bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crises, Covid-19, and Entrepreneurship
Authors: Batjargal Bat , Jack Sarah , Mickiewicz Tomasz , Stam Erik , Stam Wouter , Wennberg Karl
Published: January 2023

This virtual special issue includes research on the effects of crises, in particular the COVID-19 pandemic, on entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial responses to deal with consequences of crises. This issue highlights how crises affect entrepreneurs’ well-being and reinforce the importance of agency of entrepreneurs and other citizens. The special issue also highlights the need for resilience; the ability of entrepreneurs, organizations, and economies to absorb and adapt to shocks; and how it can be strengthened. We discuss the importance of data in times of crisis and the greater need for engaged scholarship.
Using a Student-Developed Case Study Activity for Online Discussion Guided by a Three-Tier Case Method Model
Authors: Lin Xi
Published: January 2023

This qualitative study examines student learning experiences toward a student-developed case study activity for online discussion guided by a three-tier case method model. Forty-five students were recruited from four online adult education courses. Analysis of students’ feedback shows that this activity leads to students’ positive learning experiences, including provoking critical thinking towards the discussion topic and providing unique resources for adult educators. The student-developed case study activity also helps establish a supportive peer relationship and engages students through analyzing a variety of student-developed cases, as well as interacting with the instructor and exchanging ideas with peers. This study furthermore indicates the potential usefulness of the proposed model as a guide for case study activities in the field of adult education and beyond.
Perceptions of Palliative Care Program Viability During the Pandemic: Qualitative Results From a National Survey
Authors: Rogers Maggie , Heitner Rachael , Frydman Julia L. , Bowman Brynn , Meier Diane E. , Aldridge Melissa , Franzosa Emily
Published: January 2023

Background: Palliative care programs have played a significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the financial impact of the pandemic and operational challenges for palliative care programs have raised concerns for their future viability. Objectives: To explore palliative care program leaders’ perceptions of the future viability of their programs in the context of the pandemic and inform future educational and program development. Methods: Surveys were sent to 1430 specialist palliative care program leaders, identified through the Center to Advance Palliative Care’s contact lists, via email in May 2020 and January 2021. Leaders were asked why they were or were not concerned about the viability of their palliative care programs. Qualitative content analysis was applied to determine themes. Results: We received 440 responses. Most programs served hospital settings and were geographically located across all US regions. We identified four themes: 1) The importance of being valued by organizational leadership and peers, 2) The importance of adequate and supported palliative care staff, 3) The pandemic validated and accelerated the need for palliative care, and 4) The pandemic perpetuated organizational financial concerns. Conclusion: Findings provide insights about palliative care program viability from the perspective of program leaders during a global pandemic. Technical assistance to support palliative care teams and their relationships with stakeholders, methods to measure the impact of peer support, efforts to educate administrators about the value of palliative care, and efforts to reduce burnout are needed to sustain palliative care programs into the future.
Single Dose of Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate Versus Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate in Hospitalized Patients With Hyperkalemia
Authors: Yoo Noah , Song Yong-Bum , Dubinsky Ilya , Altshuler Jerry
Published: January 2023

Background:

Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) is an inorganic zirconium silicate compound that selectively exchanges potassium for hydrogen and sodium. “Once” doses of SZC (with option to redose) in patients with hyperkalemia in hospitalized settings have not been evaluated. We hypothesized that a once dose of SZC would be non-inferior to sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) in reducing serum potassium.

Objective:

The objective of our study is to evaluate the effect of a “once” dose of SZC when compared with SPS in reducing serum potassium levels.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of patients who received either a “once” dose of SZC or single or repeated doses of SPS for hyperkalemia. The primary endpoint was mean absolute reduction in the first serum potassium value at least 4 hours after administration. The secondary efficacy endpoints were the rate of additional potassium-lowering therapies and the rate of normokalemia within 48 hours. Safety endpoints were the incidence of electrolyte abnormalities, hypoglycemia, hypertension, hypotension, and colonic necrosis.

Results:

A total of 260 patients were included in the analysis. The mean initial serum potassium was similar between groups (5.6 ± 0.4). The absolute serum potassium reduction was −0.88 ± 0.64 mEq/L and −0.75 ± 0.65 mEq/L with SZC and SPS, respectively. The “once” regimen of SZC demonstrated non-inferiority compared with SPS ( P < 0.0001). The proportion of patients achieving normokalemia within 48 hours and the proportion of patients receiving additional potassium-lowering therapies did not differ between groups.

Conclusion and Relevance:

The “once” dose regimen (with redose option) of SZC was non-inferior to the “once” or repeated dosing regimen of SPS with regard to absolute potassium reduction. There were no significant differences in the rate of additional potassium-lowering therapies and the rate of normokalemia at 48 hours. The incidence of hypertension was less common among patients who received SZC.
Psychedelics for Patients With Cancer: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: White C. Michael , Weisman Nissen , Dalo Joseph
Published: January 2023

Objective:

To assess the role of psychedelics in the treatment of anxiety or depression among patients with cancer.

Data Sources:

PubMed search from inception to March 11, 2022, using the terms anxiety, depression, psychedelics, psilocybin, lysergic acid, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or ayahuasca.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Studies assessing patients with cancer receiving psychedelics for the treatment of anxiety or depression.

Data Synthesis:

Five unique randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were conducted. Significant reductions were found in 2 trials with 2 anxiety scales (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory–State, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory–Trait) and in 1 trial with 2 additional anxiety scales (Hamilton Rating Scale–Anxiety, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale–Anxiety). Significant reductions were found in 2 trials in 2 depression scales (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale–Depression, Beck Depression Inventory) and in 1 trial with an additional depression scale (Hamilton Rating Scale–Depression). Two studies assessed for clinically relevant reductions in anxiety and depression scores, and they occurred much more commonly in psychedelic-treated patients than those given placebo.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

There is a new potential option for treating patients with anxiety and depression along with cancer, which is important given the generally lackluster benefits with traditional antidepressants. Only a few sessions may also provide benefits extending out for 6 to 12 months and possibly beyond that. However, the studies were small, had many methodological limitations, and there were increases in blood pressure and heart rate.

Conclusions:

Psychedelics have a unique mechanism of action that might be well suited for treating anxiety and depression associated with cancer. This offers new promise for patients who are not being sufficiently treated with current antianxiety or antidepressant medications.
Barriers and Facilitators Influencing Nurses’ Confidence in Managing Family Nursing Conversations in the Treatment of Chronic Noncancer Pain: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study
Authors: Rønne Pernille Friis , Esbensen Bente Appel , Brødsgaard Anne , Rosenstrøm Stine Maria , Voltelen Barbara , Hansen Carrinna Aviaja
Published: January 2023

This mixed-methods research examined the translation of a family nursing conversation intervention to the multidisciplinary treatment of patients experiencing chronic noncancer pain. The intervention required educating nurses who offered family nursing interventions to these families. The research uncovered barriers and facilitators influencing the nurses’ perceived self-efficacy related to the process of incorporating family nursing conversations in their nursing care. A qualitative, descriptive, longitudinal design with three focus group interviews was implemented. A template analysis, using a priori themes based on Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, illuminated a process initially predominated by barriers. Learning how to offer family nursing conversations was initially overwhelming for nurses because they were concerned about harming the family. Over time, the nurses came to understand the usefulness of the therapeutic conversation with families. Significant facilitators were the project manager’s role, a strong nursing community, and the positive influence of the family intervention on the nurses’ professional identity.
Relative Productivity of For-Profit Hospitals: A Big or a Little Deal?
Authors: Sloan Frank A. , Valdmanis Vivian G.
Published: January 2023

This study asks: Does the empirical evidence support the conclusion that for-profit (FP) hospitals are more productive or efficient than private not-for-profit (NFP) hospitals or non-federal public (PUB) hospitals? Alternative theories of NFP behavior are described. Our review of individual empirical hospital studies of quality, service mix, community benefit, and cost/efficiency in the United States published since 2000 indicates that no systematic difference exists in cost/efficiency, provision of uncompensated care, and quality of care. But FPs are more likely to provide profitable services, higher service intensity, have lower shares of uninsured and Medicaid patients, and are more responsive to external financial incentives. That FP hospitals are not more efficient runs counter to property rights theory, but their relative responsiveness to financial incentives supports it. There is little evidence that FP market presence changes NFP behaviors. Observed differences between FP and NFP hospitals are mostly a “little deal.”
Assessment of patients’ knowledge of their treatment with capecitabine at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat
Authors: Nouibi Chaimaa , Cherif Chefchaouni Ali , Bechar Hafsa , Belahcen Mohammed Jaouad , Rahali Younes
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Capecitabine is a molecule of choice in the therapeutic arsenal of anticancer drugs used in Morocco for the treatment of breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Its frequent use imposes a follow-up and a post-prescription monitoring of the treatment modalities as well as the adverse events that may occur following its administration.

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate the level of knowledge of patients in the day hospital of an oncology facility about their treatment with capecitabine.

Materials and methods

This is a prospective study conducted over a period of 2 months (January–February 2022) at the day hospital in the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat, and it was conducted using a questionnaire in order to evaluate patients’ knowledge about their treatment with capecitabine.

Results

This study involved 95 patients, 76% claimed to have ever received pharmaceutical advice on capecitabine treatment. The main indications were colorectal and breast cancer. Ninety seven percent knew the indication for capecitabine and the action of the molecule on the relevant tumor. Eighty three percent receiving capecitabine therapy reported the occurrence of side effects and hand-foot syndrome was the most reported in 31.2% of the total listed side effects.

Discussion

Capecitabine is an oral treatment of choice for colorectal and breast cancer in Morocco. Therapeutic education happens to be an effective tool in order to guarantee the best effectiveness and manage the possible side effects that can occur during the treatment.
A Critical View on Motor-based Interventions to Improve Motor Skill Performance in Children With ADHD: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kleeren Lize , Hallemans Ann , Hoskens Jasmine , Klingels Katrijn , Smits-Engelsman Bouwien , Verbecque Evi
Published: January 2023

Objective:

To map the effect of motor-based interventions on motor skills in children with ADHD.

Method:

A systematic literature search was performed in Pubmed, Web of Science, and the SCOPUS database (last search: October 30th 2022). Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro-scale and the quality of evidence was determined with the GRADE-method. Meta-analysis was performed when at least five studies were available.

Results:

Thirteen studies (7 RCTs) satisfied the inclusion criteria, five of which were eligible for meta-analysis. Only one of the included studies reached the low risk of bias threshold. Comparing different motor-based interventions to any non-motor control intervention showed large motor skill improvements (SMD = 1.46; 95% CI = [1.00;1.93]; I² = 47.07%). The most effective type of motor-based intervention and the optimal treatment parameters could not be determined yet.

Conclusion:

Motor-based interventions in general seem to improve motor skills in children with ADHD. Additional RCTs are needed to increase current low GRADE confidence.
Lymph node metastasis in feline cutaneous low-grade mast cell tumours
Authors: Arz Raphael , Chiti Lavinia E , Krudewig Christiane , Grieco Valeria , Meier Valeria , Fejös Csilla , Stefanello Damiano , Nolff Mirja C
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This retrospective study aimed to determine the incidence of nodal metastatic disease in cats affected by low-grade cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs) in our study population.

Methods

The clinical records of two centres were retrospectively searched for cats with cutaneous MCTs that had undergone lymphadenectomy of enlarged and non-enlarged lymph nodes. All primary tumours were histologically reviewed by two experienced pathologists and graded as high- or low-grade based on the grading system for feline cutaneous MCT. We graded the lymph nodes based on the grading scheme used for canine MCTs and considered HN2 and HN3 nodes to be metastatic. The number of patients with nodal metastasis was calculated.

Results

We identified 17 cats with cutaneous MCT resection and concurrent lymphadenectomy. All 21 MCTs were graded as low grade and 30 nodes were removed, with 12 being considered early or overtly metastatic (HN2 or HN3, respectively). Based on nodal status, 10/17 (59%) cats were affected by nodal metastasis in our population.

Conclusions and relevance

In contrast to previous reports, high percentage of cats with cutaneous MCTs in which lymphadenectomy was performed were presented with metastatic lymph nodes. The clinical relevance of this finding and a potential benefit of lymphadenectomy must be determined in future studies.
Can a semiochemical deter cats from trash cans?
Authors: Menuge Fanny , Pageat Patrick , Arroub Sana , Teruel Eva , Marcet-Rius Míriam , Monneret Philippe , Cozzi Alessandro
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The interaction between free-roaming cats and humans can lead to cohabitation issues. One such issue is the nuisance caused when cats scavenge and scatter garbage, particularly in cities. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a semiochemical on cat avoidance behaviour.

Methods

Five cats were included in the study, in a crossover design. A 10 min choice test involving two garbage cans, one sprayed with the semiochemical and the other sprayed with a control solution, was performed in a controlled setting. The parameters observed were exploration, proximity, latency to approach and first choice.

Results

Cats spent less time exploring (general linear mixed model [GLMM]; degrees of freedom [DF] = 1; F = 14.23; P <0.0001) and in proximity to the treated garbage can (GLMM; DF = 1; F = 13.25; P <0.0001). Additionally, although there was no significant difference in the first choice ( P = 0.5300), the latency to approach tended to be longer for the treated garbage can (frailty model; DF = 1; χ2 = 3.49; P = 0.0610).

Conclusions and relevance

The present study demonstrated that this semiochemical can deter cats from trash cans in a controlled setting. Further studies are needed to explore the efficiency of the semiochemical deterrent in a real-world setting to improve human–cat cohabitation.
Influence of the climate change on natural ventilation use in residential buildings in the tropical island of Mauritius
Authors: Kaudeer Bibi Najiah , Venkannah Santaram
Published: January 2023

Thermal performance of buildings highly depends on the climate conditions, which have given rise to several traditional and modern climate-conscious strategies. However, these strategies might need to be modified to cater for global warming. This research considers the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) to predict the effectiveness of one such strategy, that is, natural ventilation for the year 2100 for the tropical island of Mauritius. A total of 3 regions (Port Louis, Vacoas and St Pierre), each with distinctive micro-climates, were selected to assess the thermal discomfort levels under future climate scenarios (RCP 4.5, RCP 6.0 and RCP 8.5). The results show that, in 2100, discomfort levels during occupancy periods will increase by a maximum of 15% in Port Louis, while the other 2 regions will have an increase of 11%, under the worst scenario, while using natural ventilation. Results, thus, establish that natural ventilation will not be efficient under the impact of climate change, although varying for different climate conditions. This research indicates that there is a need to shift from natural ventilation as traditional cooling method to other energy driven method such as Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning (HVAC system) and hybrid mixed-mode systems for future climate change adaptation.
“TikTok ≠ therapy”: Mediating mental health and algorithmic mood disorders
Authors: Avella Holly
Published: January 2023

Popular and professional psychology merge to produce novel forms on TikTok—a platform on which therapeutic content grew enormously during the pandemic, rendering it a productive site to examine mediated mental health subjectivities, including ways people come to understand themselves in terms of mental health pathologies. Examining the dynamic interplay of capacities and constraints of therapeutic and algorithmic frameworks reveals ways in which therapeutic roles and rituals are re-negotiated in this space. Therapists utilize memetic tropes of the platform to position themselves within its affective flows, while leveraging beliefs about the algorithm to connect with users. The affective engagement of users’ works to curate a stream of content against which mental health and therapeutic frameworks are evaluated, ultimately designating a diagnostic gaze to a charismatic algorithm—a potentially emergent social media case of automated forms becoming paradigmatic in the ways we conceive of mental health and therapy.
Novel wavy surface design for enhanced frame anchoring performance in the exchangeable transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedure
Authors: Zhao Xiao , Curzen Nick , Bressloff Neil W.
Published: January 2023

Laser powder bed fusion, LPBF, provides manufacturing advantages, not only for complex geometry, but also for small-scale surface features. In this study, the benefit of introducing a wavy feature on the surfaces of replacement heart valves has been explored. Specifically, a new concept in exchangeable valves aims to implant a holding frame into a diseased valve such that an exchangeable valve can be implanted into the holding frame but can then be removed and replaced by another exchangeable valve as and when the first valve deteriorates. In this proposed procedure, the anchoring force between the holding frame and valve frame could be too low to prevent the valve from displacing as blood is pumped through the heart. One way in which the anchoring force could be increased is by introducing a wavy profile on the contact surfaces between the frames. In this study, a flat representation of the two frames has been used to computationally investigate the effect of wavy surface profiles on the force required to displace one frame relative to the other. The so-called pull-out force was shown to be increased by between three and five times compared to smooth surface frames, using a wave amplitude of 0.1 mm and wavelengths varying between 0.25 and 0.50 mm.
Teacher training reform in French-speaking Belgium: A controversial translation process
Authors: Dubois-Shaik Farah
Published: January 2023

A major reform of teacher training has been underway for the past three decades in French-speaking Belgium, in response to the low quality of teacher training and the consequences for school teaching and learning deemed to be in deep crises. Using a number of eclectic methods (metaphors, typologies, timelines, network maps), we map controversies that arise during four steps of the policy translation process—problematization, interessement, enrolment and mobilization—by various types of actors (people, texts, working groups, institutions, etc.). Scientific and pedagogical problematizations framed by two interest groups of field level policy actors can produce objects and devices that are transformed and negotiated by political and administrative actors. However, the translation process is rendered controversial and complex as political decision-making is also flavored with backdoor political interests that are negotiated. Administrative policy actors in stakeholder institutions are trying to barter their institutional “share” in the reform implementation, adding some operational problems on the level of organizing the reform, thus reframing some of the original objectives.
Adult Maltreatment Risk Factors: Adding Community-Level Factors to an Individual-Level Field
Authors: Fettig Nicole , Mitchell Hilary , Gassoumis Zach , Nizam Zainab , Whittier Eliason Stephanie , Cory Scott
Published: January 2023

Adult maltreatment is a pervasive problem in the United States and has serious individual and societal consequences. Adult protective services (APS) agencies are the social services programs responsible for serving older adults and adults with disabilities who may be experiencing adult maltreatment. The adult maltreatment literature differentiates elder maltreatment from the maltreatment of adults with disabilities, yet APS agencies serve both groups. Understanding the etiology of adult maltreatment as well as the associated risk and protective factors is crucial for APS workers, clinical practitioners, researchers, and policymakers. To advance the evidence in this area, we undertook a scoping review to examine recent evidence on risk and protective factors associated with adult maltreatment. Searches of nine electronic databases were conducted in 2020 to identify studies published in peer-reviewed journals since 2010. A total of 29 studies were included in the final review. The findings identified several categories of risk factors associated with the individual: demographic traits, socioeconomic characteristics, physical and mental health, interpersonal issues, and historical events. Several studies identified caregiver and alleged perpetrator risk factors. However, the current body of research lacks community and contextual risk and protective factors. Therefore, we present several potential data sources that may be leveraged to examine the links between social-contextual characteristics and adult maltreatment. These data may be combined with APS data to advance the field’s understanding of risk and protective factors through advanced analytic techniques.
Global Approaches to Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Elder Abuse Prevention: A Scoping Review
Authors: Atkinson Emily , Roberto Karen A.
Published: January 2023

Public health professionals use a three-pronged approach to address broad-reaching issues of societal concern: primary prevention, secondary prevention, and tertiary prevention. Applying this framework to the study of elder abuse, the purpose of this review is to describe the status of elder abuse prevention research on a global scale. Elder abuse prevention articles published between 2015 and 2021 were identified through electronic bibliographic searches (PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, and AgeLine). After removing articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, articles were sorted into the three main prevention types and further divided into subcategories for a more in-depth review. Most of the studies identified were conducted in North America ( n = 42). Of the 72 articles identified, 13 articles focused on primary prevention (agism, education, and intervention), 35 articles focused on secondary prevention (developing and evaluating screening tools, identifying and reporting abuse, and barriers to detecting and reporting abuse), and 21 focused on tertiary prevention (professional response to cases of abuse, intervention methods, and impact of policy). Collectively, findings bring greater understanding of elder abuse as a public health problem and identify ways of addressing the complexities of elder abuse. Several gaps were identified in the elder abuse prevention literature including the need for global research that includes older adults as stakeholders, evidence-based education and intervention programs, and cultural sensitive and valid tools to identify elder abuse.
Effectiveness of a Breast Cancer Education Screening and NavigaTion (BEST) Intervention among Hispanic Women
Authors: Molokwu Jennifer C. , Dwivedi Alok , Alomari Adam , Shokar Navkiran
Published: January 2023

Background

In the United States, breast cancer remains one of the most diagnosed cancers among females and remains the second leading cause of cancer death. In addition, breast cancer is most likely diagnosed at an advanced stage among Hispanic females in the United States due to lower mammogram utilization.

Aims

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a multilevel, multicomponent community-based breast cancer screening intervention called the Breast Cancer Education Screening and NavigaTion (BEST) program. The primary outcome was the completion of a screening mammogram 4 months post-intervention.

Method

We used a pragmatic approach for evaluation, utilizing a quasi-experimental delayed intervention design. We recruited women from the community aged between 50 and 75, uninsured or underinsured, and overdue for screening.

Results

Six hundred participants were recruited (300 intervention and 300 control). Among completers, the screening rate was 97% in the intervention group and 4.4% in the control group (RR = 22.2, 95% CI: 12.5–39.7, p < .001). In multivariable analysis, age ≥ 65 (RR = 1.29, p = .047), perceived benefits (RR = 1.04, p = .026), curability (RR = 1.24, p < .001), subjective norms (RR = 1.14, p = .014), and fatalism (RR = .96, p = .004) remained significantly associated with screening outcome.

Conclusion

A multicomponent, bilingual, and culturally tailored intervention effectively facilitated breast cancer screening completion in an underserved population of Hispanic women. Individuals with improved screening outcomes were more likely to have higher positive beliefs. Our study has important implications regarding using multicomponent interventions in increasing breast cancer screening completion in poorly screened populations. It also highlights differences in health belief motivation for breast cancer screening completion.
An overview of regulation for nutraceuticals and concept of personalized nutraceuticals
Authors: Tomar Saurav , Musyuni Pankaj , Aggarwal Geeta
Published: January 2023

Nutraceuticals are essentially nutritional components that have a vital role in developing and maintaining the body’s regular functions, which keeps people healthy. The nutraceutical sector is also primarily driven by the existing global population and trends. Examples of foods considered as nutraceuticals include prebiotics, fibre, polyunsaturated fatty acids, probiotics, antioxidants, and other natural or herbal foods. Some of the most serious health problems of the 20th century, like COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus, are managed with the help of the preceding nutraceuticals. As we move into a time of health and medicine, the food industry as a whole has become more focused on research.
De Garengeot’s hernia: A masked abdominal perforation
Authors: Wang Brian , Chander Nikita , Shorvon Philip , Al-Musawi Jasim
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

de Garengeot’s hernias occur when an inflamed appendix is encased within a femoral sac. This is a relatively rare type of femoral hernia. As a result, there are currently no guidelines for the management of these hernias.

Case:

We present a 90-year-old woman with a de Garengeot’s hernia complicated with strangulation and perforation. The diagnosis was made intraoperatively, and it was managed with hernia repair and an appendicectomy. There were no postoperative complications.

Discussion:

The presentation of de Garengeot’s hernias is non-specific. Enclosure of the bowel content within the hernia sac may mask systemic systems of disease. Rarely, septic signs or symptoms are identified on presentation. It is typically diagnosed intraoperatively, thus prompt emergency surgery should not be delayed by clinicians awaiting precise knowledge of the sac content via imaging. Prompt surgery with a single McEvedy incision enables treatment for both the appendicitis and abdominal wall defect, an appendectomy and hernia repair, respectively. In patients that present with an irreducible femoral hernia and biochemistry suggestive of an acute inflammatory process, there should be a high clinical suspicion for de Garengeot’s hernia due to the risk of perforation being masked by an anatomical encasement around the perforated bowel content.
Treatments for early-stage Dupuytren’s disease: an evidence-based approach
Authors: Nanchahal Jagdeep , Chan James K.-K.
Published: January 2023

Current treatments for Dupuytren’s disease are limited to late-stage disease when patients have developed flexion contractures and have impaired hand function. They all have limitations, including the risk of recurrence and complications. The use of treatments for early-stage disease, such as intralesional steroid injections or radiotherapy which lack a clear biological basis or evidence of effectiveness based robust randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trials, highlights the desire of patients to access treatments before they develop significant flexion contractures. A detailed understanding of the cellular landscape and molecular signalling in nodules of early-stage disease would permit the identification of potential therapeutic targets. This approach led to the identification of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) as a target. A phase 2a clinical trial identified 40 mg in 0.4 mL adalimumab as the most efficacious dose and a subsequent randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b trial showed that four intranodular injections at 3-month intervals resulted in decrease in nodule hardness and size on ultrasound scan at 12 months, and both parameters continued to decrease further at 18 months, 9 months after the final injection. This type of approach provides clinicians with a robust evidence base for advising their patients.
The distal radioulnar joint after distal radial fractures: when and how do we need to treat pain, stiffness or instability?
Authors: Giddins Grey
Published: January 2023

The importance of distal radioulnar joint problems associated with distal radial fractures is recognized increasingly. But there remains considerable disagreement about how to treat these problems both acutely and chronically. This review outlines the knowledge about the natural history of ulnar-sided wrist problems with distal radials fractures. In particular, the recent increased understanding of the almost inevitable joint instability associated with distal radial fractures is highlighted, including the unreliability of clinical assessment and hence why there has been so much misunderstanding. Provided there is reasonable bony alignment, most ulnar-sided wrist problems can be treated non-operatively initially (typically for over a year) in anticipation of substantial improvement with time. The exception is early marked subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) blocking forearm rotation, which needs urgent (typically closed) reduction.
Airflow-based odometry for MAVs using thermal anemometers
Authors: Wang Ze , Qu Jingang , Morin Pascal
Published: January 2023

This article concerns airflow-based odometry for estimating MAV flight speed from airflow measurements provided by a set of thermal anemometers. Our approach relies on a Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) based deep learning approach to extract deep features from noisy and turbulent measurement signals of triaxial thermal anemometers, in order to establish the underlying mapping between the airflow measurement and the flight speed. The proposed solution is validated on a multi-rotor MAV. The results show that the GRU-based model can effectively extract noise features and perform denoising, and compensate for induced velocity effects along the propellers’ rotation axis. As a consequence, robust prediction of the flight speed is performed, including during takeoff and landing that induce ground effects and strong variations of vertical airflow.
Antimicrobial use among paediatric inpatients in a Nigerian tertiary hospital: A three-year point prevalence survey
Authors: Umeokonkwo Chukwuma D , Onah Cosmas K , Adeke Azuka S , Igwe-Okomiso Dorothy O , Umeokonkwo Adanna A , Madubueze Ugochukwu C , Dauda Saheed O , Okeke Kingsley C , Versporten Ann , Oduyebo Oyinlola O , Goossens Herman , Agu Adaoha P
Published: January 2023

Aim

Antimicrobials are among the most widely prescribed therapeutic agents among paediatric population. Irrational use of these agents increases the risk of antimicrobial resistance. We described the prevalence and pattern of antimicrobial use among paediatric inpatients from 2017 to 2019.

Subject and Method

The study was a repeated point prevalence survey over a 3-year period using the global point prevalence standardized tools among all paediatric inpatients. The prevalence of antimicrobial use, the prescription indicators and patterns of antimicrobial use were estimated.

Result

Among 191 paediatric inpatients assessed, the 3-year period prevalence antimicrobial use was 85.9% (164/191) with prevalence of 80.6% in 2017, 94.6% in 2018, and 83.6% in 2019. Antimicrobial agents used ranged from one agent (20.1%) to five different agents (5.5%). Parenteral route (66.6%) was the preferred route of administration. The reason for the use of antimicrobial agents (92.6%) and the stop/review date (99.5%) were mostly well documented. Only 4.5% of the antimicrobial use were targeted. There were no antimicrobial guidelines or policy guiding the use of antimicrobial agents, except the national guideline on the treatment of malaria and tuberculosis. Ceftriaxone, a third generation cephalosporin was the most commonly used agent across the period under review. Community-acquired infection was the commonest indication for antimicrobial use.

Conclusion

Our findings of high antimicrobial prevalence has raised the attention for the need to develop hospital-based antimicrobial guideline and antimicrobial stewardship program to protect the vulnerable children, their contacts and the environment from the impact of antimicrobial resistance.
Factors to consider in the safe design of intensive care units – Part 1: historical aspects and ventilation systems
Authors: Inkster Teresa , Weinbren Michael , Walker Jimmy
Published: January 2023

Background

Evidence linking the role of ventilation systems in transmission of infection to patients in intensive care units has increased in recent years.

Aims

This research-based commentary set out to identify the historical aspect of intensive care unit design, current problems and some potential solutions with respect to ventilation systems.

Methods

Databases and open source information was used to obtain data on the historical aspects and current guidance in ICU, and the authors experiences have been used to suggest potential solutions to ventilation problems in ICU.

Findings

The authors found a number of problems with ventilation in ICU to which there has not been a cohesive response in terms of guidance to support users and designers. The resultant void permits new projects to proceed with suboptimal and designs which place patients and staff at risk.

Discussion

The NHS is now at the start of major new investments in healthcare facilities in England and this together with the end of the antibiotic era mandates new guidance to address these major concerns.
Straight antegrade humeral nailing and risk of iatrogenic injury of supraspinatus tendon footprint: An MRI study
Authors: Contreras Julio J , Meissner Arturo , Valenzuela Alfonso , Liendo Rodrigo , de Marinis Rodrigo , Calvo Claudio , Soza Francisco
Published: January 2023

Background

Straight antegrade humeral nailing (SAHN) is associated with excellent clinical results in proximal humerus fractures. The optimal entry point is the top of the humeral head. However, the anatomy is variable, and the entry point can affect supraspinatus tendon footprint (SSP-F) or fracture reduction. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the SSP-F and SAHN entry point by analyzing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the humerus.

Methods

In total 58 MRI studies of entire humerus were reviewed. The mean age was 51.6 ± 12.4 years, with 40 female patients. The distance between the SSP-F and the SAHN insertion point (critical distance: CD), the width of the footprint, and the neck-shaft angle (NSA) were measured. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed.

Results

The mean CD was 7.51 mm ± 2.81 (0–12.9 mm) with 51.7% of proximal humerus “critical type” (CD <8 mm). The CD was found to be lower in females, with no difference found with varying age (62.5% “critical type”). CD correlated with NSA (linear regression). “Critical type” correlated with female gender and NSA (logistic regression).

Discussion

More than half of the humerus are “critical types” as to SAHN and may, therefore, be at risk for procedure-related complications.
Problems and Prospects for the Measurement of Christian Seminarian Formation: Spiritual Measurement and the ‘Uncertainty Principle’
Authors: Herdt Jennifer A.
Published: January 2023

Spiritual and ethical formation are a central responsibility of institutions of theological education, and it matters how well these institutions carry out this core task. Yet formation and the measurement of formation face an array of both theological and practical challenges. The present essay surveys these challenges and responses that have been developed to date. It culminates by identifying as an issue in need of fuller attention how the very act of measuring ethical and spiritual formation itself carries the potential of distorting the process of formation, and it sketches a path forward that involves considering how measurement itself might be positively formative.
The Efficacy of Olfactory Training as a Treatment for Olfactory Disorders Caused by Coronavirus Disease-2019: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hwang Se Hwan , Kim Sung Won , Basurrah Mohammed Abdullah , Kim Do Hyun
Published: January 2023

Background

There have been reports investigating the use of olfactory training in olfactory dysfunction after COVID-19.

Objective

We evaluated the effect of olfactory training on the olfactory dysfunction of patients infected with COVID-19.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Web of Science, the Cochrane database, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar up to May 2022. We retrieved studies that compared the extents of olfactory dysfunction before and after olfactory training. We performed a subgroup analysis by the duration of olfactory dysfunction.

Results

The olfactory score after olfactory training (standard mean difference [SMD] = 1.0830, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.6416; 1.5245], P < .0001, I2 = 90.4%) was higher than that before training. The olfactory dysfunction rate differed significantly (OR = 0.0232, 95% CI [0.0052; 0.1044], P < .0001, I2 = 63.1%) before and after olfactory training. On subgroup analysis, although patients with both acute (onset < 30 days prior) and chronic (onset > 30 days prior) olfactory dysfunction evidenced clinically significant improvements, training during acute dysfunction (compared to acute dysfunction) increased the olfactory score to a greater extent (SMD = 1.7779, 95% CI [1.0077; 2.5481] vs 0.6928 [0.2143; 1.1712], P = 0.0190). Moreover, as a result of subgroup analysis by dividing the included studies into2 using 2-month training period as standard, there was no statistically significant difference in the effect of the training period in the included study.

Conclusion

Olfactory training improved olfactory disorders caused by COVID-19. Such training was effective in both the acute and chronic phases.
The prevalence, incidence, and recurrence of intimate partner violence and its association with adverse childhood experiences among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV in Malawi
Authors: Masiano Steven P. , Tembo Tapiwa A. , Yu Xiaoying , Wetzel Elizabeth , Mphande Mtisunge , Chitani Mike , Mkandawire Angella , Khama Innocent , Mazenga Alick , Abrams Elaine , Ahmed Saeed , Kim Maria H.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with suboptimal HIV treatment outcomes, but its distribution and risk factors among certain subpopulations of people living with HIV in resource-limited settings are not well known. We examined the prevalence, incidence, and recurrence of IPV and its association with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among pregnant/breastfeeding women living with HIV in Malawi.

Methods:

This study used longitudinal data for 455 pregnant women living with HIV continuously enrolled in the VITAL Start trial. IPV was assessed at baseline and months 1, 6, and 12 using the widely validated WHO IPV survey. Forms of IPV assessed were physical IPV, emotional IPV, and sexual IPV measured as prevalence, incidence, and recurrence. ACE histories were assessed using WHO’s ACE International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) tool. Logistic and log-binomial regressions were used in multivariable analyses that controlled for factors such as depression and alcohol use.

Results:

Participants’ mean age was 27.6 ± 5.7 years. Forty-three percent (43%) reported IPV prevalence, 13% reported IPV incidence, and another 13% reported IPV recurrence, with emotional IPV being the most commonly reported IPV type. Over 96% reported experiencing ⩾1 ACE. In regression analysis, cumulative ACE scores were significantly associated with IPV prevalence and IPV recurrence and in both cases, the magnitude of association was greatest for sexual IPV compared with physical IPV and emotional IPV. ACE scores were not significantly associated with IPV incidence.

Conclusions:

IPV is highly prevalent among pregnant women living with HIV and continues to occur throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period; its graded relationship with ACEs is a concern in resource-limited settings where HIV/AIDS remains a public health concern. Strategies aimed to address the needs of pregnant/breastfeeding women living with HIV may benefit from the regular screening of this population for IPV and ACE, including in antenatal care clinics.
The Nexus Between Air Pollution and Outward Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Zhao Qian , Su Chi-Wei
Published: January 2023

This study examines the causal relationship between air pollution ( AP) and outward foreign direct investment ( OFDI) in China by applying the bootstrap rolling-window full- and subsample Granger causality test in a sample from 2013 to 2022. We find that AP negatively influenced OFDI in 2016, while this influence became positive at the end of 2019. The results confirm the coexistence of the pollution haven hypothesis, factor endowment hypothesis, and Porter hypothesis. In turn, OFDI negatively influenced AP in 2019, which proves the “composition effect” and “technique effect,” implying that OFDI brings better air quality by optimizing the economic structure and promoting green technology. However, this influence became positive in 2020, which is consistent with the “scale effect,” indicating that OFDI worsens air quality by expanding production. This research provides insights for the government to coordinate OFDI growth and carbon neutralization to achieve sustainable development. It also has implications for firms to reduce environmental costs through OFDI.
Work–Family Conflict and Depression Among Healthcare Workers: The Role of Sleep and Decision Latitude
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Dugan Alicia G. , El Ghaziri Mazen , Siddique Sundus , Punnett Laura
Published: January 2023

Background:

Healthcare workers report a higher incidence of depression than the general population. Work–family conflict is a risk factor, but the mechanisms explaining its association with depression are not well understood. This study examines the potential mediating and moderating role of sleep and decision latitude in translating work–family conflict into depression.

Methods:

In 2018, a cross-sectional survey was collected from healthcare workers ( n = 1,059) in five public sector facilities in the northeast United States. The survey included questions on participants’ work–family conflict, depression, sleep duration and disturbances, decision latitude, and other work environments and socio-demographic characteristics. Multivariable linear and Poisson regression modeling were used to examine associations among variables.

Findings:

There was a significant association between work–family conflict and depression (β = 2.70, p < .001). Sleep disturbances, although not short sleep duration, partially mediated this association. The association between work family–conflict and depression was stronger among workers with low decision latitude.

Conclusions:

Depression was prevalent among healthcare workers and was associated with work–family conflict. Sleep disturbances served as a significant mediator, while decision latitude modified the strength of the association.

Application to Practice:

Evidence-based interventions seeking to alleviate the effect of work–family conflict and improve healthcare workers’ mental health should consider promoting employee sleep quality and improving employees’ decision-making on the job.