bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Cross-Validation of a Simple Model to Estimate Percent Body Fat in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Bertapelli Fabio , Silveira Stephanie L. , Agiovlasitis Stamatis , Motl Robert W. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background:
Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) have higher body composition variability compared with the general population. Monitoring body composition requires accurate methods for estimating percent body fat (%BF). We developed and cross-validated an equation for estimating %BF from body mass index (BMI) and sex in persons with MS.

Methods:
Seventy-seven adults with MS represented the sample for the equation development. A separate sample of 33 adults with MS permitted the equation cross-validation. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) provided the criterion %BF.

Results:
The model including BMI and sex (mean ± SD age: women, 49.2 ± 8.8 years; men, 48.6 ± 9.8 years) had high predictive ability for estimating %BF (P &lt; .001, R2 = 0.77, standard error of estimate = 4.06%). Age, MS type, Patient-Determined Disease Steps score, and MS duration did not improve the model. The equation was %BF = 3.168 + (0.895 × BMI) − (10.191 × sex); sex, 0 = woman; 1 = man. The equation was cross-validated in the separate sample (age: women, 48.4 ± 9.4 years; men, 43.8 ± 15.4 years) based on high accuracy as indicated by strong association (r = 0.89, P &lt; .001), nonsignificant difference (mean: 0.2%, P &gt; .05), small absolute error (mean: 2.7%), root mean square error (3.5%), and small differences and no bias in Bland-Altman analysis (mean difference: 0.2%, 95% CI: −6.98 to 6.55, rs = −0.07, P = .702) between DXA-determined and equation-estimated %BF.

Conclusions:
Health care providers can use this developed and cross-validated equation for estimating adiposity in persons with MS when DXA is unavailable.
Lo jurodivyj in Nostalghia. Genesi ed evoluzione di Domenico nella sceneggiatura di Tarkovskij e Guerra
Authors: Matteucci Cristina 
Published: January 2021

This article aims to analyze the evolution of Domenico’s character in the different versions of Nostalghia’s script, written by Andrei Tarkovsky and Tonino Guerra. By comparing the director’s diaries with the twelve original typescripts kept in the Tarkovsky’s archive, it is possible to trace the origin and the evolution of the character, which has some similarities with the holy fool of Russian tradition. In the first versions of the script, in which the character is still vague and undefined, there are some quotes from Dostoevsky’s works that refer to the theme of madness. These references disappear in the latest versions, when Domenico begins to acquire more importance in the narrative and often expresses himself about madness with quotes from Guerra’s works.
Measurement Invariance of the Sensitive Assessment for Gender Equality (SAGE) Index Across Degree: Findings from two Teacher Education Programmes in Spain
Authors: Miralles-Cardona Cristina , Chiner Esther , Cardona-Moltó María Cristina 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Western European countries have made impressive gender equality (GE) progress in education during the last few decades. Unfortunately, the implementation of gender mainstreaming (GM) in higher education has not been satisfactory. This paper describes a survey-based research study designed to explore student teachers’ perceptions of training for GE in teacher education (TE) using the Sensitive Assessment for Gender Equality (SAGE) index. The study firstly aims to analyse the factor invariance across degree of the SAGE and secondly tries to describe the status of GM implementation in teacher education programmes from students’ perspectives. Data were collected from 398 student teachers (84% female) aged 21.44, enrolled on two TE programmes from a public higher education institution in the Autonomous Region of Valencia (Spain). Using single and multi-group CFA the study revealed that the proposed three-factor structure of the SAGE fitted well to early childhood and elementary school student teachers’ data, thus suggesting equivalence between its components in both samples. Early childhood students scored significantly higher than elementary school student teachers in their reported perceptions of gender equality training and awareness of gender inequalities. Results will be displayed in terms of identifying institutional and curricular needs for GE education practices as findings reveal a clear demand for change.
Diseases of Poverty: Neglected Tropical Skin Diseases in a Dermatologic Clinic in South- South Nigeria
Authors: Odibi Bolaji Otike- , Henshaw Eshan , Oninla Olumayowa , Altraide Dasetima 
Published: January 2021

Background: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of communicable diseases that are present.
In tropical and subtropical countries. They predominantly occur in developing countries, but may also be found in some developed countries; often associated with poverty, inadequate sanitation and living in close contact with infectious vectors and domestic animals and livestock. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set targets for elimination and eradication of NTDs, as this would improve the conditions of living in affected communities.
A number of neglected tropical diseases have skin manifestations, thus the dermatologist has a key role to play in their elimination and eradication. This study at the dermatologic clinic of University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital, aims to identify the types and prevalence of these diseases.
Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study in which the records of patients presenting with neglected tropical skin diseases (NTSDs) in the dermatologic clinic of University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital from January 2015 to April 2018 were obtained and analysed.
Results: One thousand five hundred and eighteen (1518) patients who visited the dermatology clinic during the study period were assessed. Number of 115 cases of NTSDs were identified, which represents 7.57% of the total population. There were more males (60.87%), with vast majority of cases being in their third decade. Five NTDs were identified, scabies being the most prevalent (80.87%) followed by Hansen’s disease (15.65%). These diseases affected the productive age groups, therefore possessing the potential of perpetuating poverty in the community.
Conclusion: Neglected tropical skin diseases are common in the dermatologic clinic, Scabies and Hansen’s disease were most prevalent cases recorded. Interestingly scabies was found more in males, in the third decade of life.
This is when men are quite productive, and therefore has the possibility of perpetuating poverty.
In vitro Antischistosomal Activity of Clerodendrum umbellatum Poir (Labiateae) Leaves Aqueous Extract and Derived Fractions against Schistosoma mansoni Adult Worms
Authors: Kenfack Mérimé Christian , Jatsa Hermine Boukeng , Feussom Nestor Gipwe , Nkondo Emilienne Tienga , Femoe Ulrich Membe , Tsague Christelle Dongmo , Dongo Etienne , Dzeufiet Paul Désiré Djomeni , Kamtchouing Pierre , Tchuente Louis-Albert Tchuem 
Published: January 2021

Aims: Treatment against schistosomiasis relies on praziquantel. Its treatment failure and the possible development of resistant schistosomes strains have been reported in the literature. Clerodendrum umbellatum leaves are used in Africa for the treatment of intestinal helminthiasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of C. umbellatum leaves aqueous extract and derived fractions on Schistosoma mansoni adult worms.
Methodology: Five male and five female Schistosoma mansoni adult worms were incubated in each well for 48 h in a GMEM culture medium with C. umbellatum aqueous extract (125 to 4000 µg/mL) or its n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions or the aqueous residue (62.5 to 2000 µg/mL). The main parameters assessed were the worm’s mortality and the reduction of motor activity. Phytochemical screening of all our tested substances was also performed. The cytotoxicity assay using mouse melanoma liver cells line was performed on the aqueous extract and on the most active fraction.
Results: Our study shown that C. umbellatum leaves aqueous extract and its derived fractions promoted worm mortality. The aqueous extract disclosed a LC50 of 805.21 µg/mL while the LC50 of the methanol fraction was 343.10 µg/mL. With this lowest LC50, the methanol fraction from C. umbellatum aqueous extract was therefore the most active. Moreover, it showed low level of toxicity on hepatocytes. Incubation of worms with C. umbellatum aqueous extract and fractions also resulted in a significant reduction of the motor activity of survival worms with a 39.54 to 100% reduction after 48h. The phytochemical screening of C. umbellatum aqueous extract and fractions revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and terpenoids.
Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the in vitro activity of C. umbellatum aqueous extract and derived fractions on S. mansoni adult worms and could then justify its empirical use to combat schistosomiasis.
Plant Growth Regulators in Flowering Alternation of the Fuji Suprema Apple Tree
Authors: Petri José Luiz , Sezerino André Amarildo , Fenili Cristhian Leonardo 
Published: January 2021

Aims: Research on alternate bearing in apple trees is usually focused on chemical thinning techniques, but in recent decades synthetic bioregulators have proven to be effective in promoting or inhibiting floral induction in apple trees. However, the results can be variable since some cultivars are prone to alternation, as Fuji and its clones. The objective of the present study was to observe the effect of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), Ethephon, and their combinations in the formation of flowering buds avoiding flowering alternation, in Cv, Fuji Suprema.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiments were carried out in southern Brazil, municipality of Caçador / SC, during the cycles from 2014 to 2019, in the cultivar Fuji Suprema / Marubakaido / M9, with 12 years old.
Methodology: Several variables were evaluated such as flowering return, fruit set, yield, number of fruits per plant, average fresh fruit mass, and biennial bearing index (BBI).
Results: The results were variable and showed that NAA and Ethephon had little effect on reducing flowering alternation when applied during the vegetative phase of the Fuji Suprema apple tree. After years of high productivity, there was a decrease in the yield, even in the treatments of NAA and Ethephon. Ethephon or its combination with NAA has a thinning effect, but without influence on the return of flowering.
The Prescribing Trends of Digoxin in the Outpatient Setting
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. , Menshawy Menshawy A. 
Published: January 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine digoxin prescribing pattern in the outpatient setting in Alkharj.
Methods: This retrospective study included a review of outpatient records between in 2017 and 2018. It included the entire outpatient who received digoxin during the study period.
Results: Only 38 patients received digoxin during 2017 and in 2018, 31 patients received digoxin. More than half of the patients receiving digoxin in 2018 were males (58.06%) and about 54.84% of them aged more than 59 years. Most of the prescribers were residents (77.42%). More than 61 % of the prescriptions were written by cardiology department followed by emergency department (22.58%).
Conclusion: The use of digoxin is uncommon in the outpatient department in Alkharj nonetheless it has a narrow therapeutic window and it should be prescribed carefully because of its adverse events. It is also important to increase the awareness of healthcare providers and patients about digoxin use.
The Outpatient Prescribing Pattern of Hyoscine-N-Butylbromidein Alkharj
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. , Menshawy Menshawy A. 
Published: January 2021

Objective: This study aims to assess the prescribing pattern of hyoscine butylbromide in out-patient department in Al Saih.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in in Al Saih city. The data were collected from electronic records retrospectively in the outpatient setting of a public hospital.
Results: A total of 784 patients received hyoscine butylbromide during the study period. More than half of the patients were in the age level of 20-39 years (51.53%). Hyoscine-N-Butylbromide was prescribed mainly as a tablet (91.71%) followed by syrup (7.91%).Most of the prescriptions were written by the emergency department (96.17%).
Conclusion: The present study showed that hyoscine butylbromidewas commonly prescribed. It was uncommonly prescribed to elderly patients. A continuous assessment of its prescribing is required to prevent its adverse events and drug interactions.
Ulysses' pact or Ulysses' raft: Using pre‐analysis plans in experimental and nonexperimental research
Authors: Janzen Sarah A. , Michler Jeffrey D. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEconomists have recently adopted pre‐analysis plans in response to concerns about robustness and transparency in research. The increased use of registered pre‐analysis plans has raised competing concerns that detailed plans are costly to create, overly restrictive, and limit the type of inspiration that stems from exploratory analysis. We consider these competing views of pre‐analysis plans, and make a careful distinction between the roles of pre‐analysis plans and registries, which provide a record of all planned research. We propose a flexible “packraft” pre‐analysis plan approach that offers benefits for a wide variety of experimental and nonexperimental applications in applied economics.JEL CLASSIFICATIONA14; B41; C12; C18; C90; O10; Q00
Scaling of Eliassen‐Palm flux vectors
Authors: Jucker Martin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEliassen‐Palm flux is one of the main diagnostics tools for wave propagation and wave‐mean flow interaction in atmospheric dynamics and in particular stratosphere‐troposphere coupling. Even though the theory has been derived in the 1960s, there is still no consensus about how to display the flux vectors in a plot. This is particularly true where both the troposphere and stratosphere are of importance. Some of the traditional methods are to scale the arrows by either pressure, the exponential of height, the square root of pressure, or even by an arbitrary factor. But the arguments for any of those methods are subjective, and they result in both different amplitudes and direction. Here, we propose an objective way of scaling EP flux vectors, in either linear or logarithmic pressure or height coordinates, which allows for a physically sound representation throughout the entire atmosphere.
Central nervous system manifestations in COVID‐19 patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nazari Shahrzad , Azari Jafari Amirhossein , Mirmoeeni Seyyedmohammadsadeq , Sadeghian Saeid , Heidari Mohammad Eghbal , Sadeghian Siavash , Assarzadegan Farhad , Puormand Seyed Mahmoud , Ebadi Hamid , Fathi Davood , Dalvand Sahar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundAt the end of December 2019, a novel respiratory infection, initially reported in China, known as COVID‐19 initially reported in China, and later known as COVID‐19, led to a global pandemic. Despite many studies reporting respiratory infections as the primary manifestations of this illness, an increasing number of investigations have focused on the central nervous system (CNS) manifestations in COVID‐19. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the CNS presentations in COVID‐19 patients in an attempt to identify the common CNS features and provide a better overview to tackle this new pandemic.MethodsIn this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Included studies were publications that reported the CNS features between 1 January 2020 and 20 April 2020. The data of selected studies were screened and extracted independently by four reviewers. Extracted data analyzed by using STATA statistical software. The study protocol registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020184456).ResultsOf 2,353 retrieved studies, we selected 64 studies with 11,687 patients after screening. Most of the studies were conducted in China (58 studies). The most common CNS symptom of COVID‐19 was headache (8.69%, 95%CI: 6.76%–10.82%), dizziness (5.94%, 95%CI: 3.66%–8.22%), and impaired consciousness (1.90%, 95%CI: 1.0%–2.79%).ConclusionsThe growing number of studies has reported COVID‐19, CNS presentations as remarkable manifestations that happen. Hence, understanding the CNS characteristics of COVID‐19 can help us for better diagnosis and ultimately prevention of worse outcomes.
Portal venous gas after a failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography attempt in a patient with a large hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Cassese Gianluca , Maione Francesco , Alagia Mariantonietta , Ambrosio Luisa , Caruso Emanuele , Chini Alessia , Cimmino Claudio , Nasto Riccardo Aurelio , Pegoraro Francesca , Giglio Mariano Cesare , De Palma Giovanni Domenico 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe cause of hepatic portal vein gas (HPVG) is variable. Good knowledge of the possible causes, combined with the clinical assessment of the patient and a good quality imaging, is required to correctly identify the underlying cause of HPVG and to best predict the prognosis.
Peripheral and pulmonary effects of inorganic nitrite during exercise in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Reddy Yogesh N.V. , Stewart Glenn M. , Obokata Masaru , Koepp Katlyn E. , Borlaug Barry A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsTo determine whether inorganic nitrite improves peripheral and pulmonary oxygen (O2) transport during exercise in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).Methods and resultsData from two invasive, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials with matched workload exercise of inhaled and intravenous sodium nitrite were pooled for this analysis (n = 51). Directly measured O2 consumption (VO2) and blood gas data were used to evaluate the effect of nitrite on skeletal muscle O2 conductance (Dm), VO2 kinetics, alveolar capillary membrane O2 conductance (DL), and O2 utilization during submaximal exercise. As compared to placebo, treatment with nitrite resulted in an improvement in Dm (+4.9 ± 6.5 vs. −0.9 ± 4.3 mL/mmHg*min, P = 0.0008) as well as VO2 kinetics measured by mean response time (−5.0 ± 6.9 vs. −0.6 ± 6.0 s, P = 0.03), with preserved O2 utilization despite increased convective O2 delivery through cardiac output (+0.4 ± 0.7 vs. −0.3 ± 0.9 L/min, P = 0.02). Nitrite improved DL (+2.5 ± 6.3 vs. −2.0 ± 9.0 mL/mmHg*min, P = 0.05) with exercise, which was associated with lower pulmonary capillary pressures (r = −0.34, P = 0.02), and reduced pulmonary dead space ventilation fraction (−0.01 ± 0.05 vs. +0.02 ± 0.05, P = 0.02).ConclusionSodium nitrite enhances skeletal muscle Dm during exercise as well as pulmonary O2 diffusion, optimizing O2 kinetics in tandem with increased convective O2 delivery through cardiac output augmentation. The favourable combined pulmonary, cardiac and peripheral effects of nitrite may improve exercise tolerance in people with HFpEF and requires further investigation.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT01932606 and NCT02262078.
Organizational and comparative institutionalism in internationalHRM: Toward an integrative research agenda
Authors: Schotter Andreas P. J. , Meyer Klaus , Wood Geoffrey 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOver the past two decades, a growing body of research on human resource management (HRM) has analyzed the relationship between international HRM and institutions. This work has primarily been informed by two leading streams of theory—organizational institutionalism and comparative institutionalism. However, these two dominant streams have seen much juxtaposition, but little logical integration. Moreover, scholars have paid little attention to the dynamics of contextualization (more specifically, institutional development and evolution), which limits the relevance of extant research. In this article, we review the extant literatures and their intellectual origins and develop an integrative research agenda that emphasizes the multilevel nature of HRM and evolution under external institutional change.
Perioperative outcomes for benign hysterectomy among women with thrombocytopenia
Authors: Sheyn David , Darvish Ryan , Nayak Lalitha , Myer Sara , Claridge Caitlin , Bretschneider C. Emi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether mild or moderate thrombocytopenia is associated with postoperative complications after benign hysterectomy.MethodsA retrospective study of data from women who underwent benign hysterectomy included in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Database. The data were stratified by normal platelet count, mild thrombocytopenia (100–149 × 103 platelets/µl), and moderate thrombocytopenia (50–99 × 103 platelets/µl). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between mild or moderate thrombocytopenia and the main outcome measures.ResultsModerate thrombocytopenia was associated with an increased risk of perioperative transfusion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.96–4.21) and reoperation (aOR, 4.03; 95% CI, 1.94–17.33), but mild thrombocytopenia was not. There was an increased risk of infection among women with both mild (aOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.12–1.69) and moderate (aOR, 2.00; 95% CI,1.23–3.22) thrombocytopenia. There was no association between either mild or moderate thrombocytopenia and readmission, prolonged hospital stay, or longer surgical time.ConclusionThrombocytopenia was found to be associated with increased infectious morbidity after hysterectomy, and moderate thrombocytopenia was associated with an increased risk of perioperative transfusion and reoperation.
Correlation of maternal body mass index with umbilical artery Doppler in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction and associated outcomes
Authors: Cody Fiona , Mullers Sieglinde , Flood Karen , Unterscheider Julia , Daly Sean , Geary Michael , Kennelly Mairead , McAuliffe Fionnuala , O’Donoghue Keelin , Hunter Alyson , Morrison John , Burke Gerard , Dicker Patrick , Tully Elizabeth , Malone Fergal ,   Perinatal Ireland Research Consortium
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the correlation between umbilical artery (UA) Doppler and its feasibility across categories of maternal body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) in the presence of fetal growth restriction (FGR).MethodsA total of 1074 singleton pregnancies with suspected FGR on ultrasound examination between 24+0 and 36+0 weeks of pregnancy were reviewed. Evaluation of the UA Doppler was performed at 1‐ to 2‐weekly intervals. Abnormal UA Doppler findings and delivery outcomes were compared between the different maternal BMI categories.ResultsIncreased UA pulsatility index (PI >95th centile) was reported in 81% of obese class II patients (BMI 35–39.9) compared with a 46% incidence in the remaining categories, normal (BMI <24.9), overweight (BMI 25–29.9), and obese class I (BMI 30–34.9) (P = 0.001). In absent or reversed end diastolic flow (AEDF/REDF) we found an increasing incidence across the BMI categories (4%–25%) (P < 0.001). Higher maternal BMI was associated with lower birthweights and higher cesarean section rates. Increasing maternal BMI did not affect successful assessment of UA Doppler.ConclusionThere is a positive correlation between increasing maternal BMI and abnormal UA Doppler findings in FGR. Maternal BMI may be considered as an additional risk factor when evaluating UA Doppler for placental insufficiency.