, and perceptions of the pandemic’s impact on student learning.
Mini-open Repair for Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: Ring Forceps vs the Achillon Device
Authors: Park Chul Hyun , Yan Hongfei , Park Jeongjin , Chang Min Cheol
Published: October 2021

Background:

Repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture using the Achillon device is a representative mini-open repair technique; however, the limitations of this technique include the need for special instruments and decreased repair strength. A modified mini-open repair using ring forceps might overcome these limitations.

Purpose:

To compare the Achillon device with ring forceps in mini-open repairs of acute Achilles tendon rupture.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Fifty patients (41 men and 9 women) with acute Achilles tendon rupture on 1 foot were consecutively treated using mini-open repair techniques. The first 20 patients were treated using the Achillon device (Achillon group), and the subsequent 30 were treated using a ring forceps (forceps group). Clinical, functional, and isokinetic results and postoperative complications were compared between the groups at the last follow-up. Clinical evaluations were performed using the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) score, Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score, length of incision, and operation time. Functional evaluations included active range of motion of the ankle joint, maximum calf circumference, hopping test, and single-limb heel rise (SLHR). Isokinetic evaluations were performed using the isokinetic test for ankle plantar flexion.

Results:

The AOFAS score ( P = .669), Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score ( P = .753), and length of incision ( P = .305) were not significantly different between the groups (mean ± SD, 90.1 ± 8.7, 88.3 ± 9.9, and 2.7 ± 0.3 cm in the Achillon group vs 92.2 ± 9.4, 89.9 ± 10.9, and 2.5 ± 0.4 cm in the forceps group, respectively). Operation times in the Achillon group were significantly shorter than those in the forceps group (41.4 ± 9.6 vs 62.8 ± 14.1 minutes, P < .001). The maximum height of the SLHR ( P = .042) and the number of SLHRs ( P = .043) in the forceps group (79.7% ± 7.4% and 72.9% ± 10.2%) were significantly greater than those in the Achillon group (75.3% ± 7.1% and 66.7% ± 11.0%). No significant differences were detected between the groups in mean peak torques for plantar flexion at angular speeds of 30 deg/s ( P = .185) and 120 deg/s ( P = .271). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of postoperative complications between the groups ( P = .093).

Conclusion:

The ring forceps technique is comparable to the Achillon technique with respect to clinical, functional, and isokinetic results and postoperative complications. Given that no special instrument is required, the ring forceps technique could be a better option for acute Achilles tendon rupture repair.
The High Burden and Predictors of Anemia Among Infants Aged 6 to 12 Months in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Lweno Omar , Hertzmark Ellen , Darling Anne Marie , Noor Ramadhani , Bakari Leguma , Sudfeld Christopher , Manji Karim , Fawzi Wafaie
Published: October 2021

Background:

Despite several interventions, the prevalence of anemia and related complications remains high among infants in Tanzania.

Objective:

We sought to determine the predictors of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) among infants of HIV-negative women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods:

Cross-sectional analysis of 2826 mother–infant pairs who participated in a trial of vitamins and perinatal outcomes in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume were used to determine the prevalence of anemia among infants at 6 and 12 months. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the maternal and infant risk factors for anemia during infancy.

Results:

We found high prevalence of anemia (90%) and IDA (44.2%) among infants. Higher maternal education (odds ratio [OR] = 0.52), maternal normal hemoglobin at enrollment (OR = 0.68) and during the early postpartum period reduced the odds of IDA at 6 months (OR = 0.56). The odds of IDA at 6 months were higher among males (OR = 1.65), wealth score below median (OR = 1.35), low birth weight (LBW; OR = 1.75), and small for gestational age (SGA) infants below the third centile (OR = 1.95) or third to less than fifth centile (OR = 2.29). Higher maternal education lowered the odds of IDA at 12 months (OR = 0.25). Wealth score below median (OR = 1.44), preterm delivery (OR = 1.94), SGA (less than third centile; OR = 2.40), and LBW (OR = 2.89) increased the odds of IDA during infancy in the study population. Dietary diversity was low for infants and women in the study sample.

Conclusion:

Interventions to reduce the risk of infant IDA should address women’s education, improvement of wealth status, and optimal care for premature, SGA, and LBW infants.
Moving from waste to resource management: A case study of Lake Toba, Indonesia
Authors: Tatsuno Miwa , Dickella Gamaralalage Premakumara Jagath , Onogawa Kazunobu
Published: October 2021

This article presents field experience in developing local waste management plans called Kebijakan Strategi Daerah (Jakstrada) in the Lake Toba region, one of the popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. It examines the current waste management status and discusses key priorities and actions identified in the Jakstradas to improve the waste management based on resource management and 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) principles. In partnership with public, private, academic and citizen groups, the project activities supported the development of Jakstradas in all seven regencies and established a resource recovery centre (RRC) as a model to practice 3Rs in the region. The key lessons learned from these project activities are discussed and some practical recommendations are identified based on a literature review, interviews and workshops with local government officials and residents. Through those opportunities, it was found that remote regencies around Lake Toba do not have environmentally sound final disposal sites and do not have the financial or technical capacity to provide waste collection and handling services to residents, which often results in illegal dumping and open burning of waste. It was also revealed that lack of established markets for recycling value chains and citizens participation in waste separation at source had resulted in limited success for recycling and 3R activities in the region.
Analysis of Facial Muscle Depths to Guide Botulinum Toxin Therapy of the Periocular Region
Authors: Mowlavi Arian S. , Van Alstine Rebecca L. , Berri Mariam , Arshad Samar , Ablavsky Michael , Kachare Swapnil , Wilhelmi Bradon J.
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections are used in cosmetic surgery to efface facial wrinkles. Botulinum toxin relaxes the muscle by preventing the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction located at the posterior muscle surface causing local muscle paralysis. The purpose of this study is to provide anatomic knowledge of muscle belly depths of the frontalis, corrugator supercilii, procerus, and orbicularis oculi muscles in an attempt to improve the efficacy of BTX treatment of glabellar, forehead, and lateral eyelid rhytides.

Methods:

Six-millimeter punch biopsies were obtained from 7 fresh cadavers. Biopsies were taken from the corrugator supercilii, frontalis, procerus, and orbicularis oculi muscles at the sites of routine BTX injection. Specimens were fixed in formalin, and representative H&E-stained sections were used to measure muscle surface depths by light microscopy equipped with digital camera that includes a digital micrometer. One-way analysis of variance test analyses were used to identify statistical differences between measured muscle depths.

Results:

The measured anterior muscle depth of the corrugator supercilii, frontalis, procerus, and orbicularis oculi was found to be 4.2 ± 0.6, 3.9 ± 0.6, 2.9 ± 0.4, and 2.3 ± 0.7 mm, respectively. The anterior muscle surface of the corrugator supercilii and frontalis was found to be deeper than that of the procerus and orbicularis oculi ( P < .001). The posterior surface depth of the corrugator supercilii, frontalis, procerus, and orbicularis oculi was found to be 6.6 ± 0.8, 5.1 ± 0.7, 4.9 ± 0.7, and 3.8 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. The posterior surface depth of the corrugator supercilii was found to be significantly deeper than that of the frontalis, procerus, and orbicularis oculi ( P < .001); the posterior surface depth of the frontalis and procerus was deeper than that of the orbicularis oculi ( P < .001). The muscle belly width of the corrugator supercilii, frontalis, procerus, and orbicularis oculi measured 2.5 ± 0.9, 1.1 ± 0.4, 2.0 ± 0.6, and 1.5 ± 0.5 mm, respectively. The corrugator supercilii was found to be thicker than the frontalis and orbicularis oculi, while the procerus was found to be thicker than the frontalis ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

The findings above demonstrate statistical differences in the posterior muscle surface depth of the corrugator supercilii, frontalis, procerus, and orbicularis oculi which can be used clinically to improve BTX injection efficacy when used to efface facial rhytides.
Home health monitoring during the COVID pandemic: Results from a feasibility study in Alberta primary care
Authors: Thesenvitz Jodi , Corley Shelby , Solberg Lana , Carvalho Chris
Published: October 2021

The expansive geography of Central Alberta presents many barriers to optimal care, including limited resources and access issues. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, primary care networks (PCNs) within Central Alberta partnered with a technology provider to rapidly implement home health monitoring (HHM) for patients with chronic diseases. In the 37 patients evaluated in phase 1 (90 days), diabetes was most common (73%), followed by hypertension (38%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (27%), and heart failure (11%). Overall, patients were comfortable using the HHM technology, and >60% reported improved quality of life after follow-up. Patients also made fewer visits to their family physician/emergency department compared with the pre-enrolment period. In January 2021, the HHM initiative was expanded to a larger patient cohort (phase 2; n = 500). Interim results for 90 patients from eight PCNs up to the end of May 2021 show similar findings to phase 1.
The limits of information revelation in multilateral negotiations: A theory of treatymaking
Authors: Morrow James D. , Cope Kevin L.
Published: October 2021

States negotiate over the specific terms of multilateral treaties because those terms determine states’ willingness to ratify the treaty. In some cases, a state might decline to ratify a treaty it otherwise supports because specific terms are too far from those it prefers. States and inter-governmental organizations negotiating treaties would like to uncover the minimal terms needed to secure the ratification of key states, but under what circumstances will those states candidly reveal those terms? Using a spatial representation of the issues in a treaty negotiation, we use mechanism design to determine what information states will reveal in a treaty negotiation. We find that states are willing to reveal how they would like tradeoffs between different issues to be resolved but not the minimal terms they require for ratification. Further, negotiations cannot always separate types that need concessions to ratify from other types that would like concessions but would ratify the treaty even if they do not receive them. These findings provide insight into how treaty negotiations can succeed or fail, and they lay the theoretical groundwork for a new line of empirical research on how multilateral treaties are negotiated.
Environmental change and the timing of the settlement of the Bronze Age Andronovo culture, in far northwest Xinjiang, China
Authors: Dodson John , Jia Peter Weiming , Betts Alison , Cong Dexin
Published: October 2021

The relationships between societal and environmental changes have long attracted strong interest amongst scientists. Each of these systems has their own internal dynamics such as the adaptability and social systems built by people; and the feedbacks and controls on environmental systems. North west Xinjiang presents a challenging topographic and climate setting for people. Yet existing evidence shows Bronze Age populations settled into the Bortala Valley as early as the third millennium BCE. The harshness of the region provides a test case for exploring how environmental changes and societal changes may have intertwined. Near the town of Wenquan there is an extensive wetland which contains a sedimentary record covering the last 10,400 years. The early to mid-Holocene is marked by desert and a lake at Wenquan, but there is little evidence for human activity. By 4500 cal year BP the climate became more humid and soon peak humidity occurred when a regional steppe was developed and small numbers of trees were present on the mountains, also the lake shallowed to become a marsh and peatland. The uplands saw a slight increase in tree cover after this, probably as a result of moisture increase due to some cooling. Later changes in the archaeological record seem to be independent of the timing of any environmental changes, and human impacts on the wetland were small until historical times. In short, the major change from desert to steppe may have enabled people to settle the region, but later changes in the environment were too small to be revealed in the Wenquan sediment data, with the adaptability of societies overcoming any environmental challenges and with land-use practices being too small or localized to impact the palaeoenvironmental record.
Decolonizing the Responsibility to Protect: On pervasive Eurocentrism, Southern agency and struggles over universals
Authors: Pison Hindawi Coralie
Published: October 2021

Many postcolonial or critical scholars are rather sceptical of the Responsibility to Protect principle. In most of the critical literature, Responsibility to Protect (R2P) is presented as a product from the West, whose liberal ideal relies on a perception of Southern states being potentially dysfunctional, which in turn justifies an interventionist discourse with neocolonial overtones. The problem with this interpretation of R2P is that it essentially ignores non-Western, particularly Southern, inputs on the concept, falling precisely into the trap that, many authors claim, vitiates Responsibility to Protect: its West-centrism. Building upon a mix of critical, decolonial, postcolonial and Third World Approaches to International Law scholarship, this article proposes a number of additional steps to decolonize R2P in an effort to avoid what Pinar Bilgin describes as ‘conflating the critiques of the particularity of universals with critiques of the idea of having universals’. What successive decolonizing layers expose is a negotiation process in which the agency of states from the global South in shaping the – still controversial – principle has proved particularly obvious. Decolonizing Responsibility to Protect, this article argues, requires critical scholars to engage in a contrapuntal analysis in order to acknowledge the concept’s mutual constitution by the West and the ‘rest’ and the deeper struggles over universals hiding underneath.
Drivers of Customer Retention: An Introspection Into Indian Retail Customers
Authors: Mathew Jogi
Published: October 2021

There is a wide variety of choices for the modern retail customer including multiple retail formats. The success of the retail establishments has a great reliance of customer retention, which is an essential attribute to achieve profitability. This study takes in to consideration to extract the factors responsible for customer retention which in turn assists in increasing the customer base. The prime objective of the study is to ascertain the influence of customer satisfaction, switching costs and customer loyalty on customer retention. Whereas, the second one is to explore the effect of demographic factors on customer retention. The sample size of this study was 600 respondents who were chosen for the full-fledged study. The statistical techniques used for final analysis were structural equation modelling and regression. The findings subsequent to the statistical analysis and interpretation concluded that customer loyalty, customer satisfaction and switching cost have the strongest effect on customer retention in retails. Customer satisfaction alone is not every time an indicator of customer loyalty. A loyal customer will spread positive word of mouth to other prospective customers about the retail. Occupation of respondent has a major influence on customer retention dimensions.
Impact of Audit Quality on Earnings Management: An Empirical Analysis in the Indian Context
Authors: Khushboo  , Singh Karamjeet
Published: October 2021

Anchoring upon the agency theory of corporate governance, auditing function as a monitoring mechanism is supposed to alleviate information asymmetry between the managers and the shareholders of a company by controlling distortion of reported earnings by the former. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of audit quality on earnings management and substitutability of earnings management strategies using a sample of all Bombay Stock Exchange-listed companies for 10 financial years, that is, from 31 March 2010 to 31 March 2019. The previous studies addressing the issue have mostly captured companies in the developed countries or have dealt with only one strategy at a time. This study adds to the literature by undertaking a comprehensive approach to the analysis by studying both accrual earnings management as well as real earnings management in the Indian context, which are estimated through various models. The findings suggest significance of Big 4 auditors in constraining all forms of earnings management. For firms within the sample that have the incentives to distort earnings, long auditor tenure is found to be aiding earnings management through accruals, thus impairing audit quality.
Transcultural Nurse Views on Culture-Sensitive/Patient-Centered Assessment and Care Planning: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Narayan Mary Curry , Mallinson R. Kevin
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

Culture-sensitive (CS) and patient-centered (PC) care are considered essential to achieve high-quality equitable care. The purpose of this study was to determine how expert nurses incorporate CS/PC care into their assessment and care planning practices, especially for culturally diverse and marginalized patients.

Methodology:

Using a qualitative, descriptive design, we conducted a focus group at the October 2019 Transcultural Nursing Society Conference. Participants ( n = 9) discussed how they instilled cultural sensitivity and patient-centeredness into their assessment and care planning skills.

Results:

Participants revealed attitudes, knowledge, and skills associated with CS/PC assessment and care planning. They also identified specific strategies for translating CS/PC theory into assessment and care planning practices.

Discussion:

Three principles and many pragmatic strategies for incorporating CS/PC care into daily practice emerged from the data. Nurses may find these principles and strategies helpful in integrating CS/PC care into their daily care of patients in busy clinical settings.
School Nurses’ Diabetes-Related Attitudes and Self-efficacy in Diabetes Education and Management
Authors: Lee Mee Kyung , Walsh Elaine , Willgerodt Mayumi , O’Connor M. Rebecca
Published: October 2021

This study explored relationships between school nurses’ diabetes-related attitudes, self-efficacy in diabetes management and education, and care practices. One-hundred fourteen school nurses who have taken care of students with type 1 diabetes in public schools comprised this descriptive study sample. Participants completed online surveys. School nurses’ diabetes-related attitudes were not related to their self-efficacy in diabetes education, but nurses’ attitudes towards the psychosocial impact of diabetes were significantly related to their self-efficacy in diabetes management, and the number of students with diabetes was a significant contributor to this relationship. Nurses’ full-time status and the type of school they worked in were significantly related to their self-efficacy in providing diabetes education. School nurses’ positive attitudes about providing care for students with diabetes were related to having a higher level of self-efficacy in providing diabetes management. Based on the findings, recommendations are made for health consolidated schools and full-time school nurses.
Communication Between Schools Nurses and Health Care Providers on Students with Asthma: An Integrative Review
Authors: Slas Emma , Nguyen Yen , McIltrot Kimberly
Published: October 2021

School-based asthma programs have been proven to lessen the burden of pediatric asthma. There is a lack of successful care coordination between school nurses and primary care providers. This review examined strategies to increase communication and identified gaps in the literature. Databases, including PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, and The Cochrane Library, were searched to identify relevant articles. This review included 12 articles consisting of randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, mixed method studies, qualitative studies, and other non-research articles. Four key findings emerged, including limited availability of asthma action plans, inclusion of parents in the communication triad, school nurse outreach to providers, and improved communication leads to positive outcomes for students with asthma including decreased use of emergency medication and increased self-management of asthma. Further research is needed to develop evidence-based interventions that can be implemented to improve communication between school nurses and primary care providers