bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic measurement of traditional Chinese costume from its silhouette through Fuzzy c-means clustering method
Authors: Zhang Jiaqin , Wang Jingan , Xing Le , Liang Hui’e
Published: December 2020

As the precious cultural heritage of the Chinese nation, traditional costumes are in urgent need of scientific research and protection. In particular, there are scanty studies on costume silhouettes, due to the reasons of the need for cultural relic protection, and the strong subjectivity of manual measurement, which limit the accuracy of quantitative research. This paper presents an automatic measurement method for traditional Chinese costume dimensions based on fuzzy C-means clustering and silhouette feature point location. The method is consisted of six steps: (1) costume image acquisition; (2) costume image preprocessing; (3) color space transformation; (4) object clustering segmentation; (5) costume silhouette feature point location; and (6) costume measurement. First, the relative total variation model was used to obtain the environmental robustness and costume color adaptability. Second, the FCM clustering algorithm was used to implement image segmentation to extract the outer silhouette of the costume. Finally, automatic measurement of costume silhouette was achieved by locating its feature points. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method could effectively segment the outer silhouette of a costume image and locate the feature points of the silhouette. The measurement accuracy could meet the requirements of industrial application, thus providing the dual value of costume culture research and industrial application.
Potential of bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp for applications in nonwoven fibrous fabrics
Authors: Rebola Sofia M , Ferreira Joana , Evtuguin Dmitry V
Published: December 2020

A series of six industrial bleached hardwood kraft pulps produced from Eucalyptus globulus (BEKPs) under variable process conditions were dry-defiberized on a pilot scale hammermill at 3500 rpm and the nonwoven air-laid fabrics evaluated for their specific volume, absorption capacity/absorption rate and fiber network strength. The effect of non-defiberized fiber aggregates (knots) on the former properties was evaluated. Processual variations in pulping and bleaching conditions revealed variability within 15% in the absorption capacity of fluff pulps and within 25% in the network strength of the air-laid formulations. These variations were attributed to changes in the chemical composition of BEKPs and fiber morphology. The importance of pulp bleaching sequence on the quality of BEKPs for fluff applications was highlighted. BEKPs, having a high residual xylan content with a greater amount of uronic/hexenuronic moieties and coarser/deformed fibers, revealed the best performance in fluff applications. The coarseness was considered a critical morphological parameter of the fibers, strongly affecting the porosity of air-laid formulations, which determined the absorption capacity and the network strength. The absorption capacity of fluffed BEKP was comparable of commercial bleached softwood kraft pulp (BSKP), although the latter showed almost triple the network strength of air-laid formulations produced with BEKP. BSKP proved to be much more vulnerable to dry defiberization conditions than BEKP and suffered a pronounced cut of fibers, producing larger amounts of fines (dust) and stronger undesirable peeling and straightening of fibers. BEKPs can be considered a promising raw material for fluff applications, whose basic properties can be adjusted according to the needs by varying conditions in the pulping and bleaching process steps.
Telmisartan Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System, Compared With Standard Telmisartan, More Effectively Improves Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats
Authors: Murad Hussam , Ahmed Osama , Ghabrah Tawfik , Gari Mamdooh
Published: December 2020

Background:

This study was designed to examine effects of telmisartan; an angiotensin receptor blocker; self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) in reversing already-established hepatic fibrosis.

Method:

Forty rats were given thioacetamide (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) twice/week for 8 weeks then divided into 5 groups (n = 8), PC and 4 treated groups. Treatments were given orally for another 2 months as follows: telmisartan low and high doses (TL and TH: 1.8 and 3.6 mg/kg/day) and telmisartan SNEDDS at the same doses (TLS and THS). At end of treatment, blood was obtained and liver was isolated.

Results:

Rats showed significant elevations of plasma ALT and AST and hepatic IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA, significant reductions of plasma albumin, hepatic GSH, and body weight, and hepatic histopathological damage. All treatments except for TL significantly reversed these thioacetamide-induced changes. THS group showed significant differences from all groups. Regarding ratio of free telmisartan concentration in hepatic homogenate to that of plasma, TH and TLS groups showed non-significant variation between each other while THS group showed significant differences from them. No significant changes were detected in blood pressure, hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets.

Conclusion:

Telmisartan SNEDDS, compared with telmisartan, more effectively reversed chronic hepatic fibrosis with good safety profile.
Factors predicting clinically significant functional gain and discharge to home in stroke in-patients after rehabilitation – A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Tony Kwun-Tak , Ng Bobby Hin-Po , Chan Dora Yuk-Lin , Chung Ruthy Suet-Fan , Yu Kim-Kam
Published: December 2020

Objective

This study explored factors which predict stroke survivors who could achieve “clinically significant functional gain” and return home when being discharged from a local hospital after in-patient stroke rehabilitation programme.

Methods

This study included 562 inpatients with stroke who were residing at community dwellings before onset of stroke, and transferred to a convalescent hospital for rehabilitation from four acute hospitals over one year. The main outcome variables of prediction were (a) achieving “clinically significant functional gain” as measured by (a1) achievement of “minimal clinically important difference” (MCID) of improvement in Functional Independence Measure Motor Measure (FIM-MM)”, (a2) one or more level(s) of improvement in function group according to the patients’ FIM-MM, and (b) discharge to home. Sixteen predictor variables were identified and studied firstly with univariate binary logistic regression and those significant variables were then put into multivariate binary logistic regression.

Results

Based on multivariate regression, the significant predictors for “clinically significant functional gain” were: younger age <75 years old, higher Glasgow Coma Scale score at admission, with haemorrhagic stroke, intermediate FIM-MM function group. Those significant predictors for “discharge to home” were: living with family/caregivers before stroke, higher FIM score at admission, and one or more level(s) of improvement in FIM-MM function group.

Conclusions

This study identified findings consistent with overseas studies in additional to some new interesting findings. Early prediction of stroke discharge outcomes helps rehabilitation professionals and occupational therapists to focus on the use of appropriate intervention strategies and pre-discharge preparation.
Thinking With New Materialism in Qualitative Case Studies
Authors: Andersson Åsa , Korp Peter , Reinertsen Anne B.
Published: December 2020

In this article, we discuss challenges and implications of thinking with new materialisms and the Deleuzian philosophy of immanence in qualitative case studies. The aim is to establish a terrain and language of “minor case studies.” Deleuze denies two-world ontologies and the ontologically status of single bodies, emphasizing instead how assemblages of human and non-human bodies together produce the world. In this terrain, cases are not objects of inquiry, but life-giving forces that create movement. This in turn changes the premises for how we can approach and explore cases. Rather than represent, comment and explain what cases are, we illustrate how a case-assemblage creates possibilities for event-based thinking regarding interesting phenomena (cases), and how these cases are twisted, stretched and pulled out of a conventional case study design. We conclude by discussing epistemological consequences of new materialist ontology.
Will the Corona Crisis Make Us Better? Activating (Fragile) Hope for Justice
Authors: Bauer Katharina
Published: December 2020

There are strong expressions of hope that the experience of the COVID-19 crisis might strengthen our sense of justice and inspire activities that bring about fundamental change for the better. What may we hope for during the crisis and how should we hope?

Based on a discussion of philosophical theories of hope and tragedy, I will develop an account of “activating fragile hope,” which is motivating contributions to structural change and resistance against injustice beyond and within the legal system and which remains aware of its own fragility and of the situation of those who have less to hope for.
Unethical governance: capacity legislation and the exclusion of people diagnosed with dementias from research
Authors: Fletcher James Rupert
Published: December 2020

This paper considers the potential for the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) of England and Wales to incentivise the exclusion of people with dementia from research. The MCA is intended to standardise and safeguard the inclusion of people with cognitive impairments in research. This entails various procedural requirements, which in pressurised research contexts can lead researchers to exclude people with dementia as a means of simplifying bureaucratic constraints. I consider the risks of an ‘unethical ethics’, wherein procedural ethics indirectly causes the exclusion of people with dementia from research, undermining historic successes toward increased inclusivity. I suggest several solutions, including enhanced sensitivity to impairments and shifting the burden of proof from justifying inclusion to justifying exclusion. The paper responds to the ‘ethics creep’ tradition in procedural ethics, and critical appraisals of capacity legislation in dementia research. This approach recognises that institutional research ethics is itself a major ethical concern and can unwittingly beget unethical practices. Dementia researchers must be alert to such unethical ethics.
The self-perceived body size in obesity: Evidence from the implicit representation of the hand
Authors: Tagini Sofia , Scarpina Federica , Scacchi Massimo , Mauro Alessandro , Zampini Massimiliano
Published: December 2020

To locate our body in the space, we rely on an implicit representation of body size and shape: the body model. Evidence about the implicit representation of bodily dimensions in obesity is rare. Nevertheless, it seems to suggest that such representation is not altered in obesity compared to healthy weight individuals. To probe further this hypothesis, we investigated the implicit representation of hand dimensions with a landmark localisation task, comparing individuals with obesity and healthy weight individuals. Furthermore, as body model distortions may be related to tactile acuity, the tactile acuity threshold was measured using a two-point discrimination task. In accordance with the previous evidence, we observed that healthy weight participants showed a significant underestimation of finger length and overestimation of hand width. Interestingly, comparable body model distortions were shown also in participants with obesity. No differences in tactile acuity emerged between the two groups; also, when considering the whole sample, as tactile acuity decreases hand width overestimation increases. Thus, obesity seems to have no effect on the characteristics of the body model relative to the hand. Accordingly, the physiological mechanisms supporting the development of the implicit representation of hand dimensions in the healthy weight population may be preserved in obesity.
Heptacyclosordarianone, a New Polyketide From Sordaria sp., an Endophytic Fungus From Garcinia polyantha
Authors: Tsague Tankeu Virginie Flaure , Sema Denis Kehdinga , Jouda Jean-Bosco , Tatsimo Simplice Joel N. , Ntonga Patrick Akono , Wansi Jean Duplex , Fogue Simeon Kouam , Loura Benoît , Shiono Yoshihito , Sewald Norbert , Lannang Alain Meli
Published: December 2020

One new polyketide derivative, heptacyclosordarianone (1), together with 2 known compounds, heptacyclosordariolone (2) and sordariol (3), were isolated from an extract of Sordaria sp. AM-71, an endophytic fungus inhabiting Garcinia polyantha. The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on intensive nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry and by comparison with literature data. All compounds were assayed for their antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. Only compound 2 showed antimicrobial activities against Bacillus subtilis DSMZ 704 , Pseudomonas agarici DSMZ 11810, and Micrococcus luteus DSMZ 1605 with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 9.3, 15.5, and 16.9 µg/mL respectively. None of the isolated compounds showed a significant cytotoxic property.
“People Have to Comply with the Measures”: Covid-19 in “Risk Society”
Authors: Constantinou Costas S.
Published: December 2020

Covid-19 is managed by many countries with the help of experts provided that people comply with the measures. This paper relies on the basic tenets of Beck’s theory of risk society to explain the production, distribution, and management of Covid-19 and makes suggestions for the management of future pandemics.
Green Purchasing by Wine Retailers: Roles of Individual Values, Competences and Organizational Culture
Authors: Bonn Mark A. , Chun Yongsung , Yoo Joanne Jung-Eun , Cho Meehee
Published: December 2020

The wine industry impacts the environment due to its massive scale of production, distribution, and retail. Wine retailers’ green purchasing is essential for changing environmental initiatives because purchasing is a key function for managing an upstream supply chain and to further achieve sustainability throughout the entire supply chain. Thus, this study was designed to identify important drivers of wine retailers’ green purchasing by incorporating both individual factors (values and competences) and organizational culture. Hierarchical linear modeling was employed to analyze the nested data obtained from 457 purchasing managers working for 10 wine retail companies in the United States. Results documented that individual values (social desire and moral attitudes), cognitive competence, and organizational culture such as the ethical behavior of top management, positively and directly influenced wine retailers’ green purchasing behavior. In addition, the study findings revealed that the effects of individual values and cognitive competence on wine retailers’ green purchasing behavior were positively enhanced when organizational culture was formed based on top management’s ethical behavior, codes of conduct and incentives. Implications for developing effective methods for improving wine retailers’ green purchasing behavior are presented and discussed.
Multifocal cutaneous non-epitheliotropic B-cell lymphoma in a cat
Authors: Quintavalla Fausto , Di Lecce Rosanna , Carlini Daniele , Zanfabro Matteo , Cantoni Anna M
Published: December 2020

Case summary

Skin tumours are the second-most common form of feline cancer after haematopoietic neoplasms and are often malignant. Cutaneous lymphoma is uncommon in cats and can be classified as epitheliotropic (typically of T-cell origin) or non-epitheliotropic (either of T-cell or B-cell origin). The present study describes a case of multifocal cutaneous non-epitheliotropic B-cell lymphoma. The skin nodules were multiple and variable in size; showed rapid progression; were alopecic and erythematous in appearance and pruritic and ulcerated; and were mostly located on the trunk. Nodule biopsies revealed the presence of uniform medium-to-large round neoplastic cells that infiltrated the dermis and subcutis. The neoplasias were consistent with a round cell cutaneous tumour and did not show evidence of epitheliotropism. Furthermore, immunohistochemical assessments indicated an immunophenotype characterised by round cells with a strong membrane and cytoplasmic positivity for the CD20 antigen, consistent with a lymphocyte of B-cell origin.

Relevance and novel information

Cutaneous non-epitheliotropic B-cell lymphoma in cats is rare and was previously reported to appear as single dermal and subcutaneous masses that are variable in size and generally develop in the tarsal region. To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe multifocal cutaneous non-epitheliotropic B-cell lymphoma in a cat.
A General Look on the Impact of Turkish Horror Movies: An Exploratory Study on the Opinions of Youth on Horror Movies
Authors: Gjinali Vali , Tunca Elif Asude
Published: December 2020

This study aims to examine young Turkish university students’ perceptions on horror movies and the impact of this genre on them. Also, this study aims to gain an understanding of the role of makeup and special effect makeup in horror movies for this particular audience. An exploratory survey was conducted with 1,000 randomly selected participants 18 years and older who were students studying at five universities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Findings suggest that 70.4% of the respondents prefer watching supernatural horror films where the djinn was reported to be the most feared religious horror character; 86.4% of women and 65.8% of men reported supernatural events as scary. With regard to the importance of makeup in horror movies, 67.1% females and 53.9% males reported that makeup in horror movies was very important, where 26.9% preferred blood as a special effect, 51.1% reported that hand-based makeup was more acceptable, and 65.4% indicated that PC-supported makeup would never replace hand-based makeup. These findings suggest that although there is a potential inclination to watch the horror movie genre, which is a very new genre in Turkish cinema as well as the makeup and special effects used in horror movies, specifically djinn makeup appears to be of importance for the young Turkish film audiences.
There Is No Unity, Only Politics: A Reply to Kurtz
Authors: Butterworth Michael L.
Published: December 2020

Jeff Kurtz offers a substantive response to my essay, “Sport and the Quest for Unity.” Although he takes seriously my claims that “unity” is too often used within sports as a rhetorical means for eliding important cultural, political, and social differences, he also responds by suggesting that I tacitly endorse claims to unity when made on behalf of social justice causes. Moreover, he contends that the unity modeled by social justice advocates is “suffocating” and thus stifles legitimate differences among and between those who would seek political change. I reply in this essay by clarifying what I think is a misreading of my original argument. More importantly, I point to potential consequences of Kurtz’s argument, which I maintain over-reads the degree to which unity has been performed and implies a false equivalency between institutional forms of power and those making the case of justice.
Redundant Nerve Roots of the Cauda Equina, MRI Findings and Postoperative Clinical Outcome: Emphasizing an Overlooked Entity
Authors: Rousan Liqa A. , Al-Omari Mamoon H. , Musleh Rasha M. , Amir Mohammad I. , El Kortbi Hajar , Abdo Nour
Published: December 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Objective:

To describe the MRI findings of RNRs in patients with low back pain, and observe the imaging findings and the clinical outcome post decompression surgery.

Methods:

The lumbar spine MRI of 202 patients (122 females) with proven RNRs were retrospectively reviewed. The morphology and the location of the RNRs in relation to the level of stenosis were described. The level(s), grade and cause of lumbar canal stenosis were recorded. The persistence of symptoms and the imaging findings on follow up post decompression surgery were recorded. The imaging findings were correlated among each other and with patients’ demographics.

Results:

Two distinctive morphological appearance of the RNRs were noted: loop (56.4%), and serpentine-shaped. In the majority of the cases the RNRs were located above the level of stenosis (79.7%). Eighteen patients underwent decompression surgery, only 4 patients remained symptomatic post decompression surgery. The RNRs changed in shape and location after decompression surgery. Age was a strong predictor value in the location of the RNRs. There was no correlation between the shape and location of the RNRs, or with the gender of the patients.

Conclusion:

RNRs is not an uncommon finding on lumbar spine MRI with lumbar canal stenosis. Its importance remains a controversy. A common language between the radiologists and the clinicians is mandatory to aid in the management planning.
The association between clusters of chronic conditions and psychological well-being in younger and older people—A cross-sectional, population-based study from the Lolland-Falster Health Study, Denmark
Authors: Tang Lars Hermann , Thygesen Lau Caspar , Willadsen Tora Grauers , Jepsen Randi , la Cour Karen , Frølich Anne , Møller Anne , Jørgensen Lars Bo , Skou Søren T
Published: December 2020

Aim:

To investigate the association between clusters of conditions and psychological well-being across age groups.

Method:

This cross-sectional study used data collected in the Danish population-based Lolland-Falster Health Study. We included adults over the age of 18 years. Self-reported chronic conditions were divided into 10 groups of conditions. The primary outcome was psychological well-being (the WHO-5 Well-Being Index). Factor analysis constructed the clusters of conditions, and regression analysis investigated the association between clusters and psychological well-being.

Results:

Of 10,781 participants, 31.4% were between 18 and 49 years, 35.7% were between 50 and 64 years and 32.9% were above ≥65 years. 35.2% had conditions represented in 1 and 32.9% in at least 2 of 10 condition groups. Across age groups, living with one or more chronic conditions was associated with poorer psychological well-being. Two chronic condition patterns were identified; one comprised cardiovascular, endocrine, kidney, musculoskeletal and cancer conditions, the second mental, lung, neurological, gastrointestinal and sensory conditions. Both patterns were associated with poorer psychological well-being (Pattern 1: −4.5 (95% CI: −5.3 to −3.7), Pattern 2: −9.1 (95% CI −13.8 to −8.2). For pattern 2, participants ≥65 years had poorer psychological well-being compared to younger (−12.6 (95% CI −14.2 to −11.0) vs −6.6 (95% CI: −7.8 to −5.4) for 18–49 years and −8.7 (95% CI: −10.1 to −7.3) for 50–64 years, interaction: p ≤ 0.001)

Conclusion:

Living with one or more chronic conditions is associated with poorer psychological well-being. Findings point toward a greater focus on supporting psychological well-being in older adults with both mental and somatic conditions.
Perceptions of Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Treatment Regimens in a United States Urban Academic Medical Center
Authors: Koren David E. , Fedkiv Volodymyra , Zhao Huaqing , Kludjian Geena , Bettiker Robert L. , Tedaldi Ellen , Samuel Rafik
Published: December 2020

Patient acceptance of long-acting injectable antiretroviral (LAI-ARV) HIV-1 regimens will determine uptake. Although previous literature reports high satisfaction, these data stem from clinical trials subject to selection bias. This cross-sectional survey from the HIV practices of an urban academic medical center assessed perceptions and preferences using Likert scales toward overall acceptability, proposed frequencies, injection-site reaction durations, and distribution venue. 59% of surveys were completed resulting 202 respondents. 60% were male, 72% black, and the median age was 49 (IQR 36-58). 93% reported a once daily tablet frequency, 69% reported single tablet regimens, and 59% reported missing zero doses in the prior 30 days. Patients self-categorized as likely (57%) or unlikely (43%) to accept LAI-ARV. Both decreasing frequencies between injections and durations of injection-site reactions resulted higher acceptability scores. 57% of respondents preferred receiving an injectable from their clinician’s office over other potential options. These data demonstrate positive LAI-ARV acceptance potential.
Renal insufficiency in patients on PARP inhibitors: Case-based review of possible mechanisms and management
Authors: John Veena S , Seetharamu Nagashree , Hazzan Azzour D
Published: December 2020

Background:

PARP inhibitors are a new class of drugs that are being widely used in treatment of various cancers including advanced ovarian cancer. Based on new promising data and impending approvals, it is expected that there will be an increased use of this class of drugs in gynecologic malignancies and many other solid tumors. Therefore, it is extremely important to familiarize oneself with the toxicity profile associated with this class of drugs. One such adverse event is a rather frequently reported elevation of serum creatinine, which could be a false elevation rather a true renal toxicity as we try to demonstrate in this case presentation.

Case presentation:

Herein we report the case of a patient who experienced elevated creatinine while on maintenance PARPi. After comprehensive work up which ruled out other common etiologies, temporal relation to initiation of PARPi therapy, and the fact that creatinine returned to baseline when PARPi was interrupted; it was deemed that creatinine elevation using conventional methods was directly related to that drug. As we further demonstrate in our case presentation, this creatinine elevation may not represent a true reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) due to PARPi on-target interference with creatinine transporter enzymes, and alternate measures GFR may be more appropriate for these patients.

Conclusion:

Serum creatinine may provide a false reduction of GFR in patients receiving PARPi and providers should be aware of this phenomenon since lack of recognition of this finding may unnecessarily result in dose interruptions or discontinuation of an effective life-prolonging treatment for many patients.
Surface modification of hollow glass microsphere and its marine-adaptive composites with epoxy resin
Authors: Li Rui , Wang Peng , Zhang Peng , Fan Guisen , Wang Guojun , Ouyang Xiao , Ma Ning , Wei Hao
Published: December 2020

A novel epoxy resin (EP)/hollow glass microsphere modified (g-HGM) composite was successfully prepared. Studies showed that the water absorption rate of the g-HGMs/EP composite is lower than pure HGMs/EP and HGMs-KH550/EP composites, while the compressive strength of g-HGMs/EP composites could be increased. The enhanced interfacial adhesion between EP and g-HGMs played an important role to improve the compatibility of the two components. The g-HGMs show little effect on density (relative to HGMs) on the g-HGMs/EP composites, which can perform better than the HGMs/EP composites being used in marine environments. It was found that the optimal content of 4,4’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate in the epoxy component was 20 wt%.
Incidence of symptomatic, image-confirmed venous thromboembolism following hospitalization for COVID-19 with 90-day follow-up
Authors: Salisbury Richard , Iotchkova Valentina , Jaafar Sarah , Morton Joshua , Sangha Gavinda , Shah Akshay , Untiveros Paraskevi , Curry Nicola , Shapiro Susan
Published: December 2020

Although COVID-19 has been reported to be associated with high rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE), the risk of VTE and bleeding after hospitalization for COVID-19 remains unclear, and the optimal hospital VTE prevention strategy is not known. We collected retrospective observational data on thrombosis and bleeding in 303 consecutive adult patients admitted to the hospital for at least 24 hours for COVID-19. Patients presenting with VTE on admission were excluded. Data were collected until 90 days after admission or known death by using medical records and an established national VTE network. Maximal level of care was ward based in 78% of patients, with 22% requiring higher dependency care (12% noninvasive ventilation, 10% invasive ventilation). Almost all patients (97.0%) received standard thromboprophylaxis or were already receiving therapeutic anticoagulation (17.5%). Symptomatic image-confirmed VTE occurred in 5.9% of patients during index hospitalization, and in 7.2% at 90 days after admission (23.9% in patients requiring higher dependency care); half the events were isolated segmental or subsegmental defects on lung imaging. Bleeding occurred in 13 patients (4.3%) during index hospitalization (1.3% had major bleeding). The majority of bleeds occurred in patients on the general ward, and 6 patients were receiving treatment-dose anticoagulation, highlighting the need for caution in intensifying standard thromboprophylaxis strategies. Of 152 patients discharged from the hospital without an indication for anticoagulation, 97% did not receive thromboprophylaxis after discharge, and 3% received 7 days of treatment with low molecular weight heparin after discharge. The rate of symptomatic VTE in this group at 42 days after discharge was 2.6%, highlighting the need for large prospective randomized controlled trials of extended thromboprophylaxis after discharge in COVID-19.
Menoci: lightweight extensible web portal enhancing data management for biomedical research projects
Authors: Suhr M. , Lehmann C. , Bauer C. R. , Bender T. , Knopp C. , Freckmann L. , Öst Hansen B. , Henke C. , Aschenbrandt G. , Kühlborn L. K. , Rheinländer S. , Weber L. , Marzec B. , Hellkamp M. , Wieder P. , Sax U. , Kusch H. , Nussbeck S. Y.
Published: December 2020

Background

Biomedical research projects deal with data management requirements from multiple sources like funding agencies’ guidelines, publisher policies, discipline best practices, and their own users’ needs. We describe functional and quality requirements based on many years of experience implementing data management for the CRC 1002 and CRC 1190. A fully equipped data management software should improve documentation of experiments and materials, enable data storage and sharing according to the FAIR Guiding Principles while maximizing usability, information security, as well as software sustainability and reusability.

Results

We introduce the modular web portal software menoci for data collection, experiment documentation, data publication, sharing, and preservation in biomedical research projects. Menoci modules are based on the Drupal content management system which enables lightweight deployment and setup, and creates the possibility to combine research data management with a customisable project home page or collaboration platform.

Conclusions

Management of research data and digital research artefacts is transforming from individual researcher or groups best practices towards project- or organisation-wide service infrastructures. To enable and support this structural transformation process, a vital ecosystem of open source software tools is needed. Menoci is a contribution to this ecosystem of research data management tools that is specifically designed to support biomedical research projects.
The identification of co-expressed gene modules in Streptococcus pneumonia from colonization to infection to predict novel potential virulence genes
Authors: Jamalkandi Sadegh Azimzadeh , Kouhsar Morteza , Salimian Jafar , Ahmadi Ali
Published: December 2020

Background

Streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcus) is a human bacterial pathogen causing a range of mild to severe infections. The complicated transcriptome patterns of pneumococci during the colonization to infection process in the human body are usually determined by measuring the expression of essential virulence genes and the comparison of pathogenic with non-pathogenic bacteria through microarray analyses. As systems biology studies have demonstrated, critical co-expressing modules and genes may serve as key players in biological processes. Generally, Sample Progression Discovery (SPD) is a computational approach traditionally used to decipher biological progression trends and their corresponding gene modules (clusters) in different clinical samples underlying a microarray dataset. The present study aimed to investigate the bacterial gene expression pattern from colonization to severe infection periods (specimens isolated from the nasopharynx, lung, blood, and brain) to find new genes/gene modules associated with the infection progression. This strategy may lead to finding novel gene candidates for vaccines or drug design.

Results

The results included essential genes whose expression patterns varied in different bacterial conditions and have not been investigated in similar studies.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the SPD algorithm, along with differentially expressed genes detection, can offer new ways of discovering new therapeutic or vaccine targeted gene products.
Retraction Note: Successful implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol reduces nausea and vomiting after infratentorial craniotomy for tumour resection: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lu Dan , Wang Yuan , Zhao Tianzhi , Liu Bolin , Ye Lin , Zhao Lanfu , Zhao Binfang , Li Mingjuan , Ma Lin , Li Zhengmin , Niu Jiangtao , Lv Wenhai , Zhang Yufu , Zheng Tao , Xue Yafei , Chen Lei , Chen Long , Sun Xude , Gao Guodong , Chen Bo , He Shiming
Published: December 2020

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-020-02027-1.
Conduct disorder and somatic health in children: a nationwide genetically sensitive study
Authors: Kerekes Nóra , Zouini Btissame , Karlsson Emma , Cederholm Emma , Lichtenstein Paul , Anckarsäter Henrik , Råstam Maria
Published: December 2020

Background

Conduct disorder (CD), a serious behavioral and emotional disorder in childhood and adolescence, characterized by disruptive behavior and breaking societal rules. Studies have explored the overlap of CD with neurodevelopmental problems (NDP). The somatic health of children with NDP has been investigated; however, the prevalence of these problems in children with CD has not been sufficiently studied. Holistic assessment of children with CD is required for establishing effective treatment strategies.

Aims: (1) Define the prevalence of selected neurological problems (migraine and epilepsy) and gastrointestinal problems (celiac disease, lactose intolerance, diarrhea, and constipation) in a population of twins aged 9 or 12; (2) Compare the prevalence of somatic problems in three subpopulations: (a) children without CD or NDP, (b) children with CD, and (c) children with both CD and NDP; (3) Select twin pairs where at least one child screened positive for CD but not NDP (proband) and map both children’s neurological and gastrointestinal problems.

Method

Telephone interviews with parents of 20,302 twins in a cross-sectional, nationwide, ongoing study. According to their scores on the Autism-Tics, AD/HD, and Comorbidities inventory, screen-positive children were selected and divided into two groups: (1) children with CD Only, (2) children with CD and at least one NDP.

Results

Children with CD had an increased prevalence of each neurological and gastrointestinal problem (except celiac disease), and the prevalence of somatic problems was further increased among children with comorbid CD and NDP. The presence of CD (without NDP) increased the odds of constipation for girls and the odds of epilepsy for boys. Girls with CD generally had more coexisting gastrointestinal problems than boys with CD. Female co-twins of probands with CD were strongly affected by gastrointestinal problems. Concordance analyses suggested genetic background factors in neurological and gastrointestinal problems, but no common etiology with CD could be concluded.

Conclusion

Co-occurring NDP could explain most of the increased prevalence of somatic problems in CD. Our results raise a new perspective on CD in children and adolescents; their CD seems to be linked to a number of other health problems, ranging from neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders to somatic complaints.
Sudden death in the young adult: a Tunisian autopsy-based series
Authors: Saadi Said , Ben Jomaa Sami , Bel Hadj Mariem , Oualha Dorra , Haj Salem Nidhal
Published: December 2020

Background

We aim to study the profile, and pathological characteristics of sudden death in young in purpose of recommendations for prevention.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study using autopsy data from the Department of Forensic Medicine of Monastir (Tunisia). A review of all autopsies performed for 28 years was done (August 1990 to December 2018). In each case, clinical information, and circumstances of death were obtained. A complete forensic autopsy and histological, and toxicological investigations were performed. We have included all sudden death in persons aged between 18 and 35 years.

Results

We collected 137 cases of sudden death during the studied period. The mean age of the studied population was 26.47 years. Almost 72% deaths were classified as cardiac death, and was due to ischemic heart disease in 32.32%. Sudden death was attributed to a pleuropulmonary cause in 7.4%, an abdominal cause in 6%, and from a neurological origin in 4.5%. The cause of sudden death in this group was not established by 9.5%.

Conclusion

In this series, sudden death in young adults occurs mainly in a smoking male, aged between 18 and 24 years old, occurring at rest, in the morning, and early in the week. It is more common, especially in summer. Sudden death is most often the first manifestation of pathologies, especially unsuspected heart diseases. The predominance of cardiovascular causes is the common denominator of almost all studies reported in the literature. Our findings suggest that prevention of sudden death among young adults under the age of 35 years should also focus on evaluation for causes not associated with structural heart disease.
Barriers to accessing healthcare among women in Ghana: a multilevel modelling
Authors: Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Darteh Eugene Kofuor Maafo , Agbaglo Ebenezer , Dadzie Louis Kobina , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Tetteh Justice Kanor , Baatiema Linus , Yaya Sanni
Published: December 2020

Background

Women’s health remains a global public health concern, as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals. This study, therefore, sought to assess the individual and contextual factors associated with barriers to accessing healthcare among women in Ghana.

Methods

The study was conducted among 9370 women aged 15–49, using data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. Barrier to healthcare, derived from four questions— whether a woman faced problems in getting money, distance, companionship, and permission to see a doctor—was the outcome variable. Descriptive and multilevel logistic regression analyses were carried out. The fixed effect results of the multilevel logistic regression analyses were reported using adjusted odds ratios at a 95% confidence interval.

Results

More than half (51%) of the women reported to have at least one form of barrier to accessing healthcare. Women aged 45–49 (AOR = 0.65, CI: 0.49–0.86), married women (AOR = 0.71, CI:0.58–0.87), those with a higher level of education (AOR = 0.51, CI: 0.37–0.69), those engaged in clerical or sales occupation (AOR = 0.855, CI: 0.74–0.99), and those who were covered by health insurance (AOR = 0.59, CI: 0.53–0.66) had lower odds of facing barriers in accessing healthcare. Similarly, those who listened to radio at least once in a week (AOR =0.77, CI: 0.66–0.90), those who watched television at least once a week (AOR = 0.75, CI: 0.64–0.87), and women in the richest wealth quintile (AOR = 0.47, CI: 0.35–0.63) had lower odds of facing barriers in accessing healthcare. However, women who were widowed (AOR = 1.47, CI: 1.03–2.10), those in the Volta Region (AOR 2.20, CI: I.38–3.53), and those in the Upper West Region (AOR =2.22, CI: 1.32–3.74) had the highest odds of facing barriers to healthcare accessibility.

Conclusion

This study shows that individual and contextual factors are significant in predicting barriers in healthcare access in Ghana. The factors identified include age, marital status, employment, health insurance coverage, frequency of listening to radio, frequency of watching television, wealth status, and region of residence. These findings highlight the need to pay critical attention to these factors in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 3.1, 3.7, and 3.8. It is equally important to strengthen existing strategies to mitigate barriers to accessing healthcare among women in Ghana.
A multicenter randomized controlled trial protocol to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention on fertility knowledge, intention and behavior among Iranian new couples
Authors: Gharacheh Maryam , Khalajabadi Farahani Farideh , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Janani Leila , Ranjbar Fahimeh
Published: December 2020

Background

Recent evidence shows that men and women have inadequate fertility knowledge which may negatively affect their childbearing decisions in future. Given the fact that decision making for fertility needs accurate information, targeted educational interventions especially through media are needed to improve knowledge regarding the best age of fertility, factors affecting fertility potential and fertility options available for sub-fertile couples. Aim of the study is to evaluate whether a fertility educational program can be effective in increasing fertility knowledge, childbearing intention and the planned pregnancy rate among couples referring to premarital counselling centers.

Methods

This study is a parallel randomised clinical trial with pre-test/post-test design. We will recruit 1240 marrying couples referring for compulsory premarital counselling in public health centers through stratified sampling in five metropolitan cities of Iran. The intervention group will receive both the typical premarital counselling training and a fertility knowledge package containing verbal and virtual educational package at five time episodes (one verbal session and four virtual sessions) within 4 weeks. The primary outcomes are fertility knowledge, childbearing intention and the first planned pregnancy rate (positive pregnancy test) and the secondary outcomes include contraception method use, miscarriage and unplanned pregnancy. Participants will respond to a self-administered demographic/reproductive characteristics questionnaire, the Cardiff Fertility Knowledge Scale (CFKS) and the childbearing intention questionnaire.

Data will be collected through online questionnaires at baseline and 3, 12 and 18 months after the intervention. Data will be analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher-exact test for categorical variables, Independent sample t-test for normally distributed quantitative variables and Mann–Whitney U test for non-normally distributed quantitative variables. To compare the outcomes between the two groups over the time, repeated measures ANOVA will be used. We hypothesize that the positive impact of increasing the fertility knowledge is the reduced involuntarily childlessness.

Discussion

The findings are proposed to inform government policies and public education strategies aiming at supporting childbearing among young couples who postpone their first pregnancy while they might not have any important social and economic obstacles.

Trial registration

This study was approved by Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), Number: IRCT20201005048925N1, Date of registration: 2020-10-12.
Do work- and home-related demands and resources differ between women and men during return-to-work? A focus group study among employees with common mental disorders
Authors: Nybergh Lotta , Bergström Gunnar , Hellman Therese
Published: December 2020

Background

Common mental disorders present the main reason for registered sick leave in Sweden today, and women are at a higher risk of such sick leave than men. The aim of our study was to explore how the experiences of work- and home-related demands as well as resources influence return-to-work among employees sick-listed for common mental disorders in Sweden. Specifically, we aimed to explore similarities and differences in patterns of experiences among women and men.

Methods

A qualitative design with semi-structured focus group interviews was applied. One pilot interview and six additional focus groups, with a total of 28 participants, were conducted. The focus group discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed with conventional content analysis.

Results

The analysis resulted in four main categories and eight sub-categories. While the study aim was to explore aspects of work and home, additional considerations related to internal demands and involved actors were also found. The main and sub-categories were “Home-related demands and resources” (sub-categories: “Not on sick leave for home-related demands”, “Feeling responsible for relationships and the well-being of others”, “An affected economy” and “Finding energizing activities and creating routines”), “Work-related demands and resources” (sub-categories: “Encountering tough emotions and an over-bearing feeling of responsibility at work”, “Continued work-related demands create un-certainty about the future”, “Loss of boundaries” and “(Desired) support from managers and colleagues”), “Internal demands and resources” and “Demands and resources linked to involved actors”. The experiences described among women and men were similar in some categories while patterns of experiences differed in others.

Conclusions

Home-related demands and resources influence return-to-work among women and men sick-listed for common mental disorders in Sweden, also when work-related demands are experienced as the main reason for the sick leave period. Furthermore, several of these aspects were described differently among women and men, which highlights the need to consider possible gender differences in relation to return-to-work, while maintaining attention to individual variations.