bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intersectionality and Reflexivity: Narratives From a BME Female Researcher Inside the Hidden Social World of Prison Visits
Authors: Adams Maria
Published: February 2021

This article examines the importance of intersectionality; and how this has been influential to analyzing my (the author’s) research journey as a Black Minority Ethnic (African and Asian descent) female researcher, using ethnographic approaches to collate data in three Scottish prisons. Intersectionality is a powerful tool to capture; and to interrogate the realities of fieldwork. It enables researchers to reflect on their social position, in response to the relational dynamics which occur in the field ( Bochner, 1997 ; Ellis & Bochner, 2006 ). Inspired by intersectional scholars, this paper will capture the nuances and complexities of the day to day realities in the field by exploring the importance of social identity. Furthermore, this paper will extend the discussion on social identity by analyzing the lived experiences and emotions occupied in certain spaces in the penal system; and how this has steered the narrative to collating data on the lived experiences of families of prisoners. This paper will capture the pleasantries, celebrations and complexities in conducting research in the waiting rooms of prisons by narrating on three themes: Power; Emotions in the field; and the Outsider within.
Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in detecting Stener lesions of the thumb: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qamhawi Zahi , Shah Karishma , Kiernan Gareth , Furniss Dominic , Teh James , Azzopardi Christine
Published: February 2021

This study assesses the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing Stener lesions of the thumb. MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched for studies using ultrasound or MRI to detect Stener lesions following suspected thumb ulnar collateral ligament injuries. The reference standard was surgical exploration or clinical joint stability. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. A random-effects bivariate meta-analysis was used to estimate pooled sensitivity and specificity. Forest plots were generated. Nine ultrasound (315 thumbs) and six MRI (107 thumbs) studies were included in meta-analysis (all high risk of bias). Pooled sensitivity and specificity for ultrasound were 95% and 94%, and for MRI were 93% and 98%. Both ultrasound and MRI demonstrate high diagnostic accuracy in detecting Stener lesions. Ultrasound is an appropriate first-line imaging modality.
Virtual Reality and Political Outgroup Contact: Can Avatar Customization and Common Ingroup Identity Reduce Social Distance?
Authors: Peña Jorge , Wolff Grace , Wojcieszak Magdalena
Published: February 2021

This study ( N = 217) explores the potential for virtual reality to decrease social distance toward outgroup members among women. Raising the salience of individuals’ real physical identity through avatar customization and common ingroup identity manipulations was theorized to influence social distance. Participants who customized an avatar to resemble their real selves showed increased social distance. However, avatar customization also increased user identifiability, which was linked to reduced social distance. Priming a common ingroup identity increased identity salience but did not influence social distance. In examining heterogeneous effects by prior levels of issue involvement, participants with high and moderate involvement with immigration showed increased social distance after customizing an avatar to resemble their real selves, thus implying boomerang effects. The study discusses how avatar customization, identifiability, and common ingroup primes in virtual encounters may influence outgroup attitudes and intergroup relations.
An investigation of the mechanical properties and bonding mechanism of Ti/Al-laminated composites fabricated by ultrasonic consolidation
Authors: Bo Jiang , Xueping Ren , Yujie Han , Hongliang Hou , Yaoqi Wang
Published: February 2021

Foils such as 1100 aluminum and TC4 titanium were used as matrix materials for ultrasonic consolidation test of dissimilar metal materials, and the samples of Ti/Al-laminated composites were prepared. The effect of amplitude and static pressure on the interfacial bonding strength of Ti/Al foil was studied by adhesion test. The mechanical properties of Ti/Al-laminated composites were tested by electronic universal testing machine. The microstructure of Ti/Al foil interface was observed by transmission electron microscope. The results show that ultrasonic consolidation can achieve a good bonding interface of Ti/Al foil, and the bonding strength of the interface increases first and then decreases with the increase of static pressure, and increases monotonously with the increase of amplitude. The optimum adhesion strength is 58.08 N cm−1. The high temperature deformation constitutive model of Ti/Al-laminated composites is established and verified. The Ti/Al interface has metallurgical bonding, and the inner microstructure of Ti/Al matrix is obviously refined. The surface of titanium foil has formed nanocrystalline.
Pulmonary hypertension in eosinophilicversusnoneosinophilic COPD
Authors: Alzghoul Bashar N. , As Sayaideh Mohammad , Moreno Brian F. , Singh Saminder K. , Innabi Ayoub , Reddy Raju , Papierniak Eric S. , Alnuaimat Hassan M
Published: February 2021

Background

The eosinophilic COPD phenotype is associated with greater airway remodelling, exacerbation risk and steroid responsiveness. However, little is known about the prevalence and characteristics of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in this patient population.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated a cohort of COPD patients with right heart catheterisation (RHC) data at a university hospital between January 2011 and May 2019 and compared the pulmonary vascular profile and prevalence of PH between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic patients using a definition of eosinophilic COPD as at least three blood eosinophil values ≥300 cells·µL−1. We used multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine the association between eosinophilic COPD and various PH categories adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%), smoking status and use of supplemental oxygen.

Results

Among 106 COPD patients with RHC data and at least three blood eosinophil values, 25% met the definition of eosinophilic COPD. Fewer patients among the eosinophilic group required long-term oxygen therapy (69%versus93%, p=0.001) and total lung capacity was significantly lower in the eosinophilic group (p=0.006). This group had higher mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) (median (interquartile range) 30 (27–41) mmHgversus25 (22–30) mmHg, p=0.001) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (4 (2.8–5.1) Wood unitsversus2.9 (2.1–4.1) Wood units, p=0.018). On multivariable logistic regression analyses, eosinophilic phenotype was associated with PH (adjusted (a)OR 6.5, 95% CI 1.4–30.7; p=0.018) and pre-capillary PH (aOR 3.2, 95% CI 1.1–9; p=0.027), but not severe PH (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 0.6–7.2; p=0.219).

Conclusion

Eosinophilic COPD was associated with higher mPAP and PVR and increased likelihood of PH. More studies are needed to further explore this finding.
Half-day trading and spillovers
Authors: Chen Yifan , Yu Limin , Gang Jianhua
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the linkage of returns and volatilities between the United States and Chinese stock markets from January 2010 to March 2020. We use the dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) and asymmetric Baba–Engle–Kraft–Kroner (BEKK) GARCH models to calculate the time-varying correlations of these two markets and examine the return and volatility spillover effects between these two markets. The empirical results show that there are only unidirectional return spillovers from the U.S. stock market to the Chinese stock market. The U.S. stock market has a consistently positive spillover to China’s next day’s morning trading, but its impact on China’s next day’s afternoon trading appears to be insignificant. This finding implies that information in the U.S. stock market impacts the performance of the Chinese stock market differently in distinct semi-day trading. Moreover, with respect to the volatility, there are significant bidirectional spillover effects between these two markets.
Correlation between the severity of erectile dysfunction and prostate size in patients with benign prostatic enlargement
Authors: Obiatuegwu Kenenna , Atim Terkaa , Abu Sadiq , Aisuodionoe-Shadrach Oseremen , Dakum Nuhu
Published: February 2021

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is persistent inability to achieve and maintain an erection for sufficient satisfactory intercourse. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are defined as a constellation of storage, voiding and post-micturition symptoms following bladder outlet obstruction. Preservation of sexual function remains an important component of quality of life and should be considered in the management of patients with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), and many data report evidence of a link between ED and BPE. This study aimed to evaluate the link between ED, size of the prostate and symptom in patients with BPE.

Methods

By simple random sampling, patients who presented at the Urology Clinic of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, with BPE were assessed for the presence of ED. Three questionnaires (a proforma, the IIEF-5 and the IPSS) were administered to all the patients that met the inclusion criteria to objectively assess ED and LUTS due to BPE without bias. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0.Pvalue of less than 0.05 shall be considered statistically significant.

Results

One hundred and seventeen male patients with BPE were enrolled for the study. Ninety patients (76.9%) had ED while twenty-seven patients (23.1%) had no ED. Mean age of patients with severe ED was 64.00 years ± 7.07 while the mean age of patients with moderate ED was 64.13 years ± 7.26. Mean age of patients with mild to moderate ED, mild ED and no ED was 64.62 years, 59.90 years and 57.96 years, respectively. Patients with severe ED had the highest mean prostate volume of 122.95 cm3 ± 40.16. Mean prostate volume of 85.24 cm3 ± 40.23 was noted in patients who had moderate ED while a mean prostate volume of 76.42 cm3 ± 26.45 and 60.35 cm3 ± 21.39 was noted in patients with mild to moderate ED and mild ED, respectively. Patients with no ED had a mean prostate volume of 49.75 cm3 ± 15.55.Pvalue (0.001) was significant.

Conclusion

This study shows that erectile function has a direct relationship with prostate size. There was a positive correlation between ED and prostate size. Adopting a holistic approach in the management of ED and BPE will have laudable impact on patients’ performance.
CeNet Omnibus: an R/Shiny application to the construction and analysis of competing endogenous RNA network
Authors: Wen Xiao , Gao Lin , Song Tuo , Jiang Chaoqun
Published: February 2021

Background

The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulation is a newly discovered post-transcriptional regulation mechanism and plays significant roles in physiological and pathological progress. CeRNA networks provide global views to help understand the regulation of ceRNAs. CeRNA networks have been widely used to detect survival biomarkers, select candidate regulators of disease genes, and predict long noncoding RNA functions. However, there is no software platform to provide overall functions from the construction to analysis of ceRNA networks.

Results

To fill this gap, we introduce CeNet Omnibus, an R/Shiny application, which provides a unified framework for the construction and analysis of ceRNA network. CeNet Omnibus enables users to select multiple measurements, such as Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC), mutual information (MI), and liquid association (LA), to identify ceRNA pairs and construct ceRNA networks. Furthermore, CeNet Omnibus provides a one-stop solution to analyze the topological properties of ceRNA networks, detect modules, and perform gene enrichment analysis and survival analysis. CeNet Omnibus intends to cover comprehensiveness, high efficiency, high expandability, and user customizability, and it also offers a web-based user-friendly interface to users to obtain the output intuitionally.

Conclusion

CeNet Omnibus is a comprehensive platform for the construction and analysis of ceRNA networks. It is highly customizable and outputs the results in intuitive and interactive. We expect that CeNet Omnibus will assist researchers to understand the property of ceRNA networks and associated biological phenomena. CeNet Omnibus is an R/Shiny application based on the Shiny framework developed by RStudio. The R package and detailed tutorial are available on our GitHub page with the URL https://github.com/GaoLabXDU/CeNetOmnibus.
Genome-wide identification and gene-editing of pigment transporter genes in the swallowtail butterfly Papilio xuthus
Authors: Liu Guichun , Liu Wei , Zhao Ruoping , He Jinwu , Dong Zhiwei , Chen Lei , Wan Wenting , Chang Zhou , Wang Wen , Li Xueyan
Published: February 2021

Background

Insect body coloration often functions as camouflage to survive from predators or mate selection. Transportation of pigment precursors or related metabolites from cytoplasm to subcellular pigment granules is one of the key steps in insect pigmentation and usually executed via such transporter proteins as the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transmembrane transporters and small G-proteins (e.g. Rab protein). However, little is known about the copy numbers of pigment transporter genes in the butterfly genomes and about the roles of pigment transporters in the development of swallowtail butterflies.

Results

Here, we have identified 56 ABC transporters and 58 Rab members in the genome of swallowtail butterfly Papilio xuthus. This is the first case of genome-wide gene copy number identification of ABC transporters in swallowtail butterflies and Rab family in lepidopteran insects. Aiming to investigate the contribution of the five genes which are orthologous to well-studied pigment transporters (ABCG: white, scarlet, brown and ok; Rab: lightoid) of fruit fly or silkworm during the development of swallowtail butterflies, we performed CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing of these genes using P. xuthus as a model and sequenced the transcriptomes of their morphological mutants. Our results indicate that the disruption of each gene produced mutated phenotypes in the colors of larvae (cuticle, testis) and/or adult eyes in G0 individuals but have no effect on wing color. The transcriptomic data demonstrated that mutations induced by CRISPR/Cas9 can lead to the accumulation of abnormal transcripts and the decrease or dosage compensation of normal transcripts at gene expression level. Comparative transcriptomes revealed 606 ~ 772 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the mutants of four ABCG transporters and 1443 DEGs in the mutants of lightoid. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that DEGs in ABCG transporter mutants enriched to the oxidoreductase activity, heme binding, iron ion binding process possibly related to the color display, and DEGs in lightoid mutants are enriched in glycoprotein binding and protein kinases.

Conclusions

Our data indicated these transporter proteins play an important role in body color of P. xuthus. Our study provides new insights into the function of ABC transporters and small G-proteins in the morphological development of butterflies.
Transcriptome analysis of Escherichia coli K1 after therapy with hesperidin conjugated with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Masri Abdulkader , Khan Naveed Ahmed , Zoqratt Muhammad Zarul Hanifah Md , Ayub Qasim , Anwar Ayaz , Rao Komal , Shah Muhammad Raza , Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah
Published: February 2021

Backgrounds

Escherichia coli K1 causes neonatal meningitis. Transcriptome studies are indispensable to comprehend the pathology and biology of these bacteria. Recently, we showed that nanoparticles loaded with Hesperidin are potential novel antibacterial agents against E. coli K1. Here, bacteria were treated with and without Hesperidin conjugated with silver nanoparticles, and silver alone, and 50% minimum inhibitory concentration was determined. Differential gene expression analysis using RNA-seq, was performed using Degust software and a set of genes involved in cell stress response and metabolism were selected for the study.

Results

50% minimum inhibitory concentration with silver-conjugated Hesperidin was achieved with 0.5 μg/ml of Hesperidin conjugated with silver nanoparticles at 1 h. Differential genetic analysis revealed the expression of 122 genes (≥ 2-log FC, P< 0.01) in both E. coli K1 treated with Hesperidin conjugated silver nanoparticles and E. coli K1 treated with silver alone, compared to untreated E. coli K1. Of note, the expression levels of cation efflux genes (cusA and copA) and translocation of ions, across the membrane genes (rsxB) were found to increase 2.6, 3.1, and 3.3- log FC, respectively. Significant regulation was observed for metabolic genes and several genes involved in the coordination of flagella.

Conclusions

The antibacterial mechanism of nanoparticles maybe due to disruption of the cell membrane, oxidative stress, and metabolism in E. coli K1. Further studies will lead to a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying treatment with nanoparticles and identification of much needed novel antimicrobial drug candidates.
Genetic diversity and population structure of early and extra-early maturing maize germplasm adapted to sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Badu-Apraku Baffour , Garcia-Oliveira Ana Luísa , Petroli César Daniel , Hearne Sarah , Adewale Samuel Adeyemi , Gedil Melaku
Published: February 2021

Background

Assessment and effective utilization of genetic diversity in breeding programs is crucial for sustainable genetic improvement and rapid adaptation to changing breeding objectives. During the past two decades, the commercialization of the early and extra-early maturing cultivars has contributed to rapid expansion of maize into different agro-ecologies of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where maize has become an important component of the agricultural economy and played a vital role in food and nutritional security. The present study aimed at understanding the population structure and genetic variability among 439 early and extra-early maize inbred lines developed from three narrow-based and twenty-seven broad-based populations by the International Iinstitute of Tropical Agriculture Maize Improvement Program (IITA-MIP). These inbreds were genotyped using 9642 DArTseq-based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers distributed uniformly throughout the maize genome.

Results

About 40.8% SNP markers were found highly informative and exhibited polymorphic information content (PIC) greater than 0.25. The minor allele frequency and PIC ranged from 0.015 to 0.500 and 0.029 to 0.375, respectively. The STRUCTURE, neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) grouped the inbred lines into four major classes generally consistent with the selection history, ancestry and kernel colour of the inbreds but indicated a complex pattern of the genetic structure. The pattern of grouping of the lines based on the STRUCTURE analysis was in concordance with the results of the PCoA and suggested greater number of sub-populations (K = 10). Generally, the classification of the inbred lines into heterotic groups based on SNP markers was reasonably reliable and in agreement with defined heterotic groups of previously identified testers based on combining ability studies.

Conclusions

Complete understanding of potential heterotic groups would be difficult to portray by depending solely on molecular markers. Therefore, planned crosses involving representative testers from opposing heterotic groups would be required to refine the existing heterotic groups. It is anticipated that the present set of inbreds could contribute new beneficial alleles for population improvement, development of hybrids and lines with potential to strengthen future breeding programs. Results of this study would help breeders in formulating breeding strategies for genetic enhancement and sustainable maize production in SSA.
MaMAPK3-MaICE1-MaPOD P7 pathway, a positive regulator of cold tolerance in banana
Authors: Gao Jie , Dou Tongxin , He Weidi , Sheng Ou , Bi Fangcheng , Deng Guiming , Gao Huijun , Dong Tao , Li Chunyu , Zhang Sheng , Yi Ganjun , Hu Chunhua , Yang Qiaosong
Published: February 2021

Background

Banana is a tropical fruit with a high economic impact worldwide. Cold stress greatly affects the development and production of banana.

Results

In the present study, we investigated the functions of MaMAPK3 and MaICE1 involved in cold tolerance of banana. The effect of RNAi of MaMAPK3 on Dajiao (Musa spp. ‘Dajiao’; ABB Group) cold tolerance was evaluated. The leaves of the MaMAPK3 RNAi transgenic plants showed wilting and severe necrotic symptoms, while the wide-type (WT) plants remained normal after cold exposure. RNAi of MaMAPK3 significantly changed the expressions of the cold-responsive genes, and the oxidoreductase activity was significantly changed in WT plants, while no changes in transgenic plants were observed. MaICE1 interacted with MaMAPK3, and the expression level of MaICE1 was significantly decreased in MaMAPK3 RNAi transgenic plants. Over-expression of MaICE1 in Cavendish banana (Musa spp. AAA group) indicated that the cold resistance of transgenic plants was superior to that of the WT plants. The POD P7 gene was significantly up-regulated in MaICE1-overexpressing transgenic plants compared with WT plants, and the POD P7 was proved to interact with MaICE1.

Conclusions

Taken together, our work provided new and solid evidence that MaMAPK3-MaICE1-MaPOD P7 pathway positively improved the cold tolerance in monocotyledon banana, shedding light on molecular breeding for the cold-tolerant banana or other agricultural species.
Stringent thresholds in SARS-CoV-2 IgG assays lead to under-detection of mild infections
Authors: Eyre David W. , Lumley Sheila F. , O’Donnell Denise , Stoesser Nicole E. , Matthews Philippa C. , Howarth Alison , Hatch Stephanie B. , Marsden Brian D. , Cox Stuart , James Tim , Cornall Richard J. , Stuart David I. , Screaton Gavin , Ebner Daniel , Crook Derrick W. , Conlon Christopher P. , Jeffery Katie , Walker Timothy M. , Peto Timothy E. A.
Published: February 2021

Background

Thresholds for SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays have typically been determined using samples from symptomatic, often hospitalised, patients. In this setting the sensitivity and specificity of the best performing assays can both exceed 98%. However, antibody assay performance following mild infection is less clear.

Methods

We assessed quantitative IgG responses in a cohort of healthcare workers in Oxford, UK, with a high pre-test probability of Covid-19, in particular the 991/11,475(8.6%) who reported loss of smell/taste. We use anosmia/ageusia and other risk factors as probes for Covid-19 infection potentially undiagnosed by immunoassays by investigating their relationship with antibody readings either side of assay thresholds.

Results

The proportion of healthcare workers reporting anosmia/ageusia increased at antibody readings below diagnostic thresholds using an in-house ELISA (n = 9324) and the Abbott Architect chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA; n = 11,324): 426/906 (47%) reported anosmia/ageusia with a positive ELISA, 59/449 (13.1%) with high-negative and 326/7969 (4.1%) with low-negative readings. Similarly, by CMIA, 518/1093 (47.4%) with a positive result reported anosmia/ageusia, 106/686 (15.5%) with a high-negative and 358/9563 (3.7%) with a low-negative result. Adjusting for the proportion of staff reporting anosmia/ageusia suggests the sensitivity of both assays in mild infection is lower than previously reported: Oxford ELISA 89.8% (95%CI 86.6–92.8%) and Abbott CMIA 79.3% (75.9–82.7%).

Conclusion

Following mild SARS-CoV-2 infection 10–30% of individuals may have negative immunoassay results. While lowered diagnostic thresholds may result in unacceptable specificity, our findings have implications for epidemiological analyses and result interpretation in individuals with a high pre-test probability. Samples from mild PCR-confirmed infections should be included in SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay evaluations.
Latent Toxoplasma gondii infections are associated with elevated biomarkers of inflammation and vascular injury
Authors: Egorov Andrey I. , Converse Reagan R. , Griffin Shannon M. , Styles Jennifer N. , Sams Elizabeth , Hudgens Edward , Wade Timothy J.
Published: February 2021

Background

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that infects cats as definitive hosts and other warm-blooded animals including humans as intermediate hosts. It forms infectious cysts in the brain, muscle and other tissues establishing life-long latent infection. Approximately 10% of the US population is infected. While latent infections are largely asymptomatic, they are associated with neurological deficits and elevated risks of neuropsychiatric diseases.

Methods

This cross-sectional epidemiological study investigated associations of T. gondii infections with biomarkers of inflammation and vascular injury: soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum amyloid A (SAA). Serum samples from 694 adults in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina metropolitan area were tested for IgG antibody response to T. gondii, and for the above biomarkers using commercially available assays.

Results

T. gondii seroprevalence rate in this sample was 9.7%. Seropositivity was significantly associated with 11% (95% confidence limits 4, 20%) greater median levels of VCAM-1 (p = 0.003), and marginally significantly with 9% (1, 17%), and 36% (1, 83%) greater median levels of ICAM-1, and CRP, respectively (p = 0.04 for each) after adjusting for sociodemographic and behavioral covariates, while the 23% (− 7, 64%) adjusted effect on SAA was not statistically significant (p = 0.15).

Conclusions

Latent infections with T. gondii are associated with elevated biomarkers of chronic inflammation and vascular injury that are also known to be affected by ambient air pollution.
Personality inventory for DSM-5 brief form(PID-5-BF) in Chinese students and patients: evaluating the five-factor model and a culturally informed six-factor model
Authors: Zhang Panwen , Ouyang Zirong , Fang Shulin , He Jiayue , Fan Lejia , Luo Xingwei , Zhang Jianghua , Xiong Yan , Luo Fusheng , Wang Xiaosheng , Yao Shuqiao , Wang Xiang
Published: February 2021

Background

The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form (PID-5-BF) is a 25-item measuring tool evaluating maladaptive personality traits for the diagnosis of personality disorders(PDs). As a promising scale, its impressive psychometric properties have been verified in some countries, however, there have been no studies about the utility of the PID-5-BF in Chinese settings. The current study aimed to explore the maladaptive personality factor model which was culturally adapted to China and to examine psychometric properties of the PID-5-BF among Chinese undergraduate students and clinical patients.

Methods

Seven thousand one hundred fifty-five undergraduate students and 451 clinical patients completed the Chinese version of the PID-5-BF. Two hundered twenty-eight students were chosen randomly for test-retest reliability at a 4-week interval. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to discover the most suitable factor structure in China, measurement invariance(MI), internal consistency, and external validity were also calculated.

Results

The theoretical five-factor model was acceptable, but the exploratory six-factor model was more applicable in both samples (Undergraduate sample: CFI = 0.905, TLI = 0.888, RMSEA = 0.044, SRMR = 0.039; Clinical sample: CFI = 0.904, TLI = 0.886, RMSEA = 0.047, SRMR = 0.060). In the Chinese six-factor model, the Negative Affect domain was divided into two factors and the new factor was named “Interpersonal Relationships”, which was in line with the Big-Six Personality model in Chinese. Measurement invariance across non-clinical and clinical sample was established (configural, weak, strong MI, and partial strict MI). Aside from acceptable internal consistency (Undergraduate sample: alpha = 0.84, MIC = 0.21; Clinical sample: alpha = 0.86, MIC = 0.19) and test-retest reliability(0.73), the correlation between the 25-item PID-5-BF and the 220-item PID-5 was significant(p < 0.01). The six PDs measured by Personality diagnostic questionnaire-4+ (PDQ-4+) were associated with and predicted by expected domains of PID-5-BF.

Conclusions

Both the theoretical five-factor model and the exploratory six-factor model of the PID-5-BF were acceptable to the Chinese population. The five-factor model could allow for comparison and integration with other work on the original theoretical model. However, the Chinese six-factor structure may be more culturally informed in East Asian settings. In sum, the PID-5-BF is a convenient and useful screening tool for personality disorders.
Spatiotemporal characteristics and meteorological determinants of hand, foot and mouth disease in Shaanxi Province, China: a county-level analysis
Authors: Ding Li , Zhang Ning , Zhu Bin , Liu Jinlin , Wang Xue , Liu Feng , Mao Ying
Published: February 2021

Background

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is one of the common intestinal infectious diseases worldwide and has caused huge economic and disease burdens in many countries. The average annual incidence rate of HFMD was 11.66% in Shaanxi during the time span from 2009 to 2018. There are distinct differences within Shaanxi, as it is a special region that crosses three temperature zones. Hence, in this study, a spatiotemporal analysis of Shaanxi was performed to reveal the characteristics of the distribution of HFMD and to explore the meteorological determinants of HFMD.

Methods

The county-level and municipal data from Shaanxi Province from 2009 to 2018 were applied to research the spatiotemporal characteristics of HFMD and its meteorological determinants. Time series and spatial autocorrelation analyses were applied to assess the spatiotemporal characteristics of HFMD. This study used spatial econometric panel models to explore the relationship between HFMD and meteorological factors based on the data of 107 counties and 10 municipalities.

Results

The incidence rate of HFMD displayed no variable trend throughout the whole research period. A high incidence rate of HFMD was observed from June to September, corresponding to a time when the climate is characterized by heavy rain, high temperature, and high humidity. The high-incidence areas were mainly located in the central region in Shaanxi, whereas the low-incidence spots were mainly found in Northern Shaanxi. Regarding the meteorological factors analysed in this study, in general, the incidence rate of HFMD in specific regions was positively associated with the rainfall, temperature and humidity.

Conclusion

These results could be applied by the government and the general public to take effective measures to prevent disease. Region-targeted policies could be enacted and implemented in the future according to specific situations in different areas and the relevant meteorological determinants. Additionally, meteorological conditions normally extend to a wide-ranging region; thus, cooperation among surrounding regions is necessary.
Understanding HIV and associated risk factors among religious groups in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mapingure Munyaradzi , Mukandavire Zindoga , Chingombe Innocent , Cuadros Diego , Mutenherwa Farirai , Mugurungi Owen , Musuka Godfrey
Published: February 2021

Background

The influence of religion and belief systems is widely recognized as an important factor in understanding of health risk perception and myths in the general fight against the HIV pandemic. This study compares the understanding of HIV risk factors and utilization of some HIV services among religious groups in Zimbabwe.

Methods

We conducted secondary data statistical analysis to investigate the understanding of HIV and associated risk factors among religious groups in Zimbabwe using 2015–2016 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) data. We began by investigating associations between understanding of HIV and associated risk factors among religious groups. A multivariate stepwise backward elimination method was carried out to explore factors determining understanding of HIV risk after controlling for confounding factors using the most recent ZDHS data (2015–2016).

Results

The results from the three surveys showed that, in general apostolic sector had low understanding of HIV and associated risk factors compared to other religious groups. Analysis of the 2015–2016 ZDHS data showed that women belonging to the apostolic sector were less likely to know where to get an HIV test odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval, 0.665 (0.503–0.880) and to know that male circumcision reduces HIV transmission OR 0.863 (0.781–0.955). Women from this group had no knowledge that circumcised men can be infected if they do not use condoms OR 0.633 (0.579–0.693), nor that it is possible for a healthy-looking person to have HIV, OR 0.814 (0.719–0.921). They would not buy vegetables from a vendor with HIV OR 0.817 (0.729–0.915) and were less likely to support that HIV positive children should be allowed to attend school with HIV negative children OR 0.804 (0.680–0.950). Similar results were obtained for men in the apostolic sector. These men also did not agree that women were justified to use condoms if the husband has an Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) OR 0.851 (0.748–0.967).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that apostolic sector lack adequate knowledge of HIV and associated risk factors than other religious groups. Targeting HIV prevention programmes by religious groups could be an efficient approach for controlling HIV in Zimbabwe.
Interdisciplinary approach in emergency revascularization and treatment for acute mesenteric ischemia
Authors: Zientara Alicja , Domenghino Anja-Rebeka , Schwegler Igor , Bruijnen Hans , Schnider Annelies , Weber Markus , Gutknecht Stefan , Attigah Nicolas
Published: February 2021

Background

Mesenteric ischemia is associated with poor outcome and high overall mortality. The aim was to analyze an interdisciplinary treatment approach of vascular and visceral specialists focusing on the in-hospital outcome and follow-up in patients with acute and acute-on-chronic mesenteric ischemia.

Methods

From 2010 until 2017, 26 consecutive patients with acute or acute on chronic mesenteric ischemia were treated by an interdisciplinary team. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively evaluated. Throughout the initial examination, the extent of bowel resection was determined by the visceral surgeon and the appropriate mode of revascularization by the vascular surgeon. The routine follow-up included clinical examination and ultrasound- or CT-imaging for patency assessment and overall survival as primary endpoint of the study.

Results

Out of 26 patients, 18 (69.2%) were rendered for open repair. Ten patients (38.5%) received reconstruction of the superior mesenteric artery with an iliac-mesenteric bypass. Seven patients (26.9%) underwent thrombembolectomy of the mesenteric artery. One patient received an infra-diaphragmatic aorto-celiac-mesenteric bypass. Out of the 8 patients, who were not suitable for open revascularization, 2 patients (7.7%) were treated endovascularly and 6 (23.1%) underwent explorative laparotomy.

The in-hospital mortality was 23% (n = 6). The mean survival of the revascularized group (n = 20) was 51.8 months (95% CI 39.1–64.5) compared to 15.7 months in the non-revascularized group (n = 6) (95% CI − 4.8–36.1; p = 0.08). The median follow-up was 64.6 months. Primary patency in the 16 patients after open and 2 after interventional revascularization was 100% and 89.9% in the follow-up.

Conclusion

The interdisciplinary treatment of mesenteric ischemia improves survival if carried out in time. Hereby open revascularization measures are advantageous as they allow bowel assessment, resection, and revascularization in a one-stop fashion especially in advanced cases.
Thyroid function and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in hyperthyroidism patients
Authors: Wang Bairong , Wang Baomin , Yang Yumei , Xu Jing , Hong Mengyang , Xia Mingfeng , Li Xiaomu , Gao Xin
Published: February 2021

Background

Although thyroid function has been demonstrated to be associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in different population, the prevalence and features of NAFLD in hyperthyroidism have not been reported. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of NAFLD and association of thyroid function and NAFLD in hyperthyroidism patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, China. A total 117 patients with hyperthyroidism were consecutively recruited from 2014 to 2015. Thyroid function and other clinical features were measured, liver fat content was measured by color Doppler ultrasonically, NAFLD was defined in patients with liver fat content more than 9.15%. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS software package version 13.0.

Results

The prevalence of NAFLD was 11.97% in hyperthyroidism. Patient with NAFLD had lower free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels than patients without NAFLD (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, gender, metabolic parameters and inflammation factors, higher FT3 were associated with lower liver fat content (β = − 0.072,P = 0.009) and decreased odds ratio of NAFLD (OR = 0.267, 95%CI 0.087–0.817,P = 0.021).

Conclusions

FT3 level was negatively associated with the liver fat content in this population. These results may provide new evidence in the role of thyroid hormone on the regulation of liver fat content and NAFLD.
Color compatibility between dental structures and three different types of ceramic systems
Authors: Pop-Ciutrila Ioana-Sofia , Ghinea Razvan , Colosi Horatiu A. , Ruiz-López Javier , Perez Maria M. , Paravina Rade D. , Dudea Diana
Published: February 2021

Background

To assess color compatibility between dental structures (human enamel and dentine) and three different types of ceramic systems.

Methods

Samples (1 and 2 mm-thick) of extracted tooth (containing dentine and enamel areas) and three ceramic systems with different shades and opacities (HT–High Translucent, T–Translucent) were prepared for this study: Vita Suprinity—VS (HT, T; A1, A2, A3, A3.5, B2, C2, D2) (Vita Zahnfabrik); Vita Enamic—VE (HT, T; 1M1, 1M2, 2M2, 3M2) (Vita Zahnfabrik) and Noritake Super Porcelain EX-3—NKT (A1, A2, A3, A3.5, B2, C2, D2) (Kuraray Noritake Dental). Reflectance measurements of all samples were performed over black backgrounds using a non-contact spectroradiometer (SpectraScan PR-670, Photo Research) under a CIE 45°/0° geometry. CIE L*a*b* color parameters were measured and CIELAB/CIEDE2000 color differences (ΔE00/ΔE*ab) and corresponding Coverage Error (CE) of ceramic system for dentine or enamel samples were calculated. Color data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc multiple comparisons tests. CE values were interpreted by comparisons with available 50:50% acceptability color threshold (AT) for dentistry.

Results

Statistically significant differences in lightness were found among all ceramic systems and human dentine (p < 0.001), while no significant differences were registered between enamel and VSHT, T and VEHT. 1 mm dentine showed no statistical differences with VST and VSHT for a* coordinate, while 2 mm dentine showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) with VEHT. Thin samples (1 mm) of dentine and enamel showed significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) for b* coordinate with less translucent materials (NKT, VET and VST). For dentine samples, none of the ceramic materials provided a CE lower than AT. VSHT provided the best CE for 1 mm-thick (CE00 = 1.7, CEab = 1.9) and for 2 mm-thick (CE00 = 2.3; CEab = 2.5) enamel samples.

Conclusions

Color coordinates of evaluated esthetic ceramic systems were statistically different from those of human dentine in almost all cases. The evaluated ZrO2 lithium silicate glass–ceramic (VS), with its two levels of translucency, provided lower CE values with human enamel samples while conventional feldspathic ceramic (NKT) and hybrid ceramic systems (VE) demonstrated a better color compatibility with dentin samples.
The impact of minimally invasive restorative techniques on perception of dental pain among pregnant women: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Adham May M. , El Kashlan Mona K. , Abdelaziz Wafaa E. , Rashad Ahmed S.
Published: February 2021

Background

The public dental care sector is striving to fulfill the preventive and restorative needs of Egyptians, including pregnant women, who may not receive timely care due to misconceptions about dental treatment during pregnancy. Because of this, they are likely to suffer dental pain, with higher risk of infection affecting their offsprings.

Aim of the study

To compare the effectiveness of chemo-mechanical caries removal using Papacarie-Duo and Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) in reducing dental pain among pregnant women.

Materials and methods

A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted, in 2019, and included 162 pregnant women visiting family health centers in Alexandria, Egypt, with dental pain due to dental caries not extending to pulp. Patients were randomly assigned to Papacarie-Duo group (n = 82) and ART group (n = 80) after stratification by number of treated surfaces. The outcome variables were reduction in pain assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), satisfaction with treatment, and time taken for dental caries removal. T test/ Mann Whitney U test were used to compare groups and Freidman test was used to compare change across time.

Results

Pain reduction was significantly greater in the Papacarie-Duo than the ART group (81.55% and 69.43%, P = 0.001). Patients in the Papacarie-Duo group were significantly more satisfied with treatment than those in the ART, immediately after treatment (mean = 9.60 and 8.00, P =  < 0.01) and after 6 months (mean = 9.63 and 8.16, P =  < 0.01). Significantly less excavation time was recorded in the Papacarie-Duo group than in the ART group (mean = 10.38 and 11.56 min, P =  < 0.01).

Conclusion

Chemo-mechanical caries removal using Papacarie-Duo is more effective in reducing dental pain, in pregnant women, and is associated with more satisfaction and less excavation time than ART.

Trial registration: ID NCT04573608 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/); 5/10/2020, retrospective registration.
Medical artificial intelligence readiness scale for medical students (MAIRS-MS) – development, validity and reliability study
Authors: Karaca Ozan , Çalışkan S. Ayhan , Demir Kadir
Published: February 2021

Background

It is unlikely that applications of artificial intelligence (AI) will completely replace physicians. However, it is very likely that AI applications will acquire many of their roles and generate new tasks in medical care. To be ready for new roles and tasks, medical students and physicians will need to understand the fundamentals of AI and data science, mathematical concepts, and related ethical and medico-legal issues in addition with the standard medical principles. Nevertheless, there is no valid and reliable instrument available in the literature to measure medical AI readiness. In this study, we have described the development of a valid and reliable psychometric measurement tool for the assessment of the perceived readiness of medical students on AI technologies and its applications in medicine.

Methods

To define medical students’ required competencies on AI, a diverse set of experts’ opinions were obtained by a qualitative method and were used as a theoretical framework, while creating the item pool of the scale. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were applied.

Results

A total of 568 medical students during the EFA phase and 329 medical students during the CFA phase, enrolled in two different public universities in Turkey participated in this study. The initial 27-items finalized with a 22-items scale in a four-factor structure (cognition, ability, vision, and ethics), which explains 50.9% cumulative variance that resulted from the EFA. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was 0.87. CFA indicated appropriate fit of the four-factor model (χ2/df = 3.81, RMSEA = 0.094, SRMR = 0.057, CFI = 0.938, and NNFI (TLI) = 0.928). These values showed that the four-factor model has construct validity.

Conclusions

The newly developed Medical Artificial Intelligence Readiness Scale for Medical Students (MAIRS-MS) was found to be valid and reliable tool for evaluation and monitoring of perceived readiness levels of medical students on AI technologies and applications.

Medical schools may follow ‘a physician training perspective that is compatible with AI in medicine’ to their curricula by using MAIRS-MS. This scale could be benefitted by medical and health science education institutions as a valuable curriculum development tool with its learner needs assessment and participants’ end-course perceived readiness opportunities.
The relationships between resilience and student personal factors in an undergraduate medical program
Authors: Findyartini Ardi , Greviana Nadia , Putera Azis Muhammad , Sutanto Reynardi Larope , Saki Vernonia Yora , Felaza Estivana
Published: February 2021

Background

Resilience is an essential aspect of wellbeing that plays a major role in undergraduate medical education. Various personal and social factors are known to affect resilience. Empirical evidence remains limited regarding resilience and the personal factors that affect it among undergraduate medical students in an Asian setting. Therefore, this study aims to identify undergraduate medical students’ level of resilience and its relationships to personal factors in Indonesia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students in years 1–6. Respondents were asked to complete three validated questionnaires: the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) to measure resilience, the Brief-COPE to assess coping mechanisms, and the Big Five Personality Test to measure five personality dimensions. Descriptive and Pearson’s correlation analyses were completed to explore relationships between each variable. Regression analysis was completed to analyze the extent to which coping mechanisms, personality, and academic achievement explained the variation in resilience scores.

Results

A total of 1040 respondents completed the questionnaires (a 75.42% response rate). Students in both preclinical and clinical stages had quite good levels of resilience and higher scores on adaptive coping mechanisms than on maladaptive coping mechanisms. Adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms, Big Five Personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness), and students’ academic achievement explained 46.9% of students’ resilience scores.

Conclusions

Although the resilience scores in this study were comparable to resilience scores among undergraduate medical students in other settings, we found that coping mechanisms, personality traits, and academic performance may predict resilience among medical students.