bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nagori: Writing with Barthes
Authors: Burgin Victor
Published: May 2020

Presented in the form of an acrostic, the text offers six entries ( Nagori, Amateur, Genshiken, Obtuse, Rhythm, and Interstice). It begins with the Japanese term nagori, the etymology of which is in nami-nokori, ‘remains of the waves’, to refer to the ephemeral imprints left by the waves as they withdraw from the beach. The modern word nagori carries a more general sense of resignation, of a destiny that cannot be changed, of things that pass. The opening entry, for example, refers to our present time as the nagori of photography – as being ‘everywhere’ even before being shattered and scattered by the internet, by social media and cameras in mobile phones. Underlying the six entries is specific reference to the work of Roland Barthes, notably as a form of writing with Barthes, not about him. As such, and as the final contribution to a special issue of Theory, Culture & Society, ‘Neutral Life/Late Barthes’, this opens up for the ‘reader’ a specific practice and politics of writing.
The role of ethnicity in the perception of pork barrel politics: Evidence from a survey experiment in Slovakia
Authors: Nemčok Miroslav , Komar Olivera , Batrićević Nemanja , Tóth Michal , Spáč Peter
Published: May 2020

In divided societies and new democracies, clientelism (in the form of pork barrel) and ethno-politics appear to go hand in hand. It is apparent that politicians are incentivized to compete for support within their own ethnic groups, but does an ethnic link between voters and decision-makers influence how voters perceive and evaluate pork barrel practices? To address this question, we conducted a survey experiment (n = 1200) in ethnically heterogeneous Slovakia. The aim was to examine whether pork barrel politics implemented by a Slovak decision-maker and a Hungarian decision-maker are evaluated differently by Slovaks and Hungarians. The findings suggest that when individuals and decision-makers share the same ethnicity, individuals tend to maintain an equally positive level of trust and willingness to vote for the responsible decision-maker, even when the decision-maker implements a policy decision that does not benefit them. Nonetheless, shared ethnicity does not prevent individuals from being critical of the implemented policy decision itself.
Autoinjector device for rapid administration of drugs and antidotes in emergency situations and in mass casualty management
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Rajagopalan
Published: May 2020

There are several situations such as medical emergencies and incidents involving mass casualties where drugs and antidotes have to be administered immediately along with other first aid at the site of the event. Self-administration by the affected person or by a companion is required as a life-saving measure. Autoinjector devices (AIDs) are useful for the rapid administration of drugs and antidotes and they can also be used by those who have not been medically trained. This makes them very convenient for emergency and mass casualty management. An AID has a drug cartridge with an embedded needle for subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, which is usually painless. The drugs are delivered slowly by the AID across a large area in the muscle, which increases the absorption and the drug effects are equal to that of intravenous administration. A variety of AIDs are available, such as atropine and pralidoxime for nerve agent poisoning, epinephrine for anaphylactic shock and allergy, diazepam for seizures, sumatriptan for migraine, amikacin for antibacterial treatment, buprenorphine for pain relief and monoclonal antibodies for a variety of diseases. This review describes the published peer-reviewed literature identified by online searches of journal databases.
Mood Disorders in Late Life: A Population-based Analysis of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Consequences in Community-dwelling Older Adults in Ontario: Troubles de l’humeur en âge avancé : Une analyse dans la population de la prévalence, des facteurs de risque et des conséquences chez des adultes âgés vivant en milieu communautaire en Ontario
Authors: Strauss Rachel , Kurdyak Paul , Glazier Richard H.
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Mental health issues in late life are a growing public health challenge as the population aged 65 and older rapidly increases worldwide. An updated understanding of the causes of mood disorders and their consequences in late life could guide interventions for this underrecognized and undertreated problem. We undertook a population-based analysis to quantify the prevalence of mood disorders in late life in Ontario, Canada, and to identify potential risk factors and consequences.

Method:

Individuals aged 65 or older participating in 4 cycles of a nationally representative survey were included. Self-report of a diagnosed mood disorder was used as the outcome measure. Using linked administrative data, we quantified associations between mood disorder and potential risk factors such as demographic/socioeconomic factors, substance use, and comorbidity. We also determined associations between mood disorders and 5-year outcomes including health service utilization and mortality.

Results:

The prevalence of mood disorders was 6.1% (4.9% among males, 7.1% among females). Statistically significant associations with mood disorders included younger age, female sex, food insecurity, chronic opioid use, smoking, and morbidity. Individuals with mood disorders had increased odds of all consequences examined, including placement in long-term care (adjusted odds ratio [OR] =2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71 to 3.02) and death (adjusted OR = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.63).

Conclusions:

Mood disorders in late life were strongly correlated with demographic and social/behavioral factors, health care use, institutionalization, and mortality. Understanding these relationships provides a basis for potential interventions to reduce the occurrence of mood disorders in late life and their consequences.
The Word-Problem Solving and Explanations of Students Experiencing Mathematics Difficulty: A Comparison Based on Dual-Language Status
Authors: Powell Sarah R. , Urrutia Vanessa Y. , Berry Katherine A. , Barnes Marcia A.
Published: May 2020

In mathematics, the expectation to set up and solve word problems emerges as early as kindergarten; however, many students who experience mathematics difficulty (MD) and dual-language learners often present with specific challenges in this area. To investigate why these populations experience word-problem difficulty, we examined the word, problem solving and oral explanations of third-grade dual-language learners (DLLs; n = 40) and non-DLLs ( n = 40), all of whom were identified as experiencing MD. Students solved five additive word problems and provided oral explanations of their work, which were transcribed and coded for the number of words in each explanation, type of mathematics vocabulary terms used, inclusion of correct numbers in explanations, and descriptions of addition or subtraction. We identified no significant differences in word-problem scores between DLLs and non-DLLs with MD. For both DLLs and non-DLLs, students who answered problems correctly used more words in each explanation and used more mathematics vocabulary terms within their explanations. For incorrectly answered problems, the most common mistake for both DLLs and non-DLLs involved using the incorrect operation to solve the problem.
Making sense of Harvey: An exploration of how journalists find meaning in disaster
Authors: Dworznik-Hoak Gretchen
Published: May 2020

Thirty journalists who covered hurricane Harvey and who also lived in affected areas were interviewed to explore how journalists make sense of and cope with their exposure to hurricane-related trauma. Baumeister’s four needs for meaning framework was used as a guide to uncover how journalists used justification, purpose, efficacy, and self-worth to find meaning in their traumatic experiences. Journalistic mission and purpose were strong drivers for making sense of hurricane coverage hardships. Justification and efficacy helped journalists reframe traumatic encounters. Self-worth helped reframe experiences as furthering career goals. The article discusses implications for news managers and journalists.
Intimate Partner Violence and Couple Conflict Behaviors: The Moderating Effect of Drug Use Problem Severity
Authors: Jarnecke, PhD Amber M. , Leone, PhD Ruschelle M. , Kirby, BA Charli , Flanagan, PhD Julianne C.
Published: May 2020

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a maladaptive conflict behavior, and IPV is both a precipitant and consequence of drug use problems among couples. It is unknown how drug use problem severity modulates the association between IPV and observed conflict behaviors. As part of a larger clinical trial, a sample of 30 different-sex substance-misusing couples completed self-report questionnaires and participated in a laboratory conflict resolution task. The current exploratory study tested whether drug use severity moderated the association between IPV perpetration and positive and negative conflict resolution behaviors, respectively, while controlling for IPV victimization. The results suggest that among men, drug use severity moderates the association between psychological IPV perpetration and negative conflict behaviors. Men who report more severe IPV display more negative behaviors when their drug use problems are more severe. Among women, drug use severity moderated the effect between psychological IPV perpetration and negative conflict behaviors among women, such that women with lower drug use problem severity displayed more negative conflict behaviors when psychological IPV perpetration was more versus less severe. Drug use severity also moderated the association between physical IPV perpetration and negative and positive conflict behaviors among women. That is, women who reported more severe physical IPV displayed more negative and fewer positive behaviors when their drug use problems were more severe. Results have preliminary implications for targeting conflict resolution strategies differentially in men and women with drug use and a history of IPV perpetration. Future studies should replicate the current findings in larger, more representative samples, and examine the role specific drugs have on the association between IPV and conflict behaviors.
Professional Self-Positioning of Indian Social Workers in Response to Domestic Violence
Authors: Piippo Sisko , Hirvonen Pasi , Anand Janet Carter
Published: May 2020

This article explores the self-positioning of Indian social workers who work with female survivors of domestic violence (DV). We know from previous research about the experiences of persons who have encountered DV, but more studies on the point of view of the professionals is needed. Relying on positioning theory and discursive analysis as a framework, we analyzed interviews ( N = 18) concerning the practices, emotions, and attitudes of social workers. Positioning theory enables scholars to approach the situation of encountering a survivor as a social event, which consists of the meaning-making activities of social workers. Professionals self-position themselves as one or a combination of the following: (a) a challenger of gendered oppression, (b) an advocator of women’s rights, (c) a facilitator of women’s empowerment, and/or (d) a self-reflector of personal emotions and attitudes. The findings suggest that the event of DV intervention is a discursive and contextually situated moral practice in which the distribution of rights and duties to say and do things is of particular interest. The act of self-positioning is constructed in relation to sociocultural settings. Social workers may take several positions during the meetings with survivors. Positions build our understanding of how social workers in violence-specific units make sense of DV, illustrating how the act of self-positioning may also define to the position of the survivor. Social workers experienced boundaries, and possibilities in responding to DV were explored. The study reveals that barriers should be addressed at a wider level by funders and policy makers to enhance the continuity of work and the implementation of women rights legislation in India.
‘You Just Had to Get on with It’: Exploring the Persistence of Gender Inequality through Women’s Career Histories
Authors: Ford Jackie , Atkinson Carol , Harding Nancy , Collinson David
Published: May 2020

This article examines the career histories of the first generation of UK women to enter professional employment in the 1970s and 1980s in comparatively large numbers. In so doing, it contributes to the sparse literature on older women’s working life histories. Presenting empirical research on women’s experiences in the legal and HR sectors, it reveals how women pioneers were often silenced by requirements to conform with male-dominated norms, values and practices governing masculine career pathways. They learned to speak a predominantly masculine language that in turn constituted a significant barrier to effective resistance and disallowed new ways of speaking about careers. The article argues that these earlier conditions of entry into careers continue to influence the barriers women face at work today. Through this analysis of older women’s working lives, the article also contributes to contemporary debates about intersectionality by illustrating how gender and age interact in ways that reinforce earlier patterns of career disadvantage.
Sir William Osler and the Schorstein Memorial lectures at the London Hospital
Authors: Swash Michael
Published: May 2020

The formal named lecture has an iconic position in British medical life, but it is less valued now than in the past. The Schorstein memorial lecture series at the London Hospital illustrates the evolving role of such lectures and their significance in medical practice, science and history, and the evolving concepts of medicine in society. The founding concept underlying the Schorstein lectures was an ideal of education, strongly supported by William Osler and other influential figures. The influence of the series of annual lectures and their subsequent publication among the wider medical community was immense. However, the formal named lecture as an educational experience is now less highly regarded. Nonetheless, with a changed focus, as has been applied recently to the Schorstein lecture series, such events can continue to play a role in contemporary medical life.
Anal Fibroepithelial Polyp With Epithelial Vascular Pseudoinvasion
Authors: Fellegara Giovanni , Di Mari Nicoletta
Published: May 2020

In this article, we report a case of anal fibroepithelial polyp with benign squamous cell vascular pseudoinvasion. The patient was a 38-year-old Caucasian man, who presented at our institution for recurrent episodes of anal discomfort. Clinical evaluation revealed the presence of 2 pedunculated anal polyps that were resected and submitted for histological evaluation. On microscopic evaluation, one of the polyps shows epithelial endovascular displacement associated with morphological signs of traumatism. The differential diagnosis and possible pathogenetic mechanisms explaining the presence of such findings are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported of an anal fibroepithelial polyp with epithelial vascular pseudoinvasion.
Percutaneous Oblique Distal Osteotomy of the Fifth Metatarsal for Bunionette Correction
Authors: Ferreira Gabriel Ferraz , dos Santos Tatiana Ferreira , Oksman Daniel , Pereira Filho Miguel Viana
Published: May 2020

Background:

Bunionette is a common foot disorder, and several types of corrective surgery have been described. With the popularization of minimally invasive surgeries, the forefoot region has become a suitable area for this type of technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of oblique distal osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal adapted for a percutaneous approach.

Methods:

We prospectively evaluated 31 consecutive tailor’s bunion patients who underwent operative correction on a total of 42 feet between 2017 and 2019 after failure of conservative treatment. Clinical outcomes such as pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), function (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society [AOFAS] Lesser Toe Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale scoring system), personal satisfaction, and complications were evaluated. Radiographic aspects were also examined. Shapiro and Mann-Whitney statistical tests were conducted. The average age of the patients was 69.5 years, and the average follow-up was 13.1 months.

Results:

After the operative procedure, there was a decrease of 6.6 points on the VAS for pain ( P < .001) and an increase of 34.9 in the AOFAS score ( P < .001). Radiographic correction was achieved for both the fifth metatarsophalangeal angle ( P < .001) and the intermetatarsal angle ( P < .001), which showed decreased values. There was 1 case of superficial infection and 2 cases of nonunion (asymptomatic). A large majority of patients regarded the procedure outcome as satisfactory.

Conclusion:

This percutaneous oblique distal osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal for bunionette deformity produced improvements in pain and function and a high rate of satisfaction, with a low incidence of complications and a high capacity for correcting the deformity.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective cohort study.
Difference Between Young and Old Adults’ Performance on the Psychology Experiment Building Language (PEBL) Test Battery: What Is the Role of Familiarity With Technology in Cognitive Performance?
Authors: Scarpina Federica , D’Agata Federico , Priano Lorenzo , Mauro Alessandro
Published: May 2020

Objective: The Psychology Experiment Building Language (PEBL) Test Battery is a recent computerized software for the assessment of cognitive functioning in clinical and healthy populations. However, its applicability for the assessment of old adults and the role of level of familiarity with technology on performance have not been tested. Method: To verify if PEBL Test Battery is sensitive to aging cognitive decline, we assessed young and older adults’ performance on the neuropsychological tests relative to the following domains: verbal and visuospatial short-term memory, selective attention, inhibition to interference, planning and problem-solving, set-shifting, and cognitive flexibility. The difference between the two groups was studied taking into account the self-reported level of familiarity with technology, measured through the Attitudes Toward Computers Questionnaire. Results: Old participants showed a lower level of cognitive performance compared with the younger group, in line with the traditional literature about cognitive function decline in aging. However, this difference was not related to the level of familiarity with technology. Conclusion: Our descriptive study seemed to support the applicability of PEBL Test Battery for testing old adults’ cognitive functioning. However, some criticisms and future improvements about this computerized battery were discussed for its applicability in clinical, rehabilitative and research contexts.
An Empirical Review of Research and Reporting Practices in Psychological Meta-Analyses
Authors: Hohn Richard E. , Slaney Kathleen L. , Tafreshi Donna
Published: May 2020

As meta-analytic studies have come to occupy a sizable contingent of published work in the psychological sciences, clarity in the research and reporting practices of such work is crucial to the interpretability and reproducibility of research findings. The present study examines the state of research and reporting practices within a random sample of 384 published psychological meta-analyses across several important dimensions (e.g., search methods, exclusion criteria, statistical techniques). In addition, we surveyed the first authors of the meta-analyses in our sample to ask them directly about the research practices employed and reporting decisions made in their studies, including the assessments and procedures they conducted and the guidelines or materials they relied on. Upon cross-validating the first author responses with what was reported in their published meta-analyses, we identified numerous potential gaps in reporting and research practices. In addition to providing a survey of recent reporting practices, our findings suggest that (a) there are several research practices conducted by meta-analysts that are ultimately not reported; (b) some aspects of meta-analysis research appear to be conducted at disappointingly low rates; and (c) the adoption of the reporting standards, including the Meta-Analytic Reporting Standards (MARS), has been slow to nonexistent within psychological meta-analytic research.
Thoracic vertebral canal stenosis in cats: clinical features, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment and outcome
Authors: Gillespie Sabrina , De Decker Steven
Published: May 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment and outcome in cats with thoracic vertebral canal stenosis (TVCS).

Methods

Medical records and imaging studies of cats with TVCS were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome was acquired from patient records and from owners or referring veterinary surgeons via a telephone questionnaire. For each case, breed-, age- and sex-matched controls were identified with CT imaging of the thoracic vertebral column. For each cat, vertebral canal height was determined at three levels for each thoracic vertebra. Vertebral canal heights were compared between control cats of different breeds and between affected and control cats of the same breed.

Results

Nine TVCS cases were included. British Shorthairs and male neutered cats were over-represented ( P <0.05). Median age at presentation was 9 years. All cats were presented for a chronic, progressive, painful, ambulatory, T3–L3 myelopathy. Five cats were treated conservatively, three surgically and one was euthanased. Two cats treated surgically demonstrated improvement of clinical signs and one demonstrated initial improvement followed by deterioration. Of the conservatively treated cats, three deteriorated and two improved. Compared with controls, affected cats had a lower vertebral canal height at multiple thoracic vertebral levels, being most prominent for British Shorthairs and domestic shorthairs ( P <0.05). Unaffected British Shorthairs had a lower thoracic vertebral canal height at multiple levels than control domestic shorthairs ( P <0.05).

Conclusions and relevance

TVCS should be considered a differential diagnosis in middle-aged to older cats presenting with a chronic, progressive, painful, T3–L3 myelopathy. The predisposition of British Shorthairs could be explained by a narrower vertebral canal in this breed.
Economic performance and electoral volatility: Testing the economic voting hypothesis on Indian states, 1957–2013
Authors: Dash Bharatee Bhusana , Ferris J Stephen
Published: May 2020

The consequences of variations in economic growth for vote volatility are analyzed on a panel of 14 Indian states between 1957 and 2013. Two measures of volatility are used: changes in party vote shares at the assembly level and changes in the state average of vote volatilities constructed at the constituency level. While the results find that both vary inversely with income growth rates, volatility at the constituency level is found to be more sensitive to growth rates. Examination of the periodicity of income growth’s impact finds that growth in the final year of governance has a stronger effect on volatility than does the average growth rate arising over the incumbent’s tenure. We confirm for Indian states that vote volatility responds more to negative changes than positive changes in the growth rate and, by decomposing volatility we find, contrary to most studies, that growth rates affect internal vote shifting more than shifting between exiting parties and newcomers. The responsiveness of volatility to economic and political characteristics of the state reinforces the hypothesis that theories of economic voting have an important role to play in understanding electoral volatility and may provide a more insightful way of approaching the political business cycle.
One moment, please: Can the speed and quality of political contact affect democratic health?
Authors: Soo Nikki , Weinberg James , Dommett Katharine
Published: May 2020

Contact between politicians and their constituents is the cornerstone of democracies globally but an area of scholarship that remains relatively underdeveloped. Political contact can help convey authority, provide legitimacy and facilitate governance. This article goes beyond the assumption that representatives need to communicate more with the public and suggests, instead, that the quality of contact matters. Focusing on four processes by which citizens can contact their representatives (face-to-face, by letter, email or social media), we employ an experimental vignette methodology to test whether the character and timeliness of politicians’ responses to citizen communication affects two indicators of democratic health: (a) the latter’s satisfaction with political contact and (b) their likelihood to re-contact representatives. Our findings provide evidence that personalised communication and to a smaller extent, speed of response, can influence citizen satisfaction and their likelihood of re-engagement. This suggests politicians can improve these indicators of democratic health by adjusting the style of political contact and communication.
From hanging out to figuring it out: Socializing online as a pathway to computational thinking
Authors: Shorey Samantha , Hill Benjamin Mako , Woolley Samuel
Published: May 2020

Although socializing is a powerful driver of youth engagement online, platforms struggle to leverage social engagement to promote learning. We seek to understand this dynamic using a multi-stage analysis of over 14,000 comments on Scratch, an online platform designed to support learning about programming. First, we inductively develop the concept of “participatory debugging”—a practice in which users learn through the process of collaborative technical troubleshooting. Second, we use a content analysis to establish how common the practice is on Scratch. Third, we conduct a qualitative analysis of user activity over time and identify three factors that serve as social antecedents of participatory debugging: (1) sustained community, (2) identifiable problems, and (3) what we call “topic porousness” to describe conversations that are able to span multiple topics. We integrate these findings in a framework that highlights a productive tension between the desire to promote learning and the interest-driven sub-communities that drive user engagement in many new media environments.
Interrogating culture: Anthropology, social work, and the concept trade
Authors: Mathias John , Gulbas Lauren E , Chin Matthew , Perry Tam E
Published: May 2020

Interdisciplinary contributions to social work have supported the profession’s development as a helping profession. Indeed, drawing from other disciplines has been a way to hone intervention approaches. This article analyzes the history of social work’s use of anthropological theory about “culture” in order to critically examine the profession’s positioning as a “recipient” of theories. At a time when evidence-based practice is a dominant ideal, this paper offers an opportunity to step back and interrogate a key concept, culture, that is often evoked as interventions are tailored for various populations.

Findings

While social work has substantially debated and revised how it approaches culture difference, the core conceptualization of culture as a relatively static set of shared values and traits remains ill-suited to the complex negotiation of diversity in social work practice. The limitations of the culture concept are symptomatic of an exchange relationship with anthropology that positions social work practitioners primarily as recipients of concepts, rather than as interlocutors.

Application

By treating intervention as an opportunity for theory revision, anthropologists and social workers can better account for the hybridity, change, and contestation of difference in social work practice. As the social work profession expands globally, a more dialogical engagement with anthropological theories about culture and other key concepts may prove fruitful.
Influential factors on pressure characteristics of fuel system for a low-speed marine diesel engine
Authors: Fan Liyun , Wen Liming , Bai Yun , Lan Qi , Lu Zhongyang
Published: May 2020

Maritime transport has made great contributions to the prosperity and development of the world economy. And the low-speed marine diesel engine has played an important role. However, with the aggravation of energy shortage and marine pollution, the development of diesel engines is facing unprecedented pressure. It is therefore urgent to improve the performance of fuel system of diesel engine. In this study, a simulation model of fuel system for a low-speed diesel engine was established. And the accuracy of the model was validated because of the good agreement between the experimental data and simulation results of system pressure characteristics. Based on the verified model, the influence of key parameters on system pressure characteristics was examined. The results show that the mass of pressure amplification piston and flow capacity of pressure amplification control valve have slightly influence on the pressure characteristics of the system. And the impact of diameter of big and small end of pressure amplification piston is more obvious than the first two, for they change the pressure amplification ratio. The diameter of high-pressure fuel tube is the most influential factor to system pressure characteristics. The reason is that the pressure accumulative effect is strengthened as it increases, which leads to a dramatical change happened to the movement of pressure amplification piston and the propagation of pressure waves.
A Systematic Review of Corporal Punishment in Schools: Global Prevalence and Correlates
Authors: Heekes Sasha-Lee , Kruger Chloe B. , Lester Soraya N. , Ward Catherine L.
Published: May 2020

Despite global shifts toward prevention of school corporal punishment, the practice remains widespread. This systematic review focused on (a) prevalence, (b) associated mental health and behavioral factors, and (c) correlates that may be risk or protective factors. Studies included in this review were peer-reviewed, published in English between 1980 and July 2017, and quantitative in design. Fifty-three papers met the inclusion criteria. All were cross-sectional surveys, predominantly of moderate quality and conducted in the United States (US) and on the African continent. Results indicated that school corporal punishment is prevalent across the globe (including where bans are in place) and does not appear to be decreasing over time, although measurement differences preclude firm conclusions. It is associated with physical, academic, mental health, and behavioral problems for children. Boys, Black students (in the US), and students exposed to violence at home were most at risk of corporal punishment. It is unclear whether disability puts a student at risk. Schools with high rates of other disciplinary practices were more likely to use corporal punishment, while those who employed a mental health professional and trained staff in safety procedures were less likely to use corporal punishment. Teacher attitudes favoring corporal punishment, and their use of violence in other contexts, increased risk. Low socioeconomic status (of the student or the school environment) increased risk, while high levels of state social capital reduced risk. Future research must include areas where corporal punishment is banned and focus on developing effective interventions to prevent school corporal punishment.
Impact of Institutional Volume on Critical In-Hospital Complications Adjusted for Patient- and Limb-Related Characteristics: An Analysis of a Nationwide Japanese Registry of Endovascular Interventions for PAD
Authors: Iida Osamu , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Kohsaka Shun , Soga Yoshimitsu , Fujihara Masahiko , Mano Toshiaki , Shinke Toshiro , Amano Tetsuya , Ikari Yuji
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

To investigate the incidence and clinical predictors, including institutional annual case volume, of critical in-hospital complications after endovascular therapy (EVT) for peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Materials and Methods:

The data were extracted from the nationwide registry of peripheral interventions in Japan [Japanese EVT (J-EVT)] between 2012 and 2017. A total of 92,224 EVT cases either for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) or intermittent claudication were included in the analysis. The primary outcome measure was critical in-hospital complications, which were defined as a composite of urgent surgery and in-hospital death within 30 days after EVT. The institutional volume was classified into quartiles. The association of institutional volume, as well as baseline characteristics, with the critical in-hospital complications was explored using a multivariable logistic regression model with multiple imputation for missing data. Results are presented as the adjusted odds ratio (OR) with the 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:

The estimated prevalence of critical in-hospital complications was 0.3% (95% CI 0.3% to 0.4%). The following 10 patient- and limb-related characteristics were identified as independent risk factors for critical in-hospital complications: (1) female sex (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.25), (2) age ≥75 years (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.40), (3) CLTI (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.47 to 3.05), (4) nonambulatory status (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.24), (5) regular dialysis (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.77), (6) cerebrovascular disease (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.33), (7) urgent revascularization (OR 5.10, 95% CI 3.64 to 7.13), (8) aortoiliac TASC II D lesion (OR 3.65, 95% CI 2.51 to 5.33), (9) femoropopliteal TASC II D lesion (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.52), and (10) infrapopliteal TASC D lesion (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.13). In addition, the 4th quartile of the institutional volume (≥158 cases/year), but not the 2nd or 3rd quartile, had a significantly and independently lower risk of critical in-hospital complications than the 1st quartile (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.23).

Conclusion:

After EVT for symptomatic PAD, 0.3% of the population encountered critical in-hospital complications. A higher institutional volume was significantly associated with a lower risk of critical in-hospital complications.
Feasibility and Safety of Sac Embolization Using N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate in Emergency Endovascular Aneurysm Repair for Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms or Isolated Iliac Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Ohba Shota , Shimohira Masashi , Hashizume Takuya , Muto Masahiro , Ohta Kengo , Sawada Yusuke , Mizuno Akihiro , Nakai Yosuke , Suda Hisao , Shibamoto Yuta
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of sac embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in emergency endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and iliac artery aneurysm (IAA) in comparison to EVAR without sac embolization.

Materials and Methods:

Between February 2012 and December 2019, among 44 consecutive patients with ruptured AAA or IAA, 29 underwent EVAR. Of these, 22 patients (median age 77.5 years; 18 men) had concomitant sac embolization using NBCA; the remaining 7 patients (median age 88 years; 6 men) underwent EVAR without sac embolization and form the control group. The technical success, clinical success (hemodynamic stabilization), procedure-related complications, and mortality were compared between the groups.

Results:

All EVAR procedures and embolizations were successful. The clinical success rates in the NBCA and control groups were 95% (21/22) and 71% (5/7), respectively (p=0.14). There was no complication related to the procedure. Type II endoleak occurred in 4 of 21 patients (19%) in the NBCA group vs none of the control patients. One patient (5%) died in the NBCA group vs 3 (43%) in the controls (p=0.034).

Conclusion:

Sac embolization using NBCA in emergency EVAR appears to be feasible and safe for ruptured AAA and IAA.
Life-cycle and environmental impact assessments on processing of plant fibres and its bio-composites: A critical review
Authors: Ramesh M , Deepa C , Kumar L Rajesh , Sanjay MR , Siengchin Suchart
Published: May 2020

From the beginning of humanity, our generation has been on the edge of finding suitable solutions to increase the product’s life-cycle and reduce the environmental impact of the product. Life-cycle assessment is a process to evaluate the effects of products or services whereas environmental impact assessment is an inter-related process of evaluating the environmental impact of a product or service. Plant fibre reinforced composites are developed by researchers, which are kindled by economic and environmental trepidations. The forest’s wood resources will decline and deplete due to environmental issues caused by natural and renewable resources. The main objective of this review is to conduct life-cycle assessment and environmental impact assessment studies on plant fibres and manufacturing of bio-composites from these fibres. It identifies the differences and causes to the environment, in particular about the total effect on the surrounding atmosphere. Another aim of this work is to assess a techno-economic feasibility based on the environmental impact category. In addition to this, inventory assessments of these composites are also dealt with, alongside the industrial applications. This review concludes a summary of current research and point out the opportunities and challenges for future researchers.
Evidence-Based Approach to Healthy Food Choices for Hispanic Women
Authors: McVey Beth A. , Lopez Raul , Padilla Blanca Iris
Published: May 2020

Obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions in the United States and Hispanic women, particularly Mexican American women, are disproportionately affected. This quality improvement project, which took place at a clinic in East Los Angeles, California, implemented body mass index calculation, an eight-item starting the conversation (STC) tool, and culturally sensitive nutrition education in an effort to change the overweight/obesity status of these women. There were 36 female Hispanic patients who participated in this study. There was a significant decrease in body mass index percentile from pre implementation to 2-months post implementation. The total STC score decreased significantly from pre implementation to 2-months post implementation, indicating a positive change in dietary behavior. Dietary screening and intervention tools can assist health care providers with early identification of overweight/obesity status and prevention of overweight/obesity-related diseases. The STC tool will allow the health care provider to start the conversation about healthy food choices and provide for further culturally sensitive nutrition education.
An efficient and secure data auditing scheme based on fog-to-cloud computing for Internet of things scenarios
Authors: Tian Jun-Feng , Wang Hao-Ning
Published: May 2020

With the widespread use of fog-to-cloud computing–based Internet of things devices, how to ensure the integrity of the data uploaded to the cloud has become one of the most important security issues. This article proposes an efficient and secure data auditing scheme based on fog-to-cloud computing for Internet of things scenarios, which can better meet performance and security requirements. The proposed scheme realizes data sharing under the condition of protecting privacy by encrypting sensitive information. Using the private key separation method, the private key is divided into two parts using identity information generation and random selection which are, respectively, held by the user and the fog center. Then, using the two-time signature method, the Internet of things and fog computing center use two parts of the private key to generate the original signature and final signature in two separate times. Since the fog computing center only has a part of the private key generated using the identity information, the security of the system will not be damaged due to the leakage of part of the private key held by the fog center, and the fog center significantly participates in the signature generation process, which significantly reduces the computation and communication overhead of the Internet of things device. Security analysis and performance evaluation show that the proposed scheme is safe and efficient.
Reasons for Conversion and Adverse Intraoperative Events in Robotically Enhanced Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Revascularization
Authors: van der Merwe Johan , Casselman Filip , Vermeulen Yvette , Stockman Bernard , Degrieck Ivan , Van Praet Frank
Published: May 2020

Objective

The transition from sternotomy access to minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting is associated with steep learning curves. This study reports the reasons for sternotomy conversions from robotically enhanced minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (RE-MIDCAB) and describes potential risk reduction strategies.

Methods

The perioperative data of 759 RE-MIDCAB patients (mean age 65.9 ± 10 years, 25.5% female, 30.2% multivessel disease) operated between July 1, 2002 and November 30, 2018 were reviewed for the reasons of conversion and adverse intraoperative events. Hybrid revascularization was planned in 204 (26.9%) patients.

Results

Sternotomy conversion occurred in 30 (4.0%) patients. Lung adhesions and unsuccessful single-lung ventilation prohibited safe RE-MIDCAB internal thoracic artery (ITA) harvesting in 11 (36.7%) and 1 (3.3%) patients, respectively. ITA dysfunction ( n = 11, 36.7%) and inadequate target vessel visualization ( n = 3, 10.0%) were among the anatomical reasons for conversions. Adverse intraoperative events included ventricle perforation ( n = 1, 3.3%) and sustained ventricular arrhythmia ( n = 1, 3.3%). The in-hospital mortality and mean length of hospitalization for sternotomy conversion were 3.3% ( n = 1 of 30) and 13.4 ± 14.5 days, respectively. Perioperative morbidities included pneumonia ( n = 4, 13.3%). Premorbid renal dysfunction predicted sternotomy conversion at the 5% level of significance.

Conclusions

RE-MIDCAB provides an attractive surgical platform for primary- or hybrid coronary artery procedures. The progressive increase in patient risk profiles, strict quality control, and focus on clinical governance require awareness of reasons that potentially contribute RE-MIDCAB to sternotomy conversion to ensure safe and sustainable programs.
Exploring Prostate Cancer Patients’ Interest and Preferences for Receiving Genetic Risk Information About Cancer Aggressiveness
Authors: Roy Siddhartha , Gwede Clement K. , Malo Teri L. , Scherr Courtney L. , Radlein Selina , Meade Cathy D. , Vadaparampil Susan T. , Park Jong Y.
Published: May 2020

The number of cases of aggressive prostate cancer is increasing. Differentiating between aggressive and indolent cases has resulted in increased difficulty for the physician and patient to decide on the best treatment option. Due to this challenge, efforts are underway to profile genetic risk for prostate cancer aggressiveness, which may help physicians and patients at risk for developing aggressive prostate cancer to select an appropriate treatment option. This study explores patients’ interest in receiving genetic results, preference for how genetic risk information should be communicated, and willingness to share results with adult male first-degree relatives (FDRs). A nine-item survey was adapted to assess their beliefs and attitudes about genetic testing for prostate cancer aggressiveness. In addition, participants ( n = 50) responded to hypothetical scenarios and questions associated with perceived importance of risk disclosure, preferences for receiving genetic risk information, and sharing of results with FDRs. As the hypothetical risk estimate for aggressive prostate cancer increased, patients’ willingness to receive genetic risk information increased. This study found that most patients preferred receiving genetic risk education in the form of a DVD (76%), one-page informational sheet (75%), or educational booklet (70%). Almost all patients (98%) reported that they would be willing to share their test results with FDRs. The results of this study highlight prostate cancer patients’ desire to receive and share genetic risk information. Future research should focus on assessing the long-term benefits of receiving genetic information for prostate cancer patients and implications of sharing this information with FDRs.
Experiences of Newly Qualified Nurses in Critical Care: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Elias Charlotte E , Day Tina
Published: May 2020

Recent nursing shortages have been particularly felt in specialist areas, like Critical Care, which require higher staffing quotas; leading to increased recruitment of Newly Qualified Nurses in an area once reserved for the more experienced. This qualitative systematic review aimed to explore the experiences of Newly Qualified Nurses working in Critical Care, as their first job post-registration. A systematic search was undertaken between December 2017 and May 2018, yielding eight studies for inclusion in this review. Eligibility criteria included a qualitative design; Newly Qualified Nurses with less than two years post-registration experience, working in adult Intensive Care Units. Data were extracted and synthesised using the Thematic Synthesis approach. Five main themes emerged from the data: Intensive Care Unit Readiness; An Emotional Spectrum; Developing Relationships; The Journey to Self-Satisfaction and Intensive Care Unit Commitment. Conclusions are that an undergraduate placement in Critical Care should be facilitated where possible, consistent mentorship enhances Newly Qualified Nurse satisfaction, peer support is an important coping mechanism and opportunities for socialisation should be facilitated.
The immediate and subsequent impact of a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in people aged 16–40: Results from a national cohort study
Authors: Olds M , Ellis R , Parmar P , Kersten P
Published: May 2020

Background

Limited evidence exists which details changes in quality of life, shoulder activity level, kinesiophobia, shoulder pain and disability following a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation (FTASD) in people treated non-operatively. This study had three objectives: (1) to examine quality of life, pain, disability and kinesiophobia after an FTASD within 12 weeks, (2) to examine whether these variables were different in people with and without recurrent shoulder instability and (3) to assess how these variables changed over 12 months.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was undertaken in people with an FTASD aged between 16 and 40 years. Measures of quality of life, kinesiophobia, shoulder activity, shoulder pain and disability were recorded within 12 weeks of an FTASD and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.

Results

An FTASD negatively impacted quality of life, shoulder pain and function and these variables improved over time. People with recurrent shoulder instability had poorer quality of life 12 months after an FTASD. Across the entire cohort, kinesiophobia did not significantly change across time in people following an FTASD.

Conclusions

Quality of life was significantly affected by an FTASD in people with recurrent shoulder instability. Across the entire cohort of people with an FTASD, kinesiophobia remained elevated in people following an FTASD.

Level of evidence

Level 1 prognostic study.