bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A dual spatial clustering method in the presence of heterogeneity and noise
Authors: Zhu Jie , Zheng Jiazhu , Di Shaoning , Wang Shu , Yang Jing 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe detection of spatial clusters, taking into account both spatial proximity and attribute similarity, plays a vital role in spatial data analysis. Although several dual clustering methods are currently available in the literature, most of them have detected homogeneous spatially adjacent clusters suffering from between‐cluster inhomogeneity and noise, where those spatial points have been described in the attribute domain. This article aims to accommodate both spatial proximity and attribute similarity with the presence of heterogeneity and noise. In this algorithm, Delaunay triangulation with edge‐length constraints, with consideration of arbitrary geometrical shapes, different densities, and spatial noise, is first utilized to construct spatial proximity relationships among points. Then, a clustering strategy employing information entropy is designed to identify clusters having similar attributes. The attribute clustering can adaptively and accurately detect clusters under the consideration of heterogeneity and noise. The efficacy and practicability of the proposed algorithm are illustrated by experiments employing both simulated datasets and real spatial point events.
No pets allowed: A trans-species social justice perspective to address housing issues for older adults and companion animals
Authors: Matsuoka Atsuko , Sorenson John , Graham Taryn Mary , Ferreira Jasmine 
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION: Significant benefits of companion animals (i.e., pets) for older adults are recognized and publications on Animal-Assisted Intervention, Animal-Assisted Activities and Animal-Assisted Therapies with older adults are growing. Studies on housing and community- residing older adults with companion animals from a non-utilitarian perspective on other animals, however, are rather limited.METHODS: For this scoping review, we used a Critical Animal Studies perspective, in particular, a trans-species social justice framework to address two questions: “What are the scope and size of the literature on housing for community living older adults with companion animals?” and “What is known from the existing literature?” We searched peer-reviewed publications from 1980 to 2019 by using MEDLINE, PsychINFO, ProQuest and Scopus.FINDINGS: Six works from Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand and US met our criteria. A disturbing reality was discovered: Restrictive leasing (‘no pets’ for rental housing) among low-income older adults with companion animals in public housing has persisted for the last 40 years and prevents them from accessing affordable housing. Also, the discourse of pets as problems or risk seems to justify prohibiting older adults from living with companion animals.CONCLUSION: Utilising the concept of speciesism and a trans-species social justice framework for analysis, we argue that intersectional institutional oppression of speciesism and classism is a root cause of the situation. Justice for older adults cannot be achieved without justice for their companion animals. Future studies in human–animal relations and education and practice in social work need to incorporate ideas of speciesism and justice beyond humans.
Less liver fibrosis marker increment in overweight chronic hepatitis B patients observed by age-adjusted Fibrosis-4 Index
Authors: Liu Ta-Wei , Huang Chung-Feng , Yeh Ming-Lun , Tsai Pei-Chien , Jang Tyng-Yuan , Huang Jee-Fu , Dai Chia-Yen , Chuang Wan-Long , Yu Ming-Lung 
Published: December 2020

Background and aimsChronic hepatitis B patients in Taiwan with no or limited liver injury are not reimbursed for antiviral treatment by the Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI). Innovative fibrosis marker, age-adjusted Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB4-AA), was implemented to evaluate the tendency of liver fibrosis in these patients.MethodsThe FIB-4 indices of 256 antiviral treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B patients at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital from 2003 to 2019 were reviewed. The difference in initial FIB-4 and lastFIB4-AAwas treated as a categorical variable, representing the tendency of liver fibrosis in each individual aside from ageing. Logistic regression was implemented to evaluate the three parameters most dependent on increment of FIB4-AA: e seroconversion, body mass index (BMI) and initial FIB-4 index.ResultsThe yearly FIB-4 growth rate of an individual without chronic hepatitis was lower than that of the study group (0.0237 vs 0.0273 for males, 0.02 vs 0.0288 for females). Patients undergoing or completing e seroconversion were less prone to increment of FIB4-AA (p=0.036, OR 0.524). Logistic regression revealed that BMI ≥25 kg/m2significantly less increment of FIB4-AA (p=0.001, OR 0.383, 95% CI 0.212 to 0.690), while patients with initial FIB-4 <1.29 were prone to increasing liver FIB4-AA (p=0.000, OR 3.687, 95% CI 1.999 to 6.797).ConclusionChronic hepatitis B patients not meeting the reimbursement criteria of the Taiwan NHI are prone to increment of liver fibrosis marker. Overweight is associated with less increment of fibrosis marker, while initial FIB-4 <1.29 is associated with increasing fibrosis marker.
Community interventions with women’s groups to improve women’s and children’s health in India: a mixed-methods systematic review of effects, enablers and barriers
Authors: Desai Sapna , Misra Madhavi , Das Aikantika , Singh Roopal Jyoti , Sehgal Mrignyani , Gram Lu , Kumar Neha , Prost Audrey 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionIndia is home to over 6 million women’s groups, including self-help groups. There has been no evidence synthesis on whether and how such groups improve women’s and children’s health.MethodsWe did a mixed-methods systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies on women’s groups in India to examine effects on women and children’s health and to identify enablers and barriers to achieving outcomes. We searched 10 databases and included studies published in English from 2000 to 2019 measuring health knowledge, behaviours or outcomes. Our study population included adult women and children under 5 years. We appraised studies using standard risk of bias assessments. We compared intervention effects by level of community participation, scope of capability strengthening (individual, group or community), type of women’s group and social and behaviour change techniques employed. We synthesised quantitative and qualitative studies to identify barriers and enablers related to context, intervention design and implementation, and outcome characteristics.FindingsWe screened 21 380 studies and included 99: 19 randomised controlled trial reports, 25 quasi-experimental study reports and 55 non-experimental studies (27 quantitative and 28 qualitative). Experimental studies provided moderate-quality evidence that health interventions with women’s groups can improve perinatal practices, neonatal survival, immunisation rates and women’s and children’s dietary diversity, and help control vector-borne diseases. Evidence of positive effects was strongest for community mobilisation interventions that built communities’ capabilities and went beyond sharing information. Key enablers were inclusion of vulnerable community members, outcomes that could be reasonably expected to change through community interventions and intensity proportionate to ambition. Barriers included limited time or focus on health, outcomes not relevant to group members and health system constraints.ConclusionInterventions with women’s groups can improve women’s and children’s health in India. The most effective interventions go beyond using groups to disseminate health information and seek to build communities’ capabilities.Trial registration numberThe review was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42019130633.
Boys are more likely to be undernourished than girls: a systematic review and meta-analysis of sex differences in undernutrition
Authors: Thurstans Susan , Opondo Charles , Seal Andrew , Wells Jonathan , Khara Tanya , Dolan Carmel , Briend André , Myatt Mark , Garenne Michel , Sear Rebecca , Kerac Marko 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundExcess male morbidity and mortality is well recognised in neonatal medicine and infant health. In contrast, within global nutrition, it is commonly assumed that girls are more at risk of experiencing undernutrition. We aimed to explore evidence for any male/female differences in child undernutrition using anthropometric case definitions and the reasons for differences observed.MethodsWe searched: Medline, Embase, Global health, Popline and Cochrane databases with no time limits applied. Eligible studies focused on children aged 0–59 months affected by undernutrition where sex was reported. In the meta-analysis, undernutrition-specific estimates were examined separately for wasting, stunting and underweight using a random-effects model.Results74 studies were identified: 44/74 studies were included in the meta-analysis. In 20 which examined wasting, boys had higher odds of being wasted than girls (pooled OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.40). 38 examined stunting: boys had higher odds of stunting than girls (pooled OR 1.29 95% CI 1.22 to 1.37). 23 explored underweight: boys had higher odds of being underweight than girls (pooled OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.26). There was some limited evidence that the female advantage, indicated by a lower risk of stunting and underweight, was weaker in South Asia than other parts of the world. 43/74 (58%) studies discussed possible reasons for boy/girl differences; 10/74 (14%) cited studies with similar findings with no further discussion; 21/74 (28%) had no sex difference discussion. 6/43 studies (14%) postulated biological causes, 21/43 (49%) social causes and 16/43 (37%) to a combination.ConclusionOur review indicates that undernutrition in children under 5 is more likely to affect boys than girls, though the magnitude of these differences varies and is more pronounced in some contexts than others. Future research should further explore reasons for these differences and implications for nutrition policy and practice.
Are lifestyle pattern changes associated to poor subjective sleep quality?: a cross-sectional study by gender among the general Japanese population underwent specified medical check-ups in 2014 and 2015
Authors: Hidaka Tomoo , Kasuga Hideaki , Endo Shota , Masuishi Yusuke , Kakamu Takeyasu , Takeda Akiko , Koizumi Makoto , Fukushima Tetsuhito 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesSubjective sleep quality (SSQ) is defined by the satisfaction of one’s overall sleep experience and is composed of sleep depth and restfulness. It has not been clarified how poor SSQ is associated to changes in lifestyles. The purpose is to reveal the association of lifestyle pattern changes and poor SSQ.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingThe data on basic attributes, SSQ and lifestyle such as presence/absence of smoking, exercise, physical activity, supper time close to bedtime, drinking habits and alcohol intake amount per day were obtained from database and questionnaire of specified medical check-ups in fiscal year 2014–2015 in Japan. The analysis was conducted in 2019.ParticipantsThe subjects comprised 49 483 residents (26 087 men and 23 396 women), aged 40–74 years who had undergone an annual specified medical check-up from 2014 to 2015 in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.Outcome measureStatus of SSQ in 2015 was assessed using a question asking whether or not the subjects usually got enough sleep. Poor SSQ in 2015 and lifestyle pattern changes in 2014–2015 were compared between those who were in healthy status both in 2014 and 2015 (referent) and non-referent, using binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsUnhealthy lifestyle pattern for 2014–2015 was significantly associated to poor SSQ in 2015: ‘absent to absent’ in exercise for men (OR=1.472; 95% CI 1.316 to 1.647) and women (OR=1.428; 95% CI 1.285 to 1.587), physical activity for men (OR=1.420; 95% CI 1.270 to 1.588) and women (OR=1.471; 95% CI 1.322 to 1.638) and ‘present to present’ in supper time for men (OR=1.149; 95% CI 1.020 to 1.294) and women (OR=1.288; 95% CI 1.102 to 1.505).ConclusionsHealthcare workers may be able to contribute to the improvement of SSQ, focusing on changeable lifestyles.
Effectiveness of routine measurement of health-related quality of life in improving the outcomes of patients with musculoskeletal problems—a cluster randomised controlled trial: protocol paper
Authors: Lam Cindy , Chin Weng Yee , Wong Carlos King Ho , Or Kalun , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Cheung Jason Pui Yin , Chao David Vai Kiong , Wong Eliza L Y , Kind Paul 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionManaging chronic musculoskeletal problems usually focuses on pain control using medications, but outcomes are often unsatisfactory and sometimes harmful. Information on a patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQOL) may trigger a doctor to tailor management improving quality of life. The aim of this trial is to find out whether routine measurement and reporting of a patient’s EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) HRQOL data using an electronic platform can improve HRQOL and pain in patients with chronic knee or back problems in primary care. We will also assess the acceptability of routine electronic measurements and reporting of the EQ-5D-5L in primary care settings.MethodsThis is a multicentre, prospective, cluster randomised controlled trial set in six public primary care clinics in Hong Kong. At the intervention clinics, subjects will complete an electronic EQ-5D-5L form at recruitment and at each clinic follow-up over 12 months. A report of the patient’s longitudinal EQ-5D-5L data will be provided to the doctor. Subjects in the control clinics will receive care as usual. All subjects will complete the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), a 10-point Pain Rating Scale and a structured questionnaire to collect sociodemographic information and data on morbidity and service utilisation at recruitment at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Primary outcome is the change in WOMAC total score. Secondary outcomes are change in pain, other patient-reported outcome scores and doctor-rated severity of disease. Group differences in the changes in WOMAC and other outcome scores over time will be analysed using generalised estimating equation model with an intention-to-treat principle.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been obtained from The University of Hong Kong/Hospital Authority Hong Kong West Cluster (IRB reference number: UW 18-270). The results of the trial will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberNCT03609762.
Ideal cardiovascular health in urban Jamaica: prevalence estimates and relationship to community property value, household assets and educational attainment: a cross-sectional study
Authors: McKenzie Joette A , Younger Novie O , Tulloch-Reid Marshall Kerr , Govia Ishtar , Bennett Nadia R , McFarlane Shelly , Walters Renee , Francis Damian K , Webster-Kerr Karen , Grant Andriene , Davidson Tamu , Wilks Rainford , Williams David R , Ferguson Trevor S 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveIdeal cardiovascular health (ICH) is associated with greater longevity and reduced morbidity, but no research on ICH has been conducted in Jamaica. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of ICH in urban Jamaica and to evaluate associations between ICH and community, household, and individual socioeconomic status (SES).DesignCross-sectional study.SettingUrban communities in Jamaica.Participants360 men and 665 women who were urban residents aged ≥20 years from a national survey, the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey 2016–2017.ExposuresCommunity SES, using median land values (MLV); household SES, using number of household assets; and individual SES, using education level.Primary outcomeThe main outcome variable was ICH, defined as having five or more of seven ICH characteristics (ICH-5): current non-smoking, healthy diet, moderate physical activity, normal body mass index, normal blood pressure, normal glucose and normal cholesterol. Prevalence was estimated using weighted survey design and logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations.ResultsThe prevalence of overall ICH (seven characteristics) was 0.51%, while the prevalence of ICH-5 was 22.9% (male 24.5%, female 21.5%, p=0.447). In sex-specific multivariable models adjusted for age, education, and household assets, men in the lower tertiles of community MLV had lower odds of ICH-5 compared with men in the upper tertile (lowest tertile: OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.91, p=0.032; middle tertile: OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.20 to 1.04, p=0.062). Women from communities in the lower and middle tertiles of MLV also had lower odds of ICH-5, but the association was not statistically significant. Educational attainment was inversely associated with ICH-5 among men and positively associated among women.ConclusionLiving in poorer communities was associated with lower odds of ICH-5 among men in Jamaica. The association between education level and ICH-5 differed in men and women.
Association between different types of mass media and antenatal care visits in India: a cross-sectional study from the National Family Health Survey (2015–2016)
Authors: Dhawan Dhriti , Pinnamaneni Ramya , Bekalu Mesfin , Viswanath Kasisomayajula 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveTo generate evidence for the association between different types of mass media and antenatal care (ANC) visits in India.DesignA cross-sectional study design, analysing data from India’s National Family Health Survey 4 (NFHS-4), 2015–2016.SettingRural and urban India.ParticipantsFrom NFHS-4, women who had given birth in the last 5 years before survey administration were included in this study. Women with missing information about their number of ANC visits and their caste were excluded, leaving 187 894 women in the final analytical sample.Primary outcome measuresLogistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the association of ANC utilisation with mass media exposure.ResultsOverall, our study showed that high exposure to all four types of mass media was positively associated with making at least eight ANC visits. In rural India, women who had high exposure to newspaper/magazine (adjusted OR (aOR), 1.43; 95% CI, 1.31 to 1.57), radio (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.37), television (aOR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.94 to 2.2) and movies (aOR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.2 to 1.47) were more likely to make at least eight ANC visits. In urban India, women who had high exposure to newspaper/magazine (aOR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.24), radio (aOR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.65), television (aOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.24 to 1.55) and movies (aOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.38) were more likely to make at least eight ANC visits.ConclusionsOur findings emphasise the need for increased awareness about adequate ANC visits in India, to improve maternal, neonatal and child health outcomes. Our study highlights that television penetration is broader than other forms of media and has the potential to create awareness about health in both urban and rural populations. These findings can inform ANC-related health awareness campaigns in the country to allocate resources to appropriate media sources to encourage healthy behaviours.
Retrospective observational study of temporal trends and outcomes of hepatitis B screening in patients receiving rituximab
Authors: Haider Mahnur , Flocco Gianina , Lopez Rocio , Carey William 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveHepatitis B reactivation (HBr) is strongly associated with rituximab therapy. Guidelines advise hepatitis B screening and use of preventive nucleoside analogue (NA) in patients at risk. In this study, we examined screening trends, post-screening interventions and outcomes in patients receiving rituximab in light of recommendations.DesignRetrospective, observational study.SettingSingle, tertiary care centre in the USA.ParticipantsPatients receiving rituximab from January 2005 to December 2017.Primary outcomeTrends of hepatitis B screening prior to initiation of rituximab.Secondary outcomeResults of hepatitis B screening, use of preventive NA therapy and HBr incidence.ResultsOver 13 years, 2219 patients received rituximab. Screening, with at least hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) prior to the first dose of rituximab, improved from 20% to 97%. Because only 4.5% of patients had a positive anti-HBc, the overall HBr incidence was very low (0.42%). In susceptible patients, the incidence of HBr was 8%. In at-risk patients given preventive NA, 96% remained free of HBr. However, only 23% received a preventive NA and no temporal improvement in compliance was seen. Of those with HBr, 87.5% were hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg−)/anti-HBc+.ConclusionsIn those treated with rituximab, we demonstrated near-universal anti-HBc screening. Screening unlinked to preventive NA use, in those who are anti-HBc+, is ineffective in reducing HBr. HBr has a high fatality rate. The majority of cases occurred in those who were HBsAg negative. Efforts are needed to educate providers who use rituximab not only to screen for anti-HBc, but to provide preventive NA to those who test positive.
COVID-19 confessions: a qualitative exploration of healthcare workers experiences of working with COVID-19
Authors: Bennett Paul , Noble S , Johnston Stephen , Jones David , Hunter Rachael 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesTo gain insight into the experiences and concerns of front-line National Health Service (NHS) workers while caring for patients with COVID-19.DesignQualitative analysis of data collected through an anonymous website (www.covidconfidential) provided a repository of uncensored COVID-19 experiences of front-line NHS workers, accessed via a link advertised on the Twitter feed of two high profile medical tweeters and their retweets.SettingCommunity of NHS workers who accessed this social media.Participants54 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and physiotherapists, accessed the website and left a ‘story’.ResultsStories ranged from 1 word to 10 min in length. Thematic analysis identified common themes, with a central aspect being the experience and psychological consequence of trauma. Specific themes were: (1) the shock of the virus, (2) staff sacrifice and dedication, (3) collateral damage ranging from personal health concerns to the long-term impact on, and care of, discharged patients and (4) a hierarchy of power and inequality within the healthcare system.ConclusionsCOVID-19 confidential gave an outlet for unprompted and uncensored stories of healthcare workers in the context of COVID-19. In addition to personal experiences of trauma, there were perceptions that many operational difficulties stemmed from inequalities of power between management and front-line workers. Learning from these experiences will reduce staff distress and improve patient care in the face of further waves of the pandemic.