bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The DERIVO®2 Embolization Device in the treatment of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms: A multicenter analysis
Authors: Thormann Maximilian , Sillis Nele , Thoma Taina , Altenbernd Jens , Berger Björn , Cioltan Andrea , Loehr Christian , Bohner Georg , Siebert Eberhard , Nordmeyer Hannes , Mpotsaris Anastasios , Behme Daniel
Published: December 2022

Background

Flow diverters are an increasingly used treatment option for intracranial aneurysms. A recent addition to the European market is the DERIVO®2 Embolization Device (DED2), promising improved radiopacity. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the DED2 regarding angiographic and clinical outcomes in ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms.

Methods

We performed a multicenter trial at six interventional centers. Data were prospectively collected and all patients treated with the DED2 were included. The primary endpoint was angiographic aneurysm occlusion at 6 months as assessed by the O’Kelly Marotta (OKM) grading scale with a favorable outcome definition of OKM C + D. Clinical outcome was evaluated according to the modified Rankin scale (mRS).

Results

Between August 2020 and July 2021, 37 patients were treated with the DED2 and were included in our analysis. Five patients presented with ruptured aneurysms. Median age was 60 years, 27 patients were female, and 10 male. Median mRS was 0 (range 0–4). Mean aneurysm size was 8.9 ± 7.1 mm with a mean neck size of 6.5 ± 6.1. The DED2 fully opened at deployment in all cases. Clinical follow-up was available for 30 patients (81%). Twenty-five (83%) had an mRS of 0 or 1. Three patients with ruptured aneurysms died during the follow-up period. No treatment-related major morbidity was observed. Follow-up imaging was available in 27 (90%) patients, with 23 patients (85%) showing satisfactory aneurysm occlusion OKM grade C-D.

Conclusion

In this small cohort, the DED2 provided safe and effective treatment of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms.
Speaking through Petitions: Peasant Farmers in the Nascent Democracy, Denmark 1830s
Authors: Nørgaard Anne Engelst
Published: December 2022

This article investigates the first generation of peasant farmers elected to modern representative assemblies in Denmark. I argue that the contributions of the first peasant farmer politicians are an important but overlooked part of the history of democratisation in Denmark. The peasant farmer members were uneducated and unable to speak in a way considered suitable for parliament. For that reason, they were deemed unfit for political participation by their contemporaries and have been similarly judged in most of the existing literature. The peasant farmer members were not as timidly passive as they have been described. Instead of speaking, they used petitions to gain a voice in parliament. The farmer members thus introduced petitioning as a form of political participation in parliamentary politics, a practice that remains central to popular politics today. The actions of the peasant farmer politicians challenged the existing boundaries of what was considered appropriate political practice and thereby expanded the repertoire of forms of political participation available to the uneducated majority of the population.
Different types of combined training programs to improve postural balance in single and dual tasks in children with intellectual disability
Authors: Kachouri Hiba , Jouira Ghada , Laatar Rabeb , Borji Rihab , Rebai Haithem , Sahli Sonia
Published: December 2022

The study explored the effects of two combined training (Strength-Proprioceptive versus Cognitive-Balance) programs on postural balance during single-task and dual-task conditions in children with intellectual disability. The postural balance and the second cognitive-task performances were evaluated before and after 8-week of training in two groups: Strength-Proprioceptive Group (n = 12) and Cognitive-Balance Group (n = 10). Results showed that, in both groups and regardless of the training effect, the postural balance performance was significantly (p < 0.05) altered in the dual-task condition compared to the single-task one. After-training session, postural balance performance was improved significantly (p < 0.001) for all task conditions. After training session, the second cognitive-task performance was improved in the Strength-Proprioceptive Group (p < 0.001) and Cognitive-Balance Groupe (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the combined training programs, Strength-Proprioceptive and Cognitive-Balance, improved postural balance performance in single-task and dual-task conditions in children with intellectual disability.
Antiphospholipid syndrome, antiphospholipid antibodies, and stroke
Authors: Mittal Prabal , Quattrocchi Graziella , Tohidi-Esfahani Ibrahim , Sayar Zara , Chandratheva Arvind , Cohen Hannah
Published: December 2022

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a prothrombotic autoimmune disease with heterogeneous clinicopathological manifestations and is a well-established cause of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA), particularly in younger patients. There is growing recognition of a wider spectrum of APS-associated cerebrovascular lesions, including white matter hyperintensities, cortical atrophy, and infarcts, which may have clinically important neurocognitive sequalae. Diagnosis of APS-associated AIS/TIA requires expert review of clinical and laboratory information. Management poses challenges, given the potential for substantial morbidity and recurrent thrombosis, additional risk conferred by conventional cardiovascular risk factors, and limited evidence base regarding optimal antithrombotic therapy for secondary prevention. In this review, we summarize key features of APS-associated cerebrovascular disorders, with focus on clinical and laboratory aspects of diagnostic evaluation. The current status of prognostic markers is considered. We review the evidence base for antithrombotic treatment in APS-associated stroke and discuss uncertainties, including the optimal intensity of anticoagulation and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants. Clinical practice recommendations are provided, covering antithrombotic treatment, supportive management, and options for anticoagulant-refractory cases, and we highlight the benefits of adopting a considered, multidisciplinary team approach.
Postpartum complications following neuraxial anaesthesia for obstetric physicians
Authors: Lawrence Heather , Morton Adam
Published: December 2022

Neuraxial analgesia and anaesthesia are widely accepted and well-tolerated modes of delivery analgesia, being employed in up to 76% of vaginal deliveries and 94% of caesarean deliveries in the United States. 1 A cause of considerable concern for postpartum women, their family and caring health professionals is the occurrence of unexplained postpartum complications, not only for management in the index pregnancy, but the uncertain risk of recurrence in future pregnancies. Complications of neuraxial blocks may impact significantly on the ability of mothers to care for and bond with their newborn. The reported incidence of temporary neurological deficit following obstetric neuraxial blocks is 1 in 3900 procedures, and the risk of permanent neurological harm estimated to be between 1 in 80,000 and 1 in 320,425 procedures. 2 Obstetric physicians may be asked to review women with postpartum complications following neuraxial blocks. This article reviews complications that may be seen following neuraxial blocks for delivery.
Vasculitis
Authors: Haywood Martin
Published: December 2022

Vasculitis broadly refers to inflammation of blood vessel walls. It can affect any size of vessel anywhere in the body and can therefore be associated with a wide variety of clinical conditions and presentations. Some patients may present as an emergency to their GP or to accident and emergency (A&E), others may have symptoms of more insidious onset, and present to primary care with a long history of vague symptoms. Awareness of these presentations and the potentially serious sequelae of many of the underlying differential diagnoses is essential in helping to direct patients to an appropriate secondary care setting for further investigation and prompt treatment.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on acute pancreatitis presentations, management, and in-hospital outcomes: a single-center, retrospective observational study from the northeast of China
Authors: Du Zu-Chao , Zhang Jian , Li Xin-Jian , Zhang Zhan-Tian , Bai Kai-Song , Wang Zi-Min , Xu Yan , Bai Xue-Wei , Sun Bei
Published: December 2022

Background:

Since initially detected in late December 2019, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak rapidly swept the world, which has profoundly affected healthcare system and clinical practice in the management of gastrointestinal diseases.

Objectives:

We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the pattern of hospital admissions and healthcare services for acute pancreatitis (AP).

Design:

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study using the anonymized electronic medical records.

Methods:

This single-center, retrospective observational study from a regional medical center in the northeast of China included all consecutively admitted patients with AP from 23 January to 10 June 2020 (during the COVID-19 outbreak in Harbin), compared with the equivalent period of the previous year, in terms of demographics, clinical characteristics, and in-hospital outcomes.

Results:

In this article, we observed a reduction in AP admissions after the beginning of COVID-19 outbreak. With the prolonged time from symptom onset to hospitalization [32.0 (22.0–72.0) versus 18.0 (12.0–24.0) h; p < 0.001], a higher proportion of AP patients developed acute renal failure (14.0% versus 7.4%, p = 0.004) and acute necrotic collection (16.5% versus 11.2%; p = 0.038) in the COVID-19 era. The percentage of alcohol etiology significantly decreased after the implementation of social restriction measures (11.5% versus 20.4%; p = 0.002), whereas biliary etiology was numerically more common amidst the COVID-19 era (41.6% versus 32.6%; p = 0.014). No significant differences were found in the rates of intensive care unit admission and mortality between the two groups.

Conclusion:

This study preliminarily demonstrated the descending trend and delay in hospital presentations for AP during the outbreak of COVID-19. Given that the pandemic may persist for several years, adjustments of medical services according to the varying degrees of local breakouts are imperative to provide appropriate care for AP patients and diminish the risk of viral transmission.

Registration:

ClincialTrials.gov number ChiCTR2100043350.
Predictive value of vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms for maintenance bevacizumab efficacy in metastatic colorectal cancer: an ancillary study of the PRODIGE 9 phase III trial
Authors: de Rauglaudre Bernadette , Sibertin-Blanc Camille , Fabre Aurélie , Le Malicot Karine , Bennouna Jaafar , Ghiringhelli François , Taïeb Julien , Boige Valérie , Bouché Olivier , Chatellier Thierry , Faroux Roger , François Eric , Jacquot Stéphane , Genet Dominique , Mulot Claire , Olschwang Sylviane , Seitz Jean-François , Aparicio Thomas , Dahan Laetitia
Published: December 2022

Background:

Several studies have reported the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF) pathway genes on the efficacy of bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but results are still inconsistent. The PRODIGE 9 phase III study compared bevacizumab maintenance versus observation alone after induction chemotherapy with FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab.

Objective:

We evaluated the impact of SNPs of VEGF-A, VEGF receptors ( VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2), and hypoxia inducible factor-1α ( HIF-1α) on tumor control duration (TCD), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and duration of first chemotherapy free-intervals (CFI).

Patients and methods:

We included 314/491 patients from PRODIGE 9 with a DNA blood sample available. Nine SNPs were genotyped on germline DNA using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction TaqMan TM (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA , USA 02451).

Results:

In the bevacizumab arm, patients with the VEGFR-1 rs9582036 CC genotype ( n = 14) had significantly longer TCD [22.4 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 14.75-not reached)] than patients with the AA or CA genotype [14.4 months (95% CI: 11.7–17.1)] ( p = 0.036), whereas there was no significant difference in the observation arm. In the bevacizumab arm, no significant difference was found between the CC, and AA or CA genotype for OS [28.2 (95% CI: 18.1–42.8) versus 22.5 (95% CI: 18.6–24.6) months, p = 0.5], PFS [9.4 (95% CI: 7.2–11.3) versus 9.2 (95% CI: 8.71–10.1)], and duration of the first CFI [4.6 (95% CI: 1.6–13.3) versus 4.14 (95% CI: 0.5–29.0) months, p = 0.3].

Conclusion:

Among mCRC patients treated with bevacizumab maintenance, those with the VEGFR-1 rs9582036 CC genotype experienced longer TCD. The presence of this genotype may thus predict a benefit of bevacizumab maintenance in mCRC.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of Oncotype DX from a Brazilian private medicine perspective: a GBECAM multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Oliveira Leandro Jonata Carvalho , Megid Thais Baccili Cury , Rosa Daniela Dornelles , Magliano Carlos Alberto da Silva , Assad Daniele Xavier , Argolo Daniel Fontes , Sanches Solange Moraes , Testa Laura , Bines José , Kaliks Rafael , Caleffi Maira , de Melo Gagliato Debora , Sahade Marina , Barroso-Sousa Romualdo , Corrêa Tatiana Strava , Shimada Andrea Kazumi , Batista Daniel Negrini , Musse Gomes Daniel , Cesca Marcelle Goldner , Gaudêncio Débora , Moura Larissa Matos Almeida , Araújo Julio Antonio Pereira de , Katz Artur , Mano Max Senna
Published: December 2022

Background:

Oncotype DX (ODX) is a validated assay for the prediction of risk of recurrence and benefit of chemotherapy (CT) in both node negative (N0) and 1–3 positive nodes (N1), hormone receptor positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2−) early breast cancer (eBC). Due to limited access to genomic assays in Brazil, treatment decisions remain largely driven by traditional clinicopathologic risk factors. ODX has been reported to be cost-effective in different health system, but limited data are available considering the reality of middle-income countries such as Brazil. We aim to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ODX across strata of clinical risk groups using data from a dataset of patients from Brazilian institutions.

Methods:

Clinicopathologic and ODX information were analyzed for patients with T1–T3, N0–N1, HR+/HER2− eBC who had an ODX performed between 2005 and 2020. Projections of CT indication by clinicopathologic criteria were based on binary clinical risk categorization based on the Adjuvant! Algorithm. The ODX score was correlated with the indication of CT according to TAILORx and RxPONDER data. Two decision-tree models were developed. In the first model, low and high clinical risk patients were included while in the second, only high clinical risk patients were included. The cost for ODX and CT was based on the Brazilian private medicine perspective.

Results:

In all, 645 patients were analyzed; 411 patients (63.7%) had low clinical risk and 234 patients (36.3%) had high clinical risk disease. The ODX indicated low (<11), intermediate (11–25), and high (>25) risk in 119 (18.4%), 415 (64.3%), and 111 (17.2%) patients, respectively. Among 645 patients analyzed in the first model, ODX was effective (5.6% reduction in CT indication) though with an incremental cost of United States Dollar (US$) 2288.87 per patient. Among 234 patients analyzed in the second model (high clinical risk only), ODX led to a 57.7% reduction in CT indication and reduced costs by US$ 4350.66 per patient.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests that ODX is cost-saving for patients with high clinical risk HR+/HER2− eBC and cost-attractive for the overall population in the Brazilian private medicine perspective. Its incorporation into routine practice should be strongly considered by healthcare providers.
Clinically relevant fusion oncogenes: detection and practical implications
Authors: Sorokin Maksim , Rabushko Elizaveta , Rozenberg Julian Markovich , Mohammad Tharaa , Seryakov Aleksander , Sekacheva Marina , Buzdin Anton
Published: December 2022

Mechanistically, chimeric genes result from DNA rearrangements and include parts of preexisting normal genes combined at the genomic junction site. Some rearranged genes encode pathological proteins with altered molecular functions. Those which can aberrantly promote carcinogenesis are called fusion oncogenes. Their formation is not a rare event in human cancers, and many of them were documented in numerous study reports and in specific databases. They may have various molecular peculiarities like increased stability of an oncogenic part, self-activation of tyrosine kinase receptor moiety, and altered transcriptional regulation activities. Currently, tens of low molecular mass inhibitors are approved in cancers as the drugs targeting receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) oncogenic fusion proteins, that is, including ALK, ABL, EGFR, FGFR1-3, NTRK1-3, MET, RET, ROS1 moieties. Therein, the presence of the respective RTK fusion in the cancer genome is the diagnostic biomarker for drug prescription. However, identification of such fusion oncogenes is challenging as the breakpoint may arise in multiple sites within the gene, and the exact fusion partner is generally unknown. There is no gold standard method for RTK fusion detection, and many alternative experimental techniques are employed nowadays to solve this issue. Among them, RNA-seq-based methods offer an advantage of unbiased high-throughput analysis of only transcribed RTK fusion genes, and of simultaneous finding both fusion partners in a single RNA-seq read. Here we focus on current knowledge of biology and clinical aspects of RTK fusion genes, related databases, and laboratory detection methods.
PTSD in the News: Media Framing, Stigma, and Myths About Mental Illness
Authors: Parrott Scott
Published: December 2022

News media are an important source of information about mental health. The present study examined how 16 news organizations in the United States portrayed Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in 880 posts on the social media platform Twitter between 2013 and 2021. Coders examined the frequency with which news organizations employed stigmatizing and counter-stigmatizing frames to communicate news about PTSD. Journalists often stigmatized PTSD, associating the condition with military veterans and violence. Less common, but still present, were frames in which readers received educational information about PTSD or encountered someone affected by PTSD. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Hemichorea as initial presentation of newly diagnosed diabetes and acute lacunar stroke
Authors: Oo Than Zaw , Lim Wan Tin
Published: December 2022

Hemichorea is one of the spectrums of involuntary, continuous, non-purposeful movement of one side of the body, a choreiform disorder. Hemichorea causes vary and include various inherited or acquired systemic conditions. There might be overlapping pathophysiology where the synergistic effects of uncontrolled hyperglycemia and vascular insufficiency cause an incomplete transient dysfunction of the striatum, leading to hemichorea.

We herein describe a patient who presented with hemichorea triggered by hyperglycemia and was incidentally found to have an acute lacunar stroke. She was initiated on insulin with good glycemic control. Secondary stroke prevention therapy with aspirin and statin was also started. Her symptoms improved inpatient after stable glycemic control was achieved. After 3 months, her symptoms had completely resolved. Hemichorea is an unusual initial presentation for newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus or stroke. Hence, recognizing and diagnosing this uncommon disease entity is pertinent to make a timely and accurate diagnosis, which can lead to a rapid clinical response.
Giant teratoma of the pancreas expanding to the mediastinum: Rare tumor and literature review
Authors: Tasis Nikolaos , Prountzopoulou Antonia A. , Skafida Evangelia , Arnaouti Maria , Tsirlis Theodoros , Plastiras Aris , Manatakis Dimitrios K. , Arnogiannaki Niki , Korkolis Dimitrios P.
Published: December 2022

Pancreatic mature cystic teratomas are very rare with limited cases found in the literature. These lesions raise a diagnostic challenge and complicate the surgical approach not only because of their anatomic position but also because of their ever-growing size. An elusive diagnosis, usually leads to the operative theatre where surgical resection takes place. We present a rare case of a large pancreatic cystic teratoma extending into the mediastinum in a 29-year-old woman which was succesfully managed with en-bloc distal pancreatectomy and spleenectomy.
“Truck Lagbe” app powered goods transportation
Authors: Huda Syed SM Sadrul , Akhtar Afsana , Uddin Ishtiak , Raisa Maliha Syeda , Madeha Mowla Syeda
Published: December 2022

This case presents the background, operational modalities, and benefits of this first application (APP) based truck booking service, “Truck Lagbe.” This is an app that has digitally created a marketplace where truck owners or drivers and buyers or truck tenants rent trucks through price negotiations. This case has emphasized its uniqueness and the strategies they used to become successful. All information has been collected through secondary sources. It is a two-sided marketplace; truck owners/drivers and shippers. Fortunately, “Truck Lagbe” has made life much easier for truck drivers/owners or those who hire trucks, enabled coordination, reduced controversy in the whole process from truck hire to payment, and improved efficiency and flexible price through bidding. “Truck Lagbe” offers three categories of services: B2C, business solution, and enterprise solution. B2C or individual customers are those who may have rented a truck for once to shift their home or to carry small items or goods, usually for one time. The business solution category is where the pickup location will be the same, but the delivery location may be different, or the pickup location is the same, but delivery in different regions. Finally, an enterprise solution is a solution where a fixed account manager offers a variety of advice to the particular business owner, such as VAT, AIT and Tax, and a minimum of 10 business purpose truck rental agreements be fixed. In short, “Truck Lagbe” is a platform where “a single click will move anything.”
Clozapine for treatment resistance in early psychosis: a survey of UK clinicians’ training, knowledge and confidence
Authors: Oloyede Ebenezer , Mantell Bethany , Williams Julie , Lai Serena , Jauhar Sameer , Taylor David , MacCabe James H. , Harland Robert , McGuire Philip , Blackman Graham
Published: December 2022

Background:

Clozapine is the only medication licenced for patients with psychosis that is resistant to conventional antipsychotic treatment. However, despite its effectiveness, it remains widely underutilised. One contributory factor for this may be clinicians’ lack of confidence around the management of clozapine.

Objective:

We conducted a survey of clinicians working in Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services to determine their training needs for clozapine management in EIP services.

Methods:

An electronic survey was made available to all clinicians working in EIP services in England. The survey assessed confidence and training needs regarding managing clozapine in patients with treatment-resistant psychosis. Quantitative data were analysed using total mean scores and the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results:

In all, 192 (27%) of approximately 700 clinicians from 35 EIP services completed the survey. Approximately half (54%) had not received training on treatment with clozapine. Experience of training was higher in prescribers than non-prescribers, and among medical than non-medical clinicians. Previous training was associated with significantly higher confidence in offering clozapine and managing treatment-resistant psychosis ( p < 0.001). Confidence levels with managing treatment-resistant psychosis and clozapine were relatively high (mean = 4 out of 5, SD = 1). Respondents were most confident about monitoring mental health response to treatment (mean = 5, SD = 1). Participants were least confident about how to discontinue clozapine treatment safely (mean = 3, SD = 1).

Conclusion:

Most clinicians working in EIP have not received training on the use of clozapine. This may account, in part, for the underutilisation of clozapine in EIP services. The provision of training in the identification of treatment-resistant psychosis and the use of clozapine will likely improve the detection and management of treatment resistance in the early phase of psychosis.
Traditional Secularism v. Modern Secularism A Word on the Nature of Fiqh and the Related Constitutional System
Authors: Rasekh Mohammad
Published: December 2022

This research attempts to put forward an argument against the claim that the current legal/political system of Iran is undergoing a re-secularization process. It is argued, by focusing on concepts of the secular and the sacred/religious, that the system was never de-secularized by the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The reason derives from the facts that the main allegedly religious content of the new system is per se a secular entity, and that the existing constitutional structure is overwhelmingly secular. The content overwhelmingly originates in fiqh which is argued to be a secular entity, i.e., an amoral one, as it accommodates immorality. It is then claimed that what occurred by the Revolution was indeed the triumph of a traditional secularism over an exogenous modern secular establishment. Therefore, since the early months of the new regime a process of re-modernization, an endogenous one, has gradually taken form.
Called to God: Event, Narration and Subject Formation in the Vocation of a Catholic Nun
Authors: Antony Anu K , Robinson Rowena
Published: December 2022

The literature emphasizes institutional formation in the process of a young woman becoming a nun or sees her motivations as stemming from expectations of social and economic mobility. This article focuses on the nun’s call as event ( Badiou 2001 ; Humphrey 2008 ), revealing its truth to the subject and reconstituting her by her fidelity to it. However, its validation and realization are only accomplished within the structured formation and discipline of congregational life. Through an ethnographic analysis of the lives of nuns in two indigenous Catholic convents in Kerala, South India, the article shows that they often have to struggle against their families to embrace their call. The congregation endorses the authenticity of a young woman’s call while requiring its constant reexamination through prayer and meditation. Thus, a nun’s call is encoded in formulaic structures through institutional formation, but its sensory and imaginary experiences are uniquely hers. Analytically distinguishing the calling event from the narrated event, the article integrates a Foucauldian understanding of disciplinary practices with Alain Badiou’s idea of the singular event for a grounded ethnographic grasp of the subject formation of a nun within her calling.
Politics of Constructing Islam in the Everyday Lives of Young Bangladeshis: Asserting Majoritarian Islam, and the “Good / Bad Muslim” Narrative
Authors: Hasan Mubashar , Bose Srinjoy
Published: December 2022

This research paper examines how Bangladeshi youth perceive the role of Islam in their everyday lives and how this, in turn, informs broader political participation and radicalism. The emphasis is on unpacking the politics of meaning-making of Islam at the informal and individual levels eschewing a “high politics” approach that constitutes formal institutions and structures. Drawing on field-data collected in 2017 and 2018, this paper offers insights on the politics of faith in the everyday lives of ordinary Bangladeshi youths whose individual socio-political actions are inspired by their perception of what Islam is but not devoid from the influence of structures of high politics that constantly shapes and reshapes these individuals’ perception of Islam. The findings indicate that divisions exist among young Bangladeshis about what Islam constitutes and means. Specifically, it was observed that an emerging trend is to advance the idea of Islam as a majoritarian religion through signs, symbols, and the politics of space. Within this context, narratives of “good Muslim” and “bad Muslim” manifest and contribute into justifications for radicalisation and even terror activities.
Clinical outcome and associated factors of respiratory distress syndrome among preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Adama Hospital and Medical College
Authors: Bacha Lensa Tamiru , Hailu Wase Benti , Tesfaye Geta Edosa
Published: December 2022

Objective:

Aim of the study was to assess the clinical outcome and associated factors of respiratory distress syndrome among preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Adama Hospital and Medical College.

Methods:

Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted using 242 randomly selected medical records of preterm neonates admitted to Adama comprehensive specialized hospital. Clinical outcome was categorized as poor if the neonate died or left against advice and good if discharged after improvement. Data were coded, entered into Epidata v.7.4.2 and exported to SPSS v.27 for analysis. After initial bi-variable logistic regression analysis, predictor variables with p-value of <0.2 were included in multivariable analysis. Significant association of factors with clinical outcome was claimed at p-value <0.05 and calculated 95% adjusted odds ratio.

Results:

Majority of admissions were male (63.2%), mean birth weight of 1440.3 g (+321.2 SD) and sepsis (82%), hypothermia (73%), and apnea (21.5%) were leading comorbidities. One hundred fifty-two (62.8%) of preterm neonates had poor outcomes. Neonates born singleton were 47% less likely to develop poor clinical outcomes (adjusted odds ratio 0.53 (0.48–0.94). The odds of poor clinical outcomes were higher during the first 3 days of admission (adjusted odds ratio 3.83 (3.28–14.77). Extremely preterm neonates (adjusted odds ratio 4.16 (4.01–12.97), extremely low birth weight preterm neonates had higher odds of poor clinical outcome.

Conclusion:

The study found higher poor clinical outcome among preterm neonates admitted with respiratory distress syndrome. Poor outcome was higher in lower gestational age, lower birth weight, twins and majority of it happened during 3 days of their life. Effective preventive care and initiation of low-cost, life-saving interventions including heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula and surfactant administration could significantly improve the clinical outcome of the neonates.
Verification, analytical validation and clinical validation (V3) of wearable dosimeters and light loggers
Authors: Spitschan Manuel , Smolders Karin , Vandendriessche Benjamin , Bent Brinnae , Bakker Jessie P , Rodriguez-Chavez Isaac R , Vetter Céline
Published: December 2022

Background

Light exposure is an important driver and modulator of human physiology, behavior and overall health, including the biological clock, sleep-wake cycles, mood and alertness. Light can also be used as a directed intervention, e.g., in the form of light therapy in seasonal affective disorder (SAD), jetlag prevention and treatment, or to treat circadian disorders. Recently, a system of quantities and units related to the physiological effects of light was standardized by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE S 026/E:2018). At the same time, biometric monitoring technologies (BioMeTs) to capture personalized light exposure were developed. However, because there are currently no standard approaches to evaluate the digital dosimeters, the need to provide a firm framework for the characterization, calibration, and reporting for these digital sensors is urgent.

Objective

This article provides such a framework by applying the principles of verification, analytic validation and clinical validation (V3) as a state-of-the-art approach for tools and standards in digital medicine to light dosimetry.

Results

This article describes opportunities for the use of digital dosimeters for basic research, for monitoring light exposure, and for measuring adherence in both clinical and non-clinical populations to light-based interventions in clinical trials.
Advancing digital patient-centered measurement methods for team-based care
Authors: Antonio Marcy G , Davis Selena , Smith Mindy , Burgener Paul , Price Morgan , Lavallee Danielle C , Fletcher Sarah , Lau Francis
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To conceptualize new methods for integrating patient-centered measurement into team-based care.

Methods

A standalone portal was introduced into a rural clinic to support conceptualization of new methods for integration of patient-centered measurement in team-based care. The portal housed mental health-related online resources, three patient-reported measures and a self-action plan. Six providers and four patients used the portal for four months. Our data collection techniques included clinic discussions, one-on-one interviews, workflow diagrams and data generated through the portal. Analysis was supported through coding interview transcripts, looking across multiple sources of research data and research team discussions.

Results

Our research team conceptualized five team-based patient-centered measurement methods through this study. Patient-centered measurement Team Mapping offfers a technique to provide greater clarity of care-team roles and responsibilities in data collected through patient-centered measurement. Longitudinal Care Alignment can guide the care-team on incorporating patient-centered measurement into ongoing provider–patient interactions. Digital Tool Exploration can be used to evaluate a team's readiness toward digital tool adoption, and the impact of these tools. Team-based quality improvement serves as a framework for engaging teams in patient-centered quality improvement. Shared learning is a method that promotes patientprovider interactions that validate patient's perspectives of their care.

Conclusion

The portal illuminated new methods for the integration of patient-centered measurement in team-based care. The first three proposed patient-centered measurement methods provides ways to assess how a clinic can incorporate patient-centered measurement methods into team-based care. The latter two methods focus on the aim of patient-generated data in which patient's values and perspectives are represented and quality of patient-centered care can be evaluated. Further testing is needed to assess the utility of these patient-centered measurement methods across different clinical settings and domains.
Implementation of a mobile application for outpatient care after liver transplantation
Authors: Andrä Michaela , Sibinovic Milan , Pfeiffer Karl , Kniepeiss Daniela
Published: December 2022

Background

In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing new therapeutic tools like mobile health applications might gain in importance for outpatient care. Objective of the present study was to assess if and to what extent the implementation of a free available transplant application in a cohort of liver transplant recipients was possible.

Methods

Patients of the aftercare program at the Department of Transplant Surgery Graz in June 2016 were first asked to complete a survey concerning knowledge about mobile health and their management of everyday life. After using the application for 2 months a second survey evaluated whether the implementation of the application in the daily routine was achievable.

Results

Among 135 patients, 124 (91.9%) agreed to participate. Seventy-one (57.3%) owned a mobile device with which they could use the application, 42 patients (33.8%) decided to try it out for 2 months. The majority stated that the application supported them for therapy management and surveillance of vital parameters. Successful implementation of the application has been reached in 57.1% of patients after 2 months testing period.

Conclusion

The technical prerequisites are only partially met and should be improved. Older patients need extensive support and motivation.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Learning and Training of Law Enforcers: A Case for Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia
Authors: Mansoor Mazlifah , Dian Azni Mond , Omar Habibah , Mansor Syazlin
Published: December 2022

In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, online distance learning is an essential part of ongoing education for law enforcement officers all over the country. However, limited research has been done on using learning management systems by law enforcement agencies for professional development. This study aims to determine how law enforcement officers perceive and respond to distance learning as a tool for professional development. They may have adopted distance learning technology without determining its effectiveness in training or education. This study examines the characteristics, benefits and drawbacks of open distance learning (ODL), as well as the difficulties in its application to the legal training of fire services officers (FS officers) in the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia. The study utilized a focus group consisting of 15 FS officers. Quantitative and qualitative data are combined using the mixed-methods research design. The findings indicate that FS officers encountered various obstacles when applying to and completing training programmes via online ODL, which included practical legal training. The primary hurdles identified are adaptability, technical knowledge, computer literacy, communication, distraction issues and time management. However, the study found that law enforcement officers perceive and respond well to distance learning as a tool for professional development. The instructional material design stimulates active learning by the trainees so they can track their progress during the training, contributing to this result.
Perceptions of Postpartum Mothers of Their Experiences as a Patient During COVID-19 Crisis: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Jacob Ani , Thomas Tesi , Antretter Jessica
Published: December 2022

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to drastic changes in in-hospital healthcare delivery causing major policy and protocol changes regarding labor and delivery and postpartum care of maternity patients. We strove to describe and understand the perceptions of laboring and postpartum mothers’ care received through interviews in a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a phenomenological study design, we interviewed 13 postpartum mothers. Five major themes and 10 subthemes were extracted. Major themes, both positive and negative, included genuine concern of caregivers, adverse breastfeeding experiences, feeling of being left alone, loss of expectations, and uncertainty. Primipara women had a major impact on their psychological well-being and breastfeeding experiences. Isolation and feelings of left alone adversely affect postpartum mothers’ coping, newborn care, bonding, meeting basic needs of sleep and hygiene, breastfeeding experiences, and potential postpartum recovery and psychosocial well-being including fear of future pregnancies. Therefore, “partner presence” throughout the labor and delivery and postpartum period should be a “call to action” for the nurses, especially with first-time mothers.
Relationships of Nurses with Midwives in Their Working Area and Associated Factors at Jimma Medical Center, Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Andualem Eneyew Melkamu , Beyene Desalew Tilahun , Jemaneh Tsiyon Mekoya , Abose Diriba Wakjira
Published: December 2022

Background

Good relationships among healthcare professionals in general and nurses and midwives, in particular, are vital in creating a smooth working environment and producing the best services from these two backbones of healthcare. Unfortunately, no studies have been conducted in Ethiopia that assesses the relationship between nurses and midwives in health facilities and the possible associated factors. Thus, this study aimed to assess the relationship between nurses and midwives in their working areas and factors associated with their relationships.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 358 nurses at Jimma medical center, Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia. The sample size was calculated using a single-population proportion formula, and a simple random sampling technique was used to select individual study participants. Data were collected using a semistructured self-administered questionnaire prepared in the local language. Data were entered into epi-data version 4.2, and the analysis was conducted using the statistical packages for social sciences version 23. The level of significance was declared at a p-value less than .05 in the final multivariable logistic regression model. The results are presented in a figure, tables, frequencies and percentages, and narratives.

Results

This study indicated that 284 (79.60%) nurses had good relationships with midwives in their work area, and the remaining 74 (20.40%) had poor relationships. The rules and regulations of the hospital ( p = .009, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.478, confidence interval [CI]: (0.274, 0.833)) and years of experience ( p = .039, AOR = 8.391, CI: (1.120, 9.845)) were found to have statistically significant associations with relationships between nurses and midwives.

Conclusion

It could be concluded that there is a relatively good relationship between nurses and midwives at Jimma medical center. Although there is a good relationship, it is vital to make nurses aware of the importance of good relationships. Enabling hospital rules and regulations to be helpful in fostering relationships between nurses and midwives and working with nurses with few years of experience to develop good relationships with midwives is recommended.
Abstraction, belonging and comfort in the prison classroom
Authors: Little Ross , Warr Jason
Published: December 2022

Prison education, at the institutional and policy level, is too often about the use value of qualifications, rather than the exchange value inherent in the experience of learning. This article explores how abstract discussion can be used to resolve this problem by facilitating the production and exchange of pedagogical capital in a prison classroom. The development of pedagogical capital, a form of symbolic capital related to learning, enhanced the sense of belonging and comfort experienced by students. The classroom comprised learners from university and prison, participating in informal discussion emanating from abstract questions. Based on interviews with, and feedback and reflections from, students participating in an eight-week course located in a higher security Category B training prison in the midlands of England (‘HMP Lifer’), we discuss how pedagogical capital was produced and maintained. Firstly, it supported teachers to create a trustworthy learning space to discuss abstracted concepts and challenge each other – at an appropriate construal distance – without the discussion becoming too emotionally charged or exposing potential vulnerabilities. Secondly, it enabled students to use their own historical knowledge and experiences (narratives), creating a more equitable contributory space and reducing the risk of judgement. Thirdly, these elements combined to facilitate an iterative process of dialogical investment and exchange. The findings strongly suggest that the pedagogical approach was crucially important in creating a safe, trustworthy, equitable learning space in which students felt sufficiently at ease to exchange their thoughts and ideas as part of group discussion. We conclude that this pedagogical approach has wider implications for enhancing student resources, and fostering a sense of belonging in other, non-penal contexts, including higher education institutions.
Digital ecologies: Materialities, encounters, governance
Authors: Turnbull Jonathon , Searle Adam , Hartman Davies Oscar , Dodsworth Jennifer , Chasseray-Peraldi Pauline , von Essen Erica , Anderson-Elliott Henry
Published: December 2022

Digital technologies increasingly mediate relations between humans and nonhumans in a range of contexts including environmental governance, surveillance, and entertainment. Combining approaches from more-than-human and digital geographies, we proffer ‘digital ecologies’ as an analytical framework for examining digitally-mediated human–nonhuman entanglement. We identify entanglement as a compelling basis from which to articulate and critique digitally-mediated relations in diverse situated contexts. Three questions guide this approach: What digital technologies and infrastructures give rise to digital entanglement, and with what material consequences? What is at stake socially, politically, and economically when encounters with nonhumans are digitised? And how are digital technologies enrolled in programmes of environmental governance? We develop our digital ecologies framework across three core conceptual themes of wider interest to environmental geographers: (i) materialities, considering the infrastructures which enable digitally-mediated more-than-human connections and their socioenvironmental impacts; (ii) encounters, examining the political economic consequences and convivial potentials of digitising contact zones; (iii) governance, questioning how digital technologies produce novel forms of more-than-human governance. We affirm that digital mediations of more-than-human worlds can potentially cultivate environmentally progressive communities, convivial human–nonhuman encounters, and just forms of environmental governance, and as such note the urgency of these conversations.
Organizational Commitment of Sonographers in the US Mid-Atlantic Region
Authors: Demars Yonella , Legg Jeffrey S. , Steidle Ernie F. , Cohen Timmerie F. , Reid Christine A. , Tilson Elwin R. , Adams Robert
Published: December 2022

Objective:

The objective of this study was to quantify the organizational commitment of sonographers and determine factors influencing their connection or bond with their employer.

Materials and Methods:

One thousand nationally credentialed sonographers and vascular technologists in the mid-Atlantic region were surveyed using a systematic sampling model. Measurement tools included the Affective, Continuance, and Normative Commitment Scales. Descriptive and inferential statistics based on stepwise regression were used to define organizational commitment levels and the impact of sociodemographic characteristics on organizational commitment.

Results:

Of the 1000 surveys mailed, 110 usable surveys were returned (11% response rate). Affective, continuance, and normative commitment scores were 4.30, 4.62, and 3.46 out of 7, respectively. Results showed living in Pennsylvania, years at current organization, being a registered cardiac sonographer, and being unmarried had a statistically significant impact upon the variance in sonographers’ organizational commitment scores.

Conclusion:

Sonographers indicated feeling little obligation to remain with the employer but may do so because of the perceived costs of leaving. As a result, sonographers’ performance, work behavior, and attendance may be affected negatively. Factors such as locale, marital status, work tenure, and registration as a cardiac sonographer impact sonographers’ organizational commitment.