bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motor Skill Training May Restore Impaired Corticospinal Tract Fibers in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Bleyenheuft Yannick , Dricot Laurence , Ebner-Karestinos Daniela , Paradis Julie , Saussez Geoffroy , Renders Anne , De Volder Anne , Araneda Rodrigo , Gordon Andrew M. , Friel Kathleen M.
Published: May 2020

Background. In children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP), the fibers of the corticospinal tract (CST) emerging from the lesioned hemisphere are damaged following the initial brain injury. The extent to which the integrity of these fibers is restorable with training is unknown. Objective. To assess changes in CST integrity in children with UCP following Hand-and-Arm-Bimanual-Intensive-Therapy-Including-Lower-Extremity (HABIT-ILE) compared to a control group. Methods. Forty-four children with UCP participated in this study. Integrity of the CSTs was measured using diffusion tensor imaging before and after 2 weeks of HABIT-ILE (treatment group, n = 23) or 2 weeks apart without intensive treatment (control group, n = 18). Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were the endpoints for assessing the integrity of CST. Results. As highlighted in our whole tract analysis, the FA of the CST originating from the nonlesioned and lesioned hemispheres increased significantly after therapy in the treatment group compared to the control group (group * test session interaction: P < .001 and P = .049, respectively). A decrease in MD was also observed in the CST emerging from the nonlesioned and lesioned hemispheres (group * time interaction: both P < .001). In addition, changes in manual ability correlated with changes in FA in both CSTs ( r = 0.463, P = .024; r = 0.643, P < .001) and changes in MD in CST emerging from nonlesioned hemisphere ( r = −0.662, P < .001). Conclusions. HABIT-ILE improves FA/MD in the CST and hand function of children with UCP, suggesting that CST fibers retain a capacity for functional restoration. This finding supports the application of intensive motor skill training in clinical practice for the benefit of numerous patients.
Adult Ventricular Septal Defect Repair Using a Robotic Totally Endoscopic Approach: A Case Report
Authors: Mirzai Saeid , Hibino Narutoshi , Torregrossa Gianluca , Balkhy Husam H.
Published: May 2020

The growth and advancement of minimally invasive cardiac surgery in recent years has allowed robotic and totally endoscopic procedures to become safe and effective options for the treatment of patients with various diseases of the heart. However, despite these advances, outcome data for robotic correction of congenital cardiac anomalies are scarce. This is particularly true for robotic ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair with initial experiences only recently having been published by a single group. Here, we present the case of a 29-year-old female who underwent robotic totally endoscopic VSD repair due to persistent symptoms with resolution of preoperative shunting and severe tricuspid regurgitation following surgery. This unique case adds to the limited data currently available in the literature on robotic VSD repair to show that it is a safe procedure when performed by a dedicated surgical team experienced in minimally invasive robotic cardiac surgery. We feel that, in this setting, the benefits of a robotic surgical approach can be afforded to more patients with excellent results.
Six ways of understanding leadership development: An exploration of increasing complexity
Authors: Kjellström Sofia , Stålne Kristian , Törnblom Oskar
Published: May 2020

Leadership development is a multifaceted phenomenon with a multitude of definitions and meanings requiring closer exploration. The aim of this study was to identify and investigate qualitatively different ways of understanding leadership development and categorize them from a complexity perspective. We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with professionals and managers. Analysis using a phenomenographic approach revealed six categories and different ways of understanding leadership development: (1) one’s own development, (2) fulfilling a leadership role, (3) personal development, (4) leader and organizational development, (5) collective leadership development, and (6) human development. The categories were arranged hierarchically according to increasing complexity. Our contribution recognizes more nuanced interpretations than previously identified and highlights underlying structures of complexity. The results help to empirically ground and elaborate current theories and distinctions within the field of leadership development research where similar patterns can be observed. They may assist researchers in making both their own and other’s assumptions on leadership development explicit, as well as informing the practice of tailoring leadership development activities to better match individuals and organizational contexts.
Ferric chloride–catalyzed deoxygenative chlorination of carbonyl compounds: A comparison of chlorodimethylsilane and dichloromethylsilane system
Authors: Xing Bing-Han , Zhao Xuan-Xuan , Qin Yu-Jun , Zhang Pu , Guo Zhi-Xin
Published: May 2020

Deoxygenative chlorination of carbonyl compounds using the HMe2SiCl/FeCl3/EtOAc and HMeSiCl2/FeCl3/EtOAc systems has been systemically investigated. The HMe2SiCl-FeCl3 system showed the advantages of good substrate applicability, mild reaction conditions, simple operation, low cost, and easy availability of raw materials. Also, it provided a simple and efficient synthesis route for carbonyl deoxychlorination via a one-pot method. Using the HMeSiCl2/FeCl3/EtOAc system, the β-methylchalcone derivative could be obtained in good yields in addition to obtaining the chlorinated compound. Finally, two plausible reaction routes were proposed to describe the formation of the chlorinated compound and the β-methylchalcone derivative.
Synthesis and characterization of a new bis-NHC palladium complex and its catalytic activity in the Mizoroki–Heck reaction
Authors: Feng Can , Liu Cheng-xin , Wang Yu-fang , Cui Jin , Zhang Ming-jie
Published: May 2020

A new bis- N-heterocyclic carbene palladium complex, (C13H9N2F2)2PdCl2, is synthesized by a three-step reaction and characterized by 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy as well as by X-ray crystallography. This new bis- N-heterocyclic carbene palladium complex has excellent stability and is capable of efficiently catalyzing the Mizoroki–Heck coupling reaction of aryl halides with acrylates.
Training Practices of Academy Rugby League and their Alignment to Physical Qualities Deemed Important for Current and Future Performance
Authors: McCormack Sam , Jones Ben , Till Kevin
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to investigate rugby league coaches’ perceptions of physical qualities for current and future performance, while also establishing the training practices of under-16 and under-19 players. Twenty-four practitioners (rugby coach, strength and conditioning coach) working within nine Super League clubs completed a questionnaire. The questionnaire required practitioners to rank eleven physical qualities (i.e. strength, power, acceleration, maximum speed, aerobic endurance, change of direction, agility, height, body mass, lean mass and fat mass) by importance for current performance, future performance and career longevity according to playing position (forwards, backs, hookers and halves). Practitioners were asked to provide detail on the frequency and duration of each type of training session completed during a typical week throughout each phase of the season; pre-season, in-season (early), in-season (mid) and in-season (late). Typically, practitioners ranked strength, power and acceleration qualities highest, and endurance and anthropometric qualities lowest. The importance of physical qualities varied according to each playing level and position. Training practices of under-16 and under-19 players differed during each phase of the season, with under-19 players undertaking greater training volumes than under-16s players. Overall, the physical qualities coaches perceived as most important were not reflected within their training practices. Rugby league practitioners can use this information as a reference source to design long term athletic development plans, prescribe training and during player development procedures. Moreover, these data can inform and improve training practices while influencing the design of pre-season preparatory phases and in-season periods.
Political irony as self-censorship practice? Examining dissidents’ use of Weibo in the 2017 Hong Kong Chief Executive Election
Authors: Zhao Yupei , Lin Zhongxuan
Published: May 2020

This research examines the knowledge constructed in political ironic discourses, which is associated with different models of practicing self-censorship, taking a case study of the 2017 Hong Kong Chief Executive Election via social media Weibo. Critical discourse analysis, the verbal irony principle and semi-structured interviews were employed to compare participants from mainland China and Hong Kong, including opinion leaders and casual users. This research suggests a three-stage analytical framework that clearly emphasizes the act of rhetorical discourse and the practice of self-censorship. As such, it reveals citizens’ intrinsic motivation related to self-efficacy, resistance or empowerment. This research argues that dissidents’ shared knowledge and ideology are structurally represented in the ‘binary opposition’ mode of rhetorical discourse, concerning the discursive construction of Hong Kong identity. The proliferation of rhetorical discourse, evolving shoulder to shoulder with Internet self-censorship, results from the complexity of politics, history and digital technology development within China.
Evaluation of prevention of ventilator-associated infections in four Australian intensive care units
Authors: Ciampoli Natasha , Bouchoucha Stephane , Currey Judy , Hutchinson Ana
Published: May 2020

Background:

Effective approaches to practice improvement require development of tailored interventions in collaboration with knowledge users.

Objectives:

To explore critical care nurses’ knowledge and adherence to best practice guidelines for management of patients with an artificial airway to minimise development of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was undertaken across four intensive care units that involved three phases: (1) survey of critical care nurses regarding their current practice; (2) observation of respiratory care delivery; and (3) chart audit. Key care processes evaluated were: (1) technique and adherence to standard precautions when performing endotracheal suction, cuff pressure checks and extubation; and (2) frequency of endotracheal suctioning and mouth care.

Results:

Observational and chart audit data on the provision and documentation of respiratory care were collected for 36 nurse/patient dyads. Forty-six nurses were surveyed and the majority responded that endotracheal suctioning and mouth care should be performed ‘as required’ or every 2 hours (h). During observations of practice, no patient received mouth care every 2 h, nor had documentation of such. Inconsistent adherence to standard precautions and hand hygiene during respiratory care provision was observed. Chart audit indicated that nurses varied in the frequency of suctioning consistent with documented clinical assessment findings.

Conclusion:

Although nurses had good knowledge for the management of artificial airways, this was not consistently translated into practice. Gaps were identified in relation to respiratory related infection prevention, the prevention of micro-aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions and in the provision of mouth care.
Subsistence Solidarity and the Extension of Trust: Moral Economies of Organic Farming in Northern China
Authors: Hansen Anders Sybrandt
Published: May 2020

The widespread phenomenon of unsafe food on the Chinese market has been argued to be both symptomatic of moral disregard for the well-being of strangers and productive of social distrust. Organic farming has grown in recent years in response to this situation, and this article discusses the ethical work of farmers based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted at one such farm in northern China. While the Community Supported Agriculture model of the farm is shown to hinge upon establishing personal trust with member households, turning strangers into associates, the entire project of organic farming is shown to be undergirded by strong expressions of solidarity with conventional farmers framed in the language of moral economy. Engaging with theories of relational morality, the article proposes instead an extended concept of moral economies that allows us to capture the coexistence of differential care alongside horizontal solidarities within the moral landscape of contemporary China.
Users’ Perceptions of Signage Systems at Three Portuguese Hospitals
Authors: Rodrigues Rita , Coelho Rita , Tavares João Manuel R. S.
Published: May 2020

This article is a report on the quantitative data collected from patients, family members, and visitors using the outpatient areas of three hospitals in Portugal. It details the users’ views regarding the existing signage and presents suggestions to improve the design and implementation of the signage systems. A questionnaire was used with 1,287 respondents. The results showed that almost all users had a positive opinion regarding the current signage. However, some of the users’ answers and observed behaviors indicated that the majority tended to ignore the signs and preferred to ask staff for help. Additionally, when asked for suggestions, many of the respondents were able to point out existing problems that affected their wayfinding. Although the signage was generally evaluated as good, many of the users perceived a variety of problems and, as already mentioned, asked the staff for directions, which results in lost time and hidden costs for the institutions.
Evaluation of Performance and Tolerability of Nebulized Hyaluronic Acid Nasal Hypertonic Solution in the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Monzani Daniele , Molinari Giulia , Gherpelli Chiara , Michellini Laura , Alicandri-Ciufelli Matteo
Published: May 2020

Background

Nasal solutions are part of the recommended therapy of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Formulations containing hyaluronic acid (HA) may represent a promising topical treatment in CRS patients in light of the anti-inflammatory and protective effect of HA on the sinonasal mucosa.

Objective

Primary aim was to evaluate the performance of a new nebulized HA nasal hypertonic solution in the relief of symptoms of CRS. Secondarily, evaluation of symptoms improvement, endoscopic nasal findings, and safety profile were assessed.

Methods

A monocenter, single arm, not controlled, premarket clinical trial on a new nasal solution containing HA was performed. All the included patients had a history of previously diagnosed or recurrent CRS or they had received a clinical diagnosis of CRS defined, according to the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2012. Each patient was evaluated on 3 visits. Endoscopic nasal examination and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Instrument questionnaire filling were performed during each visit. Patients’ adherence to treatment and overall satisfaction, patients’ and investigator’s global evaluation of performance, and safety parameters were also assessed.

Results

Eighty patients were enrolled. The use of the investigated HA nasal solution revealed to be significantly effective in the relief of symptoms of CRS. According to daily patients’ diaries, several signs and symptoms significantly improved after therapy. The comparison between endoscopic assessments before and after treatment confirmed improvement of the condition in at least 75% of patients. Seventy-four percent of the patients were quite or very satisfied with the treatment and 80% reported an improvement. The investigator’s global assessment of performance was in agreement with this view, as more than 80% of the patients were considered clinically improved.

Conclusions

The use of the investigated new nebulized HA nasal hypertonic solution is an effective and safe the treatment of CRS.
Severity of Rhinosinusitis: Comparison Between Visual Analog Scale Given by Patients and Otorhinolaryngologists
Authors: Zhao Li , Yu Ke Na , Tan Jian Li , Zhang Hai Ling , Jin Peng , Zi Xiao Xue , Tu Yan Yi , Li Tao , Zhou Xiang Min , Shi Li , Wang De Yun
Published: May 2020

Background

Visual Analog Scale (VAS) as determined by the patient is recommended by the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2012 in evaluation of the total severity of the chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients’ symptoms.

Objective

To evaluate the correlation between evaluations performed by otorhinolaryngologists and CRS patients with commonly used systems.

Methods

Scores of VAS and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20) Chinese version were obtained from 110 CRS patients with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs, n = 61) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNPs, n = 49) before surgery, which were compared with scores of Lund–Kennedy endoscopic staging system, the Lund–Mackay computed tomography (CT) staging system, and VAS from 3 attending otorhinolaryngologists.

Results

The median VAS scores given by CRS patients (6.0; 4.25–7.5) do not correlate significantly with the VAS scores by the 3 otorhinolaryngologists (5.5; 4.83–6.5) with a correlation coefficient of .218 (−0.146 to 0.466). For CRS patients, there was only a moderate correlation between scores of VAS and the SNOT-20 ( r = .37), and no significant difference of VAS scores between CRSwNP and CRSsNP, and between unilateral and bilateral nasal polys. For otorhinolaryngologists, a higher median VAS score was found in CRSwNP (6.0; 5.17–7.0), especially in bilateral (6.0; 5.0–7.08) and revision surgery (6.08; 5.33–7.63). The VAS scores of otorhinolaryngologists correlated significantly with the Lund–Mackay CT score ( r = .7536) and Lund–Kennedy endoscopic staging ( r = .5947).

Conclusions

VAS scores between patients and physicians are not correlated significantly in this study, but they fall within the same therapeutic range and do not change the clinical management of the patients.
Arthroscopic Matrix-Encapsulated Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation: A Pilot Multicenter Investigation in Latin America
Authors: Villalobos Enrique , Madrazo-Ibarra Antonio , Martínez Valentín , Olivos-Meza Anell , Velasquillo Cristina , Cortés González Socorro , Izaguirre Aldo , Ortega-Sánchez Carmina , González Ricardo , Parra-Cid Carmen , Pérez-Jiménez Francisco Javier , Ibarra Clemente
Published: May 2020

Objective. To evaluate minimum biosecurity parameters (MBP) for arthroscopic matrix-encapsulated autologous chondrocyte implantation (AMECI) based on patients’ clinical outcomes, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-mapping, Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score, and International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) second-look arthroscopic evaluation, laying the basis for a future multicenter study. Design. Pilot clinical study. We analyzed the logistics to perform AMECI to treat focal chondral lesions in different hospitals following strict biosecurity parameters related to tissue and construct transportation, chondrocyte isolation, and cell expansion. Patient progress was analyzed with patient-reported outcome measures, MRI T2-mapping, MOCART, and ICRS arthroscopic second-look evaluation. Results. Thirty-five lesions in 30 patients treated in 7 different hospitals were evaluated. Cell viability before implantation was >90%. Cell viability in construct remnants was 87% ± 11% at 24 hours, 75% ± 17.1% at 48 hours, and 60% ± 8% at 72 hours after implantation. Mean final follow-up was 37 months (12-72 months). Patients showed statistically significant improvement in all clinical scores and MOCART evaluations. MRI T2-mapping evaluation showed significant decrease in relaxation time from 61.2 ± 14.3 to 42.9 ± 7.2 ms ( P < 0.05). Arthroscopic second-look evaluation showed grade II “near normal” tissue in 83% of patients. Two treatment failures were documented. Conclusions. It was feasible to perform AMECI in 7 different institutions in a large metropolitan area following our biosecurity measures without any implant-related complication. Treated patients showed improvement in clinical, MRI T2-mapping, and MOCART scores, as well as a low failure rate and a favorable ICRS arthroscopic evaluation at a mid-term follow-up. Level of Evidence. 2b.
Comparison of Human Platelet Lysate versus Fetal Bovine Serum for Expansion of Human Articular Cartilage–Derived Chondroprogenitors
Authors: Kachroo Upasana , Zachariah Shikha Mary , Thambaiah Augustine , Tabasum Aleya , Livingston Abel , Rebekah Grace , Srivastava Alok , Vinod Elizabeth
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Articular chondroprogenitors, a suitable contender for cell-based therapy in cartilage repair, routinely employ fetal bovine serum (FBS) for expansion and differentiation. The possibility of transplant rejections or zoonoses transmissions raise a need for xeno-free alternatives. Use of human platelet lysate (hPL), a nutrient supplement abundant in growth factors, has not been reported for human chondroprogenitor expansion thus far. Our aim was to compare the biological profile of chondroprogenitors grown in hPL versus FBS.

Methods

Chondroprogenitors were isolated from 3 osteoarthritic knee joints. Following differential fibronectin adhesion assay, passage 0 cells grown in (a) 10% FBS and (b) 10% hPL were considered for assessment of growth kinetics, surface marker expression, gene expression, and trilineage differentiation. Latent transforming growth factor–β1 (TGFβ1) levels were also measured for each culture medium used.

Results

Cellular proliferation was significantly higher in cells grown with hPL ( P < 0.01). Surface marker expression was comparable except in CD-146 where hPL group had significantly higher values ( P = 0.03). Comparison of mRNA expression revealed notably low values of collagen I, collagen X, aggrecan, and collagen II ( P < 0.05). Trilineage differentiation was seen in both groups with higher alizarin red uptake noted in hPL. There were also significantly higher levels of latent TGFβ1 in the medium containing hPL as compared to FBS.

Conclusions

This is the first in vitro xeno-free study to affirm that hPL can serve as an optimal growth supplement for expansion of articular chondroprogenitors, although an in-depth assessment of resident growth factors and evaluation of different dilutions of hPL is required to assess suitability for use in translational research.
Constant deceleration approaches for penetration analysis of rigid projectile into concrete: Revisited
Authors: Yankelevsky David Z , Feldgun Vladimir R
Published: May 2020

A new approach of constant deceleration penetration into concrete targets has been presented recently. It is based on observations from two-dimensional numerical simulations of penetration into aluminum targets, showing a rather constant deceleration during the tunneling stage, which leads to conjecturing a general simple constant deceleration approach to represent constant resistance during penetration. This approach has been extended to concrete materials despite their entirely different behavior. This article reviews the one-stage constant deceleration approach and compares it with test data and with analytical and numerical models. This study clearly shows that concrete penetration cannot be presented by the proposed constant deceleration approach. The constant deceleration approach assigns constant deceleration to the projectile from its impact with the target and ignores the entrance stage. This study shows that a two-stage simplified approach shows superior results compared to the one-stage approach. Experimental studies with instrumented projectiles show that although at low-strength concrete the deceleration variation with time is moderate, its variation with time at higher strength concrete is significant. The variable deceleration–time records are confirmed by theoretical models using the material constitutive relationships. It has been found that the proposed constant deceleration is merely a calibration constant to the measured penetration depth and does not represent a physical deceleration of the penetrating projectile. It is concluded that there cannot exist a simplified approach with a constant deceleration or even an arbitrarily predefined another shape of the deceleration curve that may properly represent different penetration scenarios in concrete targets.
Mechanical forces alter endothelin‐1 signaling: comparative ovine models of congenital heart disease
Authors: Zhu Terry , Chiacchia Samuel , Kameny Rebecca J. , Garcia De Herreros Antoni , Gong Wenhui , Raff Gary W. , Boehme Jason B. , Maltepe Emin , Lasheras Juan C. , Black Stephen M. , Datar Sanjeev A. , Fineman Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2020

The risk and progression of pulmonary vascular disease in patients with congenital heart disease is dependent on the hemodynamics associated with different lesions. However, the underlying mechanisms are not understood. Endothelin‐1 is a potent vasoconstrictor that plays a key role in the pathology of pulmonary vascular disease. We utilized two ovine models of congenital heart disease: (1) fetal aortopulmonary graft placement (shunt), resulting in increased flow and pressure; and (2) fetal ligation of the left pulmonary artery resulting in increased flow and normal pressure to the right lung, to investigate the hypothesis that high pressure and flow, but not flow alone, upregulates endothelin‐1 signaling. Lung tissue and pulmonary arterial endothelial cells were harvested from control, shunt, and the right lung of left pulmonary artery lambs at 3–7 weeks of age. We found that lung preproendothelin‐1 mRNA and protein expression were increased in shunt lambs compared to controls. Preproendothelin‐1 mRNA expression was modestly increased, and protein was unchanged in left pulmonary artery lambs. These changes resulted in increased lung endothelin‐1 levels in shunt lambs, while left pulmonary artery levels were similar to controls. Pulmonary arterial endothelial cells exposed to increased shear stress decreased endothelin‐1 levels by five‐fold, while cyclic stretch increased levels by 1.5‐fold. These data suggest that pressure or an additive effect of pressure and flow, rather than increased flow alone, is the principal driver of increased endothelin signaling in congenital heart disease. Defining the molecular drivers of the pathobiology of pulmonary vascular disease due to differing mechanical forces will allow for a more targeted therapeutic approach.
Pentraxin 3 in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST elevation myocardial infarction is associated with early irreversible myocardial damage
Authors: Butt Noreen , Bache-Mathiesen LK , Ushakova A , Nordrehaug JE , Jensen SE , Munk PS , Danchin N , Dubois-Rande JL , Hansen HS , Paganelli F , Corvoisier P Le , Firat H , Erlinge D , Atar D , Larsen AI
Published: May 2020

Background

The inflammatory marker long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) has been shown to be a strong predictor of 30-day and one-year mortality after acute myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the kinetic profile of PTX3 and its relationship with interleukin 6 (IL-6), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and infarct size.

Methods

PTX3, IL-6 and hs-CRP were measured at predefined time points, at baseline (before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)), at 12 and 72 hours after PCI in 161 patients with first-time ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Results

PTX3 and IL-6 levels increased in the early phase, followed by a gradual decrease between 12 and 72 hours. There were statistically significant correlations between PTX3 and IL-6 in general, for all time points and for changes over time (0–72 hours). In a linear mixed model, PTX3 predicted IL-6 ( p < 0.001). PTX3 is also correlated with hs-CRP in general, and at each time point post PCI, except at baseline. PTX3, IL-6 and hs-CRP were all significantly correlated with infarct size in general, and at the peak time point for maximum troponin I. In addition, there was a modest correlation between IL-6 levels at baseline and infarct size at 72 hours after PCI ( ρ = 0.23, p = 0.006).

Conclusions

PTX3 had a similar kinetic profile to IL-6, with an early increase and decline, and was statistically significantly correlated with markers of infarct size in STEMI patients post primary PCI. Baseline levels of IL-6 only predicted infarct size at 72 hours post PCI.
Management of EMS on-scene time during advanced life support in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a retrospective observational trial
Authors: Poppe Michael , Krammel Mario , Clodi Christian , Schriefl Christoph , Warenits Alexandra-Maria , Nürnberger Alexander , Losert Heidrun , Girsa Michael , Holzer Michael , Weiser Christoph
Published: May 2020

Objective

Most western emergency medical services provide advanced life support in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest aiming for a return of spontaneous circulation at the scene. Little attention is given to prehospital time management in the case of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with regard to early coronary angiography or to the start of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation treatment within 60 minutes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest onset. We investigated the emergency medical services on-scene time, defined as emergency medical services arrival at the scene until departure to the hospital, and its association with 30-day survival with favourable neurological outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Methods

All patients of over 18 years of age with non-traumatic, non-emergency medical services witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between July 2013 and August 2015 from the Vienna Cardiac Arrest Registry were included in this retrospective observational study.

Results

Out of 2149 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients, a total of 1687 (79%) patients were eligible for analyses. These patients were stratified into groups according to the on-scene time (<35 minutes, 35–45 minutes, 45–60 minutes, >60 minutes). Within short on-scene time groups, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest occurred more often in public and bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation was more common (both P<0.001). Patients who did not achieve return of spontaneous circulation at the scene showed higher rates of 30-day survival with favourable neurological outcome with an on-scene time of less than 35 minutes (adjusted odds ratio 5.00, 95% confidence interval 1.39–17.96).

Conclusion

An emergency medical services on-scene time of less than 35 minutes was associated with higher rates of survival and favourable outcomes. It seems to be reasonable to develop time optimised advance life support protocols to minimise the on-scene time in view of further treatments such as early coronary angiography as part of post-resuscitation care or extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Big Data and surveillance: Hype, commercial logics and new intimate spheres
Authors: Ball Kirstie , Webster William
Published: May 2020

Big Data Analytics promises to help companies and public sector service providers anticipate consumer and service user behaviours so that they can be targeted in greater depth. The attempts made by these organisations to connect analytically with users raise questions about whether surveillance, and its associated ethical and rights-based concerns, are intensified. The articles in this special themed issue explore this question from both organisational and user perspectives. They highlight the hype which firms use to drive consumer, employee and service user engagement with analytics within both private and public spaces. Further, they explore extent to which, through Big Data, there is an attempt to expand surveillance into the emotional registers of domestic, embodied experience. Collectively, the papers reveal a fascinating nexus between the much-vaunted potential of analytics, the data practices themselves and the newly configured intimate spheres which have been drawn into the commercial value chain. Together, they highlight the need for conceptual and regulatory innovation so that analytics in practice may be better understood and critiqued. Whilst there is now a rich variety of scholarship on Big Data Analytics, critical perspectives on the organising practices of Big Data Analytics and its surveillance implications are thin on the ground. Combined, the articles published in this special theme begin to address this shortcoming.
The State as the “Ultimate Parent”: The Implications of Family for Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Juvenile Justice System
Authors: Goldman Margaret , Rodriguez Nancy
Published: May 2020

Racial and ethnic disparities permeate juvenile justice processing. Research attempting to explain these disparities has superficially considered the role of family measures in the differential treatment of youth of color. In particular, research has given little attention to the role of family supervision, despite its relevance to the mission of the juvenile court. Using attribution theory as a framework and data from three Arizona jurisdictions, we examine the effect of race/ethnicity on probation officers’ attributions of family supervision; the effect of family characteristics, such as financial strain, parental incarceration, and family risk as measured by a risk assessment instrument, in shaping attributions of family supervision; and the effect of race/ethnicity, family characteristics, and attributions of family supervision on recommendations to formally or informally process youth. We find that attributions of family supervision are informed by race/ethnicity and family characteristics and that attributions of family supervision overwhelmingly drive probation officers’ processing recommendations. Suggestions for improving policy and practice are discussed.
Determinants of Trade Between Taiwan and ASEAN Countries: A PPML Estimator Approach
Authors: Hoang Nhan Thanh Thi , Truong Hoan Quang , Van Dong Chung
Published: May 2020

Taiwan and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) do not have any diplomatic ties, but they have enjoyed significantly economic benefits, especially bilateral investment and trade cooperation. Over the period 2000–2017, trade between Taiwan and ASEAN had significantly focused on manufactured goods embodied with high-skill and technology-intensive content. Using gravity model with a PPML (Poisson pseudo-maximum-likelihood) estimator, this article explores determinants of bilateral trade flows between them at both aggregate and sectoral levels. We found that economic scale and per capital income of ASEAN have much stronger effects than those of Taiwan at both aggregate trade and the degree of manufacturing. Results also show that bilateral trade between Taiwan and ASEAN has been efficiently performed over recent decades, except for cases of Myanmar and Cambodia. Hence, a dynamic approach should be taken by both sides to promote bilateral trade relations in future.
Comorbidities and their link with individual health status: A cross-sectional analysis of 23,892 people with knee and hip osteoarthritis from primary care
Authors: Muckelt Paul Edward , Roos EM , Stokes M , McDonough S , Grønne DT , Ewings S , Skou ST
Published: May 2020

Objectives:

Robust data on the impact of comorbidities on health in people with osteoarthritis (OA) are lacking, despite its potential importance for patient management. Objectives were to determine coexisting conditions in people with OA in primary care and whether more comorbidities were linked with individual health status.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of 23,892 patients with knee and hip OA was conducted to determine comorbidities present (number/clusters) and how these linked with pain intensity (0–100), widespread pain (site numbers), medication usage (paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids), quality of life EuroQol five dimension scale (EQ-5D), and physical function (walking speed) using independent t-tests or χ2test.

Results:

Sixty-two percent of people with OA treated in primary care had at least one comorbidity; hypertension (37%), heart disease (8%), and diabetes (7%) being most common. Outcome measures worsened with more comorbidities (0–4+ comorbidities); pain intensity [mean (SD)] 46(22)–57(21); number of painful sites 3.7(3.0)–6.3(5.4); quality of life 0.73(0.10)–0.63(0.15); walking speed 1.57 m/s (0.33)–1.24 m/s (0.31), while the proportion of people using pain medication increased from 0 to 2 comorbidities (58–69%; p < 0.001), with an increase in opioid use from 4.6% to 19.5% with more comorbidities (0–4+ comorbidities).

Conclusion:

Most people with knee or hip OA in primary care have at least one other long-term condition. A greater number of comorbidities is linked with worsening health, highlighting the importance of screening for comorbidities when treating patients with OA. It is important for clinicians to consider how OA treatments will interact and affect other common comorbidities.
Resurgence of an Ancient Idea? A Study on the History of Microfinance
Authors: Zainuddin Mohammad , Yasin Ida Md
Published: May 2020

Microfinance revolution, as it was frequently called, did not happen overnight. Microfinance has a long history of evolution, from a simple idea to a global movement, through which it came into the present shape. But much of its history is yet to be written systematically. In fact, there is no historical research so far from the perspective of microfinance. Little is thus known about the early history of some of the oldest forms of lending to the poor. The current study offers a historical look at microfinance and aims at documenting the evolution of modern microfinance institutions. The object of the research is to recognize the historical depth of microfinance and give a picture of how this idea emerged and developed overtime. The study reveals that moneylending to the poor was always in existence in various forms in different periods of time in both developing and developed countries. It has a long history, particularly in Asia but also in Africa and Europe.
A Rare Cause of Acute Pancreatitis in a Transgender Female
Authors: Shipley Lindsey C. , Steele David T. , Wilcox Charles M. , Burski Chad M.
Published: May 2020

Acute pancreatitis is defined as an acute inflammation of the pancreas and is most commonly caused by gallstones and alcohol followed by elevated triglycerides and medications. Estrogen as a cause of secondary hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis is a rare but known phenomenon in females on hormonal therapy; however, it is not well described in the transgender female population. In this article, we present a case of a 31-year-old transgender female who developed acute, severe pancreatitis after a few months of using estrogen as transition therapy. To our knowledge, this is the third case report of a transgender female presenting with acute pancreatitis secondary to estrogen. Long-term supraphysiologic doses of sex hormones are required to maintain secondary sex characteristics placing this population at a higher risk of developing acute pancreatitis. Further research is needed to determine risk and screening methods to prevent this side effect.
The Development of a Quality of Life Scale for Informal Carers for Older Adults
Authors: Maltby John , Hogervorst Eef , Stephan Blossom , Sun Xu , Tang Pinyan , Law Effie , Mukaetova-Ladinska Elizabeta B.
Published: May 2020

Background: The aim of the study was to develop a multidimensional quality of life instrument suitable for use among individuals across cultures who have an informal care role for older persons. Methods: Participants were informal carers of older adults in the United Kingdom ( n = 308), United States ( n = 164), and China ( n = 131). We carried out exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of 61 items derived from the eight-factor Adult Carers Quality of Life Questionnaire with newly added items to define both traditional and nontraditional informal care roles. Results: Findings suggest a 24-item quality of life scale with a six-factor structure to caring for older adults that assesses (a) exhaustion, (b) adoption of a traditional carer role, (c) personal growth, (d) management and performance, (e) level of support, and (f) financial matters. Conclusion: We present a new scale to assess the multidimensional aspects of quality of life among those caring for older adults.
Historical Trajectory of Men in Nursing in India
Authors: Jayapal Sathish Kumar , Arulappan Judie
Published: May 2020

Introduction

During 100 BC, the world perceived that the nurses are meant for rendering care to the sick individuals. During 600 to 700 BC, the nurse was considered as the one who attends to the patient, is pleasant in his or her demeanor, does not speak ill of anybody, is attentive to the requirements of the sick, and follows the instructions of the physicians. The men who were wise and passionate to help the sick were trained by a medical teacher for years together who later became a doctor. India is the pioneer country in developing the formal nursing curriculum. With the emergence of British and establishment of East Indian Company and Imperial Government, the nursing education became more formalized. No men came forward to nursing. Only women have opted nursing and were employed as nurses. Very few men were trained as nurses informally and were sent for war field to take care of the injured soldiers. It took several years to elevate the standards of male nurses.

Methods

The data were retrieved from the records of Tamil Nadu Archives and Historical Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The written permission was obtained from the commissioner for collecting the data retrospectively. All the collected data were checked for its consistency by matching the data again with the retrieved database.

Results

Great British Government has brought the reformations in bringing up the working standards of male nurses. The reformation and renaissance of male nurses started in 1938, and it reached a level of recognition in 1950. The male nurses were recruited in 1938, but they reached the position of a head nurse by 1950.

Conclusion

The male nurses had a long journey to overcome the hurdles in their practice and professional advancement. In recent years, the male nurses are identified for their extraordinary contribution in the delivery of health care.
In the Footsteps of Siblings: College Attendance Disparities and the Intragenerational Transmission of Educational Advantage
Authors: Smith Christian Michael
Published: May 2020

Studies in social stratification have used siblings as a tool to learn about the intergenerational transmission of advantage but less often have asked how siblings impact one another’s life chances. The author draws on social capital theory and hypothesizes that when youths attend college, they increase the probability that their siblings attend college. The author further hypothesizes that this effect is strongest among youths whose parents do not have college degrees. Findings from a U.S. national probability sample support both hypotheses. Although it is possible that confounding factors drive the estimates, the author conducts robustness checks that show that confounding would need to be very atypically strong to invalidate a causal interpretation. The positive main effect suggests that an intragenerational transmission of educational advantage exists alongside the intergenerational transmission that receives more attention. Effect heterogeneity points to the potential redundancy of college-educated siblings’ benefits when youths already receive similar benefits from college-educated parents.
Effect of atrial fibrillation on endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. A meta-analysis of individual patient data from six randomised trials: Results from the HERMES collaboration
Authors: Smaal JA , de Ridder IR , Heshmatollah A , van Zwam WH , Dippel DWJ , Majoie CB , Brown S , Goyal M , Campbell BCV , Muir KW , Demchuck AM , Davalos A , Jovin TG , Mitchell PJ , White P , Saver JL , Hill MD , Roos YB , van der Lugt A , van Oostenbrugge RJ ,   For the HERMES collaboration
Published: May 2020

Background

Atrial fibrillation is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke, and is associated with an increased risk of poor outcome after ischemic stroke. Endovascular thrombectomy is safe and effective in acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation. This meta-analysis aims to investigate whether there is an interaction between atrial fibrillation and treatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy, and secondarily whether atrial fibrillation is associated with worse outcome in patients with ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion.

Methods

Individual patient data were from six of the recent randomised clinical trials (MR CLEAN, EXTEND-IA, REVASCAT, SWIFT PRIME, ESCAPE, PISTE) in which endovascular thrombectomy plus standard care was compared to standard care alone. Primary outcome measure was the shift on the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 90 days. Secondary outcomes were functional independence (mRS 0–2) at 90 days, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at 24 h, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality at 90 days. The primary effect parameter was the adjusted common odds ratio, estimated with ordinal logistic regression (shift analysis); treatment effect modification of atrial fibrillation was assessed with a multiplicative interaction term.

Results

Among 1351 patients, 447 patients had atrial fibrillation, 224 of whom were treated with endovascular thrombectomy. We found no interaction of atrial fibrillation with treatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy for both primary ( p-value for interaction: 0.58) and secondary outcomes. Regardless of treatment allocation, we found no difference in primary outcome (mRS at 90 days: aOR 1.11 (95% CI 0.89–1.38) and secondary outcomes between patients with and without atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

We found no interaction of atrial fibrillation on treatment effect of endovascular thrombectomy, and no difference in outcome between large vessel occlusion stroke patients with and without atrial fibrillation.
Making companions: Companionability and encounter value in the marketization of the American Mustang
Authors: Pütz Robert
Published: May 2020

In recent years, attempts have been made to establish a market for American Mustang horses both within and outside of the USA. An essential feature of markets for such lively commodities is developing “companionability,” that is, shaping the body, disposition, and environmental needs of a wild horse in accordance with the demands of commodification, thereby transforming it into a domestic horse to serve as a human companion. Companionability is a prerequisite for mustangs’ marketability and a central aspect for the emergence of encounter value. This article applies the phenomenological concept of corporeal communication to elucidate the implications of these processes, using the example of a multi-day auction event, Mustang Makeover Germany.