bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Quality of Bank Boards: Evidence from the Indian Banking Industry
Authors: Bhatia Madhur , Gulati Rachita 
Published: November 2020

The article employs hand-collected data on 14 board characteristics for the period from 2004–2005 to 2016–2017 to empirically assess the evolution of board governance practices in the Indian banking industry. For this, we construct a comprehensive index for board governance and four sub-indices of board effectiveness. The study sheds light on how various characteristics of Indian bank boards have evolved over time. The mean value of the board index rose 33 per cent during the period of analysis, indicating a significant improvement in board governance practices of banks. The improvement in practices is primarily due to a considerable transition in the sub-dimensions of board structures and board independence. The transition in board structure results from the larger number of banks appointing different persons as CEOs and chairpersons; the change in board independence has principally emanated from the larger number of banks providing training to their independent directors, declarations and conducting separate meetings. Yet, our findings recommend room for further improvement in various aspects of board governance, including appointment of non-executive chairpersons, female directors and board independence. JEL Classification: G21, G34, C23
Comparative Effects of Foreign Direct Investment from China and Other Sources on Africa’s Economic Growth
Authors: Ngundu Marvellous , Ngepah Nicholas 
Published: November 2020

This study examines comparatively the growth effects of FDI from China, the European Union, the US and the rest of Asia in Sub-Saharan Africa for the period 2003–2012. We develop theoretical arguments from the existing literature to show that differences in FDI data sources, methodological and econometric approaches may be part of the explanation for mixed findings of previous empirical studies, precisely on the growth effects of Chinese FDI in Africa. Our results using bilateral FDI data compiled by UNCTAD, the FDI-augmented version of the Solow growth model and the 2SLS estimator indicate a significantly negative direct impact of Chinese FDI on growth in Sub-Saharan Africa while the impact of other FDI sources is statistically insignificant. JEL Classification: B22, E22, F43
Internet Use and Resilience in Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sage Melanie , Randolph Karen , Fitch Dale , Sage Todd 
Published: November 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review is to examine ways a resilience framework might inform social workers’ understanding about how to mitigate risks for youth who use Internet and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Eligibility criteria: This review identified original research published between January 2006 and December 2019 that used a resilience framework to assess outcomes of youth, ages 10–19, who use ICTs. Methods of synthesis: A narrative synthesis grouped articles based on conceptualizations of resilience, risk, and protection; methods; and populations. Results: A search identified 13 peer-reviewed studies that used resilience and its relationship to outcomes. Most studies identified resilience as a mediator or moderator that buffers the effect of harm. Conclusions: Social workers who wish to mitigate risks for youth who use ICTs might focus on interventions that strengthen resilience. Currently, resilience is inconsistently conceptually defined, and more robust research is needed regarding ICT use by marginalized youth.
Dermatological side effects of immunotherapy drugs and targeted cancer therapies: Importance of dermatology and oncology collaboration
Authors: Çelik Uğur , Aydemir Ertuğrul H , Engin Burhan , Oba Muazzez Ç , Yılmaz Mesut , Meşe Şermin Güven 
Published: November 2020

Introduction Novel anti-cancer drugs such as targeted cancer therapies and immune check-point inhibitors (ICIs) have adverse events, especially concerning the skin. The aim of this study is to report an overview of the commonly consulted dermatological side effects of ICIs and targeted cancer therapies in clinical practice, along with their management. Methods In this single-center study, we evaluated consecutive oncological patients who were referred from the oncology outpatient clinic to the dermatology outpatient clinic due to skin side effects of ICIs and targeted therapies. All patients were examined and treated at the same day of referral by experienced dermatologists. Patient characteristics, clinical findings, diagnostic workups and treatments were retrieved from outpatient records. Results Sixty three patients were enrolled. Most common diagnoses were lung carcinoma, melanoma and colon carcinoma. Fifty patients (79%) were using targeted therapies while 13 (21%) were using ICIs. Xerosis was the most common side effect (44%), followed by acneiform rash, paronychia, eczema and pruritus. Majority of the side effects were grade 2 and 3. Psoriasis was a common side effect of ICIs. One patient had a newly developed dysplastic nevus on vemurafenib treatment. Oncological treatment was not withheld in any of the patients. Conclusions This study revealed the most commonly consulted skin side effects of novel anti-cancer drugs and their management in daily practice. We underlie the importance of collaborative work of oncology and dermatology professionals as early management of cutaneous side effects of targeted therapies and ICIs improves patient outcomes.
Delayed hypersensitivity to oxaliplatin in a nigerian patient with colorectal cancer—A case report
Authors: Aliyu Usman M , Okwonna Charles O 
Published: November 2020

Introduction Oxaliplatin is a third generation anti-neoplastic platinum compound (organo-platinum complex) used in the treatment of several solid tumours either as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. Hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin are uncommon, with most reports indicating an incidence of 1–5%. The severity of reactions may vary from grade 1 side effect in line of skin flushing and/or rashes to very severe, life-threatening systemic anaphylaxis (grade 3/4). Following mild to moderate hypersensitivity reactions, steroids and/or antihistamines could be administered, after which the patient can be re-exposed to the drug. In severe hypersensitivity reactions however, oxaliplatin must be discontinued while alternative chemotherapeutic regimen or even other forms of therapy should be considered. Case report A 56 year old woman with colorectal cancer who was commenced on adjuvant oxaliplatin therapy developed Hypersensitivity reaction about 2 hours of the first oxaliplatin administration, for which the drug was discontinued and the symptoms improved. She had similar reactions in 2 subsequent attempts at administering same drug, after which the drug was changed. A placebo infusion was administered twice with no untoward reactions. Management and outcome: With each reaction, the drug was immediately discontinued and she was promptly given intranasal oxygen and corticosteroids. She was premedicated with anti-histamines and corticosteroids prior to subsequent cycles. Oxaliplatin was consequently discontinued and she experienced no further hypersensitivity reaction to the subsequent drug regimen. Discussion Hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin, though a rare occurrence, are more likely idiosyncratic; with more cases being reported in recent times.
Late recurrence of idiopathic Brown’s syndrome successfully treated with oral corticosteroids
Authors: Lo Cody , Micieli Jonathan A 
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Idiopathic Brown’s syndrome is a restrictive strabismus of the superior oblique tendon that often presents in pediatric populations and rarely occurs in adults. Case description: We present here a case of a 41-year-old man with an idiopathic left Brown’s syndrome that recurred after presenting with similar symptoms 14 years prior that was originally treated with oral corticosteroids. This patient had a negative work up for connective tissue disease and only exhibited subtle left trochlear thickening on orbital MRI with contrast. Since he had a good response to oral corticosteroids in the past, this repeat occurrence was treated with oral Prednisone and he promptly responded. His double vision resolved within 2 weeks and he continued to have a normal examination 6 months after presentation. Conclusion: We suspect this case was related to a subclinical inflammatory process resulting in the MRI findings and response to steroids. This case demonstrates that idiopathic Brown’s syndrome can recur more than a decade later in adults and oral corticosteroids are an effective treatment option even in the absence of an underlying rheumatological condition.
Three-year real-world outcomes of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapies in patients affected by myopic choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Corazza Paolo , Kabbani Jamil , Soomro Taha , Alam Mostafa Mohamed Ragheb , D’Alterio Francesco Maria , Younis Saad 
Published: November 2020

Purpose: To describe real world data in patients affected by myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and to compare our results with previous studies and clinical trials. Methods: This retrospective monocentric cohort study analyzed 96 eyes of 96 myopic-CNV patients treated with an anti-VEGF pro-re-nata regimen over a 3-year-long follow up period. Aflibercept and Ranibizumab were considered as first-line agents whereas Bevacizumab was reserved on a compassionate basis in patients outside the criteria for treatment. All patients underwent a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) recording at each follow up visit. Results: Our data showed that all three molecules produced significant improvements in BCVA at year 1, with no significant differences between the three drugs. Moreover, during the second year of treatment, Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab showed a significant improvement in the visual function. However, at year 3 of treatment, the data available indicated the BCVA improvement was not significant with Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab. In addition, no significant difference in the average number of injections between the three groups was detected over the follow up period. No serious adverse events were recorded, but five minor adverse events documented. Conclusion: Our study correlates with previous studies showing significant BCVA gains with the use of these molecules. Similarly, all three molecules seem to provide a similar duration of effects as previous studies have shown, with a low ocular adverse event rate.
Outcome of surgery for near angle in patient with incomitant distance/near esotropia and without manifest deviation at distance
Authors: Scaramuzzi Matteo , Serafino Massimiliano , Nucci Paolo 
Published: November 2020

Introduction: To investigate how a subset of patients with partially accommodative esotropia, with a manifest deviation <10 Prism Diopters (PD) at distance and an angle of strabismus at near wider than 10 PD, could respond to a surgical approach based on the misalignment at near. Methods: Six patients examined from 2015 to 2019 met criteria for inclusion: partially accommodative esotropia, patients compliant to full correction for at least 6 months, angle of esotropia for near larger at least 10 PD, angle of misalignment obtained with the alternate prism cover test and simultaneous prism cover test at distance <10 PD. All patients underwent bilateral medial recti recession. They were examined at 3 weeks and at 6 months. Results: No significant difference in the angle of esotropia at distance was found at any follow-up (Baseline: 7.17 ± 1.33 PD vs 3 weeks: 7.0 ± 1.01 PD vs 6 months: 7.33 ± 1.03 PD, p = 0.65, and p = 0.36, respectively). No case of consecutive exotropia was described. Considering the angle at near, there was a significant reduction at 3 weeks (Baseline: 41.7 ± 6.83 PD vs 3 weeks: 9.33 ± 1.63 PD, p = 0.027), that remained stable at the final follow-up (9.0 ± 1.1 PD, p = 0.32). All patients were suppressors and had nil stereopsis pre-operatively, all of them developed fusion and a different degree of stereopsis [276 ± 284 arcseconds (Range 80–800)]. Conclusions: A surgical approach based on the angle of strabismus for near could obtain satisfactory ocular alignment without consecutive exotropia in children with partially accommodative esotropia wearing full refractive correction, with a manifest deviation for distance <10 PD and a higher misalignment for near, at least for 6 months after surgery.
An investigation into ethical issues in occupational therapists in adult with physical disabilities: Using the qualitative approach
Authors: Vahidi Hassan , Shafaroodi Narges 
Published: November 2020

Background Occupational therapists may be encountered with a variety of ethical issues. The aim of this study was to explore ethical issues of Occupational therapist’s practice in adult physical dysfunction field. Methods Ten graduated Occupational therapists were selected by purposive sampling method. Data were gathered by semi-structured interview. Data were analyzed by content analysis approach. Results Data analysis ultimately leads to the emergence of three themes which reflects Ethical issues in Occupational Therapy. These themes include: unethical practice of Occupational therapists, factors influencing ethical practice and Strategies to improving ethical practice. Conclusion The findings show that occupational therapists have various ethical problems related to client’s rights in addition to their clinical practice, that according to the participants in this study, lack of awareness about professional ethics related to the occupational therapy and also lack of comprehensive monitoring rules in this field are the major causes of unethical practice.
Asthma in pregnancy: An update
Authors: Couillard Simon , Connolly Clare , Borg Catherine , Pavord Ian 
Published: November 2020

Aim To update obstetric care providers about asthma management. Summary Asthma is the most frequent comorbid chronic illness in pregnancy. Convincing evidence shows that uncontrolled asthma magnifies the risk of maternal, fetal and neonate complications. Unfortunately, one in four women take no inhaler during pregnancy, and it is likely that decreased adherence, rather than changes in pathology, explains uncontrolled maternal asthma. Patient surveys reveal a need for information and reassurance. Although some molecules are preferred in pregnancy, there is currently no basis to withhold any asthma medication – old or new. Biomarkers such as blood eosinophils and fractional exhaled nitric oxide are an effective way to assess the risk of asthma attacks and the likelihood of responding to inhaled steroids. Furthermore, practice-changing trials in mild asthma show that switching reliever-only regimens to as-needed ‘controller-and-reliever’ therapy is effective. We suggest that applying these changes can alleviate women’s concerns and improve outcomes.
Pipeline Embolization Device for intracranial aneurysms in a large Chinese cohort: factors related to aneurysm occlusion
Authors: Luo Bin , Kang Huibin , Zhang Hongqi , Li Tianxiao , Liu Jianmin , Song Donglei , Zhao Yuanli , Guan Sheng , Maimaitili Aisha , Wang Yunyan , Feng Wenfeng , Wang Yang , Wan Jieqing , Mao Guohua , Shi Huaizhang , Yang Xinjian 
Published: November 2020

Background and Purpose: The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED, Covidien/Medtronic) is widely used to treat intracranial aneurysms. This PED in China post-market multi-center registry study (PLUS) investigated safety and effectiveness of the PED for intracranial aneurysms in the Chinese population. Methods: This was a panoramic, consecutive, real-world cohort registry study. Patients treated with PED with or without coils between November 2014 and October 2019 at 14 centers in China were included, and those treated by parent vessel occlusion or other stents were excluded. Study outcomes included angiographic evaluation of aneurysm occlusion, complications, in-stent stenosis, and predictors of aneurysm occlusion. A central committee reviewed all imaging and endpoint events. Results: In total, 1171 patients with 1322 intracranial aneurysms were included. The total occlusion rate was 81.4% (787/967) at mean follow-up of 8.96 ± 7.50 months, with 77.1% (380/493) occlusion in the PED alone and 85.9% (407/474) in the PED plus coiling group. On multi-variate analysis, female sex, hyperlipidemia, vertebral aneurysms, PED plus coiling, and blood flow detained to venous phase were significant predictors of aneurysm occlusion. In posterior circulation cohort, there was no variable associated with aneurysm occlusion. In-stent stenosis predictors included current smoking and cerebral sclerosis/stenosis. Conclusion: In the largest series on PED of multi-center date of China, data suggest that treatment with the flow-diverting PED in intracranial aneurysms was efficacious. The treatment of PED combined coiling and blood flow detained to venous phase after PED implant were associated with aneurysmal occlusion. The occlusion rate of vertebral aneurysms was higher than other location aneurysms. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03831672.
Pulp Chamber Temperature Rise during Curing of Resin-Based Composites with Different Light-Curing Units
Authors: Durey Kathryn , Santini Ario , Miletic Vesna 
Published: November 2020

Aims The purpose of the present study was to measure the intrapulpal temperature rise occurring during polymerisation of different shades of resin-based composites (RBCs), and two light-emitting diode (LED) units. Methods Seventy non-carious permanent molars, that had been extracted for orthodontic purposes and stored in 2% thymol for not more than four months, were selected. Patient age range was 11–18 years. Standard cavity preparation with standardised remaining dentine thickness and placement of thermocouples (TCs) was prepared using a novel split-tooth technique. Cavities were filled with one of two shades of RBC (A2 and C4, Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany), and cured with two LED high-intensity units (Elipar Freelight2, 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany; Bluephase, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and a conventional halogen light-curing unit (LCU) (Prismetics Lite 2, Dentsply, Weybridge, Surrey, UK) as a control. Results Pulp temperature rises during bonding [A2 results: H;2.67/0.48:E;5.24/1.32;B;5.99/1.61] were always greater than during RBC curing [A2 results: 2.44/0.63;E3.34/0.70;B3.38/0.60], and these were significant for both LED lights but not for the halogen control, irrespective of shade (Mann-Whitney test: 95% confidence limits). Temperature rises were at times in excess of the values normally quoted as causing irreversible pulp damage. Pulp temperature rises during bonding were higher with the LED lights than with the halogen control. There was no significant difference in temperature rise between the two LED lights when bonding but there was a significant difference between the two LED lights and the halogen control LCUs (Kruskal-Wallis Test: 95% confidence limits). Conclusions The results support the view that there is a potential risk for heat-induced pulpal injury when light-curing RBCs. The risk is greater during bonding and with high energy, as compared to low-energy output systems. As the extent of tolerable thermal trauma by the pulp tissues is unknown, care and consideration should be given to the choice of LCU and the exposure time when curing RBCs, and especially during bonding.
Development and Implementation of an Upper Respiratory Infection Treatment Protocol in a Primary Care Health Clinic
Authors: Aplin-Snider Christina , Cooper Denise , Dieleman Paul , Smith Autumn 
Published: November 2020

Background and Purpose: Acute viral respiratory infections (ARTIs) are among the most common reasons for a healthcare encounter throughout the industrialized world. Among the approximately100 million antibiotic prescriptions written every year for ARTI, half are prescribed inappropriately. Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for viral illnesses poses a serious threat since many organisms have become resistant to commonly used antibiotics. The aim of this study was to develop an ARTI treatment protocol in accordance with current practice guidelines to decrease the number of inappropriately prescribed antibiotics in a primary care health clinic. Methods: Patient subjects were obtained using convenience sampling and data collection was completed using ICD queries in the clinic’s EHR system. A retrospective chart review analyzing antibiotic prescribing practices was conducted pre- and post- implementation of an educational session detailing current ARTI practice guidelines. Conclusions: The results of this project showed clinical significance in that clinician education, focused on ARTI current practice guidelines and attentiveness in antibiotic prescription practices, reduced antibiotic use for viral ARTIs by 12.0%. Implications for Practice: Clinician education and implementation of current practice guidelines for ARTI will assist clinicians decrease both the unnecessary adverse effects of antibiotics, as well as the threat of antibiotic resistance.
Centrality in networks of geographically proximate firms and competitive capabilities
Authors: Larrañeta Bárbara , Molina-Morales F Xavier , Herrero Ines 
Published: November 2020

We examine how a firm’s centrality within a network of geographically proximate firms affects its competitive capabilities. Our study of the total population of one Spanish cluster of fishing firms shows that the effects of centrality on a firm’s competitive capabilities are contingent on the effects of two relational characteristics of its direct ties: strength and degree of cognitive cohesion. Specifically, our results indicate that the centrality of a firm within the cluster network enhances its competitive capabilities as the strength of its direct ties increases. Furthermore, firms can capture the value of centrality for enhancing competitive capabilities with a combination of strong (or weak) direct ties and low (or high) degree of cognitive cohesion. We contribute to the network and strategy literatures by reconciling conflicting results with regard to the strategic benefits of a firm’s centrality in a cluster and the relational characteristics of its direct ties. JEL CLASSIFICATION L14; M1; Q22; R10