bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Firearms in a cohort of Women Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Central Pennsylvania
Authors: Leuenberger Laura , Lehman Erik , McCall-Hosenfeld Jennifer
Published: December 2020

Background: Almost one-half of U.S. women will experience intimate partner violence (IPV), defined as physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner. IPV is associated with an increased risk of homicide, with firearms as the most commonly used weapon. We designed this study to better understand the correlation of interpersonal trauma exposures and demographic factors on firearm perceptions among a cohort of IPV-exposed women. Methods: 267 women in central Pennsylvania with exposure to IPV were surveyed about perceptions of gun access, safety, and gun presence in the home. Trauma variables included IPV type, IPV recency, unwanted sexual exposure, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Multivariable analyses examined three questions examining firearm perceptions controlling for trauma exposures and demographics. Results: Ease of firearm acquisition : Women who were older (mean 44.92 years +/- SD 12.05), compared to women who were younger (40.91 +/- SD 11.81 years) were more likely to describe it as easy or very easy to acquire a gun (aOR 1.05, 95%CI 1.004, 1.10). Perceived safety in the proximity of a gun : Women with the highest ACE score were less likely to feel safe with a gun nearby (aOR 0.31, 95%CI 0.14,0.67). Odds of guns in the home: Women who were divorced or separated (aOR 0.22, 95%CI 0.09,0.54), women were widowed or single (aOR0.23, 95%CI 0.08,0.67), and women who were partnered (aOR 0.45 95%CI 0.20, 0.97) had lower odds of having a gun in the home, compared to married women. There was no significant effect of the trauma variables on the odds of having a gun at home. Conclusions: Women with more severe childhood trauma felt less safe around firearms, but trauma exposures did not predict the perception of gun prevalence in the local community or gun ownership. Instead, the demographic factor of marriage predicted presence of a gun in the home.
Preconception air pollution exposure and glucose tolerance in healthy pregnant women in a middle-income country
Authors: Najafi Moslem Lari , Zareie Mehdi , Gohari Ali , Haghighi Leyla , Heydari Hafez , miri Mohammad
Published: December 2020

Background: Preconception exposure to air pollution has been associated with glucose tolerance during pregnancy. However, the evidence in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is under debate yet. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relationship between exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) and traffic indicators with glucose tolerance in healthy pregnant women in Sabzevar, Iran (2019). Methods: Two-hundred and fifty healthy pregnant women with singleton pregnancies and 24-26 weeks of gestations participated in our study. Land use regression (LUR) models were applied to estimate the annual mean of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 at the residential address. Traffic indicators, including proximity of women to major roads as well as total streets length in 100, 300 and 500m buffers around the home were calculated using the street map of Sabzevar. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used to assess glucose tolerance during pregnancy. Multiple linear regression adjusted for relevant covariates was used to estimate the association of fasting blood glucose (FBG), 1-h and 2-h post-load glucose with PMs and traffic indicators. Results: Exposure to PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 was significantly associated with higher FBG concentration. Higher total streets length in a 100 m buffer was associated with higher FBG and 1-h glucose concentrations. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in proximity to major roads was associated with a decrease of -3.29 mg/dL (95% confidence interval (CI): -4.35, -2.23, P-value < 0.01) in FBG level and -3.65 mg/dL (95% CI: -7.01, -0.28, P-value = 0.03) decrease in 1-h post-load glucose. Conclusion: We found that higher preconception exposure to air pollution was associated with higher FBG and 1-h glucose concentrations during pregnancy.
Multiple Sclerosis incidence rate in southern Iran: A Bayesian epidemiological study
Authors: Asmarian Naeimehossadat , Sharafi Zahra , Mousavi Amin , Jacques Reis , Tamayo Ibon , Bind Marie-Abèle , abutorabi-zarchi Marzie , Moradian Mohammad Javad , Izadi Sadegh
Published: December 2020

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) remains to be a public health challenge, due to its unknown biological mechanisms and clinical impacts on young people. The prevalence of this disease in Iran is reported to be 5.30 to 74.28 per 100,000-person. Because of high prevalence of this disease in Fars province, the purpose of this study was to assess the spatial pattern of MS incidence rate by modeling both the effects of spatial dependence between neighboring regions and risk factors in a Bayesian Poisson model, which can lead to the improvement of health resource allocation decisions.Method: Data from 5,468 patients diagnosed with MS were collected, according to the McDonald’s criteria. New cases of MS were reported by the MS Society of Fars province from 1991 until 2016. The association between the percentage of people with low vitamin D intake, smoking, abnormal BMI and alcohol consumption in addition to spatial structure in a Bayesian spatio-temporal hierarchical model were used to determine the relative risk and trend of MS incidence rate in 29 counties of Fars province. Results: County-level crude incidence rates ranged from 0.22 to 11.31 cases per 100,000-person population. The highest relative risk was estimated at 1.80 in the county of Shiraz, the capital of Fars province, while the lowest relative risk was estimated at 0.11 in Zarindasht county in southern of Fars. The percentages of vitamin D supplementation intake and smoking were significantly associated with the incidence rate of MS. The results showed that 1% increase in vitamin D supplementation intake is associated with 2% decrease in the risk of MS and 1% increase in smoking is associated with 16% increase in the risk of MS.Conclusion: Bayesian spatio-temporal analysis of MS incidence rate revealed that trend is less steep than the mean trend of this disease in the south and south east of Fars province, which is due to the association between the higher percentage of vitamin D supplementation intake and the lower percentage of smoking. Previous studies have also shown that smoking and low vitamin D, among all covariates or risk factors, might be associated with high incidence of MS.
Talking the talk in junior interprofessional education: Is healthcare terminology a barrier or facilitator?
Authors: Nadarajah Shamara , Azim Arden , Yılmaz Derya Uzelli , Sibbald Matthew
Published: December 2020

Background: Use of jargon and complex healthcare terminology is a potential barrier to interprofessional education (IPE). Healthcare terminology can be separated into two categories: inclusive terminology shared amongst professions, and exclusive terminology unique to one profession. We sought to understand how terminology is perceived by junior learners in an IPE setting.Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study involving medical, nursing, and physician assistant students attending IPE simulation workshops. Students reviewed scenarios used in the workshops and identified terminology they considered “inclusive” or “exclusive”. Then, students participated in focus group discussions surrounding attitudes/perceptions towards healthcare terminology.Results: 23 students analyzed 14 cases, identifying on average 21 terms per case as healthcare terminology (29% of overall word count). Of the 290 terms identified, 113 terms were classified as healthcare terminology, 46 as inclusive and 17 as exclusive by >50% of participants. Analysis of focus group transcripts revealed 4 themes: abbreviations were commonly perceived as complex terminology, unfamiliarity with terminology was often attributed to being early in training even if exclusive, simulation was considered a safe space for learning, and learning terminology was a valued objective in early IPE.Conclusions: Students perceive a lot of healthcare terminology in learning materials, which is recognized as a valuable learning objective in their early IPE experiences, but also a challenge. Categorization of healthcare language is inconsistent among students and may reflect individual differences in prior experiences. Overall, healthcare terminology is a valued desirable difficulty among junior learners, and should not be avoided in IPE.
Relationships of coping styles and psychological distress among patients with insomnia disorder
Authors: Li Yinghui , Cong Xiaoyin , Chen Suzhen , Li Yong
Published: December 2020

Background: Insomnia appears to be one of the most frequent sleep complaints in the general population. It has significant negative impact on daily functioning. however, there has been little research that described the effect of coping style in insomnia disorder.Methods: The Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) was used to evaluate 79 adult patients with insomnia disorder alongside 80 healthy controls. Additionally, sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90R) was utilized to determine the status of depression, anxiety and other psychological symptoms.Results: Positive coping style score was significantly lower, whereas negative coping style score and nine symptomatic dimensions of SCL-90R were significantly higher in insomnia patients than in controls. Positive coping style score was adversely related to PSQI score, obsessive-compulsive, depression, anxiety and phobic anxiety, whereas negative coping style score was positively related to PSQI score, somatization and interpersonal sensitivity. Further multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that PSQI total score was independently and positively correlated with negative coping style score.Conclusions: Insomniacs use more negative coping styles and less positive ones. Positive coping is adversely associated with insomnia symptoms and psychological distress, whereas negative coping is positively related to those symptoms. And negative coping has a negative effect on sleep quality. we should attach importance to coping styles of insomniacs in clinical practice, which may help to develop more targeted prevention and intervention strategies.
The therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stromal cells on experimental colitis was improved by the IFN-γ and poly(I:C)-priming through promoting the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase.
Authors: Lim Ji-Young , Kim Byung-Su , Ryu Da-Bin , Kim Tae Woo , Park Gyeongsin , Min Chang-Ki
Published: December 2020

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic and excessive inflammation of the colon and small intestine. We previously reported that priming of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) with poly(I:C) induced them to express indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). We tried to find out whether the IFN-γ and poly(I:C)-primed MSCs have better therapeutic efficacy on the experimental colitis in the IDO1-dependent manner. Methods: To compare the therapeutic effects between the unstimulated MSCs and primed MSCs on murine colitis, mice (C57BL6) were administered with 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for 5 days and injected with MSCs intraperitoneally on days 1 and 3 following DSS ingestion. The disease activity index score and body weight loss were assessed daily until day 9.Results: Mice receiving the IFN-γ and poly(I:C)-primed MSCs showed a reduced disease activity index and less weight loss. Colon tissue from the same mice presented attenuated pathological damage, increased Paneth cells, increased IDO1-expressing cells, and better proliferation of enterocytes. The primed MSC treatment upregulated the mRNA expression of intestinal stem cell markers (Lgr5, Olfm4, and Bmi1), enterocyte differentiation markers (Muc2, Alpi, Chga, and occludin), and regulatory T (Treg) cells (Foxp3). The same treatment decreased inflammatory cell infiltration to lymphoid organs and the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1) in colon tissue. Notably, in vivo pharmacologic inhibition of the IDO1 activity blocked the Foxp3 up-regulation in colon tissue and diminished the protective effects of the primed MSC.Conclusions: The priming of MSCs with the IFN-γ and poly(I:C) is a promising new strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of MSC and is worth further research.
Clinical characteristics, treatment status and complications in women with tube ovarian abscess and endometriosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Hui , Zhao Yan , Chang Xiao-hong , Wang Yue , Zhu Hong-lan
Published: December 2020

Background: The aim of our present study was to investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment status and complications in women with endometriosis (EM) and tube ovarian abscess (TOA) to determine the possible association between TOA and EM.Methods: Medical records were used to analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment and complications. Twenty women who were diagnosed with TOA with EM were compared with 93 women diagnosed as having TOA without EM between January, 2008 and December, 2018. Results: In this study, TOA patients with EM were significantly more likely to have a lower age range (20–39years) than the non-EM group (11/20 (55.0%) vs 27/93 (29.0%)). In addition, TOA patients with EM were associated with a significantly lower rate of parity (11/20 (55.0%) vs 75/93 (80.6%),), higher rates of infertility (8/20(40%) vs 0/93(0%),) and a significantly lower incidence of elevated blood platelet counts (5/20 (25%) vs 43/93 (53.8%)). Furthermore, women with EM had greater blood loss (347±445.77 vs 204.67±289.46) and an increased complication rate (3/20(15%) vs 0/93(0%)). Among the 3 patients who had complications in the EM group, 2 patients had septic shock and 1 patient had intestinal obstruction. And 1 case who had septic shock followed by IVF treatment. There was no significance difference on other factors.Conclusions: The present study indicated that EM did not increase the difficulty and time of treatment in patients with TOA, but increased bleeding during surgery and serious complications. It is suggested that doctors should pay more attention to postoperative treatment and nursing in women with TOA and EM, especially those who have a history of recent infertility treatment and related procedures.
Assessment of isokinetic trunk muscle strength and its association with health-related quality of life in patients with degenerative spinal deformity
Authors: Yang Sen , Chen Can , Du Shiyu , Tang Yong , Li Kai , Yu Xueke , Tan Jiulin , Zhang Chengmin , Rong Zhigang , Xu Jianzhong , Wu Wenjie , Luo Fei
Published: December 2020

Background: A considerable portion of the elderly population are increasingly afflicted by degenerative spinal deformity (DSD), which seriously affects patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HRQoL index is used across many studies to show correlations between radio-graphical alignment, disability, and pain in patients with DSD. However, imaged structural deformity represents only one aspect for consideration, namely, the disability effect of DSD. We assessed the isokinetic strength of trunk muscle in patients with degenerative spinal deformity (DSD), and investigated its relationship with HRQoL.Methods: In total, 38 patients with DSD (DSD group) and 32 healthy individuals (control group) were recruited. Both groups were homogeneous for age, weight, height and body mass index (BMI). Assessments were performed using the isokinetic dynamometer IsoMed-2000; trunk extensor, flexor strength and flexion/extension (F/E) ratios were explored concentrically at speeds of 30°, 60° and 120° per second. The grip strength of both hands was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), a Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RDQ), and a 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) evaluated patient HRQoL. Correlations between trunk strength and HRQoL were analyzed.Results: When compared with the control group, the DSD group showed lower trunk extensor strength at three velocity movements, and higher F/E ratios at 60° and 120°/s (p < 0.05). Both groups exhibited similar trunk flexor strength and grip strength (p > 0.05). In DSD group，trunk extensor strength at 60°/s was negatively associated with ODI and RDQ (p < 0.05). A negative relationship between trunk flexor strength at 120°/s and ODI was also recorded (p < 0.05). In addition, trunk extensor strength at 60°/s and trunk flexor strength at 120°/s were positively correlated with physical functioning and role-physical scores according to the SF-36 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We identified isolated trunk extensor myopathy in DSD, which causes an imbalance in trunk muscle strength. Isokinetic trunk extensor strength at 60°/s and trunk flexor strength at 120°/s can predict disability, and decrease physical HRQoL in DSD patients.
Accelerated fetal growth in early pregnancy and risk of preterm birth: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Elenis Evangelia , Wikström Anna-Karin , Simic Marija
Published: December 2020

Background: Preterm birth (occurring before 37 completed weeks of gestation) affects 15 million infants annually, 7.5% of which die due to related complications. The detection and early diagnosis are therefore paramount in order to prevent the development of prematurity and its consequences. So far, focus has been laid on the association between reduced intrauterine fetal growth during late gestation and prematurity. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between accelerated fetal growth in early pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 69 617 singleton pregnancies without congenital malformations and with available biometric measurements during the first and second trimester. Estimation of fetal growth was based on measurements of biparietal diameter (BPD) at first and second trimester scan. We investigated the association between accelerated fetal growth and preterm birth prior to 37 weeks of gestation. The outcome was further stratified into very preterm birth (before 32 weeks of gestation) or moderate preterm birth (between 32 and 37 weeks of gestation) and medically induced or spontaneous preterm birth and was further explored. Results: The odds of prematurity were increased among fetuses with accelerated BPD growth (> 90th centile) estimated between first and second ultrasound scan, even after adjustment for possible confounders (aOR 1.36; 95% CI 1.20-1.54). The findings remained significant what regards moderate preterm births but not very preterm births. Regarding medically induced preterm birth, the odds were found to be elevated in the group of fetuses with accelerated growth in early pregnancy (aOR 1.34; 95% CI 1.11-1.63). On the contrary, fetuses with delayed fetal growth exhibited lower odds for both overall and spontaneous preterm birth.Conclusions: Fetuses with accelerated BPD growth in early pregnancy, detected by ultrasound examination during the second trimester, exhibited increased odds of being born preterm. The findings of the current study suggest that fetal growth in early pregnancy should be taken into account when assessing the risk for preterm birth.
Dust storm activity in Tianwen-1 mission’s tentative landing area (Chryse) ： MGS-MOC observations from Mars year 24-28
Authors: Li Bo , Yao Peiwen , Zhang Jiang , Yue Zongyu , Li Chenfan , Wang Biao , Fu Xiaohui , Ling Zongcheng , Chen Shengbo
Published: December 2020

Dust storms, observed in all seasons, are among the most momentous Mars atmosphere activities. The Entry-Descent-Landing (EDL) activity of a Martian landing mission is influenced by local atmospheric conditions, especially the dust storm activity probability. It is of great significance to know well the dust storm situation that China's first Mars mission (Tianwen-1) may encounter in EDL season in the Chryse landing area, one of the tentative landing areas. Firstly, based on four Martian years’ Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) Mars Daily Global Maps (MDGMs), 1172 dust storms were identified within Chryse’s 1600 km radius ring with their shape parameters extracted, including center, range and area. Secondly, the daily mean dust storm probability was calculated binned by 1° of solar longitude in the Chryse landing area during EDL season. Dust storm activity frequency was closely interrelated with the seasonal ebb and flow of the arctic polar ice cap, consequently, most of dust storms occurring in either the cap’s grow or the recession phase. The dust storm activity in the Chryse landing area mainly came from the northern polar cap region, Acidalia and Chryse, with some contribution from the southern hemisphere (Argyre and Bosporos) northward. Thirdly, we divided the Chryse landing area into many square grids of 0.5° and computed the average occurrence probability of dust storm in each grid during EDL season. The dust storm activity probability in space was also in-homogeneous, low in the west and south but high in the east and north, which was mainly affected by the origin and the path of dust storm sequence. Finally, according to the temporal and spatial probability of dust storm activity in the Chryse landing area during EDL season, we held that the preferred landing time of the Tianwen-1 mission in 2021 was in Ls=18°-65° and three preferred landing areas were selected with low dust storm probability.
Validation of Living with Chronic Illness Scale in a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus population
Authors: Caro-Bautista Jorge , Rodriguez-Blazquez Carmen , Perez-Manchon David , Timonet Eva , Carvajal Gloria , Fuentes-Ramirez Alejandra , Corchon Silvia , Aranda-Gallardo Marta , Ambrosio Leire
Published: December 2020

Background: Worldwide, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases and one of those producing greatest impact on patients’ day-to-day quality of life. Our study aim is to validate the “Living with Chronic Illness Scale” for a Spanish-speaking T2DM population.Methods: In this observational, international, cross-sectional study, 582 persons with T2DM were recruited in primary care and outpatient hospital consultations, in Spain and Colombia, during the period from May 2018 to June 2019. The properties analysed were feasibility/acceptability, internal consistency, reliability, precision and (structural) content-construct validity including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The COSMIN checklist was used to assess the methodological/psychometric quality of the instrument.Results: The scale had an adequate internal consistency and test retest reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.90; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96, respectively). In addition, the instrument is precise (standard error of measurement = 3.34, with values <½SD = 8.52) and correlates positively with social support (DUFSS) (rs = 0.56), quality of life (WHOQOL) (rs = 0.51-0.30) and satisfaction (SLS-6) (rs = 0.50-0.38). The original 26-items version of the scale did not support totally the CFA. The COSMIN checklist is favourable for all the properties analysed, although weaknesses are detected for structural validity.Conclusions: The LW-CI-T2DM is a valid, reliable and accurate instrument for use in clinical practice to determine how a person’s life is affected by the presence of diabetes. This instrument correlates well with the associated constructs of social support, quality of life and satisfaction. Additional research is needed to determine how well the questionnaire structure performs when robust factor analysis methods are applied.
Exploring natural allelic variations of the β-triketone herbicide resistance gene HIS1 for application in indica rice and particularly in two-line hybrid rice
Authors: Lv Qiming , Zhang Xiuli , Yuan Dingyang , Huang Zhiyuan , Peng Rui , Peng Jiming , Li Zuren , Tang Li , Liu Ducai , Zhou Xiaomao , Wang Lifeng , Pan Lang , Shao Ye , Mao Bigang , Xin Yeyun , Zhu Lihuang , Zhao Bingran , Bai Lianyang
Published: December 2020

Background: Benzobicyclon (BBC) is a β-triketone herbicide (bTH) used in rice paddy fields. It has the advantages of high efficiency, low toxicity, high crop safety, and good environmental compatibility, and shows efficacy against paddy weeds resistant to other types of herbicides. However, as some important indica rice varieties are susceptible to BBC, BBC is currently only registered and applied in japonica rice cultivation areas.Results: By analyzing haplotypes of the bTHs broad-spectrum resistance gene HIS1 and phenotypes for BBC in 493 major indica rice accessions in China, we identified a novel non-functional allelic variant of HIS1 in addition to the previously reported 28-bp deletion. Through detection with markers specific to the two non-functional mutations, it was clear that 25.4% of indica conventional varieties, 59.9% of fertility restorers, and 15.9% of sterile lines were susceptible to BBC. In addition, due to natural allelic variations of the HIS1 gene in the sterile and restorer lines, some two-line hybrid sterile lines were sensitive to bTHs, and the corresponding restorers were resistant. We showed the potential effectiveness of using bTHs to address the issue of two-line hybrid rice seed purity stemming from the self-crossing of sterile lines during hybrid rice seed production. Finally, allelic variations of the HIS1 gene may also play an important role in the mechanized seed production of hybrid rice.Conclusions: Our findings offer guidance for the application of BBC in indica rice areas and provide a non-transgenic approach to address the seed purity issue of two-line hybrid rice.
Shotgun Metagenomic Analysis Reveals New Insights into Bacterial Community Profiles in Tempeh
Authors: Yulandi Adi , Suwanto Antonius , Waturangi Diana Elizabeth , Wahyudi Aris Tri
Published: December 2020

Objective: Amplicon sequencing targeting 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) has been widely used to profile the microbial community from fermented food samples. However, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) steps on amplicon sequencing analysis and intragenomic heterogeneity within 16S rRNA are believed to contribute to bias in estimating microbial community composition. As potential paraprobiotics sources, a comprehensive profiling study of tempeh microbial ecology could contribute to tempeh product development. This study employed a shotgun metagenomic approach, where metagenome fragments from tempeh samples were sequenced directly for taxonomic and functional profiling analysis.Results: Taxonomic profiling showed that Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla from the shotgun metagenomic analysis in all tempeh samples. In terms of composition, this shotgun metagenomic study revealed that Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum. Functional profiling showed that iron complex outer-membrane recepter protein (KEGG ID: K02014) was the most transcribed gene based on this metagenomic analysis. The metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) results from the binning pipeline could reveal almost complete whole genome sequence of Lactobacillus fermentum, Enterococcus cecorum, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii.
On Jones et al.’s method for extending Bland-Altman plots to limits of agreement with the mean for multiple observers
Authors: Christensen Heidi S. , Borgbjerg Jens , Børty Lars , Bøgsted Martin
Published: December 2020

Background To assess the agreement of continuous measurements between a number of observers, Jones et al. introduced limits of agreement with the mean (LOAM) for multiple observers, representing how much an individual observer can deviate from the mean measurement of all observers. Besides the graphical visualisation of LOAM, suggested by Jones et al., it is desirable to supply LOAM with confidence intervals and to extend the method to the case of multiple measurements per observer.Methods We reformulate LOAM under the assumption the measurements follow an additive two-way random effects model. Assuming this model, we provide estimates and confidence intervals for the proposed LOAM. Further, this approach is easily extended to the case of multiple measurements per observer.Results The proposed method is applied on two data sets to illustrate its use. Specifically, we consider agreement between measurements regarding tumour size and aortic diameter. For the latter study, three measurement methods are considered. Conclusions The proposed LOAM and the associated confidence intervals are useful for assessing agreement between continuous measurements.
Scaling-up community self-reporting rate for COVID-19: Implication for assessing the perceived stigmatization of COVID-19 survivors among residents of Agege local government, Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Babatunde Olaniyan Akintunde , Amifofun Owoicho Samuel , Sola Sunday Thomas , Akande Abayomi , Besong Mathias , Yesufu Baqiah Morenike , Akanbi Ibukun Mary , Dairo Magbagbeola David
Published: December 2020

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging public health problem with over forty-four million confirmed infections globally. Previous studies showed that stigma impedes response activities. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the perceived stigmatization of COVID-19 survivors among residents of Agege local government, Lagos State, Nigeria. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 333 consenting residents recruited from Agege local government using a multi-stage sampling technique. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on perceived stigmatization. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using Chi-square and logistic regression respectively.Results: The mean age of the respondents was 35.7 ± 13.6 years. The proportion of respondents with poor knowledge was 50.5% and awareness for COVID-19 was 95.2%. Television and radio were the two major sources of awareness for COVID-19. A higher likelihood of perceived stigmatization was found among those aged 25 – 49 years (aOR= 3.1, 95% CI = 1.4 – 6.7), ≥ 50 years (aOR= 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1 – 3.9) and married respondents (aOR= 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1 – 2.9). To reduce the effect of stigmatization, we recommend a holistic response plan designed with basic facts about COVID-19 using programmes targeting married respondents as well as the adults.
Patient preferences on rheumatoid arthritis second-line treatment: A discrete choice experiment of Swedish patients
Authors: Bywall Karin Schölin , Kihlbom Ulrik , Hansson Mats , Falahee Marie , Raza Karim , Baecklund Eva , Veldwijk Jorien
Published: December 2020

Background: Preference assessments of patients with rheumatoid arthritis can support clinical therapeutic decisions for including biologic and targeted synthetic medicines to use. This study assesses patient preferences for attributes of second-line therapies and heterogeneity within these preferences to estimate the relative importance of treatment characteristics and to calculate the minimum benefit levels patients require to accept higher levels of side effects.Methods: Between November 2018 to August 2019, patients with rheumatoid arthritis were recruited to a survey containing demographic and disease-related questions as well as a discrete choice experiment to measure their preferences for second-line therapies using biologics or Janus kinases inhibitors. Treatment characteristics included were route of administration, frequency of use, probability of mild short-term side effects, probability of side effects changing appearance, probability of psychological side effects, probability of severe side effects, and effectiveness of treatment.Results: A total of 358 patients were included in the analysis. A latent class analysis revealed three preference patterns. 1) Treatment effectiveness as the single most important attribute. 2) Route of administration as the most important attribute, closely followed by frequency of use and psychological side effects. 3) Severe side effects as the most important attribute followed by psychological side effects. In addition, disease duration and mild side effects influenced the patients’ choices.Conclusion: Respondents found either effectiveness, route of administration or severe side effects as the most important attribute. Patients noting effectiveness as most important were more willing than other patients to accept higher risks of side effects.
Associations of dietary inflammatory index, serum levels of MCP-1 and body composition in Iranian overweight and obese women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghodoosi Nasim , Mirzababaei Atieh , Rashidbeygi Elahe , Badrooj Negin , Sajjadi Seyedeh Forough , Setayesh Leila , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed , Keshavarz Seyed Ali , Shiraseb Farideh , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: December 2020

Objective: Although, several studies have illustrated that there is a relation between dietary inflammatory index (DII) with obesity-related parameters, and inflammation, their results were controversial. This study aimed to investigate this relationship among Iranian women.Results: Multivariable linear regression showed that fat mass was 0.14 kg lower in the anti-inflammatory diet group, with respect to the pro-inflammatory group, after adjusting covariates such as age, physical activity, economic and job status (β = -0.142, 95% CI -4.44, -1.71, P = 0.03). Fat-free mass (FFM) was 1.5 kg more in the anti-inflammatory diet group, compared to the pro-inflammatory diet group, after adjusting for potentials cofounders (β = 1.50, 95% CI 0, 3.01, p = 0.05). Furthermore, after adjusting for potentials cofounders, it was revealed that the subjects with lower DII had lower monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in serum (β = -18.81, 95% CI -35.84, -1.79, p = 0.03). These findings suggest an inverse and significant relationship between DII and FFM and also DII is directly related to Fat mass and the level of MCP-1. This finding can be used for developing interventions that aim to promote healthy eating to prevent inflammation and non-communicable disease development among obese females.
Guangzhou Tongcao painting in late China Qing Dynasty（1840—1912 AD）: technology revealed by Analytical Approaches
Authors: Zhang Chan , Huang Jianbin , Zhu Tiequan , Zhang Ronglin
Published: December 2020

Guangzhou Tongcao painting in Qing Dynasty of China witnessed the exchange of economy, culture, art and technology between China and foreign countries, which was an important exported product in historical China. In this paper, by using Optical Stereo Microscope, Polarized Light Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope attached Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and micro confocal laser Raman Spectroscope, a Qing Dynasty Tongcao painting with the subject of family life of an official's female relative was analyzed. Our study revealed that: 1) the hexagonal cell morphology which was easily observed in the Tongcao pith could contain more pigments and increase the stereo sense of painting, and the cell of historical Tongcao pith had started to degrade, which indicated an urgent requirement on conservation of Tongcao painting; 2) alum was needed as the fixing agent in the preparation of pigments and the painting process; 3) both the China domestic pigments including red lead, calcite, lead white, carbon black and gamboge, and the synthetic pigments imported from Europe (synthetic ultramarine, prussian blue and emerald green) were applied in this painting, which reflected the bi-directional communication of culture and technology between China and western world. Meanwhile, the existence of synthetic ultramarine, prussian blue and emerald green was helpful to further identify the production date of this painting to late Qing Dynasty, mainly the mid-late 19th century.
Restoration of non-structural damaged murals in Shenzhen Bao’an based on a generator–discriminator network
Authors: Li Jiao , Wang Huan , Deng Zhiqin , Pan Mingtao , Chen Honghai
Published: December 2020

Shenzhen is a modern metropolis, but it hides a variety of valuable cultural heritage, such as ancient murals. How to effectively preserve and repair the murals is a worthy of discussion question. Here, we propose a generation-discriminator network model based on artificial intelligence algorithms to perform digital image restoration of ancient damaged murals. In adversarial learning, this study optimizes the discriminative network model. First, the real mural images and damaged images are spliced together as input to the discriminator network. The network uses a 5-layer encoder unit to down-sample the 1024 x 1024 x 3 image to 32 x 32 x 256. Then, we connect a layer of ZeroPadding2D to expand the image to 34 x 34 x 256, and pass the Conv2D layer, down-sample to 31 x 31 x 256, perform batch normalization, and repeat the above steps to get a 30 x 30 x 1 matrix. Finally, this part of the loss is emphasized in the loss function as needed to improve the texture detail information of the image generated by the Generator. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional algorithm, the PSNR value of the algorithm proposed in this paper can be increased by 5.86 db at most. The SSIM value increased by 0.13. Judging from subjective vision. The proposed algorithm can effectively repair damaged murals with dot-like damage and complex texture structures. The algorithm we proposed may be helpful for the digital restoration of ancient murals, and may also provide reference for mural restoration workers.
Is coracoclavicular reconstruction necessary in hook plate fixation for acute unstable acromioclavicular dislocation?
Authors: Chen Yu-Ta , Wu Kuan-Ting , Jhan Shun-Wun , Hsu Shan-Ling , Liu Hao-Chen , Wang Ching-Jen , Ko Jih-Yang , Chou Wen-Yi
Published: December 2020

Background: Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation is a relatively common shoulder injury. For the treatment of cases of severe ACJ dislocation (Rockwood type III–V), hook plate fixation is a neasy-to-master and minimally-invasive approach to surgical intervention. Over stress on the acromion following hook plate fixation often leads to acromial complications such as osteolysis and loss of reduction. We hypothesized that suspensory reconstruction a longside hook plate fixation might provide a superior stability and reduce complications as compared with hook plate fixation alone. The purpose of the study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of these two surgical modalities.Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 49 patients with acute ACJ dislocation from May 2010 to December 2018. Among them, nineteen patients received hook plate fixation only (HP group), and 19 underwent concomitant hook plate fixation and loop suspension fixation with two mersilene sutures (HM group). The demographic data of the patients were recorded and analyzed. All patients underwent a shoulder x-ray initially, immediately postoperatively, and at 1, 3, 6 and12 months to measure the relative coracoclavicular distance (rCCD). Clinical assessment of shoulder function outcome was conducted using the Constant Murley Score (CMS); the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score was also measured at the latest follow-up.Results: There were no significant differences in the demographic data between the two groups. With regards to the CMS and the UCLA score, the HM group and HP group both had excellent outcomes, and no significant differences in scores were observed between groups (CMS: 93.90±6.16 versus 94.47±7.26, p=0.47; UCLA score: 32.84±2.91 versus 34.32±1.16, p=0.07). However, the HM group demonstrated substantial superiority in terms of maintenance of the rCCD over the HP group (91.47±27.47 versus 100.75±48.70, p=0.015). In addition, there was less subacromial osteolysis in the HM group than the HP group (52.6% versus 15.8%, p=0.038).Conclusion: Both fixations yielded excellent functional outcomes. However, concomitant hook plate fixation with loop suspensory reconstruction demonstrated the fewer acromion complications and statistical differences in reduction maintenance with less clinical significance.
Anxiety amongst physicians during COVID-19: Cross-sectional study in Pakistan
Authors: Mahmood Qaisar Khalid , Jafree Sara Rizvi , Jalil Aisha , Nadir Syed Mujtaba Hasnain , Fischer Florian
Published: December 2020

Background: Ensuring safety and wellbeing of healthcare providers is crucial, particularly during times of a pandemic. In this study, we aim to identify the determinants of anxiety in physicians on duty in coronavirus wards or quarantine centers. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional quantitative survey with an additional qualitative item. Five constructs of workload, exhaustion, family strain, feeling of protection, and anxiety were measured using items from two validated tools. Modifications were made for regional relevance. Factor analysis was performed showing satisfactory Cronbach alpha results. Overall, 103 physicians completed the questionnaire. Results: T-test results revealed significant associations between gender and anxiety. Structural equation modeling identified that high workload contributed to greater exhaustion (β=0.41, R2=0.17, p<0.001) and greater family strain (β=0.47, R2=0.22, p<0.001). Exhaustion (β=0.17, p<0.005), family strain (β=0.34, p<0.001), and feelings of protection (β=-0.30, p<0.001) significantly explained anxiety (R2=0.28). Qualitative findings further identified specific needs of physicians with regard to protective equipment, compensation, quarantine management, resource allocation, security and public support, governance improvement, and health sector development. Conclusions: It is imperative to improve governmental and social support for physicians and other healthcare providers during the corona pandemic. Immediate attention is needed to reduce anxiety, workload, and family strain in frontline practitioners treating coronavirus patients, and to improve their (perceptions of) protection. This is a precondition for patient safety.
Effectiveness of the Close Collaboration with Parents intervention on parent-infant closeness in NICU
Authors: He Felix , Axelin Anna , Ahlqvist-Björkroth Sari , Raiskila Simo , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Lehtonen Liisa
Published: December 2020

Background Parent-infant closeness during hospital care of newborns has many benefits for both infants and parents. We developed an educational intervention for neonatal staff, Close Collaboration with Parents, to increase parent-infant closeness during hospital care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on parent-infant closeness in nine hospitals in Finland.Methods Parents of hospitalized infants were recruited in the hospitals during 3-month periods before and after the Close Collaboration with Parents intervention. The data were collected using daily Closeness diaries. Mothers and fathers separately filled in the time they spent in the hospital and the time of skin-to-skin contact with their infant during each hospital care day until discharge. Statistical analyses were done using a linear model with covariates.Results Diaries were kept before and after the intervention by a total of 170 and 129 mothers and 126 and 84 fathers, respectively. Either parent was present on average 453 minutes per day before the intervention and 620 minutes after the intervention in the neonatal unit. In the adjusted model, the increase was 99 minutes per day (p=0.0007). The infants were in skin-to-skin contact on average 76 minutes per day before the intervention and 114 minutes after the intervention. In the adjusted model, skin-to-skin contact increased by 24 minutes per day (p=0.0405).Conclusion The Close Collaboration with Parents intervention increased parents’ presence and skin-to-skin contact in nine hospitals. This study suggests that parent-infant closeness may be one mediating factor explaining benefits of parenting interventions. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04635150. Retrospectively registered on November 18, 2020.
Ethnobotanical characterization of medicinal plants used in Kisantu and Mbanza-Ngungu territories, Kongo-Central Province in DR Congo
Authors: Kembelo Pathy Kibungu , Bakwaye Favien Nzuki , Katula Honoré Belesi , Vanhove Wouter , Damme Patrick Van
Published: December 2020

Background: The phytotherapeutic knowledge of the Kongo people in the territories of Kisantu and Mbanza-Ngungu in Kongo-Central Province (DR Congo) is rapidly eroding. To document the remaining knowledge, we conducted an ethnobotanical survey on the most important medicinal plant species and diseases treated with them, as well as plants with therapeutic potential. We also checked for the cultural similarity in medicinal plant knowledge between the two territories and how knowledge about Kongo medicinal plants differs between different social groups.Methods: From June 2017 until February 2018 and from February 2019 until April 2019, we conducted a survey with 188 phytotherapists, selected using the snowball method and surveyed using semi-structured interviews. Voucher specimens were taken for identification. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using medicinal Use Value (UVs), Informant Agreement Ratio (IARs), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Species Therapeutic Potential (STP). Rahman’s similarity index was used for ethno-cultural comparison of medicinal plant knowledge between the two communities. Medicinal knowledge between different social groups was analyzed using non parametric tests and Poisson regression.Results: A total of 231 plants (i.e. 227 botanical species, representing 192 genera and 79 families) were reportedly used to treat 103 diseases. Most abundant taxa were reported for the Fabaceae family (including 11.9 % of species and 10.9% of genera). Most reported species (45.0%) were from anthropized areas. Leaves (39.4%), herbs (37.1%), decoction (41.7%) and oral ingestion (72%) were the most frequently cited plant part, botanical form, preparation and administration method, respectively. Four of all inventoried species showed high UVS (> 0.05), whereas eight had an IAR of one. According to ICF, 31 diseases were mentioned. Highest ICF (≥ 0.4) was observed for hemorrhoids (0.44), amoebiasis (0.43) and itchy rash (0.42). Fifty-four plant species were identified as likely possessing an interesting therapeutic potential. Low ethno-cultural similarity in medicinal knowledge (RSI = 16.6%) was found between the two territories. Analysis of the Kongo medicinal plant knowledge showed that the mean number of reported species and diseases vary considerably depending on gender, type and residence of therapists (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Results prove that the Kongo phytopharmacopoeia makes use of interesting medicinal plant species that could be further studied for conservation and pharmacological applications.