bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scrum in Classroom Collaborations: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Friess Erin
Published: October 2022

Scrum is an increasingly important project management framework that has had limited study in technical communication (TC) and TC classrooms. While research has found student collaborations to be both frustrating and challenging, it has found Scrum to be a scaffolding framework that can improve student interactions and outcomes. Therefore, to determine whether Scrum affects the peer assessments of collaborative teams as well as project grades, this quasi-experimental classroom study compares the midproject and postproject peer assessments and grades of advanced TC students who used Scrum as a framework for collaboration against those students who did not use Scrum in their collaborations. The study found that students who used Scrum rated their team members significantly higher on some peer assessment measures and earned significantly higher grades than did those students who did not use Scrum. Additionally, students in the Scrum protocol reported satisfaction with their group experience broadly but did not report satisfaction with Scrum itself.
The Potential Synergistic Risk of Albuterol and Vasoactives in Acute Lung Injury Trials
Authors: Almuntashiri Sultan , Chase Aaron , Sikora Andrea , Zhang Duo
Published: October 2022

Background:

Critically ill patients are often prescribed both inhaled beta-agonists and intravenous vasoactive; however, the interaction of the additive beta-agonist effects of these 2 agents remains largely uncharacterized.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how concomitant use of albuterol and vasoactive or inotropes affected ventilator-free days (VFDs) by re-analyzing the data from the Albuterol to Treat Acute Lung Injury (ALTA) trial.

Methods:

In this study, subjects were grouped to albuterol-vasoactive (n = 84) versus (vs) placebo-vasoactive (n = 62). Ventilator-free days, intensive care unit (ICU)-free days, organ failure-free days, cardiovascular adverse events, and 90-day mortality were compared. The primary outcome was VFDs.

Results:

Patients in the albuterol-vasoactive group had significantly fewer VFDs than patients in the placebo-vasoactive group (11 vs 19, P = 0.05). Patients in the albuterol-vasoactive group also had significantly fewer ICU-free days (9.5 vs 18.5, P = .006). The 90-day mortality was similar between groups (36.9% vs 27.4%, P = .20). Similarly, no significant difference in cardiac adverse events between the groups (14.3% vs 11.3%, P = 0.59).

Conclusion and Relevance:

This study has shown fewer VFDs for patients who received both vasoactive and albuterol. There were also fewer ICU-free days when compared to those on vasoactive only. Given the common use of both agents, a prospective evaluation of the additive adverse effects of beta-agonism is warranted.
The Association of Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio with Venous Thromboembolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Jingjing , Cai Zhaobin , Zhou Yidan
Published: October 2022

The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio(NLR) has been used for diagnosing venous thromboembolism (VTE). We aimed to assess the accuracy of NLR to diagnose VTE by meta-analysis. Systematic electronic searches were conducted June 2, 2021 in PubMed, Embase(Ovid), and Cochrane Library. The search did not have any language or time restriction applied. Our search strategy was based on keywords in combination with both medical subject headings (MeSH) terms and text words. The diagnostic odds ratio, summary receiver operating characteristics, sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio were estimated. 10 articles with 1513 VTE participants and 2593 control participants were included for quantitative synthesis. The pooled values were as follows: sensitivity = 0.68(95% CI 0.45-0.84), specificity = 0.73(95% CI 0.6-0.83), positive likelihood ratio = 2.5(95% CI 1.8-3.4), negative likelihood ratio = 0.44(95% CI 0.26-0.75), diagnostic odds ratio = 6(95% CI 3-11), and SROC = 0.76(95% CI: 0.73-0.8). NLR could be diagnostic factor for the detection of potential VTE, the accuracy thereof in the current meta-analysis exhibited moderate accuracy for diagnosing VTE. Furthermore, further large cohort studies are needed to determine optimal cut-off values of NLR.
#COVIDisAirborne: AI-enabled multiscale computational microscopy of delta SARS-CoV-2 in a respiratory aerosol
Authors: Dommer Abigail , Casalino Lorenzo , Kearns Fiona , Rosenfeld Mia , Wauer Nicholas , Ahn Surl-Hee , Russo John , Oliveira Sofia , Morris Clare , Bogetti Anthony , Trifan Anda , Brace Alexander , Sztain Terra , Clyde Austin , Ma Heng , Chennubhotla Chakra , Lee Hyungro , Turilli Matteo , Khalid Syma , Tamayo-Mendoza Teresa , Welborn Matthew , Christensen Anders , Smith Daniel GA , Qiao Zhuoran , Sirumalla Sai K , O’Connor Michael , Manby Frederick , Anandkumar Anima , Hardy David , Phillips James , Stern Abraham , Romero Josh , Clark David , Dorrell Mitchell , Maiden Tom , Huang Lei , McCalpin John , Woods Christopher , Gray Alan , Williams Matt , Barker Bryan , Rajapaksha Harinda , Pitts Richard , Gibbs Tom , Stone John , Zuckerman Daniel M. , Mulholland Adrian J. , Miller Thomas , Jha Shantenu , Ramanathan Arvind , Chong Lillian , Amaro Rommie E
Published: October 2022

We seek to completely revise current models of airborne transmission of respiratory viruses by providing never-before-seen atomic-level views of the SARS-CoV-2 virus within a respiratory aerosol. Our work dramatically extends the capabilities of multiscale computational microscopy to address the significant gaps that exist in current experimental methods, which are limited in their ability to interrogate aerosols at the atomic/molecular level and thus obscure our understanding of airborne transmission. We demonstrate how our integrated data-driven platform provides a new way of exploring the composition, structure, and dynamics of aerosols and aerosolized viruses, while driving simulation method development along several important axes. We present a series of initial scientific discoveries for the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, noting that the full scientific impact of this work has yet to be realized.
Effectiveness of hyaluronic acid and arnica extract ophthalmic solution in reducing dry eye symptoms in pediatric population
Authors: Buzzonetti Luca , Petroni Sergio , Federici Matteo
Published: October 2022

Aim

to assess the effectiveness of a new combination of topical solution with Hyaluronic Acid 0.2% and arnica extract 0.1% in reducing dry eye symptoms in a population of pediatric patients.

Methods

52 pediatric patients (aged 9 to 14 years) with signs and symptoms of dry eyes and allergic conjunctivitis were included in the study. Twenty-six patients were assigned to the Hyaluronic Acid 0.2%/ Arnica extract 0.1% group (Study Group) while 26 patients to the Hyaluronic Acid 0.2% group (Control Group). Clinical signs and symptoms were assessed at baseline and at week 4. The assessment plan included: slit-lamp examination, tear film break up time (TBUT), Schirmer's test and conjunctival hyperemia score. Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score was used to evaluate subjective symptoms of dry eye disease.

Results

Both treatment groups showed improvements in the estimated clinical parameters after treatment. OSDI score was significantly lower in both treatment groups (Study group p = 0.02; Control group p = 0.04) at the end of the follow up period. Improvements in TBUT, Schirmer's test results and conjunctival hyperemia were statistically significant only in the Study group (p = 0.021; p = 0.03; p < 0.01 respectively).

Conclusions

Preliminary findings suggest that combined topical Hyaluronic Acid 0.2% and arnica extract 0.1% can be effective in reducing symptoms and signs of dry eye disease in children.
End-to-end anastomosis as a superior repair type to prevent recurrence of arteriovenous fistula aneurysms and improve patency outcomes
Authors: Hejna Emily E , Chang Jaimie , Terranella Samantha L , Trawczynski Matthew H , Hollinger Edward F , Jensik Stephen C , Olaitan Oyedolamu , Hertl Martin , Chan Edie Y
Published: October 2022

Background:

Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) complicated by aneurysms are repaired through several mechanisms. Little is known about risk factors for aneurysm recurrence or the efficacy of subsequent repair of recurring aneurysms.

Methods:

About 291 patients underwent AVF aneurysm repair between 2009 and 2019 at a large urban medical center. Patients who underwent staged repair, had a primary graft with pseudoaneurysm, were status-post kidney transplant, or using other dialysis access at the time of repair were excluded. One hundred sixty-two patients were included in the study, of which 52 developed a secondary aneurysm. Chi-square and t-test analyses were used to compare demographics. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine independent risk factors for aneurysm recurrence. Of the 52 patients with recurrent aneurysms, 41 were repaired again. Patency was examined for each group 1 year postoperatively.

Results:

Patients without secondary aneurysms were more likely to have a Charlson Comorbidity Index score ⩾5 ( p = 0.045). Males were 2.8 times more likely to develop a secondary aneurysm compared to females ( p = 0.023). Patients who underwent elective compared to emergent or urgent surgery for primary aneurysms were significantly less likely to recur (OR = 0.222; p = 0.016). Primary aneurysms repaired by end-to-end anastomosis, compared to aneurysmorrhaphy or graft, were significantly less likely to recur (OR = 0.239; p = 0.041). Among patients with secondary aneurysms, those repaired via end-to-end anastomosis had a significantly higher primary patency rate 1 year postoperatively ( p = 0.024). Secondary aneurysm repairs exhibited 1-year primary and secondary patency rates of 51.2% and 82.9%, respectively.

Conclusions:

End-to-end anastomosis reduces risk of recurrence and demonstrates superior patency rates when repairing recurrent aneurysms. It remains unclear why some patients are prone to aneurysm recurrence, however continued attempts to repair existing vascular access are proven to be successful.
Stop ‘under-mind-ing’ early childhood educators: Honouring subjectivity in pre-service education to build intellectual and relational capacities
Authors: Bezaire Kimberly P , Johnston Lisa K
Published: October 2022

The stubborn dominance of objectivity in child observation in pre-service early childhood education warrants letting go of as we confront its limitations as outdated, problematic, Eurocentric, neo-liberal and even racist. In the context of recent aims to establish ‘critically reflective’ practices, such as ‘pedagogical documentation’ and ‘collaborative inquiry’ as the ‘new way’ to ‘do’ early childhood curriculum planning in Ontario, Canada, the authors are concerned that the hard work of naming and creating conditions to ‘think together’ with concepts of subjectivity has been missed and misunderstood. The risk of missing this shared thinking and not persevering in the struggles of subjectivities, especially in curriculum courses and placement, underestimates and ‘under-minds’ the intellectual capacity of students and positions theory as neutral in its relation to practice. How, then, does one take up subjectivity and recognize its affordance in building the intellectual and relational capacity of pre-service students? What conditions need to be created to lead with critical thinking and engage in subjectivities in the context of early childhood education pre-service programs? Drawing on critical educational perspectives, the authors work to define subjectivity in the context of early childhood education; identify the conceptual barriers that they have encountered in their work as a professor and a field liaison; and propose potentially generative conditions for pre-service programs.
Ethnocentrism or universal human rights norms? A comparative analysis of debate on the children of temporary immigrant workers in Israel and Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Yeufen
Published: October 2022

This article applies discursive institutionalism to compare the debates on the children of temporary immigrant workers in Israel and Taiwan. Policymakers in both countries adopted a guestworker program that prevents the long-term settlement of foreign laborers, let alone that of their children. Over time, the increasing number of children born to these laborers triggered the debate on the proper treatment of these children. The debates in these two countries demonstrated varying discursive themes and led to different policy outcomes. Though primarily built on a particularistic, ethnocentric discourse, the discursive interactions around Israel’s Jewish identity resulted in two ad hoc, temporary decisions that legalized the status of hundreds of such children. In contrast, while the dominant narrative in Taiwan has been the supposedly more liberal idea of universal human rights norms, these children have been granted only temporary social service and education support, with no prospect of long-term legal settlement. To understand the seeming paradox in why the more ethnocentric discourse resulted in a degree of policy liberalization while a more universalistic discourse has not, this article shows how agents in the debate responded to the discursive opportunities, with each largely shaped by their respective national identity public philosophies.
Assessing and reporting leaking of violent intent: Influences of perpetrator and witness characteristics
Authors: Tampe Laura , Bondü Rebecca
Published: October 2022

Because the police are reliant on laypersons to report announcements (leaking) of terrorist attacks, it is crucial to examine potential determinants for their assessment of the seriousness of leaking and the likelihood to report it. Members of the law enforcement authorities also need to decide which instances of leaking to prosecute further. We asked 392 laypersons and 188 police students to assess the seriousness and anticipated likelihood to report/prosecute leaking. Using a behavioral process tracing (BPT) task, we examined which further information they consider important for their decisions. We also assessed participant characteristics that may influence these decisions. Laypersons rated the seriousness of leaking higher than police students, but were less likely to report it to the police than police students were likely to have the leaking prosecuted. Both groups selected information about the potential perpetrator's criminal history, political attitude, and repetition of leaking most frequently. Accordingly, receiving information about the potential perpetrator's criminal past, right-wing attitude, and repetition of leaking in the BPT task was associated with increases in the seriousness ratings and the likelihood to report/prosecute leaking in both groups. Concerning the participants’ characteristics, particularly fear of terrorism (and partly political attitude and news consumption) predicted both the seriousness ratings and the likelihood to report/prosecute leaking. In conclusion, characteristics of both the potential perpetrator and the participants drove the decisions. Thus, it seems important to provide more information about the concept of leaking and to emphasize its importance in preventing terrorist attacks in order to improve the likelihood to report/prosecute it. Additionally, the development of objective assessment criteria for the police seems essential in order to reduce the influence of witnesses' characteristics on these decisions.
Women Refugee’s Perceptions, Experiences and Coping Mechanisms in Situations of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV): A Metasynthesis
Authors: Pérez-Vázquez Susana , Bonilla-Campos Amparo
Published: October 2022

Women represent almost half of the 20 million refugees worldwide, and although they play a key role in their communities, their voices and needs are often missing from research and policies directed to this population. A qualitative systematic review, or metasynthesis, was conducted to examine the experiences, perceptions, coping mechanisms, and psychological discourses of women refugees in situations of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) that occur during the travel, interception, and destination migratory stages. A systematic search was conducted on five multidisciplinary databases and was complemented with a manual search, resulting on a total of 511 articles which were screened for eligibility. Only qualitative, peer-reviewed, and English-written research articles were selected, and they were required to (1) focus on women refugees above 15 years of age and (2) report on their experiences, perceptions, psychological discourses, and/or coping with SGBV during their migration across countries (international migration). Ultimately, a total of 14 qualitative research articles were selected for the review. Using the thematic synthesis approach as a guideline, the results were summarized in the following themes: experiences of SGBV, perception of SGBV, perception of the risk factors creating and perpetuating their vulnerability, coping with SGBV, barriers to help-seeking, and psychological consequences. Despite the broad search, only information about some types of SGBV experiences from Asian and African refugee communities was found. Nonetheless, the available qualitative information on this topic is effectively integrated, knowledge gaps are identified, and future research, interventions, and policies using an integrated and culturally sensitive framework are suggested.
Network Meta-Analysis of All Available Regimens Based on Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty and Laser Atherectomy for Femoropopliteal In-Stent Restenosis
Authors: Yu Chaowen , Tang Wenbo , Ren Tiancai , Chen Qiwei , Lu Ran , Gao Yong
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

Drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty and laser atherectomy (LA) have been frequently utilized to treat femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis (ISR); however, no studies have concurrently compared available regimens, including DCB, LA+DCB, and LA + plain balloon angioplasty (PB). Therefore, we conducted this network meta-analysis to determine whether there were significant differences in outcomes among these regimens.

Materials and Methods:

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library to identify all randomized controlled trials comparing DCB or LA-based regimes with POBA or each other for treating femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis (ISR) from their inception until March 2021. The primary outcome measure was binary restenosis, and secondary outcome measures were target lesion revascularization (TLR) and mortality, evaluated at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using Aggregate Data Drug Information System (ADDIS) 1.4 software, and all data were graphically summarized using Microsoft Excel software.

Results:

The final analysis included 11 studies, of which 6 studies compared DCB with PB, 2 studies compared PB vs LA+PB, 2 studies compared DCB vs LA+DCB, and 1 study compared LA+DCB with LA+PB. DCB was better than PB in decreasing binary restenosis at 6 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.22, 95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.04–0.91) and 12 (OR: 0.26, 95% CrI: 0.12–0.50) months. DCB was associated with lower TLR than PB at 6 months (OR: 0.31, 95% CrI: 0.13–0.69). LA+DCB was also superior to PB in treating binary restenosis at 12 months (OR: 6.10, 95% CrI: 1.94–24.41) and TLR at 6 months (OR: 5.32, 95% CrI: 1.43–28.06). There was no statistical difference in mortality between PB, DCB, and LA+PB. DCB and LA+DCB were the first 2 options for reducing binary restenosis and TLR.

Conclusion:

The current network meta-analysis demonstrates that both DCB and LA+DCB are superior to PB alone, and that DCB and LA+DCB may be the preferred treatment options for reducing binary restenosis and TLR.

Clinical Impact

The treatment for femoropopliteal in-stent restenosis (ISR) remains challenging clinical practice. One important reason is that no optimal treatment strategy was available. Drug-coated balloon angioplasty (DCB) and laser atherectomy (LA) have been extensively utilized to treat ISR; however, different combinations of these treatments further confused the clinicians’ choices. This network meta-analysis systematically investigated the difference between the currently available treatments regarding therapeutic effects and safety, indicating that DCB and LA+DCB may be the optimal treatment for decreasing the risk of binary restenosis and target lesion revascularization. The results of the current network meta-analysis help to resolve the confusion of clinicians in making the decision.
Experimental analysis on heat mitigation potential of stacked coir fiber mat and perlite as an alternative for green roof
Authors: TS Sigikumar , KA Shafi , Thomas Rijo Jacob , A Sudheer
Published: October 2022

Depleting non-renewable resources and global warming motivated researchers to focus on passive cooling solutions to minimize the internal temperature of buildings. The benefits of using stacked coir mat and perlite in wet and dry conditions are tested for their cooling capacity compared to green roofs are explored in this research work. The benefits are quantified in terms of heat flow and temperature variations in a field experiment, and they are compared to a conventional bare roof in a tropical region in the Indian subcontinent (8.9142oN, 76.632oE). The heat transfer to the inside of the roof for dry coir mat paved, stacked coir mat and perlite bed, stacked wet coir mat and wet perlite bed, and extensive green roof system with coir mat as retaining layer are reduced by 38.43%, 63.21%, 55.3% and 56.97% respectively. This study evaluated the evaporative cooling capacity of wet coir mat and wet perlite, which have given almost near cooling capacity of green roof for 24 h. Considering its low maintenance and low initial cost, the usage of the stacked coir fibre mat with perlite shows a compatible reduction in heat transfer through the roof slab as that of the green roof. The coir insulation with perlite will undoubtedly reduce the energy requirement for heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to a greater extent.
The Prognosis of Diabetic Foot Ulcer is Independent of age? A Comparative Analysis of the Characteristics of Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Different age Groups: A Cross-Sectional Study from China
Authors: Shi Lintao , Xue Jing , Zhao Weibo , Wei Xiaowei , Zhang Mei , Li Lijun , Xu Zhangrong , Wang Aihong
Published: October 2022

Background: With younger onset age of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the incidence of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in young and middle-aged adults is also increasing. Elucidating the distinctive characteristics of DFU in different ages and exploring the influence of age on the prognosis of DFU are crucial to the improvement of DFU treatments. Methods: 684 patients hospitalized for DFU in the department of endocrinology were recruited and assigned into the young and middle-aged group (age <65 years old) and the elderly group (age ≥65 years old). Demographic data and clinical features were compared between two groups. Results: Compared with the elderly group, the young and middle-aged group had higher proportion of males (72.3% vs 49.6%, P < .01) and smokers (52.5% vs 35.8%, P < .01), shorter duration of diabetes mellitus (155 months vs 196 months, P < .01), higher levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (9.3% vs 8.7%, P < .01), lower ratio of ankle-brachial index <0.9 (25.8% vs 51.1%, P < .01) and higher levels of c-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (14 mg/L vs 10 mg/L, P < .05; 36 mm/h vs 30 mm/h, P < .05). The prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and Wagner Grade were similar in two groups. Of note, the prognosis was similar in different age groups, as there were no significant differences in the healing rate (59.7% vs 60.1%, P > .05), healing time (30 days vs 22 days, P > .05) and minor amputation rate (11.9% vs 8.7%, P > .05). Conclusions: We found that no evidence to suggest a better prognosis with younger DFU patients. Compared with elderly ones, young and middle-aged patients were characterized by a higher proportion of smoking, worse glycemic control, higher inflammatory biomarkers but less severe lower limb ischemia, indicating that smoking cessation, strict blood glucose control and early detection of infection were crucial for improving the prognosis of young and middle-aged diabetic DFU patients.
Contemporary First Amendment Politics
Authors: Esparza Louis Edgar
Published: October 2022

In this essay I contrast twentieth century heroes of freedom of speech in the Old and New Lefts with contemporary “cancel culture” and social media censorship. In so doing, my aim is to invite you to think with me about this metamorphosis and what it means for social movement research.
Neighborhoods’ Peril For The Formerly Incarcerated
Authors: Kirk David S.
Published: October 2022

More than 600,000 individuals are released from prison in the United States each year, and 40 percent will be back in prison within three years. Indeed, many social critics have claimed that “nothing works” to rehabilitate prisoners. However, this essay argues that residential change is an overlooked solution to persistent recidivism. It does so by chronicling the life of Kenneth Beaulieu, a formerly incarcerated individual who left Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and started a new life in Texas. Kenneth’s story reveals how a fresh start in a new location can help foster a pathway out of crime.
Social Change and Selective Reproduction
Authors: Pinar Candas
Published: October 2022

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the sex ratio at birth in Azerbaijan, a former Soviet Republic, became very skewed. Historical data suggest that the collapse of the Soviet safety net, coupled with the increased availability of ultrasounds and longstanding son preference, may have facilitated the practice of sex/gender selection in post-Soviet Azerbaijan.
On Measuring Immigrant Income
Authors: Higuera Kimberly
Published: October 2022

This brief draws on the case of Mexican immigrants, the most populous and constant remitting immigrant group in the United States, to show how remittances are a blind spot for US agencies, like the Census Bureau and IRS. Failing to account for remittance expenses likely leads to the overestimation of income and under-estimation of poverty rates in Mexican immigrant communities. Income and poverty figures of other consistent remitting immigrant groups, like other Latin American and Caribbean immigrants, may also be misestimated. There are two accessible ways to capture the impact of remittances: 1. the Census Bureau should alter the Supplemental Poverty Measure to account for international medical and childrearing expenses and 2. the IRS should allow foreign-born people to claim foreign-bound transactions of any sum that support caretaking, healthcare and education as deductions and account for them when adjusting taxable income. These changes would create a better economic portrait of immigrant communities and facilitate access to safety net programs.
The Value of Concurrent Electrocardiography When Performing an Electroencephalograph
Authors: Harinesan Nimalan , Cordato Dennis , Beran Roy G.
Published: October 2022

Introduction. The use of concurrent, single lead electrocardiograph (ECG) recording, when performing a routine electroencephalograph (EEG), has been standard practice for many years. Previous studies have reported on the usefulness of concurrent EEG in assessing syncope and the detection of newly identified cardiac dysrhythmia but have relied on specialist cardiologist interpretation of the ECG trace. This study expands the understanding of concurrent ECG and provides demographic information regarding the incidence, nature of ECG changes and diagnostic utility of ECG interpretation, during routine EEGs, as evaluated by neurologists. Methods. A single center, retrospective study of routine concurrent EEG and ECG recordings was performed. All routine EEGs, performed within a 12 month period were analysed. Demographic data, underlying comorbidities, reasons for referral and ECG changes were assessed. Results. ECG abnormalities were identified in 147 (13.5%) of concurrent ECG/EEG routine recordings. The presence of ECG abnormalities was significantly associated with the reason for referral, namely being assessed for the evaluation of seizure activity and with increasing patient age. Thirty-eight patients (3.5%) had newly identified ECG abnormalities, of which atrial fibrillation (AF) (12 patients) and sinus bradycardia (9 patients) were the most common. Five patients (0.5%) had a change in their management consequent to the identified ECG changes. Conclusions. These findings support the value of neurologists’ interpretation and need for ongoing concurrent ECGs, during routine EEG recordings. The study raises concern about the requesting clinician's response to the identification of newly diagnosed cardiac dysrhythmias.
A Potential Multimodal Test for Clinical Assessment of Visual Attention in Neurological Disorders
Authors: Barone Valentina , van Dijk Johannes P. , Debeij-van Hall Mariette H.J.A. , van Putten Michel J.A.M.
Published: October 2022

Attention is an important aspect of human brain function and often affected in neurological disorders. Objective assessment of attention may assist in patient care, both for diagnostics and prognostication. We present a compact test using a combination of a choice reaction time task, eye-tracking and EEG for assessment of visual attention in the clinic. The system quantifies reaction time, parameters of eye movements (i.e. saccade metrics and fixations) and event related potentials (ERPs) in a single and fast (15 min) experimental design. We present pilot data from controls, patients with mild traumatic brain injury and epilepsy, to illustrate its potential use in assessing attention in neurological patients. Reaction times and eye metrics such as fixation duration, saccade duration and latency show significant differences (p < .05) between neurological patients and controls. Late ERP components (200–800 ms) can be detected in the central line channels for all subjects, but no significant group differences could be found in the peak latencies and mean amplitudes. Our system has potential to assess key features of visual attention in the clinic. Pilot data show significant differences in reaction times and eye metrics between controls and patients, illustrating its promising use for diagnostics and prognostication.
Changes in Cross-sectional Area of the Median Nerve and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Scores After Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: Aloi Nicholas F. , Rahman Haris , Fowler John R.
Published: October 2022

Background:

We hypothesized that postoperative Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) scores and ultrasound (US) measurements of the median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) at the distal wrist crease are significantly decreased at 2-week, 6-week, and ≥ 6 months follow-up appointments, compared with baseline values.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective chart review of patients who presented to a single hand clinic with evidence of carpal tunnel syndrome over a 6-year period (2014-2020). Patients received baseline US measurements of the median nerve CSA as well as completion of the BCTQ, and for the patients who underwent carpal tunnel release (CTR), postoperative US measurements and questionnaire scores were obtained at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, or ≥ 6 months postoperatively.

Results:

This study included 224 separate wrists. Median Nerve CSA measurements were 13.2 ± 4.5 mm2 at baseline, 11.9 ± 3.6 mm2 at 2 weeks postoperatively, 11.6 ± 4.5 mm2 at 6 weeks postoperatively, and 11.7 ± 4.3 mm2 at 6 months or more ( P = .002). The BCTQ Symptom Severity Scale scores were 3.14 ± 0.76 at baseline, 1.76 ± 0.63 at 2 weeks, 1.68 ± 0.70 at 6 weeks, and 1.41 ± 0.64 at 6 months or longer ( P < .001). The BCTQ Functional Status Scale scores were 2.56 ± 0.89 at baseline, 2.03 ± .1.0 at 2 weeks, 1.65 ± 0.77 at 6 weeks, and 1.36 ± 0.61 at 6 months or longer ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

These findings demonstrated a sustained decrease in median nerve CSA and patient-reported outcomes following CTR at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and between 6 and 12 months.
Human papilloma virus vaccination
Authors: Bhamra Gurpreet
Published: October 2022

The incidence of cervical cancer has increased worldwide, with 604 000 new cases occurring in 2020 causing 342 000 deaths. It is now the fourth leading cause of cancer in low and middle-income countries. A significant number of these cancers are directly associated with human papilloma viruses (HPVs), with 50% of high-grade cervical cancers arising due to HPV Types 16 and 18. Whilst cervical screening programmes aim to detect and treat cancers earlier, the HPV vaccination programme in the UK is a cost-effective method in preventing cervical cancer and also other HPV-associated cancers such as anal, penile and oropharyngeal cancers. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of HPV, the cancers associated with it and the role of the current UK vaccination programme.
The D-BEST Based digital innovation hub customer journey analysis method: Configuring DIHs unique value proposition
Authors: Sassanelli Claudio , Terzi Sergio
Published: October 2022

Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) are ecosystems bolstering European companies to overtake innovation hindrances and drive Europe to become the world leading innovator in the industry digital revolution. Each of such organizations can provide a certain list of services, that can be classified and grouped in five macro-classes according to the Data-driven Business-Ecosystem-Skills-Technology (D-BEST) reference model, able to decode DIHs’ service portfolio and to shape collaborative networks in the Industry 4.0 age. However, to support an easier codification of DIH support actions, which also directly entails the engagement of enterprises in the DIH ecosystems, a method able to analyze typical Customer Journeys (CJs) is needed. Therefore, this paper proposes the D-BEST based DIH CJ analysis method, able to configure DIHs’ unique value proposition, mapping on the five macro-classes of services of the D-BEST the digital transformation processes of the two main categories of DIH customers (technology end-users and technology providers). The method analyses the service provision process of single DIHs, evidencing their strengths and weaknesses, and is also effective in suggesting possible collaborations and joint service provision in a network of multiple DIHs, being able to unveil the commonalities and complementarities among the different journeys.
A prediction model for treatment decisions in distal radial physeal injuries: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Kannan Sudhir , Chong Han Hong , Fadulelmola Ahmed , Emmerson Benjamin , McConaghie Gregory , Lennox-Warburton Hannah , Eardley William , Venkatachalam Santosh , Abraham Alwyn , Henman Philip
Published: October 2022

Background:

There are no clearly defined guidelines for the management of distal radial physeal injuries. We aimed to identify the risk factors for patients with distal radial physeal trauma for the risk of deformity, physeal closure, and revision procedure and develop a predictive model.

Methods:

The retrospective study included patients less than 16 years old with displaced distal radial physeal injuries treated between 2011 and 2018 across five centers in the United Kingdom. Deformity was defined as a volar angulation of >11°, dorsal angulation of >15°, a radial inclination of <15° or >23°, or positive ulnar variance. Presence of a bony bar spanning the physis was considered physeal closure.

Results:

This study comprised of 479 patients. In that, 32 (6.6%) patients had a second procedure. Also, 49 (10.2%) patients had closure of physis, and 28 (6%) patients had deformity at the end of follow-up. The occurrence of deformity had a strong correlation with age (p = 0.04) and immobilization duration (p = 0.003). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that age >12.5 years (p = 0.006) and sagittal angulation of >21.7° (p = 0.002) had a higher odd of deformity. Immobilization for <4.5 weeks (p = 0.01) had a higher revision rate. The nomograms showed good calibration, with a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 75%.

Interpretation:

The nomograms provide accurate, pragmatic multivariate predictive models. Anatomical reduction is recommended in patients >12.5 years of age with >22° of dorsal angulation with cast immobilization for no less than 4.5 weeks. Any revision procedure should be performed within 11 days from the date of injury to reduce the risk of physeal damage.
Nasal Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Factors Associated With Treatment Outcomes and Potential Organ Preservation
Authors: Issa Khalil , Teitelbaum Jordan , Smith Blaine D. , Wang Frances , Ackall Feras , Sargi Zoukaa , Rangarajan Sanjeet V. , Jung Sin-Ho , Jang David W , Abi Hachem Ralph
Published: October 2022

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity (NCSCC) is a rare, challenging malignancy. Surgical resection of this tumor can cause significant facial deformity, and indications for adjuvant or organ preservation therapies are not well-described.

Objective

To examine the impact of treatment regimen on survival outcomes in NCSCC and to compare surgical to non-surgical based therapies.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried for NCSCC from 2004 to 2014. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment regimen were compared for the entire cohort. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was performed for statistical analysis of treatment regimen and surgical margins on overall survival (OS) for early and late-stage disease.

Results

A total of 1883 NCSCC patients were identified. The OS for the cohort was 83 months, and median age at diagnosis was 65 years. NCSCC patients who underwent surgery followed by adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) had a better OS compared to definitive RT (HR: 0.58, P < .001). In early stage NCSCC (T1/T2, N0), there was no significant difference in OS between patients treated with surgery only or surgery with adjuvant RT compared to definitive RT. In advanced stage NCSCC, surgery with adjuvant RT had a better OS compared to definitive chemoradiation. Having positive margins was shown to predict a worse OS when compared to negative margins in surgical patients despite adjuvant RT or chemoradiation.

Conclusions

NCSCC appears to be best treated with surgery followed by adjuvant RT in advanced-stage disease whereas in early-stage disease, surgery does not improve OS compared to definitive RT.
New geographies of platform capitalism: The case of digital monopolization in Turkey
Authors: Yeşilbağ Melih
Published: October 2022

The rise of digital platforms is growingly acknowledged as a pivotal characteristic of contemporary capitalism. A subset of the literature on digital platforms scrutinized the political economy of platform companies, their data-driven business models along with the economic, social, and political consequences of platformization. Yet, this strand has been overwhelmingly interested in Big Tech companies in the United States and China. In this article, I aim to expand the geographical span of this emerging literature by scrutinizing platformization dynamics in Turkey, a middle-income country that has not been systematically examined so far along these lines. To this end, I present an assessment on the overall platform landscape in Turkey by focusing on three highlight digital platforms (Trendyol, Hepsiburada, and Getir). My analysis on the trajectory of these three platforms indicates the following. First, these platforms have exhibited meteoric growth rates and have risen among the most valuable companies in Turkey in a tremendously short period of time. Second, their aggressive growth strategies based on data extraction and network externalities have led to a strong monopolization drive. Third, they have rapidly expanded into adjacent business areas, transforming themselves into infrastructural components of the domestic economy, with profound impacts on production, trade, and labor relations. Fourth, they remain dependent on the infrastructure laid by Big Techs. These findings suggest that platformization is rapidly transforming economic landscapes other than the United States and China as well, yet in an uneven and dependent form, underlining the need to broaden the geographical focus of the concerned literature.
Italian nurses’ experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic through social media: A longitudinal mixed methods study of Internet posts
Authors: Rossettini Giacomo , Peressutti Verena , Visintini Erica , Fontanini Roberta , Caruzzo Davide , Longhini Jessica , Palese Alvisa
Published: October 2022

Objective

To examine the experience of Italian nurses posted on social media and discover changes, if any, over the waves.

Methods

A mixed methods study reported according to the Good Reporting of a Mixed Methods Study criteria. All narratives (texts, letters and interviews) posted by Italian nurses from February 2020 to May 2020 (first wave) and from October 2020 to May 2021 (second/third wave) on the five most famous Italian professional social media platforms. The data were analysed qualitatively (first wave) and then quantitatively (second/third wave).

Results

A total of 380 narratives (202,626 words, 2510 quotes) were posted in the first wave, and 161 (68,388 words, 835 quotes) in the second/third wave. In the first wave, the following five themes emerged: (a) ‘sharing what is happening within myself’ (891; 35.5%); (b) ‘experiencing unprecedented working conditions’ (749; 29.8%); (c) ‘failing to rehabilitate the image of nurses in society’ (376; 15%); (d) ‘experiencing a deep change’ (253; 10.1%) and (e) ‘do not abandon us’ (241; 9.6%). The same themes and subthemes also emerged in the second/third wave with some significant differences, indicating changes in the lived experience of nurses. Moreover, in the second/third wave, a new theme emerged: ‘experiencing the mixed emotions towards jabs’.

Conclusions

By analysing their posts, Italian nurses continue to face challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, with changes in their lived experiences across the waves. Governments, nursing associations and health care organizations should consider these changes to design policies to prevent the further loss of nurses.
Effects of personalization and source expertise on users’ health beliefs and usage intention toward health chatbots: Evidence from an online experiment
Authors: Liu Yu-li , Yan Wenjia , Hu Bo , Li Zhuoyang , Lai Yik Ling
Published: October 2022

Objective

Based on the heuristic–systematic model (HSM) and health belief model (HBM), this study aims to investigate how personalization and source expertise in responses from a health chatbot influence users’ health belief-related factors (i.e. perceived benefits, self-efficacy and privacy concerns) as well as usage intention.

Methods

A 2 (personalization vs. non-personalization) × 2 (source expertise vs. non-source expertise) online between-subject experiment was designed. Participants were recruited in China between April and May 2021. Data from 260 valid observations were used for the data analysis.

Results

Source expertise moderated the effects of personalization on health belief factors. Perceived benefits and self-efficacy mediated the relationship between personalization and usage intention when the source expertise cue was presented. However, the privacy concerns were not influenced by personalization and source expertise and did not significantly affect usage intention toward the health chatbot.

Discussion

This study verified that in the health chatbot context, source expertise as a heuristic cue may be a necessary condition for effects of the systematic cue (i.e. personalization), which supports the HSM's arguments. By introducing the HBM in the chatbot experiment, this study is expected to provide new insights into the acceptance of healthcare AI consulting services.
Classifying forms of government on a global scale
Authors: Metin Abdullah , Ünal Serkan
Published: October 2022

This study classifies the forms of government present in all the countries worldwide. We examined the constitutions of 195 countries and prepared a template that allows us to determine the form of government of any given country. The study contributes to the literature in several ways. First, we support Shugart and Carey’s claim that the president-parliamentary and premier-presidential forms are main types in themselves and not subtypes of semi-presidentialism. Second, based on some fundamental differences, we divided the assembly-government form into two subtypes, namely assembly-independent and assembly-dependent, the latter being introduced as a new subtype. The third significant contribution is to coin a new form of government named semi-monarchial, which is positioned between parliamentary and monarchy forms. Lastly, the study reveals that the most preferred form in the world is parliamentary (57), followed by presidential (43), premier-presidential (31), president-parliamentary (28), assembly-government (13), semi-monarchial (8), and monarchy (4).
Role Exchange in Student-led Simulation: The Importance of Nursing Students Taking the Role of Patients
Authors: Røssland Anneline , Svellingen Alette , Røykenes Kari
Published: October 2022

Introduction

As simulated patients in simulation-based learning, nursing students can contribute to a better understanding of the patient perspective in clinical practice.

Objective

The aim was to explore final-year nursing students’ experiences in roleplaying as patients in a student-led simulation of difficult conversations as a form of preparing for practice in mental healthcare and homecare nursing.

Methods

The study was conducted using a qualitative research design. After the student-led simulation, four of the students participated in multistage focus group interviews over a period of six months: the first interview was immediately after simulation and the second was after clinical practice.

Findings

One main theme was identified before clinical practice: “simulating the patient contributes to preparation for difficult conversations in practice.” Two main themes were identified after the students’ clinical practice: “simulation of both the nurse and patient lays the foundation for communicating with patients” and “the value of silence.”

Conclusion

The findings indicate that simulation training and role exchange when students roleplay both as the patient and nurse contribute to a greater understanding of the patient perspective, and students benefit from this when communicating with patients in clinical practice.