bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fragile Political Coalitions: Negotiating Race and Class in the Opt-Out Movement
Authors: Wilson Terri S. , Contreras Ana , Hastings Matthew
Published: November 2021

Background/Context

Recent movements to “opt out” of state assessments have brought together a broad and diverse group of activists. While many activists foreground concerns of equity and justice, opting out has been concentrated in affluent suburban communities. These differences highlight questions of power and privilege within the movement: in what ways is opting out more acceptable—and politically persuasive—because it has primarily been driven by affluent white communities? How has the opt-out movement incorporated—or elided—the voices, interests, and perspectives of communities of color?

Purpose/Objective/Research Question/Focus of Study

To explore these questions, this study focuses on how opt-out activists describe the aims of their movement and how they negotiated tensions related to race, power, and privilege in education activism. How might we understand the potential coalitions and fault lines within the diverse opt-out movement?

Research Design

Drawing on the insights of critical discourse analysis (CDA), we analyze presentations and interactions from a national conference on opting out held in 2016. We focus on publicly accessible video recordings of major sessions (keynotes and panels) to describe how activists describe the aims, strategies, and potential compromises of the opt-out movement. We also draw on several secondary sources of data (social media, webinars, blog posts, and other publications from opt-out leaders) to add context to our analysis.

Data Collection and Analysis

We use concepts in social movement theory, including movement identity and “splintering,” to frame some emerging fissures among opt-out activists, particularly across lines of class, race, and power. We organize our findings into three interrelated themes, describing how activists framed and negotiated the aims of opting out, often across lines of race and class, and worked to build solidarity amid moments of dissent.

Conclusions/Recommendations

While politically successful in some respects, the anti-testing coalition remains fragile and divided, leaving its goals for equity-oriented reform uncertain. Certain longstanding issues (the inclusion of communities of color) and particular policy decisions (collaborating with local union and civil rights chapters) have contributed to fractures in the movement. However, activists may capitalize on dissent to expand the boundaries of their movement and build more diverse and expansive networks.
Chapter 9: Writing as Capital: The Emancipatory Act of Writing for Profit, Advocacy, and Charity
Authors: Fitzpatrick Erin , Schrodt Katie , Kissel Brian , Gilbert Suze
Published: November 2021

Context

Writing is an agentive act. Despite drastic improvements over the past few decades in writing instruction and the push for sharing with authentic audiences, the majority of writing students do is still for the teacher. These practices are at odds with those who advocate for classrooms that are culturally relevant, culturally responsive, and culturally sustaining. When students write for the sole purpose of “doing school,” they are denied opportunities to use their writing voices to write about, for, and within their communities. Writing is used to empower—to pose problems and solve them. The distribution of that writing is equally important. Publication matters. It is in the distribution and response to writing that one can experience the power of written words to impact one's world.

Purpose

In this chapter, we outline authentic purposes for writing centered on culturally relevant, responsive, agentive, and sustaining pedagogies. We describe the writer's workshop, an instructional structure in which to embed these pedagogies. The writer's workshop is the setting in which these students were situated to write purposefully. We take the reader into three classrooms using descriptive vignettes. The three classroom vignettes presented frame emancipatory writing for (a) personal profit to reinforce the value—monetary and social—of using one's intellectual skills and written words for personal gain; (b) advocacy—through fostering critical consciousness that explores equitable and just familial structures and relationships and monetizing written words to directly impact a family through adoption; and (c) charity—through a service-learning project in which students used writing to influence others to financially support a charity that helps people who have been impacted by oppression in the forms of kidnapping, trafficking, and modern-day slavery.

Research Design

This is a narrative accounting of three teachers’ experience implementing this practice in their own classrooms.

Conclusions

In all three instances, children were agents who wrote for monetary motivation— seeking and acquiring capital for themselves, for others, or to effect desired social change. Moreover, the outcomes were achieved by students who used their skills and worked within their capacities to meaningfully effect change. Suggestions for implementation and generalization are offered.
Common Places: Sharing Spaces in Early Modern ‘Ordinary’ Houses
Authors: Canepari Eleonora
Published: November 2021

The debate on common spaces inside buildings is linked to twentieth-century forms of popular housing, often devoid of places and opportunities to share a space which is conceived as fragmented and not collective. In recent years, an interest in the appropriation of urban space from the bottom up and the unanimous recognition of the need for places to meet within (or annexed to) buildings, have led to the definition of these ‘intermediate spaces’ as an essential part of living together. Compared to these common spaces, early modern houses pose an essential question: how was proximity within buildings structured, prior to the birth of intimacy? The well-known different perception of promiscuity, in fact, allowed a different structuring of collective housing and a physical proximity that coexisted with the strong social distance sanctioned by inequality by birth. To answer this question, the article examines the types of intermediate spaces, called loci comuni – stairs, landings, passages and courtyards – rather well-known in noble residences, much less in the houses of the popular classes. Through sources such as the fund of the Presidenza delle strade, inventories, land registers, notarial deeds of sale of houses and experts’ estimations, the article will investigate the uses of these spaces made by their inhabitants.
Managing Prisons Through Extended Solitary Confinement: A Necessary Approach or a Signal of Prison System Failure?
Authors: Mears Daniel P. , Aranda-Hughes Vivian , Pesta George B.
Published: November 2021

In contemporary American corrections, extended solitary confinement (ESM) as a management tool has emerged as a strategy for avowedly controlling the most violent individuals and, in so doing, creating a safer prison system. We theorize that the emergence of this unique form of housing may also be viewed as a signal of prison system failure. To advance this argument, we identify how different theoretical perspectives can be used to anticipate the effects of ESM on prison system violence and order and then investigate the plausibility of this account by grounding it in analysis of qualitative data from a study of one state’s prison system. The analysis suggests theoretical and empirical warrant for both views of ESM—as an effective tool and as a symptom of system failure. Implications of the study research and policy are discussed.
Outcomes of Critically Ill Lung Cancer Patients Initiating Targeted Therapy or Immunotherapy in the Intensive Care Unit: A Single-Center Report
Authors: Lazar Neto Felippe , Sousa Luana G. , Lewis Whitney E. , Glisson Bonnie , Heymach John V. , Tsao Anne S. , Ferrarotto Renata
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have drastically improved outcomes of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in outpatient settings. Because trials on critically ill patients are improbable, little is known about their efficacy among patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes of critically-ill NSCLC patients receiving either ICI or targeted therapy during ICU admission at the MD Anderson Cancer Center from April 2016 to August 2020. We collected data on ICU admission diagnoses, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), previous cancer therapies, tumor gene mutations or translocations, and PD-L1 expression. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from the date of drug initiation using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Of 9898 ICU admissions, 9 patients with metastatic NSCLC who received either targeted therapy (5) or PD-1 ICI (4) during ICU admission were included. The most common reasons for ICU admissions were tumor visceral crisis (3/9) and sepsis (3/9). The median (range) admission SOFA was 4 (2-11). Six patients were naïve to systemic therapy. Five patients required mechanical ventilation. The median OS was 77 days (95%CI, 36-NA), and 5 patients were discharged alive (all received targeted therapy). The median OS of patients who received ICI was 25.5 days (95%CI, 8-NA) and for those who received targeted therapy was 218 days (95%CI, 77-NA). At 6 and 12 months follow-up, 3 and 2 patients who received targeted therapy were still alive, respectively. Conclusions: Our exploratory findings indicate a possible benefit of targeted therapy but suggest a lack of clinical utility of PD-1 ICI for critically ill metastatic NSCLC patients. Because of the small sample size, further studies are needed to expand on this topic.
Mediation of the Relationship of Acculturation With Glycemic Control in Asian Americans With Diabetes
Authors: Sanjeevi Namrata
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To assess the role of physical activity and healthcare access in mediating the association of acculturation with cardiometabolic health in Asian American adults with diabetes.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018.

Subjects

Non-pregnant Asian American adults with doctor diagnosed diabetes.

Measures

Participants were classified into low, moderate, and high acculturation status. Self-reported leisure-time, work, and transportation-based physical activity were summed for overall physical activity. Health insurance, frequency of healthcare receipt, and glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) check in the past year indicated healthcare access. Cardiometabolic health indicators included HbA1c, total and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Analysis

Linear and logistic regression estimates, standardized using y-standardization, and assessed mediation of acculturation with cardiometabolic health.

Results

Low acculturation was significantly related to greater leisure-time inactivity odds [OR (95% CI) = 2.25 (1.05, 4.82)], overall insufficient activity [OR (95% CI) = 2.30 (1.12, 4.74)], and uninsured status [OR (95% CI) = 5.62 (1.55, 20.41)]. Asian Americans with low acculturation had significantly higher log HbA1c than those with high acculturation ( β ± SE = .078 ± .038); however, this association was not significant after adjusting for leisure-time activity. Leisure-time activity mediated 48.9% of acculturation and HbA1c association, and the indirect effect was statistically significant [estimate (95% CI) = .021 (.002, 0.047)].

Conclusions

Results suggest that promoting sufficient leisure-time activity could improve glycemic control in least acculturated Asian Americans with diabetes.
A Qualitative Examination of COVID-19’s Impacts on Physical Activity and Perceptions of Remote Delivery Interventions
Authors: Brannon Grace Ellen , Mitchell Sophia , Ray Madison A. , Bhai Salman , Beg Muhammad Shaalan , Basen-Engquist Karen M. , Liao Yue
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic is correlated with decreased physical activity (PA). Transitioning to remote work may impact people’s acceptability and preferences for remotely delivered behavioral interventions, including PA. The objective was to examine perceptions of COVID-19 impacts on PA engagement and motivation, and perspectives related to remotely delivered PA interventions.

Design

Cross-sectional small-group interview.

Setting

Harris County, Texas. Participants: Insufficiently active, overweight/obese adults (16 healthy adults [aged 25–52 years], and 7 cancer survivors [aged 50–74 years]).

Method

Group discussion was guided by semi-structured questions. Audio-transcribed data (278 pages) was analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s process centering identification, analysis, organization, description, and reports.

Results

Overall, participants expressed a decreased level of PA due to the pandemic. Difficulties (e.g., care-taking activities, working from home, and safety concerns) negatively affected motivation. Participants indicated high acceptability of remotely delivered PA interventions, with advantages of virtual technology features (e.g., did not have to maintain a gym membership) and even accountability in maintaining a PA routine (e.g., using virtual groups to engage in community support).

Conclusion

Participants described COVID-19 negatively affects access to PA opportunities yet also expressed willingness to engage in remotely delivered PA interventions instead of in-person programs because of their COVID-19 experiences. Remote interventions can greatly increase accessibility and offer opportunities to provide personalized motivation and accountability that people need to be more physically active.
Research on machining parameter optimization in finishing milling with multiple constraints
Authors: Zhang Xing , Zhao Zhao , Guo Zhuocheng , Zhao Wanhua
Published: November 2021

High efficiency and high precision milling, as the eternal goal of CNC machining, needs to balance many constraints for selecting the most reasonable processing parameters. This paper presents an efficient machining parameter optimization method for finishing milling operation with multiple constraints. Firstly, under the multiple constraints of parameter feasible region, milling force, milling stability, roughness, and machining contour accuracy, a multi-variable parameter optimization model with machining efficiency as the objective is established. A four level cycle optimization strategy has been detailly described for solving the optimization problem, in which the feed per tooth is optimized by using the golden section method, and with the aid of the random vector search method, the spindle speed, radial, and axial depth cuts are both numerically iterated. The optimal machining parameter combination of the tooth number, feed per tooth, spindle speed, radial, and axial depth of cuts are achieved at last. Finally, the experimental verification results show that the proposed method can greatly improve the machining efficiency under chatter free condition and achieve an efficient finishing milling with consideration of the multiple constraints.
Crushed bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive patient with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Roa Pia-Allison E , Bazzi Rima
Published: November 2021

We present the case of a 78-year-old African American man with a history of human immunodeficiency virus diagnosed in 2007 who was newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube was placed during the initial inpatient visit of pancreatic cancer diagnosis due to persistent dysphagia. Due to PEG placement and the patient’s wish to continue his previous antiretroviral therapy, the patient crushed his fixed-dose bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide under the direction of a physician and has maintained virologic suppression.
Looking for a North Star? Ideological justifications and trade unions’ preferences for a universal basic income
Authors: Cigna Luca Michele
Published: November 2021

Trade unions are often said to be hostile to a universal basic income (UBI). Their judgement may be affected by factors such as their work ethic, perceptions of the unemployed and preferences for labour decommodification. Yet, most studies fail to sketch out the reasons for which unions oppose or support a UBI from a normative standpoint. To understand the impact of ideology on unions’ appreciation for a UBI, I integrate results from 62 questionnaires with 27 in-depth qualitative interviews. This study illustrates that unions’ preferences for a UBI are associated with their theoretical understanding of labour, diverging substantially across welfare regimes. Whereas unions from Bismarckian and Nordic countries are generally opposed to a UBI, organizations from Liberal and Mediterranean countries tend to see UBI as a legitimate policy option. However, in some circumstances they set aside the policy for pragmatic reasons, thus disconnecting their normative orientations from perceptions of its concrete viability.
Care and Rearing of Institutionalized Girls in Arequipa, Peru: An Ethnographic Approach
Authors: Sánchez-Luque Berta , Martínez-Angulo Pablo , Cantón-Habas Vanesa , Ventura-Puertos Pedro E.
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

Institutional care for children is a global phenomenon. Despite its advantages, common threats have been described. In Peru, more than 70% of institutionalized children/adolescents have living parents who cannot take care of them. The study aims to understand the care/rearing of institutionalized girls in Arequipa, Peru.

Methodology:

Ethnographic design, with a sample integrated by 27 institutionalized girls. Data collected based on participant observation and semi-structured interviews. The analysis followed the Method of Constant Comparisons.

Results:

Five main themes were found: (a) The little house (foster home) is better than my house; (b) They take care of me—even when I am sick—; (c) But . . .; (d) What I have lived is what I am; (e) Happiness fits in this little house.

Discussion:

An ethnography of care/rearing practices could be helpful for a better understanding of the dimensions of the life of institutionalized girls living in developing countries.
Next Generation Sequencing and Cytogenetic Based Evaluation of Indian Pierre Robin Sequence Families Reveals CNV Regions of Modest Effect and a NovelLOXL3Mutation
Authors: Sood Anubhuti , Shamim Uzma , Kharbanda Om P. , Kabra Madhulika , Gupta Neerja , Mathur Aradhana , Joshi Aditi , Parveen Shaista , Zahra Sana , Sharma Pooja , Seth Malika , Khan Afreen , Faruq Mohammed , Mishra Deepika
Published: November 2021

Background

Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS) affects approximately 1 per 8500 to 14000 new-borns worldwide. Although the clinical entity is well deﬁned, the pathogenesis of PRS is debated. The present study aims to understand the contribution of genomic imbalances and genetic variants in patients clinically diagnosed of PRS.

Methodology

A total of 7 independent patients with nonsyndromic PRS thoroughly evaluated by a medical geneticist at a tertiary care hospital, were included in the study. Blood samples were collected from these patients and their family members. Array CGH was performed on all 7 patients and their respective family members for detection of underlying cytogenetic defects. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for 5 families to capture single nucleotide variants or small indels.

Results

Cytogenetic analyses did not detect any previously reported gross chromosomal aberrations for PRS in the patient cohort. However, copy number variations (CNVs) of size <1 Mb were detected in patients which may have implications in PRS. The present study provided evidence for the occurrence of de novo deletions at 7p14.1 locus in PRS patients: further validating the candidate loci susceptibility in oral clefts. WES data identified LOXL3 as candidate gene, carrying novel deleterious variant, which is suggestive of the role of point mutations in the pathogenesis of PRS.

Conclusion

The present study offered considerable insight into the contribution of cytogenetic defects and novel point mutation in the etiology of nonsyndromic PRS. Studies comprising large number of cases are required to fully elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying the PRS phenotype.
Evaluating the Effect of Low Power Diode Laser 806 nm on the Healing of Unilateral Cleft Lip Scar: An Open-Label Comparative Study
Authors: Abdul Mohsen Mariam , El Husseiny Saafan Ali Mohamed , El-Basiouny Mahmoud S. , ElTagy Gamal Hassan , ElBarbary Mennat-Allah Magdy , Ragab Moutaz , Emara Dawlat
Published: November 2021

Objective

To investigate the effect of laser bio-modulation irradiation therapy on the scar after surgical correction of unilateral cleft lip.

Design

a comparative, open-label study.

Setting

we conducted the study in a university based tertiary hospital that recruited early wound healers of unilateral cleft lip correction.

Patients

Eighty patients were divided into two groups: In study's group, patients undergo laser bio-modulation irradiation (n = 60); in the control group, patients were followed-up without intervention (n = 20).

Intervention

In the study's group, patients underwent low-power diode Laser with wavelength of 806 nm and power of 100 mw.

Main outcome

The change in the scar of cleft lip patients, which was assessed by clinical examination and ultrasound.

Results

The median pigmentation score was significantly lower in the laser group (median = 1; IQR = 1–2) than the control group (median 2; IQR 1–3), with p-value of <0.001. Likewise, the median height score was significantly lower in the laser group (median = 1; IQR = 1–1) than the control group (median 1.5; IQR 1.5–2), with p-value of 0.001. The median pliability score was significantly lower in the laser group (median = 1; IQR = 1–1) than the control group (median 2.5; IQR 1–3), with p-value of <0.001. Finally, the median vascularity score was significantly lower in the laser group (median = 1; IQR = 1–1) than the control group (median 1.5; IQR 1–2), with p-value of <0.001.

Conclusion

laser bio-modulation irradiation therapy demonstrates a potential efficacy in managing the hypertrophic scars after surgical repair of unilateral cleft lip.
“Validation of Artificial Intelligence Severity Assessment in Metopic Craniosynostosis”
Authors: Junn Alexandra , Dinis Jacob , Hauc Sacha C. , Bruce Madeleine K. , Park Kitae E. , Tao Wenzheng , Christensen Cameron , Whitaker Ross , Goldstein Jesse A. , Alperovich Michael
Published: November 2021

Objective

Several severity metrics have been developed for metopic craniosynostosis, including a recent machine learning-derived algorithm. This study assessed the diagnostic concordance between machine learning and previously published severity indices.

Design

Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of patients who underwent surgical correction of metopic craniosynostosis were quantitatively analyzed for severity. Each scan was manually measured to derive manual severity scores and also received a scaled metopic severity score (MSS) assigned by the machine learning algorithm. Regression analysis was used to correlate manually captured measurements to MSS. ROC analysis was performed for each severity metric and were compared to how accurately they distinguished cases of metopic synostosis from controls.

Results

In total, 194 CT scans were analyzed, 167 with metopic synostosis and 27 controls. The mean scaled MSS for the patients with metopic was 6.18 ± 2.53 compared to 0.60 ± 1.25 for controls. Multivariable regression analyses yielded an R-square of 0.66, with significant manual measurements of endocranial bifrontal angle (EBA) (P = 0.023), posterior angle of the anterior cranial fossa (p < 0.001), temporal depression angle (P = 0.042), age (P < 0.001), biparietal distance (P < 0.001), interdacryon distance (P = 0.033), and orbital width (P < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated a high diagnostic value of the MSS (AUC = 0.96, P < 0.001), which was comparable to other validated indices including the adjusted EBA (AUC = 0.98), EBA (AUC = 0.97), and biparietal/bitemporal ratio (AUC = 0.95).

Conclusions

The machine learning algorithm offers an objective assessment of morphologic severity that provides a reliable composite impression of severity. The generated score is comparable to other severity indices in ability to distinguish cases of metopic synostosis from controls.
Cognitive and Neuroimaging Profiles of Older Adults With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Presenting to a Memory Clinic
Authors: Callahan Brandy L. , Ramakrishnan Nayani , Shammi Prathiba , Bierstone Daniel , Taylor Rebecca , Ozzoude Miracle , Goubran Maged , Stuss Donald T. , Black Sandra E.
Published: November 2021

Objective:

Some features of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may resemble those of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults, contributing to diagnostic uncertainty in individuals seeking assessment in memory clinics. We systematically compared cognition and brain structure in ADHD and MCI to clarify the extent of overlap and identify potential features unique to each.

Method:

Older adults from a Cognitive Neurology clinic (40 ADHD, 29 MCI, 37 controls) underwent neuropsychological assessment. A subsample ( n = 80) underwent structural neuroimaging.

Results:

Memory was impaired in both patient groups, but reflected a storage deficit in MCI (supported by relatively smaller hippocampi) and an encoding deficit in ADHD (supported by frontal lobe thinning). Both groups displayed normal executive functioning. Semantic retrieval was uniquely impaired in MCI.

Conclusion:

Although ADHD has been proposed as a dementia risk factor or prodrome, we propose it is rather a pathophysiologically-unique phenotypic mimic acting via overlap in memory and executive performance.
‘All at the tap of a button’: Mapping the food app landscape
Authors: Lupton Deborah
Published: November 2021

Mobile applications (commonly known as ‘apps’) are highly popular forms of software, with hundreds of billions of downloads globally each year. The ways in which the affordances of apps are portrayed on the app store platforms are crucial in sparking consumers’ initial interest. This article presents findings from the ‘Mapping the Food App Landscape’ study. The following two sources of online material were used in this study: (1) descriptions of food-related apps available in the Google Play store; and (2) the lists of the top-most installed free Android apps presented in the App Annie app analytics platform for Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. The analytical approach is distinctive in bringing together the key feminist new materialism concepts of affective forces, relational connections and agential capacities with that of the promissory narrative. The study’s findings show that inapp publishers’ efforts to entice users, the Google Play app descriptions presented food apps as solutions to or escapes from the stresses and difficulties of everyday life. These app descriptions promised to generate excitement, fun and pleasure (games apps); configure and support convenient food supply and preparation arrangements (food ordering and delivery, meal planning and recipe apps); offer reassurance and better control over the body and encourage greater embodied self-awareness, health and wellbeing (food-tracking and nutrition apps); and contribute to creative and novel experiments in cooking (recipe apps). These findings map the landscape of food apps and the sociocultural contexts in which they are being created, published and adopted.
Negativity: space, politics and affects
Authors: Dekeyser Thomas , Secor Anna , Rose Mitch , Bissell David , Zhang Vickie , Romanillos Jose Luis
Published: November 2021

This paper reflects on the status of ‘negativity’ in contemporary social and geographical thought. Based on a panel discussion held at the American Association of Geographers Annual Meeting 2021, each contributor discusses what negativity means to them, and considers its various legacies and potential future trajectories. Along the way, the contributors offer ways of attending to negative spaces (voids, abysses, absences), affects (vulnerabilities, sad passions, incapacities, mortality) and politics (impasses, refusals, irreparabilities). However, rather than defining negativity narrowly, the paper stays with the diversity of work on negativity being undertaken by geographers and other scholars, discussing how varying perspectives expand or dismantle particular elements within spatial theory. Collectively, the contributors argue for paying attention to negativity as the faltering, failure or impossibility of relations between body and world, thus situating it in conversation with relational thought, vitalist philosophies and affirmative ethics.
Euthanasia: A good death or an act of mercy killing: A global scenario
Authors: Padubidri Jagadish Rao , Antony Manoj Matthew , Singh Tanya
Published: November 2021

Euthanasia has been a subject of debate worldwide. It has brought up multiple controversies in different countries and among different societies. Over the years, euthanasia has been an active topic of research in the field of bioethics, owing to its numerous ethical and legal implications. In this article, we take a brief look into the laws and legislation surrounding euthanasia in different parts of the world.
Policy Advocacy and Nursing Organizations: A Scoping Review
Authors: Chiu Patrick , Cummings Greta G. , Thorne Sally , Schick-Makaroff Kara
Published: November 2021

Policy advocacy is a fundamental component of nursing's social mandate. While it has become a core function of nursing organizations across the globe, the discourse around advocacy has focused largely on the responsibilities and accountabilities of individual nurses, with little attention to the policy advocacy work undertaken by nursing organizations. To strengthen this critical function, an understanding of the extant literature is needed to identify areas that require further research. We conducted a scoping review to examine the nature, extent, and range of scholarly work focused on nursing organizations and policy advocacy. A systematic search of six databases produced 4,731 papers and 68 were included for analysis and synthesis. Findings suggest that the literature has been increasing over the years, is largely non-empirical, and covers a broad range of topics ranging from the role and purpose of nursing organizations in policy advocacy, the identity of nursing organizations, the development and process of policy advocacy initiatives, the policy advocacy products of nursing organizations, and the impact and evaluation of organizations’ policy advocacy work. Based on the review, we identify several research gaps and propose areas for further research to strengthen the influence and impact of this critical function undertaken by nursing organizations.
A novel intracranial exchange guidewire improves the navigation of various endovascular devices: An in vitro study of challenging situations
Authors: Kaneko Naoki , Takayanagi Ariel , Saber Hamidreza , Guo Lea , Tateshima Satoshi
Published: November 2021

Objective

Neuroendovascular procedures rely on successful navigation and stable access to the target vessel. The Stabilizer is a 300 cm long exchange wire with a 0.014 diameter and a soft, flexible stent at the distal end designed to assist with navigation and device delivery. This study aims to assess the efficacy of the Stabilizer for navigation in a variety of challenging environments.

Methods

The efficacy of the Stabilizer was evaluated using three challenging vascular models: a giant aneurysm model, a severe tortuosity model, and an M1 stenosis model. The Stabilizer was compared with a conventional wire during navigation in each model.

Results

In the giant aneurysm model, there was no significant difference of success during straightening of a looped wire and significantly higher success rates when advancing an intermediate catheter with the Stabilizer beyond the aneurysm neck compared to a conventional guidewire. The Stabilizer also significantly increased success rates when advancing an intermediate catheter through a model with severe tortuosity compared to a conventional guidewire, as well as exchange maneuver for intracranial stenting in a stenosis model compared to an exchange wire.

Conclusions

In our experimental model, the Stabilizer significantly improved navigation and device delivery in a variety of challenging settings compared to conventional wires.
Selection bias in patients proposed for neurosurgical versus endovascular treatment of aneurysms of the posterior communicating artery
Authors: Carvalho Vasco , Moreira Marta , Vilarinho António , Cerejo António , Vaz Rui , Silva Pedro Alberto
Published: November 2021

Background

Microsurgical clipping and endovascular coiling are viable treatment options for posterior communicating artery (PComA) aneurysms, but there are still major limitations to evidence-based decisions regarding standard-of-care treatment. In this study, we aimed at assessing potential selection biases that may influence our ability to extract conclusions about the comparative effectiveness or efficacy of the aneurysm treatment.

Objective

To study the patient/aneurysm characteristics as possible biases in the option for endovascular or neurosurgical treatment of PComA aneurysms.

Methods

A single-center, retrospective cohort study was performed, including all patients with treated PComA aneurysms with neurosurgical clipping or endovascular coiling between January 2010 and January 2021. Clinical and morphological data were collected from electronic records, and statistical analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 64 patients was eligible for inclusion; 24 (37.5%) patients were proposed for neurosurgical treatment, while 40 (62.5%) for endovascular treatment; 10 patients (25%) crossed over to the clipping group whereas none crossed over to the coiling side. Actual treatment analysis showed significantly higher diameters of mother vessel (t-test, p = 0.034) and aneurysm neck (Mann–Whitney, p = 0.029) in the clipping group and higher aspect and dome-to-neck ratios in the endovascular group (Mann–Whitney, p = 0.008). A significantly higher vasospasm frequency was found in the clipping group but only in the intention-to-treat analysis (Chi-square, p = 0.032).

Conclusion

Significant morphological differences between effective endovascular and surgical groups and differences in intention-to-treat analysis may limit the validity of a direct comparison between treatment options and suggest the presence of a possible selection bias.
Digital health and diabetes: experience from India
Authors: Kesavadev Jothydev , Krishnan Gopika , Mohan Viswanathan
Published: November 2021

The digitization of healthcare and its usage in the delivery of healthcare have experienced exponential growth across the world in recent times. India’s fast-growing diabetes population has been exerting immense pressure on the country’s healthcare infrastructure. Various innovative and evolving technologies are converging to impact the trajectory of digital health in diabetes. The diabetes community has been adopting various technologies such as connected glucose meters, continuous glucose monitoring systems, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, closed-loop systems, digitalization of health data, and diabetes-related apps for the prevention and management of the condition. India has provided some excellent examples in exploiting the potential of digital transformation in revamping the diabetes ecosystem. Yet, there are still various hurdles in technology development, healthcare delivery, as well as concerns related to data privacy, digital divide, policies by the government, role of stakeholders, attitude, and absorption by healthcare professionals, and hospitals. This article provides an overview of the digital diabetes technologies currently practiced in India and recommends the need for strong technology adaptation and policy interventions for an ideal roadmap of digitalization of diabetes care in the Indian milieu.
Surgical Management for Late Presentation of Interrupted Aortic Arch with Aortopulmonary Window
Authors: Nava Héctor Díliz , Olaria Roberto Perezgrovas , Benítez Luis García , Cruz Orlando Tamariz , Balderas Krystell Martinez , Palacios-Macedo Alexis
Published: November 2021

We report a case of advanced age at presentation of interrupted aortic arch with aortopulmonary window. Although the association between these two defects is well established, their overall prevalence is extremely low. This case presents us with an excellent opportunity to discuss decision making regarding aortic arch repair techniques according to age at which primary surgical correction is intended.
The Author Truncation “et al.” in Article References: An Anachronism That Needs to Change
Authors: Thoma Achilles , Murphy Jessica , Goldsmith Charlie H.
Published: November 2021

Background: Valuable research requires contribution from many experts; however, the “et al.” truncation often keeps all individuals from being acknowledged. The adoption of a new citation rule ( list all authors up to 30, followed by et al.) would allow more authors to be acknowledged. The purpose of this study was to (1) explore the citation styles of the top 10 Plastic Surgery, Surgery, and Medical journals and (2) compare the number of extra pages required, and the number of additional authors acknowledged when the “new rule” is implemented. Methods: The top 10 journals in Plastic Surgery, Surgery, and Medicine were identified. The citation styles used in each of the journals were reviewed and the reference list from a recently published article was extracted. The original reference list was used to create an Extended Reference List using the new rule. Results: Most journals implemented “et al.” when seven or more authors were listed. Ten articles required additional pages to accommodate the Extended Reference List. When the “et al.” truncation was introduced after 30 authors, there was an almost 100% chance of all authors being included. The adoption of this rule rarely resulted in the need for additional pages, especially within Plastic Surgery. Conclusions: In a time of electronic publishing, where constraints such as article and journal page length should not be important factors, all authors should be recognized. The use of the “et al.” truncation should be discouraged by all individuals involved in the production and publication of research.

Scenario You are asked by the Editor-in-Chief of your specialty's journal to review an article in your area of expertise. You gladly accept the task. One of the questions you are required to answer in your review is whether the authors of the submitted manuscript have missed any important articles in their references. As you are the recognized expert in this field, you glance at the references to see if a key article you published 3 years earlier has been included. The first author of that article was a junior resident in your service and the research was done under your supervision. To their credit, the authors included the said article, but you are dismayed that the reference does not include your name. It includes only the names of the first three authors, all junior residents in your service. Your name, and the names of many others, are lost in the et al. truncation.
Book review: Manan Ahmed Asif, The Loss of Hindustan: The Invention of India
Authors: Moosvi Shireen
Published: November 2021

Manan Ahmed Asif, The Loss of Hindustan: The Invention of India (Cambridge, U.S.: Harvard University Press), 2020, Indian ed., HarperCollins Publishers, 2020, 321 pp., ₹599 (hb).
Rationale, Design and Methods of the Prospective Record of the Use of Dabigatran in Patients with Acute Stroke or TIA (PRODAST) Study
Authors: Grosse Gerrit M. , Weimar Christian , Kuklik Nils , Hüsing Anika , Stang Andreas , Brinkmann Marcus , Eschenfelder Christoph C. , Diener Hans-Christoph ,   on behalf of the PRODAST Investigators
Published: November 2021

Background

The optimal timing of anticoagulation following acute ischaemic stroke or TIA in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent challenge. Early initiation of anticoagulation can reduce the risk for recurrent ischaemic events, but may lead to an increased risk for intracerebral haemorrhage.

Aim

The Prospective Record of the Use of Dabigatran in Patients with Acute Stroke or TIA (PRODAST) study was initiated to investigate outcome events under antithrombotic therapy after ischaemic stroke or TIA in patients with AF. The main objective is to compare the three-month rates of major haemorrhagic events between early (≤ 7 days) versus late (> 7 days) administration of dabigatran or treatment with vitamin-K antagonists started at any time. Occurrences of ischaemic and major haemorrhagic events will be evaluated to determine the optimal time point for initiation or resumption of anticoagulation.

Design and Methods

PRODAST is a prospective, multicenter, observational, non-interventional post-authorization safety study. 10,000 patients with recent (≤ 1 week from index event) ischaemic stroke or TIA and non-valvular AF were recruited at 86 German sites starting in July 2015. The observational plan includes a baseline visit, documentation of data during hospitalization and a telephone-based, central follow-up at three months after the index event. The primary endpoint is the major bleeding rate within three months. Secondary endpoints include rates of recurrent ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke, TIA, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction and death.

PRODAST will provide important real-world data on safety and efficacy of antithrombotic therapy after acute stroke and TIA in patients with AF.
Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: technique and outcome, a single-center experience
Authors: Zaytoun Osama , Elsawy Moustafa , Ateba Kareem , Khalifa Ayman , Hamdy Ahmed , Mostafa Ahmed
Published: November 2021

Background

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) has been established as a surgical standard for living kidney donation. The aim of this work is to report our own experience with LDN regarding outcome and technique.

Methods

We prospectively identified 110 LDN cases between May 2017 and April 2020. Donor case files and operative notes were analyzed for age, sex, laterality, body mass index, warm ischemia time (WIT), intraoperative and postoperative complications, operative time, and length of hospital stay (LOS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 10 (SPSS: An IBM Company, IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, the USA).

Results

The mean age was 38 years, and 77% were males. Three cases (2.72%) required conversion to conventional open donor nephrectomy (ODN). Nevertheless, none of cases required intraoperative blood transfusion. The mean WIT was 2.6 min. Two cases (1.8%) developed major vascular injury (Clavien grade IIIb) and required conversion to ODN. Postoperatively, one patient (0.9%) needed transfusion of one unit of packed RBCs (Clavien grade II). The mean LOS was 2 days. Most common early postoperative complication was ileus (Clavien grade II) that developed in 4 (3.6%) cases. Incisional hernia (Clavien grade IIIb) was encountered in two (1.8%) cases. Two (1.8%) cases developed wound infection at the incision site and treated conservatively (Clavien grade I).

Conclusions

LDN is a safe technique with accepted intraoperative and postoperative morbidity. It offers short hospital stay, better cosmesis and early convalescence. In experienced hands, it can effectively deal with various vascular and ureteral anomalies without compromising early graft function.
Comparative performance of the GenoLab M and NovaSeq 6000 sequencing platforms for transcriptome and LncRNA analysis
Authors: Liu Yongfeng , Han Ran , Zhou Letian , Luo Mingjie , Zeng Lidong , Zhao Xiaochao , Ma Yukun , Zhou Zhiliang , Sun Lei
Published: November 2021

Background

GenoLab M is a recently established next-generation sequencing platform from GeneMind Biosciences. Presently, Illumina sequencers are the globally leading sequencing platform in the next-generation sequencing market. Here, we present the first report to compare the transcriptome and LncRNA sequencing data of the GenoLab M sequencer to NovaSeq 6000 platform in various types of analysis.

Results

We tested 16 libraries in three species using various library kits from different companies. We compared the data quality, genes expression, alternatively spliced (AS) events, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and insertions–deletions (InDel) between two sequencing platforms. The data suggested that platforms have comparable sensitivity and accuracy in terms of quantification of gene expression levels with technical compatibility.

Conclusions

Genolab M is a promising next-generation sequencing platform for transcriptomics and LncRNA studies with high performance at low costs.
Effects of the dementia care toolbox on personnel’s self-reported confidence in patient care: a CRT in general practices
Authors: Jäger Sabine Christine , Filbert Anna-Liesa , Welchowski Thomas , Weltermann Birgitta
Published: November 2021

Background

In rapidly aging populations, general practitioners (GPs) are challenged in dementia care of patients with and without migration background. Uncertainties in treating dementia in migrant patients due to language barriers or information deficits are reported. To address these deficits, we developed the Dementia Care Toolbox which was judged helpful by GP practice personnel. This two-armed cluster-randomised trial (CRT) investigated the effects of this toolbox on German GPs’ and practice assistants’ (PrAs) attitudes and confidence in dementia care, especially in patients with migration background.

Methods

A total of 32 GP practices were recruited and randomised into intervention (toolbox use for 3 months) and waiting-list control (toolbox after follow-up). After 3 months all participating GPs and PrAs received a standardised questionnaire addressing their levels of self-reported confidence in dementia care for patients with and without migration background. A generalized estimating equation model that took practice cluster effects into account was applied to assess GPs and PrAs self-reported confidence in dementia care in patients with and without migration background.

Results

Overall, the intervention had no significant effect on self-reported confidence in dementia care. However, the use of the dementia care toolbox showed a tendency for a learning effect on knowledge about local support structures for migrant patients with dementia (odds ratio 1.43; 95% CI 0.68-3.03, p = 0.35) and for less communication difficulties with dementia patients in general (odds ratio 0.72; 95% CI 0.33-1.56; p = 0.40). Moreover, intervention practices showed a tendency towards more awareness of own limitations: less self-confidence regarding answering questions (odds ratio 0.82; 95% CI 0.36-1.86, p = 0.64) and providing information for patients with migration background (odds ratio 0.60; 95% CI 0.25-1.45, p = 0.26).

Conclusion

The Toolbox Dementia Care increased awareness on the respective topic. Given a small sample size, further studies on its effectiveness in primary care are needed.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00014632. Registered 02/08/2018.