We Are Still Here: Omission and Perceived Discrimination Galvanized Civic Engagement Among Native Americans.

Leading up to the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Native American organizations and tribes launched get-out-the-vote campaigns that motivated Native peoples to vote in record numbers and helped flip battleground states. We conducted four studies (total N = 11,661 Native American adults) to examine the social and cultural factors explaining this historic Native civic engagement (e.g., campaigning). Results revealed that the more participants identified as being Native, the more they reported (a) engaging in civic activities, including get-out-the-vote behaviors during the 2020 election (Study 1); (b) civic engagement more broadly across a 5-year period (pilot study, Study 2); and (c) intentions to engage in civic activities in the future (Study 3). Moreover, participants who more strongly identified as Native were more likely to recognize the omission of their group from society and perceive greater group discrimination, which both independently and serially predicted greater civic engagement. These results suggest that leveraging the link between Native identification and group injustices can motivate action.

Ambulance waiting and associated work flow improvement strategies: a pilot study to improve door-in-door-out time for thrombectomy patients in a primary stroke center.

BACKGROUND: Rapid access to thrombectomy for patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is critical for improving outcome. A major challenge for the 'drip and ship' model is reducing the door-in-door-out time (DIDO). We propose a new protocol with the aim of reducing DIDO, without adversely affecting emergency service usage time. METHODS: Consecutive patients with suspected LVO AIS admitted to a Primary Stroke Center (PSC) from October 2018 to January 2021 were included. On arrival, the ambulance crew remained with the patient. Following immediate clinical and radiological evaluation, patients were transferred to the Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) by the same waiting crew. Key time metrics were collected and compared with historical data prior to the new protocol. RESULTS: 27 patients had an LVO amenable for mechanical thrombectomy during the time period. There was a significant reduction in the DIDO times compared with the historical group (median 45 min vs 96 min; p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in ambulance usage time between the two time periods (median 53 min vs 45 min; p=0.530). There was an increase in ambulance usage time in FAST-positive patients not for transfer in the pilot group compared with FAST-positive patients not for transfer in the historical group (27 min vs 58 min; p<0.001). In addition, door-to-needle times (24 min vs 40 min; p=0.018) and door-to-CT times (11 min vs 25 min; p<0.0001) improved between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our data show a significant reduction in the DIDO for patients transferred for thrombectomy, with no adverse effects on ambulance usage time.

Seclusion Reduction on an Adult Inpatient Psychiatric Unit: A Quality Improvement Project.

Seclusion practices have traditionally been used in psychiatry to maintain patient and staff safety. Despite negative emotional consequences for all involved parties and the movement toward patient-centered care, these practices continue in in-patient psychiatric units across the United States. The purpose of the current quality improvement project was to decrease the rate of seclusion events on an adult inpatient psychiatric unit through the implementation of a standard debriefing process based on the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors' Six Core Strategies for Reducing Seclusion and Restraint Use. In 2020, the seclusion rates at the project site were above state and national benchmarks. Post-intervention, the seclusion hours per 1,000 patient care hours increased by 16% (0.38 to 0.44); however, the mean duration of each seclusion episode decreased by 10% (158 minutes to 142 minutes). Intervention compliance was low, including interprofessional participation. These findings demonstrate the need to address seclusion practices with an evidence-based solution, such as debriefing, coupled with adequate support from interprofessional leadership. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60(6), 27-32.].

Decline in subarachnoid haemorrhage volumes associated with the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, decreased volumes of stroke admissions and mechanical thrombectomy were reported. The study's objective was to examine whether subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm coiling interventions demonstrated similar declines. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective, observational study across 6 continents, 37 countries and 140 comprehensive stroke centres. Patients with the diagnosis of SAH, aneurysmal SAH, ruptured aneurysm coiling interventions and COVID-19 were identified by prospective aneurysm databases or by International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes. The 3-month cumulative volume, monthly volumes for SAH hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm coiling procedures were compared for the period before (1 year and immediately before) and during the pandemic, defined as 1 March-31 May 2020. The prior 1-year control period (1 March-31 May 2019) was obtained to account for seasonal variation. FINDINGS: There was a significant decline in SAH hospitalisations, with 2044 admissions in the 3 months immediately before and 1585 admissions during the pandemic, representing a relative decline of 22.5% (95% CI -24.3% to -20.7%, p<0.0001). Embolisation of ruptured aneurysms declined with 1170-1035 procedures, respectively, representing an 11.5% (95%CI -13.5% to -9.8%, p=0.002) relative drop. Subgroup analysis was noted for aneurysmal SAH hospitalisation decline from 834 to 626 hospitalisations, a 24.9% relative decline (95% CI -28.0% to -22.1%, p<0.0001). A relative increase in ruptured aneurysm coiling was noted in low coiling volume hospitals of 41.1% (95% CI 32.3% to 50.6%, p=0.008) despite a decrease in SAH admissions in this tertile. INTERPRETATION: There was a relative decrease in the volume of SAH hospitalisations, aneurysmal SAH hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm embolisations during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings in SAH are consistent with a decrease in other emergencies, such as stroke and myocardial infarction.

The Landscape of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Newborn Screening in the United States in 2020: A Review of Screening Methodologies and Targets, Communication Pathways, and Long-Term Follow-Up Practices.

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is T cell development disorders in the immune system and can be detected at birth. As of December 2018, all 53 newborn screening (NBS) programs within the United States and associated territories offer universal screening for SCID. The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), along with the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF), surveyed public health NBS system laboratory and follow-up coordinators regarding their NBS program's screening methodologies and targets, protocols for stakeholder notifications, and long-term follow-up practices. This report explores the variation that exists across NBS practices, revealing needs for efficiencies and educational resources across the NBS system to ensure the best outcomes for newborns.

Early repatriation post-thrombectomy: a model of care which maximises the capacity of a stroke network to treat patients with large vessel ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Healthcare systems are challenged to provide access to thrombectomy in acute stroke patients. Either the "drip and ship" or "mothership" models result in increased numbers of patients in the endovascular stroke centre (ESC). We describe our approach for a "drip, ship, retrieve and leave" model repatriating patients immediately or within 24 hours of thrombectomy. METHODS: We included consecutive patients who underwent thrombectomy from January 2016 to June 2018. Patients from local region primary stroke centres (PSC) are immediately repatriated and those from remote region PSCs are admitted for 24 hours before repatriation. Key parameters recorded included clinical, radiological and timeline data as well as 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Patients who stayed beyond the intended time period in the ESC were analysed. RESULTS: From January 2016 to June 2018, 435 patients were transferred, with 352 patients in the local region group and 83 in the remote region group. The median NIHSS was 16 with a median ASPECTS of 9. Good functional outcome was seen in 47% of patients with a mortality rate of 19%. The local region group that were repatriated at the intended time period had a 90-day mRS 0-2 of 47% compared with 20% of those admitted to the ESC (P=0.006). Mortality rates were 20% and 27% respectively (P=0.377). The remote region group, repatriated at 24 hours' post-emergency endovascular thrombectomy had 90-day mRS 0-2 of 65% compared with 41% in the group admitted (P=0.042). Mortality rates were 4% and 22% respectively (P=0.007). CONCLUSION: This model enables the treatment of large numbers of patients with large vessel occlusion acute ischaemic stroke with thrombectomy within a national stroke service and system of care which would not otherwise be facilitated.

The impossible gallbladder: aspiration as an alternative to conversion.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard of care for symptomatic gallstone disease but when laparoscopic removal proves impossible the standard advice is to convert to open surgery. This jettisons the advantages of laparoscopy for a procedure which surgeons no longer perform routinely, so it may no longer be the safest practice. We hypothesised that gallbladder aspiration would be a safer alternative when laparoscopic removal is impossible. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of all laparoscopic cholecystectomies attempted under one surgeon's care over 19 years, and the outcomes of gallbladder aspiration were compared with the standard conversion-to-open procedure within the same institution. RESULTS: Of 757 laparoscopic cholecystectomies attempted, 714 (94.3%) were successful, while 40 (5.3%) were impossible laparoscopically and underwent gallbladder aspiration. Interval cholecystectomy was later performed in 34/40 (85%). Only 3/757 (0.4%) were converted to open. No aspiration-related complications occurred and excessive bile leakage from the gallbladder was not observed. During this time 1209 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were attempted by other surgeons in the institution of which 55 (4.55%) were converted to open and 22 (40%) had procedure-associated complications. There was a significant difference in the mean (± SEM) post-operative hospital stay between laparoscopic gallbladder aspiration [3.12 (± 0.558) days] and institutional conversion-to-open cholecystectomy [9.38 (± 1.04) days] (p < 0.001), with attendant cost savings. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic gallbladder aspiration is a safe alternative to conversion when inflammation makes cholecystectomy impossible laparoscopically, especially in the sickest patients and for surgeons with limited open surgery experience. This approach minimises morbidity and permits laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the majority after a suitable interval or referral of predicted difficult cases to specialist hepatobiliary centres.

Platelet-rich emboli are associated with von Willebrand factor levels and have poorer revascularization outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Platelets and von Willebrand factor (vWF) are key factors in thrombosis and thus are likely key components of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) emboli. We aimed to characterize platelet and vWF levels in AIS emboli and to assess associations between their expression levels and clinical and procedural information. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of emboli collected as part of the multi-institutional RESTORE registry was performed. The composition of the emboli was quantified using Orbit Image Analysis machine learning software. Correlations between clot components and clinical and procedural information were assessed using the χ2 test. RESULTS: Ninety-one emboli samples retrieved from 63 patients were analyzed in the study. The mean platelet (CD42b) content of the clots was 33.9% and the mean vWF content of the clots was 29.8%. There was a positive correlation between platelet and vWF levels (ρ=0.564, p<0.001*, n=91). There was an inverse correlation between both platelets and vWF levels and percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in the emboli (CD42b vs RBC: ρ=-0.535, p<0.001*, n=91; vWF vs RBC: ρ=-0.366, p<0.001*, n=91). Eighty-one percent of patients in the low platelet group had a good revascularization outcome (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2c/3) compared with 58% in the high platelet group (χ2=5.856, p=0.016). CONCLUSION: Platelet and vWF levels in AIS emboli correlate with each other and both have an inverse relationship with RBC composition. Patients with platelet-rich clots have poorer revascularization outcomes.

Direct carotid puncture for endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy is the standard of care for acute ischemic strokes with proximal intracranial occlusion. Arterial access is commonly achieved with femoral artery puncture, although this is not always possible. In this case series, we describe 11 cases of anterior circulation stroke where direct carotid puncture was used to obtain vascular access. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A review of a prospectively maintained thrombectomy database over a 2-year period (August 2016 - August 2018) was undertaken to identify cases where direct carotid access was performed. CT and angiographic imaging were reviewed. Indications for carotid access, techniques used, technical success of procedure, recanalization rates, procedure-related complications, and patient outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Eleven patients out of 498 overall thrombectomy procedures (2.2% thrombectomies) underwent direct carotid access. Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 20. Seventy three percent of patients received intravenous thrombolysis. The direct carotid approach was performed following the failed femoral approach due to unfavorable aortic arch anatomy, vessel tortuosity, and severe atherosclerotic disease. Direct carotid puncture was successful in 10 patients, and unsuccessful in one. Successful recanalization (TICI 2b-3) was achieved in eight patients. One patient had spontaneously recanalized on angiography. There was failed recanalization in one patient with tandem ICA and M1 occlusion. Carotid access complications included one patient with both neck hematoma and asymptomatic ICA dissection, and one of delayed central retinal artery occlusion. CONCLUSION: This case series highlights direct carotid puncture as a successful alternative when the femoral approach is not possible, allowing thrombectomy in patients who would otherwise be unsuitable.

Petting away pre-exam stress: The effect of therapy dog sessions on student well-being.

Recently, many universities have implemented programmes in which therapy dogs and their handlers visit college campuses. Despite the immense popularity of therapy dog sessions, few randomized studies have empirically tested the efficacy of such programmes. The present study evaluates the efficacy of such a therapy dog programme in improving the well-being of university students. This research incorporates two components: (a) a pre/post within-subjects design, in which 246 participants completed a brief questionnaire immediately before and after a therapy dog session and (b) an experimental design with a delayed-treatment control group, in which all participants completed baseline measures and follow-up measures approximately 10 hr later. Only participants in the experimental condition experienced the therapy dog session in between the baseline and follow-up measures. Analyses of pre/post data revealed that the therapy dog sessions had strong immediate benefits, significantly reducing stress and increasing happiness and energy levels. In addition, participants in the experimental group reported a greater improvement in negative affect, perceived social support, and perceived stress compared with those in the delayed-treatment control group. Our results suggest that single, drop-in, therapy dog sessions have large and immediate effects on students' well-being, but also that the effects after several hours are small.

Early focal segmental glomerulosclerosis as a cause of renal allograft primary nonfunction.

Background. Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is one of the commonest causes of glomerular disease and if left untreated will often progress to established renal failure. In many cases the best treatment option is renal transplantation; however primary FSGS may rapidly recur in renal allografts and may contribute to delayed graft function. We present a case of primary nonfunction in a renal allograft due to biopsy-proven FSGS. Case Report. A 32-year-old man presented with serum albumin of 22 g/L, proteinuria quantified at 12 g/L, and marked peripheral oedema. Renal biopsy demonstrated tip-variant FSGS. Despite treatment, the patient developed progressive renal dysfunction and was commenced on haemodialysis. Cadaveric renal transplantation was undertaken; however this was complicated by primary nonfunction. Renal biopsies failed to demonstrate evidence of acute rejection but did demonstrate clear evidence of FSGS. The patient was treated to no avail. Discussion. Primary renal allograft nonfunction following transplantation is often due to acute kidney injury or acute rejection. Recurrent FSGS is recognised as a phenomenon that drives allograft dysfunction but is not traditionally associated with primary nonfunction. This case highlights FSGS as a potentially aggressive process that, once active in the allograft, may prove refractory to targeted treatment. Preemptive therapies in patients deemed to be at high risk of recurrent disease may be appropriate and should be considered.