bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defining a Body Mass Index Threshold for Preventing Recurrence in Ventral Hernia Repairs
Authors: Liu Jessica K. , Purdy Amanda C. , Moazzez Ashkan , La Riva Anibal , Ozao-Choy Junko 
Published: May 2022

Introduction Body mass index (BMI) has been established as an independent risk factor for complications after abdominal hernia repairs. While various thresholds have been proposed, there is no consensus for an ideal BMI for elective hernia repair. Objective To identify the BMI threshold at which risk for hernia recurrence is significantly increased in patients undergoing ventral and incisional hernia repair. Methods This retrospective review of medical records included patients who underwent ventral or incisional hernia repairs from 2014 to 2020 at a single institution. Patients with hernia defects ≥4 cm were included. The primary outcome measure was hernia recurrence. Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis was used to determine the BMI threshold for recurrence. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to validate the threshold and to evaluate factors associated with recurrence. Results Of the 175 patients included, 9.1% had a recurrence. Classification and Regression Tree analysis identified BMI 35.3 kg/m2 as the critical threshold for hernia recurrence. In bivariate analysis, compared to patients who had no recurrence, patients with recurrence were more likely to have cirrhosis (12.5% vs 0%, P = .008), incarcerated hernias (75.0% vs 31.4%, P = .001), urgent surgery (75.0% vs 22.0%, P = <.001), biologic and no mesh use (25.0% vs 6.4% and 12.5% vs 5.7%, P = .012), and BMI >35.3 kg/m2 (75.0% vs 25.8%, P < .001). In multivariate regression, only BMI >35.3 kg/m2 was associated with recurrence [OR: 20.58 (95% CI: 2.17-194.87), P = .008]. Conclusion Body mass index >35.3 kg/m2 was the only independent factor associated with hernia recurrence. This highlights the importance of determining a BMI threshold for patients undergoing ventral or incisional hernia repair.
Impact of training on primary care physicians’ management of depression and anxiety disorders in rural China
Authors: Sun Kai Sing , Lam Tai Pong , Cai Jingjing , Lam Kwok Fai , Wu Dan , Kwok Kit Wing , Zhou Xudong 
Published: May 2022

Background: Primary care physicians (PCPs) in rural township health centers are the most easily accessible doctors to the residents in rural China, which covers 35% of the population. High prevalence of depression was reported among rural left-behind elderly and children as many workers had migrated to urban cities. Aim: This study explored mental health care provision by PCPs in rural China and the association with their training background. Methods: Rural township health centers in both developed and less developed counties of Zhejiang Province, China were chosen as the study sites. A total of 697 PCPs completed questionnaires between December 2019 and January 2020, and the number of valid questionnaires was 673, with a valid response rate of 79.3%. Results: The rural PCPs reported a median range of seeing 1 to 5 mental health patients per week. Over two-thirds (68.2%) of the respondents had never received any training on treating common mental health disorders (depression and anxiety) while 20.3% received at most 2 days of training; 6.4% received 3 to 20 days of training; and 5.1% received over 20 days of training. PCPs with mental health training were significantly associated with better mental health care in terms of confidence and practice characteristics (e.g. having patients who brought up mental health issues, providing follow-up), while years of practice made a difference in practice but not confidence. Conclusions: Training is the key determinant of the practice of mental health care by the PCPs in rural China. Our findings have implications for national policy to target two-thirds of rural PCPs who received no mental health training.
Citizen Complaints as an Accountability Mechanism: Uncovering Patterns Using Topic Modeling
Authors: Olivos Francisco , Saavedra Patricio , Dammert Lucia 
Published: May 2022

Objectives Citizen complaints are considered by policing researchers as an indicator of police misconduct, and a proxy of police-community relations. Nevertheless, US and EU-based studies tend to focus on sustained complaints as reported by official agencies and officer-based correlates. Using the case of Carabineros, the Chilean militarized police force, this study examines (a) latent topics contained in a large set of complaints against the police on a digital platform, and (b) the change of those topics across time and (c) by complainants’ educational level. Methods We use novel computational natural language processing techniques to identify latent themes across the corpus of complaints ( N = 1,623), hosted on an online forum from 2013 to 2020. Results Our findings show eight latent themes across the corpus. Among others, these themes were related to police effectiveness, police misbehavior, and a master frame of institutional crisis that has significantly grown over the last year. Additionally, differences in the prevalence of topics by complainants’ educational level were also found. Conclusions Our findings contribute to the enterprise of opening the black box of complaints against the police and highlighting opportunities for social accountability in a developing country.
Prevalence of Physical Activity Among Healthcare Students in King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. An Observational Study
Authors: Samarkandi Osama A 
Published: May 2022

Background and Objective Physical inactivity is 1 of the most important cardiovascular risk factors causing higher morbidity and mortality rate worldwide. Thus, the promotion of physical activity (PA) is 1 of the fundamental pillars in the primary prevention of heart disease. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of Physical Activity among healthcare Students in the Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. Methods An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study using paper-based printed questionnaires was conducted among Emergency medical students (EMS) from the Prince Sultan College for Emergency Medical Services King Saud University. To evaluate the physical activity, Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (16-items) developed by the World health organization was used. The questionnaires talk about activity at work (6 items), travel to and from places (3-items), recreational activities (6- items), and sedentary behavior (1-item). Both binary answers (Yes\No) and continuous scales were used to collect the data. Data were descriptively analyzed using a statistical package for social science version 26 (SPSS). Results The prevalence of PA among students was 69.9% (n = 123). The most common type of physical activity was walking, accounted for 51.7% (n = 91), followed by Gym/bodybuilding 25% (n = 44), running 24.4% (n = 43). A total of 7.16 mean hours (SD = 11.23) were spent by students doing vigorous-intensity activities on a typical day, while 4.93(SD = 8.84) of mean hours were spent on moderate-intensity activities. Additionally, more than half of the students 55.7% (n = 98) performed vigorous-intensity sports, fitness, or recreational activities that cause large increases in breathing or heart rate (for at least 10 minutes continuously). The mean time spent by the students in this study performing vigorous-intensity sports, and fitness activity were 4.60(SD = 10.22) mean hours per day. The sedentary behavior, like constant sitting, was reported to be 7.33 (SD = 4.24) mean hours per day. Conclusion In conclusion, about 3 in ten EMS students are physically inactive, which could be due to study-related actions. Future research among undergraduates should focus on approaches to increase PA is needed.
Constitutional Struggle in Sri Lanka
Authors: Gomez Mario 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSri Lanka has alternated between authoritarian politics and constitutional democracy over the past 70 years. For 25 years after independence, the country functioned as a constitutional democracy with regular elections and power alternating between the two main political parties. Since 1972, political elites have used constitution-making as a method of consolidating their hold on political power. In 2015, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution trimmed the powers of the President and provided for a balanced form of power-sharing between executive and legislature. It enhanced the independence of the courts and the fourth-branch institutions. However, these gains were reversed by the 20th Amendment, passed in 2020. Against the backdrop of an intense competition for political power and the manipulation of constitutions to retain power, this contribution discusses three recurring sites of constitutional struggle and debate in Sri Lanka: struggles over presidentialism, power-sharing and the place of Buddhism in the constitution. This paper contends that a return to constitutional democracy will require, at a minimum, a revisitation of the first two issues, even if the third — the place of Buddhism — remains untouched. The paper concludes by arguing that while all three constitutional struggles have a different historical trajectory and different dynamics, they are all part of a larger struggle — the struggle to transform Sri Lanka from a Buddhist-majoritarian state into a plural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society in law and in practice.
Lessons on Pedagogy in the Carceral System and Teacher Education
Authors: Milner H. Richard , Bennett Jacob S. 
Published: May 2022

Background/Context: Prison settings present some of the deepest democratic contradictions in the United States. Purpose/Objective: In this study, we investigate how and what teacher education programs can learn from and support teaching practices in prison settings and pre-K–12 contexts. Population/Participants: This study draws from interview data collected from two experienced directors of prison education programs in the United States. Research Design: This study employs in-depth qualitative interviews. Data Collection: Participants were asked questions related to ideals and mindsets they have observed as most effective for teachers to adopt when working in prison settings. Findings/Results: Analytic induction of interviews reveals both similarities and differences between “free world” and prison educational settings. Such findings provide nuanced understandings of the types of knowledge, understanding, and skills teacher education programs might support in prison settings as well as teaching experiences within prison settings from which teacher educators could learn. Conclusions/Recommendations: Teachers in prison settings tend to have rich content knowledge but not robust pedagogical knowledge and skill. Teacher education programs have a chance to not only support teachers in prison education as they build pedagogical knowledge and skills but also be front and center in the fight to dismantle an unjust carceral system.
Increasing On-Task Behavior Using Technology-Based Self-Monitoring: A Meta-Analysis of I-Connect
Authors: Scheibel Gretchen , Zimmerman Kathleen N. , Wills Howard P. 
Published: May 2022

Self-monitoring is a promising evidence-based intervention for students who benefit from supplemental supports to stay on-task during academic periods. I-Connect, a technology-based self-monitoring intervention with a substantial body of research, allows students to discretely recognize and record their behavior on a mobile or desktop app at scheduled intervals, to improve positive behavior and increase inclusion opportunities. This meta-analytic review examined the effect of I-Connect on the on-task behavior of students with or at risk for disabilities to determine the omnibus effect of using I-Connect across students and intervention packages. Students received 20–45 minutes of training before using I-Connect and most students monitored their on-task behavior every 30-seconds during 10-minute monitoring sessions. Under these conditions, I-Connect was found to demonstrate strong functional relations, an abrupt increase in on-task behavior and consistently positive parametric effects across all 14 elementary and secondary students receiving special education.
Covid-19, Fiscal Policies, and Small-and-Medium-Sized Firm Survival: Evidence From the Cross-Country Matching Analysis
Authors: Doruk Ömer Tuğsal 
Published: May 2022

Objective The present study examines the effect of fiscal policies on firm survival for small-and-medium-sized enterprises in the cross-country level firm-level data. Research Design A propensity score matching analysis is utilised for the post-COVID-19 period firms by using the World Bank Enterprise Follow-up Surveys for the pandemic period. Small-and-medium-sized enterprises are essential to the economy; firm failures can increase in a pandemic. Results The obtained findings show that the effect of fiscal policies has an essential effect on small-and-medium-sized enterprises survival in the COVID-19 pandemic period by using a cross-country heterogenous firm-level sample. Conclusions In this context, the present study shed new light on the link between COVID-19-related fiscal policies and small-and-medium-sized firm survival in developing countries.
Building Critical Infrastructures: Evaluating the Roles of Governance and Institutions in Infrastructural Developments in Sub-Sahara African Countries
Authors: Appiah Michael , Onifade Stephen T. , Gyamfi Bright A. 
Published: May 2022

Background The Sub-Saharan African (SSA) region has notably been in the limelight of infrastructural deficit discussions over the decades. Although the region’s infrastructural development is gradually improving, the levels and pace of development remain generally poor compared to the rest of the world. Objectives This study thus aims to empirically examine the roles of governance and institutions in infrastructural developments in the Sub-Sahara African (SSA) region toward addressing the pressing needs for critical infrastructures for the region. Research Designs The empirical strategies utilized in the study include the Common Correlated Efficient Mean Group (CCEMG) and Dynamic CCEMG methods among others. These empirical approaches were applied to analyze data on governance and institutional quality proxies for the SSA region to achieve the study’s objectives while controlling for the effects of industrial value-added, foreign capital inflow (FDI), and overall economic growth for the understudied period (1990–2019). Results The results reflect the essence of governance and institutional quality as these variables significantly boost infrastructural development in SSA. In addition, industrialization and growth also show a favorable impact on the development of infrastructure thus reflecting that the transition from agrarian to industrial economies occurs in parallel with infrastructure development in the SSA. However, FDI inflows were not found to be significantly instrumental to infrastructural development in the region. Conclusions Hence, the SSA must strive to strengthen institutions and harmonize their industrial and economic push with infrastructural developments while encouraging potential foreign investors to diversify investments to infrastructural projects beyond the usual primary sector/resource-based activities.
A five-parameter score for predicting saphenous vein graft degenerative and/or occlusive disease in recurring ischemic symptoms after one year post coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Li Xiao-Wei , Cui Zhuang , Xiao Jian-Yong , Gao Ming-Dong , Zhang Mei , Zhang Wen-Juan , Tian Feng-Shi , Song Yu , Liu Ying-Wu , Yao Zhu-Hua , Ma Jun , Liu Yin , Gao Jing 
Published: May 2022

Background: The recurrence rate of ischemic symptoms after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is increasing in recent years. How to prevent and treat saphenous vein graft disease (SVGD [symptomatic ⩾50% stenosis in at least one Saphenous vein graft]) has been a clinical challenge to date. Different pathogenesis may exist in SVGD of different periods. There are currently few available scores for estimating the risk of SVGD after one year post CABG. Objective: We sought to develop and validate a simple predictive clinical risk score for SVGD with recurring ischemia after one year post CABG. Methods and Results: This was a cross-sectional study and the results were validated using bootstrap resampling on a separate cohort. A nomogram and risk scoring system were developed based on retrospective data from a training cohort of 606 consecutive patients with recurring ischemia >1 year after CABG. Logistic regression model was used to find the predictive factors and to build a nomogram. To assess the generalization, models were validated using bootstrap resampling and an external cross-sectional study of 187 consecutive patients in four other hospitals. In multivariable analysis of the primary cohort, native lesion vessel number, SVG age, recurring ischemia type, very low-density lipoprotein level, and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter were independent predictors. A summary risk score was derived from nomogram, with a cut-off value of 15. In internal and external validation, the C-index was 0.86 and 0.82, indicating good discrimination. The calibration curve for probability of SVGD showed optimal agreement between actual observations and risk score prediction. Conclusion: A simple-to-use risk scoring system based on five easily variables was developed and validated to predict the risk of SVGD among patients who recurring ischemia after one year post CABG. This score may be useful for providing patients with individualized estimates of SVGD risk.
Emotional faces processing in major depressive disorder and prediction of antidepressant treatment response: A NeuroPharm study
Authors: Fisher Patrick M , Ozenne Brice , Ganz Melanie , Frokjaer Vibe G , Dam Vibeke NH , Penninx Brenda WJH , Sankar Anajli , Miskowiak Kamilla , Jensen Peter S , Knudsen Gitte M , Jorgensen Martin B 
Published: May 2022

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent neuropsychiatric illness for which it is important to resolve underlying brain mechanisms. Current treatments are often unsuccessful, precipitating a need to identify predictive markers. Aim: We evaluated (1) alterations in brain responses to an emotional faces functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm in individuals with MDD, compared to controls, (2) whether pretreatment brain responses predicted antidepressant treatment response, and (3) pre–post change in brain responses following treatment. Methods: Eighty-nine medication-free, depressed individuals and 115 healthy controls completed the fMRI paradigm. Depressed individuals completed a nonrandomized, open-label, 8-week treatment with escitalopram, including the option to switch to duloxetine after 4 weeks. We examined patient–control group differences in regional fMRI responses at baseline, whether baseline fMRI responses predicted treatment response at 8 weeks, including early life stress moderating effects, and change in fMRI responses in 36 depressed individuals rescanned following 8 weeks of treatment. Results: Task reaction time was 5% slower in patients. Multiple brain regions showed significant task-related responses, but we observed no statistically significant patient–control group differences (Cohen’s d < 0.35). Patient pretreatment brain responses did not predict antidepressant treatment response (area under the curve of the receiver operator characteristic (AUC-ROC) < 0.6) and brain responses were not statistically significantly changed after treatment (Cohen’s d < 0.33). Conclusion: This represents the largest prediction study to date examining emotional faces fMRI features as predictors of antidepressant treatment response. Brain response to this fMRI emotional faces paradigm did not distinguish depressed individuals from healthy controls, nor was it predictive of antidepressant treatment response. Clinical Trial Registration: Site: https://clinicaltrials.gov , Trial Number: NCT02869035, Trial Title: Treatment Outcome in Major Depressive Disorder
Efficacy of rasagiline monotherapy for early Parkinson disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chang Hao-Yun , Li Ying-Yu , Hong Chien-Tai , Kuan Yi-Chun 
Published: May 2022

Background: Rasagiline monotherapy is approved in early Parkinson’s disease (PD) for motor benefit. However, the efficacy and optimal rasagiline dosage in improving Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) subscale scores between Japanese and Caucasian individuals remain uncertain. Aims: To investigate the efficacy of rasagiline monotherapy and evaluate differences between early PD patients in Eastern and Western countries. Methods: The study design involved the meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials identified using electronic databases. Results: The mean difference (MD) in total UPDRS scores indicated no significant difference between the 1 and 2 mg rasagiline (MD = −0.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.82 to 0.81). Compared with the placebo, the MD of UPDRS part I scores significantly improved in the 1 mg (MD = −0.33, 95% CI = −0.57 to −0.10) but not in the 2 mg. For UPDRS part II scores, the MD significantly improved in the 1 mg (MD = −0.87, 95% CI = −1.48 to −0.27) and 2 mg (MD = −0.98, 95% CI = −1.28 to −0.68). Regarding the UPDRS part III, the MD significantly improved in both (1 mg: MD = −2.41, 95% CI = −3.26 to −1.56; 2 mg: MD = −2.05, 95% CI = −2.64 to −1.46). The most commonly reported adverse events were headaches, back pain, and dizziness, with no statistical difference between the 1 mg rasagiline and placebo groups. Subgroup analysis revealed similar effects between Asian and Western participants. Conclusion: Rasagiline monotherapy at 1 mg per day is recommended for patients with early PD because of the benefits for motor, nonmotor functions, and safety.
Post-mortem correlates of Virchow-Robin spaces detected on in vivo MRI
Authors: Haider Lukas , Hametner Simon , Endmayr Verena , Mangesius Stephanie , Eppensteiner Andrea , Frischer Josa M , Iglesias Juan Eugenio , Barkhof Frederik , Kasprian Gregor 
Published: May 2022

The purpose of our study is to quantify the extent to which Virchow-Robin spaces (VRS) detected on in vivo MRI are reproducible by post-mortem MRI. Double Echo Steady State 3T MRIs were acquired post-mortem in 49 double- and 32 single-hemispheric formalin-fixed brain sections from 12 patients, who underwent conventional diagnostic 1.5 or 3T MRI in median 22 days prior to death (25% to 75%: 12 to 134 days). The overlap of in vivo and post-mortem VRS segmentations was determined accounting for potential confounding factors. The reproducibility of VRS found on in vivo MRI by post-mortem MRI, in the supratentorial white matter was in median 80% (25% to 75%: 60 to 100). A lower reproducibility was present in the basal ganglia, with a median of 47% (25% to 75%: 30 to 50). VRS segmentations were histologically confirmed in one double hemispheric section. Overall, the majority of VRS found on in vivo MRI was stable throughout death and formalin fixation, emphasizing the translational potential of post-mortem VRS studies.