bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three perils of medico-political professional organisations: corporatisation, bureaucratisation and concentration of power
Authors: Looi Jeffrey C L , Kisely Stephen R , Allison Stephen , Bastiampillai Tarun , Robson Stephen J , Pring William
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To discuss relevant factors affecting the effectiveness and membership engagement of medico-political professional organisations, for example, medical colleges, societies and associations.

Conclusions:

Medico-political professional organisations face perils from corporatisation, bureaucratisation and concentration of power that diminish membership engagement and influence. Actions to address these challenges are necessary to ensure the future viability of these organisations.
COVID-19 and ECT – a Victorian perspective
Authors: Jagadheesan Karuppiah , Walker Frances , Danivas Vijay , Itrat Quratulain , Lakra Vinay
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

(i) to describe the operational strategies implemented to practise electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) safely, and (ii) to explore the effect of the lockdown and operational strategies on the characteristics of patients who received ECT during the initial 6 months of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Methods:

At first, the operational strategies that were implemented at the Broadmeadows ECT suite were summarised. Subsequently, the characteristics of patients who received ECT in the lockdown period (16 March–16 September 2020) and in the comparison period (16 March–16 September 2019) were compared.

Results:

Many safety measures were implemented, and there was no COVID-19 infection among mental health staff and patients. In the lockdown period, the number of patients (23.9%) and the total number of ECTs (29.4%) were less. This pattern was more prominent among the aged patients.

Conclusion:

Safe practices are essential to provide ECT during lockdowns even when the community transmission of COVID-19 is high.
The utility of daily mood ratings in clinical trials of patients with bipolar II disorder
Authors: Parker Gordon , Ricciardi Tahlia , Tavella Gabriela , Spoelma Michael J
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To demonstrate that there can be distinctive differences in information generated by standard interval measures as against using daily monitoring for evaluating progress in those with a bipolar disorder.

Method:

We undertook a 20-week study of individuals with a bipolar II disorder randomly assigned to receive either lamotrigine or lithium. Patients were rated on standard measures of depression and hypomania at monthly intervals, and they also completed a daily rating measure of their mood swings. We sought to demonstrate the potential for differing interpretations that emerge from these measurement strategies.

Results:

We graphed data for one subject who showed distinct improvement but demonstrated distinctly differing trajectories provided by monthly and daily data. In a second analysis, we considered sets of those who were judged as improving distinctly with lithium or lamotrigine to determine whether the drugs differed in speed of action, and again observed differing patterns between monthly and daily rating measures.

Conclusions:

A daily rating strategy appeared to provide additional and differing data compared to standard monthly measures. We therefore argue for the inclusion of daily mood ratings in clinical trials evaluating mood stabilisers and their use by clinicians in managing those with a bipolar II disorder.
A new approach to monitor wear tracks propagation on-site with electromechanical impedance technique
Authors: Tekkalmaz Mesut , Er Ümit , Çakir Fatih Hayati , Bozkurt Fatih
Published: May 2021

Generally, the determination of the wear in the mechanical systems is done by checking the critical components in periodic maintenance or by monitoring the secondary indicators such as vibration, noise, and temperature. These indicators can only be recognized after the wear reaches a certain level. In this study, an approach has been carried out on the use of the electromechanical impedance (EMI) method. In this study, EMI measurements were carried out depending on the different test samples, representing a different amount of wear level and wear location of the AISI 1040 steel block. The test samples were worn out in a controlled laboratory environment. The impedance measurements were taken before and after wear tests for each sample. Different measurements were made, and damage metrics were calculated and compared with the reference measurement made; the amount of the wear could be monitored primarily using the Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) method without dismantling the system. The location of wear could be determined by Correlation Coefficient Deviation (CCD) technique. In this study, it has been demonstrated that it could be possible to monitor the progress of wear in sensitive mechanical systems periodically without disturbing the integrity of the machine system.
Family Caregivers’ Experiences and Changes in Caregiving Tasks During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Irani Elliane , Niyomyart Atsadaporn , Hickman Ronald L.
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe family caregivers’ experiences and changes in caregiving tasks and approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using web-based strategies, 69 family caregivers of adults with chronic or disabling conditions were recruited and completed an online survey about positive and negative caregiving experiences, and ways in which caregiving has changed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (structured questions) and conventional content analysis (open-ended responses). Participants reported concerns about their loved one’s physical and mental health, the limited access to other caregiving sources, and the limited opportunities to maintain personal well-being. Caregiving tasks completed more than usual included providing emotional support, shopping for groceries and essentials, and contacting healthcare providers. Participants modified their caregiving approach by assuming added responsibilities, leveraging technology, and managing a new caregiving routine. Findings indicate that family caregivers experienced additional caregiving challenges and changed caregiving tasks considering the limited resources available.
School-Based Nurse Practitioners’ Perceptions of the Health Care Needs of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Adolescents
Authors: Davis Jeannette , Hequembourg Amy , Paplham Pamela
Published: May 2021

School-based nurse practitioners (NPs) can reduce health disparities for transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) adolescents. However, research is limited regarding their understanding of TGNC health. This study aimed to explore school-based NPs’ perceptions of the health needs of TGNC adolescents. A qualitative, descriptive analysis utilizing a demographic survey and semi-structured interview questionnaire was conducted. School-based NPs ( N = 6) were recruited via the New York School-Based Health Alliance listserv and through clinical networking. An essentialist, reflexive approach utilizing inductive thematic analysis was utilized. Four key themes and an overarching theme were identified. The overarching theme was the following: School-based NPs are primary resources—or “point people”—for TGNC adolescents seeking support, safety, and accessibility to health care. Findings identified the need for improvements in the areas of TGNC advocacy and education.
Use of Capsaicin Cream in Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department
Authors: Lee Allison , Coralic Zlatan
Published: May 2021

Background

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is characterized by cyclical nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain often relieved with hot showers. Patients with CHS are usually long-term cannabis smokers whose symptoms are not relieved by antiemetics. The use of topical capsaicin has been recently reported as an adjunctive therapy in the emergency department (ED).

Objective

To describe the use of capsaicin cream in patients presenting to the ED with suspected CHS.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients with suspected CHS receiving capsaicin in an ED from July 2014 to October 2018. We report data on demographics, cannabis consumption, hot showers use, length of stay, concurrent treatments, pain scores, and adverse events.

Results

There were 57 patients who received capsaicin cream for suspected CHS. Nearly all patients received antiemetics (98%), whereas 47% of patients received an opioid. Antiemetics were typically administered first (median, 1.6 hours; interquartile range [IQR], 0.9-2.4]), followed by an opioid (median, 1.8 hours [IQR, 1-3.75]), followed by capsaicin cream (median 4 hours [IQR, 2.7-5.2]). The overall precapsaicin pain score was 8 (IQR, 2-9), decreasing to 5.5 (IQR, 0-8). Around 42% of patients received no further symptomatic therapy after capsaicin. No adverse drug events to capsaicin were reported.

Conclusion and Relevance

This is the largest retrospective study describing capsaicin cream use in suspected CHS patients with a focus on abdominal pain relief. Capsaicin treatment was associated with a modest pain score reduction. Application of these findings may help providers in identifying more effective therapies to provide symptomatic relief for CHS patients.
Nonlinear vibration analysis of a cantilever beam with a breathing crack and bilinear behavior
Authors: Kharazan Masoud , Irani Saied , Reza Salimi Mohammad
Published: May 2021

Nonlinear phenomena widely occur in practical engineering applications. A typical example in aerospace structures is the creation of a breathing crack that opens and closes under cyclic loads, which causes bilinear behavior in the structural response. Late detection of such cracks can lead to a catastrophic failure that results in extensive structural damage. Therefore, analyzing the behavior of the structure because of the presence of a breathing crack is very important and needs to be investigated in detail. In this article, the nonlinear response of a single-degree-of-freedom nonlinear cantilever beam with a transverse breathing crack and bilinear behavior was studied. To investigate the nonlinear behavior, bilinear functions of the beam stiffness and nonlinear geometric stiffness were converted to polynomial functions. The proposed model is validated by comparing the time history responses of the approximated polynomials with the bilinear model of the cracked beam. Moreover, by considering damping changes because of the presence of the breathing crack, the nonlinear behavior was investigated. The results indicated that the proposed method is sensitive to the presence of a breathing crack. Also, the nonlinearity increases with an increase in the crack depth and location ratios associated with the jump phenomenon in the vibration response of the cracked beam.
The Impact of Workplace Violence Toward Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses: Identifying the Facilitators and Barriers to Supportive Resources
Authors: Dean Lyndsay , Butler Amanda , Cuddigan Janet
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: When compared with all other health care professions, the psychiatric nursing profession has the highest prevalence of workplace violence. The effects of workplace violence can be psychologically and physically devastating. Supportive resources are not always available or fully utilized when available. Aims: The purpose of this study is to explore the true impact of workplace violence toward psychiatric mental health nurses, as well as their personal perspectives on the types of supportive resources necessary for future implementation. Additionally, this study strives to identify the facilitators and barriers to acquiring supportive resources. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study design was utilized. The theory of cognitive adaptation provided an underlying conceptual framework. Data were collected using REDCap software to identify the nature and extent of workplace violence in the study setting (Survey 1) and solicit detailed responses to focus group questions designed to address the study aims (Survey 2). RESULTS: Six pertinent themes were discovered: frequent exposure to workplace violence, attempt to understand workplace violence, the need for supportive means, barriers to accessing supportive means, increase administrative support, and workplace violence has a detrimental impact on various aspects of life. CONCLUSIONS: Although psychiatric mental health nurses express a desire for more psychological support postassault, the underlying meaning and cognitive adaptation following the workplace violence experience is not well understood, and there are barriers to the acquisition of services. The findings from this study are being used to inform a multifaceted program to effectively support psychiatric mental health nurses experiencing workplace violence.
Characterization of the symmetry class of an elasticity tensor using polynomial covariants
Authors: Olive Marc , Kolev Boris , Desmorat Rodrigue , Desmorat Boris
Published: May 2021

We formulate effective necessary and sufficient conditions to identify the symmetry class of an elasticity tensor, a fourth-order tensor which is the cornerstone of the theory of elasticity and a toy model for linear constitutive laws in physics. The novelty is that these conditions are written using polynomial covariants. As a corollary, we deduce that the symmetry classes are affine algebraic sets, a result which seems to be new. Meanwhile, we have been lead to produce a minimal set of 70 generators for the covariant algebra of a fourth-order harmonic tensor and introduce an original generalized cross-product on totally symmetric tensors. Finally, using these tensorial covariants, we produce a new minimal set of 294 generators for the invariant algebra of the elasticity tensor.
The Year in Review: Anesthesia for Congenital Heart Disease 2020
Authors: Landsem Leah M. , Ross Faith J. , Joffe Denise C. , Latham Gregory J.
Published: May 2021

This review focuses on the literature published during the calendar year 2020 that is of interest to anesthesiologists taking care of children and adults with congenital heart disease. Five major themes are discussed, including COVID-19 in children with heart disease, race and outcome disparities in congenital heart disease, Norwood procedure and outcomes, Fontan procedure and outcomes, and neurotoxicity/neurologic outcomes. A total of 59 peer-reviewed articles are discussed.
Factors Associated with Intended Postpartum OGTT Uptake and Willingness to Receive Preventive Behavior Support to Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk Among Women with Gestational Diabetes in Singapore: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Hewage Sumali S , Aw Su , Chi Claudia , Yoong Joanne
Published: May 2021

Aim:

To assess and explore the factors affecting willingness to undergo an early postpartum oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and receive postpartum lifestyle modification assistance.

Methods:

An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was used. A prenatal cross-sectional survey questionnaire (n = 216) was given to women diagnosed with GDM in a tertiary health institution in Singapore and followed up with postpartum semi-structured interviews (n = 30). Multivariate logistic regression and thematic analysis were conducted before merging the findings.

Results:

Despite universal GDM education, fewer than 75% intended to take the OGTT postpartum, and only 63% felt it was very important. The plan to take the OGTT postpartum was positively associated with a prenatal care provider’s specific recommendation. In contrast, Malay women were less likely to take the test. Most women interpreted a care provider’s recommendation as implying standard practice, which encouraged intended and actual compliance with testing after giving birth. The perception of moderate to high T2DM risk in the following decade, and subsidized prenatal care, and plan to take the OGTT postpartum were positively associated with willingness to receive postpartum lifestyle behavior support. A mobile application was the preferred method to receive support.

Conclusions:

In the early postpartum period, women with a history of GDM were willing to receive measures to reduce T2DM risk, primarily if it was under the supervision and recommendation of a care provider. A carefully designed but simple postpartum lifestyle intervention incorporating these preferences that can be integrated into mainstream diabetes prevention programs is warranted.
Factors Associated with Over-Nutrition Among Men 15-54 years in Uganda: A National Survey
Authors: Arinda Ivan Kato , Sserwanja Quraish , Nansubuga Sylvia , Mukunya David , Akampereza Phiona
Published: May 2021

Background:

Globally and in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the prevalence of overweight and obesity are on the rise. Data on overweight and obesity among men are scarce.

Objective

We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with over-nutrition among men in Uganda.

Methods:

We used Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2016 data of 5,408 men aged 15 to 45 years. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select study participants and data were collected using validated questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with over-nutrition among 15 to 54-year-old men in Uganda.

Results:

The prevalence of over nutrition was 9.1%, where that of overweight was 7.9% (95% CI 7.2-8.7 and obesity was1.2% (95% CI 0.9-1.5). Men who were aged 25 to 34 (AOR = 3.28; 95% CI: 1.92-5.59), 35-44 (AOR = 4.51; 95% CI: 2.61-7.82) and 45 to 54 (AOR = 4.28; 95% CI: 2.37-7.74) were more likely to have over-nutrition compared to those aged 15 to 24 years. Married men (AOR=2.44; 95% CI: 1.49-3.99) were 2 times more likely to have over-nutrition than men who were not married. Men in the central region (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.22-2.60) were 1.78 times more likely to have over-nutrition than men in the northern region. Men who were in the richest wealth index quintiles were 10 times more likely to have over-nutrition compared to those in the poorest wealth index quintile (AOR = 9.38: 95 % CI 5.14-17.10).

Conclusion:

The factors associated with over-nutrition among Ugandan men in our study were increasing age, marital status, increasing wealth and region of origin. This shows the need for measures to abate the regional development inequalities, need to promote physical activity among older men and need to improve on the knowledge of nutrition and dietetic practices for married couples and men of different social classes.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Dyslipidemia Among Psychiatric Patients on Antipsychotic Treatment at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital
Authors: Hirigo Agete Tadewos , Teshome Tesfaye , Abera Gitore Wondwossen , Worku Endale
Published: May 2021

Background:

Dyslipidemia is one of the adverse metabolic outcomes associated with psychotropic medications and the nature of the mental illness itself. Therefore, this study aimed to assess magnitude of dyslipidemia and associated factors among patients with severe mental illness on antipsychotic treatments.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 245 patients with severe mental illness in Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Sidama Regional state, Southern Ethiopia. Socio-demographic and other important data were collected using a structured questionnaire through a systematic random sampling technique. Individual dyslipidemia was characterized by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel-III (NCEP ATP-III) guideline.

Results:

Mean total cholesterol (TC) was significantly higher in males when compared to females (162.2 mg/dl vs 121 mg/dl, P = .023). While, mean LDL-cholesterol was significantly higher in females when compared to males (100.9 mg/dl vs 93.6 mg/dl, P = .028). Overall 58.4% (95% CI: 52.2-64.8) of participants had at least 1 dyslipidemia. The prevalence of TC ⩾200 mg/dl, HDL-cholesterol <40 mg/dl, triglyceride (TG) and LDL-cholesterol were 61 (24.9%), 75 (30.6%), 66 (26.9%), and 47 (19.2%), respectively. Female sex and smoking were significantly and positively associated with LDL-c dyslipidemia, the aOR (95% CI) were 2.1 (1.0-4.2) for female sex and 3.4 (1.1-10.5) for smoking. Also, Age >40 years was significantly associated with TC dyslipidemia, the aOR (95% CI) was 2.0 (1.1-3.7).

Conclusion:

More than half of psychiatric patients are at risk of developing cardiovascular and other related health problems. Therefore, periodic screening of lipid profiles during healthcare follow-up is mandatory to limit risks of cardiovascular-related comorbidities among patients with severe mental illness.
SARS-CoV-2 and Pre-existing Vascular Diseases: Guilt by Association?
Authors: Voulalas Grigorios , Tsui Janice , Candilio Luciano , Baker Daryll
Published: May 2021

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus-2 has rapidly spread and emerged as a pandemic. Although evidence on its pathophysiology is growing, there are still issues that should be taken into consideration, including its effects on pre-existing peripheral vascular disease. The aim of this review is to describe the thrombotic and endothelial dysfunctions caused by SARS-CoV-2, assess if cardiovascular comorbidities render an individual susceptible to the infection and determine the course of pre-existing vascular diseases in infected individuals. A search through MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE was conducted and more than 260 articles were identified and 97 of them were reviewed; the rest were excluded because they were not related to the aim of this study. Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and cerebrovascular diseases comprised 24.30% ± 16.23%, 13.29% ± 12.88%, 14.82% ± 7.57% and 10.82% ± 11.64% of the cohorts reviewed, respectively. Arterial and venous thrombotic complications rocketed up to 31% in severely infected individuals in some studies. We suggest that hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cerebrovascular diseases may render an individual susceptible to severe COVID-19 infection. Pre-existing vascular diseases are expected to deteriorate with SARS-CoV-2 infection as a consequence of its increased thrombotic burden and the development of endothelial dysfunction. COVID-19 has emerged only a few months ago and it is premature to predict the long-term effects to the vascular system. Its disturbances of the coagulation mechanisms and effects on vascular endothelium will likely provoke a surge of vascular complications in the coming months.
Research on damage and failure behaviour of coated self-lubricating spherical plain bearings based on detection of friction torque and temperature rise
Authors: Liu Yunfan , Ma Guozheng , Qin Hongling , Han Cuihong , Shi Jiadong
Published: May 2021

In this study, the wear failure behaviour of coated self-lubricating spherical plain bearings under different working conditions in the light-load and low-frequency range was studied using a swing wear life tester. The commercial GE17ES bearing was the main research object, and the wear state of the bearing was monitored in real time using torque and temperature rise signals. Furthermore, a scanning electron microscope and an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope were adopted to analyse the wear failure mechanism of bearings. The results indicated that the friction torque and temperature rise signal changes were mainly divided into three stages, and the characteristics of similar changes could be maintained under different working conditions. Furthermore, at the end of the bearing life, the torque and temperature rise had abrupt changes almost at the same time, which indicated the occurrence of bearing failure. In general, the wear failure mechanisms of bearings included abrasive wear and adhesive wear. Moreover, fatigue wear and oxidation wear were under some conditions. The torque and temperature rise comprehensively reflected the service state of coated self-lubricating spherical plain bearings, which could be used as a physical criterion for determining bearing failure. These results had a strong prospect of engineering application, and were expected to provide a reference for determining the failure behaviour of multi-type coated self-lubricating spherical plain bearings in the future, and provided theoretical support for establishing relevant test standards.
Tunable adhesion of an elastic pillar by pressurizing inner cavity
Authors: Eray Turgay
Published: May 2021

This work studies the effect of a cavity with inner pressure on the adhesion of circular pillars with a flat tip in contact with a rigid smooth surface. The inner cavity of pillars is pressurized positively before the contact. The effect of the cavity on the adhesion is examined for different cavity diameters and different membrane thicknesses over the cavity. The shape of the tip of the pillars is changed in accordance with the cavity dimension and the positive cavity pressure, which allows the change of an adhesive contact type from a flat-punch adhesive contact to a spherical adhesive contact that results in tunable adhesion strength of circular pillars. The results demonstrate that having an inner cavity reduces the adhesion, where the cavity diameter is more effective than the membrane thickness over the cavity on the reduction of the adhesive force. Applying pressure to the inner cavity of the pillars changes the sphericity, which alters the adhesive force accordingly. The sphericity [Formula: see text]0.1 almost has no effect on the tunable adhesion strength, where the higher sphericity results in the reduction of the adhesive force from high adhesive force to low adhesive force linearly with a tunable efficiency between 95% and 98%.
Parents’ advice to other parents of children with spinal muscular atrophy: Two nationwide follow-ups
Authors: Hjorth Elin , Kreicbergs Ulrika , Sejersen Thomas , Werlauff Ulla , Rahbek Jes , Lövgren Malin
Published: May 2021

Being a parent of a child with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a disease that causes progressive muscle weakness, involves a range of challenges. The purpose of this study was to explore what advice parents of children with severe SMA, in absence of effective therapies, would like to give to other parents. This study derives from two nationwide parental surveys in Sweden and Denmark, where content analysis was used to analyse one open-ended question about parents’ advice to other parents. Ninety-five parents (parents of children diagnosed with SMA type 1 or 2, for whom respiratory support was considered during first year of life) participated (response rate: 84%). Of these 95 parents, 81 gave written advice to other parents. Advice covered coping with everyday life with the ill child, existential issues of living with and losing a child with SMA and involvement in care of the child. Parents highlighted leading normal lives insofar as possible, for example, trying to see healthy aspects in their child, not only focusing on care and treatment. Shared advice can be related to resilience strategies to parents, which can help healthcare professionals and others to support parents in similar situations.
Anterior proximal humerus fracture dislocation with concomitant glenoid fracture: An operative challenge! A case report
Authors: Attarde Dheeraj , Patil Atul , Kamat Nilesh , Sancheti Parag , Shyam Ashok
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Combined proximal humerus fracture dislocation and glenoid fracture is a rare combination of injuries which presents technical operative challenges. There is little evidence to guide surgical management.

Case Report

We report a case of a proximal humerus fracture with anterior dislocation and glenoid fracture treated in the same sitting with open reduction and internal fixation with angular stability locking plate and cannulated screw. The surgical technique involved standard deltopectoral approach with coracoid osteotomy.

Conclusion

By addressing both fractures operatively at the same time, we reported a satisfactory clinical and functional outcome with bony union of the fracture sites without instability at end of 1 year. Coracoid osteotomy may open an alternative pathway to treat complex proximal humerus injuries with ipsilateral glenoid fracture.
Epistemic modes in news production: How journalists manage ways of knowing in hybrid media events involving terrorist violence
Authors: Uusitalo Niina , Valaskivi Katja , Sumiala Johanna
Published: May 2021

In this article, we investigate the challenge of hybrid media events of terrorist violence for journalism and analyse how news organizations manage epistemic modes in such events. Epistemic modes refer to different ways of knowing, which are managed by newsrooms through journalistic and editorial practices. We draw from an empirical study of terrorism-related news production in the Finnish Broadcasting Company (Yle). Our data consist of thematic interviews ( N = 33) with Yle journalists, producers, and content managers and newsroom observations (14 days) conducted at Yle. The study investigates the data through a grounded theory approach with the aim of creating a theoretical understanding of knowledge production in hybrid media events. The results are drawn from a qualitative content analysis and close reading of the interview data, with the other data sets informing the core analysis. The article identifies seven epistemic modes of relevance to news production in hybrid media events: not-knowing, description, rumoring, witnessing, emotion, analysing and perpetrating. The modes are analysed in relation to three dimensions of crisis reporting: immediate sense-making, ritualizing and transformation back to normalcy. The article finds that although particular epistemic modes are typical to certain dimensions of reporting hybrid, disruptive media events, both the modes and the dimensions also are also merged and intermixed. This condition together with growing amounts of problematic epistemic modes of rumoring, emotion and perpetrating challenge journalists’ epistemic authority in reporting hybrid media events involving terrorist violence.
The Economic Cost of Violence Against Women and Girls in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Authors: Vyas Seema , Meinhart Melissa , Troy Katrina , Brumbaum Hannah , Poulton Catherine , Stark Lindsay
Published: May 2021

Evidence demonstrating the economic burden of violence against women and girls can support policy and advocacy efforts for investment in violence prevention and response programming. We undertook a systematic review of evidence on the costs of violence against women and girls in low- and middle-income countries published since 2005. In addition to understanding costs, we examined the consistency of methodological approaches applied and identified and assessed common methodological issues. Thirteen articles were identified, eight of which were from sub-Saharan Africa. Eight studies estimated costs associated with domestic or intimate partner violence, others estimated the costs of interpersonal violence, female genital cutting, and sexual assaults. Methodologies applied to estimate costs were typically based on accounting approaches. Our review found that out-of-pocket expenditures to individuals for seeking health care after an episode of violence ranged from US$29.72 (South Africa) to US$156.11 (Romania) and that lost productivity averaged from US$73.84 to US$2,151.48 (South Africa) per facility visit. Most studies that estimated provider costs of service delivery presented total programmatic costs, and there was variation in interventions, scale, and resource inputs measured which hampered comparability. Variations in methodological assumptions and data availability also made comparisons across countries and settings challenging. The limited scope of studies in measuring the multifaceted impacts of violence highlights the challenges in identifying cost metrics that extend beyond specific violence episodes. Despite the limited evidence base, our assessment leads us to conclude that the estimated costs of violence against women and girls are a fraction of its true economic burden.
Staving Off the Heat With Microglia
Authors: Buchanan Gordon F.
Published: May 2021

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Highlights From AES2020, a Virtual American Epilepsy Society Experience
Authors: Jobst Barbara C. , Conner Kelly R. , Coulter Douglas , Fried Itzhak , Guilfoyle Shanna , Hirsch Lawrence J. , Hogan R. Edward , Hopp Jennifer L. , Naritoku Dean , Plueger Madona , Schevon Catherine , Smith Gigi , Valencia Ignacio , Gaillard William Davis
Published: May 2021

Due to COVID-19 a live, in-person meeting was not possible for the American Epilepsy Society in 2020. An alternative, virtual event, the AES2020, was held instead. AES2020 was a great success with 4679 attendees from 70 countries. The educational content was outstanding and spanned the causes, treatments, and outcomes from epileptic encephalopathy to the iatrogenicity of epilepsy interventions to neurocognitive disabilities to the approach to neocortical epilepsies. New gene therapy approaches such as antisense oligonucleotide treatment for Dravet syndrome were introduced and neuromodulation devices were discussed. There were many other topics discussed in special interest groups and investigators’ workshops. A highlight was having a Nobel prize winner speak about memory processing. Human intracranial electrophysiology contributes insights into memory processing and complements animal work. In a special COVID symposium, the impact of COVID on patients with epilepsy was reviewed. Telehealth has been expanded rapidly and may be well suited for some parts of epilepsy care. In summary, the epilepsy community was alive and engaged despite being limited to a virtual platform.
Analysis of Indoor Radon Data Using Bayesian, Random Binning, and Maximum Entropy Methods
Authors: Pylak Maciej , Fornalski Krzysztof Wojciech , Reszczyńska Joanna , Kukulski Piotr , Waligórski Michael P. R. , Dobrzyński Ludwik
Published: May 2021

Three statistical methods: Bayesian, randomized data binning and Maximum Entropy Method (MEM) are described and applied in the analysis of US radon data taken from the US registry. Two confounding factors—elevation of inhabited dwellings, and UVB (ultra-violet B) radiation exposure—were considered to be most correlated with the frequency of lung cancer occurrence. MEM was found to be particularly useful in extracting meaningful results from epidemiology data containing such confounding factors. In model testing, MEM proved to be more effective than the least-squares method (even via Bayesian analysis) or multi-parameter analysis, routinely applied in epidemiology. Our analysis of the available residential radon epidemiology data consistently demonstrates that the relative number of lung cancers decreases with increasing radon concentrations up to about 200 Bq/m3, also decreasing with increasing altitude at which inhabitants live. Correlation between UVB intensity and lung cancer has also been demonstrated.
Designing Participatory Needs Assessments to Support Global Health Interventions in Time-Limited Settings: A Case Study From Nigeria
Authors: Lynch Kathleen A. , Omisore Adeleye D. , Famurewa Olusola , Olasehinde Olalekan , Odujoko Oluwole , Vera Jacqueline , Kingham T. Peter , Alatise Olusegun Isaac , Egberongbe Adedeji A. , Morris Elizabeth A. , Atkinson Thomas M. , Sutton Elizabeth J.
Published: May 2021

Social scientists have advocated for the use of participatory research methods for Global Health project design and planning. However, community-engaged approaches can be time and resource-intensive. This article proposes a feasible framework for conducting a participatory needs assessment in time-limited settings using multiple, triangulated qualitative methods. This framework is outlined through a case study: a participatory needs assessment to inform the design of an ultrasound-guided biopsy training program in Nigeria. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for Nigerian women and most cases in Nigeria are diagnosed at an advanced stage; timely diagnosis is impeded by fractious referral pathways, costly imaging equipment, and limited access outside urban centers. The project involved participant observation, surveys, and focus groups at the African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO) in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Through this timely research and engagement, participants spoke about diagnostic challenges, institutional power dynamics, and infrastructure considerations for program implementation.
Understanding the thermal problem of variable gradient functionally graded plate based on hybrid numerical method under linear heat source
Authors: Tian Jianhui , Jing Guoquan , Han Xingben , Hu Guangchu , Huo Shilin
Published: May 2021

The thermal problem of functionally graded materials (FGM) under linear heat source is studied by a hybrid numerical method. The accuracy of the analytical method and the efficiency of the finite element method are taken into account. The volume fraction of FGM in the thickness direction can be changed by changing the gradient parameters. Based on the weighted residual method, the heat conduction equation under the third boundary condition is established. The temperature distribution of FGM under the action of linear heat source is obtained by Fourier transform. The results show that the closer to the heat source it is, the greater the influence of the heat source is and the influence of the heat source is local. The temperature change trend of the observation points is consistent with the heat source, showing a linear change. The results also show that the higher the value of gradient parameter is, the higher the temperature of location point is. The temperature distribution of observation points is positively correlated with gradient parameter. When the gradient parameter value exceeds a certain value, it has a little effect on the temperature change in the model and the heat conduction in the model tends to be pure metal heat conduction, the optimal gradient parameters combined the thermal insulation property of ceramics and the high strength toughness of metals are obtained.
Identification of Leptospira in water by Fe-Pd-doped polyaniline nanocomposite thin film
Authors: Abdullah Huda , Mustaza Seri Mastura , Bejo Siti Khairani , Yahya Iskandar , Kamal Noorfazila , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan
Published: May 2021

Leptospirosis disease was caused by rat urine which contains the genus Leptospira bacteria. In this study, the fabrication of Pd-Fe-doped polyaniline nanocomposite thin films for the determination of the genus Leptospira bacteria thin films has been investigated. Pd-Fe-doped polyaniline nanocomposite thin films were fabricated by sol–gel spin coating method. The electrode sensors were immersed in the Leptospira solution. The resulting materials were investigated using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and current–voltage measurement. The atomic force microscopy images show the specific morphology films’ structure for Leptospira detection, whereas the field-emission scanning electron microscopy image shows the irregularity of clump nanoparticles in thin film surfaces. Transmission electron microscopy result shows that metal alloy (Fe-Pd) embedded in the polymer matrix. Current–voltage measurement with and without incubation of the thin film into Leptospira solution was done to show the relationship between concentration bacteria versus current. The result shows that polyaniline-Fe0.4-Pd0.6 nanocomposite thin film has higher sensitivity in detecting Leptospira, where it has performed with the highest percentage of the sensitivity of 16.9%. Besides that, selectivity tests were conducted to distinguish the existence of Leptospira, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. These results confirm the potentials of polyaniline metal alloys’ nanocomposite thin films to be used for Leptospira bacteria detection in water.
COVID-19 Induced Miller Fisher Syndrome Presenting With Autonomic Dysfunction: A Unique Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Biswas Subhrajyoti , Ghosh Ritwik , Mandal Arpan , Pandit Alak , Roy Dipayan , Sengupta Samya , De Kaustav , Swaika Bikash Chandra , Benito-León Julián
Published: May 2021

A plethora of neurological manifestations are associated with the 2019 coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19). We hereby report the first case of a patient infected with SARS-CoV-2 who acutely presented with autonomic dysfunction preceding the onset of complete clinical picture of Miller Fisher syndrome. She was finally diagnosed to be a case of anti-ganglioside antibody positive post-COVID-19 Miller Fisher syndrome with dysautonomia and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin with an excellent response. We also discuss the plausible pathogenic mechanisms of COVID-19 induced Miller Fisher syndrome and furnish a review of the post-COVID-19 Miller Fisher syndrome cases reported.
Confucian geopolitics or Chinese geopolitics?
Authors: Liu Weidong
Published: May 2021

There has been a wave of discourses about Chinese geopolitics along with the quick rise of China, particularly with the Belt and Road Initiative and recent rivalry between the US and China. An et al.’s (2021) ‘Towards a Confucian Geopolitics’ opens a new door to such discourses. While welcoming the notion of hybrid Confucian geopolitics proposed by their article, this commentary raises several critical questions. These questions concern whether everything about China should be interpreted through geopolitical reasoning, whether Confucianism is fundamental and deterministic in contemporary Chinese culture, what is really special to new Chinese geopolitics if anything, and whether China’s Belt and Road Initiative can be understood as a cultural project. Answers to these questions may help to consolidate a new Chinese geopolitics.
Health disparities and treatment approaches in portopulmonary hypertension and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: an analysis of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Registry
Authors: DuBrock Hilary M. , Burger Charles D. , Bartolome Sonja D. , Feldman Jeremy P. , Ivy D. Dunbar , Rosenzweig Erika B. , Sager Jeffrey S. , Presberg Kenneth W. , Mathai Stephen C. , Lammi Matthew R. , Klinger James R. , Eggert Michael , De Marco Teresa , Elwing Jean M. , Badesch David , Bull Todd M. , Cadaret Linda M. , Ramani Gautam , Thenappan Thenappan , Ford H. James , Al‐Naamani Nadine , Simon Marc A. , Mazimba Sula , Runo James R. , Chakinala Murali , Horn Evelyn M. , Ryan John J. , Frantz Robert P. , Krowka Michael J. ,   PHAR Investigators
Published: May 2021

Compared to idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), patients with portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) have worse survival. Health disparities may contribute to these differences but have not been studied. We sought to compare socioeconomic factors in patients with POPH and IPAH and to determine whether socioeconomic status and/or POPH diagnosis were associated with treatment and health‐care utilization. We performed a cross‐sectional study of adults enrolled in the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Registry. Patients with IPAH (n = 344) and POPH (n = 57) were compared. Compared with IPAH, patients with POPH were less likely to be college graduates (19.6% vs. 34.9%, p = 0.02) and more likely to be unemployed (54.7% vs. 30.5%, p < 0.001) and have an annual household income below poverty level (45.7% vs. 19.0%, p < 0.001). Patients with POPH had similar functional class, quality of life, 6‐min walk distance, and mean pulmonary arterial pressure with a higher cardiac index. Compared with IPAH, patients with POPH were less likely to receive combination therapy (46.4% vs. 62.2%, p = 0.03) and endothelin receptor antagonists (28.6% vs. 55.1%, p < 0.001) at enrollment with similar treatment at follow‐up. Patients with POPH had more emergency department visits (1.7 ± 2.1 vs. 0.9 ± 1.2, p = 0.009) and hospitalizations in the six months preceding enrollment (1.5 ± 2.1 vs. 0.8 ± 1.1, p = 0.02). Both POPH diagnosis and lower education level were independently associated with a higher number of emergency department visits. Compared to IPAH, patients with POPH have lower socioeconomic status, are less likely to receive initial combination therapy and endothelin receptor antagonists but have similar treatment at follow‐up, and have increased health‐care utilization.
Platelets, extracellular vesicles and coagulation in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Cullivan Sarah , Murphy Claire A. , Weiss Luisa , Comer Shane P. , Kevane Barry , McCullagh Brian , Maguire Patricia B. , Ní Ainle Fionnuala , Gaine Sean P.
Published: May 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare disease of the pulmonary vasculature, characterised pathologically by proliferation, remodelling and thrombosis in situ. Unfortunately, existing therapeutic interventions do not reverse these findings and the disease continues to result in significant morbidity and premature mortality. A number of haematological derangements have been described in pulmonary arterial hypertension which may provide insights into the pathobiology of the disease and opportunities to explore new therapeutic pathways. These include quantitative and qualitative platelet abnormalities, such as thrombocytopaenia, increased mean platelet volume and altered platelet bioenergetics. Furthermore, a hypercoagulable state and aberrant negative regulatory pathways can be observed, which could contribute to thrombosis in situ in distal pulmonary arteries and arterioles. Finally, there is increasing interest in the role of extracellular vesicle autocrine and paracrine signalling in pulmonary arterial hypertension, and their potential utility as biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets. This review focuses on the potential role of platelets, extracellular vesicles and coagulation pathways in the pathobiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension. We highlight important unanswered clinical questions and the implications of these observations for future research and pulmonary arterial hypertension‐directed therapies.
The magnitude and associated factors of post-operative pain at Debre Tabor compressive specialized hospital, Debre Tabor Ethiopia, 2018
Authors: Tiruneh Abebe , Tamire Tadese , Kibret Simegnew
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

Post-operative pain is a form of acute pain following surgical intervention. And it is due to skin incision, tissue dissection, manipulation, and traction during the surgical procedure. The magnitude may reach up to 85.5% globally. Age, gender, duration of surgery, and length of skin incision were the common factors for post-operative pain. This study aims to assess the magnitude and associated factors of post-operative pain among surgical patients.

Methods:

Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used. The study was conducted on a total of 159 surgical patients aged 8 years and above. The data were collected using chart review and recording the status of post-operative pain by the result of the Numeric Rating Scale at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 72 h of the post-operative period. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression were used. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine the association. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

Results:

The majority (58.5%) of the study participants were females. The percentage of moderate to severe post-operative pain (Numeric Rating Scale: 4 and above) was between 37.7% within 1 h and 76.7% at 6 h of post-operative period. On multivariable logistic regression being female gender, preoperative pain and large skin incision were significantly associated with post-operative pain.

Conclusions:

Post-operative pain is still high which needs the attention of health professionals working on surgical patients and considering factors associated with post-operative pain.