bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Evolution of Ride-Hailing Adoption and Usage: A Case Study of the Puget Sound Region
Authors: Dias Felipe F. , Kim Taehooie , Bhat Chandra R. , Pendyala Ram M. , Lam William H. K. , Pinjari Abdul R. , Srinivasan Karthik K. , Ramadurai Gitakrishnan
Published: November 2020

Ride-hailing services have grown in cities around the world. There are, however, few studies and even fewer publicly available data sources that provide a basis to understand and quantify changes in ride-hailing usage over time. Ride-hailing use may change over time because of socio-demographic shifts, economic and technological changes, and service attribute enhancements, as well as changes in unobserved attributes such as attitudes and perceptions, lifestyle preferences, technology savviness, and social influences. It is important to quantify the effects of these different forces on ride-hailing frequency so that robust forecasts of ride-hailing use can be developed. This paper uses repeated cross-sectional data collected in 2015 and 2017 in the Puget Sound region to analyze the differential effects of socio-demographic variables on the evolution of ride-hailing adoption and usage. By doing so, the study is able to isolate and quantify the pure effect of the passage of time on adoption of ride-hailing services. A joint binary probit-ordered probit model is estimated on the pooled dataset to explicitly account for sample-selection differences between the 2015 and 2017 surveys that may affect estimates of ride-hailing adoption in the two years. Model estimation results are used to compute average treatment effects of different variables on ride-hailing usage over time. It is found that the effects of most demographic variables on individuals’ propensity to use ride-hailing are softening over time, leading to reduced differences in ride-hailing use among market segments. This suggests that there is a “democratization” of ride-hailing services over time.
The Effects of the Chair the Fed Simulation on High School Students’ Knowledge
Authors: Duzhak Evgeniya , Hoff Jody , Lopus Jane S.
Published: November 2020

Chair the Fed is an award-winning online simulation developed by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco to teach about the role of the Fed in achieving its dual mandate goals of stable prices and maximum employment. It is widely used, with an average of close to 85,000 games started each month in 2019. This article describes Chair the Fed and the results of a controlled experiment to determine its effects on learning in high school economics classes in the Fed’s 12th district. We find that students who played Chair the Fed score significantly higher on a 10-question posttest compared with students who learned about the Fed and monetary policy in more traditional ways. In evaluating our results, we compare difference-in-difference regression modeling with the traditional economic education model where the posttest score is regressed on the pretest score, and find that our results are robust across both specifications.

JEL Classifications: A20, A21, E52, E58
Knowledge management orientation and operational performance relationship in medical tourism (overview of the model performance in the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic era)
Authors: Ghasemi Matina , Nejad Mazyar Ghadiri , Aghaei Iman
Published: November 2020

Despite the considerable growth of interest in medical tourism in the last decade, there is no standard procedure to measure the pivotal factors in medical tourism destinations. Medical tourism is a rising global phenomenon that is strongly dependent on innovation and knowledge management. Being both innovative and systematic in medical tourism requires thought enrichment in knowledge management in hospitals. By applying a quantitative method, “knowledge management-oriented innovation” items have been used in this study to analyze new products or services related to active hospitals in medical tourism in Iran. This study presents the positive effects of the most essential knowledge management areas such as time, cost, and quality management orientation, on operational performance through the mediating role of innovation speed. In the current study, hospitals of Iran that are active in the medical tourism area have been considered as the final destination. Additionaly, because this study coincides with the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic as the global health crisis which has a considerable effect on medical tourism, the managerial implications have been developed to help managers and decision-makers in order to apply the obtained findings during the pandemic and post-pandemic period.
Wearable wireless low-cost electrogoniometer design with Kalman filter for joint range of motion measurement and 3D modeling of joint movements
Authors: Keskinoğlu Cemil , Aydın Ahmet
Published: November 2020

Joint movements are the key factor for the mobility of the people during daily activities. The evaluation of the joint movements is determined by the range of motion (ROM) parameters. The ROM might change due to age, gender, and some diseases. Therefore, it is essential to measure ROM accurately and compare it with the normal values of the healthy people. In this study, a low-cost, wireless, and wearable electrogoniometer was designed for highly precise and accurate measurements. The stability of the measurements is guaranteed with the quaternion based Kalman filter. The measurements of the developed system are compared with the traditional goniometer. The concordance correlation coefficient is calculated as a similarity metric, and the result is obtained as [Formula: see text]. In addition, a GUI was prepared to present 3D visualization of the movements in real-time with the ROM measurements and give visual feedback to the physiotherapists during physical examinations and to the patient during the home therapy sessions. The measurements also can be recorded using the GUI for retrospective analysis.
Cytokines, 25-OH vit D and disease activity in patients with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Abo-Shanab Assem M , Kholoussi Shams , Kandil Rania , Dorgham Dalia
Published: November 2020

Background

Juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus JO-SLE patients usually exhibit a more aggressive disease course compared to adult patients. Vitamin D deficiency is proposed to be associated with increased disease activity and flares of numerous autoimmune diseases like SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.

Objective

To evaluate the level of IL-17, IFN-γ, and 25-OH Vit D in JO-SLE patients versus healthy controls, and determine the correlation of those inflammatory mediators with SLE disease activity and damage scores. Furthermore, to analyze the relationship between 25-OH Vit D levels with the inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-17) in JO-SLE patients.

Patients and methods

Fifty JO-SLE patients and 25 controls were included in this study. Clinical and laboratory data of patients at the time of the study were recorded. SLE disease activity and damage were assessed using the SLEDAI-2K disease score and SLICC damage index, respectively. Plasma 25-OH Vit D, IFN-γ, and IL-17 concentrations were determined using the human ELISA kit.

Results

Plasma 25-OH Vit D levels (20 ng/mL) were significantly lower in JO-SLE patients compared to (31 ng/mL) controls (P = 0.014). Plasma levels of IFN-γ and IL-17 were significantly higher (163.5 and 25.5 pg./mL) in JO-SLE patients than (68.3 and 3 pg./mL) that of controls (P = 0.016 and P = 0.013). There was a significant negative correlation between 25-OH Vit D levels and SLEDAI-2K (R= -0.431) as well as IFN-γ (R= -0.471) plasma level (P = 0.022 and P = 0.027).

Conclusion

IFN-γ and IL-17 were significantly higher in JO-SLE patients, while 25-OH Vit D was significantly lower compared to controls. There was a negative correlation between 25-OH Vit D and each of SLEDAI-2K and IFN-γ.
Embedded piezoelectric transducers based early-age hydration monitoring of cement concrete added with accelerator/retarder admixtures
Authors: Ai Demi , Lin Chengxing , Zhu Hongping
Published: November 2020

Accelerator/retarder admixtures are often added into concrete to improve its early-age strength, which needs to be effectively monitored during its hardening process. The electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique has validated its effectiveness for concrete hydration monitoring, this study attempted to extend the EMI technique to monitor 28-day age of strength gain in concrete that added with accelerator/retarder admixtures. Two types of new piezoelectric (PZT) transducers namely cement/aluminum embedded PZT (CEP/AEP) were proposed for EMI monitoring. The feasibility of the CEP and AEP was first verified via finite element analysis, where hydration heat effect on the two types of transducers was comparatively evaluated by numerical modeling. In the experiment, CEP/AEP transducers were applied to monitor the strength gain in concrete cubes, where characteristics of EMI signature and its statistical indices including root mean square deviation (RMSD) and mean absolute percentage deviation (MAPD) were analyzed and correlated to strength development in concrete. Monitoring results demonstrated that concrete hydration triggered by retarder/accelerator were successfully captured by EMI signature. RMSD and MAPD indices further indicated that AEP had preferable performance than CEP transducer for monitoring early-age strength gain of concrete, as it could immune from hydration heat effect.
The Digital Divide: Addressing Artificial Intelligence in Communication Education
Authors: Luttrell Regina , Wallace Adrienne , McCollough Christopher , Lee Jiyoung
Published: November 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) has gained both momentum and importance within society over the past several years. This article provides an opening for further discussion to the broader social and digital media research community and those interested in answering important questions related to these areas by leveraging a focused, productive approach. In supporting future educational endeavors within the communication classroom, and specifically to this topic, we propose five important considerations that will move the conversation forward. The considerations within this article are meant to engage scholars in intellectual conversation and to provide an initial foundation for the direction of communication education. They are not meant to be an exhaustive list, but rather initiate discussions within education and research addressing implications emerging technologies have had on our field and what could be incorporated into the media and communication curriculum to prepare educators and students alike.
Defining Journalism Innovation in Latin America: Exploration Into Perceptions Among Educators, Students, and Journalists
Authors: Schmitz Weiss Amy , de Macedo Higgins Joyce Vanessa , Harlow Summer , Alves Rosental Calmon
Published: November 2020

Innovation is driving major changes in journalism globally. Understanding how journalism educators, students, and journalists perceive of innovation—in themselves and their organizations—is another layer by which to understand how the overall industry is evolving. This study explores the perceptions of innovation through an international survey ( N = 1,543) of journalism educators, students, and journalists from Latin America. Findings show that journalists perceive themselves as more innovative than those in the academy. A significant gap appears between the academy and newsroom of how innovation is being defined and what it means to be innovative, which poses implications for the future of journalism students and journalists alike.
Waldenström Macroglobulinemia of the orbit: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Adiga Sushant , Mehta Aditi , Singh Usha , Singh Charanpreet , Sharma Rintu , Banerjee Nirmalya , Lad Deepesh , Rastogi Pulkit
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

Ocular adnexal lymphomas (OAL) constitute 55% of all orbital tumors. Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM) presenting as an orbital mass with diffuse extraocular muscle (EOM) involvement is rare. We report an elderly patient who presented to the ophthalmologist for an orbital mass which on evaluation, turned out to an ocular adnexal WM.

Observations:

A 75 years old man presented with a palpable mass in the left anterior superior orbit and bilateral restricted ocular motility in all gazes. Computed tomography scan revealed a hyperdense mass with diffuse thickening of extraocular muscles and enlarged lacrimal gland on the left side. Incisional biopsy of the mass revealed a lymphoproliferative neoplasm with plasmacytic morphology. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of the orbital mass as well as the bone marrow was sought, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (CD20+, CD38+, MUM1+, BCL 2+, CD3−, CD5−, CD10−, CD23−, cyclin D1). Bone marrow flow cytometry showed CD5−, CD10− kappa restricted B cell neoplasm. Serum analysis significantly elevated IgM levels. This indicated a diagnosis of ocular adnexal Waldenström Macroglobulinemia.

Conclusion and importance:

This case highlights the importance of clinical evaluation, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry for phenotyping of ocular adnexal lymphomas.
An Unusual Presentation of a Huge Nabothian Cyst of Cervix With Manifestation of Uterine Prolapse: A Case Report
Authors: Maharjan Sushna , Tiwari Mamata
Published: November 2020

Background:

Nabothian cysts are common benign cervical lesions in women of reproductive age. They usually occur due to childbirth or minor trauma; mostly are small and asymptomatic. However, huge nabothian cysts may have variable presentation and can even mimic malignancy thus, biopsy is recommended to rule out malignancy. The unusual presentation of nabothian cyst as uterine prolapse makes it a diagnostic challenge for management of the patient similar to the present case.

Case report:

We report a case of a huge nabothian cyst in a perimenopausal, multiparous woman who presented with complaints of something coming out of vagina suddenly after mild heavyweight lifting and pain abdomen. Pelvic examination revealed a second degree uterine prolapse with a large lump protruding outside the vagina. Transvaginal ultrasonography demonstrated a multicystic cervical mass of size 9.5 cm × 8.0 cm arising from the posterior lip of cervix that was protruding through the vaginal canal. After excision of mass, prolapse became first degree. Histopathologic diagnosis was a cervical nabothian cyst. Patient had persisting first degree uterine prolapse along with posterior vaginal wall prolapse on subsequent postoperative follow ups. Hence, vaginal hysterectomy with repair to the vaginal wall was performed later.

Conclusion:

The present case of nabothian cyst is reported for its unusual presentation as uterine prolapse. The risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in the present case are advancing age, multiparity and perimenopausal status. The connective tissue and levator ani muscle became weak and the nabothian cyst unmasked the POP that was latent and asymptomatic by increasing the prolapse from first degree to second degree.
A psycho-social analysis of depression, anxiety and student engagement: Effects of parenting practices
Authors: Jules Mia A , Maynard Donna-Maria B , Lowe Gillian , Lipps Garth , Gibson Roger C
Published: November 2020

The extent to which students’ level of depressive and anxiety symptoms and student engagement were predicted by parental emotional support, monitoring and harsh parenting was investigated using a series of multiple regression analyses. Grade six students from public primary schools ( n = 293; 49% females, 51% males; mean age = 10 years) in Barbados completed the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale, a Parenting Questionnaire and an adapted Student Engagement scale. Students’ level of depressive symptoms were predicted by parental emotional support and harsh parenting, but not by parental monitoring. With the exception of harsh parenting, neither parental emotional support nor parental monitoring were significant predictors of the anxiety levels of students. Student engagement was predicted by all three types of parenting practices. Limitations, recommendations for future research and practical implications of the study are discussed.
Challenges facing rural tourism management: A supply-based perspective in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain)
Authors: Tirado Ballesteros Juan Gabriel , Hernández Hernández María
Published: November 2020

In rural destinations different programmes coexist to promote tourism which involves many organizations and relationships. The complexity of stakeholder networks in some cases implies that the result of the application of the programmes is not efficient enough. This paper aims to explore some of these challenges regarding destinations located in rural areas taking the case study of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). While much of the literature focuses on pinpointing the factors that have a bearing on destination governance, this research attempts to sort the importance of each factor. Structured qualitative questionnaires have been held with rural tourism suppliers (n = 52). The findings highlight that public-private partnerships, coordination on both horizontal and vertical levels, marketing management skills and integration of local activities are shown as priorities according to supply-based stakeholders’ opinions. A consolidation of a neoliberal approach of tourism governance is necessary, in which local governments assume a secondary role, and management is decentralised through community-based public-private partnerships.
Mindful energy and information flow: A reflective account of S.E.L.F connection during COVID-19
Authors: Lucas James J
Published: November 2020

Life during the COVID-19 pandemic is uncertain, intense, and traumatic. At the same time, there is room for hope, inspiration, and meaning for social workers through mindfully connecting with energy-information flow as it influences our Safety, Emotions, Loss, and Future – S.E.L.F. As adapted from the Sanctuary Model®, this S.E.L.F connection is an opportunity to discover within ourselves our unwavering core that is grounded, present, and connected and sustain an ethical and compassionate approach to social work practice, education, and research during this time of pandemic. The aim in this reflective essay is to provide an example of S.E.L.F. connection from the perspective of a Buddhist and social work academic at an Australian university during the COVID-19 pandemic. While beneficial, ongoing S.E.L.F. connections are necessary for social workers if we are to stay mindful of energy-information flow and steer this flow towards the creation of a story of relationship, compassion, and connection into the future.
Sex, lies, and videotape: A content and textual analysis of media coverage of the HIV criminal prosecution of Michael Johnson
Authors: Campbell Chadwick K , Rojo Florencia , Khanna Naina , Dworkin Shari L
Published: November 2020

Media coverage of HIV criminal cases has deployed sexualized and racialized tropes, and portrayed defendants as villains. Several media analyses of HIV criminal trials have been conducted, though only one was in the US, and none involved young Black gay men, who are disproportionately impacted by HIV. We conducted content and textual analyses of 91 media stories focused on the 2015 case of Michael Johnson, a Black gay college student living with HIV who was convicted under Missouri’s HIV non-disclosure laws. To capture both dominant and resistant meanings in news stories, we included mainstream news outlets, as well as HIV-related, African American and GLBT community-oriented outlets. Open and axial coding were carried out by a team of four researchers and thematic analysis was used to explore how media framed Johnson, his sexual activities, condom use, and alleged nondisclosure. Results showed that media stories portrayed Johnson as dishonest and sexually predatory by drawing on narratives of deception and framing him as the sole agentic actor in his sexual encounters. We argue that these media frames, coupled with what is included and excluded in media coverage negatively impacts public opinion of PLWH, reinforces HIV criminalization ideologies, and performs a disciplinary function in the lives of PLWH.
Congenital hepatic cyst: Prenatal and postnatal imaging findings
Authors: Sepulveda Waldo , Sepulveda Francisco , Gonzalez Gloria , Arce Claudio , Alcalde Elisa
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Congenital hepatic cyst is a rare hepatobiliary malformation that can present as an asymptomatic, unilocular, upper abdominal cystic mass in the fetus.

Cases

We report two cases of congenital hepatic cyst in which the diagnosis was made by prenatal ultrasound at 25 and 33 weeks’ gestation. The diagnosis was confirmed postnatally by abdominal ultrasound and radiologic imaging studies. Although the infants remained asymptomatic, laparoscopic excision was performed due to the increasing size of the cyst in both cases. Pathological examination of the resected specimens confirmed a simple cyst in one case and an epidermoid cyst in the other.

Conclusions

Our cases and those described in the literature demonstrate the usefulness of incidental prenatal detection of congenital hepatic cyst, especially during late pregnancy. Such a diagnosis can allow for proper perinatal surveillance, selection of the route of delivery, and timely postnatal surgical intervention if required.
Epidemiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: identification of the most accurate estimates from a systematic literature review
Authors: Leber Laurence , Beaudet Amélie , Muller Audrey
Published: November 2020

This systematic review of literature and online reports critically appraised incidence and prevalence estimates of pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension to identify the most accurate estimates. Medline® and Embase® databases were searched for articles published between 1 January 2003 and 31 August 2020. Studies were grouped according to whether they were registries (population‐based estimates), clinical databases (hospital‐based estimates) or claims/administrative databases. Registries were classified into systematic and non‐systematic registries, according to whether every national centre participated. Of 7309 publications identified, 5414 were screened after removal of duplicates and 33 were included. Inclusion was based on study type, availability of a clear numerator (diagnosed population) and a population‐ or hospital‐based denominator, or all primary data required to calculate estimates. Only the most recent publication from a database was included. Most studies were based on European data and very few included children. In adults, the range of estimates per million was approximately 20‐fold for pulmonary arterial hypertension incidence (1.5–32) and prevalence (12.4–268) and of similar magnitude for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension incidence (0.9–39) and prevalence (14.5–144). Recent (≤5 years) national systematic registry data from centralised healthcare systems provided the following ranges in adult estimates per million: approximately 5.8 for pulmonary arterial hypertension incidence, 47.6–54.7 for pulmonary arterial hypertension prevalence, 3.1–6.0 for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension incidence and 25.8–38.4 for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension prevalence. These estimates were considered the most reliable and consistent for the scientific community to plan for resource allocation and improve detection rates.
Development of an esophageal stricture following paradichlorobenzene mothball ingestion
Authors: Laughrey Marisa , Kidder Molly , Rivera Desiree , Wilsey Michael , Karjoo Sara
Published: November 2020

A 2-year-old patient presented with a paradichlorobenzene mothball ingestion. The foreign body was removed with a straight Miller blade and a curved Allis clamp. Two weeks following the removal of the mothball, the patient developed solid food dysphagia due to an esophageal stricture. This complication after a short exposure to mothballs is unreported in the literature to date, making this a unique and interesting case. In addition, a comparison of the clinical presentation and treatment of naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene mothballs was reviewed in this article.
When Failure is the Only Option: How Communicative Framing Resources Organizational Innovation
Authors: Smith William Roth , Treem Jeff , Love Brad
Published: November 2020

Innovation is valuable for organizational success, yet it presents contradictions for workers who must choose between pursuing novel courses of action or practicing established strategy. One challenge is that many efforts at innovation are not successful, making workers reluctant to pursue novel projects. In this study, we seek to answer the question: How do individuals responsible for facilitating innovation in organizations communicatively construct and frame failure? Abductive analysis of interviews with 36 professionals in innovation-related roles reveal that these workers communicate in a way that frames the idea of failure in a way that bolsters innovation efforts. This framing is enacted through a variety of language tools, a mindset aligned with the frame, and the development of organizational strategy that communicatively supports this framing. The article argues that innovation failure is resourced via communicative framing as an asset that aids organizational learning. Overall, findings indicate that communication plays a central role in constituting innovation practices and facilitating change in organizations.
Many Labs 5: Registered Replication of Albarracín et al. (2008), Experiment 7
Authors: Corker Katherine S. , Arnal Jack D. , Bonfiglio Diane B. V. , Curran Paul G. , Chartier Christopher R. , Chopik William J. , Guadagno Rosanna E. , Kimbrough Amanda M. , Schmidt Kathleen , Wiggins Bradford J.
Published: November 2020

Albarracín et al. (2008, Experiment 7) tested whether priming action or inaction goals (vs. no goal) and then satisfying those goals (vs. not satisfying them) would be associated with subsequent cognitive responding. They hypothesized and found that priming action or inaction goals that were not satisfied resulted in greater or lesser responding, respectively, compared with not priming goals ( N = 98). Sonnleitner and Voracek (2015) attempted to directly replicate Albarracín et al.’s (2008) study with German participants ( N = 105). They did not find evidence for the 3 × 2 interaction or the expected main effect of task type. The current study attempted to directly replicate Albarracín et al. (2008), Experiment 7, with a larger sample of participants ( N = 1,690) from seven colleges and universities in the United States. We also extended the study design by using a scrambled-sentence task to prime goals instead of the original task of completing word fragments, allowing us to test whether study protocol moderated any effects of interest. We did not detect moderation by protocol in the full 3 × 2 × 2 design (pseudo- r2 = 0.05%). Results for both protocols were largely consistent with Sonnleitner and Voracek’s findings (pseudo- r2s = 0.14% and 0.50%). We consider these results in light of recent findings concerning priming methods and discuss the robustness of action-/inaction-goal priming to the implementation of different protocols in this particular context.
Fibroblast growth factor-2 alleviates the capillary leakage and inflammation in sepsis
Authors: Pan Xiaojun , Xu Shunyao , Zhou Zhen , Wang Fen , Mao Lingjie , Li Hao , Wu Caixia , Wang Junfeng , Huang Yueyue , Li Dequan , Wang Cong , Pan Jingye
Published: November 2020

Background

Acute lung injury (ALI), which is induced by numerous pathogenic factors, especially sepsis, can generate alveolar damage, pulmonary edema and vascular hyper-permeability ultimately leading to severe hypoxemia. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) is an important member of the FGF family associated with endothelial cell migration and proliferation, and injury repairment. Here, we conducted this study aiming to evaluate the therapeutic effect of FGF2 in sepsis-induced ALI.

Methods

Recombinant FGF2 was abdominally injected into septic mice induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and then the inflammatory factors of lung tissue, vascular permeability and lung injury-related indicators based on protein levels and gene expression were detected. In vitro, human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMEC) and mouse peritoneal macrophages (PMs) were challenged by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) with or without FGF2 administration in different groups, and then changes in inflammation indicators and cell permeability ability were tested.

Results

The results revealed that FGF2 treatment reduced inflammation response, attenuated pulmonary capillary leakage, alleviated lung injury and improved survival in septic mice. The endothelial injury and macrophages inflammation induced by LPS were inhibited by FGF2 administration via AKT/P38/NF-κB signaling pathways.

Conclusion

These findings indicated a therapeutic role of FGF2 in ALI through ameliorating capillary leakage and inflammation.
Polyaniline Nanoskein: Synthetic Method, Characterization, and Redox Sensing
Authors: Hong Yoochan , Kim Hyun Soo , Lee Taeha , Lee Gyudo , Kwon Ohwon
Published: November 2020

Polyaniline nanoskein (PANS), which have polyaniline nanofibers, was developed. PANS was formulated via sequential extracting, heating, and swelling processes. The compositions of PANS have been analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, and the results of which indicate that PANS is composed of solely organic materials. Moreover, PANS has been shown convertible absorbance characteristics according to surrounding acidic environments, and using these characteristics, the possibility of PANS for sensing of surrounding redox state changes is presented.
Association of anemia with mobility capacity in older adults: a Korean nationwide population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Son Ki Young , Shin Dong Wook , Lee Ji Eun , Kim Sang Hyuck , Yun Jae Moon , Cho Belong
Published: November 2020

Background

Over 10% of adults aged ≥65 years have anemia, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). As the timed up and go (TUG) test is one of the most widely used tests of mobility, this study investigated whether anemia was associated with mobility capacity assessed using the TUG test in older adults.

Methods

Subjects belonging to the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort of the National Health Information Database were reviewed. Subjects were included if they had completed the TUG test as part of the National Screening Program for Transitional Ages in Korea. An abnormal TUG test result was defined as a time of ≥10 s and anemia was defined according to the WHO criteria as a hemoglobin (Hb) concentration of < 13.0 g/dL in men and < 12.0 g/dL in women. The association between anemia and TUG test results was evaluated using four multiple logistic regression models with different levels of adjustment. Stratified analysis according to risk factors was performed.

Results

The 81,473 subjects included 41,063 (50.4%) women and 40,410 (49.6%) men. Mean TUG time was 8.44 ± 3.08 s, and abnormal TUG test results were observed in 22,138 (27.2%) subjects. Mean Hb concentration was 13.72 ± 1.41 g/dL, and 10,237 (12.6%) subjects had anemia. U-shaped associations between Hb concentration and TUG test results were observed in both sexes. Subjects with anemia were 19% more likely to have abnormal TUG test results, according to the fully adjusted model (adjusted odds ratio: 1.192, 95% confidence interval: 1.137–1.247). Similar results were observed for both sexes. Stratified analysis showed that subjects with anemia were more likely to have abnormal TUG test results regardless of risk factors.

Conclusions

Individuals with anemia are more likely to have abnormal TUG test results, regardless of risk factors, than individuals without anemia. U-shaped relationships between Hb concentrations and TUG test results were observed in both sexes, although the optimal Hb concentration differed between men and women.
Association between micronutrients and maternal leukocyte telomere length in early pregnancy in Rwanda
Authors: Nsereko Etienne , Uwase Aline , Muvunyi Claude Mambo , Rulisa Stephen , Ntirushwa David , Moreland Patricia , Corwin Elizabeth J. , Santos Nicole , Lin Jue , Chen Jyu-Lin , Nzayirambaho Manasse , Wojcicki Janet M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Exposure to environmental stressors can lead to shorter leukocyte telomere length and increase the risk of chronic diseases. Preservation of leukocyte telomere length by reducing oxidative stress exposure and reinforcing immunity may be a mechanism by which nutritional factors delay or prevent chronic disease development.

Methods

Healthy pregnant women (aged 18–45 years) at 9–15 weeks of gestation living in Gasabo District, Kigali, Rwanda, were recruited from 10 health centers for a prospective, longitudinal study from September to October 2017 to determine possible associations between nutrition health, infectious disease and leukocyte telomere length. Anthropometric and laboratory measurements were performed using standard procedures; sociodemographic parameters and health histories were assessed via surveys, and leukocyte telomere length was assessed using quantitative PCR expressed as the ratio of a telomeric product to a single-copy gene product (T/S).

Results

Mean gestational age of participants (n = 297) at enrollment was 13.04 ± 3.50 weeks, age was 28.16 ± 6.10 years and leukocyte telomere length was 1.16 ± 0.22 (T/S). Younger age; no schooling vs. primary schooling; and lower levels of ferritin, soluble transferrin receptors and retinol-binding protein were independent predictors of longer telomere length in multivariable models.

Conclusions

Leukocyte telomere length is an indicator of biological aging in pregnant Rwandan women. Maternal micronutrient status, specifically lower ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor levels, and retinol-binding protein levels were associated with longer maternal telomere length in contrast with some studies from North America and Europe. There were no associations between inflammation and infectious disease status and maternal leukocyte telomere length. Further studies are needed to enhance our understanding of the interplay between maternal nutritional status and infectious disease in relation to leukocyte telomere length in developing countries.
Prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among patients with tuberculosis attending public health institutions in Gede’o zone, South Ethiopia
Authors: Yohannes Kalkidan , Mokona Hirbaye , Abebe Lulu , Feyisso Mohammed , Tesfaye Adane , Tesfaw Getachew , Ayano Getinet
Published: November 2020

Background

Depression is a common mental disorder among patients with tuberculosis and it is associated with a greater risk of suicide, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, and poor quality of life. Evidence suggests the early identification of depression among patients with tuberculosis is important to decrease adverse outcomes. However, there are limited studies that examined the prevalence and determinants of depressive symptoms among patients with tuberculosis. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depressive symptoms among patients with tuberculosis attending public health institutions in Gede’o zone, South Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based a cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1 to December 30, 2018, among a randomly selected sample of 415 patients with tuberculosis attending public health institutions in Gede’o zone, South Ethiopia. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Logistic regression was used to identify the potential risk factors of depressive symptoms. The strength of the association was presented by crude odds and adjusted odds ratio with their corresponding 95% CI. Finally, the statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of depressive symptoms was found to be 45.5% (95% CI; 41.1–50.1%) among patients with tuberculosis; 33.3% had moderate, 9.8% had moderately severe, and 2.4% had severe depression. After adjusting for the possible confounders, being on re-treatment for tuberculosis (AOR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.17–5.22), aged ≥45 years (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.09–5.32), having poor social support (AOR = 4.21, 95% CI: 2.10–8.47), and Tuberculosis/Human Immunodeficiency Virus (TB/HIV) co-infection) (AOR = 3.96, 95% CI 2.0, 7.84) were significantly associated with depressive symptoms among patients with TB.

Conclusions

This study suggests that a substantial percentage of patients with TB had depressive symptoms (45.5%). TB/HIV coinfection, being on re-treatment for tuberculosis, those having poor social support, patients aged 45 and above were factors associated with depressive symptoms. Routine screening of depression among patients with TB is warranted. Moreover, patients with TB falling into the risk categories should be more carefully monitored for depression and when possible referred to mental health professionals.
Prospective cohort study on the social determinants of health: Tehran University of Medical Sciences employees` cohort (TEC) study protocol
Authors: Nedjat Saharnaz , Mehrdad Ramin , Yunesian Masud , Pouragha Hamidreza , Biagi Vali , Monazzam-Esmaeelpour Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2020

Background

In this study, the association between the social determinants of health (SDH) as well as other health risk factors and outcomes will be evaluated at different socioeconomic layers.

Methods/design

This is a prospective cohort study that was launched in January 2018 on Tehran University of Medical Sciences’ employees. The initial enrolment phase will continue up to March 2021, or until a sample size of 5500 is reached. In addition to annual phone-calls, the participants will be followed thrice at 5-year intervals. Data are collected through blood and urine samples, complete physical examination, anthropometric evaluation, and the completion of questionnaires related to SDH, such as socioeconomic status and social capital, history of diseases, lifestyle (including, nutrition, physical activity, cigarette and hookah smoking), occupational exposures (including psychosocial factors at work and work-family conflicts), and different aspects of physical, mental and occupational health as health outcomes. The association between independent variables and health (objective or subjective) are examined using multiple models and by controlling the confounding effects. Moreover, the trend in lifestyle changes and its impact on health are evaluated.

Discussion

Our study will explore the key social determinants as well as other factors including socioeconomic status and social capital, history of diseases, lifestyle and occupational exposures that affect health. This will provide social and occupational health decision-makers and stakeholders with new and valuable evidence in an era in which we are witnessing huge changes in lifestyle.
Level of and associated factors for non-adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment among tuberculosis patients in Gamo Gofa zone, southern Ethiopia: cross-sectional study
Authors: Ajema Dessalegn , Shibru Tamiru , Endalew Temesgen , Gebeyehu Selamawit
Published: November 2020

Background

Non-adherence to anti-TB treatment is one of the crucial challenges in improving tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. The poor adherence to anti-TB treatment among patients with TB is a major problem in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the level of and associated factors for non-adherence to anti-TB therapy among patients with tuberculosis in the Gamo Gofa Zone.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Gamo Gofa Zone from July 20 – August 30, 2017. A multi-stage sampling technique was used. The study included 289 patients who were on anti-TB treatment. Data were collected by trained data collectors using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire through interviews. A multiple logistic regression model was fitted using SPSS 23 to identify factors associated with non-adherence to anti-TB treatment at a 5% significance level.

Results

We found that 16.5% of the participants were non-adherent for anti-TB treatment. Failure to disclose one’s TB status to his or her family (AOR = 31.7; 95% CI: 9.1–111.1), having no information on the expected adverse events (AOR = 31.1; 95% CI: 7.5–128.3), past anti-TB treatment history (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.5–18.8) and a smoking cigarette (AOR = 11.7; 95% CI: 3.2–43.03) were found to be associated with a higher odds of being non-adherent to anti-TB treatment.

Conclusions

The level of non-adherence to anti-TB treatment among TB patients was high. Health care providers should counsel TB patients on the expected adverse events and measures to be taken when patients face the expected adverse events. They should also counsel their patients to disclose their TB status to his or her family and for ceasing cigarette smoking.
Sero-epidemiological evaluation of malaria transmission in The Gambia before and after mass drug administration
Authors: Wu Lindsey , Mwesigwa Julia , Affara Muna , Bah Mamadou , Correa Simon , Hall Tom , Singh Susheel K. , Beeson James G. , Tetteh Kevin K. A. , Kleinschmidt Immo , D’Alessandro Umberto , Drakeley Chris
Published: November 2020

Background

As The Gambia aims to achieve malaria elimination by 2030, serological assays are a useful surveillance tool to monitor trends in malaria incidence and evaluate community-based interventions.

Methods

Within a mass drug administration (MDA) study in The Gambia, where reduced malaria infection and clinical disease were observed after the intervention, a serological sub-study was conducted in four study villages. Spatio-temporal variation in transmission was measured with a panel of recombinant Pf antigens on a multiplexed bead-based assay. Village-level antibody levels were quantified as under-15 sero-prevalence, sero-conversion rates, and age-adjusted antibody acquisition rates. Antibody levels prior to MDA were assessed for association with persistent malaria infection after community chemoprophylaxis.

Results

Seasonal changes in antibodies to Etramp5.Ag1 were observed in children under 15 years in two transmission settings—the West Coast and Upper River Regions (4.32% and 31.30% Pf prevalence, respectively). At the end of the malaria season, short-lived antibody responses to Etramp5.Ag1, GEXP18, HSP40.Ag1, EBA175 RIII-V, and Rh2.2030 were lower amongst 1–15 year olds in the West Coast compared to the Upper River, reflecting known differences in transmission. Prior to MDA, individuals in the top 50th percentile of antibody levels had two-fold higher odds of clinical malaria during the transmission season, consistent with previous findings from the Malaria Transmission Dynamics Study, where individuals infected before the implementation of MDA had two-fold higher odds of re-infection post-MDA.

Conclusions

Serological markers can serve dual functions as indicators of malaria exposure and incidence. By monitoring age-specific sero-prevalence, the magnitude of age-stratified antibody levels, or identifying groups of individuals with above-average antibody responses, these antigens have the potential to complement conventional malaria surveillance tools. Further studies, particularly cluster randomised trials, can help establish standardised serological protocols to reliably measure transmission across endemic settings.
Assessment of left ventricular systolic function by non-invasive pressure-strain loop area in young male strength athletes
Authors: Li Pengge , Zhang Yonggao , Li Lijin , Chen Yingchun , Li Zhen , Liu Songyan , Hua Shaohua
Published: November 2020

Background

The health of athletes has been recognized as a worldwide public concern with more reported sudden cardiac deaths (SCD). Therefore, early detection of abnormal heart function in athletes can help reduce the risk of exercise. A novel valid non-invasive method to evaluate left ventricular (LV) myocardial work (MW) using LV pressure-strain loop (PSL), was used in this paper to explore LV systolic function in young male strength athletes.

Methods

Thirty-six professional young male strength athletes (the athlete group) and 32 healthy, age-matched young men (the control group) were involved in the study. The LVMW parameters were calculated as the area of PSL by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) and peak systolic LV pressure. The differences between two groups of data and the predictive efficacy of MW parameters for LV systolic function were analyzed.

Results

The athlete group had significantly higher values of global wasted myocardial work (GWW) and peak strain dispersion (PSD) than did the control group (P<0.05). Global myocardial work index (GWI), global constructive myocardial work (GCW) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were lower in the athlete group than that in the control group, although statistical significance was not reached (P>0.05). Due to the proportion of GWW and GCW, statistically significant reduction was found in global myocardial work efficiency (GWE) in the athlete group. Conventional echocardiography parameters were well correlated with GWW and GWE (P<0.05). The best predictor of LV myocardial contractile performance in the athletes using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was GWE, with the area under ROC (AUC) of 0.733, sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 59.4%.

Conclusions

Subclinical changes have appeared in the hearts of young male strength athletes after long-term intensive exercise and LVMW parameters by PSL play an important role in the evaluation of athlete’s LV contractile performance.
Cancer cells invasion to the gastric bare area adipose tissue: a poor prognostic predictor for gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Yongming , Xu Shuhang , Huang Chunyu , Ling Yihong , Liang Chengcai , Miao Yuhua , Sun Xiaowei , Li Yuanfang , Zhou Zhiwei
Published: November 2020

Background

The relationship between gastric bare area adipose tissues invasion (GBAI) confirmed pathologically and the prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) patients is undefined. Till present, there has not been literature investigating this phenomenon. Here, we aimed at analyzing the implication of GBAI in GC.

Methods

The data of 1822 patients who underwent radical surgery between January 2000 and December 2013 at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were retrieved. Pathologically, tumor deposits (TDs) located > 5 mm from the leading edge of the primary tumor and the lymph nodes (LNs) station number 1, 2, 7, and 9 were considered GBAI. Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox’s proportional hazards model were employed to analyze.

Results

Two hundred and five (11.3%) patients were pathologically diagnosed with GBAI, which was more commonly found in proximal or linitis lastica than distal GC (P < 0.001). There was significant difference in 5-year survival between patients with and without GBAI for stages IIB, IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC, respectively (P < 0.009 for IIB, IIIA, and IIIB; P = 0.021 for IIIC). Among the 205 GBAI patients, 61 had detailed radiological follow-up data in which 26 (34.7%) were found to have retroperitoneal infiltration, 27 (36.0%) had peritoneal metastasis, 10 (13.3%) had hematogenous metastasis, 16 (21.3%) had lymphatic metastasis, and 16 (21.3%) had others.

Conclusions

GBAI was identified as a predictor of unfavorable prognosis for GC and was more commonly found in the proximal or linitis plastica of the stomach than in distal stomach. Retroperitoneal infiltration was one of the most commonly identified metastatic route for GC associated with GBAI after radical surgery.