bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of clinical signs of intravenous infusion patients with ZigBee wireless technology
Authors: Zhu Xiaobo , Ye Yunlong
Published: April 2022

At present, intravenous infusion in clinical medicine is a very important treatment method in medical care, and it is the main work content of medical staff to ensure the safety and effectiveness of intravenous infusion process. The monitoring system of infusion patient’s physical signs is integrated with sensor technology, bio-electronic technology, and computer network technology. By means of sensor detection, program control and data processing, the automatic detection and control of intravenous infusion process and real-time monitoring of the pulse information are realized. The monitoring equipment has been unable to adapt to the rapid development of medical technology. In this article, based on ZigBee module, automatic control of drip rate, abnormal alarm, real-time liquid crystal display of infusion progress, and other functions are realized without manual intervention. At the same time, the hardware part of the lower computer combines the detection of ECG and pulse to design a multi-parameter monitoring system of vital signs, and realizes the parameter synchronization management requirements of the monitoring terminal based on the local area network. The test proves that the research content in this article is higher than the traditional clinical management mode in terms of monitoring data consistency and data synchronization management accuracy, which can not only reduce the labor intensity of nursing staff, improve work efficiency, but also greatly reduce the potential risks in the nursing process, which is the future application trend of clinical medical nursing work.
The need for sustainable funding for Indigenous doula services in Canada
Authors: Wodtke Larissa , Hayward Ashley , Nychuk Alexandra , Doenmez Caroline , Sinclair Stephanie , Cidro Jaime
Published: April 2022

Objectives:

To interview representatives from Indigenous doulas across Canada in order to document how they manage the logistics of providing community-based doula care and understand their challenges. These objectives inform the development of an Indigenous doula pilot programme as part of the project, ‘She Walks With Me: Supporting Urban Indigenous Expectant Mothers Through Culturally Based Doulas’.

Methods:

In 2020, semi-structured interviews were conducted with members of five Indigenous doula collectives across Canada. Interview transcripts were approved by participants and subsequently coded by the entire research team to identify key themes.

Results:

Our article explores one of the main themes that emerged from these interviews: sustainable funding for Indigenous doula services. Within this theme we identified two sub-themes: (1) limitations on and regulations for available funding and (2) negative impacts of limited funding on doula service.

Conclusion:

A major challenge to providing Indigenous community-based doula services is sustainable funding. Current models of funding for this work often do not provide livable wages and are bound by limited durations and regulations that are unsustainable and can be culturally inappropriate. Due to this lack of sustainable funding, Indigenous doula service in Canada faces challenges that include high staff turnover and burnout and lack of time and resources to provide culturally safe care, pursue professional development and additional training, and keep their services affordable for the families who need them. Future research is needed to ascertain potential programmes and funding streams for sustainable Indigenous doula support in Canada, including possible integration of doula care into the universal public health care system despite the jurisdictional challenges in providing health care for Indigenous peoples.
‘We shouldn’t let great art disappear into BBC Four’s cultural ghetto’: The impact of BBC Four on mainstream arts provision
Authors: Genders Amy
Published: April 2022

Although BBC Four has been lauded for its dedication to more esoteric content and artforms, since the channel was introduced there has concern for the range and depth of arts content on the BBC’s terrestrial services – BBC One and BBC Two. As journalist Stuart Jeffries warned at the launch of the new channel: ‘We shouldn’t let great art disappear into BBC Four’s cultural ghetto and let the mainstream be dominated by Carol Smillie’s mirthless smile’ (2002). This paper examines the impact BBC Four has had on the BBC’s mainstream arts provision as part of a broader shift in the BBC’s provision from a Reithian mixed schedule of programming to specialist digital services for niche audiences.
Immunogenicity and safety of inactivated and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: So Ho , Li Tena , Chan Vivien , Tam Lai-Shan , Chan Paul KS
Published: April 2022

Objective:

To evaluate the effects and side effects of both inactivated and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods:

This was a prospective, single-center, observational study. Patients with SLE planning to receive COVID-19 vaccines were recruited and matched 1:1 with healthy controls. The immunogenicity of the COVID-19 vaccines was assessed by a surrogate neutralization assay at 28 days after the second dose. The main outcome was the antibody response comparing SLE patients and controls. Other outcomes included reactogenicity, disease activity and predictors of antibody responses in patients with SLE.

Results:

Sixty-five SLE patients received 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccines (Comirnaty: 38; CoronaVac: 27) were recruited. Many of them were on systemic glucocorticoids (76%) and immunosuppressants (55%). At day 28 after the second dose of vaccines, 92% (Comirnaty: 100% vs CoronaVac: 82%, p = 0.01) of the patients had positive neutralizing antibody. However, compared to the age, gender, vaccine type matched controls, the level of neutralizing antibody was significantly lower ( p < 0.001). The self-reported adverse reactions after vaccines in lupus patients were common but mild, and were more frequent in the Comirnaty group. There was no significant change in lupus disease activity up to 28 days after vaccination. The independent predictors of neutralizing antibody level included the dosage of systemic glucocorticoids, use of mycophenolate and type of vaccines.

Conclusions:

COVID-19 vaccines produced satisfactory but impaired humoral response in SLE patients compared to controls which was dependent on the immunosuppressive medications use and type of vaccines received. There was no new short-term safety signal noted. Booster dose is encouraged.
Comparison of the efficacy and risk of discontinuation between non-TNF-targeted treatment and a second TNF inhibitor in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after first TNF inhibitor failure
Authors: Park Dong-Jin , Choi Sung-Eun , Kang Ji-Hyoun , Shin Kichul , Sung Yoon-Kyoung , Lee Shin-Seok
Published: April 2022

Objectives:

Despite improved care for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, many still experience treatment failure with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) or targeted synthetic DMARDs [tsDMARDs; typically Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi)], and eventually switch to other agents. We compared the efficacy of a second tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) and non-TNF-targeted treatment as the second-line treatment in patients showing an insufficient response to the first TNFi.

Methods:

Patients were included if they had received at least one prescription for a TNFi, and at least one follow-up prescription for a second TNFi or non-TNF-targeted treatment after discontinuation of the first drug. In total, 209 patients were analyzed, including 69 with a second TNFi and 140 with a non-TNF-targeted treatment (106 non-TNFi biologics and 34 JAKi). Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for discontinuation.

Results:

The mean follow-up period after switching was 28.0 (range: 0–80) months and 24.4% of the 209 patients switched or discontinued the second drug. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, the non-TNF-targeted treatment group had a lower likelihood of discontinuing their treatment than the second TNFi group [HR = 0.326, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.170–0.626, p = 0.001]. When analyzed separately, the risk of discontinuation was significantly lower in both the non-TNFi biologic (HR = 0.318, 95% CI: 0.160–0.633, p = 0.001) and JAKi (HR = 0.356, 95% CI: 0.129–0.980, p = 0.046) groups than in the second TNFi group.

Conclusion:

Our study supported switching to a non-TNF-targeted treatment instead of TNF cycling in patients with RA showing an inadequate response to initial TNFi.
Is there still a place for methotrexate in severe psoriatic arthritis?
Authors: Felten Renaud , Lambert De Cursay Grégoire , Lespessailles Eric
Published: April 2022

The management of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has long been equated with that of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly because methotrexate (MTX) was found efficient in RA in the 1990s. However, results of collective evidence-based medicine, included and argued in this narrative review, do not currently support the use of MTX as first-line therapy in severe PsA. A recent Cochrane systematic review examining the efficacy of MTX in PsA concluded that low-dose MTX was only slightly more effective than placebo. Questions about a structural effect of MTX in PsA remains non-elucidated. Even if tolerance data on MTX are more consensual and adverse events generally non-severe, subjective side effects such as fatigue might lead to MTX withdrawal based on the patient’s decision. PsA patients with axial disease, radiographic lesions, and extensive and disabling skin or joint involvement should receive early treatment with targeted therapy and no longer with MTX. Finally, the usefulness of MTX combined with targeted therapies is limited. MTX does not affect efficacy but only seems to increase the therapeutic maintenance of monoclonal TNF inhibitors. This narrative review may help clarify the place of MTX in PsA management. It allows for reflection on the evolution of current concepts and practices.
Understanding relationships between epistemic cognition and executive functioning: Implications for measurement and practice in early childhood
Authors: Walker Sue , Brownlee Jo Lunn , Scholes Laura , Harris Clare
Published: April 2022

Research shows that epistemic cognition can support reasoning about the inclusion of diverse children. We argue that, to engage in such reasoning, children need the capacity to consider and evaluate competing knowledge perspectives (epistemic cognition) and to be cognitively flexible. Cognitive flexibility involves a subset of skills within the suite of self-regulation skills known as executive functions (EF). This study explored the extent to which cognitive flexibility might be related to epistemic cognition and the effectiveness of a pictorial and interview methodology to explore children’s epistemic cognition. Eighty-two children participated in three EF tasks designed to assess their ability to flexibly shift from one mental set to another (cognitive flexibility). Children were also interviewed about the drawings they created to represent social exclusion/inclusion in their play settings. Results indicated that, in contrast to expectations, cognitive flexibility and epistemic cognition were not related. Challenges associated with using the pictorial and interview methodology are discussed.
Physical Environment as a Tool in Caring for the Hospitalized Patient: A Qualitative Study of Nurses’ Experiences in Hospitals
Authors: Hjorhöy Liv Gølnitz , Thomsen Thora Grothe , Beck Malene
Published: April 2022

Objectives:

To explore how nurses experience the physical environment when caring for hospitalized patients.

Background:

The physical environment as part of nursing is already an embedded understanding in the earliest nursing theory. In today’s hospitals, the impact of the physical environment is important for both patients and nurses. Patients’ well-being is linked to the physical environment, which can produce both negative and positive emotions. Nurses’ work environment is affected by the physical one, which affects practice, communication, and teamwork.

Methods:

This study used a qualitative design to explore nurses’ experiences of the physical environment in nursing. The study complied with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). Individual interviews were conducted with nine nurses working in somatic hospital units. Data collection, analysis, and interpretation consisted of individual semi-structured interviews and meaning condensation as described by Kvale and Brinkmann.

Results:

Three themes were identified: (1) providing a place to belong, (2) offering a protective sensory shield, and (3) balancing clinical needs with the patients’ personal needs.

Conclusions:

Involvement of the physical environment in nursing provides an opportunity for nurses to offer the hospitalized patient a place to belong. However, the physical environment is important for nurses to maintain accessibility with, and visualization of the patient. It is a careful balancing act carried out in practice without further verbalization in nursing.
Metformin use is associated with low risk of case fatality and disability rates in first-ever stroke patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tu Wen-Jun , Liu Zheng , Chao Bao-Hua , Yan Feng , Ma Lin , Cao Lei , Ji Xun-Ming , Wang Long-De
Published: April 2022

Background:

To assess the effectiveness of metformin treatment on long-term outcomes in first-ever stroke patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in China.

Methods:

From August to September 2019, all patients with first-ever stroke and T2DM from 232 hospitals in China Mainland were included. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups: the metformin treatment (MT) and the no-metformin treatment (No-MT) groups. All discharged patients would receive a telephone follow-up at 12-month after admission.

Results:

In total, 7587 first-ever stroke patients with T2DM [age: median (IQR) = 66 (57–73) years; 57.35% male] were recruited. Out of those 7587 included patients, 3593 (47.36%) received MT. The in-hospital case fatality rate was lower in the MT group than the No-MT group [MT group versus No-MT group: 1.09% versus 2.30%; absolute difference = −1.75% (95% CI = −2.15 to −1.17%); OR = 0.63 (95% CI = 0.47 to 0.84)]. The 12-month case fatality rate was lower in the MT group than the No-MT group [4.72% versus 8.05%; absolute difference = −4.05% (95% CI = −5.58 to −2.41); OR = 0.69 (95% CI = 0.50 to 0.88)]. The 12-month disability rate was also lower in the MT group than the No-MT group [14.74% versus 19.41%; absolute difference = −5.70% (95% CI = −7.25 to −3.22); OR = 0.83 (95% CI = 0.70 to 0.95)]. Furthermore, the recurrence rate did not differ significantly between the MT and No-MT groups ( p = 0.29).

Conclusion:

The study reveals that metformin use in stroke patients with T2DM results in a less severe stroke and lower fatality and disability rates.
Effect of 3-week preoperative rehabilitation on pain and daily physical activities in patients with severe osteoarthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Ohno Chigusa , Ogawa Takahiro , Taniguchi Takaya , Kinoshita Tokio , Fujita Yasuhisa , Nishimura Yukihide , Yamada Hiroshi , Tajima Fumihiro
Published: April 2022

Background

We hypothesized that 3 weeks of preoperative rehabilitation could improve postoperative pain in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 3 weeks of preoperative rehabilitation on postoperative pain after TKA.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 29 subjects (41 knees) divided into two groups: the preoperative rehabilitation group included 14 subjects (20 knees) and the control group included 15 subjects (21 knees). All subjects were scheduled for unilateral or bilateral TKA. The preoperative rehabilitation group completed a 90-min rehabilitation program 3 days per week for 3 weeks before their TKA. The rehabilitation included body weight exercise, resistance exercise, and cycle ergometer exercise. The control group did not undergo any rehabilitation prior to TKA. We assessed the patients using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities’ Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and recorded their physical activity of walking, standing, sitting, and lying down at study entry and/or before TKA and 1 month after TKA.

Results

The WOMAC total and WOMAC pain scores were significantly lower after 3-weeks of rehabilitation, but before TKA and 1 month after surgery were significantly lower in the preoperative rehabilitation group than in the control group. The time spent walking, standing, sitting, and lying down for 12 h did not change after TKA in the preoperative rehabilitation group. In contrast, in the control group, the time spent in walking and standing positions decreased and the time in the sitting position increased after TKA (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We found that 3-week preoperative training reduced knee pain and helped maintain physical activity after surgery in patients with severe osteoarthritis who underwent TKA.
Analysis of therapeutic effectiveness and adverse effects of long-term corticosteroids among leprosy patients with reactions: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Siagian Joyce Novelyn , Purwantyastuti  , Instiaty  , Menaldi Sri Linuwih
Published: April 2022

Objectives:

Main therapy for leprosy reactions is 12 weeks corticosteroids according to World Health Organization recommendations, but recovery cannot be achieved and recurrence occurs. Long duration of administration was thought to provide better clinical improvement. Evidence of the efficacy of corticosteroids in leprosy reactions is still lacking, and optimal dose and duration of therapy vary, while the need for long-term high-dose corticosteroids makes it difficult to avoid adverse effects.

Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study analyzing the difference between therapeutic effectiveness and adverse effects of 12 weeks and >12 weeks corticosteroids, involving all new leprosy patients without age restriction, at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital and Cakung Community Health Center in Indonesia during 1 January 2015–31 December 2017. Secondary data were collected from medical records, and observations carried out until December 2018. Therapeutic effectiveness was assessed from clinical improvement to corticosteroids discontinuation, without 3 months recurrence after first cycle was completed. Adverse effects were assessed by all corticosteroids-related side effects.

Results:

Of 195 patients, 57 (29.2%) used 12 weeks corticosteroids, and 138 (70.8%) for >12 weeks. Effectiveness occurred in 38 (66.7%) of 12 weeks group and 106 (76.8%) of >12 weeks group (relative risk = 0.604, 95% confidence interval = 0.307–1.189, p = 0.143). Of 145 patients, adverse effects occurred in 12 (31.6%) of 12 weeks group and 70 (65.4%) of >12 weeks group (relative risk = 0.244, 95% confidence interval = 0.111–0.538, p < 0.001). Of 171 adverse effects, 37.4% were mild such as dyspepsia, skin disorders, and lipodystrophy, while 62.6% were severe in the form of neuropsychiatric disorders, eye disorders, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, metabolic-hormonal abnormalities, and reactivation of infections.

Conclusion:

There is no effectiveness difference in the form of clinical improvement without 3 months recurrence, between 12 weeks and >12 weeks corticosteroid, while longer administration causes 4 times more events.
A case of classic adult pityriasis rubra pilaris successfully treated with a combination of acitretin and ustekinumab: A case report
Authors: DeBiasio Celina , Cyr Janelle , Ayroud Yasmine , Glassman Steven J
Published: April 2022

Classic adult pityriasis rubra pilaris is a severe papulosquamous disease that tends to resolve in 3–5 years but can have a devastating impact on patients while active. It shares features with psoriasis, but treatment remains largely empiric, based on case reports and series. The condition is often refractory to treatment, especially initially, with topical corticosteroids and oral acitretin the more commonly employed agents. Relatively high doses of acitretin are needed for adequate response, and adverse events often limit adherence. Given the similarity to psoriasis, biologic agents approved for psoriasis have been used with good effect in classic adult pityriasis rubra pilaris and show better tolerance than other agents. In this report, we describe the successful use of a combination of acitretin and ustekinumab in a case of classic adult pityriasis rubra pilaris.
Adjustable Transobturator Male System® (ATOMS) as a novel treatment for men with stress urinary incontinence in the United Kingdom
Authors: Yang Bob , Lewis Francesca , Jelley Clare , Foley Steve
Published: April 2022

Objectives:

To investigate the first experience in the United Kingdom of using the Adjustable Transobturator Male System® (ATOMS) in treating men with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods:

Between 2015 and 2021, 71 men (average age: 70.3, range: 50–81 years) were recruited and followed up. Of these, 67 (94%) had SUI secondary to a radical prostatectomy and 16 (23%) had previous radiotherapy post-prostatectomy. Seventy men underwent an insertion of ATOMS® under general anaesthetic. In one patient, due to his underlying morbid obesity, it was not possible to insert ATOMS and thus he was excluded from the study. Follow-up was up to 6 years (mean: 4 years, range: 2–6 years).

Results:

Out of 70 men, 53 (76%) were dry after ATOMS insertion (defined as using a maximum of one pad per day for reassurance only). Dryness was achieved within 6 months for 34/53 patients (range: 1–24 months). The average pad use was 3.4 pre-operatively and 0.7 post-operatively. Of the men who did not achieve dryness, 7/17 (41%) had previously undergone radiotherapy. There were 11 (16%) complications: two cases of infected device requiring removal, one case of balloon mechanism erosion requiring re-implantation, one case of balloon mechanism require repositioning, four cases of persistent perineal or scrotal pain, two cases of urinary retention and one case of a superficial wound infection treated medically. Overall, five devices were removed.

Conclusions:

The ATOMS appears to be a safe and efficacious treatment for men with SUI. Previous radiotherapy decreased the efficacy of ATOMS. Further studies on ATOMS with larger numbers of patients and longer follow-ups are required. In particular, establishing randomised control trials to confirm these positive outcomes as well as ascertain its long-term safety profile.

Level of evidence:

4
Cutaneous Mycobacterium goodii infection in an immunocompetent cat in Louisiana: clinical presentation, molecular identification, antimicrobial susceptibility and management
Authors: Wu Chi-Yen , Diaz Sandra , Ellis Angela , Jones Rebekah , Pucheu-Haston Cherie
Published: April 2022

Case summary

A 9-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was presented to a referral hospital for management of recurring non-healing ulcerations and a subcutaneous mass on the ventral abdomen. Prior treatment included antibiotics (cefovecin followed by clindamycin), wound cleaning and surgical debulking, but the ulcerations and mass recurred 1 month after surgical removal. At this point, the cat was started on doxycycline and pradofloxacin and referred for further work-up. The culture of skin biopsy specimens obtained at the time of referral revealed a population of bacterial colonies with two distinctly different phenotypes. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified both colonies as Mycobacterium goodii. A diagnosis of a cutaneous infection of rapidly growing mycobacteria was made, and treatment with oral pradofloxacin and doxycycline was initiated. The ulcerations resolved within 4 months, and the subcutaneous mass gradually decreased in size until it was no longer palpable, even 4 months after the cessation of antibiotics.

Relevance and novel information

This is the second reported feline cutaneous M goodii infection in North America. The organism was not visualized on histopathology but was successfully cultured from tissue obtained by skin punch biopsy. A phenotypic switching phenomenon affecting the susceptibility results was suspected, possibly explaining the presence of phenotypically different but genetically identical strains. This case highlights the importance of submitting aseptically obtained tissue, fluid or fine-needle aspirates for culture and species identification, as well as histopathology, when infection with higher bacteria, such as rapidly growing mycobacteria, is suspected.
“On My Head About It”: College Aspirations, Social Media Participation, and Community Cultural Wealth
Authors: Brown Michael , Pyle Cassidy , Ellison Nicole B.
Published: April 2022

Given the widespread use of social media among adolescents, online interactions that facilitate high school students’ college knowledge acquisition could have a transformative impact on college access patterns, especially for underrepresented students. Our study uses interview data collected from Black high school students in Detroit ( N = 24) to examine their experiences and perceptions as they prepare for the transition to post-secondary education. In contrast to traditional social capital perspectives that tend to dominate social media scholarship, we instead employ a Community Cultural Wealth framework to reveal how students access distinctive forms of cultural resources via online and offline interactions. Our findings suggest students used social media to access cultural wealth as they (1) developed post-secondary educational aspirations, (2) planned to navigate the post-secondary admissions process, (3) resisted stereotypes about youth from Detroit, and (4) engaged in platform-switching to cultivate their college information networks online.
Poetry and prose as methodology: A synergy of knowing
Authors: Parsons Linda T , Pinkerton Lisa
Published: April 2022

In this study, situated in the borderland between traditional and artistic methodologies, we innovatively represent our research findings in both prose and poetry. This is an act of exploration and resistance to hegemonic assumptions about legitimate research writing. A content analysis of young adult literature featuring trafficked child soldiers is the vehicle through which we advocate for the simultaneous use of prose and poetry. Several overarching insights emerged from this work as our prose and poetic representations, taken together, did more than either could have done on its own. We noted significant differences in scope, impact, and use of words when representing findings in the two forms. Additionally, independently selecting many of the same quotes as we created our separate representations contributed to the validity of the analysis. We saw very concretely that what one knows in one form one might know differently in another, generating a synergy of knowing.
“Small” analysis of Big Data: An evaluation of the effects of social distancing in the United States
Authors: Zhang Shaozeng , Xu Dafeng , Zhao Bo
Published: April 2022

This paper proposes a “small” contextual analysis approach to big data and reports our experimental application of this approach in evaluating the effects of social distancing on focused subpopulations in U.S. society. We recognize the common and critical limitations of big data, especially the unrepresentativeness and the unpublished methodology of accessible datasets. Our proposed methodological approach is built upon recent works on data ontology, especially the recognition that big data are essentially remaining digital footprints of human life in need of additional data of contextual factors for valid and meaningful interpretation. It guides the selection and processing of big data to make big data small and structured and thus articulable with traditional social sciences data and usable to conventional social sciences methods. In our experimental case study, we apply our sampling strategy developed from traditional social science data to Google’s mobility dataset for our analysis using primarily a Difference In Difference (DID) model. The results of this case study are of timely value to policy evaluation and public decision-making in the pandemic. We call for more proactive methodological innovations that confront the critical limitations of accessible big data especially in times of urgent needs.
Antimicrobial Consumption in Latin American Countries: First Steps of a Long Road Ahead
Authors: Marin Gustavo H. , Giangreco Lucia , Dorati Cristian , Mordujovich Perla , Boni Silvia , Mantilla-Ponte Hilda , Alfonso Arvez Ma. José , López Peña Mónica , Aldunate González Ma. Francisca , Ching Fung Shing Mi , Barcelona Laura , Campaña Laura , Vaquero Orellana Alejandra , Orjuela Rodríguez Tatiana , Ginés Cantero Larissa , Villar Rosa A. , Sandoval Fuentes Nicole , Melero Emiliano , Marin-Piva Hugo , Soler Gisela , Gabriel Fernanda , Pineda Velandia Laura , Ojeda Florentín Cinthia , Risso Patron Soledad , Ortiz Rivas Mariela , Mendoza Benítez Carolina , Mellado Rosemarie , Ivanovska Verica , Muller Arno , Rojas Robin , Castro José Luis
Published: April 2022

Background:

Irrational antimicrobial consumption (AMC) became one of the main global health problems in recent decades.

Objective:

In order to understand AMC in Latin-American Region, we performed the present research in 6 countries.

Methods:

Antimicrobial consumption (J01, A07A, P01AB groups) was registered in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Paraguay, and Peru. Source of information, AMC type, DDD (Defined Daily Doses), DID (DDD/1000 inhabitants/day), population were variables explored. Data was analyzed using the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) tool.

Results:

Source of information included data from global, public, and private sectors. Total AMC was highly variable (range 1.91-36.26 DID). Penicillin was the most consumed group in all countries except in Paraguay, while macrolides and lincosamides were ranked second. In terms of type of AMC according to the WHO-AWaRe classification, it was found that for certain groups like “Reserve,” there are similarities among all countries.

Conclusion and Relevance:

This paper shows the progress that 6 Latin-American countries made toward AMC surveillance. The study provides a standardized approach for building a national surveillance system for AMC data analysis. These steps will contribute to the inclusion of Latin-America among the regions of the world that have periodic, regular, and quality data of AMC.
The Clinical Nursing Competency Assessment System of Ghana: Perspectives of Key Informants
Authors: Anim-Boamah Oboshie , Christmals Christmal Dela , Armstrong Susan Jennifer
Published: April 2022

It is essential to ensure that nurses are well trained and competent enough to provide safe and quality healthcare because of the critical role they play in the health systems globally. It is against this backdrop that Ghana instituted nursing licensing examination which includes clinical competency assessment. This qualitative exploratory descriptive study sought to explore and describe the perspectives of key informants on the clinical nursing competency assessment in Ghana. A total of 20 purposively selected key informants (nurse educators, nurse clinicians, and nurse managers) were interviewed. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. Although the intention of the clinical competency examination conducted by the nursing council is to ensure that only competent nurses are licensed to practice in Ghana, there are inherent issues such as manipulation of examiners, poor training of examiners, unstandardized assessment process, and inadequate resource which compromises the intent of the process. The nursing council admitted to not being aware of some of the challenges found in this study and will work towards improving the quality, validity, reliability, and fairness of the examination system. It is essential that the council institute quality improvement processes, including independent research into the examination process, to continually improve on the process because other countries within the sub-region try to benchmark their nursing licensing examination on that of Ghana.
Does Project Citizenship Behavior Leads Network Expansion? Gender-Based Comparison
Authors: Korkmazyurek Yavuz
Published: April 2022

Just as organizational citizenship behavior reaches conceptual saturation with numerous studies, theoretical studies are needed in conceptualizing Project Citizenship Behavior (PCB). Therefore, in the project-based business world, the number of which is increasing day by day, this concept will be better filled with various studies that establish theoretical connections with the PCB concept. The aim of the research is to make a theoretical contribution to the possible role of gender in the relationship between PCB and Network Capital (NC). In this direction, we first started by examining PCB on the basis of fundamental gender differences. Secondly, with a dialectical approach, the multiplicity of theoretical connections (i.e., increasing effect of social capital on citizenship behaviors) between PCB and interpersonal NC also raises the question of whether employees exhibit PCB for NC development. It is suggested that the more an individual exhibits PCB the more likely he develops his network. Thus, we hypothesized; “ displaying PCB can be a precursor for network capital of employees according to their gender.” After the extensive literature review we can theoretically say that exhibiting PCB may affect individuals NC creation capabilities. Although the relationship between PCB and gender is limited to a few studies in the literature, the lack of a study that conceptually examines the effect of PCB on individual NC is an element that increases the importance of the research. It is expected that this conceptual approach would contribute to the organizational behavior literature in understanding of the relationships between these concepts.
The Agenda-Setting-Effects of News Factor Exposure: A Field Study Comparing the Transmission Paths and Impact of Issue Exposure and News Factor Exposure
Authors: Geiß Stefan
Published: April 2022

This study explores how strongly and through which mechanisms issue exposure (amount and emphasis of coverage) and news factor exposure (content of coverage that provides newsworthiness reasons) stimulate individual-level agenda-setting effects. Based on a three-wave panel survey that was linked with fitting content analysis data, this is the first field study that comprehensively shows that exposure to news factors in news coverage exert agenda-setting effects at the individual level. Issue exposure and news factor exposure about equally contribute to agenda-setting effects. Their effects are fully cognitively mediated through media salience perceptions (MSP) and news factor perceptions (NFP). Mediation analyses suggest gradual differences between the mediation routes of the two types of exposure, but no clearly distinct paths. The results resonate with recent theorizing and experimental evidence that news consumers consider both amount and content of coverage to appraise and update issue salience. The study also contributes to the theorizing about the psychological processes that underlie agenda-setting effects. The mediation routes and the heuristic inferences they involve reveal high latent trust in journalists’ news selection.
Work Motivation in the Public Service: A Scale Development Based on the Self-Determination Theory
Authors: Xu Chengwei
Published: April 2022

Work motivation in the public service (WMPS) was proposed to address street-level bureaucrats’ work motivation based on the self-determination theory (SDT). Using mixed methods, the present study developed the WMPS scale within a Chinese context. A series of analyses supported the construct validity, reliability, content validity, convergent and discriminant validity, and criterion validity of the WMPS scale. The scale includes 20 scale items in six dimensions: intrinsic motivation, identified regulation, instrumental regulation, introjected regulation, external regulation, and amotivation. Correlation analysis demonstrated that a supportive work climate such as perceived autonomy and relatedness would positively associate with autonomous motivation and negatively associate with controlled motivation and amotivation. Besides, autonomous motivation was positively associated with positive outcomes such as higher job satisfaction and lower turnover intention, while external regulation and amotivation were more likely to relate to negative outcomes (e.g., lower job satisfaction and higher turnover intention). This study contributes to the literature by providing a theory-based measurement instrument for future studies on public employees’ motivation and work-related behavioral outcomes.
Management Perspectives on Musculoskeletal Disorder Risk Factors and Protective Safety Resources within the Stone, Sand, and Gravel Mining Industry
Authors: Smith Todd D. , Balogun Abdulrazak O. , Dillman Abby L.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are problematic in many industries, including stone, sand, and gravel mining (SSGM). This research aimed to delineate MSD risk factors and to identify protective safety resources that reduce MSD within these operations.

Methods:

A deductive content analysis of recorded transcripts from a focus group, which included professionals working in SSGM organizations, was completed.

Findings:

Results suggested demographic and personal factors associated with MSD included age, lack of experience, low levels of physical fitness, and attitudes toward risks. Work factors and job demands included excessive lifting, performing additional job duties, production-focused operations, lack of resources, and work related to maintenance and equipment operation. Suggested safety resources included a focus on worker fitness, resource adequacy, pay and benefits, the SLAM (Stop, Look, Analyze, and Manage) process and positive safety culture.

Conclusion:

This qualitative research project utilized mine experts to identify demographic, personal, work, and job demand factors they perceive or know to be associated with MSD. Safety programs suggested by these same experts to reduce MSD were also presented.

Application to Practice:

Occupational health and safety practitioners and mine administrators should focus on the identified factors in their work to prevent MSD within SSGM operations. Safety efforts need to include integrated programs that promote health and fitness as well. These efforts should be implemented along with recommended programs such as SLAM and the provision of appropriate safety resources to minimize risks. These efforts should promote the importance of safety and will help with bolstering a positive safety culture.
The Mediating Role of Psychological Empowerment on the Transformational Leadership-Innovative Work Behaviour relationship: A Study of Indian Banking Sector
Authors: Garg Vishal , Attree Arun Kumar , Kumar Vibhash
Published: April 2022

The purpose of the study was to examine the association between managers’ transformational leadership style and employees’ innovative work behaviour (IWB) through psychological empowerment. We employed survey methodology and collected data by administering a standardised instrument to employees (n = 203) working in public and private sector bank branches in the Delhi-NCR region of India. By applying structural equation modelling, we found that by adopting a transformational leadership style, managers can encourage employees’ IWB. Psychological empowerment partially mediated the relationship between transformational leadership and the IWB of the employees. Additionally, we found that the transformational leadership style is positively associated with the psychological empowerment of employees, and employees’ psychological empowerment is positively related to the IWB of the employees. The study practically iterates that transformational leaders can augment their employees’ innovative behaviour by empowering them.
Towards Compassionate Total Rewards: COVID-19’s Clarion Call for a Paradigmatic Shift
Authors: Pattnaik Subhra , Padhi Mousumi
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 ‘new normal’ has forced organisations to reinvent business practices including rewards in order to retain and motivate employees. This article reviewed the published literature to identify the changing Total Rewards strategies adopted by firms in India as they navigated the various phases of this unprecedented pandemic. The review of academic papers as well as practitioner articles or news articles on relevant themes published in the period of 2020–2021 was followed by semi-structured interviews with 12 human resource practitioners working in the Compensation and Benefits or Total Rewards function across various organisations in India to arrive at the findings of the study. The study revealed that most firms have adopted a compassionate approach while reformulating their Total Rewards strategy. Agility, fairness and hyper-personalisation form the cornerstones for relooking at the Total Rewards dimensions such as pay, benefits, learning and development, and work environment. Spurred by the pandemic, the article highlights the endeavour of Indian firms to imbibe compassion into their Total Rewards strategies by being agile, fair and hyper-personalised. Further, it also lists potential challenges that Indian reward leaders might need to address to successfully implement and sustain a compassionate Total Rewards culture in their organisations.
Social Participation Benefit in Elderly Patients With Diabetes: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ida Satoshi , Murata Kazuya
Published: April 2022

Aims: To conduct a scoping review on the proportion of social participation in elderly patients with diabetes and related factors to clarify what is known and what needs to be addressed in the future. Methods: Literature searches were conducted using MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, CiNii, and Ichu-shi. Articles that surveyed social participation in elderly patients with diabetes were included. Social participation was defined as participation in community activities/groups (exercise, sports, hobbies, volunteer activities, neighborhood associations, senior citizens associations, and political and religious organizations). Results: The mean age of the subjects was 67 years, and 42% were women. The percentage of social participation was 13%–36%. Moreover, factors contributing to social participation included self-management of treatment, lifestyle, mobility, subjective assessment of health, and quality of life. Conclusion: This study showed the percentage of social participation in elderly patients with diabetes and related factors. Further study is required to evaluate the causal relationship, the mechanism between social participation and contributing factors, the relationship between social participation and other outcomes, and several stratified analyses in elderly patients with diabetes.
The afterlives of urban megaprojects: Grounding policy models and recirculating knowledge through domestic networks
Authors: Silvestre Gabriel , Jajamovich Guillermo
Published: April 2022

This paper interrogates and expands understandings of agency in processes of knowledge circulation by focusing on actors switching their position from the demand-side to the supply side of policy knowledge. In doing so, we contribute to recent debates about the importance of accounting to other scales beyond the local–global binary that dominates the policy mobility literature and to the politics of policy translation and dissemination. Emphasis is given to the performative role of domestic actors and their practices in localising mobile policies of urban regeneration in ‘gateway cities’ while leveraging and recirculating knowledge within their national contexts. Conceptualised as policy brokers and policy entrepreneurs, such actors are attuned to the local dynamics and able to distil context-specific lessons that are sensitive to national regulatory frameworks, funding and political contingencies. We focus on two urban megaprojects of waterfront regeneration in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro that introduced new practices of land monetisation while making use of inter-referencing, drawing on in-depth interviews with policy actors and archival material. We argue that an attention to ‘follow the reformatted model’ reveals how policy models mutate as they conform to contextual factors and to particular interests. The analysis of such processes allows us to transcend the local–global dichotomy and to trace multiscalar connections between multiple projects.
Value of PASI90 Versus Merit-Based Incentive Payment System Efficacy Measures
Authors: Hawkes Jason E. , Reis Paulo , Lin Chen-Yen , Muram Talia , Eastman William J.
Published: April 2022

Background

Achieving ≥90% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI90) is achievable with newer biologic therapies, such as ixekizumab. Standard of care payment systems such as the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) responder criteria could lead to under treatment and lower quality of life (QoL) outcomes compared with PASI90.

Objective

Show PASI90 is a higher standard than MIPS and is associated with greater improvements in QoL and other PRO outcomes.

Methods

Patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis meeting PASI90 and MIPS criteria were compared in 3 phase 3 clinical trials of the interleukin-17A inhibitor ixekizumab (pooled UNCOVER-2/3 and IXORA-S). Patients satisfying MIPS criteria met either static Physician Global Assessment score ≤2, body surface area <3%, PASI <3, or Dermatology Life Quality Index ≤5. Improvements in QoL were compared between patients meeting PASI90 and MIPS criteria.

Results

All PASI90 responders were also MIPS responders (PASI90 responders). Not all MIPS responders met PASI90 (MIPS-only responders). Significantly larger change from baseline improvements for all health (skin pain, Itch NRS, DLQI, PtGA, WPAI-PsO work productivity loss, and WPAI-PsO activity impairment) and quality of life (EQ-5D 5L VAS and acute SF-36 PCS/MCS) outcome measures were observed in the PASI90 responders vs the MIPS-only responders.

Conclusion

PASI90 is a higher standard of response than MIPS and is associated with greater improvements in health and quality of life outcome measures.