bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are there Local Differences in Support for Violent Radicalization? A Study on College Students in the Province of Quebec, Canada
Authors: Miconi Diana , Calcagnì Antonio , Mekki‐Berrada Abdelwahed , Rousseau Cécile 
Published: December 2020

Support for violent radicalization (VR) is a multidimensional phenomenon determined by individual, social, and contextual variables. However, how local contexts influence the configurations of risk and protective factors leading to the process of VR remains an open question. In line with a socioecological framework, this study aims to investigate local differences in support for VR and its associated risk factors (i.e., immigrant status, social adversity, depression, and collective identity) among college students in Quebec, a Canadian province with a variety of social and political contexts (i.e., Francophone Montreal, Quebec City, rural/suburban areas, and Anglophone communities). A total of 1765 college students (71% women; 73% aged between 16 and 21 years) completed an online survey. Mixed‐effects models were implemented to test local differences in support for VR and its risk factors. Results showed that the association between social adversity (i.e., discrimination and exposure to violence) and support for VR varied by local context. Specifically, social adversity was a risk factor across all contexts but Quebec City. Although prevention programs may target common determinants of support for VR, they need to be tailored according to local realities, and in particular the level of social diversity and the relative prevalence of mainstream radical discourses.
The impact of free trade agreements in national markets: Evidence from the telecommunications sector in Latin America
Authors: Castillo Mezarina Jose Luis 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn the 2000s, the United States signed free trade agreements (FTAs) with several Latin American countries. These treaties were among the first to contain specific chapters on telecommunications, which seek to promote competition and foreign investment in this market. This paper uses a difference‐in‐differences econometric strategy to evaluate the impact of these exogenous reforms in the telecommunications industry. The results show that the FTAs prompted an estimated reduction of 45.5% in average revenue per user in the subscribing countries, and that this competitive effect was mainly due to the decrease of 34% in the prices of mobile calls. FTAs are not found to have significant impacts on fixed and mobile phone penetration, nor on private investment in these services, reflecting their lower profitability after the strengthening of competition.
Repeat patient testing‐based quality control shows promise for use in veterinary biochemistry testing
Authors: Flatland Bente , Freeman Kathleen P. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundRepeat patient testing‐based quality control (RPT‐QC) is a form of statistical QC and an alternative to commercial quality control materials (QCM).ObjectiveThis study investigated the suitability of canine heparinized plasma for use in RPT‐QC and assessed the predicted performance of RPT‐QC for the detection of analytical error in chemistry testing.MethodsThe stability of canine plasma for RPT‐QC was investigated via storage at two temperatures for three or six time points. Storage data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and by comparing results for stored specimens to baseline data using predetermined criteria. To generate RPT‐QC limit‐setting and ‐validation data, leftover plasma was prospectively measured. Once control limits were established, these were challenged by measuring specimens for which the repeat aliquot had been manipulated to mimic analytical error. Finally, the predicted performance of RPT‐QC and QCM‐QC with four control rules was investigated using Westgard's EZ Rules 3.ResultsRefrigerated storage of canine plasma for 7 days allowed mild changes facilitating RPT‐QC. RPT‐QC limits for 12 of 17 common measurands were validated. Validated limits successfully flagged differences from manipulated specimen pairs as “error.” The predicted performance of RPT‐QC for analytical error detection (represented by smallest achievable allowable total error, given a probability of error detection ≥ 85% and a probability of false rejection ≤ 5%) for four common control rules is comparable to that of QCM‐QC.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that RPT‐QC using canine heparinized plasma refrigerated for 7 days can be used with simple control rules and low numbers of control materials, suggesting RPT‐QC is applicable to both reference and in‐clinic laboratory settings.
Candidaparapsilosis complex infection in a cutaneous lesion from a dog: Spotlight on an opportunistic pathogen of potential increasing importance
Authors: Skeldon Niki , Dobromylskyj Melanie , Fews Debra , Hayden William 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFine‐needle aspirates from a 1.5‐cm cutaneous mass in a Cocker Spaniel were submitted for cytologic examination. Marked pyogranulomatous inflammation and fungal organisms were present, identified as Candida parapsilosis complex by MALDI‐ToF following fungal culture. The fungal infection was considered secondary or an incidental finding, following the diagnosis of a benign keratinizing lesion by histopathologic examination of the excised mass. This case is presented to increase awareness and describe the cytologic features of a potential pathogen, which is of increasing importance in human medicine but has a limited presence in the veterinary literature despite the potential for a similar significance.
Do the associations of body mass index and waist circumference with back pain change as people age? 32 years of follow-up in a British birth cohort
Authors: Muthuri Stella , Cooper Rachel , Kuh Diana , Hardy Rebecca 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo investigate whether cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with back pain change with age and extend into later life.DesignBritish birth cohort study.SettingEngland, Scotland and Wales.ParticipantsUp to 3426 men and women from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development.Primary outcome measuresBack pain (sciatica, lumbago or recurring/severe backache all or most of the time) was self-reported during nurse interviews at ages 36, 43, 53 and 60–64 years and in a postal questionnaire using a body manikin at age 68.ResultsFindings from mixed-effects logistic regression models indicated that higher BMI was consistently associated with increased odds of back pain across adulthood. Sex-adjusted ORs of back pain per 1 SD increase in BMI were: 1.13 (95% CI: 1.01 to 1.26), 1.11 (95% CI: 1.00 to 1.23), 1.17 (95% CI: 1.05 to 1.30), 1.31 (95% CI: 1.15 to 1.48) and 1.08 (95% CI: 0.95 to 1.24) at ages 36, 43, 53, 60–64 and 68–69, respectively. Similar patterns of associations were observed for WC. These associations were maintained when potential confounders, including education, occupational class, height, cigarette smoking status, physical activity and symptoms of anxiety and depression were accounted for. BMI showed stronger associations than WC in models including both measures.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that higher BMI is a persistent risk factor for back pain across adulthood. This highlights the potential lifelong consequences on back pain of the rising prevalence of obesity within the population.
Protocol on a multicentre statistical and economic modelling study of risk-based stratified and personalised screening for diabetes and its complications in India (SMART India)
Authors: Sivaprasad Sobha , Raman Rajiv , Rajalakshmi Ramachandran , Mohan Viswanathan , Deepa Mohan , Das Taraprasad , Ramasamy Kim , Prevost A Toby , Wittenberg Raphael , Netuveli Gopalakrishnan , Lingam Gopal , Hanif Wasim , Ramakrishnan Radha , Ramu Jayashree , Surya Janani , Conroy Dolores 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionThe aim of this study is to develop practical and affordable models to (a) diagnose people with diabetes and prediabetes and (b) identify those at risk of diabetes complications so that these models can be applied to the population in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) where laboratory tests are unaffordable.Methods and analysisThis statistical and economic modelling study will be done on at least 48 000 prospectively recruited participants aged 40 years or above through community screening across 20 predefined regions in India. Each participant will be tested for capillary random blood glucose (RBG) and complete a detailed health-related questionnaire. People with known diabetes and all participants with predefined levels of RBG will undergo further tests, including point-of-care (POC) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), POC lipid profile and POC urine test for microalbuminuria, retinal photography using non-mydriatic hand-held retinal camera, visual acuity assessment in both eyes and complete quality of life questionnaires. The primary aim of the study is to develop a model and assess its diagnostic performance to predict HbA1c diagnosed diabetes from simple tests that can be applied in resource-limited settings; secondary outcomes include RBG cut-off for definition of prediabetes, diagnostic accuracy of cost-effective risk stratification models for diabetic retinopathy and models for identifying those at risk of complications of diabetes. Diagnostic accuracy inter-tests agreement, statistical and economic modelling will be performed, accounting for clustering effects.Ethics and disseminationThe Indian Council of Medical Research/Health Ministry Screening Committee (HMSC/2018–0494 dated 17 December 2018 and institutional ethics committees of all the participating institutions approved the study. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at national and international conferences.Trial registration numberISRCTN57962668 V1.0 24/09/2018.
Surgical candidacy and treatment initiation among women with cervical cancer at public referral hospitals in Kampala, Uganda: a descriptive cohort study
Authors: Swanson Megan , Nakalembe Miriam , Chen Lee-may , Ueda Stefanie , Namugga Jane , Nakisige Carol , Huchko Megan J 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesThis study aimed to report the proportion of women with a new diagnosis of cervical cancer recommended for curative hysterectomy as well as associated factors. We also report recommended treatments by stage and patterns of treatment initiation.DesignThis was an observational cohort study. Inperson surveys were followed by a phone call.SettingParticipants were recruited at the two public tertiary care referral hospitals in Kampala, Uganda.ParticipantsAdult women with a new diagnosis of cervical cancer were eligible: 332 were invited to participate, 268 met the criteria and enrolled, and 255 completed both surveys.Primary and secondary outcomes measuresThe primary outcome of interest was surgical candidacy; a secondary outcome was treatment initiation. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses examined the associations between predictors and outcomes. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine outcomes in subgroups, including stage and availability of radiation.ResultsAmong 268 participants, 76% were diagnosed at an advanced stage (IIB–IVB). In total, 12% were recommended for hysterectomy. In adjusted analysis, living within 15 km of Kampala (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.20 to 8.03) and prior screening (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.22 to 6.83) were significantly associated with surgical candidacy. Radiotherapy availability was not significantly associated with treatment recommendations for early-stage disease (IA–IIA), but was associated with recommended treatment modality (chemoradiation vs primary chemotherapy) for locally advanced stage (IIB–IIIB). Most (67%) had started treatment. No demographic or health factor, treatment recommendation, or radiation availability was associated with treatment initiation. Among those recommended for hysterectomy, 55% underwent surgery. Among those who had initiated treatment, 82% started the modality that was recommended.ConclusionWomen presented to public referral centres in Kampala with mostly advanced-stage cervical cancer and few were recommended for surgery. Most were able to initiate treatment. Lack of access to radiation did not significantly increase the proportion of early-stage cancers recommended for hysterectomy.
Antihypertensive drug effects according to the pretreatment self-measured home blood pressure: the HOMED-BP study
Authors: Sano Hikari , Hara Azusa , Asayama Kei , Miyazaki Seiko , Kikuya Masahiro , Imai Yutaka , Ohkubo Takayoshi 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo clarify whether or not the antihypertensive drug effect is proportional to the baseline pretreatment self-measured home blood pressure (HBP) in accordance with the law of initial value (Wilder’s law).DesignA post-hoc analysis of a multicentre clinical trial.SettingOutpatients across Japan with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension.ParticipantsAmong 3518 randomised participants, 2423 who self-measured HBP during the pretreatment drug-free period (10–28 days after starting fixed-dose antihypertensive monotherapy) with a mean 7.0 years follow-up were eligible.Main outcome measuresWe analysed individual HBP readings during pretreatment and monotherapy.ResultsThe day-to-day HBP during both the pretreatment period and monotherapy period remains almost the same throughout each period; the results were consistent, regardless of the pretreatment HBP. Following monotherapy, the reduction in the HBP increased by 2.2 mm Hg (95% CI: 1.8 to 2.5 mm Hg) per 10 mm Hg pretreatment HBP increase, up to 11.0 mm Hg (95% CI: 9.9 to 12.0 mm Hg) among patients with an HBP ≥165 mm Hg during pretreatment. Among the 1005 patients receiving low-dose monotherapy (defined daily dose: 0.5 units), the reduction peaked at 8.9–9.1 mm Hg in those with pretreatment HBP 155–164 mm Hg and ≥165 mm Hg (p=0.88).ConclusionsAccording to Wilder’s law, the HBP reduction due to fixed-dose monotherapy was proportional to the pretreatment HBP without any regression to the mean phenomenon. With low-dose antihypertensive drugs, however, the HBP reduction peaked in patients with a high pretreatment HBP, indicating the need for such patients to receive a sufficient amount of antihypertensive drug medication at the initial treatment.Trial registrationUMIN Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr), Unique identifier: C000000137.
Does digital health technology improve physicians’ job satisfaction and work–life balance? A cross-sectional national survey and regression analysis using an instrumental variable
Authors: Zaresani Arezou , Scott Anthony 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo examine the association between physicians’ use of digital health technology and their job satisfaction and work–life balance.DesignA cross-sectional nationally representative survey of physicians and probit regression models were used to examine the association between using digital health technology and the probability of reporting high job satisfaction and a good work–life balance. Models included a rich set of covariates, including physicians’ personality traits, and instrumental variable analysis was used to control for bias from unobservable confounders and reverse causality.SettingClinical practice settings in Australia, including physicians working in primary care, hospitals, outpatient settings, and physicians working in the public and private sectors.ParticipantsRespondents to wave 11 (2018–2019) of the Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life (MABEL) longitudinal survey of doctors. The analysis sample included a broadly nationally representative sample of 7043 physicians, including general practitioners, specialists and physicians in training.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe proportion of respondents who used any digital health technology; proportion answered ‘moderately satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ to the statement on job satisfaction: ‘Taking everything into account, how do you feel about your work’; proportion agreeing or strongly agreeing to the statement on work–life balance: ‘The balance between my personal and professional commitments is about right.’ResultsPhysicians with positive beliefs about the effectiveness of using digital health technology were 3.8 percentage points (95% CI 2.7 to 5.0) more likely to use digital health technology compared with those who did not. Physicians with colleagues who already used digital health technology were also 4.1 percentage points (95% CI 2.6 to 5.6) more likely to use digital health technology. The availability of IT support and lack of privacy concerns increased the probability of using digital health technology by 1.6 percentage points (95% CI 1.0 to 2.3) and 0.5 percentage points (95% CI 0.1 to 1.0). Physicians who used digital health technology were 14.2 percentage points (95% CI −1.3 to 29.7) and 20.3 percentage points (95% CI 2.4 to 38.1) more likely to report respectively higher job satisfaction and good work–life balance, compared with the physicians who did not use it.ConclusionsFindings suggested digital health technology served more as a work resource than work demand for physicians who used it.
Acute food insecurity and short-term coping strategies of urban and rural households of Bangladesh during the lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic of 2020: report of a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Das Subhasish , Rasul Md. Golam , Hossain Md Shabab , Khan Ar-Rafi , Alam Md Ashraful , Ahmed Tahmeed , Clemens John D 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionWe conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the extent and to identify the determinants of food insecurity and coping strategies in urban and rural households of Bangladesh during the month-long, COVID-19 lockdown period.SettingSelected urban and rural areas of Bangladesh.Participants106 urban and 106 rural households.Outcome variables and methodHousehold food insecurity status and the types of coping strategies were the outcome variables for the analyses. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were done to identify the determinants.ResultsWe found that around 90% of the households were suffering from different grades of food insecurity. Severe food insecurity was higher in urban (42%) than rural (15%) households. The rural households with mild/moderate food insecurity adopted either financial (27%) or both financial and food compromised (32%) coping strategies, but 61% of urban mild/moderate food insecure households applied both forms of coping strategies. Similarly, nearly 90% of severely food insecure households implemented both types of coping strategies. Living in poorest households was significantly associated (p value <0.05) with mild/moderate (regression coefficient, β: 15.13, 95% CI 14.43 to 15.82), and severe food insecurity (β: 16.28, 95% CI 15.58 to 16.97). The statistically significant (p <0.05) determinants of both food compromised and financial coping strategies were living in urban areas (β: 1.8, 95% CI 0.44 to 3.09), living in poorest (β: 2.7, 95% CI 1 to 4.45), poorer (β: 2.6, 95% CI 0.75 to 4.4) and even in the richer (β: 1.6, 95% CI 0.2 to 2.9) households and age of the respondent (β: 0.1, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.21).ConclusionBoth urban and rural households suffered from moderate to severe food insecurity during the month-long lockdown period in Bangladesh. But, poorest, poorer and even the richer households adopted different coping strategies that might result in long-term economic and nutritional consequences.
Social, financial and psychological stress during an emerging pandemic: observations from a population survey in the acute phase of COVID-19
Authors: Robillard Rebecca , Saad Mysa , Edwards Jodi , Solomonova Elizaveta , Pennestri Marie-Hélène , Daros Alexander , Veissière Samuel Paul Louis , Quilty Lena , Dion Karianne , Nixon Ashley , Phillips Jennifer , Bhatla Raj , Spilg Edward , Godbout Roger , Yazji Bashour , Rushton Cynda , Gifford Wendy A , Gautam Mamta , Boafo Addo , Swartz Rick , Kendzerska Tetyana 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionThe negative impacts of COVID-19 have rippled through every facet of society. Understanding the multidimensional impacts of this pandemic is crucial to identify the most critical needs and to inform targeted interventions. This population survey study aimed to investigate the acute phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in terms of perceived threats and concerns, occupational and financial impacts, social impacts and stress between 3 April and 15 May 2020.Methods6040 participants are included in this report. A multivariate linear regression model was used to identify factors associated with stress changes (as measured by the Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)) relative to pre-outbreak retrospective estimates.ResultsOn average, PSS scores increased from low stress levels before the outbreak to moderate stress levels during the outbreak (p<0.001). The independent factors associated with stress worsening were: having a mental disorder, female sex, having underage children, heavier alcohol consumption, working with the general public, shorter sleep duration, younger age, less time elapsed since the start of the outbreak, lower stress before the outbreak, worse symptoms that could be linked to COVID-19, lower coping skills, worse obsessive–compulsive symptoms related to germs and contamination, personalities loading on extraversion, conscientiousness and neuroticism, left wing political views, worse family relationships and spending less time exercising and doing artistic activities.ConclusionCross-sectional analyses showed a significant increase from low to moderate stress during the COVID-19 outbreak. Identified modifiable factors associated with increased stress may be informative for intervention development.Trial registration numberNCT04369690; Results.
Testing the efficacy of a hospital-based violence intervention programme: protocol and design
Authors: St. Vil Christopher , Hall Erin C , Sheppard Mildred , Williams Mallory 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionHospital-based violence intervention programmes (HBVIPs) are a promising strategy to reduce trauma recidivism and promote safety among victims of violent injury. While previous studies have demonstrated cost-effectiveness and positive impact on the lives of victims, there are a number of key limitations in the study designs of this evidence base. This study seeks to address the methodological shortcomings of previous research, determine the efficacy of HBVIPs using a randomised control study design, and provide a better understanding of successful service allocation within an HBVIP.Methods and analysisThe current study is 1 of 12 demonstration projects being implemented around the country with the purpose of bolstering the ability to provide effective, culturally appropriate and trauma-informed services for boys and men harmed by violence. We propose a randomised control trial in which male victims of violence receive one of two interventions: treatment as usual versus enhanced services. The purpose is to determine which intervention leads to reductions in trauma recidivism over the period of 1 year from contact with the programme. Differences will also be monitored on measures of mental health, quality of life and attitudes towards violence. Analyses employed will include Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression with death and recidivism being the outcomes of interest.Ethics and disseminationStudy procedures have been approved by the Institutional Review Boards of the University at Buffalo and four hospitals. Results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.