bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Contractors Management Practices on Performance of Housing Construction Projects in Kisii County, Kenya
Authors: Momanyi Theophanus Nyakundi , Kamau Lucy Ngugi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Performance of housing projects is expected to be good if constructions are done in conformance with specific standards, being of good quality, completed in time, and meeting clients’ needs. However, the fact that houses are constructed through the use of improper time-frames, poor materials, as well as inadequate planning affects overall quality of the projects. This study was to investigate how contractors’ management practices influence housing projects performance in Kisii County. The study employed a descriptive study design. The target population was the 206 registered contractors in Kisii County from where a sample of 136 respondents was taken through simple random sampling approach. A questionnaire was used to collect data and the data obtained was cleaned, sorted and organized using SPSS. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data. The results obtained showed that housing construction projects are affected by contractors’ management practices which include planning practices, conformance to industry standards, implementation of designs, and financial management practices respectively which were found to have a positive influence on projects performance. The possible beneficiaries of the study include academicians in the field of project management and contractors.
Assessment of Disease Activity by Infrared Thermography in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study of Thermographic, Clinical and Ultrasound Assessments
Authors: VINSON DOROTHEE , paris Caroline , Lafforgue Pierre , Richez Christophe , Pradel Vincent , Pham Thao 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To compare RA activity evaluation by thermal imaging with a camera adjustable to cellphones, standard clinical examination and ultrasound.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monocentric study with 3 independent evaluations of RA activity: 1) tender (TJC) and swollen joints count (SJC) of wrists, MCP and PIP; 2) Ultrasound (US) examination with mode B and Power Doppler (PDUS); 3) thermographic assessment using infrared thermal cellphone camera FLIR One®. Thermal images analysis with (a) software detecting 10 regions of interest (ROI) corresponding to the studied joints and (b) by color reading (arthritis yes/no). For each ROI, temperature difference measurement “ΔT-joint” (ΔTj) compared to the ipsilateral forearm (reference area) and comparison of ΔTj to a) TJC and SJC; b) US synovitis in B mode or c) PDUS grade (0,1,2,3); d) synovitis in visual detection on thermographic image. T-tests and ANOVA were performed.RESULTS: 53 patients (43 women) with a mean (SD) age of 61.6 (12.3) years, totaling 921 examined joints. Mean disease duration was 17.6 (11.1) years. RA status was 81% ACPA+, 58% erosive, mean DAS28 score was 4.0 (1.6).Mean ΔTj was higher in tender (p<0.001), swollen (p=0.066) joints and in US synovitis in B mode (p=0.021). Mean ΔTj was not associated with PDUS category (p-ANOVA=0.072). Synovitis detected with thermal image reading was associated with PDUS grade 3 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results did not show the ability of thermal imaging to assess RA activity in small joints. However, our results are encouraging as temperature variation were observed in inflammatory joints.
Impact of the COVID-19 virus outbreak on movement and play behaviours of Canadian children and youth: A national survey
Authors: Moore Sarah A , Faulkner Guy , Rhodes Ryan E , Brussoni Mariana , Chulak-Bozzer Tala , Ferguson Leah J , Mitra Raktim , O'Reilly Norm , Spence John C , Vanderloo Leigh M , Tremblay Mark S 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Healthy child and youth development is fostered through sufficient physical activity (PA; including time outdoors), limiting sedentary behaviours (SB), and adequate sleep; collectively known as movement behaviours. Though the COVID-19 virus outbreak has changed the daily lives of children and youth, it is unknown to what extent related restrictions may compromise the ability to play and meet movement behaviour recommendations. This study examined the immediate impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on movement and play behaviours in children and youth.Methods: A national sample of Canadian parents (n=1,472) of children (5-11 years) or youth (12-17 years) (54% girls) completed an online survey that assessed immediate changes in child movement and play behaviours during the COVID-19 outbreak. Behaviours included PA and play, SB, and sleep. Family demographics and parental factors that may influence movement behaviours were assessed. Correlations between behaviours and demographic and parental factors were determined. For open-ended questions, word frequency distributions were reported.Results: Only 4.8% (2.8% girls, 6.5% boys) of children and 0.8% (1.1% girls, 0.5% boys) of youth were meeting combined movement behaviour guidelines during COVID-19 restrictions. Children and youth had lower PA levels, less outside time, higher SB (including screen time), and more sleep during the outbreak. Parental encouragement and support, parental engagement in PA, and family dog ownership were positively associated with healthy movement behaviours. Although families spent less time in PA and more time in SB, several parents reported adopting new hobbies or accessing new resources.Conclusions: This study provides evidence of immediate collateral consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak, demonstrating an adverse impact on the movement and play behaviours of Canadian children and youth. These findings can guide efforts to preserve and promote child health during the COVID-19 outbreak and crisis recovery period, and to inform strategies to mitigate potential harm during future pandemics.
Clinical Characteristics and Comparative Analysis of Covid-19 Patients With or Without HIV Coinfection in Wuhan, China
Authors: Yang Rongrong , Gui Xien , Zhang Yongxi , Xiong Yong , Gao Shicheng , Ke Hengning 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 is a public health emergency that is spreading worldwide and seriously affecting global economy. Information about the impact of HIV co-infection and anti-HIV drugs on the clinical characteristics and prognosis of COVID-19 patients remains limited.Methods: In this retrospective study, the maximum body temperatures, fever duration, chest computed tomography changes and viral shedding, lymphocyte counts changes and titer of SARS-CoV-2 antibody were compared between COVID-19 patients with and without HIV infection in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from January 20th to February 14th, 2020. Results: Compared with 50 control COVID-19 patients, the two COVID-19/HIV co-infection patients had higher maximum body temperatures(40.2℃ and 40.3℃ vs 38.2℃), longer fever duration(11 days and 15 days vs 7 days), longer time of lung recovery(20 days and 24 days vs 14 days), shorter duration of viral shedding after the onset of symptoms(6 days and 4 days vs 10 days). Compared with three COVID-19 infection colleagues who had exposure history with the same COVID-19 patient, the third COVID-19/HIV co-infection patient had the same duration of viral shedding after exposure(29 days vs 29 days), lower titer of SARS-CoV-2 IgG(negative vs positive for all). Conclusion: For patients co-infected with HIV, the clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection were diverse. The ability of those COVID-19/HIV co-infection patients with severe immunodeficiency to produce SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were weakened. The small sample in this study implied that the effects of anti-HIV drugs in prevention and treatment of COVID-19 appears to be limited.
Functional selection associated with microbial genome size under polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution stress in soils
Authors: Dong Yuzhu , Wu Shanghua , Fan Haonan , Li Xianglong , Li Yijing , Xu Shengjun , Bai Zhihui , Zhuang Xuliang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Bacteria can adapt to complex environmental conditions by expanding or reducing their genomes. Microbes with large genomes carry a more diverse gene pool and thus have more metabolic function than those with small genomes. Various environmental disturbances have been investigated and proved to be important in determining the community genome sizes. However the impacts of environmental pollution remain poorly understood, which is a selective factor. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous pollutants that cause great damage to the natural environment and health. Here, we conducted incubation experiments under different concentrations to evaluate the impacts of organic pollution stress on the community genome size. Besides, changes of community structure, functions and potential key genes in different concentrations were illustrated by 16S rRNA amplicon gene sequencing and quantitative-PCR.
Results

We found the distinct communities of significantly larger genome size with the increase of PAHs concentration gradients in soils. Highly contaminated soil notably enhanced functions relative to xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism, environmental information processing and signaling molecules and interaction. Abundance of Proteobacteria and Deinococcus-Thermus with relatively larger genomes increased along with PAHs stress and well adapted to polluted environments, while abundance of Patescibacteria with a highly streamlined and smaller genome decreased. Co-ccurrence network analysis indicated a decreased average clustering coefficient but an increased connection number per node positively related to nidA gene along the concentration gradients. Moreover, nidA gene, appearing as an indicator, showed positive correlation with community genome size and PAHs concentrations.
Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the significant impact of pollution stress on genome size and clarify that the increase in genome size is due to the directional selection for microorganisms with larger genomes or carrying specific functional genes and the increased capacity for horizontal transfer of degrading genes between communities.
Association of Serum Vitamin D and Calcium Levels With the Severity of Intertrochanteric Fractures in the Elderly: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Hwang Seok-Min , Hwang Suk-Hyun , Kim Yeon-Ho 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Femur intertrochanteric fractures can be classified into stable and unstable fractures according to their severity. Postoperative complications and mortality were more common in patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures. However, there has been little effort to evaluate the risk factors of the two fracture types. This study aimed to identify the possible differences in demographic and clinical characteristics of older patients with different types of intertrochanteric fractures.Methods: The medical records of patients aged ≥60 years who presented with intertrochanteric fractures from June 2018 to March 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty-seven patients were enrolled and divided into two groups according to severity: stable (21 patients) and unstable (36 patients). Demographic data, body mass index (BMI), ambulatory ability prior to fracture, pre-fracture residence, season at fracture, bone mineral density (BMD), and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], osteocalcin, and calcium levels were compared between the two groups. Additionally, we analyzed the correlation among variables.Results: The stable group had significantly higher serum 25(OH)D and calcium levels than the unstable group (p = 0.010, p = 0.019). There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in age, sex, height, weight, BMI, ambulatory ability prior to fracture, pre-fracture residence, season at fracture, BMD, and serum osteocalcin level between the two groups. In addition, serum 25(OH)D and calcium levels were not correlated with any of the variables in all patients.Conclusion: Low vitamin D and calcium levels are associated with unstable intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients. Maintaining adequate vitamin D and calcium levels could avoid an increase in the severity of intertrochanteric fractures.
Vitamin C Ameliorates Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced Spermatotoxicity In-Vitro
Authors: Alagbonsi Abdullateef Isiaka , Olayaki Luqman Aribidesi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: We investigated the in-vitro effects of vitamin C on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced reduction in sperm motility and kinematics. Methods: Rats semen were randomly divided into 5 groups. Groups I-III received placebo, THC (1 mM), and vitamin C (5 mM) respectively. Groups IV and V received THC and vitamin C, but group V was additionally pre-treated with cannabinoid receptors’ blockers (CBs-) 1 (SR141716) and 2 (AM-630). Results: The sperm progressive motility, average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), amplitude of lateral head (ALH) and beat cross frequency (BCF) were reduced by THC but increased by vitamin C when compared to control. Vitamin C inhibited the THC-induced reduction in these parameters in the absence of CBs- 1 and 2, and even caused additional increases in progressive motility, VAP and VCL above the control levels with CBs-. Conclusion: In conclusion, vitamin C ameliorates THC-induced reduction in sperm motility in-vitro by modulation of sperm kinematics.
Clinical Phenotypes and Heath-Related Quality of Life of COPD Patients in a Rural Setting in Malaysia – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chai Chee-Shee , Mos Sumastika Bt , Ng Diana-Leh-Ching , Goh Greta-Miranda-Kim-Choo , Su Anselm-Ting , Ibrahim Muhammad Amin Bin , Musa Aisya Natasya Bt , Tan Seng-Beng , Pang Yong-Kek , Liam Chong-Kim 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:The Spanish chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) guideline phenotypes patients according to the exacerbation frequency and COPD subtypes. In this study, we compared the patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) according to their COPD phenotypes.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study of COPD patients who attended the outpatient clinic of the Serian Divisional Hospital and Bau District Hospital from 23th January 2018 to 22th January 2019. The HRQoL was assessed using modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire for COPD (SGRQ-c). Results:Of 185 patients, 108 (58.4%) were non-exacerbators (NON-AE), 51 (27.6%) were frequent exacerbators (AE), and the remaining 26 (14.1%) had asthma-COPD overlap (ACO). Of AE patients, 42 (82.4%) had chronic bronchitis and only 9 (17.6%) had emphysema. Of the COPD patients, 65.9% had exposure to biomass fuel and 69.1% were ex- or current smokers. The scores of mMRC, CAT, and SGRQ-c were significantly different between COPD phenotypes (p < 0.001). There were significantly more patients with mMRC 2 – 4 among AE (68.6%) (p < 0.001), compared to those with ACO (38.5%) and NON-AE (16.7%). AE patients had significantly higher total CAT (p = 0.003; p < 0.001) and SGRQ-c (both p < 0.001) scores than those with ACO and NON-AE. Patients with ACO also had significantly higher total CAT and SGRQ-c (both p < 0.001) scores than those with NON-AE. AE patients had significantly higher score in each item of CAT and component of SGRQ-c compared to those with NON-AE (all p < 0.001), and ACO [(p = 0.003 – 0.016; p = < 0.001 – 0.005) except CAT 1, 2 and 7. ACO patients had significantly higher score in each item of CAT and component of SGRQ-c (p = < 0.001 – 0.040; p < 0.001) except CAT 2 and activity components of SGRQ-c.Conclusions:The HRQoL of COPD patients was significantly different across COPD phenotypes. HRQoL was worst in AE, followed by ACO and NON-AE. This study supports phenotyping COPD patients based on their exacerbation frequency and COPD subtypes. The treatment of COPD should be personalised according to these two factors.
Feasibility of Using Common Data Model for Orthopedic Research: Analysis of Risk Factors for Periprosthetic Joint Infection after Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Chae Young Ju , Shin Jin Ho , Jung Sung Jae , Gong Hyun Sik 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Common data model (CDM) is a standardized data structure defined to efficiently use different sources in hospitals. A study using the CDM is scarce for orthopedic outcome researches due to the complexity of variables. We aimed to test the feasibility of applying CDM in the orthopedic field and analyzed risk factors for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) using CDM.Methods: We undertook a retrospective cohort study of all primary and revision hip and knee TJAs at our institution from January 2003 to October 2017. We identified potential risk factors for PJI after TJAs in the literatures, which included preoperative demographic/social factors, previous medical history, intraoperative factors, laboratory results and others. The data sourced from EMR was extracted, transformed, and loaded into CDM.Results: Variables such as demographic/social factors, medical history and laboratory results could be converted into CDM, but the other known risk factors could not. In total, 12,320 primary hip and knee TJAs and 120 revision arthroplasties were identified. Among them, 34 revisions were done because of PJI. Risk factors of PJI were hypertension and urinary tract infection after total hip arthroplasty, and age (70-79 years), male sex, anemia, steroid use, and urinary tract infection after total knee arthroplasty. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that orthopedic outcome researches using CDM is feasible although data converting to CDM was possible for limited factors. Further data transforming technologies need to be developed to analyze more factors relevant to orthopedic area, such as intraoperative factors and imaging findings.
Does Serum Vitamin D Concentration Modify the Association Between Arthritis and Cardiovascular Diseases in Both Sexes?
Authors: Saade Rachelle , Laurin Danielle , Dionne Clermont E. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The scientific literature shows an association between inflammatory arthritis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) with inflammation being a shared characteristic between the two types of diseases. Among patients with arthritis, it is possible that the protective factors against inflammation, such as vitamin D, are also protective factors against the development of CVD. This effect may be different according to sex.Objective: To evaluate the impact of serum vitamin D concentration on the association between arthritis and CVD separately among men and women (effect modification of vitamin D and sex).Methods: Data came from a large representative sample of the US population: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2006, which included 3406 adults aged between 20 and 69 years. Measurements of arthritis (primary independent variable) and CVD (dependent variable) were taken during face-to-face interviews, while the measurement of serum vitamin D was carried out on blood samples. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed in which the combined modifying effect of vitamin D (<20 ng/ml/> 20 ng/ml) and sex was tested, and adjusted for several potentially confounding variables.Results: Arthritis was statistically associated with CVD in both men and women, with <20 ng/ml or >20 ng/ml serum vitamin D. In men, the adjusted ratio of the odds ratios (ROR) comparing the association at <20 ng/ml vitamin D concentration to the association at >20 ng/ml concentration was 0.8 (95% CI 0.5 to 1.5); in women, the adjusted ROR was 0.7 (95% CI 0.3 to 1.5). Conclusions: In this large cross-sectional study, arthritis and CVD were statistically associated, but this association was not modified by sex nor vitamin D concentrations. Vitamin D supplementation is not recommended as part of the management of patients of both sexes suffering from inflammatory arthritis to prevent CVD.
Magnitude and factors associated with anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis ababa, Ethiopia - a cross sectional type of study
Authors: Umuro Desta Samuel , Asres Yared Lasebew , Muluneh Gezahegn Mamo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

This study aimed to assess magnitude and factors associated with anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods

Institution based cross sectional study design was conducted from December 1–30, 2018 on 405 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic. All pregnant women visiting the Antenatal care clinic during the study period and who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included in the study. Secondary data was collected from clients register and personal files on hemoglobin, HIV, stool, and other variables. Descriptive statistics was used to analysis some variables by using SPSS. Logistic regression was carried out to identify factors associated with anemia in pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratio with their 95% of confidence interval and p < 0.05 are consider to have significant association.
Results

The magnitude of Anemia in pregnant women in this study was 19.8%, (95% CI 16.00-23.70). HIV infection (AOR = 6.12(95% CI 2.19, 17.08) parasitic infestation (AOR = 11.88 (95% CI 5.60, 25.20) and history of not taking fruit after meal during pregnancy (AOR = 3.12(95% CI 1.72, 5.67) were the major determinants of anemia.
Conclusion

This study showed that the magnitude of anemia among pregnant women was high especially at third trimester. Living with HIV /AIDS, parasitic infestation and no history of taking fruits after meal were the main factors.
The clinical characteristics of hip fracture: during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic
Authors: Zhang Hongjie , Lin Zengping , Zhong Jiping , Nie Darong , Song Hongmei , Huang Wen , Gao Shan , Zhang Jiafang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of hip fracture during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic.Method Hip-facture patients undergoing surgery from January 26 to March 31, 2020 (group A) and from January 26 to March 31, 2019 (group B) were retrospectively included. The durations from injury onset to hospital discharge, hospitalization cost, comorbidity, and complications of patients in the two groups were collected. The daily activity and light exposure time, and medical treatment interruption of patients in group A before and during their self-quarantine were also collected. In addition, the reasons for those with hospital admission delay were inquired.Results During the COVID-19 epidemic, patients with hip fracture was increased by 9 cases (69.23%). Patients in group A underwent an over 20-hour longer duration from the injury onset to hospital, an over 3-day longer hospitalization stay, and more hospitalization cost of over 4-thousand yuan compared with those for patients in group B (P < 0.05). The self-quarantine led to reduced daily activities (P <0.001), reduced light exposure time (P <0.001) and more medical interruption for hip-fracture patients. There were also slight more comorbidity number and perioperative complications for patients in group A compared with patients in group B. For those with a pre-hospital time more than 24 h, 58.33% feared go out for medical treatment because of the COVID-19 epidemic.Conclusion During the COVID-19 epidemic period, the prevention and management of hip-fracture for the elderly require more attention for the public and medical care personnel.