bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Clinico-Pathological Profile of Breast Cancer Patients and Their Correlation With Uterine Fibroids Using Hormone Level and Receptor Status Assessment
Authors: Mohan Anjaly , Kumar Vinay , Brahmachari Swagata , Pandya Bharati
Published: April 2022

Purpose:

To study the clinico-pathological profile of breast cancer patients and the prevalence of uterine fibroids in them, their hormonal levels and hormone receptor status.

Patients and methods:

52 patients with breast cancer who attended AIIMS Bhopal from November 2018 to January 2020 were selected, with their clinical details, triple assessment and other investigations for further management being performed and recorded. The presence of uterine fibroids was assessed using ultrasound of the abdomen, and for patients who had undergone hysterectomy, previous medical records were examined to ascertain the history of uterine fibroids. Serum levels of estrogen and progesterone were assessed using chemi-luminescent micro-particle immune assay (CMIA).

Results:

The mean age of patients was 50.35 ± 10.87 years. 36.54% of our patients had uterine fibroids, of whom 15.38% had undergone hysterectomy for the same, and 21.15% was detected on ultrasound of the abdomen during evaluation. Among patients with uterine fibroids, 84.2% were hormone receptor-positive, while in patients without uterine fibroids, only 57.6% had positive receptors. ( P = 0.049). Among premenopausal patients, there was a statistically significant difference in serum progesterone values between patients with and without uterine fibroids.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of uterine fibroids in our study group of breast cancer patients was found to be high. The role of estrogen and progesterone in the pathophysiology of both diseases and the common risk factors involved may biologically explain this finding. Breast cancer and other estrogen associated disorders may hold future research prospects.
Clinicopathological Features of Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma With Venous Tumor Thrombus: Case Series from a Large Chinese Center
Authors: Liu Zhuo , Ge Liyuan , Zhao Xun , Lu Min , Aili Abudureyimujiang , Li Yuxuan , Zhu Guodong , Hong Peng , Tian Xiaojun , Wang Shumin , Zhang Hongxian , Liu Cheng , Ding Zhenshan , Zhang Shudong , Ma Lulin
Published: April 2022

Background:

Few studies have reported the influence of the histological classification of type-2 papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC), which may differ from that of clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC), on the prognosis of renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus. We investigated the clinicopathological features and prognosis of type-2 PRCC associated with venous tumor thrombi (PRCC-TT).

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed 163 patients with renal cell carcinoma with venous tumor thrombus (RCC-TT) admitted to Peking University Third Hospital between June 2016 and June 2020. Twenty-five patients had type-2 PRCC-TT and 138 had ccRCC combined with tumor thrombus; there were 125 males and 38 females. All the included patients underwent radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy under either complete laparoscopic surgery or open surgery. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to evaluate the prognostic significance of each variable on cancer-specific survival (CSS). Cancer-specific survival was calculated from the date of surgery to death or the last follow-up using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results:

The blood vessels of type-2 PRCC-TT presented on CT images were not as abundant as those of ccRCC-TT. Slight enhancement was observed in the corticomedullary phase. While wash-out symptoms were observed, contrast agent extinction was not obvious in the nephrographic and excretory phases. We compared the macroscopic and microscopic appearances of the 2 cohorts. Compared to the ccRCC-TT cohort, lymph node invasion was more prevalent in the PRCC-TT cohort (88.0% vs. 60.9%, P = .009). Multivariate analysis revealed that sarcomatoid differentiation, distant metastasis, and pathological type were the independent predictors of poor CSS. The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the CSS of type-2 PRCC-TT and ccRCC-TT were 23.5 and 38.4 months, respectively, with statistical significance ( P = .002).

Conclusion:

Type-2 PRCC-TT varies with common ccRCC-TT in imaging manifestation and pathological characteristics. The prognosis of type-2 PRCC-TT patients was worse than that of ccRCC-TT patients.
Influence of engineering tribology on society
Authors: Katiyar Jitendra Kumar , Hirayama Tomoko , Rao T V V L N
Published: April 2022

This special issue focuses on friction coefficient improvement on asphalt ice layers, tribological investigations of canola nano-oil, dynamic friction properties of a hydrogel, elastic cylindrical line contact analysis considering friction, analysis, and optimization of tribological properties of coatings/composites/alloys, and investigations of nano-MQL assisted turning. Further, the research articles compiled in this special issue also focused on enhancement of the tribological/machining performance with the addition of nanoparticles in biolubricants, coatings, composites, and biofluids. These research articles on engineering tribology open up opportunities for value-added developments and pave the way for the design of lubricants/materials/fluids towards sustainability and impacting society.
Shaking table testing of the reinforced concrete staggered slab-column structure
Authors: Yang Jian , Liang Shuting , Zhu Xiaojun , Dang Longji
Published: April 2022

In order to study the seismic performance of the reinforced concrete staggered slab-column structure, one 1/7 scaled test specimen was fabricated and tested. The acceleration response, displacement distribution, dynamic characteristics, torsion responses, failure mechanism, shear force, and strain of test specimen were measured and evaluated. Test results indicated that the natural frequency and acceleration magnification factor of the test specimen gradually reduced, while the floor shear force and torsion response gradually increased. Meanwhile, the maximum inter-story drift angle of test specimen in the elastic and elastic-plastic stage was 1/196 and 1/78, respectively, indicating that the lateral stiffness of staggered slab-column structure was relatively small. The inter-story angles of the second and fifth floors were larger than adjacent floors. It was suggested that the stiffness of the test specimen was inhomogeneously distributed due to staggered slabs and a lack of frame beams. The damage of columns between staggered slabs was obviously larger than other columns. The plastic hinges were successively observed at slab-column junctions on the first and second floor and bottom of columns. Finally, the plastic hinges at slab-column junctions lost their capacity, followed by plastic hinges at the bottom of columns, and the test specimen collapsed. The failure process of the staggered slab-column structure exhibited undesirable brittle failure mode. Based on the experimental results, several design suggestions were proposed to improve the overall seismic behavior of the staggered slab-column structure. Such comprehensive research helps enhance understanding of this newly developed type of structure.
An Introduction to Revisiting Development Studies Education and an Invitation to Rethink Teaching, Learning and Knowledge Production in the Neoliberal University
Authors: Patel Kamna , North Amy
Published: April 2022

We are at a moment of growing critical self-reflection in the field of development studies—heightened by debates on decolonization—that is opening up difficult conversations on teaching, learning and knowledge production for development studies education. This special issue augments these conversations and revisits development studies education within the context of the ‘neoliberal university’. It is our contention that we cannot engage with the expansive project of rethinking development studies education, without elaborating on higher education institutions (HEIs) as the site where change is mediated, managed and resourced. The articles in this volume give empirically grounded and interrelated narratives that elucidate the relationships between development studies and the neoliberal university from a range of disciplinary and geographical perspectives. They allow us to make two salient contributions, firstly, on the role of HEIs as a site of engagement and entanglement between development practice and development studies, and secondly, on the ways in which the neoliberalization of higher education shapes development studies pedagogy. It is our hope that these articles are read as a timely intervention and invitation to rethink development studies education in this context.
Implications of an exogenous shock (COVID-19) on wine tourism business: A Portuguese winery perspective
Authors: Guedes Alexandre , Niklas Britta , Back Robin M , Rebelo João
Published: April 2022

This study investigates the impact of an exogenous and unexpected shock (COVID-19) on the wine tourism business from the winery’s perspective. A sample of 146 Portuguese wineries was surveyed. The econometric results show that the share of wine tourism sales, the amount of dependence on exports and the assertiveness of brand recognition have a structural effect on direct-to-consumer tasting room wine sales, even when the winery’s business is disrupted by a shock that degrades the dynamics and flows of international trade. The research establishes a starting point that allows to understand the implications of an exogenous shock on the structure of the winery’s business, calling for further research on the firm’s economic performance as well as on the consumer’s behaviour in a post-pandemic context.
‘That’s my dumb husband’: Wild things, battle bears and heteronormative responses in an afterschool reading club
Authors: Skrlac Lo Rachel , Wiseman Angela
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we analyse a group of 6 and 7 year olds’ interactions during a literacy event. We explore the complexities of their meaning-making following a read aloud of Where the Wild Things Are (Sendak 1963). Our focus is on discourses of gender/sex/uality, a term that acknowledges the complex relationship between gender, sex and sexuality, and how these discourses are enacted. Our guiding question was: How did discourses of gender/sex/uality circulate in this group of young children’s multimodal and playful responses to a literacy event? By considering the relationship between reader response, play and gender/sex/uality, we gained insight into how children’s responses to texts are connected to their own identities and lived experiences. We used critical multimodal discourse analysis to understand the children’s meaning-making processes. This revealed how the children were drawing from varying scripts to inform their play and creative processes. The children referenced gender/sex/uality to collaborate, to compete and to seek inclusion or status in the group. We discuss four children who drove this collective dialogue and who guided the group’s interactions. Another child’s responses pushed against and evolved in tandem with the emerging consensus. This study deepened and expanded our consciousness of children’s enactments of gender/sex/uality and how such enactments reinforced heteronormativity. The children’s artefacts, actions and talk are testimony of dominant discourses that guided and ultimately led them to adopt storylines that aligned with heteronormative scripts. Our analysis of how the children’s responses unfolded revealed how power asymmetries were reinforced and hegemonic ideologies persisted. Understanding the influences of social norms during interactive literacy events may help educators create opportunities for all learners to write themselves into these events and classroom interactions more broadly.
Characterization of OFDR distributed optical fiber for crack monitoring considering fiber-coating interfacial slip
Authors: Zhao Lizhi , Tang Fujian , Li Hong-Nan , Ansari Farhad
Published: April 2022

An analytical crack-strain transfer model considering interfacial bond-slip between optical fiber and fiber coating is proposed and experimentally validated for crack monitoring of structures. Interfacial shear stress-slip relationship between the optical fiber and fiber coating was determined by using pull-out tests, and a simplified trilinear three-stage interfacial shear stress-slip model was proposed. The model is incorporated into the development of a crack-strain transfer model between the structural substrate and the optical fiber, and the fiber strain distribution is analytically obtained and compared with the strain distribution as perfect bond is assumed between the fiber and fiber coating. Experiments were also conducted to validate the crack-strain transfer model by continuously monitoring corrosion-induced concrete cracking with OFDR distributed optical fiber. Compared with strain transfer models proposed by other researchers in the literature and perfect bond model, the crack-strain transfer model considering interfacial shear stress-slip mechanism between fiber and fiber coating agrees well with experimental results, especially for large crack monitoring.
Rationing in pediatric hospitalizations during COVID-19: A step back to move forward
Authors: Phung Binh
Published: April 2022

The latest Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus has itself created a novel situation—bringing attention to the topic of healthcare rationing among hospitalized pediatric patients. This may be the first time that many pediatricians, nurses, parents, and public health officials have been compelled to engage in uncomfortable discussions about the allocation of medical care/resources. Simply put, finite budgets, resources, and a dwindling healthcare workforce do not permit all patients to receive unlimited medical care. Triage and bedside rationing decisions are happening in a range of difficult everyday circumstances both implicitly and explicitly, but in ways not recognized by even the best ethically framed intentions. Clinicians and hospital administrators have largely been left on their own “to flatten the rationing curve” in hopes that resources never have to be explicitly rationed at their facility. Unfortunately, the downstream result is a misinformed and distrustful public (i.e. parents, guardians, and caregivers) filled with people who are already burdened with inflammatory pseudoscience narratives and deficits in health literacy. This paper aims to elevate a more thoughtful conversation about healthcare rationing by analyzing some existing ethical principles/framework developed for rationing decision making during previous emergency responses and drawing from the day-to-day clinical perspectives of a frontline pediatric acute care/hospitalist.
A Systematic Review of Campus Characteristics Associated With Sexual Violence and Other Forms of Victimization
Authors: Tashkandi Yara , Hirsch Jennifer S. , Kraus Emily , Schwartz Rachel , Walsh Kate
Published: April 2022

Violence researchers have highlighted a need to understand connections between campus characteristics and violent victimization among students. Responding to those calls, we systematically reviewed research examining the characteristics of secondary and post-secondary educational settings associated with sexual violence and related victimization experiences, including dating/intimate partner violence, stalking, bullying, hate crimes, and crime more broadly. We screened 1124 quantitative and qualitative records, 43 of which met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Evidence emerged for institution demographics, institution type, institution climate, institution financial characteristics, and educational characteristics being related to various forms of victimization; institution setting (urban vs. rural) was not associated with victimization. Additionally, evidence was observed for institution location and size/density. Some factors, including institution type and campus demographics, operated differently for different forms of victimization. We highlight limitations of existing data, including variability in the measurement of victimization outcomes, lack of power to detect differences at the campus level, and challenges of creating a database on victimization that contains campus identifiers. We also reinforce calls for more intersectional research, both in terms of the types of victimization experienced by students as well as in the disproportionate impact victimization may have on students with marginalized identities.
Critical Factors of Dose Distribution in Breast Cancer Tomotherapy With Metallic Port Breast Tissue Expander: Image Correction, Delivery Mode, and Volume Impact
Authors: Lee Hsing-Yi , Yen Yu-Hsiu , Tsai Yu-Lun , Tu Pei-Chih , Pu Chi-Ming , Lin Chia-Hong , Lui Louis Tak , Shaw Suzun , Wu Ching-Jung , Nien Hsin-Hua
Published: April 2022

Objectives: Breast reconstruction helps patients enhance their body image after mastectomy. Metallic ports in tissue expanders lead to dose attenuation during radiotherapy. Tissue expander volume shifts the metallic port position, possibly causing various dose alterations. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the MAGNA-SITETM tissue expander volume on tomotherapy. Methods: Boluses and MAGNA-SITETM were placed on a Rando phantom to simulate the tissue expander under the pectoralis major. Computed tomography simulation images were transformed through replacing the electron density of (a) metallic artifact region only (Image metallic port) and (b) metallic port and artifact regions (Image Homo). Planning was calculated using fixed-beam and helical-mode techniques. Radiation was delivered with different volumes of the tissue expander. Results: Integrated 997 dose points were calculated. Planning with Image metallic port provided a calculated dose significantly closer to a realistic dose. The percentage of doses achieving the prescribed dose was significantly higher in the helical mode. In layer 2, the 100-mL tissue expander had a significantly lower measurement dose than all other volumes. Volume 150 mL had the highest increase in the measured dose difference from the plan dose at layer 2. Volume 250 mL had the highest percentage of measurement doses passing the 5% dose difference from plan dose. The coldest dose areas were noted in layers 1 and 2, especially in the metallic port–direct image mode. The average dose reduction of the measured cold areas was 6.03 ± 1.94%. Conclusion: Dose distribution was affected by the volume of the metallic port tissue expander. Tomotherapy with proper image heterogeneity correction and helical mode can reduce the attenuation from the metallic port. A tissue expander volume of 150 to 250 mL is suitable. Patients with high risk at the chest wall should be evaluated carefully to avoid underdosing. Radiation oncologists should closely cooperate with plastic surgeons to optimize treatment for each patient.
Randomized Pilot Trial Using External Yarrow Liver Compress Applications With Metastatic Cancer Patients Suffering From Fatigue: Evaluation of Sympathetic Modulation by Heart Rate Variability Analysis
Authors: Foucré Clara , Schulz Steffen , Stritter Wiebke , von Mackensen Irina , Luchte Jacqueline , Ivaki Pune , Voss Andreas , Ghadjar Pirus , Seifert Georg
Published: April 2022

Background:

Liver compresses are commonly applied in complementary medicine during cancer treatment and are believed to have an energizing effect. We conducted a pilot study to investigate the influence of external application of yarrow liver compresses on the autonomous nervous system by analyzing the heart rate variability (HRV) in metastatic cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy and suffering from cancer-related fatigue (CRF).

Methods:

A randomized pilot trial was undertaken with patients suffering from CRF receiving palliative radiation therapy for bone or brain metastasis over 2 weeks. CRF patients were randomized into an intervention group receiving yarrow liver compresses and a control group receiving no external application. HRV was analyzed at the beginning (T1) and end (T2) period of the study during daytime (d) and nighttime (n) in both groups and quantified using time-, frequency-, and nonlinear dynamics domains.

Results:

A total of 39 patients were randomized between September 2017 and August 2019 and a total of 20 patients (10 per group) were available for analysis. For both groups, significant differences in HRV analyses were found in the comparison over the timeline between the first and second measurement (T1d→T2d) during daytime. Specifically, the intervention group showed decreased HRV and complexity of heart rate regulation, indicating increased sympathetic activity at time T2d, whereas the control group showed increased HRV and complexity of heart rate regulation, indicating increased vagal activity at time T2d. Furthermore, the observed HRV analyses showed almost no significant differences between the 2 groups in a direct comparison at the beginning and the end of the study (exception: T2d).

Conclusions:

Yarrow liver compresses led to increased sympathetic activity during daytime in the intervention group, whereas in the control group, which did not receive any external application, increased parasympathetic activity was observed.
Pregnant women’s knowledge, attitude, and associated factors toward obstetric ultrasound in public hospitals, Ethiopia, 2021: Multi-centered cross-sectional study
Authors: Molla Wondwosen , Mengistu Nebiyu , Wudneh Aregahegn
Published: April 2022

Background:

Obstetric ultrasound is a harmless, cheap, and noninvasive imaging modality that helps to scan a pregnant mother and delivers parents with a real-time image of the fetus. As the number of pregnancies rises globally, the demand for obstetric ultrasound becomes even more pressing.

Objectives:

To assess pregnant women’s knowledge, attitude, and associated factors toward obstetric ultrasound in public hospitals, Ethiopia.

Methods:

Institutional based cross-sectional study was employed. Systematic random technique was used to select 419 pregnant women from 10 April 2021 through 2 June 2021. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data during a face-to-face interview. Then the data were coded, cleaned, and entered into Epidemiological data version (EPIDATA) 3.1 and exported to the statistical package for Social Science version 23.0 for analyses. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify statistically significant associations between dependent and independent variables. The odds ratio at 95% confidence interval with p-value 0.05% was considered statistically significant.

Result:

The majority of the study participants, 179 (42.8%), have ages ⩾ 25 years. Magnitude of having good knowledge and positive attitude of pregnant women toward obstetric ultrasound was 35.5% and 69.5%, respectively. Residence (adjusted odds ratio: 3.934; 95% confidence interval: 3.125–6.761), educational status (adjusted odds ratio: 3.614; 95% confidence interval: 1.986–5.964), and parity (adjusted odds ratio: 2.7621; 95% confidence interval: 1.68–3.275) were significantly associated with knowledge. Whereas exposure to obstetrical ultrasound in current pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio: 2.726; 95% confidence interval: 1.632–3.629), knowledge on obstetrical ultrasound (adjusted odds ratio: 3.92; 95% confidence interval: 1.324–3.120), and educational status (adjusted odds ratio: 2.84; 95% confidence interval: 1.337–3.381) were significantly associated with attitude.

Conclusion:

The level of good knowledge and positive attitude toward obstetric ultrasound was 35.5% and 69.5%, respectively, and it can be improved with appropriate interventions like ensuring the practice of obstetric ultrasound scan to all antenatal women. Obstetric care providers at the antenatal care units should advice pregnant women for obstetric ultrasound scan as per World Health Organization recommendations of one obstetric ultrasound scan before 24 weeks of gestation.
Prevalence of episiotomy practice and factors associated with it in Ethiopia, systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Deyaso Zerihun Figa , Chekole Tesfaye Temesgen , Bedada Rediet Gido , Molla Wondwosen , Uddo Etaferahu Bekele , Mamo Tizalegn Tesfaye
Published: April 2022

An episiotomy is one of the most commonly performed obstetrics surgeries indicated in emergencies during the second stage of labor like fetal distress, dystocia, and tight perineum. As a result, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of episiotomy practice and associated factors in Ethiopia. Ten cross-sectional studies with a total population of 3718 were included in this study. The search was done using online databases like PubMed, HINARI, Web of Science, other gray, and online repositories of Universities. All the included papers were extracted and appraised using the standard extraction sheet format of JOANNA Briggs Institute. The Cochran Q-test and I2 statistics test were used to test the heterogeneity of studies. To detect the publication bias of the included studies, a funnel plot and Egger’s test were used. The pooled prevalence of episiotomy practice and the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were presented using forest plots. The overall pooled prevalence of episiotomy practice was 45.11% (95% CI; 37.04–53.18; I2 = 96.3%). Prolonged second stage of labor (OR: 4.79, 95% CI: 3.03, 7.57), face presentation (OR: 4.26, 95% CI: 1.21, 15.07), birth weight > 4000 g (OR: 6.71, 95% CI: 3.14–14.33), instrumental delivery (OR: 4.26, 95% CI 2.95, 6.14), and primiparity (OR: 3.70, 95% CI: 1.90, 7.2) were factors associated with episiotomy practice. The overall prevalence of episiotomy practice was higher in Ethiopia compared to studies conducted in other countries. The prolonged second stage of labor, face presentation, birth weight > 4000 g, instrumental delivery, and primiparity of women were the factors associated with episiotomy practice. Therefore, efforts should be made to prevent routine episiotomy practice through creating awareness, adjusting national guidelines, affecting the World Health Organization episiotomy policy, and monitoring the activities of the health care facilities in executing the protocols.
Helicobacter pylori infection and related factors among pregnant women at Debre Tabor General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021: Anemia highly related with H. pylori
Authors: Yisak Hiwot , Belete Debaka , Mahtsentu Yeserk
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Infection with Helicobacter pylori is one of the most frequent chronic bacterial illnesses in humans. Pregnant mothers are the populations most vulnerable to H. pylori infection. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of H. pylori infection and associated factors among pregnant mothers having antenatal care at Debre Tabor General Hospital, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods and materials:

Institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted on 290 pregnant women. The stool antigen test is used to detect the active presence of the H. pylori antigen in the feces. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to assess potential factors responsible for H. pylori infection. Variables associated with the prevalence of H. pylori infection with ( p-value < 0.05) were considered statistically significant.

Results:

The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 17.9%, with 95% (CI: 13.4%–22.3%). In all, 65.4% of H. pylori infection positive mothers had gastrointestinal problems and developed symptoms like abdominal cramp and diarrhea 1 (1.92%), loss of appetite 10 (19.23%), hiccups 9 (17.31%), abdominal pain which worsens when the stomach is empty 19 (36.54%), indigestion, and frequent heart burn 13 (25%) during the present pregnancy. Lesser frequency of handwashing practice AOR = 3.09, 95% CI (1.14–8.34), use of soap for handwashing AOR = 0.44, 95% CI (0.19–0.98), eating unwashed vegetables and fruits AOR = 2.279, 95% CI (1.03–5.04), and not being anemic AOR = 0.268, 95% CI (0.10– 0.71), were significantly associated with H. pylori infection.

Conclusions:

This study shows that the prevalence of H. pylori infection among pregnant women was low compared with that of the general population. Although in the lower prevalence, the level of anemia was strongly associated with the prevalence of H. pylori infection. This implies that H. pylori infection is a public health problem.
Reporting incidental findings from non-biological assessments in human subject research
Authors: Pingitore Alyssa , Mack Ashley , Zhang Justin , Devine Eric G , Doerr Jackson , Denneen Caroline
Published: April 2022

Incidental findings in research with human participants may have implications for a person’s present health or future health outcomes. Current guidelines focus on methods for handling and reporting incidental findings from biological test data but incidental findings might also arise from non-biological tests. This article presents three examples in which the results from non-biological test data can be predictive of future disease and should be disclosed to research participants. It is intended to increase awareness and facilitate further discussion about the reporting of incidental findings from non-biological data.
Treatment of upper extremity palsies, gunshot wounds and scaphoid nonunion: my preferred approaches
Authors: Luria Shai
Published: April 2022

The article reviews key considerations and our preferred methods in treating upper extremity palsies, gunshot wounds and scaphoid nonunion. For these three difficult conditions, I highlight the importance of a team approach when treating upper extremity neuromuscular disease, flexibility and creativity when treating gunshot wounds, and my personal protocol for dealing with scaphoid fracture nonunions.

Level of evidence: V
Uncontrolled asthma predicts severe COVID-19: a report from the Swedish National Airway Register
Authors: Karlsson Sundbaum Johanna , Konradsen Jon R. , Vanfleteren Lowie E.G.W. , Axelsson Fisk Sten , Pedroletti Christophe , Sjöö Yvonne , Syk Jörgen , Sterner Therese , Lindberg Anne , Tunsäter Alf , Nyberg Fredrik , Ekberg-Jansson Ann , Stridsman Caroline
Published: April 2022

Background:

Severe asthma increases the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes such as hospitalization and death. However, more studies are needed to understand the association between asthma and severe COVID-19.

Methods:

A cohort of 150,430 adult asthma patients were identified in the Swedish National Airway Register (SNAR) from 2013 to December 2020. Data on body mass index, smoking habits, lung function, and asthma control test (ACT) were obtained from SNAR, and uncontrolled asthma was defined as ACT ⩽19. Patients with severe COVID-19 were identified following hospitalization or in death certificates based on ICD-10 codes U07.1 and U07.2. The Swedish Prescribed Drug register was used to identify comorbidities and data from Statistics Sweden for educational level. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to estimate associations with severe COVID-19.

Results:

Severe COVID-19 was identified in 1067 patients (0.7%). Older age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.03–1.04), male sex (1.42, 1.25–1.61), overweight (1.56, 1.27–1.91), obesity (2.12, 1.73–2.60), high-dose inhaled corticosteroids in combination with long-acting β-agonists (1.40, 1.22–1.60), dispensed oral corticosteroids ⩾2 (1.48, 1.25–1.75), uncontrolled asthma (1.64, 1.35–2.00), cardiovascular disease (1.20, 1.03–1.40), depression (1.47, 1.28–1.68), and diabetes (1.52, 1.29–1.78) were associated with severe COVID-19, while current smoking was inversely associated (0.63, 0.47–0.85). When comparing patients who died from COVID-19 with those discharged alive from hospital until 31 December 2020, older age, male sex, and current smoking were associated with COVID-19 death.

Conclusion:

Patients with uncontrolled asthma and high disease burden, including increased asthma medication intensity, should be identified as risk patients for severe COVID-19. Furthermore, current smoking is strongly associated with COVID-19 death in asthma.
Video advertising: Using YouTube analytics for the target audience
Authors: Manko Barbara A
Published: April 2022

Video advertising takes many forms, from display ads, overlay ads, skippable and non-skippable videos, bumper ads, and sponsored cards, as well as the sponsored or branded content of the video itself on YouTube. With competition for user attention, the evolution of videos has turned advertisement into entertainment, and the analytics of how user interacts with videos and ads provides insight into consumer trends.
A case series of new radicular pain following the insertion of spinal cord stimulator
Authors: Baranidharan Ganesan , Bretherton Beatrice , Black Sheila
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Although spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a safe procedure, equipment-related, biological and neurological complications have been observed in previous research, particularly case reports. No reports of new neuropathic pain in the absence of neurological deficit or positive MRI findings have been described. We detail three cases of new-onset radicular pain in the L5/S1 dermatome following insertion of SCS.

Methods

This was a retrospective case series of three patients. Details of clinical background, indications for SCS and events occurring during insertion and further management were recorded.

Results

All three cases were technically difficult and required multiple epidural entry levels, with repeated passage of the electrode into and within the epidural space. All cases involved accessing epidural space T12/L1 and L1/L2. A possible explanation for the new-onset radicular pain could concern oedema to the conus medullaris, resulting from repeated passage of the electrode at the T12/L1 level. Alternative explanations could be direct trauma to transiting nerve roots, neuroplastic changes resulting in peripheral and central sensitisation and immune-mediated nerve injury.

Conclusion

MRI imaging should be analysed prior to the SCS procedure to identify the level of the conus medullaris, with the aim of avoiding repeated passage of electrodes at that level. Unintended neurological adverse events should be discussed with patients during the consent process. Careful patient selection and psychological screening may also help identify patients who may be unlikely to respond to SCS therapy. Further reporting of new radiculopathic pain following SCS insertion is required to strengthen understanding of its potential causes.
The Epistemology of Entrepreneurial Responsible Orientation (ERO): Theory, Conceptualization, and Future Research
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Jawad , Khizar Hafiz Muhammad Usman
Published: April 2022

Organizations are constantly searching for new pathways to ensure survival and sustainability in a highly dynamic and competitive environment. Against this background, the present study aims to propose a strategic framework considering the crucial role of small businesses and entrepreneurship for sustainable economic, social, and environmental development. This paper employed a selective-intensive literature review technique to review and evaluate extant sustainability orientation (SO) literature from multiple strategic orientation paradigm. In addition, drawing from the theoretical underpinnings of resource complementarity and configuration perspective, this study proposes a configuration of sustainability orientation (SO), entrepreneurial orientation (EO), and market orientation (MO) in the era of sustainable development. The key finding of this paper is the development of a higher-order dynamic capability, that is, Entrepreneurial Responsible Orientation (ERO). ERO is proposed as an entrepreneurial strategic framework that integrates three distinct but complementary elements (i.e., sustainability, entrepreneurial, and marketing) under the umbrella of strategic orientation that drives superior sustainable firm performance. Moreover, we put forward the future research agenda by developing several potential research questions, thus, the findings of this study will serve as a springboard to extend the knowledge base in this field of research. This paper provides an integrated framework in the contexts of small businesses and entrepreneurship by utilizing the combination of the theoretical and conceptual development approaches. The proposed framework, if implemented successfully, has the potential to drive sustainable performance of the small firms particularly, and sustainable development of the country, generally.
Revealing the Ideology of Normal: Using CHAT to Explore the Activity of School
Authors: Moore Brooke A.
Published: April 2022

The idea of “normal” in schools is problematic. It arbitrates the way educators think about ability, achievement, and behavior. Normal implies a hierarchy of student abilities, suggesting that some can achieve and some cannot. For students who cannot achieve at the same rate as their peers, they are blamed as many assume the problem is the child. Students who deviate from normal are often characterized as different by race, language use, socioeconomic status, or perceived ability. This has historically led to educational inequities. Equating difference with deficits is problematic as US schools are growing in diversity daily. Drawing from Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), I argue that revealing the historical and cultural practices inherent in the activity of US schooling will help us find productive ways to change the activity of schools. I share findings from a qualitative case study conducted with 10 practicing educators who explored how an ideology of normal functions in their own schools. Through their work to make the ideology of normal visible, they acknowledged the importance of radically altering heritage practices that label and marginalize difference. Then, the conceptualization of what normal means can change to something more encompassing of the diversity of learners.
Economic Costs of Violence Against Women and Girls in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Pilot Study on Management’s Outlook
Authors: Chadha Mrinal , Kennedy John , Duvvury Nata
Published: April 2022

Background:

In low and middle-income countries (LMICs), violence against women and girls (VAWG) is rampant, primarily due to patriarchy. However, there is little understanding of its ripple effect in the workplace in LMICs. While recent studies in LMICs have attempted to understand the effects of VAWG on productivity using data collected from colleagues, survivors, or perpetrators, there is limited research on the employers’ perspective of the impact of VAWG on productivity.

Methods:

A survey, developed by the investigators, based on previous research in Peru and Vietnam, was administered to 74 senior management executives in Ghana, Pakistan, and South Sudan. Based on female employees’ absenteeism, tardiness, and presenteeism, this study provides the management’s perspective on the invisible costs of VAWG.

Findings:

The results show that 25% and 36% of senior executives have witnessed intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence, respectively, against their female colleagues. One (32%) in three managers also acknowledged the impact of VAWG on productivity and day-to-day operations.

Conclusions:

This study provides evidence that there is a need for the development of employee assistance programs (EAPs) in LMICs. Due to significant increase in employees’ productivity in the absence of VAWG, investing in occupational health services needs to be viewed as an investment, not cost. As many international companies in developed countries do business in LMICs, their occupational health departments need to be more aware of VAWG. Occupational health practitioners can assist in the needs assessment for EAPs as well as provide appropriate referrals and counseling to impacted employees.
Role of Tranexamic Acid in Arthroscopic Osteocapsular Release of the Elbow for Degenerative Arthritis
Authors: Ek Eugene T. , Wang Kemble K. , Bohan Carmel M. , Goulding Nicholas J. , Jamieson Richard P.
Published: April 2022

Background

Minimizing intra-articular bleeding and swelling is crucial in preventing the development of stiffness around the elbow. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to be an effective adjunct in reducing perioperative bleeding after surgery.

Purpose:

To determine the effect of intravenous (IV) TXA on postoperative drain tube output in arthroscopic osteocapsular release of the elbow for primary degenerative arthritis.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The authors performed a retrospective cohort study of 83 consecutive patients with primary degenerative elbow arthritis who underwent an arthroscopic osteocapsular release between 2015 and 2018. They organized patients into a no-TXA group (control) and a group that was given 1.0 g of IV TXA before tourniquet release. The primary outcome measure was drain tube output, and secondary outcome measures included postoperative day 1 pain levels on a visual analog scale and early range of motion at 8 weeks. Differences between groups were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance, the Mann-Whitney U test, or the Fisher exact test.

Results:

There were 43 patients in the no-TXA group and 40 patients in the TXA group. Administration of IV TXA resulted in a 51% decrease in mean intra-articular bleeding for the TXA group, as measured via drain tube output (88.8 ± 80.5 mL [no-TXA] vs 43.4 ± 52.4 mL [TXA]; P = .0016). In both groups, there were significant increases in elbow arc of motion when compared with preoperative measurements. There were no between-group differences in early range of motion (129.7° ± 12.4° [no-TXA] vs 131.7° ± 9.2° [TXA]; P = .549) or postoperative pain (1.9 ± 2.2 [no-TXA] vs 1.5 ± 1.7 [TXA]; P = .89).

Conclusion:

In this study, IV TXA significantly reduced postoperative intra-articular bleeding in patients who underwent arthroscopic osteocapsular release of the elbow for primary degenerative arthritis. However, there were no differences in postoperative range of motion or pain between patients who received TXA and controls.
Emotional Responses to Non-Speech Sounds for Hearing-aid and Bimodal Cochlear-Implant Listeners
Authors: Tawdrous Marina M. , D'Onofrio Kristen L. , Gifford René , Picou Erin M.
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this project was to evaluate differences between groups and device configurations for emotional responses to non-speech sounds. Three groups of adults participated: 1) listeners with normal hearing with no history of device use, 2) hearing aid candidates with or without hearing aid experience, and 3) bimodal cochlear-implant listeners with at least 6 months of implant use. Participants ( n = 18 in each group) rated valence and arousal of pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant non-speech sounds. Listeners with normal hearing rated sounds without hearing devices. Hearing aid candidates rated sounds while using one or two hearing aids. Bimodal cochlear-implant listeners rated sounds while using a hearing aid alone, a cochlear implant alone, or the hearing aid and cochlear implant simultaneously. Analysis revealed significant differences between groups in ratings of pleasant and unpleasant stimuli; ratings from hearing aid candidates and bimodal cochlear-implant listeners were less extreme (less pleasant and less unpleasant) than were ratings from listeners with normal hearing. Hearing aid candidates’ ratings were similar with one and two hearing aids. Bimodal cochlear-implant listeners’ ratings of valence were higher (more pleasant) in the configuration without a hearing aid (implant only) than in the two configurations with a hearing aid (alone or with an implant). These data support the need for further investigation into hearing device optimization to improve emotional responses to non-speech sounds for adults with hearing loss.
Temporal change in relationships between urban structure and surface temperature
Authors: Stewart Justin D , Kremer Peleg
Published: April 2022

Surface temperature influences human health directly and alters the biodiversity and productivity of the environment. While previous research has identified that the composition of urban landscapes influences the physical properties of the environment such as surface temperature, a generalizable and flexible framework is needed that can be used to compare cities across time and space. This study employs the Structure of Urban Landscapes (STURLA) classification combined with remote sensing of New York City’s land surface temperature (LST). These are then linked using machine learning and statistical modeling to identify how greenspace and the built environment influence urban surface temperature. Further, changes in urban structure are then connected to changes in LST over time. It was observed that areas with urban units composed of largely the built environment hosted the hottest temperatures while those with vegetation and water were coolest. Likewise, this is reinforced by borough-level spatial differences in both urban structure and heat. Comparison of these relationships over the period between 2008 and 2017 identified changes in surface temperature that are likely due to the changes in the presence of water, low-rise buildings, and pavement across the city. This research reinforces how human alteration of the environment changes LST and offers units of analysis that can be used for research and urban planning.
Evaluation of Different Types of Breast Lesions With Apparent Diffusion Coefficient and Shear Wave Elastography Values: Comparison of Shear Wave Elastography and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in Breast Lesions
Authors: Aybar M. Devran , Turna Onder
Published: April 2022

Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare the stiffness of different histological types of breast lesions by obtaining shear wave elastography (SWE) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, and to determine the contribution of these two methods to the diagnosis.

Materials and Methods:

In total, 70 patients with biopsy-proven breast lesions were included in the study. The mean SWE values of breast lesions were recorded and ADC values of these lesions were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and the diagnostic accuracies of SWE-ADC values were determined.

Results:

The mean SWE values were 45.47 ± 25.11 kPa and 3.51 ± 1.04 m/s in benign group, and 161.11 ± 219.34 kPa and 5.96 ± 1.06 m/s in malignant group, respectively. The mean ADC values were 1.38 ± 0.32 (×10–3 mm2/s) in benign group and 0.96 ± 0.22 (×10–3 mm2/s) in malignant group, respectively. When the diagnostic performances of both imaging modalities on mass stiffness are evaluated, statistically significant negative correlations were found between SWE lesion values and ADC lesion values.

Conclusion:

Evaluation of tissue elasticity has recently been used frequently in the diagnosis of breast diseases. SWE-ADC values, which are negatively correlated in the diagnosis of breast masses, may prove to be a powerful alternative diagnostic tool that can be used interchangeably, as appropriate.