bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Theoretical Model for the Normal Contact Force of Two Elastoplastic Ellipsoidal Bodies
Authors: Becker Verena , Kamlah Marc 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTo model the mechanical behavior of granular materials, a reliable description of the material properties is indispensable. Individual grains are usually not perfectly spherical. In batteries, for instance, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) is a frequently used material, consisting out of particles with possibly ellipsoidal like shapes. As particles may plastically deform under increasing stresses, the paper presents a theoretical model for the normal contact force of elastoplastic ellipsoidal bodies for the use in the context of mechanical discrete element method (DEM). The model can be considered as extension of the elastic, elastic-plastic, fully plastic Thornton model by using a more general description to incorporate elliptical contact areas. The focus is on a normal contact force description as continuous function of time for all regimes, elastic, elastoplastic, and fully plastic loading, as well as unloading from elastoplastic loading, while the evolution of the plastic contact area is not considered here. All underlying formulae to describe the force-displacement relationship for the static contact problem are derived, partly based on finite element analysis (FEA). To verify the new model, FEAs are performed and their results compared with the model predictions.
A Registration Method for Three-Dimensional Analysis of Bone Mineral Density in the Proximal Tibia
Authors: Babel Hugo , Wägeli Loïc , Sonmez Berke , Thiran Jean-Philippe , Omoumi Patrick , Jolles Brigitte M. , Favre Julien 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Although alterations in bone mineral density (BMD) at the proximal tibia have been suggested to play a role in various musculoskeletal conditions, their pathophysiological implications and their value as markers for diagnosis remain unclear. Improving our understanding of proximal tibial BMD requires novel tools for three-dimensional (3D) analysis of BMD distribution. Three-dimensional imaging is possible with computed tomography (CT), but computational anatomy algorithms are missing to standardize the quantification of 3D proximal tibial BMD, preventing distribution analyses. The objectives of this study were to develop and assess a registration method, suitable with routine knee CT scans, to allow the standardized quantification of 3D BMD distribution in the proximal tibia. Second, as an example of application, the study aimed to characterize the distribution of BMD below the tibial cartilages in healthy knees. A method was proposed to register both the surface (vertices) and the content (voxels) of proximal tibias. The method combines rigid transformations to account for differences in bone size and position in the scanner's field of view and to address inconsistencies in the portion of the tibial shaft included in routine CT scan, with a nonrigid transformation locally matching the proximal tibias. The method proved to be highly reproducible and provided a comprehensive description of the relationship between bone depth and BMD. Specifically it reported significantly higher BMD in the first 6 mm of bone than deeper in the proximal tibia. In conclusion, the proposed method offers promising possibilities to analyze BMD and other properties of the tibia in 3D.
A defined structural unit enables de novo design of small-molecule–binding proteins
Authors: Polizzi Nicholas F. , DeGrado William F. 
Published: September 2020

A new tool in the protein design toolbox
Protein design can compute protein folds from first principles. However, designing new proteins that are functional remains challenging, in part because designing binding interactions requires simultaneous optimization of protein sequence and protein-ligand conformation. Polizzi and DeGrado designed proteins from scratch that bind a small-molecule drug (see the Perspective by Peacock). They introduced a new structural element called a van der Mer (vdM), which tracks the orientation of a chemical group relative to the backbone of a contacting residue. Assuming proteins bind ligands using interactions similar to intraprotein packing, they determined statistically preferred vdMs from a large set of structures in the Protein Data Bank. By including weighted vdMs in their computations, they designed two of six de novo proteins that bind the drug apixaban. A drug-protein x-ray crystal structure confirmed the designed model.

Science
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Thiamine-responsive acute severe pulmonary hypertension in exclusively breastfeeding infants: a prospective observational study
Authors: Sastry Usha M K , M Jayranganath , Kumar Raman Krishna , Ghosh Santu , A P Bharath , Subramanian Anand , Managuli Ameetkumar , Gangadhara Madhu , Manjunath Cholenahally Nanjappa 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesSevere pulmonary hypertension (PH) causing right heart failure can occur due to thiamine deficiency in exclusively breastfeeding infants. This study describes the clinical profile and management of thiamine-responsive acute pulmonary hypertension.MethodsA prospective observational study of infants presenting with severe PH without any other significant heart or lung disease. History of symptoms, clinical examination, echocardiography and basic investigations were performed. Dietary patterns of mothers were recorded. Thiamine was administered and serial echocardiography was performed.ResultsA total of 250 infants had severe PH and 231 infants responded to thiamine. The mean age was 3.2±1.2 months. Fast breathing, poor feeding, vomiting and aphonia were the main symptoms. Tachypnoea, tachycardia and hepatomegaly were found on examination. Echocardiogram revealed grossly dilated right heart with severe PH. Intravenous thiamine was administered to all the babies based on clinical suspicion. Clinical improvement with complete resolution of PH was noticed within 24–48 hours. Babies were followed up to a maximum of 60 months with no recurrence of PH. All the mothers consumed polished rice and followed postpartum food restriction.ConclusionThiamine deficiency is still prevalent in selected parts of India. It can cause life-threatening PH in exclusively breastfeeding infants of mothers who are on a restricted diet predominantly consisting of polished rice. It can contribute to infant mortality. Thiamine administration based on clinical suspicion leads to remarkable recovery. High degree of awareness and thiamine supplementation in relevant geographical areas is required to tackle this fatal disease.
Exacerbated mini-puberty of infancy in an ex-extreme preterm girl
Authors: Santos Mafalda Casinhas , Limão Sara , Ferreira Patrícia 
Published: September 2020

Vaginal bleeding can occur shortly after delivery in 3%–5% of newborns as a consequence of placental hormone withdrawal . Although usually benign, its differential diagnosis includes central precocious puberty, tumours and other pathological conditions. A girl born at 26 weeks of gestation presented with five episodes of vaginal bleeding, each lasting less than a week, initiated at 4 months of age. Luteinising hormone and oestradiol levels were in the pubertal range. Later, she exhibited breast development, with no other pubertal signs. An ultrasonography test revealed an impregnated endometrium and a right ovarian cyst with 43 mm of diameter. A cranioencephalic MRI was unremarkable. Clinicians adopted expectant management and there was clinical, hormonal and radiological resolution in 3 months. The spontaneous resolution suggested mini-puberty of infancy. This is usually an asymptomatic condition, but to date, four cases of an exacerbated form in extremepremature infants have been reported. Long-term follow-up data are missing.A girl born at 26 weeks of gestation presented with five episodes of vaginal bleeding, each lasting less than a week, initiated at 4 months of age. Luteinising hormone and oestradiol levels were in the pubertal range. Later, she exhibited breast development, with no other pubertal signs. An ultrasonography test revealed an impregnated endometrium and a right ovarian cyst with 43 mm of diameter. A cranioencephalic MRI was unremarkable. Clinicians adopted expectant management and there was clinical, hormonal and radiological resolution in 3 months. The spontaneous resolution suggested mini-puberty of infancy. This is usually an asymptomatic condition, but to date, four cases of an exacerbated form in extremepremature infants have been reported. Long-term follow-up data are missing.
Work related sexual harassment and risk of suicide and suicide attempts: prospective cohort study
Authors: Magnusson Hanson Linda L , Nyberg Anna , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor , Bondestam Fredrik , Madsen Ida E H 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Objective
To analyse the relation between exposure to workplace sexual harassment and suicide, as well as suicide attempts.

Design
Prospective cohort study.

Setting
Sweden.

Participants
86 451 men and women of working age in paid work across different occupations responded to a self-report questionnaire including exposure to work related sexual harassment between 1995 and 2013. The analytical sample included 85 205 people with valid data on sexual harassment, follow-up time, and age.

Main outcome measures
Suicide and suicide attempts ascertained from administrative registers (mean follow-up time 13 years).

Results
Among the people included in the respective analyses of suicide and suicide attempts, 125 (0.1%) died from suicide and 816 (1%) had a suicide attempt during follow-up (rate 0.1 and 0.8 cases per 1000 person years). Overall, 11 of 4095 participants exposed to workplace sexual harassment and 114 of 81 110 unexposed participants committed suicide, and 61/4043 exposed and 755/80 513 unexposed participants had a record of suicide attempt. In Cox regression analyses adjusted for a range of sociodemographic characteristics, workplace sexual harassment was associated with an excess risk of both suicide (hazard ratio 2.82, 95% confidence interval 1.49 to 5.34) and suicide attempts (1.59, 1.21 to 2.08), and risk estimates remained significantly increased after adjustment for baseline health and certain work characteristics. No obvious differences between men and women were found.

Conclusions
The results support the hypothesis that workplace sexual harassment is prospectively associated with suicidal behaviour. This suggests that suicide prevention considering the social work environment may be useful. More research is, however, needed to determine causality, risk factors for workplace sexual harassment, and explanations for an association between work related sexual harassment and suicidal behaviour.
Investigating the characteristics and needs of frequently admitting hospital patients: a cross-sectional study in the UK
Authors: Kayyali Reem , Funnell Gill , Odeh Bassel , Sharma Anuj , Katsaros Yannis , Nabhani-Gebara Shereen , Pierscionek Barbara , Wells Joshua Sterling , Chang John 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesThis study forms the user requirements phase of the OPTIMAL project, which, through a predictive model and supportive intervention, aims to decrease early hospital readmissions. This phase aims to investigate the needs and characteristics of patients who had been admitted to hospital ≥2 times in the past 12 months.SettingThis was a cross-sectional study involving patients from Croydon University Hospital (CUH), London, UK.ParticipantsA total of 347 patients responded to a postal questionnaire, a response rate of 12.7%. To meet the inclusion criteria, participants needed to be aged ≥18 and have been admitted ≥2 times in the previous 12 months (August 2014–July 2015) to CUH.Primary and secondary outcomesTo profile patients identified as frequent admitters to assess gaps in care at discharge or post-discharge. Additionally, to understand the patients’ experience of admission, discharge and post-discharge care.ResultsThe range of admissions in the past 12 months was 2–30, with a mean of 2.8. At discharge 72.4% (n=231/347) were not given a contact for out-of-hours help. Regression analysis identified patient factors that were significantly associated with frequent admissions (>2 in 12 months), which included age (p=0.008), being in receipt of care (p=0.005) and admission due to a fall (p=0.01), but not receiving polypharmacy. Post-discharge, 41.8% (n=145/347) were concerned about being readmitted to the hospital. In the first 30 days after discharge, over half of patients (54.5% n=189/347) had no contact from a healthcare professional.ConclusionConsidering that social care needs were more of a determinant of admission risk than medical needs, rectifying the lack of integration, communication and the under-utilisation of existing patient services could prevent avoidable problems during the transition of care and help decrease the likelihood of hospital readmission.
Impact of the abolition of copayments on the GP-centred coordination of care in Bavaria, Germany: analysis of routinely collected claims data
Authors: Olm Michaela , Donnachie Ewan , Tauscher Martin , Gerlach Roman , Linde Klaus , Maier Werner , Schwettmann Lars , Schneider Antonius 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesIn 2012, Germany abolished copayment for consultations in ambulatory care. This study investigated the effect of the abolition on general practitioner (GP)-centred coordination of care. We assessed how the proportion of patients with coordinated specialist care changed over time when copayment to all specialist services were removed. Furthermore, we studied how the number of ambulatory emergency cases and apparent ‘doctor shopping’ changed after the abolition.DesignA retrospective routine data analysis of the Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, comparing the years 2011 and 2012 (with copayment), with the period from 2013 to 2016 (without copayment). Therefore, time series analyses covering 24 quarters were performed.SettingPrimary care in Bavaria, Germany.ParticipantsAll statutorily insured patients in Bavaria, aged ≥18 years, with at least one ambulatory specialist contact between 2011 and 2016.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcome was the percentage of patients with GP-coordinated care (every regular specialist consultation within a quarter was preceded by a GP referral). Secondary outcomes were the number of ambulatory emergency cases and apparent ‘doctor shopping’.ResultsAfter the abolition, the proportion of coordinated patients decreased from 49.6% (2011) to 15.5% (2016). Overall, younger patients and those living in areas with lower levels of deprivation showed the lowest proportions of coordination, which further decreased after abolition. Additionally, there were concomitant increases in the number of ambulatory emergency contacts and to a lesser extent in the number of patients with apparent ‘doctor shopping’.ConclusionsThe abolition of copayment in Germany was associated with a substantial decrease in GP coordination of specialist care. This suggests that the copayment was a partly effective tool to support coordinated care. Future studies are required to investigate how the gatekeeping function of GPs in Germany can best be strengthened while minimising the associated administrative overhead.
American and Australian family experiences while receiving a diagnosis or having treatment for idiopathic toe walking: a qualitative study
Authors: Williams Cylie , Robson Kristy , Pacey Verity , Gray Kelly 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveTo understand parent journeys while navigating diagnosis, assessment or treatment of their children with idiopathic toe walking (ITW).DesignMixed methods qualitative study: analyses of survey data from the measure of processes of care-20 (MPOC-20) and semistructured interviews were analysed with an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Trustworthiness of data was achieved through member checking, researcher triangulation, reflexivity and transferability and comparison with the MPOC-20 results.SettingUSA and Australia.ParticipantsParents of children diagnosed with ITW who had seen more than one health professional during their care and lived in Australia or the USA.ResultsTen parents of children aged between 3 and 13 years and diagnosed with ITW participated. Parents described complex themes relating to their journeys. The themes relating to their journeys were: (1) riding the rollercoaster of diagnosis; (2) navigating the treatment options and (3) supporting parents in the journey. Each theme was supported by parent quotes about their experiences. Challenges were not localised to one country, in spite of vastly different healthcare systems.ConclusionsThese findings create opportunities for an international approach to education, treatment recommendations and outcome measures to improve patient and parent experiences. Health professionals should consider the impact on parents in navigating between health professionals when provided with a diagnosis which can have variable outcomes and varied treatment options.
Sick leave and disability pension in patients with chronic hepatitis C compared with a matched general population: a nationwide register study
Authors: Büsch Katharina , Hansson Fredrik , Holton Michelle , Lagging Martin , Westin Johan , Kövamees Jan , Sällberg Matti , Söderholm Jonas 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate sick leave and disability pension in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection as compared with a matched general population cohort.DesignRetrospective register study.SettingNationwide in Sweden.ParticipantsThis register-based study used the Swedish National Patient Register to identify working-age patients with HCV in 2012 (n=32 021) who were diagnosed between 1999 and 2007 (n=19 362). Sick leave and disability pension data were retrieved from Statistics Sweden (1994–2012), with up to five matched individuals from the general population.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was workdays lost due to sick leave episodes (>14 days) and disability pension overall. The secondary outcome was workdays lost per subgroup of patients with chronic HCV.ResultsIn 2012, 14% of the HCV patients had ≥1 registered sick leave episode compared with 10% in the matched comparator cohort. For disability pension benefits, results were 30% versus 8%, respectively. Overall, in 2012, 57% of patients with HCV did not have any registered workdays lost, whereas 30% were absent ≥360 days compared with 83% and 9% in the matched cohort, respectively. The mean total number of annual workdays lost in 2012 was 126 days in the HCV patient cohort compared with 40 days in the matched general population comparator cohort. Annual days lost increased from a mean of 86 days 5 years before diagnosis to 136 days during the year of diagnosis.ConclusionsThese results show that Swedish HCV patients used more sick days and have a higher frequency of disability pension compared with a comparator cohort from the general Swedish population. Whether earlier diagnosis of HCV and treatment might impact work absence in Sweden warrants further investigation.
Exploring trust in religious leaders and institutions as a mechanism for improving retention in child malnutrition interventions in the Philippines: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lau Lincoln Leehang , Dodd Warren , Qu Han Lily , Cole Donald C 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesIn the context of persistent child malnutrition in the Philippines, the objective of this study was to examine how different dimensions of trust affected programme retention and physiological outcomes when a faith-based organisation (FBO) addressed moderate and severe acute malnutrition among children from households experiencing extreme poverty.SettingWe retrospectively analysed survey data collected by International Care Ministries (ICM) in 2012–2013 across 150 communities in eight provinces (Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Palawan, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Zamboanga del Norte) of the Philippines.Study participantsCaregivers of 1192 children experiencing moderate acute malnutrition and severe acute malnutrition between the ages of 6 and 60 months.InterventionA 16-week child malnutrition treatment programme called Malnourished Child Outreach offered by ICM in partnership with local religious leaders and institutions.Primary and secondary outcome measuresProgramme dropout and weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) at the end of the programme for enrolled children were the two outcomes of interest. A logistic mixed-effects model was built to assess factors associated with programme dropout and a linear mixed-effects model for factors associated with WHZ at the end of the programme.ResultsTrust in religious leaders or institutions (−0.87 (95% CI: −1.43,–0.26)) was negatively associated with programme dropout, suggesting that with increasing levels of trust, decreasing proportions of children dropped out of treatment. Retention in the programme led to improved WHZ among participating children (−0.38 (95% CI: −1.43, 0.26)). Various measures of social capital, including trust in religious and public institutions, were not associated with WHZ at the end of the programme.ConclusionsLeveraging pre-existing trust in religious leaders and institutions among households experiencing extreme poverty is one way that ICM, and potentially other FBOs, can promote retention in child nutrition interventions among vulnerable populations.
Are there social gradients in the occurrence of lung cancer and in the survival of lung cancer patients? Findings from an observational study using German claims data of Lower Saxony
Authors: Schröder Sebastian , Beller Johannes , Golpon Heiko , Geyer Siegfried 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesOnly a few studies on health inequalities in terms of lung cancer are available. We examined whether social inequalities are present for the occurrence of lung cancer. Confining the analyses to patients, it was also examined whether survival over the observation period and over a standardised period of 18 months differed by occupational position and income.MethodsOur findings are based on claims data from a German statutory health insurance covering 2005–2016. The database comprised N=3 163 211 women (50.7%) and men (49.3%) aged 18 years and older. Diagnoses (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision: C34.0 to C34.9) were hospital-based, and income and occupational position were used as indicators of socioeconomic position. Analyses on social gradients were performed for employed and retired insured, but only for employed insured information on occupation and on income were available, for retired women and men only income was available. Analyses were performed by means of proportional hazard regression.ResultsIn employed women, social gradients for the occurrence emerged for occupational position, but not for income. In men, social differences were found for both indicators. For retired insured, income gradients were found in men. Looking at overall survival, neither in women nor in men social gradients emerged.ConclusionsThe reported social inequalities in the occurrence of lung cancer are pointing towards social differences in smoking behaviour, exposition to hazardous occupation-related substances and differences in preventive strategies. The absence of social inequalities in survival after lung cancer suggests equality in medical treatment of the disease.