bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) best practice guideline on the assessment and management of vascular access devices
Authors: Buchanan Christine , Burt Amy , Moureau Nancy , Murray Darlene , Nizum Nafsin
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

Vascular access is the most common invasive procedure performed in health care. This fundamental procedure must be performed in a safe and effective manner. Vascular access devices (VADs) are often the source of infections and other complications, yet there is a lack of clear guidance on VADs for health providers across different settings. A Best Practice Guideline (BPG) was developed by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) to provide evidence-based recommendations on the assessment and management of VADs.

Methods:

RNAO BPGs are based on systematic reviews of the literature following the GRADE approach. Experts on the topic of vascular access were selected to form a panel. Systematic reviews were conducted on six research areas: education, vascular access specialists, blood draws, daily review of peripheral VADs, visualization technologies, and pain management. A search for relevant research studies published in English limited to January 2013 was applied to eight databases. All studies were independently assessed for eligibility and risk of bias by two reviewers based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The GRADE approach was used to determine certainty of the evidence.

Results:

Over 65,000 articles were screened related to the six priority research questions. Of these, 876 full-text publications were examined for relevance, with 174 articles designated to inform nine recommendations in the BPG on the subject areas of: comprehensive health teaching, practical education for health providers, blood draws, daily review of peripheral VADs, visualization technologies, and pain management. In June 2021, the RNAO published the BPG on vascular access, which included the recommendations and other supporting resources.

Conclusion:

The vascular access BPG provides high quality guidance and updated recommendations, and can serve as a primary resource for health providers assessing and managing VADs.
Comparative effectiveness of bovine carotid artery xenograft and polytetrafluoroethylene in hemodialysis access revision
Authors: Heindel Patrick , Feliz Jessica D , Fitzgibbon James J , Rouanet Eva , Belkin Michael , Hentschel Dirk M , Ozaki C Keith , Hussain Mohamad A
Published: April 2023

Background:

When hemodialysis arteriovenous accesses fail, autogenous options are often limited. Non-autogenous conduit choices include bovine carotid artery xenografts (BCAG) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), yet their comparative effectiveness in hemodialysis access revision remains largely unknown.

Methods:

A cohort study was performed from a prospectively collected institutional database from August 2010 to July 2021. All patients undergoing an arteriovenous access revision with either BCAG or PTFE were followed for up to 3 years from their index access revision. Revision was defined as graft placement to address a specific problem of an existing arteriovenous access while maintaining one or more of the key components of the original access (e.g. inflow, outflow, and cannulation zone). Outcomes were measured starting at the date of the index revision procedure. The primary outcome was loss of secondary patency at 3 years. Secondary outcomes included loss of post-intervention primary patency, rates of recurrent interventions, and 30-day complications. Pooled logistic regression was used to estimate inverse probability weighted marginal structural models for the time-to-event outcomes of interest.

Results:

A total of 159 patients were included in the study, and 58% received access revision with BCAG. Common indications for revision included worn out cannulation zones (32%), thrombosis (18%), outflow augmentation (16%), and inflow augmentation (13%). Estimated risk of secondary patency loss at 3 years was lower in the BCAG group (8.6%, 3.9–15.1) compared to the PTFE group (24.8%, 12.4–38.7). Patients receiving BCAG experienced a 60% decreased relative risk of secondary patency loss at 3 years (risk ratio 0.40, 0.14–0.86). Recurrent interventions occurred at similar rates in the BCAG and PTFE groups, with 1.86 (1.31–2.43) and 1.60 (1.07–2.14) interventions at 1 year, respectively (hazard ratio 1.22, 0.74–1.96).

Conclusions:

Under the conditions of this contemporary cohort study, use of BCAG in upper extremity hemodialysis access revision decreased access abandonment when compared to PTFE.
Māori realities, intimacies, and sexual expressions: reconceptualising consent to uphold kaumātua mana in aged residential care
Authors: McDonald Sandra , Henrickson Mark , Cook Catherine , Schouten Vanessa
Published: April 2023

Increasingly, kaumātua (Māori elders) in Aotearoa (New Zealand) live apart from whānau (Māori extended family) in residential care, where policies are shaped by post-colonial legislation and ethical principles that privilege individual rights over Indigenous priorities and rights. The communal context of residential care has created late-life opportunity for intimacy and sexual expression with new partners. These issues are addressed in the international literature, highlighting the benefits and complexities. Literature report there may be clashes between resident and family members’ wishes, and tensions around privacy and consent. This article considers survey data and semi-structured interviews with kaimahi (Māori care workers) and a kaumātua who were part of a larger study of staff, residents, and family in the residential aged care context. Post-colonial individualistic rights-based approaches do not necessarily fit with a Māori worldview. A Māori-led articulation of consent is essential to uphold the mana (authority, influence, power) of kaumātua and whānau.
Outcomes in patients with acute stroke treated at a comprehensive stroke center using telemedicine versus in-person assessments
Authors: Ho Wilson , Fawcett Adrian P
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Telemedicine has been shown to be a safe and effective modality to assess and treat patients with acute stroke who present to a community hospital. There are no previous reports on using telemedicine to treat patients with acute stroke who present to a comprehensive stroke center. We report here the outcomes of patients with acute stroke treated in 2021 at our comprehensive stroke center using telemedicine versus an in-person assessment.

Methods

Patients with acute ischemic stroke who were treated after either a telemedicine or in-person assessment at our hospital in 2021 were identified by a retrospective chart review. The primary outcomes collected were door-to-needle (DTN) time for alteplase (tPA) administration, door-to-puncture (DTP) time for endovascular thrombectomy, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) rates and 3-month mortality.

Results

There were 302 patients with acute stroke treated at our hospital in 2021. Of these, 18.2% (n = 55/302) were treated using telemedicine. There were no differences in any of the outcomes between patients treated using telemedicine versus an in-person assessment: DTN (35.5 min (n = 42) vs 33 min (n = 182), p < 0.76), DTP (86.5 min (n = 30) vs 85 min (n = 134), p < 0.97), sICH (0% (n = 0/55) vs 1.6% (n = 4/245, p < 0.59) or 3-month mortality (20.6% (n = 7/34) vs 22.1% (n = 40/181), p < 0.29).

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report on outcomes for acute stroke patients treated using telemedicine at a comprehensive stroke center. In this study, there were no differences in outcomes between patients treated using telemedicine versus an in-person assessment.
Telepathological (Image Transmission) Configuration
Authors: Adeyinka Michael
Published: April 2023

The Laboratory for Biomedical Informatics (LBMI) has developed a digital microscope control module incorporated into an image analysis system. This is now equipped with an ISDN switch box for linking up with a remote computer-based station for delivering histopathological services. The FRAME, client/server integrated software, was developed to initiate the communication link, adjust the microscope settings, acquire and transmit images. This LBMI telepathology initiative employs simple solutions to arrive at the point of prototyping and demonstrating the state of the art on the one hand and encountering the prevailing problems in order to deliberate on possible remedies on the other.
Evaluation of an International Telepathology System between Boston (USA) and Dijon: Glass Slides Versus Telediagnostic Television Monitor
Authors: Allaert F A , Weinberg D , Dusserre P , Yvon P J , Dusserre L , Retaillau B , Cotran P
Published: April 2023

A telepathology network developed by Resintel (Dijon) has proved valuable in interactive situations, where two physicians converse by telephone, showing each other the part of the lesion they wish to discuss. In future this interactive process could be replaced by an electronic mailing service in which a limited number of images are taken from the slide, but this technique needs to be assessed in comparison with traditional microscopic diagnosis, when the pathologist can screen the entire slide. The present study compared diagnoses achieved through the traditional methods of current pathology practice with diagnoses achieved through a selection of images on a telediagnostic TV monitor. The kappa coefficient between the two protocols was 0.26 (SE = 0.06), which allows us to conclude that there is a fair reliability between video and glass slide diagnoses.
Telematic Electrodiagnosis
Authors: Papakostopoulos D
Published: April 2023

Using the Electrodiagnostic Neurophysiological Automated Analysis (ENAA) telematic system, 1560 standardized electro-diagnostic tests have been performed on 70 normal subjects and 320 patients in five laboratories in three European countries. The data from each patient have been transmitted from the five satellite laboratories to the Bristol Telematic Electrodiagnostic Centre (BRITEC), housed in the Bristol Eye Hospital, where they were evaluated and the conclusions transmitted to the place of origin. The results from the normal subjects were not significantly different between laboratories. Also patients with specific types of disease had similar results in all laboratories. The results from both the normal subjects and the patients show that a working prototype for providing telematic electrodiagnosis is available and has been well received by both clinicians and patients.
Tapping the Television Cable
Authors: Clarke Malcolm , Findlay Andrew , Canac Jean-François , Vergez Alexis
Published: April 2023

Immediate access to patient data is essential to support good clinical decision making and support. However, away from the surgery, the doctor is currently unable to have any access to the clinical database. Solutions exist to support remote access, such as modems or radio data networks, but these are slow, with typical speeds in the 2–10 kbaud region. We propose a novel solution, to use the TV cable already installed in many homes. Using this technology, a suitably equipped computer (RF modem) is capable of connecting at speeds in excess of 500 kbaud and will run applications in exactly the same way as if connected to a surgery network: the cable TV becomes a LAN, but on a metropolitan scale. Brunei University, in collaboration with the Cable Corporation, has been piloting such a network. Issues include not only levels of service, but also security on the network and access, since the data are being effectively received in every home. However, close scrutiny of channel use can create closed networks reserved for specific users. The technology involves use of an RF modem to transmit data on a reverse channel (based at 16 MHz) on each subnet to a router at the head end of the cable network. This frequency translates the packet and retransmits it to all the subnets on a forward channel (based at 178 MHz). Each channel occupies the bandwidth normally allocated to one TV channel. Access is based on a modified CSMA/CD protocol, so treating the cable network as single multiple access network. The modem comes as a standard card installed in a PC and appears much as an ethemet card, but at reduced speed. With an NDIS driver it is quite able to support almost any network software, and has successfully demonstrated Novell and TCP/IP. We describe the HomeWorker™ network and the results from a pilot study being undertaken to determine the performance of the system and its impact on working practice.
Influence of parental anxiety and beliefs about medicines on feeding and exercise in children living with asthma
Authors: Clarke Rebecca , Heath Gemma , Nagakumar Prasad , Farrow Claire
Published: April 2023

This study’s primary objective was to establish differences in beliefs about medicines, levels of asthma-related anxiety and diet and exercise behaviours between parents of children with well controlled and poorly controlled asthma. Secondary objectives were to explore how asthma control might shape relationships between parental cognitions and parenting practices concerning paediatric asthma. Parents of children with asthma aged 10–16 years ( N = 310) completed standardised questionnaires measuring beliefs about medicines, parental asthma-related anxiety, parenting attitudes towards child activity, parental feeding and asthma control. Parents of children with poorly controlled asthma reported significantly greater asthma medication necessity and concern, asthma-related anxiety, control of child activity, pressure to exercise and unhealthy feeding practices. Moderation analyses indicated that the relationship between parental concern about asthma medicine and parental control of child activity was strongest in children with poorly controlled asthma. Also, the relationship between parental asthma-related anxiety and use of food to regulate child emotion was only significant when asthma was poorly controlled. Parental beliefs about asthma medicines and asthma-related anxiety may indirectly influence asthma outcomes through unhealthy parenting practices around exercise and diet. Eliciting and understanding parents’ perceptions of asthma medications and anxiety may facilitate personalised interventions to improve asthma control.
Medical necessity, mental health, and justice
Authors: Prendergast Emma
Published: April 2023

This paper examines the concept of medical necessity as it relates to mental health care rationing, arguing that the normal functioning model of medical necessity is insufficient because it fails to cohere with an important aim and function of mental health care, which is to provide support for individuals in abusive or otherwise difficult personal relationships.
Mapping the public and non-public interactions and partnerships across the versatile learning ecosystem in Hong Kong
Authors: LAM Man Ho Adrian
Published: April 2023

A prominent factor contributing to the success of Hong Kong as one of the high-performing learning systems around the world throughout the decades is its responsive and innovative as well as resilient and sustainable learning ecosystem. Hong Kong’s learning ecosystem has long been remaining tripartite, which involves the conventional top-down and bottom-up dimensions, namely, the government and schools, as well as the middle-out dimension, namely, the cross-sectoral collaboration. Most importantly, all of them are unleashing their unique potentials and creating collaborating synergistic dynamics towards the overarching goal of enhancing student learning in view of the complex, dynamic, and evolving future ahead. Therefore, the notion ‘versatile learning ecosystem’ can be succinctly employed to portray Hong Kong’s learning ecosystem. This conceptual article aims to contribute to the field by offering a springboard for the wide range of nexuses and networks manifested in the public and non-public sectors in education, especially in terms of the dimensions of ‘what’, ‘why’, and ‘how’. The focus will be placed on illustrating the five major areas of Hong Kong’s learning ecosystem that include (1) promotion of consultative and participative policy formulation and implementation; (2) enhancement of learning and teaching experience; (3) facilitation of students’ holistic well-being; (4) support of underprivileged students in learning and teaching; and (5) cultivation of collaborative teaching, research, and service networks. In the future, it is anticipated that the public and non-public sectors will be working more frequently, closely, and intensely in supporting and promoting student learning in various levels and modes.
A Systematic Review of the Effect of PTSD and Trauma on Treatment Outcomes for Eating Disorders
Authors: Day Sinead , Hay Phillipa , Tannous Wadad. Kathy , Fatt Scott J. , Mitchison Deborah
Published: April 2023

There is growing evidence of prior experiences of trauma and trauma-related symptoms among people with eating disorders; however, there is little understanding as to how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and exposure to traumatic events affect treatment outcomes. Without this knowledge, eating disorder clinicians are unable to tailor treatment to ensure good outcomes for the large percentage of this population that is affected by PTSD and trauma. This systematic review aimed to identify how PTSD and trauma exposure influence outcomes in eating disorder treatment. Systematic searches of PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus databases identified 16 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated a negative effect on rates of eating disorder treatment completion and eating disorder psychopathology posttreatment. These findings were evident across studies that investigated the impact of a history of traumatic events as well as studies that investigated the impact of the presence of trauma-related symptoms seen in PTSD. Several methodological limitations were identified in the literature. These include: heterogeneous and unstandardized measures of PTSD and trauma, high attrition rates with follow-up, and insufficient data to enable comparisons by treatment setting, diagnostic presentation, and type of trauma exposure. The findings of this review have implications for future research and clinical care, including the importance of considering PTSD and trauma in assessment, treatment planning, and provision of both trauma-informed care and trauma-focused treatments for individuals with eating disorders.
How Are Patients Who Legally Use Medical Marijuana Treated When Hospitalized?
Authors: Kurtzman Ellen T. , Greene Jessica
Published: April 2023

The majority of U.S. states have legalized marijuana for medical use and some states have legalized marijuana for recreational use; yet, marijuana remains illegal federally. Given the misalignment between state and federal policies, this paper seeks to explore how hospitals handle inpatients’ medical marijuana use in states where medical marijuana is legal. To examine this phenomenon, we conducted an anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey of nurse leaders working in acute care inpatient settings in states that had legalized medical marijuana. Using descriptive statistics, we report on these nurse leaders’ experiences. There were 811 survey responses—291 who worked in an acute care inpatient setting in a state that had legalized medical marijuana. Among those respondents, only a small percentage reported that inpatients had some access to their medical marijuana: 5.8% reported that the drug was kept in the pharmacy and dispensed like other prescriptions; another 3.4% indicated that patients kept the medical marijuana in their rooms and took it, as needed. Most respondents (55.6%) reported that patients were switched to an alternative medication during their inpatient hospital stays. Almost half (49.4%) of the nurse leaders who reported that alternative medications were used, reported that opioids were substituted, and the majority reported that the marijuana was safer than the opioids. These findings are concerning given the increase in opioid overdose deaths.
Exploring Gender Bias in Six Key Domains of Academic Science: An Adversarial Collaboration
Authors: Ceci Stephen J. , Kahn Shulamit , Williams Wendy M.
Published: April 2023

We synthesized the vast, contradictory scholarly literature on gender bias in academic science from 2000 to 2020. In the most prestigious journals and media outlets, which influence many people’s opinions about sexism, bias is frequently portrayed as an omnipresent factor limiting women’s progress in the tenure-track academy. Claims and counterclaims regarding the presence or absence of sexism span a range of evaluation contexts. Our approach relied on a combination of meta-analysis and analytic dissection. We evaluated the empirical evidence for gender bias in six key contexts in the tenure-track academy: (a) tenure-track hiring, (b) grant funding, (c) teaching ratings, (d) journal acceptances, (e) salaries, and (f) recommendation letters. We also explored the gender gap in a seventh area, journal productivity, because it can moderate bias in other contexts. We focused on these specific domains, in which sexism has most often been alleged to be pervasive, because they represent important types of evaluation, and the extensive research corpus within these domains provides sufficient quantitative data for comprehensive analysis. Contrary to the omnipresent claims of sexism in these domains appearing in top journals and the media, our findings show that tenure-track women are at parity with tenure-track men in three domains (grant funding, journal acceptances, and recommendation letters) and are advantaged over men in a fourth domain (hiring). For teaching ratings and salaries, we found evidence of bias against women; although gender gaps in salary were much smaller than often claimed, they were nevertheless concerning. Even in the four domains in which we failed to find evidence of sexism disadvantaging women, we nevertheless acknowledge that broad societal structural factors may still impede women’s advancement in academic science. Given the substantial resources directed toward reducing gender bias in academic science, it is imperative to develop a clear understanding of when and where such efforts are justified and of how resources can best be directed to mitigate sexism when and where it exists.
Histological Response to 5 kHz Irreversible Electroporation in a Porcine Liver Model
Authors: Kim Hong Bae , Baik Ku Youn , Sung Chang Kyu
Published: April 2023

Unlike necrosis by thermal ablation, irreversible electroporation (IRE) is known to induce apoptosis by disrupting plasma membrane integrity with electric pulses while preserving the structure of blood vessels and bile ducts in liver tissue without a heat sink effect. This study aimed to investigate thermal damage and histopathological effects in the porcine liver by high-frequency electric pulses (5 kHz) which is much higher than the widely used 1 Hz. The electric field and thermal distributions of 5 kHz electric pulses were compared with those of 1 Hz in numerical simulations. 5 kHz-IRE was applied on pigs under ultrasound imaging to guide the electrode placement. The animals underwent computed tomography (CT) examination immediately and 1 day after IRE. After CT, IRE-treated tissues were taken and analyzed histologically. CT revealed that hepatic veins were intact for 1-day post-IRE. Histopathologically, the structure of the portal vein was intact, but endothelial cells were partially removed. In addition, the hepatic artery structure from which endothelial cells were removed were not damaged, while the bile duct structure and cholangiocytes were intact. The thermal injury was observed only in the vicinity of the electrodes as simulated in silico. 5 kHz-IRE generated high heat due to its short pulse interval, but the thermal damage was limited to the tissue around the electrodes. The histopathological damage caused by 5 kHz-IRE was close to that caused by 1 Hz-IRE. If a short-time treatment is required for reasons such as anesthesia, high-frequency IRE treatment is worth considering. Our observations will contribute to a better understanding of the IRE phenomena and search for advanced therapeutic conditions.
Comparison of Radiofrequency Ablation and Saphenous Vein Stripping for the Treatment of Recurrent Lower Extremity Venous Insufficiency
Authors: Kanber Eyup Murat , Cetin Hakkı Kursat
Published: April 2023

Objective

To compare the efficiency and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and saphenous vein stripping (SVS) for the treatment of recurrent lower extremity chronic superficial venous insufficiency (CSVI).

Methods

Patients who underwent SVS and RFA for recurrent lower extremity CSVI following RFA and patients who had 2-year follow-up results were enrolled into the study. Total, 37 patients who underwent a second RFA session with 2-year follow-up results were available. Then 37 patients were selected from 88 patients who underwent SVS for recurrent lower extremity CSVI to achieve a 1:1 ratio for comparison. Groups were compared based on preoperative properties, operative parameters, postoperative outcomes, complications and follow-up results.

Results

Duration of the procedure was 20.7 minutes in the RFA group and 30.7 minutes in the SVS group (P = .001). Postoperative pain at first hour, sixth hour and 24th hour were significantly lower in patients who underwent RF (P = .001 for each parameter). Moreover, hospitalization time (18.1 hours vs 24.6 hours, P = .001) and time to return to normal daily activities (1.6 days and 2.5 days, P = .001) were significantly shorter in the RFA group. Success of the procedure did not statistically significant at first year follow-up (P = .304). However, success was significantly higher for the SVS group at second year follow-up (73% for RFA group and 91.9% for SVS group, P = .032).

Conclusion

We achieved significantly shorter procedure time, less postoperative hospitalization time, and a shorter time to return to daily activities with RFA. In contrast, the success rate of SVS was significantly higher at the second year follow-up, but not the first year follow-up in comparison with RFA.
Privacy enhancing technology adoption and its impact on SMEs’ performance
Authors: Hasani Tahereh , Rezania Davar , Levallet Nadège , O’Reilly Norman , Mohammadi Mohammad
Published: April 2023

As society places greater emphasis on information privacy and data protection, organizations are increasingly adopting Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) to safeguard the personal information of their stakeholders. This trend is fueled by growing consumer awareness and the introduction of government regulations aimed at protecting personal data. By implementing PETs, organizations can ensure compliance with privacy regulations and establish trust with their customers. This study aims to deepen the understanding of the determinants of Privacy Enhancing Technology (PET) adoption in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and its impact on their performance. It focuses on the technology-organization-environment (TOE) model, managerial readiness, firm size, industry sector, and intent to adopt PETs as potential drivers of PET adoption. By using a large-scale survey of 202 Canadian SMEs, the study evaluates the mediating role of intent in the relationship between the TOE model, managerial readiness, and market performance. The results of this study contribute to the growing body of research on PET adoption in SMEs and provide insights for organizations and managers to effectively adopt PETs. The results of this study indicate that technological, environmental, organizational, and managerial readiness have a positive effect on the intention to adopt PETs. Additionally, the intention to adopt PETs was found to have a positive relationship with firm performance. The findings also reveal that the intention to adopt PETs fully mediates the relationship between the four dimensions of readiness and firm performance. These findings highlight the important role that readiness and intention play in the adoption of PETs and its impact on firm performance. This study also found that firm size moderates the relationship between technological and organizational readiness with intention to adopt PETs, as well as the relationship between environmental and managerial readiness with intention to adopt PETs. The study identified the top five factors affecting PET adoption as cybersecurity awareness, perceived cost of adoption, ease of use, perceived benefits, and IT infrastructure. The findings suggest that technological readiness is the most influential of the four dimensions, followed by organizational, environmental, and managerial factors. This study presents crucial considerations for SMEs to evaluate when deciding on the use of PET technologies, as it pertains to practitioners.
Impact of X-Ray Exposure From Computed Tomography on Wearable Insulin Delivery Devices
Authors: Dong Frank , Johnson Paul , Fong Grant , Nguyen Alex , Lauand Felipe , Vienneau Todd
Published: April 2023

Background:

To investigate the impact of radiation exposure from a computed tomography (CT) scanner on the functional integrity of a wearable insulin delivery system.

Methods:

A total of 160 Omnipods and four personal diabetes managers (PDMs) were evenly divided into four groups: (1) control group (no radiation exposure), (2) typical radiation exposure group, (3) 4× typical radiation exposure group, and (4) scatter radiation group. Pods were attached to an anthropomorphic torso phantom on the abdomen (direct irradiation) or shoulder (scatter radiation) region. A third-generation dual-source CT scanner was used to scan the pods using either a typical exposure (used for routine CT abdominal study of a median size patient) or 4× typical exposure. A manufacturer-recommended 20-step functionality test was performed for all 160 Omnipods.

Results:

The radiation dose (measured in volume CT Dose index) was 16 mGy for a typical exposure, and 64 mGy for 4× typical exposure. The scatter radiation is less than 0.1 mGy. All Pods passed the functionality test except one pod in the scatter radiation group, which sounded an alarm due to occlusion. The blockage to the fluid was due to a kink in the soft cannula, a mechanical issue not caused by the radiation exposure.

Conclusions:

This study suggests X-ray exposure levels used in radiological imaging procedures do not negatively impact the functional integrity of Omnipods. This finding may support the potential for the manufacturer to remove the warning that patients should remove the Pod for X-ray imaging procedures, which will have a huge impact on patient care.
A Literature Review on the Antiviral Mechanism of Luteolin
Authors: Lu Peng , Zhang Tingrui , Ren Yali , Rao Huanan , Lei Jieting , Zhao Guiying , Wang Miao , Gong Daoyin , Cao Zhixing
Published: April 2023

Background

Viral infections pose some of the most serious human health concerns worldwide. The infections caused by several viruses, including coronavirus, hepatitis virus, and human immunodeficiency virus, are difficult to treat.

Methods

This review details the findings of a literature search performed on the antiviral properties of luteolin. The keywords engaged in the search are “virus” along with “luteolin.”

Results

Luteolin possesses antiviral properties, which is the basis for the current review. It is an important natural flavonoid with numerous important biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, immune regulatory, and antitumor effects, and is found in vegetables, fruits, and several medicinal plants. Recent studies have revealed that many traditional Chinese medicines that contain luteolin inhibit the replication of coronaviruses.

Conclusion

Luteolin effectively inhibits the replication of coronavirus, influenza virus, enterovirus, rotavirus, herpes virus, and respiratory syncytial virus, among others. In particular, it prevents viral infection by improving the body's nonspecific immunity and antioxidation capacity and inhibiting many pathways related to virus infection and replication, such as MAPK, PI3K-AKT, TLR4/8, NF-κB, Nrf-2/hemeoxygenase-1, and others. It also regulates the expression of some receptors and factors, including hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α, p53, NLRP3, TNF-α, and interleukins, thereby interfering with the replication of viruses in cells. Luteolin also promotes the repair of damaged cells induced by proinflammatory factors by regulating the expression of inflammatory molecules. The overall effect of these processes is the reduction in viral replication and, consequently, the viral load. This review summarizes the antiviral effect of luteolin and the mechanism underlying this property.
Adalimumab-induced central nervous system demyelination in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Shirah Bader , Altwirgi Samaher , Faridoon Irfan , Alghamdi Saeed
Published: April 2023

Adalimumab (Humira) is a human monoclonal antibody that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha antagonist class of medications. Central Nervous System (CNS) demyelination is a rare side effect of adalimumab, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature of patients who developed multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating patterns after using adalimumab. In this report, we present a case of CNS demyelination in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis that developed a few months after using adalimumab. Performing brain MRI for asymptomatic individuals prior to initiating anti-TNF alpha agents to exclude a pre-existing demyelinating disease may be worthwhile. Routine brain MRI for monitoring and surveillance may facilitate detecting cases early and avoid the development of permanent neurological disability. Further studies are needed to clarify the neurological safety of anti-TNF alpha agents.
An incidental discovery of a gastric follicular dendritic cell sarcoma: A rare case report and a literature review
Authors: Sassi Farah , Sahraoui Ghada , Charfi Lamia , Achouri Leila , Doghri Raoudha , Mrad Karima
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Follicular dendritic cell sarcomas (FDCS) are rare tumours, typically seen in lymph nodes. However, in about one third of the reported cases, a FDCS presents as an extranodal mass. Involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is rare, and the stomach is even rarer with only four cases described to date. The aim of this study was to review clinical characteristics, pathologic features, emphasize on differential diagnosis and discuss therapeutic modalities and prognosis of this rare entity.Case presentation: We report on a 36-year-old female patient with no past medical history, an incidentally discovered FDCS located in the stomach with the presence of lymph node metastasis at the time of diagnosis. The diagnosis of a FDCS was made on morphological and immunohistochemical findings where tumor cells expressed CD21 and CD23. The tumor was resected by gastrectomy with extended para-aortic lymphadenectomy, with uneventful postoperative course.Conclusions: Due to its rarity, FDCS is rarely included in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal spindle cell tumors. Complete surgical resection is the current gold standard of treatment.
Centering the geographical imaginations of research participants in narrating speculative futures
Authors: Nelson Elizabeth
Published: April 2023

In this commentary, I consider how geographers narrating speculative futures might risk disempowering their research participants. Reflecting on my work with community cultural organizations, I discuss the importance of centering participants and their geographical imaginations of their own futures in qualitative research projects. I then consider restructuring researcher-participant voice in the narration of speculative futures, and my use of future-focused questioning.
Introducing the MMAD Repressive Actors Dataset
Authors: Rød Espen Geelmuyden , Rustemeyer Jan , Otto Sabine
Published: April 2023

We present the MMAD Repressive Actors Dataset (MMAD-RA). The MMAD-RA is a new data source that provides systematic information on the repressive actors present at protest events in autocracies, including their type, tactics, and level of violence. The data is temporally and geographically fine-grained, allowing for analysis between and within more than 60 countries from 2003 to 2012. The MMAD-RA enables analysis of the variation in repressive actors deployed to protests and their behavior, as well as how these actors impact protest dynamics and outcomes across political and socio-economic contexts. We believe the data will be a valuable resource for pushing forward research on how repressive actors engage with mass protests.
Digital nationalism: How do the Chinese diplomats and digital public view “Wolf Warrior” diplomacy?
Authors: Chen Keyu Alexander
Published: April 2023

The scholarship of “wolf warrior” diplomacy either studies the label under China’s digital diplomacy targeting the overseas audience or associates it with digital nationalism within China. However, we still know little about how “wolf warrior” is viewed by the Chinese diplomats and the Chinese digital public, respectively. This study identifies six moments when the Chinese diplomats publicly responded to the media question about the “wolf warrior” label. Through discourse analysis, this study finds that the Chinese diplomats defend and justify their assertive communication styles as counter-attacks to the Western attacks while refusing to recognize “wolf warrior” as the hallmark of China’s foreign policy. Meanwhile, by examining the most popular and representative user comments under Weibo posts featuring diplomatic responses, the study finds that most Chinese digital public exhibit varied nationalist sentiments, whereas some users defy the mainstream nationalist sentiment and challenge diplomatic assertiveness. This study shows more nuances in the interactions between the top-down and bottom-up nationalist approaches in China’s foreign policy. It suggests top-down state-driven forces’ essential but restrained role in shaping bottom-up nationalism.
Vocational School–Enterprise Cooperation in China: A Review of Policy Reforms, 1978–2022
Authors: Zhou (周英文) Yingwen , Xu (徐国庆) Guoqing
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study conducted a review of policy reforms of school–enterprise cooperation in China's vocational education and its characteristics at different stages.

Design/Approach/Methods

This study systematically reviewed vocational educational policies on school–enterprise cooperation adopted by the Chinese government since 1978 using textual analysis.

Findings

The development of school–enterprise cooperation in China's vocational education can be divided into four stages: spontaneous development (Stage 1), central position establishment (Stage 2), systematic design (Stage 3), and institutional construction (Stage 4). After years of practice and exploration, China's school–enterprise cooperation has made impressive achievements, but also has several problems that require further improvement.

Originality/Value

This study examined over 40 years of history of the development of vocational school–enterprise cooperation in China, providing a useful reference for learning and understanding Chinese vocational education.
Science communication to empower women in science: The case of Brazil
Authors: Barata Germana , Ludwig Zélia
Published: April 2023

The recent pandemic negatively affected the career development of women scientists drawing attention to the need for urgent actions to ensure that gains in gender equality in science are retained. In Brazil, women scientists contributed much to the fight against COVID-19 by supplying valuable information to the media, combating misinformation and looking for ways to reduce the impacts of the pandemic in homes and workplaces. This paper diagnoses inequalities of opportunities in science and emphasizes science communication as an important tool for increasing the visibility and empowerment of women scientists in Brazil. Science communication can strengthen the visibility, presence and voice of women in society and promote equitable practices in terms of gender and race. It can also enable women scientists to work as role models for the younger generations. This paper goes beyond a brief discussion on the impacts of science communication on increasing diversity and makes recommendations to accelerate gender and ethnic–racial equity within science.
Reducing Officer-Involved Deaths of Civilians in Urban Areas: Forecasting the Effects of Departmental Policies
Authors: Kelsay James D. , Silver Ian A. , Butler Leah C.
Published: April 2023

Recent police-involved deaths of Black civilians have sparked public outcry and demand for police reforms. However, many departmental policies intended to reduce the lethal use-of-force by police officers lack empirical support for their effectiveness. To address this shortcoming, a Bayesian random intercept model is used to forecast the effects of eight departmental policies on the number of police-involved civilian deaths across 66 police departments. Results suggest that although several policies are associated with a reduction in officer-involved deaths of civilians in some police departments, they are unlikely to eliminate officer-involved deaths completely. Specifically, we observed that introducing additional departmental policies would only reduce the number of officer-involved deaths by approximately 5 to 10. Moreover, variation in the baseline number of officer-involved deaths and the effectiveness of these policies existed between the 66 police departments. The results suggest that de-escalation training, ban on chokeholds, comprehensive reporting, restrictions on foot pursuit, restrictions on vehicle pursuit, community surveys, and problem-oriented policies could reduce the number of officer-involved civilian deaths. Nevertheless, variation in the number of police-involved deaths of civilians and differential effects of policies across agencies suggests a more tailored solution, and additional research is needed to address this crisis.
Racialized Emotions When Thinking about Slavery: Associations Between Group Identification and Feelings of Threat, Shame, and Guilt Among White Americans
Authors: Reichelmann Ashley V.
Published: April 2023

This paper highlights the relationship between group identification and racialized emotions among white Americans when asked to think about slavery on U.S. soil. Previous scholarship focuses on the consequences of such emotions or stimuli that increase them; however, there is limited work focusing on threat as a racialized emotion, or more broadly who is likely to experience heightened emotions when asked to think about historical racial violence that implicates their group. Using Group Position Theory and Identity Theory, I elevate work on racial threat as an emotion, and demonstrate how it is linked to white Americans’ group identification with their racial, national, and class identities. Then I compare this relationship to other commonly studied emotions—guilt and shame—to demonstrate threat’s unique relationship with these identities. Using survey data collected from a Survey Sampling International panel ( n = 869), I find that feelings of threat are maximized among white Americans who strongly identify with their racial and national identities. In contrast, guilt is heightened among whites who strongly identify with their racial identity, but weakly identify with their national identity, while shame has no significant relationship with these identities. Feelings of threat are also more likely in respondents who self-identify as members of the lower or working class (in comparison to the middle class). The results highlight one way that threat is a distinct emotional experience for white Americans when compared to other emotions. I conclude by discussing how understanding emotions as an outcome of white Americans’ self-perceptions of their identities as group members stands to advance the study of intergroup relations and racism in the United States.
Integrating Mini-Debates in Business & Society/Business Ethics Classes
Authors: Keiser John
Published: April 2023

In-class debates are an effective teaching method to cover contentious subjects. This article presents an experiential exercise in which students participate in debates pertaining to the inherent conflict between businesses’ profit motive and the broader interests of society. Included in this article are classroom instructions for the exercise and potential issues for debates. In addition to requiring students to consider the multiple perspectives of contentious business issues, mini-debates offer a highly interactive activity for courses at the undergraduate or graduate level.
“To Be or Not to Be”—Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Hospitalized People Who Have a Low Probability of Benefit: Qualitative Analysis of Semi-structured Interviews
Authors: Kobewka Daniel , Lalani Yasmin , Shaffer Victoria , Adewole Tolulope , Lypka Kiefer , Wegier Pete
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Our aim was to understand the decision making of patients in hospital who wanted cardiopulmonary resuscitation despite low probability of benefit.

Methods

We included patients admitted to general medical wards who had a low chance of surviving in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and had an order in the chart to administer CPR. We developed an interview guide to explore participants’ decision-making process, sources of information, and emotions associated with this decision.

Results

We developed 3 themes from the data. 1) “Life is worth living . . . for now”: Participants describe their enjoyment of life and desire to carry on in their current state. 2) “Making sense of CPR outcomes”: Participants saw CPR outcomes as binary, either they live, or they die; deciding not to receive CPR means choosing death. Participants were optimistic they would survive CPR and cited personal experience and TV as information sources. 3) “Decision process”: Participants did not engage in shared decision making. Instead, they were asked a binary yes/no question with no reflection on their values or discussion about harms or benefits.

Limitations

The probability of successful CPR in our sample is unknown. Findings may be different in a population who is imminently dying but still requesting CPR.

Conclusions

Participants chose CPR because they perceived life as worth living and CPR as a chance worth taking. Participants did not want to be left in a severely debilitated state but did not have accurate information about this risk.

Implications

Decision making about CPR in-hospital can be improved if it is grounded in accurate risk understanding and the patient’s values and wishes.