bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rural-urban Correlates of Modern Contraceptives Utilization Among Adolescents in Zambia: a National Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Sserwanja Quraish , Musaba Milton W. , Mutisya Linet M. , Mukunya David
Published: March 2021

Background: Modern contraceptive use among adolescents is low despite the adverse effects of adolescent pregnancies and births. Understanding the predictors of modern contraceptive use in different settings is key to design effective context-specific interventions. We aimed to determine factors associated with modern contraceptives use among adolescents in rural and urban settings of Zambia. Methods: We analyzed data from 2018 Zambia demographic and health survey (ZDHS) focusing on adolescent girls aged 15–19 years. We conducted multilevel logistic regression using SPSS version 25 to examine rural-urban variations in factors associated with modern contraceptive utilization.Results: Overall, 12.0% (360/3000, 95% CI: 10.9-13.2) of adolescents in Zambia were using modern contraceptives. Use of modern contraceptives was higher in rural areas at 13.7% (230/1677, 95% CI: 12.1-15.3) compared to 9.8% (130/1323, 95% CI: 8.3-11.6) in urban areas. In the rural areas, having a child (aOR = 13.46; 95% CI 8.28 to 21.90), marriage (aOR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.25 to 3.08), older age (being 19 years) (aOR = 3.97; 95% CI 1.51 to 10.1) and belonging to the richest wealth quintile (aOR = 3.01; 95% CI 1.06 to 8.58) were positively associated with contraceptive utilization. In the urban areas, older age (being 19 years) (aOR = 4.80; 95% CI 1.55 to 14.84) and having a child (aOR = 18.52; 95% CI 9.50 to 36.14) were the only factors positively associated with modern contraceptive utilization.Conclusions: Having shown that some factors (age and having a child) were associated with modern contraceptive use in both rural and urban areas while some were only significant in rural areas (province, marital status and wealth index), indicates that the urban-rural differences in modern contraceptives use are both due to differences in the levels and nature or type of determinants. Therefore, interventions aiming to increase contraceptive utilization should be context specific.
Hemoglobin A1c and Vaginitis: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004 Experience
Authors: Stennett Christina A. , Turpin Rodman , Robbins Sarah J. , Brotman Rebecca M. , Miller Ryan S.
Published: March 2021

Objectives: It is well-documented that diabetes mellitus is associated with increased risk for vulvovaginal candidiasis. We sought to assess whether diabetes (assessed by HbA1c) might be similarly associated with other vaginitis outcomes (bacterial vaginosis (BV) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV)) infection). We hypothesized that glucose may favor the growth of BV-associated bacteria, and high blood glucose may also affect host immune responses, potentially increasing risk for BV and TV infection. Our secondary data analysis utilized a large population-based study, the 2001-2004 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Results: Among 2,442 reproductive-age women with available data, 54 (unweighted) had elevated HbA1c (>6.4) indicating diabetes, 112 had borderline HbA1c (5.7–6.4), 791 had BV by Nugent’s Gram stain score (Nugent-BV), and 104 had TV. Borderline HbA1c, but not higher HbA1c, was significantly associated with Nugent-BV (OR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.11-2.25) and TV detection (OR=2.45, 95% CI: 1.10-5.44) in unadjusted logistic regression models. After adjustment for confounders, including race/ethnicity, recent douching, and body mass index, associations between borderline HbA1c and both vaginitis outcomes were null. Sample size was limited by few cases with diabetes, and multivariable modeling may require larger sample size. Future longitudinal studies with more diabetes cases may confirm these findings.
Three-month early change in prostate-specific antigen levels as a predictive marker for overall survival during hormonal therapy for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer
Authors: Nakanishi Shotaro , Goya Masato , Tamaki Mitsuyoshi , Oshiro Takuma , Saito Seiichi
Published: March 2021

Objective: To date, there are no useful markers for predicting the prognosis of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). We evaluated the effect of early changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression and overall survival (OS) in mHSPC patients. Results: In 71 primary mHSPC patients treated with ADT, the median times to CRPC and OS were 15 months and 92 months, respectively. In multivariate analysis, a Gleason score of ≥8 (p = 0.004), an extent of disease value (EOD) of ≥2 (p = 0.004), and a 3-month PSA level >1% of the pretreatment level (p = 0.017) were independent predictors of shorter time to CRPC. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was feasible at 0.822. For OS, a 3-month PSA level >1% of the pretreatment level was an independent predictor of time to CRPC (p = 0.004).Three factors were independent predictors of shorter time to CRPC. A 3-month PSA level >1% of the pretreatment level correlated with poor a prognosis.
Analysis of the effect of fingertip size for sex differences in current perception thresholds with transcutaneous electrical stimulation in healthy subjects
Authors: Seno Shin-ichiro , Shimazu Hideaki , Kogure Eiki , Watanabe Atsushi , Kobayashi Hiroko
Published: March 2021

Objective

This study aimed to measure the current perception threshold (CPT) of five fingertips of the left hand in healthy subjects and analyze whether sex differences in perception thresholds are suppressed when adjusting for fingertip size among males and females.
Results

For fingertips from the thumb to the little finger, the males’ CPT values were 1.03, 0.83, 0.86, 0.86, and 0.88 mA; the females’ results were 0.63, 0.55, 0.54, 0.51, and 0.50 mA. The CPTs were higher in males than in females for every fingertip. Upon adjusting for fingertip length, the log-transformed CPT values were found to have sex differences, except for the index finger: thumb, t(20.05) = 3.493, p = 0.002; middle finger, U(30) = 44.50, p = 0.005; ring finger, t(30) = 55.50, p = 0.018; little finger, U(30) = 30.00, p = 0.001. Similarly, the CPT values, transformed into log values when adjusting for the fingertip area, were found to have sex differences for three fingertips: thumb, t(18) = 2.649, p = 0.016; middle finger, U(20) = 12.00, p = 0.004; ring finger, t(18) = 2.206, p = 0.041. According to this study, sex differences in CPTs were not completely abolished by adjusting for fingertip length or area.
Functional-Specific Projections from V2 to V4 in Macaque Monkeys
Authors: Fang Chen , Yan Kun , Liang Chen , Wang Jiayu , Cai Xingya , Zhang Rui , Lu Haidong D.
Published: March 2021

Previous studies have revealed modular projections from area V2 to area V4 in macaques. Specifically, V2 neurons in cytochrome oxidase (CO)-rich thin and CO-sparse pale stripes project to distinct regions in V4. However, how these modular projections relate to the functional subcompartments of V4 remains unclear. In this study, we injected retrograde fluorescent tracers into different functional domains (color, orientation, and direction) in V4 that were identified with intrinsic signal optical imaging. We examined the labeled neurons in area V2 and their locations with respect to the CO patterns. Covariation was observed between the functional properties of the V4 injection sites and the numbers of labeled neurons in particular CO stripes. This covariation indicates that the color domains in V4 mainly received inputs from V2 thin stripes, whereas V4 orientation domains received inputs from pale (major) and thick (minor) stripes. Although there are motion-sensitive domains in both V2 and V4, our results did not reveal a functional-specific feedforward projection between them. These results confirmed previous findings of modular projections from V2 to V4 and provided functional specificity for these anatomical projections. Together, these findings indicate that color and form remain separate in the ventral midlevel visual processing.
Root Foraging Precision: Do Experimental Conditions Matter?
Authors: Stiblíková Pavlína , Weiser Martin
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Root foraging precision, i.e., preferential root proliferation in nutrient-rich patches in heterogeneous soil, contributes significantly to plant nutrient acquisition. The ability to forage is usually studied experimentally, although often under different conditions. It remains unclear whether different experimental conditions affect root foraging precision. We studied the effect of experiment duration, pot size and root separation on root foraging precision and the appropriateness of using root foraging as species-specific values in databases and meta-analyses.Methods: We cultivated three perennial species in pots with spatially heterogeneous nutrient supplies and manipulated the experiment duration (4 – 10 weeks). We partly replicated the experiment in two consecutive years. In two of the three species we compared outcomes when root types were separated and unseparated, and for one species we also manipulated pot size. We assessed the effects of the manipulated factors on foraging precision expressed as the ratio of root biomass in nutrient-rich and poor patches.Results: Root foraging precision was not affected by experiment duration or pot size. Separating roots to use only the fine ones for root foraging assessment amplified foraging precision values and reduced their intraspecific variation.Conclusions: Our study investigated various methods of the root foraging research and their impact on the root foraging precision. Root foraging precision is invariable to the studied factors, therefore it is suitable as a species-specific trait, if the effect of other factors (such as nutrient patch characteristics) is taken into account.
Recognize the role of CD146/MCAM in the osteosarcoma progression
Authors: Lei Xing , Wang Kewei , Wang Wenbo , Jin Hao , Gu Wenguang , Chen Zhiguo , Wang Wei , Gao Kaituo , Wang Huan
Published: March 2021

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common malignant bone tumor with poor prognosis. We previously reviewed that CD146 is correlated with multiple cancer progression, while its impact on OS is currently not systematically studied. Methods: we transfected MG63 with lentivirus to express CD146 ectopically, combining with anti-CD146 neutralizing antibody ab75769 to inhibit 143B, to observe the intrinsic relationship between CD146 and OS. In addition, we used Transwell co-culture system and self-designed cyclic migration assay to explore the effect of CD146 on the interaction between OS and endothelium. Finally, we also detected the expression of CD146 in OS under different culture conditions, including hyperoxia, low oxygen, high glucose and low glucose conditions.Results: CD146 promoted the colony formation, migration, invasion and homotypic adhesion of OS cells, and reducing the concentration of soluble CD146 in the OS medium inhibited the proliferation, migration and lumen formation of the cultured endothelium. However, CD146 did not affect the adhesion between OS and endothelium, nor did co-culture of both sides affect the CD146 expression. Similarly, the proliferation, migration and CD146 expression of MG63 remained unchanged after many cycles of migration itself, as did its co-culture with 143B for expressing CD146. In addition, we also showed that high glucose promoted the expression of CD146 in OS, while hypoxia had the opposite effect. Conclusions: These ﬁndings demonstrate that CD146 promotes OS progression by mediating pro-tumoral and angiogenic effects. Thus, CD146 could be a potential therapeutic target for OS, especially for OS patients with diabetes.
A Special Treatment of Vulvar Cancer with Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Case Report
Authors: tang qin , wang ping
Published: March 2021

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse is a common benign condition in women, defined as the descent of one or more of the following: anterior vaginal wall; posterior vaginal wall; uterus (cervix); and apex of the vagina (vaginal vault or cuff scar after hysterectomy). Vulvar cancer is uncommon, accounting for 2-5% of gynecologic malignancies. Vulvar cancer and pelvic organ prolapse tend to occur in elderly individuals with other complications, such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. Risk during the perioperative period is very high; therefore, gynecologists should provide the most appropriate and comprehensive treatment plan to achieve a good prognosis. Case presentation: The patient’s main concerns is vulva pruritus and vulva mass prolapse. Important clinical examinations include vulvar biopsy suggesting vulvar carcinoma, and the POP Quantification (POP-Q) scores showing Aa:+2, Ba:+2, C:0, D:0, Ap:+1, Bp:+1. The primary diagnoses is highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva, pelvic organ prolapse. The patient underwent extensive vulvotomy, vulvoplasty, partial urethrotomy, external urethroplasty, partial cervicectomy, anterior and posterior vaginal wall repair, sacrospinous ligament suspension, and laparoscopic bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection. The patient recovered well and was discharged from hospital. But unfortunately, the patient was followed-up via telephone and died 1 year after surgery. Conclusions: Vulvar cancer and pelvic organ prolapse tend to occur in elderly individuals with other complications, such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. Risk during the perioperative period is very high; therefore, gynecologists should provide the most appropriate and comprehensive treatment plan to achieve a good prognosis.
A generic outcome assessment of mobility capacity in neurorehabilitation: measurement properties of the de Morton Mobility Index
Authors: Braun Tobias , Marks Detlef , Thiel Christian , Grüneberg Christian
Published: March 2021

Background: Mobility capacity is a key outcome domain in neurorehabilitation. The de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI), an established and generic outcome assessment of mobility in older patients, is promising for use in neurorehabilitation.Objective: To examine the measurement properties of the DEMMI in rehabilitation inpatients with neurological conditions.Methods: Cross-sectional study including a mixed sample of adult inpatients in a neurorehabilitation hospital. Structural validity, unidimensionality and measurement invariance (Rasch analysis), construct validity, internal consistency reliability, and inter-rater reliability of the DEMMI (scale range: 0–100 points) were established. The minimal detectable change, the 95% limits of agreement, and possible floor and ceiling effects were calculated to indicate interpretability. Results: We analyzed validity (n = 348) and reliability (n = 133) in two samples. In both samples, the majority of participants had a sub-acute stroke or Parkinson’s disease. Rasch analysis indicated unidimensionality with an overall fit to the model (chi-square = 59.4, P = 0.074). There was no relevant measurement invariance by disease group. All 11 hypotheses on construct validity were confirmed. Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94) and inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.94; 95% confidence interval: 0.91–0.95) were sufficient. The minimal detectable change with 90% confidence was 15.0 points and the limits of agreement were 39%. No floor or ceiling effects were observed. Conclusions: Results indicate sufficient measurement properties of the DEMMI in rehabilitation inpatients with neurological conditions. The DEMMI can be used as a generic outcome assessment of mobility capacity in neurorehabilitation.Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00004681). Registered May 6, 2013.
Effective free-fermionic form factors and the XY spin chain
Authors: Gamayun Oleksandr , Iorgov Nikolai , Zhuravlev Yu.
Published: March 2021

We introduce effective form factors for one-dimensional lattice fermions with arbitrary phase shifts.
We study tau functions defined as series of these form factors. On the one hand we perform the exact summation and present tau functions as Fredholm determinants in the thermodynamic limit. On the other hand simple expressions of form factors allow us to present the corresponding series as integrals of elementary functions. Using this approach we re-derive the asymptotics of static correlation functions of the XY quantum chain at finite temperature.
Media behavior of youth in the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine
Authors: Krainikova Tetiana , Krainikov Eduard , Yezhyzhanska Tetiana
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine measures have transformed the media agenda. The aim of the study is to identify the behavioral characteristics of the youth news audience, which is formed in the context of COVID-19. To solve research tasks, from March 24 to April 5, 2020, an intelligence survey of young Ukrainians as news readers was conducted. 364 respondents aged from 18 to 29, living in different regions of Ukraine, answered the questions of the Google questionnaire. The results of the survey are qualitative in nature and highlight the trends that exist in the youth audience. According to the data, the topic of coronavirus has become a priority for 82% of respondents. Phobias of young respondents increased: more than 70% stated they were worried and afraid. The alarm response to the pandemic has prompted many media consumers (46%) to turn to more information sources than usual. On the other hand, some media consumers have reduced their contact with the media, which is a typical protective reaction. Uncertainty, suspicion, and anxiety shake the confidence of the youth audience in public institutions and the media. The study showed the emergence of new challenges for media companies. The media should anticipate the consequences of disseminating information, fake news, and adjust content strategies accordingly: compliance with journalistic standards, responsible dissemination of news, fact-checking.
Impact of the ownership form on cost management: A public-private partnership perspective
Authors: Shabani Halit , Berisha Vlora , Hajdari Vjosa
Published: March 2021

The main motive of this study is to evaluate the adaptation of the form of public-private organization to cost control. The empirical analysis for this research includes time-series data from 2008 to 2019 for the EcoHigjiena company by comparing its costs when it was a publicly owned company with the costs over the time the company entered into the partnership agreement. The findings of the study show that public-private ownership is a critical factor in determining total costs of the company by reducing total costs by 10%. The control variables (such as landfill within the municipality, wages and maintenance costs, number of customers and number of employees) for this study also showed significant and robust relationships in the total costs of the company. Wage expenses are an important indicator in increasing the total costs of the company by increasing them by 1.12%, which means that for every employee in the company, total cost decrease by 0.49%. Disposal costs contribute to a 0.25% increase in total costs. The number of clients is statistically important when viewed from an economic perspective, its impact on total costs is not high, or, in other words, there is no implication because for each client of the company, total expenses increase by 0.002%.
YOKSUL BİREYLERİN BAKIŞ AÇISI İLE SOSYAL DIŞLANMA: DENİZLİ İLİ SEVİNDİK MAHALLESİ ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: BERKMAN Kerem , KUMAŞ Handan
Published: March 2021

Çeşitlenen, karmaşıklaşan ve yapısal değişim gösteren yoksulluk, birey açısından önce sosyal dışlanmaya daha sonra yoksulluk-sosyal dışlanma sarmalına neden olabilmektedir. Bu bağlamda çalışmanın amacı, sosyal dışlanma ve yoksulluk arasındaki ilişkiyi ortaya çıkarmaktır. Çalışmanın sorunu, yoksul bireylerin sosyal dışlanmayı nasıl değerlendirdikleridir. Araştırmanın kuram bölümü yazın taraması, uygulama bölümü ise nitel araştırma yöntemine dayanmaktadır. Alan araştırmasında veriler, nitel araştırma tekniklerinden biri olan, yarı yapılandırılmış soru formu üzerinden derinlemesine görüşme aracılığı ile elde edilmiştir. Çalışmanın kapsamını, Denizli İlinde yoksul hanelerin yoğun olarak yaşadığı, Sevindik Mahallesi’nde ikamet eden, 24 yoksul birey oluşturmuştur. Katılımcılara göre yoksulluk, sosyal dışlanmaya ve gelir adaletsizliğine neden olmaktadır. Bulgulara göre, yoksul bireylerin temel, ekonomik ve sosyal haklara ulaşamaması, iyi bir işte çalışmasını, şehrin daha iyi ortam veya alanlarına ulaşmasını engellemekte ve yoksulluk-sosyal dışlanma döngüsü yaşamalarına neden olmaktadır.
GENÇLERİN ESRAR KULLANIMINDA AKRAN/ARKADAŞLIK İLİŞKİLERİNİN ETKİSİ: BİNGÖL İLİ ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: AKA Veysi , KARAMAN Hakan , YAMAN Ömer Miraç
Published: March 2021

Diğer madde kullanım örneklerine kıyasla esrar, genellikle daha ağır maddeleri deneme sürecinde bir geçiş maddesi olarak kabul edilmektedir. Öte yandan kullanıcılar açısından bağımlılık yapmadığına dair bir algı söz konusudur. Bu yönüyle madde kullanım türleri açısından özel bir konumu bulunmaktadır. Akran/arkadaş çevresi ise esrarın bu özel konumu içinde kullanıma başlama ve sürdürme konusunda etkili olan önemli parametrelerden biridir. Bu çalışma, akran ve arkadaş gruplarının esrar kullanımı üzerindeki etkisini incelemek üzere kurgulanmıştır. Nitel araştırma desenine göre hazırlanan bu araştırmada 15-25 yaş arası 10 gençle derinlemesine görüşmeler yapılmıştır. Yapılan görüşmeler akran/arkadaş grubunun etkisini açıklayan tematik bir yöntemle yorumlanmıştır. Buna göre akran/arkadaş grubunun esrara başlama, kullanımı teşvik etme, özendirme ve hatırlatma gibi etkilere sahip olduğu bulunmuştur. Diğer yandan kullanım sürecinde bir ekonomik destek ve güvenlik unsuru olarak kabul edildiği ve buna bağlı olarak kullanım sıklığının ve miktarının artmasına neden olduğu öğrenilmiştir. Sonuç olarak akran/arkadaşlık ilişkilerinin esrar kullanımına başlama ve kullanımın sürdürülmesinde önemli düzeyde etkiye sahip olduğu anlaşılmaktadır.
PARA UMA PANDEMIA, UM REPERTÓRIO DE FEITIÇO.
Authors: Ramos Carla
Published: March 2021

O presente artigo traz alguns trechos de um depoimento que começou a ser elaborado bem no final do mês de março (2020) depois do anúncio da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) de que estávamos enfrentando uma pandemia de Covid-19. Eu sou coordenadora de um curso de graduação, sou mulher negra, sapatão e macumbeira que vive na amazônia, na cidade de Santarém, no Pará, desde 2011. A primeira parte deste texto narra alguns episódios de como a universidade onde eu trabalho recebeu as notícias da pandemia e foi paulatinamente, por força de uma atuação incisiva de muitos colegas docentes, técnicas administrativas e discentes, fechando as portas e impedindo que as atividades presenciais continuassem a despeito de orientações mais erráticas de alguns setores da instituição. O que se passa é uma descrição auto-etn(Ori)gráfica e análise de como nós mulheres negras que atuamos desde dentro das universidade pública no país colocamos o nosso repertório de ação política para a proteção das nossas comunidades. Para pensar sobre que tipo de política é esta que fazemos, eu trago algumas ferramentas analíticas presentes e em operação no interior de algumas concepções filosóficas das comunidades tradicionais de Terreiro. A este respeito eu vou utilizar as noções que definem o que são os Exus nomeados como Lalu e Gelu para nos ajudar a descrever e refletir sobre o que nós mulheres negras professoras estamos fazendo neste momento cheio de perigos trazidos pela pandemia Covid-19, e pela “política de morte em série” que tem sido conduzida pelo governo Federal.
O ANOITECER FEMINISTA DA PANDEMIA NO BRASIL
Authors: Lorena Lima de Moraes  , Andressa  Lidicy Morais Lima
Published: March 2021

A presente entrevista com a cientista política Flávia Biroli faz parte do Dossiê “A Pandemia da Covid-19 na vida das mulheres”. Tomamos como questão central qual o impacto mais imediato desta pandemia sobre a vida das mulheres? A partir dessa questão, as demais perguntas foram elaboradas de forma a aprofundar e debater alguns temas relacionados à desigualdade de gêneros em diferentes contextos como os processos de cuidado, as jornadas contínuas de trabalho, as experiências de violência vivenciadas e o que podemos prospectar em relação a um futuro pós-pandemia.
BALANÇO DE RADIAÇÃO EM ÁREAS DE EXPANSÃO AGRÍCOLA NO SUDOESTE DO PIAUÍ
Authors: Fernandes Gabriel Siqueira Tavares , Lopes Pabrício Marcos Oliveira , Melo Camila Gomes Bezerra de , Lima Renato Luiz Farias , Santos Anderson dos , Silva Douglas Alberto de Oliveira
Published: March 2021

Áreas agrícolas vêm se intensificando no Estado do Piauí, esse desenvolvimento resulta em danos à vegetação nativa, causando impactos ambientais. Estudos que avaliem esses impactos, são de extrema relevância para quantificar as modificações causadas na superfície. Assim, objetivou-se identificar mudanças da cobertura do solo e avaliar seus impactos no balanço de radiação, índices de vegetação e temperatura da superfície em área de expansão agrícola no sudoeste do Piauí. A área avaliada está inserida no município de Baixa Grande do Ribeiro, utilizou-se imagens dos satélites Landsat 5 TM e Landsat 8, obtidas entre os anos de 1990 e 2018. Avaliou-se o Índice de Vegetação da Diferença Normalizada (NDVI), Índice de Vegetação Ajustado ao Solo (SAVI), Albedo (α), Saldo de Radiação, Radiação de Ondas Longas (ROLs) e Temperatura da Superfície (Ts). Identificou-se a redução de 32,25% vegetação nativa e crescimento de 1.219,1% da exploração agropecuária. A vegetação natural do Cerrado apresentou menor temperatura, albedo e ROLs e maior saldo de radiação, quando comparada às áreas de solo exposto. A exploração agrícola no Sudoeste do Piauí, vem promovendo modificações na vegetação natural da região, causando impactos ambientais, promovendo o aumento da temperatura da superfície e diminuindo a disponibilidade de energia. Faz-se necessário a realização de mais trabalhos que forneçam mais informações sobre essas modificações e ainda da atuação de políticas públicas para fins de planejamento agrícola e ambiental.
Bureaucracy conflicts in border areas: study on conflict between civilian state apparatus and regent in morotai island regency
Authors: Latief Fandi Hi. , Pora Rasid , Ka’abah Sri , Wance Marno
Published: March 2021

Regional bureaucratic conflicts are often caused by regional heads' failure to express the concept of regional bureaucratic development and appear to be political, followed by the regional authorities' egocentrism, causing conflicts for the provincial government's technical implementers (in this case, Civilian State Apparatus. This series of matches has drained energy, costs, and energy for Civilian State Apparatus has been highlighted so that the spirit of bureaucratic reform is highlighted not running optimally. The results of the study show that the conflict begins with the regional head's policy regarding a system of rotation/transfer of positions that are not based on employment regulations, the application of immeasurable reward and punishment, the obligation to take credit, buy a house, and buy a vehicle for state civil apparatus with guaranteed Regional Performance Allowances. Following the position (not having a legal basis) Decree of Promotion for state civil apparatus as much as 611 (3 (three periods of promotion) and the imposition of sanctions for the Acting Regional Secretary of Morotai Island Regency in the form of a Warning Letter for not receiving allowances until an unspecified time limit.
Bivariate analysis for the improvement of genetic evaluations with incomplete records in Charolais cattle
Authors: Herrera-Ojeda Jessica Beatriz , Parra-Bracamonte Gaspar Manuel , López-Villalobos Nicolás , Herrera-Camacho José , Orozco-Durán Karlos Edmundo
Published: March 2021

Objective: Estimate (co)variance components and genetic parameters of live weight traits and examine the effect of selection culling when using bivariate analysis in registered Charolais beef cattle. Materials and methods: The effect of incomplete data over accuracies was compared, expected progeny differences (EPD) and standard errors of prediction (SEP) were obtained and evaluated by comparing univariate and bivariate models for birth (BW), weaning (WW) and yearling (YW) weights. Results: Bivariate models for WW and YW, improved accuracies of EPDs and reduced the SEPs. Joint analysis for BW and WW increased in a 38% the accuracies and reduced SEP estimators for YW (p<0.001). Accuracies of EPD for BW obtained from univariate models were improved when BW was included in bivariate models. Conclusions: The results support the use of bivariate genetic analysis in limited or incomplete live weight indicators databases that were registered after birth, such as weaning and yearling weight.
Vacunas para COVID-19 - ¿Podemos evitar volver a vivir en un pueblo fantasma?
Authors: Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J. , Máttar Salim , González T Marco
Published: March 2021

Durante el último año, la pandemia de la Enfermedad por Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), causada por el Síndrome Respiratorio Severo Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), ha causado estragos considerables en la sociedad (1). De hecho, esta ha sido una crónica de una zoonosis anunciada (2,3). Su impacto ha sido aún más profundo en países en desarrollo (4,5), como Colombia (6,7,8). Hasta el momento, hasta el 9 de marzo de 2021, el mundo ha registrado 117.5 millones de casos de COVID-19, con 2.6 millones de muertes (2.22%). Colombia está incluida en el Top 20 de países con el mayor número de casos (2.282.372) y en el Top 20 de muertes a nivel mundial (60.676).
A Social Media–Promoted Educational Community of Joint Replacement Patients Using the WeChat App: Survey Study
Authors: Zhang Xianzuo , Chen Xiaoxuan , Kourkoumelis Nikolaos , Gao Ran , Li Guoyuan , Zhu Chen
Published: March 2021

Background

Much effort has been made to optimize the results of total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. With the rapid growth of social media use, mobile apps, such as WeChat, have been considered for improving outcomes and patient satisfaction after total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a WeChat-based community as an intervention for overall patient satisfaction.

Methods

The study was conducted among discharged in-hospital patients who received hip or knee procedures in the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China from April 2019 to January 2020. An educational online social community was constructed with the WeChat app. Participants willing to join the community were enrolled in a WeChat group and received 3 months of intervention and follow-up. Those who were not willing to use the account were included in a control group and received routine publicity via telephone, mail, and brochures. The Danish Health and Medicine Authority patient satisfaction questionnaire was used to score perioperative patient education and overall satisfaction. The contents in the group chat were analyzed using natural language processing tools.

Results

A total of 3428 patients were enrolled in the study, including 2292 in the WeChat group and 1236 in the control group. Participants in the WeChat group had higher overall satisfaction scores than those in the control group (mean 8.48, SD 1.12 vs mean 6.66, SD 1.80, P<.001). The difference between the two groups was significant for primary surgery based on subgroup stratification. To control confounding factors and explore the effects of WeChat participation as a mediating variable between perioperative patient education and overall satisfaction, hierarchical regression was utilized. An interpatient interaction model was found in the community group chat, and it contributed to overall satisfaction. Patients in the group with more interpatient interactions were more likely to have better overall satisfaction.

Conclusions

The social media–promoted educational community using WeChat was effective among joint replacement patients. Provision of more perioperative education is associated with more active patient participation in the community and therefore more patient satisfaction in terms of the overall joint procedure. Community group chat could facilitate interactions among patients and contribute to overall satisfaction.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Health Care Personnel and Their Household Contacts at a Tertiary Academic Medical Center: Protocol for a Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Ciccone Emily J , Zivich Paul N , Lodge Evans K , Zhu Deanna , Law Elle , Miller Elyse , Taylor Jasmine L , Chung Suemin , Xu Jason , Volfovsky Alexander , Beatty Cherese , Abernathy Haley , King Elise , Garrett Haley E , Markmann Alena J , Rebuli Meghan E , Sellers Subhashini , Weber David J , Reyes Raquel , Alavian Naseem , Juliano Jonathan J , Boyce Ross M , Aiello Allison E
Published: March 2021

Background

Health care personnel (HCP) are at high risk for exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While personal protective equipment (PPE) may mitigate this risk, prospective data collection on its use and other risk factors for seroconversion in this population is needed.

Objective

The primary objectives of this study are to (1) determine the incidence of, and risk factors for, SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCP at a tertiary care medical center and (2) actively monitor PPE use, interactions between study participants via electronic sensors, secondary cases in households, and participant mental health and well-being.

Methods

To achieve these objectives, we designed a prospective, observational study of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCP and their household contacts at an academic tertiary care medical center in North Carolina, USA. Enrolled HCP completed frequent surveys on symptoms and work activities and provided serum and nasal samples for SARS-CoV-2 testing every 2 weeks. Additionally, interactions between participants and their movement within the clinical environment were captured with a smartphone app and Bluetooth sensors. Finally, a subset of participants’ households was randomly selected every 2 weeks for further investigation, and enrolled households provided serum and nasal samples via at-home collection kits.

Results

As of December 31, 2020, 211 HCP and 53 household participants have been enrolled. Recruitment and follow-up are ongoing and expected to continue through September 2021.

Conclusions

Much remains to be learned regarding the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCP and their household contacts. Through the use of a multifaceted prospective study design and a well-characterized cohort, we will collect critical information regarding SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks in the health care setting and its linkage to the community.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/25410
Healthfulness Assessment of Recipes Shared on Pinterest: Natural Language Processing and Content Analysis
Authors: Cheng Xiaolu , Lin Shuo-Yu , Wang Kevin , Hong Y Alicia , Zhao Xiaoquan , Gress Dustin , Wojtusiak Janusz , Cheskin Lawrence J , Xue Hong
Published: March 2021

Background

Although Pinterest has become a popular platform for distributing influential information that shapes users’ behaviors, the role of recipes pinned on Pinterest in these behaviors is not well understood.

Objective

This study aims to explore the patterns of food ingredients and the nutritional content of recipes posted on Pinterest and to examine the factors associated with recipes that engage more users.

Methods

Data were collected from Pinterest between June 28 and July 12, 2020 (207 recipes and 2818 comments). All samples were collected via 2 new user accounts with no search history. A codebook was developed with a raw agreement rate of 0.97 across all variables. Content analysis and natural language processing sentiment analysis techniques were employed.

Results

Recipes using seafood or vegetables as the main ingredient had, on average, fewer calories and less sodium, sugar, and cholesterol than meat- or poultry-based recipes. For recipes using meat as the main ingredient, more than half of the energy was obtained from fat (277/490, 56.6%). Although the most followed pinners tended to post recipes containing more poultry or seafood and less meat, recipes with higher fat content or providing more calories per serving were more popular, having more shared photos or videos and comments. The natural language processing–based sentiment analysis suggested that Pinterest users weighted taste more heavily than complexity (225/2818, 8.0%) and health (84/2828, 2.9%).

Conclusions

Although popular pinners tended to post recipes with more seafood or poultry or vegetables and less meat, recipes with higher fat and sugar content were more user-engaging, with more photo or video shares and comments. Data on Pinterest behaviors can inform the development and implementation of nutrition health interventions to promote healthy recipe sharing on social media platforms.
Efficacy of Mobile Health in Patients With Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Chen Mingrong , Wu Tingting , Lv Meina , Chen Chunmei , Fang Zongwei , Zeng Zhiwei , Qian Jiafen , Jiang Shaojun , Chen Wenjun , Zhang Jinhua
Published: March 2021

Background

Low back pain is one of the most common health problems and a main cause of disability, which imposes a great burden on patients. Mobile health (mHealth) affects many aspects of people’s lives, and it has progressed rapidly, showing promise as an effective intervention for patients with low back pain. However, the efficacy of mHealth interventions for patients with low back pain remains unclear; thus, further exploration is necessary.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of mHealth interventions in patients with low back pain compared to usual care.

Methods

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials designed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) statement standard. We searched for studies published in English before October 2020 in the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Two researchers independently scanned the literature, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. Bias risks were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. We used RevMan 5.4 software to perform the meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 9 studies with 792 participants met the inclusion criteria. The simultaneous use of mHealth and usual care showed a better reduction in pain intensity than usual care alone, as measured by the numeric rating scale (mean difference [MD] –0.85, 95% CI –1.29 to –0.40; P<.001), and larger efficacy in reducing disability, as measured by the Rolland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (MD –1.54, 95% CI –2.35 to –0.73; P<.001). Subgroup analyses showed that compared with usual care, mHealth using telephone calls significantly reduced pain intensity (MD –1.12, 95% CI –1.71 to –0.53; P<.001) and disability score (MD –1.68, 95% CI –2.74 to –0.63; P<.001). However, without the use of telephone calls, mHealth had no obvious advantage over usual care in improving pain intensity (MD –0.48, 95% CI –1.16 to 0.20; P=.16) and the disability score (MD –0.41, 95% CI –1.88 to 1.05; P=.58). The group that received a more sensitive feedback intervention showed a significantly reduced disability score (MD –4.30, 95% CI –6.95 to –1.69; P=.001).

Conclusions

The use of simultaneous mHealth and usual care interventions has better efficacy than usual care alone in reducing pain intensity and disability in patients with low back pain. Moreover, the results of subgroup analysis revealed that mHealth using telephone calls might play a positive role in improving pain intensity and disability in patients with low back pain.
In-Clinic Versus Web-Based Multidisciplinary Exercise-Based Rehabilitation for Treatment of Low Back Pain: Prospective Clinical Trial in an Integrated Practice Unit Model (Preprint)
Authors: Raiszadeh Kamshad , Tapicer Jonathan , Taitano Lissa , Wu Jonathan , Shahidi Bahar
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

The recent onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to reduce barriers to access physical therapy and associated care through the use of web-based programs and telehealth for those seeking treatment for low back pain (LBP). Despite this need, few studies have compared the effectiveness of clinic-based versus web-based or telehealth services.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of clinic-based multidisciplinary therapy in an integrated practice unit (C-IPU) model with online integrated multidisciplinary therapy (O-IPU) in individuals undergoing conservative care for LBP.

METHODS

A total of 1090 participants were prospectively recruited to participate in a clinical trial registry (NCT04081896) through the SpineZone rehabilitation IPU program. All participants provided informed consent. Participants were allocated to the C-IPU (N=988) or O-IPU (N=102) groups based on their personal preferences. The C-IPU program consisted of a high-intensity machine-based core muscle resistance training program, whereas the O-IPU program consisted of therapist-directed home core strengthening exercises through a web-based platform. Changes in LBP symptom severity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), disability (Oswestry Disability Index), goal achievement (Patient-Specific Functional Scale), and frequency of opioid use were compared between the C-IPU and O-IPU groups using multivariate linear regression modeling adjusted for age, gender, treatment number, program duration, and baseline pain and disability.

RESULTS

Approximately 93.03% (1014/1090) of the participants completed their recommended programs, with no group differences in dropout rates (P=.78). The C-IPU group showed greater pain relief (P<.001) and reductions in disability (P=.002) than the O-IPU group, whereas the O-IPU group reported greater improvements in goal achievement (P<.001). Both programs resulted in reduced opioid use frequency, with 19.0% (188/988) and 21.5% (22/102) of participants reporting cessation of opioid use for C-IPU and O-IPU programs, respectively, leaving only 5.59% (61/1090) of participants reporting opioid use at the end of their treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Both in-clinic and web-based multidisciplinary programs are beneficial in reducing pain, disability, and opioid use and in improving goal achievement. The differences between these self-selected groups shed light on patient characteristics, which require further investigation and could help clinicians optimize these programs.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04081896; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04081896
Roles and functions of a non-academic medical school Facebook page: A study of usage and survey data (Preprint)
Authors: Sykes Ella Catharine , Siah Qi Zhuang , Browne Julie , Golaup Caitlin
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Facebook is a well-established social networking platform that is commonly used by medical schools as an educational resource, but there are few studies assessing the roles of a non-academic Facebook page in medical education. Cardiff University uses Facebook primarily as a student support and engagement platform through its ‘C21’ Facebook Page.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of a non-academic Facebook page in medical faculty-student communication and examine how the page is perceived by the student body.

METHODS

We collected and analysed C21 Facebook Page usage data to obtain descriptive information on reach, engagement and content. We also distributed an anonymised survey to evaluate and explore users’ interest in, experience of and engagement with the content.

RESULTS

Of the 1021 posts on the page in 2019, the highest post-engagement rate occurred in the Student or Staff News category (13.5%) and the lowest in Medical Research News (3.5%). Survey feedback on the page was overwhelmingly positive (n=89; 84.8%), and respondents reported a high degree of trust (n=95; 90.5%) in the page. Students would like to see more ‘CV-building’ Opportunities advertised on the page.

CONCLUSIONS

The C21 Facebook Page is an important resource in developing community within the medical school and facilitating student engagement with both the C21 course and wider medical opportunities. It is perceived as an appropriate channel of communication between the medical school and students.
Using Information and Communication Technologies to Engage Citizens in Health System Governance in Burkina Faso: Protocol for Action Research (Preprint)
Authors: Biau Sandrine , Bonnet Emmanuel , Dagenais Christian , De Allegri Manuela , Traoré Zoumana , Ouedraogo Abdoul Wahabo , Sow Abdramane , Dubois-Nguyen Karina , Ridde Valéry
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Health systems are complex systems involving a vast range of actors. In West Africa, they are often not accessible or responsive. Burkina Faso has widely expressed, in its public health policy, the need to improve both access to quality care and health system responsiveness. There is also a strong wish to give more voice to citizens. To support Burkinabè institutions in achieving these goals, we have developed an action research (AR) protocol.

OBJECTIVE

This paper presents the protocol that will address citizens’ participation in health policies and their empowerment through the expression of opinions, for accountability, as well as the strengthening of the health system using information and communication technologies (ICTs).

METHODS

Our approach will consist of (1) enabling people to express their opinions on the health system by means of a toll-free (TF) service coupled with an interactive voice server (IVS); (2) building an information base with anonymous and reliable data; and (3) conducting information awareness-raising activities, including knowledge transfer (KT) and advocacy, social integration activities, development of OpenData platforms, and the capitalization and media coverage of governance issues. For this purpose, the AR project will be implemented in Burkina Faso. The design uses a concurrent mixed-methods approach. This AR project will evaluate the acceptability, process, effectiveness, and economic costs of the device’s implementation. We will also analyze the potential for the data collected by the device to be used to improve practices.

RESULTS

Data collection is in progress; the TF number was officially launched on July 1, 2020, and data collection is planned to continue throughout 2021. By using mixed methods, our AR will be approached from a variety of perspectives. Mixed methods will support us in combining the partial insights into sophisticated realities from qualitative inquiries with the data analyses produced by quantitative research.

CONCLUSIONS

This AR is expected to add knowledge on how to increase the empowerment of the population, especially the most vulnerable, to participate in democratic processes and enjoy and exercise their human rights. This protocol recommends implementing a low-cost, contextually adapted technology, associated with an evidence-based approach and carried out on a significant scale. The originality of this approach lies in the fact that it introduces a real AR dimension with local communities and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), combined with an integrated strategy of KT and application throughout the project for all stakeholders.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/28780