bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Smoke-Free Workplace Policies on Individual Smoking Behaviors in China
Authors: Lin Hao-xiang , Liu Zhao , Chang Chun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Objective
Studies have shown that smoke-free (SF) workplace policies can create an SF environment, but most of them have focused only on reducing secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure or changing smoking behavior. Our study aims to explore the effects of SF workplace policies and the pathway between workplace SF policies and SHS exposure.

Method
14 195 employees from 79 companies in China participated in this survey. Binary logistic regression is used to examine the direct effects of SF workplace policies. Structured Equation Modeling approach is used to test other indirect effects. The Sobel test is used to estimate the mediation effect.

Results
Working in a company with SF policies was associated with lower SHS exposure (odds ratio = 0.56; 95% confidence interval = 0.51 to 0.60). Such policy were associated with lower smoking prevalence (Coef. = −0.05, p &lt; .05) and positively associated with smoking harm awareness (Coef. = 0.07, p &lt; .05) and SHS harm awareness (Coef. = 0.05, p &lt; .05). Sobel test suggests that approximately 16.3% of the effects on SHS exposure reduction are mediated through the channel of lower smoking prevalence for males. For smokers, we did not identify a direct effect of such policies on quitting intentions, but a significant indirect effect via increased smoking harm awareness (Coef. = 0.07, p &lt; .05) and lower smoking consumption (Coef. = −0.10, p &lt; .05) were found.

Conclusion
This study finds that SF workplace policies are not only associated with lower SHS exposure but also related to some indirect effects. Further mediation analyses for males confirmed that the effect on SHS exposure reduction is mediated through the channel of lower smoking prevalence.

Implications
This study joins the debate in recent years on the effects of workplace SF policies and provides evidence with more comprehensive data from Asia Best Workplace Mainland China program. It shows that SF workplace policies not only can reduce SHS exposure but also are associated with lower smoking prevalence, fewer cigarettes smoked, and higher smoking harm-related awareness. These findings provide valuable evidence to promote such policies in all workplaces and underline the need for more stringent SF policies to be enacted in all countries.
After the lockdown: macroeconomic adjustment to the COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Adam Christopher , Henstridge Mark , Lee Stevan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is ripping around most of the world, but not in Africa; at least, not yet. At the same time, the policy response is remarkably uniform: most of sub-Saharan Africa went into lockdown from the second week in March. What happens next for the pandemic across Africa is uncertain, but the March lockdowns are unlikely to have contained the epidemic by themselves.
What is clear is that the combination of domestic lockdowns and the spill-over from the global recession means immediate and severe hardship. This paper looks beyond the public health aspects of the pandemic to examine the medium-term macroeconomic adjustment challenge confronting domestic policy-makers and international donors. We combine epidemiological and macroeconomic models to calibrate the scale of the combined shock to a representative low-income African economy and to show how alternative policy options for slowing transmission of COVID-19 impact on public revenue, and on GDP in the short run, and hence shape the path to recovery. Noting that the first lockdown, however costly, does not by itself eliminate the likelihood of a re-emergence of the epidemic, we then frame the agenda for key macroeconomic and public finance policies to sustain recovery, growth, and poverty reduction in sub-Saharan Africa.
The initial hit to consumption will be up to one-third. All the public policy options are grim. International donor finance of US$40–50 billion, together with domestic reform to accelerate recovery, would make a significant difference to the outlook for poverty.
Why Do Short Selling Bans Increase Adverse Selection and Decrease Price Efficiency?
Authors: Dixon Peter N 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
When short selling is costly, owners of an asset have greater incentive to become informed than nonowners because trading on negative information is easier for them. Thus, information acquisition concentrates among investors owning the asset. A short selling ban restricts selling to only the relatively more informed investors who own the asset, increasing adverse selection but only on the sell side of the market. Price efficiency declines due to less overall information acquisition because a ban magnifies the disincentive to gather information for investors not owning the asset. Empirical evidence from the 2008 U.S. short selling ban is consistent with these theoretical predictions.
Serum urate is related to subclinical inflammation in asymptomatic hyperuricaemia
Authors: Luis-Rodríguez Desirée , Donate-Correa Javier , Martín-Núñez Ernesto , Ferri Carla , Tagua Víctor G , Pérez Castro Atteneri , Mora-Fernández Carmen , Navarro-González Juan F 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Objective
Asymptomatic hyperuricaemia (AHU) is associated with inflammatory disorders, including cardiovascular disease. Uric acid (UA) lowering therapies may reduce the risk of appearance or the progression of these comorbidities. In this work, we investigated the relationship between serum UA levels and inflammation in subjects with AHU.

Methods
Serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), TNF-α and IL-6, and mRNA expression of TNFa and IL6 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were measured in individuals with AHU and without comorbid conditions and in a control group with similar characteristics and normal serum UA levels. Additionally, we determined the variations in the inflammatory profile in a subgroup of subjects after 6 months of treatment with allopurinol.

Results
Subjects at higher tertiles of serum UA presented higher levels of hsCRP and increased serum and mRNA expression levels of both cytokines (P &lt; 0.001). UA levels constituted an independent predictor of increased levels of inflammatory parameters in multiple regression models (P &lt; 0.001) and a risk factor for the presence of a subclinical inflammation in multivariate logistic regression (P &lt; 0.001). Allopurinol reduced UA and serum and mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines (P &lt; 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the variations in serum UA and the variations in serum TNF-α (P &lt; 0.01) and IL-6 (P &lt; 0.05), and mRNA expression of these cytokines (P &lt; 0.05). This association remained significant and independent (P &lt; 0.01).

Conclusion
In subjects with AHU, serum UA may be an inductor of subclinical inflammation. Therapeutic reduction of serum UA was associated with a modulation of the inflammatory profile.
The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers' mental health
Authors: Hall Heather 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT
The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, commonly presents as a severe acute respiratory disease referred to as coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The rapid spread of the disease created challenges for healthcare systems and forced healthcare workers to grapple with clinical and nonclinical stressors, including shortages of personal protective equipment, mortality and morbidity associated with COVID-19, fear of bringing the virus home to family members, and the reality of losing colleagues to the disease. Evidence from previous outbreaks, along with early evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic, suggests that these events have significant short- and long-term effects on the mental health of healthcare workers. All healthcare stakeholders should create short- and long-term plans to support the mental health of workers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
We Solve It! Immersing the Quality Enhancement Plan in a Traditional and Online Baccalaureate Nursing Program
Authors: Derico Sherika , Hawkins Amanda , Grissette Brittany , Mathis Elizabeth , Herring Tonya , Izumi Mariko 
Published: June 2020

AbstractProblem-solving and critical thinking are essential in nursing; therefore, nurse educators must equip students with these skills. Through a campus-wide initiative to foster problem-solving skills (Quality Enhancement Plan), five school of nursing faculty implemented new pedagogical approaches in face-to-face and online courses. This article discusses the problem-based approaches in nursing education implemented at a state university and their effects on student learning.
Implementation science
Authors: Berger Carol , Tokac Umit , Fish Anne F. , Dane John N. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract:
Caries remain the most common preventable chronic childhood disease. One state oral health program including fluoride varnish showed a decrease in presence of decay and improvement in overall oral health; however, early childhood caries did not improve. Implementation of an oral health preventive program during well-child medical visits may address this gap.
Inter-rater and Intrarater Reliabilities of the Identification of a “Gothic Arch” in the Acetabulum of Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Miller Stacey , Habib Eva , Bone Jeffrey , Schaeffer Emily , Yang Brian W. , Shea Jodie , Maleki Ava , Shore Benjamin J. , Mulpuri Kishore 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Progressive hip displacement in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is monitored by measuring migration percentage (MP) on anteroposterior (AP) pelvis radiographs. Accurate measurement of MP requires the lateral margin of the ossified acetabulum to be identified for the placement of Perkin’s line. It has been suggested that when there is an erosion of the acetabular rim, described as a gothic arch, the midpoint of the arch be used for the placement of Perkin’s line. However, this requires that there be agreement on what constitutes a gothic arch. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter-rater and intrarater reliabilities of identifying a gothic arch on pelvis radiographs.

Methods:
An online survey with 100 AP pelvis images (200 hips) of children with CP was sent to international experts. Participants were asked to identify which hip(s) had a gothic arch (left, right, both, and neither). The Fleiss κ statistic for inter-rater reliability was calculated. Eight weeks later, the images were shuffled and redistributed to calculate intrarater reliability.

Results:
The initial survey was completed by 10 participants with 9 participants completing the second survey. The average inter-rater κ value was 0.18 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.14-0.23] and 0.19 (95% CI, 0.14-0.24) for the 2 surveys, respectively. Among the pediatric orthopaedic surgeons subgroup, the κ values were 0.06 (95% CI, 0.02-0.1) and 0.08 (95% CI, 0.03-0.13). The average intrarater reliability κ value was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.2-1), ranging from 0.32 to 0.86.

Conclusions:
There were poor inter-rater and moderate intrarater reliabilities in identifying a gothic arch on AP pelvis radiographs in children with CP. Further characterization and clarification of what constitutes a gothic arch are required. The lack of agreement on the identification of a gothic arch may negatively impact the measurement of MP and referrals to a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon.
Treatment for Clubfoot: Stockinette Versus Webril Cast Padding in the Ponseti Method
Authors: Marien Meaghan , Abouassaly Marcel , Jarvis James , Smit Kevin , Kontio Ken 
Published: June 2020

Background:
The Ponseti method of serial manipulation and casting revolutionized the treatment of one of the most common congenital orthopaedic conditions—clubfoot—resulting in less surgical morbidity and better functional results. Several studies have examined aspects of nonoperative treatment but none have explored the effect of different types of undercast padding.

Methods:
The authors performed a randomized controlled trial comparing cotton Stockinette and Webril undercast padding using the Ponseti method. They included 56 patients under the age of 6 months who had an untreated idiopathic clubfoot. For treatment, the padding was randomized to double-layer Stockinette (29 patients) or standard 2- to 3-layer Webril (27 patients). The primary analysis consisted of a 2-sample t test comparing the mean number of casts required for correction in each group. Secondary outcomes included initial and final standardized clubfoot scores (Pirani and Dimeglio scores) and adverse events.

Results:
Baseline demographics were not statistically different between groups, with respect to mean age, sex, and side being treated, nor were the baseline Dimeglio and Pirani scores. The primary outcome analysis revealed an equivalent number of casts (about 4) required before tenotomy. The secondary analysis on complications did not show any significant difference, with 10 events documented in the Webril group and 9 in the Stockinette group (P=1.00). At the end of the study, the mean Dimeglio (3.9±2.1 vs. 3.9±1.8, P=0.99) and Pirani (2.1±0.8 vs. 2.2±0.8, P=0.70) scores were not significantly different. Subjectively, parents and doctors indicated a substantially more positive experience for the Stockinette group.

Conclusions:
Webril and Stockinette paddings provide equivalent clubfoot deformity correction while applying a similar number of casts before tenotomy. Although minor skin complications were observed, these were not significantly different between groups.
Gender Difference Is Associated With Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection: An Insight From a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ueyama Hiroki , Kuno Toshiki , Takagi Hisato , Krishnamoorthy Parasuram , Vengrenyuk Yuliya , Sharma Samin K. , Kini Annapoorna S. , Lerakis Stamatios 
Published: June 2020

Objectives:
Coronavirus disease 2019 is a novel infection now causing pandemic around the world. The gender difference in regards to the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 infection has not been well described thus far. Our aim was to investigate how gender difference can affect the disease severity of coronavirus disease 2019 infection.

Data Sources:
A comprehensive literature search of PubMed and Embase databases was conducted from December 1, 2019, to March 26, 2020. An additional manual search of secondary sources was conducted to minimize missing relevant studies. There were no language restrictions.

Study Selection:
Studies were included in our meta-analysis if it was published in peer-reviewed journals and recorded patient characteristics of severe versus nonsevere or survivor versus nonsurvivor in coronavirus disease 2019 infection.

Data Extraction:
Two investigators independently screened the search, extracted the data, and assessed the quality of the study.

Data Synthesis:
Our search identified 15 observational studies with a total of 3,494 patients (1,935 males and 1,559 females) to be included in our meta-analysis. Males were more likely to develop severe coronavirus disease 2019 infection compared with females (odds ratio, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07–1.60). There was no significant heterogeneity (I
2 = 12%) among the studies.

Conclusions:
This meta-analysis suggests that the male gender may be a predictor of more severe coronavirus disease 2019 infection. Further accumulation of evidence from around the world is warranted to confirm our findings.
Multislice spiral computed tomography imaging in evaluating hemophilic arthropathy
Authors: Zhang Yu-Xia , Li Mei-Xia , Wei Shu-Fang , Zhang Lu , Cheng Tian-Ming , Ge Ying-Hui 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Certain hemophilia patients are unable to cooperate with or afford magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. The purpose of our study was to explore the value of multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) in evaluating hemophilic arthropathy (HA).

Methods
Thirty-eight patients with 73 joints of HA were consecutively selected from January 2016 to May 2018 for this prospective study. All 73 joints were examined by X-ray, CT, and MRI within 2 days. The MRI scores of the joints were determined by the International Prophylaxis Study Group (IPSG) standard. The CT findings were quantified according to the IPSG standard, except for cartilage injury, which was quantified by joint space narrowing using the X-ray Pettersson score. The CT and MRI scores were compared by the paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The correlations between the CT score of joint space narrowing and MRI score of cartilage injury and the total CT and MRI scores were analyzed by Spearman rank correlation. The kappa test was used to compare the consistency of CT and MRI scores.

Results
MRI was superior to CT based on the scores for small amount of effusion (P < 0.05), synovial hypertrophy and hemosiderin deposition in the mild groups (P < 0.05). The CT and MRI scores were not significantly different for moderate and massive effusion, synovial hypertrophy, and hemosiderin deposition in the moderate and severe groups, bone erosion or cystic changes (P > 0.05), and there was a high degree of consistency between the two scores (kappa > 0.81). The consistency between the Pettersson scores of joint space narrowing on CT and the IPSG scores of cartilage injury on MRI was high (kappa = 0. 774, P < 0.05).

Conclusion
The image scores of MSCT are generally consistent with MRI except for mild synovitis, which can be used as an alternative for the evaluation of HA.
Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases demonstration project: aerosol pollution and its seasonal peculiarities in primary schools of Vilnius
Authors: Prokopciuk Nina , Franck Ulrich , Dudoitis Vadimas , Tarasiuk Nikolaj , Juskiene Izabele , Cepuraite Daiva , Staras Kestutis , Valiulis Algirdas , Ulevicius Vidmantas , Valiulis Arunas 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
The growing public health concern caused by non-communicable diseases in urban surroundings cannot be solved by health care alone; therefore a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory. This study aimed to evaluate the airborne aerosol pollution level in primary schools as possible factor influencing origin and course of the diseases in children.

Methods
Seasonal aerosol particle number concentration (PNC) and mass concentration (PMC) were studied in the randomly selected eleven primary schools in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, as model of a middle-size Eastern European city. Total PNC in the size range from 0.01 to >1.0 μm in diameter was measured using a condensation particle counter. Using an optical particle sizer, PNC was measured and PMC estimated for particles from 0.3 to 10.0 μm. A descriptive statistics was used to estimate the aerosol pollution levels.

Results
During all seasons, local cafeterias in the absence of ventilation were the main sources of the elevated levels of indoor PMC and PNC (up to 97,500 particles/cm3). The other sources of airborne particulates were the children's activity during the lesson breaks with PMC up to 586 μg/m3. Soft furniture, carpets in the classrooms and corridors were responsible for PMC up to 200 μg/m3. Outdoor aerosol pollution (up to 18,170 particles/cm3) was higher for schools in city center. Elevated air pollution in classrooms also resulted from intermittent sources, such as construction work during classes (200–1000 μg/m3) and petrol-powered lawn trimmers (up to 66,400 particles/cm3).

Conclusion
The results of our survey show that even in a relatively low polluted region of Eastern Europe there are big differences in aerosol pollution within middle-sized city. Additional efforts are needed to improve air quality in schools: more frequent wet cleaning, monitoring the operation of ventilation systems, a ban on construction works during school year, on a use of sandblasting mechanisms in the neighborhood of schools.
Quantitative and semiquantitative estimates of mold exposure in infancy and childhood respiratory health
Authors: Cox Jennie , Ryan Patrick , Burkle Jeff , Jandarov Roman , Mendell Mark J. , Hershey Gurjit Khurana , LeMasters Grace , Reponen Tiina 
Published: June 2020

Background:
Previous epidemiologic studies of dampness and mold relied on metrics that did not fully assess exposure–response relationships. Our objective was to examine quantitative metrics of dampness and mold during infancy and respiratory health outcomes during childhood.

Methods:
In-home visits were conducted before age 1 for children in the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study. Respiratory outcomes included age 3 wheeze and age 7 asthma and wheeze. The associations between home exposure and respiratory outcomes were evaluated for 779 children using logistic regression adjusting for household income, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and the presence of pests.

Results:
Children residing in homes with ≥0.29 m2 of moisture damage were significantly more likely to have wheezing at age 3 and persistent wheeze through age 7 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0, 4.3 and aOR = 3.2; CI = 1.3, 7.5, respectively). Additionally, homes having ≥0.19 m2 of mold damage were associated with wheezing at age 3 and early transient wheeze assessed at age 7 (aOR = 2.9; CI = 1.3, 6.4 and aOR = 3.5; CI = 1.5, 8.2, respectively). Mold damage <0.19 m2 and moisture damage <0.29 m2 were not associated with health outcomes. Mold and moisture damage were also not associated with asthma.

Conclusion:
Our data indicate that only the highest categories analyzed for mold (≥0.19 m2) and moisture damage (≥0.29 m2) in homes at age 1 were significantly associated with wheeze at ages 3 and 7; however, data below these levels were too sparse to assess the shape of the relationship or explore potential health-relevant thresholds.
Should Nations With Surplus Donated Corneal Tissue Export to Those Without? A Review of Sector Opinion Through the Example of One Nation—Australia
Authors: Machin Heather , Sutton Gerard , Baird Paul N. 
Published: June 2020

Purpose:
There is a global demand for corneal tissue (CT) for transplantation, with some nations potentially able to export donations to those nations without. Unfortunately, there remains a global paucity of information that explains the process of exportation and importation (transnational activity), supports or defines practice, or informs those seeking to engage. Without knowledge, inclusive of the pros and cons, participating nations and decision makers are unable to make effective and informed decisions.

Methods:
Through the example of our own nation, Australia, which may be entering a surplus-to-domestic demand phase and able to export, we conducted qualitative grounded-theory semistructured interviews with sector experts. Our approach ascertained whether Australia should export and under what arrangements. Through saturation and sentiment methods, we capture for the first time, global opinion on CT transnational activity (although primarily exportation), key themes, and finally determine whether Australia should engage.

Results:
Eighty-four (91%) of 92 participants directly commented on our question “should Australia export corneal tissue?” Of 84, n = 67 (80%) stated yes, n = 17 (20%) indicated mixed opinions. No participant categorically stated that there should be no export.

Conclusions:
Eye tissue and eye care experts whom we interviewed, supported the concept of Australia exporting CT; however, they advise several safeguards to protect both import and export nations. Principally, they recommended practice be transparent with donors, nationally coordinated, part of a wider humanitarian program, nonprofit, short term for the importing nations as they move toward self-sufficiency and that Australia must define and confirm domestic need and ensure that demand is met before routine exportation.