bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracing Settler Colonialism: A Genealogy of a Paradigm in the Sociology of Knowledge Production in Israel
Authors: Sabbagh-Khoury Areej
Published: March 2021

Knowledge is inextricably bound to power in the context of settler colonialism where apprehension of the Other is a tool of domination. Tracing the development of the “settler colonial” paradigm, this article deconstructs Zionist and Israeli dispossession of Palestinian land and sovereignty, applying the sociology of knowledge production to the study of the Israeli-Palestinian case. The settler colonial paradigm, linked to Israeli critical sociology, post-Zionism, and postcolonialism, reemerged following changes in the political landscape from the mid-1990s that reframed the history of the Nakba as enduring, challenged the Jewish definition of the state, and legitimated Palestinians as agents of history. Palestinian scholars in Israel lead the paradigm’s reformulation. This article offers a phenomenology of Palestinian positionality, a critical potential for decolonizing the settler colonial structure and exclusive Jewish sovereignty, to consolidate a field of study that shapes not only research into the Israeli-Palestinian case but approaches to decolonization and liberation.
“The Most Disastrous and Fatal Epidemic”: Mortality Statistics During the 1890 Russian Influenza Epidemic in Connecticut
Authors: Ewing E. Thomas
Published: March 2021

During the Russian influenza pandemic, which reached the United States in late 1889, US public health officials attempted to document the number of deaths associated with this disease outbreak. A historical perspective illuminates the complex categories used to classify deaths from influenza-associated diseases; substantial changes in weekly, monthly, and yearly death totals; and thoughtful efforts by health officials to measure the epidemic as it happened. The 1114 influenza deaths reported by the Connecticut State Board of Health in the 3 years after the January 1890 outbreak must be supplemented by the notable increases in the number of deaths from respiratory diseases, which elevates the likely toll to more than 7000 deaths during the epidemic. Whereas historians of public health have primarily examined efforts to control communicable diseases, this case study of mortality statistics reported by town officials and analyzed by the Connecticut State Board of Health demonstrates how officers of the local boards of health also responded to unexpected outbreaks of a familiar disease such as influenza. Understanding how organizations measured influenza-associated mortality illustrates an important stage in the development of American public health and also makes an important contribution to studying pandemics in history.
Arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex repair: A biomechanical comparison of anchor and pull-out techniques in Atzei type II lesions
Authors: Gutiérrez-Monclus Rodrigo , Ferreres Angel , Rodríguez-Baeza Alfonso , Gutiérrez-Espinoza Héctor
Published: March 2021

Several open and arthroscopic techniques for repair triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears have been used. The aim of this study, using a cadaveric model, was to compare the biomechanical resistance to the pronosupination movement of arthroscopic repair with anchor and pull-out techniques in TFCC tears of Atzei type II lesions. Eighteen forearms of cadaveric specimens were evaluated arthroscopically, of which 12 were selected according to the inclusion criteria. All specimens were injured with an Atzei type II lesion and were repaired arthroscopically. Six forearms were repaired using the anchor technique and the other six with the pull-out technique. To assess the biomechanical resistance of the repair, the forearms were tested to 300 cycles of 160° pronosupination. Two evaluators independently assessed the repair status every 10 cycles and the modified Desai classification was used to verify the presence of failure. The mean failure of the repair occurred at 41.6 cycles (SD 7.5) for the pull-out technique and at 28.3 cycles (SD 9.8) for the anchor technique, showing a difference of 13.3 cycles ( p = 0.025) in favor of the pull-out technique. In all cases, repair failure occurred at the junction of the fibrocartilage with the suture. Arthroscopic repair with the pull-out technique showed greater biomechanical resistance to pronosupination movement in comparison to the anchor technique. Interestingly, the failure of arthroscopic repair of Atzei type II lesions occurs at the junction between the suture and the fibrocartilage.
Disturbance-observer-based attitude control under input nonlinearity
Authors: Javaid Umair , Dong Hongyang
Published: March 2021

A disturbance observer-based control scheme is proposed in this paper to deal with the attitude stabilization problems of spacecraft subjected to external disturbances, parameter uncertainties, and input nonlinearities. Particularly, the proposed approach addresses the dead-zone issue, a non-smooth nonlinearity affiliated with control input that significantly increases controller design difficulties. A novel nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO) is developed, which relaxes the strong assumption in conventional NDO design that disturbances should be constants or varying with slow rates. After that, a special integral sliding mode controller (ISMC) is combined with the NDO to achieve asymptotic convergence of system states. Simulations are performed in the presence of time-varying disturbances, parameter uncertainties, and dead-zone nonlinearity to justify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Tonsillectomy Outcomes for Coblation Versus Bipolar Diathermy Techniques in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alsaif Abdulmalik , Alazemi Mohammad , Kahlar Narvair , Karam Mohammad , Abul Ahmad , Al-Naseem Abdulrahman , Muhanna Abdulredha Al , Aldrees Turki
Published: March 2021

Introduction and Aims:

There is no consensus on the optimal tonsillectomy technique in adult patients. The study aims to identify all studies comparing the outcomes of coblation versus bipolar diathermy in adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy.

Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Primary outcomes were hemorrhage and postoperative pain. Secondary outcome measures included return to theatre, analgesia, intraoperative bleeding, diet, tonsillar healing, and operation time. Fixed-effects modeling was used for the analysis.

Results:

Six studies were identified enrolling a total of 1824 patients. There were no significant differences in terms of reactionary hemorrhage (OR = 1.81, P = .51), delayed hemorrhage (OR = 0.72, P = .20), or postoperative pain (mean difference = −0.15, P = .45); however, there is a general trend favuring coblation. For secondary outcomes, no significant differences noted in terms of intraoperative bleeding, diet, and cases returning to theatre. Analgesia administration was either insignificant or higher in the coblation group. The coblation group had longer operation time and greater healing effect on tonsillar tissue.

Conclusions:

There were no significant differences in outcomes for coblation and bipolar diathermy for adult tonsillectomy patients in this systematic review and meta-analysis.
Factors Related to Ventilation Tube Extrusion Time in Children and Adults
Authors: Lin Yi-Chih , Kao Yi-Lin , Chen Yen-Chun , Chen Lung-Che , Dang Luong Huu , Hung Shih-Han
Published: March 2021

Background and Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting extrusion time in both children and adults with ventilation tube (VT) insertion, providing useful information for clinicians for better decision-making, follow strategy, and potentially improve clinical outcomes for these patients.

Methods:

Data from patients receiving myringotomy with VT insertion from January 1, 2007, to June 30, 2012, were retrospectively collected and analyzed by the end of 2018. Various factors, including age, gender, history of VT insertion, tympanogram, size of VT used, local finding of tympanic membrane, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and postoperative ear infection, were included and analyzed to examine the effects of these factors on extrusion time.

Results:

A total of 447 patients were included in this study (Child group–Adult group = 237:210). The overall average extrusion time was 225.85 days. In the subgroup analysis, the average time was 221.3 days and 231.0 days for children and adults, respectively. The results showed that the VT extrusion time was significantly longer in participants without a history of VT insertion and in those where larger sized VTs were inserted in both age-groups. Male gender had an influence on extrusion time in children. In addition, a history of VT insertion and VT size were determined to be factors related to extrusion before 12 months in children.

Conclusion:

History of VT insertion and VT size were significantly related to VT extrusion time in both children and adults and defined as factors associated with extrusion before 12 months in children. The findings suggest avoiding VT with a diameter < 1 mm and considering an appropriately larger size in patients with a history of VT insertion to optimize VT retention.
Caring Leader Identity Between Power and Powerlessness
Authors: Levay Charlotta , Andersson Bäck Monica
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates what happens when managers’ identity is centred on caring, an underappreciated aspect of leadership. Drawing on a case study of managers in elderly care, we distil an ideal-typical caring leader identity as well as contextualised interpretations that suggest both problematic and constructive aspects. The caring leader identity implies a self-understanding as being highly present, supportive and helpful to subordinates’ development. We find that the belief of making a decisive difference to others’ development by caring for them can be a deceptive fantasy that incites over-dependence among subordinates, particularly for ambitious managers who experience pressing situations and little power. Under better but likely less common conditions, managers can develop more modest expressions of a caring leader identity, leaving space for subordinates themselves to define problems and explore solutions.
Data and Organization Studies: Aesthetics, emotions, discourse and our everyday encounters with data
Authors: Saifer Adam , Dacin M. Tina
Published: March 2021

Despite the growing “data imperative” and “fetishization of data” across organizational contexts, critical scholars have adhered to a set of normative understandings for how people experience and engage with data and datafication in and around organizations: namely, as numbers and statistics that are “captured”, interpreted, and operationalized. In reality, however, data and datafication are experienced within organizational life in a multiplicity of ways that often have very little to do with numbers and statistics. In this essay, we shift our attention to these less overt and less examined ways in which data and datafication shape organizational life—specifically, the aesthetic, emotional, and discursive aspects of our everyday encounters with it. By attending to the multiple, complex, and nuanced entanglements of data and organization, organizational scholars will be better equipped to navigate the increasingly fraught terrain between technocratic data worship and anti-science politics that characterize the current political moment. In doing so, we hope to contribute to a more politicized, historicized, and democratized data studies that can support movements for social, economic, and ecological justice.
Investigating how the Clock–Event Time Dialectic Shapes the Doing of Time in Organizational Change
Authors: Cuganesan Suresh
Published: March 2021

Enacting both clock and event time – ambitemporality – in organizational change is beneficial but contradictory. Prior research establishes that actors valuing the co-existence of both time conceptions enables ambitemporality in change. However, this is likely to be problematic in many organizations because clock time is hegemonic. Clock time not only exerts systemic influences, but its proponents also work to exclude event time perspectives from affecting change. So how does event time influence change in these contexts? I explore, in an ethnography of an organizational change, how the clock–event time dialectic shapes the doing of time in change. The study’s primary contribution is in showing that event time proponents gain power to influence change through two types of political action: uncertainty switching and plasticizing temporal boundaries. A secondary contribution demonstrates the specific features of conflict that enable ambitemporality to emerge despite power asymmetries existing between the contradictory time conceptions.
Who Is Centered? A Systematic Review of Early Childhood Researchers’ Descriptions of Children and Caregivers From Linguistically Minoritized Communities
Authors: Soto-Boykin Xigrid T. , Larson Anne L. , Olszewski Arnold , Velury Veena , Feldberg Anna
Published: March 2021

Young children with and without disabilities who are bilingual or in the process of learning multiple languages have many strengths; however, educational policies and bias related to bilingualism for children from linguistically minoritized groups have typically included deficit-based views. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify how researchers describe these children and their caregivers. Thirty research studies were included in the review. Each study was published in Infants and Young Children, Journal of Early Intervention, or Topics in Early Childhood Special Education between 1988 and 2020. Studies were coded to determine participant characteristics and whether deficit- or strength-based descriptions of participants were used. Although researchers’ descriptions of participants’ linguistic backgrounds varied, most were English-centric, and deficit-based descriptions of bilingualism were more prevalent than strength-based descriptions. Preliminary recommendations are provided for describing children and families from linguistically minoritized communities and including strength-based language in research and practice.
Accuracy of pleural biopsy for the diagnosis of histologic subtype of malignant pleural mesothelioma: Necropsy-based study of 134 cases
Authors: Barbieri Pietro Gino , Consonni Dario , Schneider Manuela
Published: March 2021

Background:

Definition of histologic subtype of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is important for management of patients, because surgical treatment improves prognosis for patients with epithelioid but not biphasic or sarcomatoid MPM. In a series of necropsies performed in a hospital specialized for MPM diagnosis, we retrospectively investigated the accuracy of histologic diagnosis performed on pathologic specimens collected through pleural biopsies obtained at video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or surgery.

Methods:

We reviewed histologic records of an unselected series of autopsies performed in patients with MPM employed in the Monfalcone shipyards (Northeast Italy) or living with shipyard workers from 1999 through 2017. Using necropsy results as a gold standard, we calculated sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of histology from VATS or surgery after combining nonepithelioid subtypes.

Results:

We retrieved necropsy records for 134 patients: 62 (46.3%) with epithelioid, 51 (38.1%) with biphasic, and 21 (15.7%) with sarcomatoid MPM. We observed good sensitivity of VATS (0.94) and surgery (0.89) in diagnosing epithelioid MPM. Conversely, specificity was low (VATS: 0.46; surgery: 0.32). Therefore, positive predictive values were also low (VATS: 0.58; surgery: 0.60). Misclassification was particularly high for biphasic MPM (three-fourths of biphasic MPM at necropsy had been classified as epithelioid at VATS or surgery).

Conclusions:

We observed a substantial degree of misclassification between epithelioid and biphasic MPM for pleural biopsies performed during VATS. Our results suggest caution should be taken in using histologic subtype obtained from VATS in selecting patients with MPM for surgical treatment. We also observed substantial misclassification of biospecimens collected during MPM surgery.
Discrete wavelet transforms based hybrid approach to forecast wind speed time series
Authors: Kushwah Anil Kumar , Wadhvani Rajesh
Published: March 2021

The wind resources have been estimated by using physical models, statistical models, and artificial intelligence models. Wind power calculation helps us measure the annual energy that will sustain the balance between electricity generation and electricity consumption. Wind speed plays a significant role in calculating wind power, due to which here we focus on wind speed prediction. In this paper, hybrid models for wind speed forecasting have been proposed. The hybrid models are formed by combining the time series decomposition technique, that is, discrete wavelet transform (DWT), with statistical models, that is, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and generalized autoregressive score (GAS), respectively. These hybrid models are referred to as DWT-ARIMA and DWT-GAS. DWT decomposes the original series into sub-series. After that, statistical models are applied to each sub-series for prediction. In the end, aggregate the prediction results of each sub-series to get the final forecasted series. For experimentation purposes, statistical and hybrid models are applied to various datasets that are taken from the NREL repository. In our studies, the hybrid version demonstrates better results in terms of accuracy and complexity, which indicates superior performance in most cases compared to the existing statistical models.
The role of perioperative ureteral stenting for urologic complications in radical surgery of cervical cancer
Authors: Kovachev Stefan Miladinov , Kovachev Miladin Stefanov
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

This study aimed to establish the urologic complications of radical type C2 hysterectomy in cervical cancer patients with or without ureteral stenting.

Methods:

This prospective randomized study included 76 (100%) patients with clinically and pathologically established cervical cancer stages I and II treated with radical type C2 hysterectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection for the last 5 years (2014–2019). Patients were randomized into two groups (2:1 ratio): group II received perioperative ureteral stenting ( n = 24, 31.6%) and group I did not ( n = 52, 68.4%). Urologic complications observed during follow-up include intraoperative ureter and urinary bladder lesions and postoperative ureterovaginal and vesicovaginal fistulas.

Results:

Of the 52 patients in group I who underwent surgery for cervical cancer, urologic complications were observed in 8 (10.5%) patients, 2 (2.6%) of whom underwent preoperative radiation therapy. In group II, urologic complications were observed in 2 (2.6%) patients, of which 1 (1.3%) received preoperative radiation therapy. Intraoperative urologic complications in group I (6.6%) included 3 (3.9%) ureteral lesions cases and 2 (2.6%) cases of urinary bladder lesions, wherein 1 patient received preoperative radiation therapy. One case of (1.3%) urinary bladder lesion was observed in group II. Postoperative complications were observed in 3 patients (3.9%) in group I, including 2 (2.6%) ureterovaginal fistula cases, wherein 1 (1.3%) patient received preoperative radiation therapy, and 1 (1.3%) case of vesicovaginal fistula. In group II, 1 (1.3%) patient who received perioperative radiotherapy developed postoperative vesicovaginal fistula.

Discussion:

Urologic complications are extremely common during and after radical surgery (hysterectomy type C2) for cervical cancer. The cervical cancer stage had a significant effect on intra- and postoperative urologic complication rates in this study; however, no such effect was observed for preoperative radiation therapy and ureteral stenting, and significant differences were observed between the two study groups.
Child Sexual Abuse, Self-esteem, and Delinquent Behaviors During Adolescence: The Moderating Role of Gender
Authors: Gauthier-Duchesne Amélie , Hébert Martine , Blais Martin
Published: March 2021

To reflect the complex phenomena of child sexual abuse (CSA), studies should examine possible gender specificities and explore potentially explanatory mechanisms. The current study aimed to test the moderating effect of gender in the mediated relationship between CSA, self-esteem, and delinquency during adolescence. A moderated mediation model was tested among a representative sample of 8,194 high school students (57.8% girls and 42.2% boys) age 14 to 18 in the province of Quebec in Canada. Results showed that self-esteem has an indirect effect on the relationship between CSA and delinquency. Gender (being a boy) was associated with a higher level of self-esteem and an increased risk of delinquent behaviors. Among victims of CSA, boys reported lower levels of self-esteem than girls, which was associated with an increased risk of displaying delinquent behaviors. Self-esteem may be an important target of intervention for sexually abused youth, especially for boys. Focusing on promoting positive self-esteem may also reduce the risk for male adolescents struggling with the deleterious consequences of delinquency.
Warfarin Dose Requirements in Adults Hospitalized With COVID-19 Infection: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Irwin Madison N. , Adie Sarah , Sandison Katherine , Alsomairy Sarah A. , Brancaccio Adamo
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To describe the impact of hospitalization with COVID-19 infection on warfarin dose requirements in adult inpatients.

A retrospective chart review of 8 adults on warfarin admitted to Michigan Medicine with COVID-19 infection was conducted and reported as a case series. Outcomes of interest were difference in average daily dose of warfarin prior to admission (PTA) and while inpatient (IP), warfarin sensitivity, time in therapeutic range (TTR), confirmed or suspected thromboembolic event, any major or clinically significant bleeding episodes, and in-hospital mortality. IP average daily warfarin doses were lower when compared to PTA average daily doses [1.3 mg (1.3) vs. 6.2 mg (4.1)]. The mean percentage decrease in dose was 68.8% (23) and the mean absolute dose difference was 4.8 mg (4.3). Mean IP percentage tests in range was 30.8% (24.6) and mean IP warfarin sensitivity was 4.2 (3.8), both of which differed from PTA TTR and warfarin sensitivity for those with data available (n = 3, n = 6, respectively). One patient was treated for suspected acute pulmonary embolism while on warfarin and one patient experienced clinically relevant bleeding. In-hospital mortality was zero, mean length of stay (LOS) was 17 days (14.4), and mean intensive care unit (ICU) LOS for the 3 patients requiring ICU level care was 14.3 days (4.5).

Conclusion:

Decreased warfarin dose requirements were evident in this group of adults hospitalized with COVID-19 infection. These findings suggest lower doses of warfarin may be needed to achieve therapeutic anticoagulation while inpatient.
Perceptions and Conceptions of “Place” in Australian Public Foundations
Authors: Williamson Alexandra , Luke Belinda , Furneaux Craig
Published: March 2021

This study examines place-based philanthropy in public ancillary funds (PubAFs) in Australia. While PubAFs vary greatly in their purposes, stakeholders, and operating models, place emerges as a strong element of foundations’ perceived identity, strategic focus, and grantmaking. This article advances the understanding of philanthropic giving by investigating and identifying the perceptions of place by PubAF managers and trustees, contributing to a novel and valuable “insiders” perspective on PubAFs. Drawing on Agnew’s three elements of place, namely location, locale, and sense of place, key findings highlight PubAFs’ ties to place in multiple contexts and dimensions. This qualitative study contributes to understandings of the ways in which place shapes and defines giving by public foundations, overlaps and interacts with foundations’ mission and strategy, and affects philanthropic impact.
Analysis of grid operation state based on improved maximum eigenvalue sample covariance matrix algorithm
Authors: Wu Dinghui , Zhang Juan , Wang Bo , Pan Tinglong
Published: March 2021

Traditional static threshold–based state analysis methods can be applied to specific signal-to-noise ratio situations but may present poor performance in the presence of large sizes and complexity of power system. In this article, an improved maximum eigenvalue sample covariance matrix algorithm is proposed, where a Marchenko–Pastur law–based dynamic threshold is introduced by taking all the eigenvalues exceeding the supremum into account for different signal-to-noise ratio situations, to improve the calculation efficiency and widen the application fields of existing methods. The comparison analysis based on IEEE 39-Bus system shows that the proposed algorithm outperforms the existing solutions in terms of calculation speed, anti-interference ability, and universality to different signal-to-noise ratio situations.
Reconciling Loss Aversion and Gain Seeking in Judged Emotions
Authors: Mellers Barbara A. , Yin Siyuan , Berman Jonathan Z.
Published: March 2021

Is the pain of a loss greater in magnitude than the pleasure of a comparable gain? Studies that compare positive feelings about a gain with negative feelings about a comparable loss have found mixed answers to this question. The pain of a loss can be greater than, less than, or equal to the pleasure of a comparable gain. We offer a new approach to test hedonic loss aversion. This method uses emotional reactions to the reference point, a positive change, and a negative change. When we manipulated the reference point (i.e., pleasurable and painful), two distinct patterns emerged. Pain surpassed pleasure (loss aversion) when the reference point was positive, and pleasure exceeded pain (gain seeking) when the reference point was negative. A reference-dependent version of prospect theory accounts for the results. If the carriers of utility are changes from a reference point—not necessarily the status quo—both loss aversion and gain seeking are predicted. Loss aversion and gain seeking can be reconciled if you take the starting point into account.
A Comparative Study of International and Asian Criteria for Overweight or Obesity at Workplaces in Singapore
Authors: Nazeha Nuraini , Sathish Thirunavukkarasu , Soljak Michael , Dunleavy Gerard , Visvalingam Nanthini , Divakar Ushashree , Bajpai Ram Chandra , Soh Chee Kiong , Christopoulos George , Car Josip
Published: March 2021

To compare the prevalence of and risk factors associated with overweight or obesity between the international (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 kg/m2) and Asian (BMI ≥23 kg/m2) criteria in a working population in Singapore. This was a cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study of 464 employees (aged ≥21 years) conducted at 4 workplaces in Singapore. The prevalence of overweight or obesity was 47.4% and 67.0% with the international and Asian criteria, respectively. With both the criteria, higher age, male sex, Malay ethnicity (vs Chinese), lower white rice intake, and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages were positively associated with overweight or obesity. Participants with poorer mental health and higher levels of thermal comfort in the workplace were positively associated with overweight or obesity only with the Asian criteria. The use of international criteria alone in this population could have overlooked these risk factors that are highly relevant to the Singapore context.
Digital Warfare Against COVID-19: Global Use of Contact-Tracing Apps
Authors: Chaudhary Yatika , Sandhu Nikita , Singh Abhishek , Aggarwal Pradeep , Naithani Manisha
Published: March 2021

The current COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic has perpetuated a worldwide tussle to control this infection and minimizing death toll and economic damages. The year 2020 would always be remembered as a year of war against a virus, but it would also be marked as a year showing upsurge of technology evolution to deal with infections. Contact tracing has emerged as a new buzzword. Contact tracing digital tools have been introduced worldwide to prevent transmission. In this article, we have outlined various contact tracing apps being used globally, which are rated according to their safety, privacy, and efficacy.
Day Care Surgery for Unilateral Alveolar Bone Grafting of Residual Clefts With Mandibular Symphyseal Bone—A Prospective Questionnaire Study
Authors: Saaby Martin , Nørholt Sven Erik , Küseler Annelise , Hartlev Jens
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To evaluate patients’ experiences of shortened hospitalization in relation to bone grafting of unilateral alveolar clefts with mandibular symphyseal bone grafts.

Design:

Prospective cohort questionnaire study.

Setting:

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.

Patients:

Thirty-nine (male n = 26, female n = 13) patients with unilateral residual clefts after primary reconstruction, mean age 10.4 years.

Interventions:

All patients underwent a standardized procedure with closure of the alveolar defect using mandibular symphyseal bone grafts. Patients were discharged within a day after surgery. Within 24 hours after discharge from surgery, patients and their parents filled in a 14-item psychometric questionnaire assessing the quality of their recovery. For all questions, a visual analogue scale (VAS) (0-10) was used.

Main Outcome Measure:

Patients’ experience of shortened hospitalization in relation to secondary bone grafting of alveolar defects. Factors influencing the overall experience were measured using a VAS scale.

Results:

A significant correlation between “Information from the hospital” and feeling worried and anxious was found ( P = .04). Additionally, the ability to sleep correlated with pain ( P = .003) and with nausea ( P = .001).

Conclusions:

Although this study included a limited number of patients, the findings suggest that treatment of alveolar residual cleft with bone grafting from the mandibular symphyseal region in a day care surgery setting is characterized by very high patient satisfaction.
Evaluation of Delirium in Critically Ill Patients Prescribed Melatonin or Ramelteon
Authors: Romero Natasha , Dube Kevin M. , Lupi Kenneth E. , DeGrado Jeremy R.
Published: March 2021

Background:

An impaired sleep-wake cycle may be one factor that affects the development of delirium in critically ill patients. Several small studies suggest that exogenous melatonin or ramelteon may decrease the incidence and/or duration of delirium.

Objective:

To compare the effect of prophylactic administration of melatonin, ramelteon, or no melatonin receptor agonist on the development of delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods:

This was a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study of nondelirious patients in the ICU who received melatonin, ramelteon, or no melatonin receptor agonist. The primary end point was the incidence of delirium. Secondary end points included assessments of daily level of sedation and daily utilization of antipsychotic, sedative, and opioid agents.

Results:

No difference was observed in the incidence of delirium among the melatonin, ramelteon, and placebo cohorts (18.7% vs 14.3% vs 13.8%; P = 0.77). A difference was observed in the rate of agitation and sedation among the 3 groups, with the greatest observed in the melatonin cohort. Additionally, there was a difference in the use of propofol, dexmedetomidine, and opioids. Overall, there was no difference in clinical outcomes, including duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU or hospital length of stay.

Conclusion and Relevance:

Therapy with melatonin, ramelteon, and no melatonin receptor agonist resulted in similar rates of delirium in a mixed ICU population. Despite significant differences in agitation, sedation, and medication utilization, there was no differences in the clinical outcomes evaluated.
Investigation of the Effect of Education Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior on the Mothers’ Preventive Practices Regarding Toddler Home Injuries
Authors: Amini Roya , Kalvandi Narges , Khodaveisi Masoud , Tapak Leili
Published: March 2021

Home injuries are among the causes of death and disability in toddlers. Preventing home injuries is an essential part of the child health care program. Using education-based models interventions can promote mothers’ practices regarding home injuries. This study aimed to investigate the effect of education based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on the mothers’ preventive practices regarding toddler home injuries. A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 116 mothers referred to comprehensive health centers (58 mothers in each experimental and control group), who were selected using the cluster sampling method. Data were collected using a researcher-developed TPB questionnaire, which was validated by I-CVI (≥0.78), and CVR (≥0.79). Its reliability also confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficients (.52-.93). Afterward, educational intervention was implemented in the experimental group based on TPB in four 45 to 60 minute sessions. After 2 months, the data were recollected from the two groups and analyzed using SPSS software version 16. Comparing the scores of TPB constructs (i.e., perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, and subjective norms), and mothers’ preventive practices regarding toddler home injuries revealed no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups pre-intervention. However, after the intervention, significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of awareness, the TPB constructs (except for subjective norms), and preventive practices of the mothers ( p < .001). Mothers’ preventive practices regarding toddler home injuries were improved after applying TPB; hence, it is suggested a larger study be completed to confirm the results of this theory-based education.
Evaluation of keratoconus progression and visual improvement after intrastromal corneal ring segments implantation: A retrospective study
Authors: Moscovici Bernardo Kaplan , Rodrigues Pablo Felipe , Rodrigues Renan Albert Mendonça , Rios Livia Cristina , Simoncelli Rosangela , Freitas Marcela Mara Silva , Torquetti Leonardo
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To investigate the role of ICRS in halting keratoconus progression in a large sample of patients.

Methods:

A retrospective, non-comparative, interventional study based on the review of medical records of patients diagnosed with keratoconus who underwent Ferrara corneal ring segment implantation. A retrospective chart analysis study of 123 operated eyes with follow-up ranging from 3 to 16 years (mean 5.3 ± 3.6 years) was performed. This study was carried out at Ocular Surgery Unit, São Paulo, Brazil. All topographic data were obtained from Pentacam (Oculus, Arlington, USA). The same surgeon performed all surgeries, and the Ferrara ICRS nomogram was used for ICRS selection in all cases.

Results:

Corrected distance visual acuity, keratometry, and topographic astigmatism improved in most cases, with statistical significance. In 42 eyes (53.8%), there was an increase in K1 or K2, and in 36 (46.2%), there was a reduction or maintenance in K1. Considering a difference higher than 1 D, between 3-month post-surgery and final visit (group 3), 32 eyes (41%) showed an increase, and 46 eyes (59%) ended equal or below this value.

Conclusion:

The implantation of ICRS showed improvement in visual and keratometric indexes. The majority of patients did not increase more than one diopter in keratometric values after ICRS implantation. ICRS may be effective for slowing disease progression, especially in older patients.
Intracameral r-tPA for the management of severe fibrinous reactions in TASS after cataract surgery
Authors: Osaadon Perach , Belfair Nadav , Lavy Itay , Walter Eyal , Levy Jaime , Tuuminen Raimo , Achiron Asaf , Knyazer Boris
Published: March 2021

Background:

To describe the use of intracameral recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) in the treatment of severe fibrinous reactions in toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) after cataract surgery.

Methods:

A case series of 59 eyes of 59 patients with severe fibrinous anterior chamber reaction following cataract surgery who received intracameral r-tPA (25 µg/0.1 ml). The main outcome measures after intracameral r-tPA were the incidence of complete fibrinolysis, time of maximal effect, visual acuity, and complications.

Results:

Severe fibrinous reactions appeared 11.5 ± 5.3 days after cataract surgery. Fibrinolysis was observed 2.33 ± 2.70 days after rtPA use and 36 eyes (61%) exhibited resolution of the fibrin by the end of the first day following injection ( p < 0.001). Transient corneal edema observed at 1-day after injection was the only complication reported during the injection of r-tPA or at follow-up. Eight eyes (13.6%) required a second r-tPA injection. Best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.88 ± 0.67 logMAR units before rtPA injection to 0.48 ± 0.49 logMAR units at 1-month ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The application of r-tPA was a quick and efficacious therapeutic approach for the management of severe fibrinous reactions in TASS after cataract surgery. In a clinical setting, intracameral r-tPA may be useful when rapid visual recovery is needed.
Retinal pigment epithelium aperture in acute central serous chorioretinopathy: Another novel possible pathological mechanism
Authors: Lei Chunyan , Hua Rui , Duan Jianan , Zhang Meixia
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To present retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) aperture related to an avascular pigment epithelium detachment (PED) secondary to acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 47-year-old man diagnosed as acute CSC presented with RPE aperture in the superonasal area of the macula in his left eye during follow-up. At 2-week follow-up, his decimal best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was improved from 0.08 to 0.6 and subretinal fluid was partially absorbed. However, the near-infrared reflectance demonstrated a round mild hyperreflective lesion on the superonasal area of the macula. On spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), RPE band of the round lesion discontinued but RPE fractured edges without shrinkage and curling. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) showed RPE aperture appeared as round hypoautofluorescence and hyperautofluorescence outlined its borderline. OCT angiography demonstrated that no evidence of neovascularization within the sub-RPE space. En Face OCT confirmed that the RPE aperture developed at the edge of the PED lesion. At 8-month follow-up, his decimal BCVA was improved to 1.0 and SD-OCT demonstrated spontaneous resolution of subretinal fluid and restoration of RPE structure, with complete flattening of PED. However, FAF revealed hypoautofluorescence mingled with slight hyperautofluorescence within the lesion.

Conclusions:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an RPE aperture secondary to acute CSC. Our case indicated another novel possible pathological mechanism that in the relatively healthy RPE, increased hydrostatic pressure simply itself could contribute to RPE aperture.
Definition and validation of a system for classifying the undersized Corail femoral stem in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: McConnell Jamie S , Syed Farhan A , Saunders Paul , Kattimani Raviprasad , Ugwuoke Anthony , Magra Merzesh , Young Steve K
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

The uncemented total hip arthroplasty relies on a secure initial fixation of the femoral stem to achieve osseointegration. Undersizing of the femoral implant compromises this. Surgeons routinely review postoperative radiographs to assess appropriate sizing, but existing methods of assessment lack standardisation. We present a system of accurately and reliably classifying radiological undersizing, which will help us better understand the factors that might have led to undersizing.

Aim:

To describe and evaluate a classification system for assessing radiological undersizing of the uncemented stem in hip arthroplasty.

Method:

We conducted a retrospective review of 1,337 consecutive hip arthroplasties using the Corail stem. Two independent investigators reviewed post-operative radiographs and classified them as either appropriately sized or undersized. Undersized stems were sub-categorised into four subtypes: uniformly undersized, varus undersized, valgus undersized or ‘cocktail-glass’ undersized. Inter- and intra-observer agreement was determined. The accuracy of our classification system was validated by comparison with digital re-templating. We further assessed patient demographics and stem size in relation to sizing.

Results:

1 in 5 cases (19.75%) were deemed radiologically undersized. The commonest subtypes of undersizing were uniformly (47%) and varus (39%) undersized. When assessing sizing and subtype categorisation, inter-observer agreement was 89–92% and intra-observer agreement 86%. Classification decisions showed 92% and 97% accuracy for uniformly undersizing and varus undersizing respectively when validated against digital re-templating. Age, gender and smaller stem size were significantly associated with radiological undersizing. The Corail KLA model (125° neck) was found to have a higher incidence of stems undersized in varus.

Conclusions:

This study describes and validates a classification system for the analysis of radiological undersizing.
Non-target digital ischemia in an ulnar artery distribution following transradial access: Case report and review of best practice techniques
Authors: Kennedy Patrick , Klass Darren , Chung John
Published: March 2021

Transradial access is a safe approach for visceral endovascular interventions, with lower complication rates compared to transfemoral access. This report describes an unusual case of ulnar artery thrombosis following splenic artery aneurysm embolization via left transradial approach, resulting in non-target digital ischemia and eventual amputation of the ring and little finger distal phalanges. Technical considerations to reduce the incidence of access complications are also reviewed, along with practice modifications undertaken at our institution following this case to improve outcomes.
Impact of Central Quarantine Inside a Lockdown Hospital Due to COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychological Disorders among Health Care Staffs in Central Hospitals of Hanoi, Vietnam, 2020
Authors: Lan Vu Thi Hoang , Dzung Le Thanh , Quyen Bui Thi Tu , Nha Pham Ba , Linh Nguyen Thuy , Hoang Le Tu , Nghia Nguyen Quang , Hung Duong Duc
Published: March 2021

This study aims to examine the impact of undergoing a central quarantine due to the lockdown of Bach Mai hospital on the psychological disorders and identify associated factors with depression among hospital employees in central hospitals of Hanoi, Vietnam. Employing a cross-sectional design, the study collected data from staff working in the lockdown hospital and other central hospitals during 1 week after the lockdown happened. The sample size included 373 staff from 3 hospitals, the study time was. Depression was tested using PH-Q9 scale. Multivariate logistics regression was employed to test for the impact of central quarantine on depression and identify other significant related factors. The study confirmed a high burden of psychological issues that hospital employees were facing. Staff working in the lockdown hospital had 2.3 times higher odds of being perceived depression than others. Those who contact directly about 21 to 20 patients/day had 3.19-times higher odds of being perceived depression than others. Staff who being stigmatization associated with COVID-19 had 2.63 times higher odds of perceived depression than others. Reducing these associated factors to depression may help to reduce the psychological burden HEs have to cope with during the pandemic.
Don’t forget your oxygen mask! Caring for ourselves so that we can better care for our clients
Authors: Rowley Ali
Published: March 2021

Music Therapists face significant stressors at work which, if not adequately addressed, could lead to stress and burnout. Against the background of a final-year dissertation, this article discusses how Music Therapists use self-care to manage occupational stressors. While the small-scale qualitative research project focussed on how Music Therapists working in hospices in the United Kingdom manage work-related stressors, analysis of the data revealed themes which, it is suggested, seem to apply to the wider music therapy community. Findings indicate that Music Therapists would be well-advised to develop and use self-care strategies to mitigate work-related stressors and thus reduce the potential for ill-health. The article seeks to inform the practice of Music Therapists and concludes with the author’s recommendations.
Predicting second language listening functor comprehension probability with usage-based and embodiment approaches
Authors: Patterson Allie
Published: March 2021

Aims and Objectives:

Embodiment is a major paradigm of first language (L1) research but has not yet been widely adopted in second language (L2) research. The main objective of this research was to find evidence for the effects of sensorimotor embodiment on L2 listening functor comprehension rates.

Research Hypothesis:

Frequency, word length, and Minkowski3 sensorimotor norms are significantly predictive of functor comprehension probability in an L2 listening task.

Methodology:

129 Japanese participants were administered a paused transcription test that contained twelve target phrases.

Data and analysis:

Transcription of functors was the dependent variable. The independent variables were frequency, word length, and Minkowski3 sensorimotor ratings. These variables were analyzed with logit mixed-effects regressions.

Findings/conclusions:

Greater frequency, longer word length, and higher Minkowski3 ratings were found to facilitate comprehension and significantly increase the probability that a functor was transcribed. Frequency rates derived from spontaneous L1 oration and conversations were found to be significant, whereas frequency derived from written texts was not significant despite being from a much larger corpus.

Originality:

No L2 study has used Minkowski3 sensorimotor ratings to predict L2 performance. Minkowski3 ratings quantify the relationship between language and the body. Few researchers have yet to incorporate embodiment theories into models of L2 comprehension.

Implications:

Embodiment theories complement usage-based approaches and should be incorporated into existing L2 theories. Researchers should be aware of textual differences between corpora and choose corpora appropriate for their analyses.