bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Experience in Nursing Care and Associated Factors Among Adult Admitted Patients in Debre Markos and Dessie Referral Hospitals, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Yalew Zemen Mengesha , Zeleke Haymanot , Afenigus Abebe Dilie , Yitayew Yibeltal Asmamaw , Minuye Biniam , Kassahun Sewunet Ademe
Published: October 2020

Patient experience of nursing care is the perception of the patient about the real existing nursing service. Addressing patient experience of nursing care is very important to improve nursing service quality because it identifies the factors that affect the nursing care quality better than patient satisfaction. Therefore, this study aimed to assess patient experience in nursing care and associated factors among adult admitted patients in Debre Markos and Dessie referral hospitals. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1, 2019, to March 30, 2019, among 528 consecutively selected adult admitted patients. Data were cleaned, coded, and entered in Epi-data version 3.1 then exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression, with a 95% CI was used to identify variables that had a significant association. The overall good patient experience in nursing care was 64%. Duration of admission ≥22 days (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.67, 95% CI = 1.013-7.025) and free service (AOR = 3.69, 95% CI = 2.381-5.730) showed a positive association with patient experience in nursing care. However, admission in gynecology ward (AOR = 0.43, 95%CI = 0.257-0.707), secondary education (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.308-0.907), and college or above education (AOR = 0.55, 95%CI = 0.320-0.957) showed a negative association with patient experience in nursing care.
Unternehmenskulturen in den fünf neuen Ländern
Authors: Lang Rainhart , Wald Peter
Published: October 2020

Der Artikel befaßt sich anknüpfend an die Diskussion zu Fragen des Wandels und der bewußten Veränderung von Unternehmenskulturen sowie der Bedeutung von Führung in diesem Prozeß (vgl. u.a. Bleicher 1984 und 1986, Kaspar 1987, Kompa/Neuberger 1987, Dierkes 1988, Scholz/Hofbauer 1987 und 1990, Schwarz 1989, Hoffmann 1989, Marr 1989, Maas/Schüller 1990, Neuberger 1990, Merkens 1990, Nieder/Susen 1991) und aufbauend auf den aktuellen Problemen in der Entwicklung der ostdeutschen Industrie mit der Frage der Bedeutung von Untemehmenskulturen in diesem Prozeß. Dabei wird als Ausgangspunkt eine in der bisherigen Diskussion weniger beachtete historische Betrachtung der Entwicklungsbedingungen planwirtschaftlicher Unternehmenskulturen in der ehemaligen DDR gewählt. Nach einer Einführung und Bestimmung der theoretischen Ausgangspositionen (1.) wird versucht, Prozesse der Uniformierung und Differenzierung als Resultat gesamtwirtschaftlicher und ordnungspolitischer Entscheidungen sowie und eigengesetzlicher Entwicklungen darzustellen (2.), typische Merkmale von Unternehmenskulturen in Industriebetrieben der ehemaligen DDR aufzuzeigen (3.) und Konsequenzen für die Umgestaltung der ostdeutschen Unternehmenskulturen abzuleiten (4.). In die Erörterung werden vorhandene theoretische Positionen, Konzepte und empirische Ergebnisse anderer Autoren – wie z.B. Tragsdorf 1991, Mader/Staehle 1991, Weiß/Wiest 1991 oder Voskamp/Wittke 1990 – einbezogen.
Flexibilisierung und Individualisierung als neue personalwirtschaftliche Gestaltungsprinzipien
Authors: Kolb Meinulf
Published: October 2020

Der allgegenwärtige wirtschaftliche, technologische und soziale Wandel führt zu geänderten Betrachtungsformen, zu neuartigen Themenstellungen beziehungsweise zur Anwendung bislang mehr oder weniger unbeachteter Prinzipien in der betrieblichen Personalwirtschaft. Einen für die nähere und weitere Zukunft prägenden Grundsatz stellt die Flexibilisierung dar. Seit einiger Zeit diskutieren Wissenschaft und Praxis zwar verstärkt über die Flexibilisierung der Arbeitszeiten; andere Möglichkeiten, Beschäftigungsverhältnisse flexibler und damit individueller zu gestalten, werden hingegen nur selten in Betracht gezogen: Personalbestand, Arbeitsstrukturen, Mitarbeiterqualifikation, Anreizsysteme, Sozialleistungen sowie Personalführung bieten bei genauerer Betrachtung vielfältige Ansatzpunkte zur individuelleren Ausformung. Handfeste positive mitarbeiter- und unternehmensseitige (Aus) Wirkungen der Individualisierung oder der Flexibilisierung lassen sich auf allen Anwendungsgebieten feststellen. Bei den zu erwartenden Vorteilen für alle Beteiligten dürfen indessen die Voraussetzungen und Grenzen nicht übersehen werden. Starke Bedeutung kommt bei der Verwirklichung von mehr Flexibilität und Individualität in der Arbeitswelt schließlich auch der partizipativen Einführung beziehungsweise Umsetzung zu. Die betriebliche Personalwirtschaft in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland unterliegt seit den fünfziger Jahren ständigen Veränderungen. Viele retrospektiv ausgelegte Phasenschemata zur Entwicklung von Personalarbeit und Personalführung belegen den kontinuierlichen Wandel deutlich. Die Veröffentlichungen aus Wissenschaft und Praxis zum Thema “Mensch und Arbeit” spiegeln die jeweiligen gesellschafts- und wirtschaftspolitischen Rahmenbedingungen, die Schwerpunktaufgaben, den Stellenwert und das Selbstverständnis der betrieblichen Personalwirtschaft in gleicher Weise wider.

Im weiteren soll die bisherige Entwicklung in die Zukunft verlängert und dabei ein spezieller Aspekt der zu erwartenden Trends genauer skizziert werden: Individualisierung und Flexibilisierung als neue Gestaltungsprinzipien der betrieblichen Personalwirtschaft.
Die organisatorische Verarbeitung von Mitarbeiterkündigungen – Verdrängung oder Reflexion?
Authors: Freimuth Joachim , Elfers Claudia
Published: October 2020

Die Kündigung von Mitarbeitem reicht über die arbeitsrechtliche Dimension hinaus. Bei den betroffenen Mitarbeitem kommen Verletzungen und Enttäuschungen ins Spiel. Diese identitäts-bedrohende, lähmende und zerstörerische Wirkungen sind in klassischen und neueren Studien belegt und menschlich ohne weiteres nachvollziehbar. Die umgekehrte Situation, wenn ein Mitarbeiter der Organisation den Räcken kehrt, ist in der Regel nicht so dramatisch und konsequenzenreich.

Im folgenden Beitrag wird der sozialpsychologische Aspekt der Trennung von der Organisation behandelt. Nach einer begrifflichen Klärung der “organisationalen Bewußtseinszustände” werden zwei Ursachen für die Emotionalität des Trennungsvorganges beleuchtet. Anschließend werden die Verarbeitungsmöglichkeiten auf Seiten der Organisation dargestellt.
Auslandseinsatz und Personalentwicklung
Authors: Kumar B. , Karlshaus M.
Published: October 2020

Viele Branchen und Unternehmen müssen heute zwecks der langfristigen Sicherung ihrer Wettbewerbsfähigkeit und Marktposition zur Strategie der Internationalisierung schreiten. Diese Perspektiven wirken sich unmittelbar auf fast alle betrieblichen Bereiche in den Untemehmen aus, die versuchen, sich auf diese Entwicklung vorzubereiten. Davon ist insbesondere auch die betriebliche Personalentwicklung hetroffen.

In der vorliegenden Arbeit soll der Beitrag der Auslandsentsendung für die Personalentwicklung konkretisiert werden. Es wird versucht, die Ziele der Personalentwicklung im Rahmen der Entsendung zu definieren sowie die (Erfolgs-)Bedingungen des Auslandseinsatzes zu identifizieren, die zur Erreichung der Personalentwicklungsziele führen. Das Ziel der Studie wird darin gesehen, entsprechende Empfehlungen zur Gestaltung der (entsendungsbezogenen) Personalentwicklung zu erarbeiten. Grundlage der Untersuchung bildet eine im Sommer 1989 von den Verfassern durchgeführte Befragung von 29 ehemaligen Entsandten in einem großen deutschen multinationalen Unternehmen.
Die Rolle der Personalführung im Lean Management
Authors: Reiß Michael
Published: October 2020

Die Lean Management-Strömung ist so umfassend, daß sie nicht nur die Produktions- und Entwicklungsplanung, Wettbewerbsstrategien, Technologiepolitik, Beziehungen zu Lieferanten und Abnehmern, sondern auch die Personalführung erfaßt. Bei näherer Betrachtung erweist sich die Nahtstelle zwischen Lean Management und Personalführung sogar als die erfolgskritische Schnittstelle bei der Umsetzung von Lean-Konzepten. Die Personalführung ist gefordert, ihren Standort innerhalb des Lean Management-Ansatzes abzuklären. Begreift sie ihre Rolle als die eines Schrittmachers, ergeben sich hieraus spezifische Konsequenzen für die Gestaltung eines fitneßförderlichen Führungssystems.
Ökologische Werthaltungen bei Führungsnachwuchskräften
Authors: Bartscher Thomas , Krüssel Peter
Published: October 2020

In dem Aufsatz geht es um die Frage, ob ökologische Werthaltungen bei Führungsnachwuchskräften dazu führen, daß die Integration in das jeweilige Unternehmen gefährdet und die Identifikationsbereitschaft vermindert wird.

Es zeigt sich, daß diese Vermutung allenfalls für ein Teilsegment dieser Personengruppe Gültigkeit beanspruchen kann. Für diese potentiell ökologisch-handlungsbereiten Führungsnachwuchskräfte gilt, daß sie nur unter bestimmten Bedingungen ihre Identifikation(-sbereitschaft) mit ihrem Betrieb aufrechterhalten werden.

Ökologisch-orientierte Führungsnachwuchskräfte können ein großer Gewinn für die Unternehmung sein. Ihr kreatives Potential sollte sich allerdings nutzbringend entfalten können. Personalwirtschaftliche Maßnahmen können hierzu sinnvoll beitragen.
History and Uncertainty: A Dynamic Perspective on Human Resource Management
Authors: Bögenhold Dieter , Staber Udo , Winch Graham
Published: October 2020

Im folgenden Artikel wird in einer personalwirtschaftlichen Perspektive mit Blick auf Fluktuation auf dem Arbeitsmarkt zugunsten einer “dynamischen” Betrachtungsweise argumentiert, die eines entsprechenden methodologischen (Hintergrund-)Verständnisses bedarf. Dabei wird ein doppeltes Ziel verfolgt: Einerseits geht es grundsätzlich um organisationssoziologische Fragen von Statik und Dynamik, zum anderen erfolgt ein empirischer Bezug auf den Bereich der Bauwirtschaft, an dem exemplarisch Fragen von Beharrung und Prozeßhaftigkeit diskutiert werden. Bezüglich der empirischen Untersuchung nimmt der Artikel auf die US-amerikanische Untersuchung von Linder (1983) Bezug, die Ergebnisse über Veränderungen von Kleinunternehmern in der Bauindustrie in Abhängigkeit vom Konjunkturverlauf vorgelegt hatte.

Diese Ergebnisse über die Zyklizität der (selbständigen) Erwerbspersonen und ihrer Unternehmen wurden für einen längeren Zeitraum und vergleichend für die USA, Großbritannien und (West-) Deutschland überprüft. Dabei ergeben sich ähnliche (kontrazyklische) Verlaufsmuster, die zwischen den Ländern freilich in Abhängigkeit verschiedener institutioneller Einflüsse divergieren. Der über die Branchenergebnisse hinausweisende Erkenntnisertrag liegt in der Dynamisierung der statischmorphologischen Betrachtung von Sozial-, Berufs- und Wirtschaftsstrukturen durch die Einführung der zeitlichen Dimension und dem Aufzeigen der Verknüpfungsmöglichkeiten ansonsten fachwissenschaftlich separat abgehandelter Dimensionen der Unternehmensstruktur und des Arbeitsmarktes.
Das Potential von Expertensystemen im Rahmen der Personalwirtschaft
Authors: Heinecke Albert
Published: October 2020

Die Informationsorientierung in der Personalwirtschaft besitzt eine zunehmende Aktualität, die als eine Dimension den Einsatz von EDV aufweht, der sich zwar schon in den siebziger Jahren abgezeichnet hat, aber durch die Forschungsergebnisse im Bereich der “Künstlichen Intelligenz”, bei dem die whsensbasierten Systeme einen Schwerpunkt bilden, eine neue Qualität erlangen kann. Die mit diesem Prozeß verbundenen Fragen zielen auf die Analyse und Intensität dieser neuen Form der Informationsverarbeitung im Personalwesen. Im folgenden Beitrag sollen daher die Arbeitswehe von Expertensystemen sowie eine Struktur für die Potentialanalyse der Expertensysteme im Personalwesen vorgestellt und ein Teilbereich des Konzeptes anhand des Beispiels Personalentwicklung diskutiert werden, um letztendlich die Bedeutung dieser Systeme für diesen speziellen Anwendungskontext unter Berücksichtigung der Mitbestimmungsthematik bestimmen zu können.
Ätiologie und Häufigkeit von Mobbing am Arbeitsplatz - eine Übersicht über die bisherige Forschung
Authors: Leymann Heinz
Published: October 2020

Destruktive, lang anhaltende Auswüchse von persönlichen Konflikten sind seit acht Jahren in Skandinavien Gegenstand der Forschung. Der Grund für dieses Interesse ist in einem Paragraphen der schwedischen Gesetzgebung über das Arbeitsmilieu zu suchen. Dort wird dem Arbeitnehmer versprochen, er solle am Arbeitsplatz nicht nur physisch, sondern auch psychisch gesund bleiben. Der Verlauf dieser Konflikte kann auf Defizite am Arbeitsplatz zurückgeführt werden, z.B. auf die Organisation und Leitung der Arbeit sowie die Aufgabengestaltung. Streßzustände, die hierdurch entstehen, schüren Konflikte an. Bei deren Nichtbeachtung durch das Management können die Folgen bis zu schweren psychiatrischen Erkrankungen und zu Selbstmorden reichen. Forschungsergebnisse über den Verlauf dieses Phänomens, seine Ursachen und Folgen sowie effiziente Gegenmaßnahmen werden hier im Überblick vorgestellt. Für wissenschaftliche Einzelheiten wird auf die Originalliteratur hingewiesen.
Spatializing authoritarian neoliberalism by way of cultural politics: City, nation and the European Union in Gdańsk’s politics of cultural policy formation
Authors: Borén Thomas , Grzyś Patrycja , Young Craig
Published: October 2020

This paper develops perspectives which seek to spatialize authoritarian neoliberalism through arguing for greater engagement with the politics of urban cultural policy formation in the neglected context of post-socialist East and Central Europe. Through analyzing the politics of urban cultural policy-making in Gdańsk, Poland, the paper spatializes authoritarian neoliberalism by exploring how relations between the urban and the national, and between the urban and the supranational, shape urban cultural policy, drawing upon literatures on political economy, policy mobilities, cultural policy research, and the concepts of authoritarian neoliberalism and the relational-territorial nexus. Gdańsk is a liberally run city, strongly aligned with the European Union (EU), opposed to the authoritarian neoliberal national level politics in Poland. The paper analyses urban-national tensions and relationships between Gdańsk and the EU to unpack the contested spatial nature of authoritarian neoliberalism.
A systematic review of the effect of omega-3 supplements on meibomian gland dysfunction
Authors: Al-Namaeh Mashael
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the leading cause of dry eye syndrome (DES). Many ocular disorders including DES and blepharitis can be linked to MGD. If we treat MGD, we can treat related diseases easily.

Purpose:

This systematic review is intended to determine the efficacy of omega-3 supplementation in MGD patients.

Methods:

This systematic review included an electronic search on PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov to include all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) using omega-3 as a treatment for MGD.

Results:

Database search yielded to one RCT and six clinical trials through the MEDLINE of a total of 350 participants for the systematic review and meta-analysis study. The investigated treatment group (omega-3 group) had a positive effect on MGD protection in the invasive sodium fluorescein-tear break up time (NaFl-TBUT) score compared with the placebo group (odd ratio = 8.72, 95% confidence interval: 4.73, 16.09; p < 0.001). These data suggest that the odd ratios of the omega-3 group to control group increased the likelihood of the improved stated outcome tear break up time (TBUT) being achieved in the treatment group. No evidence of publication bias was detected in the funnel plot inspection or the Egger’s statistical test ( p = 0.2944).

Conclusions:

A moderate daily dose of omega-3 may be a beneficial therapeutic for MGD. Omega-3 has been beneficial in many diseases, such as heart attack prevention and agerelated macular degeneration, and this systematic review emphasizes its protection against MGD. In addition, this review emphasizes the precision of noninvasive TBUT (NITBUT) compared with invasive NaFl-TBUT which may suggest the importance of NITBUT in the clinic.
Complicated, Complete, Indirect, Irreducible Right Inguinoscrotal Hernia
Authors: Hoyos Brumbaugh Martha Liliana , Drake Bryan , Babij Roman
Published: October 2020

Inguinal hernias are the most common of all hernias. A complicated hernia is irreducible, and the contents are obstructed or strangulated. Sonography is considered the imaging modality of choice for the diagnosis of abnormalities of the inguinal area. This case study is about a patient with an inguinal hernia that had not been repaired and progressed into a life-threatening, complicated inguinoscrotal hernia. The patient’s complaints and clinical findings required sonographic examinations of the abdomen, pelvis, inguinal canal, and scrotum. Sonographic findings were corroborated by findings with computed tomography (CT). After the compromised intestine was resected and the hernia was repaired, the patient developed a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), identified sonographically. The patient was successfully treated and discharged.
Critical analysis of the outcome of primary unilateral vesicoureteral reflux in a medium volume center
Authors: Sarhan Osama , El Helaly Ahmed , Al Otay Abdulhakim , Al Ghanbar Mustafa , Nakshabandi Ziad , Al Kawai Fouad
Published: October 2020

Background

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common finding in pediatric age group. Here in we explored the possible risk factors that affect the rate of resolution in patients with primary unilateral VUR under conservative treatment.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2014, we retrospectively evaluated all VUR patients and included only patients with primary unilateral VUR. Records were reviewed for patient age at diagnosis, antenatal history, patient gender, mode of presentation, side, and grade of VUR, associated hydronephrosis (HN) on renal ultrasound, presence of scarring and split function on dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan. Clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed. Both univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted.

Results

A total of 68 patients with primary unilateral VUR were included (32 boys and 36 girls) with a mean age of 10 months (range 1–32). Antenatal HN was detected in 50% of patients. In 15 cases (22%), VUR was of high grade (IV–V). Associated HN was evident in 39 patients (57%). DMSA scans showed renal scarring in 16 patients (23%). After a mean follow-up of 7 years, VUR resolved in 49 patients (72%). Significant predictors for VUR resolution were VUR grade, DMSA split function and associated high-grade HN. High-grade HN with VUR was the only significant independent risk factor.

Conclusions

The rate of resolution in primary unilateral VUR under conservative treatment is significantly affected by VUR grade, DMSA split renal function and the presence of associated HN. Association of high-grade HN with VUR carries a low chance for spontaneous resolution.
Reliability and validity of the mandarin version of the supportive care needs survey short-form (SCNS-SF34) and the head and neck cancer-specific supportive care needs (SCNS-HNC) module
Authors: Lyu Jianxia , Yin Li , Cheng Ping , Li Bin , Peng Shanshan , Yang Chunlian , Yang Jing , Liang Haixin , Jiang Qinghua
Published: October 2020

Background

This study aimed to translate the English version of the supportive care needs scale of head and neck cancer patients (SCNS-HNC) questionnaire into Mandarin and to test the reliability and validity of the SCNS-SF34 and SCNS-HNC module in head and neck cancer patients.

Methods

The Mandarin version of the Supportive Care Needs Survey Short-Form (SCNS-SF34) and SCNS-HNC scales were used to assess 206 patients with head and neck cancer in Chengdu, China. Among them, 51 patients were re-tested 2 or 3 days after the first survey. The internal consistency of the scale was evaluated by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, the retest reliability of the scale was evaluated by retest correlation coefficient r, the structural validity of the scale was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis, and the ceiling and floor effects of the scale were evaluated.

Results

The Mandarin version of the SCNS-HNC had Cronbach’s alpha coefficients greater than 0.700 (0.737 ≤ 0.962) for all of the domains. Except for the psychological demand dimension (r = 0.674) of the SCNS-SF34 scale, the retest reliability of the other domains was greater than 0.8. Three common factors were extracted by exploratory factor analysis, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 64.39%.

Conclusions

The Mandarin version of the SCNS-SF34 and SCNS-HNC demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity and is able to measure the supportive care needs of Chinese patients with head and neck cancer.

Trial registration

ChiCTR, ChiCTR1900026635. Registered 16 October 2019- Retrospectively registered.
Enhancing methane oxidation in a bioelectrochemical membrane reactor using a soluble electron mediator
Authors: Zhang Xueqin , Rabiee Hesamoddin , Frank Joshua , Cai Chen , Stark Terra , Virdis Bernardino , Yuan Zhiguo , Hu Shihu
Published: October 2020

Background

Bioelectrochemical methane oxidation catalysed by anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) is constrained by limited methane bioavailability as well as by slow kinetics of extracellular electron transfer (EET) of ANME. In this study, we tested a combination of two strategies to improve the performance of methane-driven bioelectrochemical systems that includes (1) the use of hollow fibre membranes (HFMs) for efficient methane delivery to the ANME organisms and (2) the amendment of ferricyanide, an effective soluble redox mediator, to the liquid medium to enable electrochemical bridging between the ANME organisms and the anode, as well as to promote EET kinetics of ANME.

Results

The combined use of HFMs and the soluble mediator increased the performance of ANME-based bioelectrochemical methane oxidation, enabling the delivery of up to 196 mA m−2, thereby outperforming the control system by 244 times when HFMs were pressurized at 1.6 bar.

Conclusions

Improving methane delivery and EET are critical to enhance the performance of bioelectrochemical methane oxidation. This work demonstrates that by process engineering optimization, energy recovery from methane through its direct oxidation at relevant rates is feasible.
First report of Anopheles (Cellia) multicolor during a study of tolerance to salinity of Anopheles arabiensis larvae in Nouakchott, Mauritania
Authors: Ould Lemrabott Mohamed Aly , Le Goff Gilbert , Kengne Pierre , Ndiaye Ousmane , Costantini Carlo , Mint Lekweiry Khadijetou , Ould Ahmedou Salem Mohamed Salem , Robert Vincent , Basco Leonardo , Simard Frédéric , Ould Mohamed Salem Boukhary Ali
Published: October 2020

Background

Anopheles multicoloris known to be present in the arid areas of Africa north of the Sahara Desert, especially in oases. To date, its presence in Mauritania has not been reported. Here, we present the first record of its presence in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. The larvae ofAn. multicolor, together with those ofAn. arabiensis, the major malaria vector in the city, were found thriving in highly saline surface water collections.

Methods

Entomological surveys were carried out during 2016–2017 in Nouakchott. Mosquito larval habitats were investigated through larval surveys while indoor resting culicid fauna were collected using hand-held aspirator. Physicochemical parameters of the larval habitats were measured on-site, at the time mosquitoes were collected. Larvae and pupae were reared to adults in the insectaries. Morphological and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods were used to identify newly emerged adults. Batches of fourth-instar larvae were used to assess salinity tolerance by exposing them to increasing concentrations of NaCl, and mortality was monitored throughout development.

Results

Morphological and molecular results confirmed that the specimens wereAn. multicolorandAn. arabiensis. Sequences of 24An. multicoloradult mosquitoes showed 100% nucleotide identity with the published sequences ofAn. multicolorfrom Iran. The physicochemical analysis of the water from the two larval habitats revealed highly saline conditions, with NaCl content ranging between 16.8 and 28.9 g/l (i.e. betweenc.50–80% seawater).Anopheles multicolorandAn. arabiensisfourth-instar larvae survival rates at 17.5 g/l NaCl were 86.5% and 75%, respectively.Anopheles arabiensislarvae showed variable levels of salt tolerance according to the larval habitat. AdultAn. multicolorspecimens were collected resting indoor at low frequency (0.7%) compared to the other culicid mosquitoes.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first report ofAn. multicolorin Mauritania, extending the known distributional range of the species to the south, as well as to the west. Highly salt-tolerant populations ofAn. arabiensisandAn. multicolorwere observed. Because salt-water collections are widespread in Nouakchott, the relevance of these findings for the dynamics and epidemiology of malaria transmission needs to be assessed.
Renal cell carcinoma metastasis to the maxillary bone successfully treated with surgery after vascular embolization: a case report
Authors: Nishii Naoto , Shimamoto Hiroaki , Ohsako Toshimitsu , Yokokawa Misaki , Sato Yuriko , Ohata Yae , Kayamori Kou , Ikeda Tohru , Harada Hiroyuki
Published: October 2020

Background

Metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the oral cavity is rare. Renal cell carcinoma metastases are regarded as radioresistant tumors and surgery is recommended. However, since metastatic renal cell carcinoma has poor prognosis and is composed of abundant blood vessels, it is sometimes difficult for clinicians to choose surgical therapy. Here, we report a case of a patient with renal cell carcinoma metastasis to the maxillary bone, which was successfully controlled by surgical therapy after vascular embolization, and provide a detailed literature review regarding the treatments and outcomes of renal cell carcinoma metastasis to the oral cavity.

Case presentation

An 89-year-old Japanese man presented with an 8 × 8-mm granulomatous tumor with palpable pulsation in the left upper gingiva, which had been clinically suspected as an arteriovenous malformation or neoplastic lesion with rich blood vessels. Our patient had undergone left nephrectomy for clear cell carcinoma 7 years prior. Pulmonary metastasis had appeared 3 years later. After intravascular embolization, our patient underwent tumor resection of the maxilla with little intraoperative blood loss. The tumor was diagnosed on histopathology as a metastasis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma to the maxillary bone. Seventeen months after surgery, he died because of pulmonary metastasis without evidence of recurrence in the oral cavity.

Conclusions

Our literature review reveals that oral metastatic lesions of renal cancer often exhibit rapid enlargement and cause severe symptoms, such as dysphagia and bleeding. Although oral metastasis of renal cell carcinoma has a poor prognosis due to the presence of concurrent disseminated metastases, surgical therapy may be recommended because of its high local control rate and ability to maintain quality of life. Preoperative vascular embolization is considered to be effective to reduce intraoperative hemorrhage, which leads to safe surgery.
Immune-related adverse events: a retrospective look into the future of oncology in the intensive care unit
Authors: Joseph Adrien , Simonaggio Audrey , Stoclin Annabelle , Vieillard-Baron Antoine , Geri Guillaume , Oudard Stéphane , Michot Jean-Marie , Lambotte Olivier , Azoulay Elie , Lemiale Virginie
Published: October 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have reshaped the standard of care in oncology. However, they have been associated with potentially life-threatening immune-related adverse events. With the growing indications of immune checkpoint inhibitors and their position as a pillar of cancer treatment, intensive care physicians will be increasingly confronted with their side effects. The outcome of patients with severe immune-related adverse events in the intensive care unit remains unknown. This retrospective multicentric study aims to describe the characteristics of patients admitted to the intensive care units of 4 academic hospitals in Paris area while receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment between January 2013 and October 2019.

Results

Over the study period, 112 cancer patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors were admitted to the intensive care unit within 60 days after the last dose. ICU admission was related to immune-related adverse events (n = 29, 26%), other intercurrent events (n = 39, 35%), or complications related to tumor progression (n = 44, 39%). Immune-related adverse events were pneumonitis (n = 8), colitis (n = 4), myocarditis (n = 3), metabolic disorders related to diabetes (n = 3), hypophysitis (n = 2), nephritis (n = 2), meningitis or encephalitis (n = 2), hepatitis (n = 2), anaphylaxis (n = 2) and pericarditis (n = 1). Primary tumors were mostly melanomas (n = 14, 48%), non-small-cell lung cancers (n = 7, 24%), and urothelial carcinomas (n = 5, 17%). Diagnosis of melanoma and a neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio < 10 were associated with immune-related diagnosis versus other reasons for ICU admission. During their ICU stay, immune-related adverse events patients needed vasopressors (n = 7), mechanical ventilation (n = 6), and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 2). One-year survival was significantly higher for patients admitted for irAE compared to patients admitted for other reasons (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Admission to the intensive care unit related to immune-related adverse event was associated with better outcome in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Our results support the admission for an intensive care unit trial for patients with suspected immune-related adverse events.
Quintic non-polynomial spline for time-fractional nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Ding Qinxu , Wong Patricia J. Y.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we shall solve a time-fractional nonlinear Schrödinger equation by using the quintic non-polynomial spline and theL1 formula. The unconditional stability, unique solvability and convergence of our numerical scheme are proved by the Fourier method. It is shown that our method is sixth order accurate in the spatial dimension and$(2-\gamma )$(2−γ)th order accurate in the temporal dimension, whereγis the fractional order. The efficiency of the proposed numerical scheme is further illustrated by numerical experiments, meanwhile the simulation results indicate better performance over previous work in the literature.
Influenza coverage rates in subjects with chronic heart diseases: results obtained in four consecutive immunisation seasons in the Local Health Unit of Ferrara (North Italy)”
Authors: Stefanati Armando , Lupi Silvia , Campo Gianluca , Cocchio Silvia , Furlan Patrizia , Baldo Vincenzo , Gabutti Giovanni
Published: October 2020

Background

Seasonal influenza epidemics yearly affects 5–15% of the world’s population, resulting in 3–5 million serious cases and up to 650,000 deaths. According to the 2017–2019 Italian National Immunisation Plan, free immunisation is offered to the categories at increased risk of experience the complications of the infection (over 65 years old subjects, pregnant women and individuals with underlying conditions, including chronic heart diseases). Rising evidence suggests that influenza can trigger adverse cardiovascular events therefore the vaccination is recommended for secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Despite this, the influenza coverage rate in subjects with chronic heart disease is underestimated.

Methods

The study investigated the coverage rate in four consecutive influenza seasons (from 2011/2012 to 2014/2015) in subjects that benefit from exemption from paying healthcare costs for chronic heart disease living in Local Health Unit (LHU) of Ferrara (Italy), comparing the databases of exemptions and immunisations.

Results

The levels of influenza vaccine uptake were unstable, reaching the 50.3% in 2011/2012 immunisation season and falling to 42.2% in the following year. Coverage rates increased with increasing age, without achieving the 75% target, neither in over 65 years old subjects. The logistic regression analysis showed that influenza coverage rates were statistically significant different (p < 0.0001, 0.003 only for category of disease in 2011/2012 immunisation season) according to age, district of residence, category of chronic heart disease and length of exemption, but not influenced by gender.

Conclusions

The recommendation of influenza immunisation was weakly followed in individuals with chronic heart diseases. A collaboration between cardiologists, GPs, scientific societies and patient associations could successfully support influenza vaccine uptake.
Minor covid-19 association with crime in Sweden
Authors: Gerell Manne , Kardell Johan , Kindgren Johanna
Published: October 2020

The covid-19 disease has a large impact on life across the globe, and this could potentially include impacts on crime. The present study describes how crime has changed in Sweden during ten weeks after the government started to implement interventions to reduce spread of the disease. Sweden has undertaken smaller interventions than many other countries and is therefore a particularly interesting case to study. The first major interventions in Sweden were implemented in the end of week 11 (March 12th) in the year 2020, and we analyze police reported crimes through week 21 (ending May 24th). Descriptive statistics are provided relative to expected levels with 95% confidence intervals for eight crime types. We find that total crime, assaults, pickpocketing and burglary have decreased significantly, personal robberies and narcotics crime are unchanged. Vandalism possibly increased somewhat but is hard to draw any firm conclusions on. The reductions are fairly small for most crime types, in the 5–20% range, with pickpocketing being the biggest exception noting a 59% drop relative to expected levels.
Ontogeny, species identity, and environment dominate microbiome dynamics in wild populations of kissing bugs (Triatominae)
Authors: Brown Joel J. , Rodríguez-Ruano Sonia M. , Poosakkannu Anbu , Batani Giampiero , Schmidt Justin O. , Roachell Walter , Zima Jan , Hypša Václav , Nováková Eva
Published: October 2020

Background

Kissing bugs (Triatominae) are blood-feeding insects best known as the vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas’ disease. Considering the high epidemiological relevance of these vectors, their biology and bacterial symbiosis remains surprisingly understudied. While previous investigations revealed generally low individual complexity but high among-individual variability of the triatomine microbiomes, any consistent microbiome determinants have not yet been identified across multiple Triatominae species.

Methods

To obtain a more comprehensive view of triatomine microbiomes, we investigated the host-microbiome relationship of five Triatoma species sampled from white-throated woodrat (Neotoma albigula) nests in multiple locations across the USA. We applied optimised 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding with a novel 18S rRNA gene blocking primer to a set of 170 T. cruzi-negative individuals across all six instars.

Results

Triatomine gut microbiome composition is strongly influenced by three principal factors: ontogeny, species identity, and the environment. The microbiomes are characterised by significant loss in bacterial diversity throughout ontogenetic development. First instars possess the highest bacterial diversity while adult microbiomes are routinely dominated by a single taxon. Primarily, the bacterial genus Dietzia dominates late-stage nymphs and adults of T. rubida, T. protracta, and T. lecticularia but is not present in the phylogenetically more distant T. gerstaeckeri and T. sanguisuga. Species-specific microbiome composition, particularly pronounced in early instars, is further modulated by locality-specific effects. In addition, pathogenic bacteria of the genus Bartonella, acquired from the vertebrate hosts, are an abundant component of Triatoma microbiomes.

Conclusion

Our study is the first to demonstrate deterministic patterns in microbiome composition among all life stages and multiple Triatoma species. We hypothesise that triatomine microbiome assemblages are produced by species- and life stage-dependent uptake of environmental bacteria and multiple indirect transmission strategies that promote bacterial transfer between individuals. Altogether, our study highlights the complexity of Triatominae symbiosis with bacteria and warrant further investigation to understand microbiome function in these important vectors.
Good problems to have? Policy and societal implications of a disease-modifying therapy for presymptomatic late-onset Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Angrist Misha , Yang Anna , Kantor Boris , Chiba-Falek Ornit
Published: October 2020

In the United States alone, the prevalence of AD is expected to more than double from six million people in 2019 to nearly 14 million people in 2050. Meanwhile, the track record for developing treatments for AD has been marked by decades of failure. But recent progress in genetics, neuroscience and gene editing suggest that effective treatments could be on the horizon. The arrival of such treatments would have profound implications for the way we diagnose, triage, study, and allocate resources to Alzheimer’s patients. Because the disease is not rare and because it strikes late in life, the development of therapies that are expensive and efficacious but less than cures, will pose particular challenges to healthcare infrastructure. We have a window of time during which we can begin to anticipate just, equitable and salutary ways to accommodate a disease-modifying therapy Alzheimer’s disease. Here we consider the implications for caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and the US healthcare system of the availability of an expensive, presymptomatic treatment for a common late-onset neurodegenerative disease for which diagnosis can be difficult.
Development and validation of a formula for objective assessment of cervical vertebral bone age
Authors: Chandrasekar Raghavan , Chandrasekhar Shyamala , Sundari K. K. Shantha , Ravi Poornima
Published: October 2020

Background and aim

Determination of skeletal maturity and bone age from cervical vertebrae has been well documented. Most methods described use subjective evaluation of morphological characteristics of cervical vertebrae and may be prone to variability and error. A few objective methods have also been developed, specific for certain populations and genders. The aim of this study was to establish and validate an objective method to determine cervical vertebral bone age from lateral cephalometric radiographs, for Asian South Indian patients of both genders.

Methods

Ninety boys and 90 girls between 9 and 15 years of age were recruited, and their lateral cephalograms were taken. Using measurements made from the third and fourth cervical vertebrae, a formula to determine cervical vertebral bone age was derived using stepwise regression analysis. To validate the formula, a separate sample of 30 boys and 30 girls was chosen, and hand-wrist radiographs and lateral cephalograms were obtained. Cervical vertebral bone age (CVBA) was determined by applying the formula derived. Bone age was also calculated using the Tanner-Whitehouse 3 method. The bone ages determined by both methods were compared to each other and chronological age, using one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc analysis, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Results

The formulae derived in the current study to determine CVBA differed for both genders. No statistically significant difference was found between CVBA, bone age derived by the Tanner-Whitehouse 3 method, and chronological age for both boys (p value = 0.425) and girls (p value = 0.995). A moderate to strong positive correlation was found between CVBA, bone age, and chronological age.

Conclusion

The formulae derived in this study were validated and are reliable for objectively determining cervical vertebral bone age and skeletal maturation from lateral cephalograms for Asian South Indian patients of both genders.
Undergraduates’ awareness of White and male privilege in STEM
Authors: Dancy Melissa , Rainey Katherine , Stearns Elizabeth , Mickelson Roslyn , Moller Stephanie
Published: October 2020

Background

It is well-documented that experiences in STEM courses for women and students of color are different from the experiences of White men. As part of a larger interview study, 183 college seniors from diverse gender and race backgrounds were asked their thoughts on whether the experience of being a STEM major was different for people of different races and genders. We use a framework of “science as White property”, derived from critical race theory, to frame this study and results.

Results

White men were largely unaware of any impact of race or gender. In contrast, women of color overwhelmingly report, consistent with results from a large body of prior research, that both race and gender impact their experiences as STEM majors. Students who acknowledged race and gender impacts did not always attribute these impacts to cultural or systemic factors (i.e., some reported women are underrepresented because they are less interested in STEM rather than a structural reason). Impacts identified that were attributable to systemic factors included impacts related to being a demographic minority (i.e., intimidation, feeling out of place, feeling pressure to work harder) and/or discrimination (i.e., job discrimination, bias against women or people of color and cultural assumptions implying the superiority of White people and men). A small number of students (mostly White women) stated that women or people of color benefit from their underrepresented status, often attributing this benefit to a perception of extra encouragement and opportunities. A common theme across categorizations was that women and students of color work harder than men and White people either because they are perceived to be harder workers or as a response to the sexism and racism they encounter.

Conclusions

We found that White men are largely unaware of the impacts of race or gender on the pursuit of a STEM degree. Additionally, with the exception of women of color, students are less likely to perceive race as having an impact on the experiences of students than gender. We conclude with a discussion of implications for future work related to gender and race representation in STEM.
Optimizing smoke alarm signals: Testing the effectiveness of children’s smoke alarms for sleeping adults
Authors: Smith Gary A. , Kistamgari Sandhya , Splaingard Mark
Published: October 2020

Background

Being asleep is an important risk factor for death during a residential fire; however, the high-frequency tone smoke alarms in many homes will not adequately awaken children who are old enough to self-rescue. In a series of previous studies, we identified smoke alarm signals that effectively awaken children 5–12 years old and prompt their escape. Because it is impractical to have separate alarms for children and adults in a household, the purpose of this study is to test whether alarms that are effective in awakening children and prompting their escape are also effective among adults.

Methods

Using a randomized, non-blinded, repeated measures design, 150 adults 20–49 years old were exposed during stage 4 sleep to four different smoke alarms. Statistical tests included the Kaplan-Meier estimator, generalized Wilcoxon test, and hazard ratios with Wald’s 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The median age of study subjects was 30.0 years and 67.3% were female. Almost all (n = 149) subjects awakened and performed the escape procedure to all four alarms; one individual did not awaken or escape to the high-frequency tone alarm. The median time-to-awaken was 2.0 s for the high-frequency tone alarm and 1.0 s for the other three alarms. The median time-to-escape for the high-frequency tone alarm was 12.0 s, compared with 10.0 s for the low-frequency tone alarm and 9.0 s each for the female and male voice alarms. All pairwise comparisons between the high-frequency tone alarm and each of the other three alarms were statistically significant for the probability functions for time-to-awaken and time-to-escape. There were no significant differences in these outcome measures between the latter three alarms, except for female voice versus low-frequency tone alarms for time-to-escape.

Conclusions

All alarms performed well, demonstrating that smoke alarms developed for the unique developmental requirements of sleeping children are also effective among sleeping adults. Compared with a high-frequency tone alarm, use of these alarms may reduce residential fire-related injuries and deaths among children, while also successfully alerting adult members of the household.
Effect of low-level laser therapy on osseointegration of titanium dental implants in ovariectomized rabbits: biomechanics and micro-CT analysis
Authors: Karakaya Mustafa , Demirbaş Ahmet Emin
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The primary aim of this study is to assess, in an animal model, whether biostimulation of osteoporotic bone with low-level laser therapy improves the osseointegration of dental implants.

Material and methods

Twenty-two female rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: sham-ovariectomy and bilateral-ovariectomy. Laser therapy was applied to the implants placed in the right tibial bones and was not applied to implants placed in the left tibial bones. The periotest device was used for the stability test. Periotest values were recorded after the implantation (T0) and when the animals were euthanized (T1). The removal torque test and micro-computed tomography examination were evaluated.

Results

As a result of removal torque, the mean of ovariectomy-laser group (56.1 ± 5.1 Ncm) was higher than sham-ovariectomy group (55.4 ± 18.5 Ncm) (p = 0.9). In periotest analysis, a significant difference was found between the values of T1 and T0 in all groups, except sham-ovariectomy group (p < 0.05); and the highest difference was found in the ovariectomy-laser group. Micro-CT examination demonstrated that ovariectomy-laser group showed an increase of implant–bone contact when compared with ovariectomy (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The values obtained from biomechanical tests and micro-CT in the ovariectomy-laser group were significantly higher than the ovariectomy group and achieved the values in the healthy bone.