bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of endoscopic ultrasound in evaluating patients with bile duct dilation of unclear etiology
Authors: Phan Jennifer , Ge Phillip S. , Kardashian Ani , Kim Stephen , Sedarat Alireza , Watson Rabindra , Muthusamy V. Raman 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveBile duct dilation (BDD) of unclear etiology is a common indication for further imaging via endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). We aimed to assess the yield of EUS in determining BDD etiology in patients with prior non‐diagnostic imaging studies.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed at a single, tertiary‐care university hospital for patients referred for EUS for BDD with or without pancreatic duct dilation (PDD). EUS‐guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) was performed if a focal lesion was identified. Cases with an etiology of BDD diagnosed or strongly suggested by prior imaging were excluded. EUS findings believed to represent a structural cause for BDD included a wide range of pancreaticobiliary and luminal pathology as well as patients' clinical factors.ResultsIn total, 307 patients were identified. Findings to explain BDD were found by EUS in 213 patients for a diagnostic yield of 69.4%. Patients with jaundice were significantly more likely to receive a diagnosis by EUS than those without (78.8% vs 55.3%, P < 0.01). Notably, 8.1% of patients with normal liver function test (LFT) had a EUS‐diagnosed malignancy. Patients' age, narcotic use, concurrent PDD and prior cholecystectomy did not appear to influence the EUS yield.ConclusionsEUS continues to play a substantial role in evaluating BDD of unclear etiology, most notably in patients with jaundice. In addition, given that 8.1% of asymptomatic patients without jaundice or abnormal LFT had malignancy diagnosed on EUS, the use of EUS for BDD of unclear etiology remains warranted.
Sodium glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor‐induced diabetic ketoacidosis following tooth extraction: improving awareness among dental practitioners
Authors: Yap SD , Hamblin PS , Bach L , Ekinci E , Wong R 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSodium glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2i) are a relatively new class of oral glucose lowering agents that improve glycaemic control and also provide significant cardiac and renal benefits. However, SGLT‐2i use is associated with a small but significant increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) especially during periods of reduced oral intake such as following dental procedures, bowel preparation for colonoscopy, surgery and concurrent illness. In contrast with typical DKA, in many cases of SGLT2i‐associated DKA, the blood glucose is normal or only slightly elevated, giving rise to the term euglycaemic DKA (euDKA). Patients with euDKA often present with non‐specific symptoms. Moreover, their normal or only mildly elevated blood glucose levels might lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment and hence potentially life‐threatening complications. Not only should patients taking an SGLT‐2i be informed about the risk of euDKA, and be provided with SGLT‐2i sick day management education, but clinicians should also be alert to this diagnosis.
Stakeholder theory and the knowledge problem: A Hayekian perspective
Authors: Valentinov Vladislav 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis paper explores the potential for stakeholder theory to illuminate what F.A. Hayek called “the knowledge problem”, pertaining to how a society manages to utilize “knowledge not given to anyone in its totality”. According to Hayek, this problem is addressed by the price system, which induces economic actors to harness local and dispersed pieces of knowledge that would not be available to a central planner. The present paper argues that the growing turbulence in the business environment, as pointed out by stakeholder theorists, poses a challenge to the ability of corporate managers to harness local knowledge. Stakeholder theory is shown to imply that, in a turbulent environment, managers’ ability to do so is increasingly dependent on their access to the knowledge held by corporate stakeholders. This argument suggests that the building of stakeholder relationships is a crucial institutional solution to the knowledge problem.
Does serum leptin levels differ between patients with rhinitis of allergic versus nonallergic aetiology?
Authors: Kalpaklıoglu Ayse Fusun , Baccioglu Ayşe , Yalim Sümeyra Alan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundLeptin may play a critical role in airway inflammation. However, it has rarely been evaluated in rhinitis with different aetiology. This study aimed to compare the serum leptin levels between allergic rhinitis (AR) and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR).MethodsPatients with chronic rhinitis were classified due to skin prick (ALK‐Abello/Madrid) and/or serum‐specific immunoglobulin E tests (UniCAP 100‐Pharmacia), against to aeroallergens if concordant with symptoms.ResultsA total of 398 patients with a mean age of 29.03 years were recruited and grouped as AR and NAR. Mean serum leptin levels were similar in patients with NAR and AR, as well as in patients with and without asthma, but were significantly higher in females than males in both groups. Also, leptin levels were significantly higher in obese than nonobese patients in AR. In correlation analysis, leptin levels were found to be correlated with female gender, older age, and high body mass index (BMI) in the whole group. Despite the higher total nasal symptom score (TNSS) in patients with AR compared with NAR, there was no association of leptin levels with TNSS, severity and seasonality of symptoms, and allergen sensitization. In logistic regression analysis, younger age and high serum leptin levels were found to be independent predictors for the diagnosis of AR.ConclusionsWe conclude that female patients with high BMI are more prone to AR probably due to immunological effects of adipose tissue, in addition to hormonal factors. This study showed that leptin measurement has limited value as a sole diagnostic tool to differentiate AR and NAR.
Chinese migration to Latin America: From colonial to contemporary era
Authors: Gao Jian 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis historiographical essay surveys the major works on the history of Chinese migration to Latin America spanning from the colonial to the contemporary era. Tracing the main historical events that scholars have examined, this paper comprehensively presents the various arguments and approaches represented in the current scholarship while delineating the research frontiers. Attending to the different geographical and temporal frameworks found in the historiography, this paper shows that the studies on Chinese migration to Latin America in different eras are unevenly distributed by country. It further argues that new perspectives and innovative methodologies for investigating the lived experiences of Chinese Latin Americans unfettered from the nation‐states’ standpoints are still wanting. Paying attention to the primary sources used by historians, this paper especially points out that the lack of Chinese‐language sources in these studies have hampered historians from constructing narratives from the perspectives and voices of the migrants themselves. However, such trend has been slowly changing in recent years.
Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse: Comparison of standard versus tacker combination method
Authors: Yoshizawa Tsuyoshi , Mochida Junichi , Yamaguchi Kenya , Kadotani Masaya , Hashimoto Sho , Funakoshi Daigo , Sakurai Fuminori , Hori Yutaro , Obinata Daisuke , Takahashi Satoru 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveTo compare the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse between a group in which only sutures were used (standard method), and a group in which a combination of tackers and sutures were used (tacker combination method).MethodsA total of 77 patients who underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexys from June 2016 to October 2019 were divided into a suture group (36 patients) and a suture + tacker group (41 patients). We retrospectively compared operation time, amount of blood loss, postoperative length of hospital stay, incidence of perioperative complications and anatomical cure rate 1 year after surgery. Lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated using symptom questionnaires and objective parameters.ResultsOperation time in the suture + tacker group was shorter (104.9 ± 27.0 vs 147.5 ± 33.7 min; P < 0.0001). The incidence of perioperative complications in the suture group and the suture + tacker group was 2.8% and 2.4%, respectively (P = 0.9409). Anatomical cure rates at 1 year after surgery were 94.4% and 100%, respectively (P = 0.2153). Both groups showed significant improvement after 1 year for International Prostate Symptom Score total and quality of life score, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score total score, voided volume, maximum urinary flow rate and post‐void residual. [Corrections added on 7 September 2021 after first online publication: the first two P‐values have been updated.]ConclusionsThe combined use of sutures and tackers in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy simplifies the procedure and translates into shorter operation time. Surgical outcomes at 1 year and improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms are similar regardless of the technique.
Modelling the advancement of chilling tolerance breeding in Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Tianyi , Guo Erjing , Shi Yanying , Xue Cheng , Zhu Xi , Dong Xin , Li Tao , Wang Lizhi , Jiang Shukun , Xiang Hongtao , Wang Lianmin , Feng Yangjiang , Lai Yongcai , Cao Tiehua , Li Shanlong , Ma Shuqing , Ma Haoyu , Zhou Litao , Wang Xi , Yang Xiaoguang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDespite global warming, chilling injury during the reproductive stage is still a severe climate stress in temperate rice production systems. Much work has been done on stress avoidance by altering sowing dates and cultivar maturation, but stress tolerance has received less attention. The lack of data to inform existing genetic differences in chilling tolerance impedes model‐based investigations exploring this adaptation. Here, from multiple data sources, we composited control experiments of 25 major rice cultivars in Northeast China, which allows determining the genetic differences in chilling tolerance. The results suggest that newer released rice cultivars tend to resist stronger chilling than older cultivars, and there is a coexistence between high‐yielding and more chilling tolerance. By projecting the above statistical relationship to regional yield, our analysis indicates that the lower chilling sensitivity due to such breeding progress may reduce yield fluctuation by approximately 74% in the lousy harvest year since 1960. Our results also indicate that chilling exposure at booting and flowering not only results in sterility but also may impact grain filling. Our study highlights the quantified cultivar difference in chilling tolerance based on the existing rice genotypes that can support further simulation‐driven studies on the genetic adaptation of chilling stress and improve the quantitative evaluation of cultivar chilling tolerance in crop improvement.
Multiple logic gates system based on dual‐wavelength triggered enhancing upconversion luminescence of Gd2(MoO4)3:Yb3+/Er3+
Authors: Fan Xuemei , Ying Weitao , Xu Shiqing , Gu Jianmin , Liu Shimin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA complex UC logic system using 1470 and 1550 nm dual‐wavelength as triggering signals has been developed to implement multilevel logic operations. Gd2(MoO4)3:Yb3+/Er3+ upconversion luminescence material can achieve significantly emission enhancement upon simultaneous excitation of 1470 and 1550 nm dual‐wavelength due to the synergistic effect of two kinds of photons realizing better match with energy level. The influences of excitation power and low temperature on dual‐wavelength enhancement effect are also in‐depth researched. Multiple logic combination operations including two‐output (YES + OR, AND + XOR, AND + INHIBIT, YES + INHIBIT) and three‐output (AND + YES + OR) are developed in this Gd2(MoO4)3:Yb3+/Er3+ UC logic system by employing 1470 and 1550 nm excitation resources as input signals and detecting the change of relative intensity of green, red emission and red/green intensity ratio. It is notable that two outputs and three outputs signals in this UC emission system can simultaneously execute different logic operations, which could greatly enlarge the capacity of logic information base and enhance the ability of information processing. These results not only provide a good enlightenment for the design of complex logic systems but also are indispensable for development of various functional devices.
Where's the germs? The effects of using virtual reality on nursing students' hospital infection prevention during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Butzlaff Alice 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundVirtual reality can be a useful substitute to improve nursing education outside of the hospital setting. In the wake of COVID‐19, an opportunity to compare a virtual reality activity for nursing students in the traditional classroom and in an online environment took place.ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to examine the effects of incorporating a virtual reality activity into the traditional classroom and in an online environment to enhance nursing education.MethodsFifty nursing students participated in an exploratory descriptive study. Twenty‐five students participated face‐to‐face while in the traditional classroom setting and 25‐students participated in an online environment using a communication platform. Through a virtual reality activity, nursing students successfully created a tour which demonstrated identifying infectious sites in a hospital room setting.Results and ConclusionsResults of the pre‐and post‐test showed students’ positive perceptions and performances in both traditional classroom and online settings. However, the study revealed a statistical difference between the two group perceptions towards the use of the virtual reality tour creator. Nursing students who were in the traditional classroom group found that the use the virtual reality tour creator was easier.ImplicationsDesigning a meaningful virtual reality activity has a positive impact of the student learning experience. Students may benefit from a more through orientation to the technology prior to engaging in the activity. A carefully constructed activity can enhance student learning outside of the hospital room.
Self‐leadership: A meta‐analysis of over two decades of research
Authors: Harari Michael B. , Williams Ethlyn A. , Castro Stephanie L. , Brant Katarina K. 
Published: August 2021

Self‐leadership has been the subject of dozens of empirical investigations over the past several decades and has emerged as a pivotal construct in the self‐influence literature. Despite the interest in the construct, the myriad of disparate variables studied and the absence of a quantitative systematic review summarizing findings have combined to limit our ability to cohesively interpret and draw meaningful conclusions from this large literature. To address this, we carried out a meta‐analysis of the nomological network of self‐leadership, encompassing effect sizes from 101 studies and 111 independent samples. Drawing on social cognitive theory to frame our research questions and hypotheses, we evaluate global self‐leadership and its constituent strategies (i.e., behaviour‐focused, constructive thought, natural rewards) as predictors of job performance, self‐efficacy, and job attitudes. In addition to evaluating zero‐order correlations, we use regression and relative‐weight analyses to evaluate the three strategies’ effects on the various outcomes simultaneously, delineating their relative contributions. Our meta‐analysis examines the Five‐Factor Model of personality traits as antecedents. We also observed evidence suggesting that self‐leadership’s relationships were moderated by national power distance. Implications for research and practice are discussed.Practitioner points

Self‐leadership is meaningfully associated with conscientiousness, openness, extraversion, and transformational leadership.

Fostering employee self‐leadership may promote productive cognition, attitudes, and behaviors.

Self‐leadership training programs can target specific strategies for training based on the desired outcome.
Age‐related differences of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic transmission in human colonic smooth muscle
Authors: Zizzo Maria Grazia , Cicio Adele , Raimondo Stefania , Alessandro Riccardo , Serio Rosa 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundEnteric neurons undergo to functional changes during aging. We investigated the possible age‐associated differences in enteric γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic transmission evaluating function and distribution of GABAergic receptors in human colon.MethodsMechanical responses to GABA and GABA receptor agonists on slow phasic contractions were examined in vitro as changes in isometric tension in colonic muscle strips from young (<65 years old) and aged patients (>65 years old). GABAergic receptor expression was assessed by quantitative RT‐PCR.Key ResultsIn both preparations GABA induced an excitatory effect, consisting in an increase in the basal tone, antagonized by the GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline, and potentiated by phaclofen, GABAB receptor antagonist.Tetrodotoxin (TTX) and atropine‐sensitive contractile responses to GABA and GABAA receptor agonist, muscimol, were more pronounced in old compared to young subjects. Baclofen, GABAB receptor agonist, induced a TTX‐sensitive reduction of the amplitude of the spontaneous. Nω–nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor abolished the inhibitory responses in old preparations, but a residual responses persisted in young preparations, which in turn was abolished by suramin, purinergic receptor antagonist. α3–GABAA receptor subunit expression tends to change in an age‐dependent manner.Conclusions and inferencesOur results reveal age‐related differences in GABAergic transmission in human colon. At all the age tested GABA regulates muscular contractility modulating the activity of the intrinsic neurons. Activation of GABAA receptor, through acetylcholine release, induces contraction, which increases in amplitude with age. GABAB receptor activation leads to neural release of NO and purines, being a loss of purinergic‐component in aged group.
Trends in Comorbidities and Postoperative Complications of Geriatric Hip Fracture Patients from 2000 to 2019: Results from a Hip Fracture Cohort in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Jiang Yu , Luo Yan , Lyu Houchen , Li Yi , Gao Yuan , Fu Xiaojie , Wu Huan , Wu Rilige , Yin Pengbin , Zhang Licheng , Tang Peifu 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveTo describe the secular trends in comorbidities and postoperative complications of geriatric hip fracture patients from the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital Hip Fracture Cohort between 2000 and 2019.MethodsWe included 2,805 hip fracture patients aged 65 years or older and received surgical treatment from 25 January 2000 to 19 December 2019. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and the time to surgery were extracted and examined in each 5‐year period based on the admission year, namely 2000–2004, 2005–2009, 2010–2014, and 2015–2019. Categorical data were analyzed by chi‐squared or Fisher's exact test, with ordinal data by row mean scores difference test and continuous data by one‐way analysis of variance. Trends in comorbidities and postoperative complications were examined by the Cochran–Armitage trend test.ResultsThe average age of the included population was 79.1 ± 7.3 years (mean ± standard deviation), and 69.1% were female. From 2000 to 2019, the proportion of females increased from 59.8% to 73.0% (P for trend <0.05). Hypertension (51.8%), type 2 diabetes (23.6%), coronary heart disease (20.9%), stroke (18.7%), and arrhythmia (11.2%) were the most prevalent five comorbidities. The proportion of hypertension was 27.0%, 45.4%, 53.0%, and 57.2% in each 5‐year period with an increasing trend (P for trend <0.05). The proportion of type 2 diabetes was 9.8%, 22.8%, 23.5%, and 26.0% in each 5‐year period (P for trend <0.05). Similar increasing trends were found in myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, and tumor. On the contrary, the proportion of patients with major postoperative complications decreased from 2000 to 2019, with 23.0%, 14.6%, 6.5%, and 5.6% in each 5‐year period (P for trend <0.05). For each specific postoperative complication, i.e. pneumonia, cardiovascular event, respiratory failure, and in‐hospital death, similar decreasing trends were found (all P for trend <0.05).ConclusionThis descriptive analysis sheds light on the fact that the health status of the hip fracture population tends to shift gradually. Improving concepts and practices of clinical interventions may help reduce postoperative complications, whereas challenges in the management of comorbidities increase.
Pregnancy‐related outcomes among women with physical disabilities: A systematic review
Authors: Deierlein Andrea L. , Antoniak Katherine , Chan Melany , Sassano Caprice , Stein Cheryl R. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundDisability among women of reproductive age is common; many of these women desire children and do not have impaired fertility.ObjectivesTo examine the epidemiological literature on perinatal health outcomes among women with physical disabilities.Data sourcesWe searched Medline and CINAHL for articles published January 2009–April 2020 following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.Study selection and data extractionEligible studies were observational, quantitative, and reported on physical disabilities in association with prenatal, perinatal, postpartum, and/or infant health outcomes. We included studies that grouped physical and non‐physical disabilities, such as surveys that queried only about general daily life limitations. We excluded case reports, descriptive studies without comparison groups, and studies conducted in low‐ or middle‐income countries. Data extraction was done using predefined data fields.SynthesisAll authors were involved in screening activities, data extraction, and/or quality assessment (rating and areas for bias).ResultsA total of 2650 articles were evaluated, of which sixteen met inclusion criteria (8 cross‐sectional studies and 8 retrospective cohort studies). Assessments of disability status and perinatal outcomes widely varied across studies. Studies were rated as poor (n = 8) or fair quality (n = 8). Findings suggested that women with physical disabilities were at risk of several adverse outcomes, including caesarean delivery, infections, preterm complications, and maternal post‐delivery hospitalisations, while their infants may be at risk of low birthweight and small‐for‐gestational age. Women classified as having complex/severe disabilities were often observed to be at higher risk of adverse outcomes compared to women with less severe disabilities.ConclusionsResearch assessing how physical, functional, and medical restrictions influence health outcomes among women with physical disabilities, from preconception through postpartum, is limited. Longitudinal studies with comprehensive data collection that accurately identify women with physical disabilities are critical to understanding their reproductive health risks and outcomes.