bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potencialidades da participação social na atenção primária à saúde na cidade de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil
Authors: André Ayla Nóbrega , Santos Brunna Patrício , Cruz Pedro José Santos Carneiro
Published: February 2023

O presente artigo analisou as principais conquistas e oportunidades construídas a partir dos espaços de participação social na atenção primária à saúde a partir do olhar de usuários, trabalhadores e gestores. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com 33 pessoas relacionadas a cinco Unidades de Saúde da Família no município de João Pessoa, Paraíba. Como caminho metodológico, foram realizadas leituras das transcrições das entrevistas, seguidas de esforços interpretativos e aproximação de ideias similares que foram levantadas por diferentes entrevistados, as quais foram agrupadas em dimensões. Assim, foram sumarizadas quatro dimensões principais: potencialização da participação ativa e crítica da comunidade na definição e na construção das ações de saúde; aprimoramento das formas de cuidar e de organizar o serviço e o processo de trabalho na unidade; criação de novos espaços sociais, experiências e projetos para a promoção da saúde no território; e potencialização da qualidade de vida das pessoas envolvidas nos espaços de participação. A participação social ativa é fundamental para que os espaços possam gerar ações devolutivas de acordo com a demanda da população. Só assim eles poderão exercer sua função de modificadores da realidade local e de empoderamento desses atores sociais.
Research on Position Error Model and Simulation Analysis of Magnetic Field Excitation Coil in Magnetic Nanoparticles Thermometer
Authors: Ye Na , Zhou Xuan , Hu Bin , Hua Zhanpeng , Sun Yi , Du Zhongzhou
Published: February 2023

The relative error of the magnetic induction intensity caused by the magnetic field excitation device of multiple air-core coils is caused by the position error during the assembly process. The error of temperature measured by the magnetic nanoparticles thermometer (MNPT) increases
significantly when the error of excited magnetic fields is greater than 0.1%. The theoretical model of the position error for the air-core coil is constructed based on the Biot-Savart law. The simulation results show that the relative error of the magnetic induction intensity in the assembly
process of a single air-core coil can be reduced by adding compensation coils, so that the minimum error is less than 0.1%. This method is also applicable to multiple air-core coils. Moreover, we also obtained the minimum error transfer route during the construction of multiple air-core coils.
It is expected to provide an effective solution for reducing the temperature error of MNPT caused by the assembly process of multiple air-core coils.
Simulation Analysis of Relay Protection Action and Weak Point Adaptability Under Non Preset Operating Conditions of Complex Large Power Grid
Authors: Chen Zhaohui , Ding Xiaobing , Xue Mingjun , Zhang Hao
Published: February 2023

In order to improve the protection performance of relay protection devices in complex large-scale power grid, a simulation analysis method of relay protection action and weak point adaptability under non preset operating conditions of complex large-scale power grid is proposed. In this
method, pscad/emtdc simulation software is used to establish the simulation models of zero sequence and negative sequence directional elements, distance elements and longitudinal current differential elements of relay protection devices. Under the non preset working conditions of complex large
power grid, the DC voltage imbalance characteristics, AC and DC power distribution characteristics and fault harmonic characteristics are analyzed, and the adaptability and weak points of relay protection action are analyzed according to these characteristics. The experimental results show
that this method is more accurate in obtaining the characteristic value of DC fault under non preset conditions of complex large power grid, and can effectively obtain the action of relay protection devices at different times when non preset conditions occur in complex large power grid and
when the setting value of DC low voltage is different. It is concluded that its action adaptability is better when the setting value of DC low voltage is 1.5 kA, and when the setting value of DC low voltage is 5.5 kA and 15 kA, The fault time is short, and the relay protection action has weak
points.
Intelligent Healthcare Provided by Nano-Enhanced Biosensing Systems: Progress in COVID-19 Management via the Artificial Neural Network Approach
Authors: Irshad Reyazur Rashid , Ahmad Sultan , Muhammed Zainulabedin Hasan , Alzupair Ahmed Abdallah Ahmed , Alattab Ahmed Abdu
Published: February 2023

Biosensors using opto electronics mechanisms are evolving as efficient (sensitive and selective) and low-cost analytical diagnostic devices for early-stage disease diagnosis, which is crucial for person-centered health and wellness management. Due to advancements in nanotechnology in
the areas of sensing unit fabrication, device integration, interfacing, packaging, and sensing performance at the point-of-care (POC), personalized diagnostics are now possible, allowing doctors to tailor tests to each patient’s unique disease profile and management requirements. Innovative
biosensing technology is being pushed as the diagnostic tool of the future because of its potential to provide accurate results without requiring intrusive procedures. Because of this, this visionary piece of writing explores analytical methods for managing personalised health care that can
enhance the health of the general population. The end goal is to take control of a healthier tomorrow as soon as possible. Right now, the most crucial part of controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, a potentially fatal respiratory viral disease, is the rapid, specific, and sensitive detection of
human beta severe acute respiratory system coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) protein.
A Novel Multi-Objective Learning Algorithm for Disease Identification and Classification in Electronic Healthcare System
Authors: Alattab Ahmed Abdu , Olayah Fekry , Ghaleb Mukhtar , Hamdi Mohammed , Almurtadha Yahya , Al-Awad Amin A. , Irshad Reyazur Rashid
Published: February 2023

Data is a commodity in today’s electronic world, and massive amount of data is being generated in many fields. Medical files and disease-related data are two types of data in the healthcare industry. This electronics health data and machine learning methods would enable us all
to evaluate vast amount of data in order to uncover hidden patterns in disease, offer individualized treatment to the patients, and anticipate disease progression. In this paper, a general architecture for illness prediction in the health industry is proposed. The Internet of Things (IoT),
as a helpful model wherein reduced electronics body sensors and smart multimedia medical equipment, are used to enable remote monitoring of body function, plays a critical role, particularly in areas when medical care centers are few. To tackle these challenges, we have proposed Deep Reinforcement
Learning with Gradient-based Optimization (DRL with BRO) model for various disease detection and classification such as skin disease, lung disease, heart, and liver disease. Initially, the IoT-enabled data are collected and stored in the cloud storage. After that, the medical decision support
system based DRL with the GBO model classifies various diseases. The maximum classification accuracy with the minimum delay is the multi-objective function and finally, the proposed study satisfies the objective functions. Based on the experimental study, the proposed method offers good results
than other existing methods.
Prediction of Summer Precipitation in North China: Role of the Evolution of Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies from Boreal Winter to Spring
Authors: Liang Yu , Fan Lei , Yang Jianling
Published: February 2023

Prediction of summer precipitation in north China (NCP) has long been a challenge partly because its low correlation with previous sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies (SSTA) limits the application of SST in NCP prediction. This study aims to extract optimal predictors of NCP from the SST field using an objective method—empirically optimal screening (EOS). It finds that the optimal precursory signal of NCP lies in the change of SSTA from winter to spring rather than the SSTA itself. This study identifies two optimal precursory signs predicting a positive (negative) NCP anomaly: the anomalous SST cooling (warming) from winter to spring in the coastal area of Somalia and Peru. Interestingly, these two presummer conditions have considerable independence, but they lead to a similar summer development of La Niña (El Niño). In summer, the tropical precipitation anomaly pattern associated with La Niña (El Niño) development excites a meridional wave train over the western Pacific and the circumglobal teleconnection in the Northern Hemisphere. Both of the anomalous wave trains show abnormal high (low) pressure over northeast Asia, which induces the south (north) wind anomalies over north China and produces abundant (deficient) precipitation there. These results highlight the importance of the SST evolution from winter to spring, break through the limitation of SST application in NCP prediction, and thus bring a prospect of improving NCP forecast skills.

Significance Statement

Sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies are most used as predictors in climate prediction. However, the forecast of summer precipitation in north China is limited by its low correlation with prior SST anomalies. In this paper, we find that the optimal precursory signal of north China precipitation (NCP) is not the SST anomaly itself, but the changes of SST anomalies from winter to spring in the coastal area of Somalia and Peru. These two precursory signals are almost independent yet indicate similar summer situations leading to NCP anomaly. These results highlight the importance of the dynamic evolution of sea surface temperature in improving the forecast skill of NCP.
Management of Hidden Cutaneous Melanoma of the Umbilicus
Authors: Ma Brenda L. , Mckee Elizabeth , Shaw Taylor B. , Brister Kelly A. , Christopher Wade O. , Orr Wayne S.
Published: February 2023

Melanoma is currently the fifth most common cancer in the United States (US) and most often develop on areas that have increased sun exposure, such as the arms, legs, back or face. The incidence of primary cutaneous melanoma increases each year and curative treatment improves with earlier detection of disease. Primary cutaneous umbilical melanoma is extremely rare with as few as 46 cases reported worldwide. As a result, limited literature is available regarding the management of tumors originating in the umbilicus. By evaluating uncommon areas such as the umbilicus, earlier detection and possible intervention can be provided. We present a rare case of a 33-year-old female with a primary cutaneous melanoma of the umbilicus successfully treated with wide local excision (WLE) and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB).
Remote Instruction in Focused Assessment With Sonography in Trauma (FAST) Exams for Surgery Residents: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mao Rui-Min D. , Williams Taylor P. , Shah Nikhil R. , Snyder Clifford , Person Joshua , Klimberg Vicki Suzanne , Mador Brett , Buchanan Brian , Perez Alexander
Published: February 2023

Background

The Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) exam is an important component to the evaluation of trauma patients. With advances in technology and meeting limitations due to COVID-19, remote instruction and learning have gained popularity. We sought to determine whether remote instruction of FAST exams was feasible as sustainable surgical education and a possible alternative to traditional in-person teaching.

Methods

General surgery residents completed a baseline survey and skills assessment on FAST exams and were then randomized to remote or in-person instruction. The remote group participated in an instructional session with a content expert through video conference and then practiced on a simulated mannequin while the expert remotely provided feedback. The in-person group received the experience with the content expert in the room. Both groups completed a post-course survey immediately after the session and a follow-up survey and objective assessment at six-months. Results were compared with two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

14 residents underwent the curriculum, seven in each group. There was a significant increase in self-reported confidence when comparing pre- and immediate post-course results for both the remote and in-person groups. At six months, confidence scores remained elevated and skill assessment scores improved, although the latter did not reach significance. There was no significant difference in post-course results between the groups.

Conclusions

Remote instruction of FAST exams was feasible. Pilot data demonstrated an increase in confidence and suggest outcomes that are similar to in-person instruction, which has positive implications for future remote educational and potentially clinical initiatives.
Duration of Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Ballistic Fractures to the Extremities
Authors: Faber Nathaniel A. , Kathe Noah H. , Myers Richard J. , Collins Jay N.
Published: February 2023

Background

In the U.S. there are thousands of ballistic firearm injuries to the extremities and subsequent infections, yearly. There is a lack of consensus regarding the ideal duration of antibiotic treatment to prevent infection of these wounds. Our study investigated infection rate among ballistic extremity fracture patients based on antibiotic prophylaxis duration, operative management, wound severity, and fracture location.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective chart review of ballistic extremity fracture patients from a single trauma center from 01/01/2010 to 12/31/2020.

Results

Of 1611 fracture cases screened, 193 met our inclusion criteria. Infection rate was significantly higher among patients who received antibiotic prophylaxis for ≥48 hours (19.4%) compared to those who received antibiotics for <48 hours (4.4%) (Chi2 = 9.89, P = .001). This trend continued among patients who underwent operative management ( P < .001), patients with articular ballistic fractures ( P = .014), patients with non-articular ballistic fractures ( P = .03), and patients with ballistic fractures to the lower extremities ( P = .003). There was no difference in the rate of infection between patients who received ≥48 hours or <48 hours of antibiotic prophylaxis among patients with Gustilo-Anderson grade I, grade II, or grade III injuries, patients with ballistic fracture to the upper extremities, and patients who did not undergo operative management.

Discussion

Across all analyses in the present study, there was not a single correlation between antibiotic prophylaxis duration for ≥48 hours and lower rates of subsequent infection. For patients with ballistic fractures to the extremities, prophylactic antibiotic administration for ≥48 hours is unwarranted.
Evaluating YouTube Videos on Facelift Surgery for Facial Rejuvenation as a Resource for Patients
Authors: Elliot Zachary T. , Lu Joseph S. , Campbell Daniel , Xiao Kevin B. , Christopher Vanessa , Krein Howard , Heffelfinger Ryan
Published: February 2023

Objectives:

This study evaluated the content and patient educational quality of YouTube videos on facelift surgery for facial rejuvenation. This study investigated the relationship between education quality compared to video content, video metrics, and popularity.

Methods:

Two hundred videos were identified across 4 search terms: “facelift surgery,” “facelift surgery what to expect,” “facelift surgery patient education,” and “what is facelift surgery.” Unrelated videos, operating room recordings, medical professional lectures, non-English, non-audio, and testimonials were excluded from review. Video quality was assessed using the Global Quality Score (GQS) (range: 1-5), modified DISCERN score (range: 5-25), and JAMA Benchmark Criteria (range: 0-4). Secondary outcomes included upload source, video metrics (views, likes, dislikes, duration, days since upload, comments), and Video Power Indexto measure popularity. The first 10 comments on videos were characterized as positive, neutral, or negative.

Results:

One hundred forty-three videos were excluded (43 did not meet criteria, 100 duplicates), and 57 videos were included. Fifty-five videos (96.5%) were uploaded by private medical practices. Overall video quality was poor across all 3 scoring systems: GQS (2.92 ± 1.14), modified DISCERN (13.03 ± 3.64), and JAMA Benchmark Criteria (1.78 ± 0.52). Popularity positively correlated with JAMA Benchmark Criteria ( R = .49, P < .05) but did not correlate with other quality criteria.

Conclusions:

For patients undergoing facelift surgery, there are limited educational videos on YouTube with few videos detailing indications, alternatives, complications, and the postoperative course. YouTube is a growing resource for patient education and opportunities exist for medical institutions to produce higher-quality videos for prospective patients.
I Trends
Authors: Bordeleau Jean-Nicolas
Published: February 2023

The profusion of conspiracy theories in recent social and political discourse is alarming. As a response to this increasingly concerning problem, there is a rapidly growing multidisciplinary literature on conspiracy theories and conspiratorial thinking. In this article, I review the state of the scholarship on conspiracy theories and its related concepts. I begin with a definition of conspiracy theories and key terms related to their communication and belief. Then, the article turns to the research on the spread, correlates, and consequences of conspiratorial beliefs, highlighting important findings and trends in research. Lastly, I discuss areas where research is lacking and future scholarly efforts should be placed. Altogether, this text provides a much-needed assessment and sorting of a rapidly evolving field of research that spans across several disciplinary boundaries.
Exploring Problematic Substance use Trajectory in Hong Kong: A Life Course Perspective
Authors: Chan Angus Yuk Fung , Tam Hau-lin
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study is to take a life course perspective to explore how experiences at different life course stages of substance users and contextual factors influence their drug use behaviors. Using the life history narrative approach to interview 31 persons who were taking part in rehabilitation treatment in Hong Kong, this study maps out substance use trajectory into four stages (onset, persistence, escalation, and desistance) addressing three interrelated themes: (1) substance use behavior characteristics, (2) critical life events, (3) and social and structural factors. The results showed an interaction between substance use behaviors and their experience in different life stages. Because substance use has become more hidden in the stage of persistence and escalation, particularly in dense cities like Hong Kong, early social support is advocated to be provided in prevention and rehabilitation, such as offering better vocational training support and follow-up service to rebuild relationships with families.
Robert K. Merton, Cudos and Magical Thinking in the Age of Covid
Authors: Jarvie Ian
Published: February 2023

The ongoing efforts to explain the disease COVID-19 and the parallel efforts to devise and implement public health measures that mitigate it, are an opportunity to reconsider the values of science as identified to Merton. What is revealed is that science is always partial and always tentative. This leaves much scope for magical thinking and for flat science denial.
3D Social Research: Analysis of Social Interaction Using Computer Vision
Authors: Goldstein Yoav , Legewie Nicolas M. , Shiffer-Sebba Doron
Published: February 2023

Video data offer important insights into social processes because they enable direct observation of real-life social interaction. Though such data have become abundant and increasingly accessible, they pose challenges to scalability and measurement. Computer vision (CV), i.e., software-based automated analysis of visual material, can help address these challenges, but existing CV tools are not sufficiently tailored to analyze social interactions. We describe our novel approach, “3D social research” (3DSR), which uses CV and 3D camera footage to study kinesics and proxemics, two core elements of social interaction. Using eight videos of a scripted interaction and five real-life street scene videos, we demonstrate how 3DSR expands sociologists’ analytical toolkit by facilitating a range of scalable and precise measurements. We specifically emphasize 3DSR's potential for analyzing physical distance, movement in space, and movement rate – important aspects of kinesics and proxemics in interactions. We also assess data reliability when using 3DSR.
Multi-organ impairment and long COVID: a 1-year prospective, longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Dennis Andrea , Cuthbertson Daniel J , Wootton Dan , Crooks Michael , Gabbay Mark , Eichert Nicole , Mouchti Sofia , Pansini Michele , Roca-Fernandez Adriana , Thomaides-Brears Helena , Kelly Matt , Robson Matthew , Hishmeh Lyth , Attree Emily , Heightman Melissa , Banerjee Rajarshi , Banerjee Amitava
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of organ impairment in long COVID patients at 6 and 12 months after initial symptoms and to explore links to clinical presentation.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Participants

Individuals.

Methods

In individuals recovered from acute COVID-19, we assessed symptoms, health status, and multi-organ tissue characterisation and function.

Setting

Two non-acute healthcare settings (Oxford and London). Physiological and biochemical investigations were performed at baseline on all individuals, and those with organ impairment were reassessed.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome was prevalence of single- and multi-organ impairment at 6 and 12 months post COVID-19.

Results

A total of 536 individuals (mean age 45 years, 73% female, 89% white, 32% healthcare workers, 13% acute COVID-19 hospitalisation) completed baseline assessment (median: 6 months post COVID-19); 331 (62%) with organ impairment or incidental findings had follow-up, with reduced symptom burden from baseline (median number of symptoms 10 and 3, at 6 and 12 months, respectively). Extreme breathlessness (38% and 30%), cognitive dysfunction (48% and 38%) and poor health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L < 0.7; 57% and 45%) were common at 6 and 12 months, and associated with female gender, younger age and single-organ impairment. Single- and multi-organ impairment were present in 69% and 23% at baseline, persisting in 59% and 27% at follow-up, respectively.

Conclusions

Organ impairment persisted in 59% of 331 individuals followed up at 1 year post COVID-19, with implications for symptoms, quality of life and longer-term health, signalling the need for prevention and integrated care of long COVID. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04369807
Audiences of distant suffering in authoritarian regimes: Denial mechanisms and acts of moral justification
Authors: Xu Zhe
Published: February 2023

The study of the audiences of distant suffering in authoritarian regimes has received relatively little scholarly attention. This article begins to ameliorate this gap in knowledge by examining how Chinese audiences legitimise their unresponsiveness to mediated victims of global disasters. Drawing upon data from semi-structured interviews and focus groups with participants ( N = 81), the study discusses the dominant regimes of justification which inform audience inactivity, the associated argumentation strategies and patterns of reasoning, and their sociocultural and ideological underpinnings. We find that decision-making about the moral justification for inactivity is influenced by state-propaganda media narratives, preferences for ideologies, perceptions of national identity and global responsibility, and geopolitical imaginations. These findings have implications for expanding the ontological horizons of distant suffering studies that are currently embedded in Western spatial and ideological dimensions, particularly in a world of crises spawned by globalisation and mediatisation.
Immigration and Intergenerational Co-Residency Among Working-Aged Adults in the United Kingdom
Authors: Ansari-Thomas Zohra
Published: February 2023

Studies in the United Kingdom have shown distinctions in intergenerational co-residency between UK-born and foreign-born individuals, however, little research has examined how factors such as immigrant incorporation, economic adaptation, and kin availability shape household formation patterns among immigrants. This paper uses data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (2009–2010) to explore differences in the likelihood of UK-born and foreign-born working-aged adults to co-reside with at least one parent, highlighting distinctions by life stage (age) at migration and gender. Results show that, regardless of life stage at migration, foreign-born women and men are less likely to co-reside with parents than UK-born, however, intergenerational co-residency is high among some second-generation immigrant groups, particularly UK-born Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi individuals. These findings challenge cultural assumptions about household formation patterns and point to the need for additional research on how economic inequality, kin availability, and gender norms shape immigrant household composition.
Emerging Dimensions of Marriage in Asia
Authors: Yeung Wei-Jun Jean , Jones Gavin W.
Published: February 2023

This article contextualizes and highlights findings from the 14 articles included in this special issue that aims to examine emerging dimensions in Asia. The articles cover a wide range of topics and all make an original contribution to our understanding of different aspects of marriage in the region. The vast diversity in East, Southeast, and South Asia continues to be observed ranging from universal marriage and the high prevalence of child marriages in some countries to high singlehood rates in others. This issue explores the extent to which the “second demographic transition” occurs in Asia, documenting the rising cohabitation, singlehood, and divorce in the Philippines, China, Indonesia, and Taiwan. Transnational marriages in Singapore and South Korea and remarriage patterns in Thailand are also examined. The rise in women’s education remains a key determinant of union formation behavior empowering women in making decisions about whether, when, and to whom they marry.
Comparison of healthcare utilization and life-sustaining interventions between patients with glioblastoma receiving palliative care or not: A population-based study
Authors: Shieh Li-Tsun , Ho Chung-Han , Guo How-Ran , Ho Yi-Chia , Ho Sheng-Yow
Published: February 2023

Background:

Palliative care has historically been under-utilized in patients with glioblastoma. Furthermore, literature on the utilization of healthcare and life-sustaining interventions during the late-stage of glioblastoma has been limited.

Aim:

To identify and compare healthcare utilization and life-sustaining interventions between patients with glioblastoma who received palliative care and who did not based on patients identified retrospectively from Taiwan Cancer Registry between January 2007 and December 2017.

Design:

In this study, palliative care was defined on the basis of claims submitted to the National Health Insurance, which has a specific code for it. Variables included demographic characteristics, the utilization of healthcare services, and invasive life-sustaining interventions.

Setting/participants:

Of the 1994 patients with glioblastoma identified, 1784 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 613 (34%) of whom received palliative care.

Results:

The survival of patients with glioblastoma under palliative care was significantly longer than that of those without palliative care. Those without palliative care had significantly more frequent intensive care unit admissions and a longer cumulative length of intensive care unit stay. Regarding cardiopulmonary or respiratory treatments, patients without palliative care had significantly more invasive interventions than those with palliative care. Patients receiving palliative care had significantly lower odds than those without life-sustaining interventions.

Conclusions:

Our retrospective analysis reveals that glioblastoma patients without palliative care had greater odds of receiving life-sustaining treatments within 1 year before their death, although no gains in survival as compared to those that received palliative care. These findings highlight the urgent need for palliative care in caring for patients with glioblastoma.
The case for an environmental labor geography: The role of organized labor in the climate crisis
Authors: Kleinheisterkamp-González Nicole
Published: February 2023

Geographers have increasingly studied labor and climate change, albeit not in a unitary field. I propose to address this by outlining an environmental labor geography – that draws from labor geography’s tenets. Moreover, I agree with other scholars that organized worker-led mass movements will be key to solving the climate crisis. Thus, I argue that labor agency is a useful tool that centers workers’ actions. However, to derive useful generalizations for struggles on the ground, the concept should be delimited to organized expressions of agency. Finally, I examine past and present conversion debates as cases of interest in ELG.
The limits of satire, or the reification of cultural politics
Authors: Holm Nicholas
Published: February 2023

In the first decades of the 21st century, humour has been increasingly embraced as a legitimate means by which to cover, analyse and intervene in political issues. Most frequently, this political application of humour has been interpreted through the lens of ‘satire’: a term that evokes an idea of humour as a politically meaningful cultural act. Such an account of humour connects satire with the long-standing theoretical tradition of ‘cultural politics’ that explores the ability and mechanism of cultural forms to inform, inspire or enact political change. However, while satire may appear as the manifestation or culmination of a cultural political agenda, I argue that the concept ultimately works towards the closure of cultural political possibility. Drawing on the work of Georg Lukács and Fredric Jameson, I argue that satire is better understood as a form of reification that prematurely resolves how, when and why cultural forms can do politics.
The Epilepsy Surgery Experience in Children With Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome at a Tertiary Care Center in Canada
Authors: Gettings Jennifer V. , Shafi Shatha , Boyd Jennifer , Snead O. Carter , Rutka James , Drake James , McCoy Bláthnaid , Jain Puneet , Whitney Robyn , Go Cristina
Published: February 2023

Background: Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome is an epileptic encephalopathy, characterized by spasms, hypsarrhythmia, and developmental regression. Appropriately selected patients with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome may be candidates for epilepsy surgery. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective case series of children 0-18 years with a current or previous diagnosis of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome with a lesion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or positron emission tomography scan who underwent epilepsy surgery at The Hospital for Sick Children (HSC) in Toronto, Canada. The records of 223 patients seen in the infantile epileptic spasms syndrome clinic were reviewed. Results: Nineteen patients met inclusion criteria. The etiology of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome was encephalomalacia in 6 patients (32%), malformations of cortical development in 12 patients (63%), and atypical hypoglycemic injury in 1 patient (5%). Nine patients (47%) underwent hemispherectomy, and 10 patients (53%) underwent lobectomy/lesionectomy. Three patients (16%) underwent a second epilepsy surgery. Fifteen patients (79%) were considered ILAE seizure outcome class 1 (completely seizure free; no auras) at their most recent follow-up visit. The percentage of patients who were ILAE class 1 at most recent follow-up decreased with increasing duration of epilepsy prior to surgery. Developmental outcome after surgery was improved in 14 of 19 (74%) and stable in 5 of 19 (26%) patients. Conclusions: Our study found excellent seizure freedom rates and improved developmental outcomes following epilepsy surgery in patients with a history of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome with a structural lesion detected on MRI brain. Patients who undergo surgery earlier have improved seizure freedom rates and improved developmental outcomes.
Influence of ICU Surge and Capacity on COVID Mortality Across U.S. States and Regions During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gibbons Patric W. , Kim Jungyeon , Cash Rebecca E. , He Shuhan , Lai Debbie , Christian Renne B. , Lee Jarone
Published: February 2023

Background

To describe the influence of COVID-19 caseload surges and overall capacity in the intensive care unit (ICU) on mortality among US population and census divisions.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the national COVID ActNow database between January 1, 2021 until March 1, 2022. The main outcome used was COVID-19 weekly mortality rates, which were calculated and incorporated into several generalized estimation of effects models with predictor variables that included ICU bed capacity, as well as ICU capacity used by COVID cases while adjusting for ratios of vaccinations in populations, case density, and percentage of the population over the age of 65.

Results

Each 1% increase in general ICU capacity is correlated with approximately 5 more weekly deaths from COVID-19 per 100,000 population and each percentage increase in the number of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU resulted in approximately 10 more COVID-19 deaths per week per 100,000 population. Significant differences in ability to handle caseload surges were observed across US census divisions.

Conclusions

A strong association was observed between COVID-19 ICU surges, overall ICU surge, and increased mortality. Further research is needed to reveal best practices and public health measures to prevent ICU overcrowding amidst future pandemics and disaster responses.
Centering Work: Integration and Diffusion of Workforce Development Within the U.S. Manufacturing Extension Network
Authors: Lowe Nichola , Schrock Greg , Wilson Matthew D. , Rabbani Rumana , Forbes Allison
Published: February 2023

As the U.S. economy rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic, strategies that promote long-term transformation toward quality jobs will be critical. This includes workplace-improving interventions that enable employers to upgrade existing jobs, often while enhancing their own competitive position. This article focuses on the U.S. Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a national network of federally funded centers that support small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms. The authors document the range of workforce- and workplace-enhancing strategies that MEP centers have adopted since the network's inception in the mid-1990s. While workforce development is unevenly implemented across today's MEP network, leading centers within it are devising transformative strategies that shape underlying business practices in ways that can improve the quality of frontline manufacturing jobs. The pandemic recovery, along with federal commitments to reenergize domestic supply chains, presents an opportunity to establish National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-MEP as a national workforce development leader, while also strengthening localized institutional partnerships to center that effort on inclusive economic development and recovery.
Social network sites for book readers: The example of 1000Kitap, a Turkish social network
Authors: Demirel Ahmet
Published: February 2023

1000Kitap is Turkey’s largest social network for book readers. This network is a social network that mediates readers to realize reading as a social activity with other readers. The first purpose of this research is to reveal how the readers who use this social network start using the network and what they aim by using the network. The second aim is to reveal whether this network has brought about a change in their reading habits and preferences according to the readers who use this network. Finally this research aims to reveal the positive/negative aspects of this network based on the users experiences. For this purpose, phenomenological design was used in this study. The participants are 54 users who are actively using the 1000Kitap. The results indicate that introducing such social networks to the readers and teaching them how to use these social networks correctly can be beneficial in terms of enabling them to reach the right books and motivating them to read. However, the results also indicate that such social reader networks may serve different purposes and lead to negative results if they are not used in accordance with their purpose or in case of excessive use.
Multivariate semiparametric control charts for mixed-type data
Authors: Sofikitou Elisavet M , Markatou Marianthi , Koutras Markos V
Published: February 2023

A useful tool that has gained popularity in the Quality Control area is the control chart which monitors a process over time, identifies potential changes, understands variations, and eventually improves the quality and performance of the process. This article introduces a new class of multivariate semiparametric control charts for monitoring multivariate mixed-type data, which comprise both continuous and discrete random variables (rvs). Our methodology leverages ideas from clustering and Statistical Process Control to develop control charts for MIxed-type data. We propose four control chart schemes based on modified versions of the KAy-means for MIxed LArge KAMILA data clustering algorithm, where we assume that the two existing clusters represent the reference and the test sample. The charts are semiparametric, the continuous rvs follow a distribution that belongs in the class of elliptical distributions. Categorical scale rvs follow a multinomial distribution. We present the algorithmic procedures and study the characteristics of the new control charts. The performance of the proposed schemes is evaluated on the basis of the False Alarm Rate and in-control Average Run Length. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of our proposed methods utilizing real-world data.
Fourth-Generation Minimally Invasive Hallux Valgus Surgery With Metaphyseal Extra-Articular Transverse and Akin Osteotomy (META): 12 Month Clinical and Radiologic Results
Authors: Lewis Thomas L. , Lau Benjamin , Alkhalfan Yousif , Trowbridge Samuel , Gordon David , Vernois Joel , Lam Peter , Ray Robbie
Published: February 2023

Background:

Fourth-generation minimally invasive surgery (MIS) includes the multiplanar rotational deformity correction achieved through manipulation of an extra-articular distal first metatarsal osteotomy that is held with rigid fixation using 2 fully threaded screws, of which one must be bicortical to provide rotational and biomechanical stability. The aim of this study is to report the clinical and radiologic outcomes of an evolved fourth-generation MIS hallux valgus technique.

Methods:

A prospective single-surgeon series of consecutive patients undergoing fourth-generation MIS was performed using a distal transverse osteotomy with a minimum 12-month follow-up. The primary outcome was the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), a validated clinical patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). Secondary outcomes included radiographic deformity correction, clinical assessment, and EuroQol-5D-5L PROMs.

Results:

Between September 2019 and June 2021, 50 feet underwent fourth-generation MIS. The mean age was 55.8±15.3 years with a mean follow-up of 1.4 years. Preoperative and minimum 12-month primary outcome data were available for 100% of feet. There was a significant improvement in all MOXFQ domain scores, with the index domain improving from 53.4 to 13.1 ( P < .001). There was a significant improvement ( P < .001) in hallux valgus angle (32.7 to 7.9 degrees), intermetatarsal angle (14.0 to 4.2 degrees) and distal metatarsal articular angle (18.5 to 5.6 degrees). There was a significant improvement in general health-related quality of life EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-VAS scores ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

The fourth-generation MIS technique is a safe and effective approach to hallux valgus deformity correction with significant improvement in clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, prospective case series.
2021 Survey of Journalism & Mass Communication Enrollments
Authors: Cummins R. Glenn , Gotlieb Melissa R. , McLaughlin Bryan
Published: February 2023

In contrast to 2018, the 2021 Survey of Journalism & Mass Communication Enrollments showed a decrease in undergraduate student enrollment in journalism and mass communication programs as well as decreases in the percentage of minority undergraduate and graduate students enrolled. In addition, it showed an increase in the percentage of programs reporting decreases in their operating budgets and increases in hiring freezes for faculty and staff. These findings, which undoubtedly were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, reflect overall trends in student enrollment and finances at colleges and universities nationwide. However, on a more positive note, the 2021 survey also showed increases in graduate student enrollment as well as continued growth in the percentage of programs offering online degrees and the percentage of students enrolled in journalism sequences.
Timing of ocular examination and retinal imaging for the diagnosis of type 2 macular telangiectasia (MacTel)
Authors: Sharief Shama , Venkatesh Ramesh , Mangla Rubble , Chhablani Jay
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To report a case demonstrating the relevance of ocular examination and retinal imaging timing in type 2 macular telangiectasia (MacTel)

Case description

A 55-year-old-female complained of blurring of vision in the left eye for the last 6 months. Corrected visual acuity was 20/20, N6 and 20/30, N8 in the right and left eye respectively. Anterior segment examination was normal in both eyes. Her both eyes’ fundus was seen initially by the general ophthalmologist and was subsequently referred to the retinal specialist.

Results

Dilated fundus examination of the right eye appeared normal while the left eye showed no specific retinal pathology except for a dull foveal reflex. Retinal imaging with optical coherence tomography and confocal blue reflectance (CBR) imaging were not conclusive of any specific clinical diagnosis. A fluorescein angiography and repeat CBR imaging was done on the following day which now clearly showed the features of type 2 MacTel.

Conclusion

Specific clinical and imaging features in type 2 MacTel are observed better in the absence of light exposure. Retinal imaging with CBR should not be performed immediately after dilated retinal examination in a suspected case of type 2 MacTel.
Cost effectiveness of ultrasound-guided long peripheral catheters in difficult vascular access patients
Authors: Bahl Amit , Johnson Steven , Hijazi Mahmoud , Mielke Nicholas , Chen Nai-Wei
Published: February 2023

Objective:

Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) placement is a routinely performed invasive procedure in hospital settings with an unacceptably high failure rate that can result in significant costs. This investigation aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of using long peripheral catheters (LPC) versus standard short peripheral catheters (SPC) in the difficult vascular access (DVA) population.

Methods:

A secondary analysis was performed of a randomized control trial that compared a 20-gauge 4.78 cm SPC to a 20-gauge 6.35 cm SPC for the endpoint of survival. This study assessed cost-effectiveness of the comparative interventions. Costs associated with increased hospitalization length of stay due to PIVC failure, including labor, materials, equipment, and treatment delays were estimated by utilizing healthcare resource utilization data. Cost-effectiveness of the LPC was analyzed through the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, the cost-effectiveness acceptability curve, and the incremental net benefit. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results during the time interval of PIVC insertion.

Results:

Among the 257 patients, the average total cost for therapy was lower in the LPC group compared to the SPC group ($400 vs $521; mean difference −$121, 95% bootstrapped CI −$461 to $225). A marginally significant absolute difference of complication averted was found for LPC versus SPC (10.8%, p = 0.07). The estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for LPC as compared with SPC was −$1123 (95% bootstrapped CI −$8652 to $5964) per complication averted. In a willingness to pay (WTP) analysis, as WTP = $0, the incremental net benefit (INB) $121 was positive, indicating LPC was less costly. Analysis of PIVCs that survived ⩽48 h ( n = 134) demonstrated a lower average total cost for therapy among the LPC group ($418 vs $531; mean difference −$113, 95% bootstrapped CI −$507 to $282). Forty-seven of 66 (71.2%) LPCs did not experience a complication, compared with 37 of 68 (54.4%) SPCs, resulting in a significant absolute difference of complication adverted of 16.8% ( p = 0.04). In addition, with a positive slope, the INB $113 was positive as WTP = $0, indicating LPC was estimated to be cost-effective.

Conclusions:

When using ultrasound guidance for vascular access, LPCs are potentially a cost-effective strategy for reducing PIVC complications in DVA patients compared to SPCs. Given this finding, ultrasound-guided LPCs should be routinely considered as first-line among the DVA population in order to improve their overall care and wellbeing.
Cutaneous Verrucous Carcinomas: A Review
Authors: Ye Qian , Jia Meng , Deng Li-Jia , Fang Sheng
Published: February 2023

Verrucous carcinoma (VC) is a relatively rare locally aggressive, slow-growing, well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with minimal metastatic potential and is most frequent in the mucosa. Although rarely reported on the skin, cutaneous verrucous carcinomas (CVC) can appear anywhere, most commonly on the feet. However, clinical and pathologic diagnosis of CVC has been confusing and challenging. It can easily be mistaken for benign or more malignant conditions such as giant condyloma acuminata, keratoacanthoma, and pseudoepithelioma-like hyperplasia or squamous cell carcinoma, resulting in inappropriate management. In this review, we describe the different aspects associated with CVC, including its pathogenesis and clinicopathologic features. The available evidence for the differential diagnosis and treatment of CVC is discussed, and specific management recommendations are made. After the treatment, careful follow-up examinations of the excised area should be performed at regular intervals.