scholarly journals Pathways to conspiracy: the social and linguistic precursors of involvement in Reddit's conspiracy theory forum

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin Klein ◽  
Peter Clutton ◽  
Adam G. Dunn
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Social Spaces ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Large Dataset ◽  
The Social ◽  
Conspiracy Beliefs ◽  
Third Person ◽  
Group A ◽  
Substantial Heterogeneity ◽  
Control Study

Conspiracy beliefs are common, and can cause harm to individuals and their communities. Our aim was to examine the social and linguistic characteristics of forum users who became active participants in a large online conspiracy forum. The study is a retrospective case-control study using a large dataset from the online forum network Reddit, comparing users who would go on to post comments in a conspiracy forum with a group of control users. The analyses show that prior to posting in conspiracy forums, these users consistently exhibited anger and used third person pronouns disproportionately more often than the control group. A community structure analysis of these users revealed substantial heterogeneity---users from different communities varied in both linguistic characteristics and in the topics of the forums in which they were involved. The results suggest that a desire to belong to an in-group and mechanisms for reinforcing opinions through peer feedback appeared to create social spaces in which conspiracy beliefs were normalised, and these social spaces were not specific to ideologies and interests traditionally associated with conspiracy belief.

scholarly journals Coronary arteries and aortic valve calcifications in COVID-19: Not only lungs at chest CT

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Fogante ◽  
◽  
Enrico Cavagna ◽  
Giovanni Rinaldi ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Chest Ct ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Invasive Ventilation ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Control Study

Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases cause worse outcomes in patients affected by COVID-19. High coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and aortic valve calcifications (AC) increase cardiovascular risk. Our purpose is to evaluate CACS, measured by Weston Score (WS), and presence of AC in chest CT of COVID-19 patients and possibly to investigate their prognostic role. Material and methods: This retrospective case-control study includes 150 hospitalized COVID-19 patients who underwent a chest CT at admission. The case group (Group A) was formed by 50 in-patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under invasive ventilation (IV), while the matching control group for sex, age and BMI (Group B) was formed by 100 in-patients in non-ICU units, not under IV. After, a second case-control selection was originated from these two Groups: the case group (Group A1) composed by 30 patients selected from Group A, and the matching control group for age, sex, BMI and CT lung severity score (LSS) (Group B1) composed by 60 patients selected from Group B. WS and the presence of AC were compared between Groups A and B, and between Groups A1 and B1. Moreover, LSS and WS were correlated. Parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Material and methods: This retrospective case-control study includes 150 hospitalized COVID-19 patients who underwent a chest CT at admission. The case group (Group A) was formed by 50 in-patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under invasive ventilation (IV), while the matching control group for sex, age and BMI (Group B) was formed by 100 in-patients in non-ICU units, not under IV. After, a second case-control selection was originated from these two Groups: the case group (Group A1) composed by 30 patients selected from Group A, and the matching control group for age, sex, BMI and CT lung severity score (LSS) (Group B1) composed by 60 patients selected from Group B. WS and the presence of AC were compared between Groups A and B, and between Groups A1 and B1. Moreover, LSS and WS were correlated. Parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Among the 150 patients, 105 (70.0%) were male and 45 (30.0%) female. The age was 70.2 ± 13.3 years. LSS was 7.5 ± 3.9, WS was 6.4 ± 3.0; AC was present in 97/150 (64.7%). WS was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B, respectively, 7.4 ± 4.0 and 5.7 ± 2.6 (p=0.0146), and also the presence of AC, respectively, 41/50 (82.0%) vs 56/100 (56.0%) (p=0.0016). In Group B, LSS and WS had a linear positive correlation (r=0.2240, p=0.0405). Finally, WS and AC were significantly higher in Group A1 compared to Group B1. Conclusions: Both WS and AC were higher in ICU COVID-19 patients than in non-ICU COVID-19 patients: they could have a predictive role in the pejorative evolution of the disease.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the p16 and Ki-67 Biomarkers as Predictors of the Recurrence of Premalignant Cervical Cancer Lesions after LEEP Conization

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (06) ◽  
pp. 288-293
Author(s):  
Paulo Leite ◽  
Luciene Tafuri ◽  
Maria Costa ◽  
Maria Lima ◽  
Renata Simões
Keyword(s):  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Cervical Lesions ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Ki 67 ◽  
The Social ◽  
Total Analysis ◽  
Control Study ◽  
Loop Electrosurgical Excision

Objective To evaluate the expressions of biomarkers p16 and Ki-67 in low-grade (LG) or high-grade (HG) lesions, and to relate them to risk factors and the recurrence of these lesions. Methods A retrospective case-control study of 86 patients with LG and HG lesions who underwent a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) between 1999 and 2004. The control group was composed of 69 women with no recurrence, and the study group, of 17 patients with recurrence. All patients were followed-up over a two-year period after surgery, and screened every six months, including cytology and colposcopy. Biopsy samples collected from LEEP were submitted to immunohistochemical analysis for p16 and Ki-67. The statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS, IBM-SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, US), with a significant p ​​< 0.05. Results The biomarkers p16 and Ki-67, separately or combined, showed no relation to recurrence on the total analysis. However, evaluating specifically HG lesions, the positive expression (2+ and 3+) of p16/Ki-67 was associated with recurrence (0.010). In addition, p16 isolated was also more expressive in HG lesions (2+ and 3 + , p = 0.018), but it was unrelated to recurrence. Conclusion Proteins p16 and Ki-67, both isolated and combined, are not reliable primary markers for the recurrence of cervical lesions in the majority of LG lesions. However, analyzing only the group with prior diagnosis of HG lesions, the expressions of p16 and of p16/Ki-67 were associated with recurrence, and they may be useful in monitoring these cases.

Assessment of Craniofacial Morphology in Mouth Breathing Children. A retrospective case-control study

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (10) ◽  
pp. 3649-3653
Author(s):  
David Angelescu ◽  
Teodora Angelescu ◽  
Meda Romana Simu ◽  
Alexandrina Muntean ◽  
Anca Stefania Mesaros ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Craniofacial Morphology ◽  
Respiratory Pattern ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Upper Lip ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Oral Breathing ◽  
Facial Height ◽  
Control Study

The aim of this retrospective case-control study is to determine a possible correlation between breathing mode and craniofacial morphology. The study was carried out in the Department of Pedodontics,Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The sample comprised 80 patients, age between 6 and 13 years, which were divided in two groups based on respiratory pattern: control group composed of 38 nasal breathing children and case group composed of 42 oral breathing children. Three quantitative craniofacial parameters were measured from the frontal and lateral photos: facial index, lower facial height ratio and upper lip ratio. The statistical analysis showed a significant higher facial index (p=0.006*) and an increase lower facial height (p=0.033*) for the oral breathers group. No differences in facial morphology were found between genders and age groups, when comparing the data between the same type of respiratory pattern children. Spearman�s rho Correlation show a significant positive correlation (p=0.002*) between facial index and lower facial height and a significant negative correlation between facial index and upper lip (p=0,005*). Long faces children are more likely to develop oral breathing in certain conditions, which subsequently have a negative effect on increasing the lower facial height by altering the postural behavior of mandible and tongue.

Efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in the treatment of long- lasting olfactory disorders in COVID-19 patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
pp. 0-0
Author(s):  
L.A. Vaira ◽  
C. Hopkins ◽  
M. Petrocelli ◽  
J.R. Lechien ◽  
S. Cutrupi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Spontaneous Recovery ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Initial Control ◽  
Group A ◽  
Control Study

BACKGROUND: The growing number of COVID-19 patients with long-lasting olfactory disorders makes it necessary to identify effective treatments that enhance the spontaneous recovery of olfactory function. METHODS: Multicentre randomised case-control study that involved 18 patients with COVID-19 related anosmia or severe hyposmia for more than 30 days. Nine patients were prescribed systemic prednisone and nasal irrigation with betamethasone, ambroxol and rinazine for 15 days. The other 9, untreated, patients were used as controls. The olfactory function was evaluated with CCCRC test at 20 and 40 days from the first evaluation. RESULTS: In the control group, a median olfactory score of 20 (IQR 30) was detected at baseline. At the 20-day control there was no significant improvement in olfactory function. The improvement in olfactory performance became significant at the 40-day follow-up compared to baseline scores [60 (IQR 60) versus 20 (IQR 30)]. In the treatment group, patients had a mean olfactory score of 10 (IQR 15) at initial control. At the 20-day control, a significant im-provement in the olfactory scores, compared to the baseline, was detected [70 (IQR 40) versus 10 (IQR 15)]. Olfactory function further improved at 40 days [median score 90 (IQR 50)]. Patients in the treatment group reported significantly higher improvements of the olfactory scores than the controls at both the 20-day [40 (IQR 45) versus 10 (IQR 15)] and 40-day [60 (IQR 40) versus 30 (IQR 25)] evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, the mix of drugs including steroids could represent a useful specific therapy to reduce the prevalence of this long-term morbidity.

Whole-Field Indocyanine Green Intensity Analysis to Intraoperatively Predict Cerebral Hyperperfusion Syndrome Following Superficial Temporal Artery-Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass: A Retrospective Case-Control Study in 7-Year Experience With 112 Cases

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yosuke Sato ◽  
Tatsuya Sugiyama ◽  
Tohru Mizutani
Keyword(s):  
Case Control Study ◽  
Superficial Temporal Artery ◽  
Temporal Artery ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intensity Analysis ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Cerebral Hyperperfusion Syndrome ◽  
Cerebral Hyperperfusion ◽  
Control Study

Abstract BACKGROUND Intraoperative prediction of postoperative cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) after cerebrovascular bypass surgery is challenging. OBJECTIVE To conduct a retrospective case-control study with indocyanine green (ICG) intensity analysis of the superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass and investigate whether its washout pattern might be a marker for intraoperative prediction of CHS. METHODS Between 2012 and 2018, 6 of 112 patients (5.4%) that underwent STA-MCA bypass exhibited CHS. We selected 5 patients with CHS (3 with atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease [ASCVD] and 2 with moyamoya) and 15 patients without CHS (60% ASCVD and 40% moyamoya) as a matched control group. During prebypass and postbypass, washout times (WTs) for the first 10%, 25%, 50%, and 75% of maximum ICG intensity measured in the whole-camera field were compared between groups. The changes in WT (ΔWT) from prebypass to postbypass for each ICG intensity level were compared between groups. The cutoff ΔWTs, sensitivities, and specificities were also calculated. RESULTS Postbypass WTs were significantly longer in the CHS group than the control group at all ICG intensities (P < .05). ΔWT was significantly greater in the CHS group than the control group for the first 10%, 25%, and 50% ICG intensities (P < .001). A cutoff ΔWT of ≥2.66 s for the first 50% ICG intensity showed a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100%. CONCLUSION We found that a ΔWT ≥2.66 s for the first 50% ICG intensity could be an intraoperative predictive factor for CHS.

scholarly journals Analisis Faktor Fetus dan Tali Pusat terhadap Risiko Asphyxia Perinatal di Surakarta

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Siti Lestari ◽  
Dyah Dwi Astuti ◽  
Fachriza Malika Ramadhani
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Perinatal Asphyxia ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Fetal Position ◽  
Control Study

Asfiksia perinatal merujuk pada kekurangan oksigen selama persalinan, sehingga berpotensi menyebabkan kematian dan kecacatan. WHO memperkirakan  4 juta anak terlahir dengan asfiksia setiap tahun, dimana 1 juta di antaranya meninggal dan 1 juta anak bertahan hidup dengan gejala sisa neurologis yang parah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis faktor risiko fetal dan tali pusat pada asfiksia neonatal.Penelitian dilakukan di lakukan di RS Dr Moewardi Surakarta dengan pendekatan  quantitative retrospective case control study. Data diambil dari rekam medis antara  tahun 2013-2018. Penelitan ini melibatkan  264 neonatal yang terdiri dari 88 kelompok kasus dan 176  kelompok control. Kelompok kasus adalah bayi dengan diagnosa  asfiksia yang  dilakukan analisis terhadap faktor risiko fetal, sedangkan bayi yang tidak mengalami asfiksia dijadikan  kelompok kontrol. Hasil analisis statistik uji Chi-Square dan Fisher Exact ditemukan bahwa  kelahiran prematur (OR 2,07 CI 95% P 0,02), persalinan dengan tindakan (OR 3,61 CI 95% P 0,00), berat bayi (OR 2,85 CI 95% P 0,00), posisi janin (OR 2,37 CI 95% P 0,05), tali pusat ( QR 3,071 CI 95%  P 0,01)  berisiko terhadap insiden asfiksia perinatal. Air ketuban yang bercampur meconium (OR 1,51 CI 95% P 0,16) tidak memiliki risiko  dengan Asfiksia perinatal. Kesimpulan: Risiko terhadap insiden asfiksia perinatal  meliputi kelahiran prematur, persalinan dengan tindakan, berat bayi, posisi janin,  dan tali pusat.Perinatal asphyxia refers to a lack of oxygen during labor, which has the potential to cause death and disability. WHO estimates  4 million children born with asphyxia each year, in  which 1 million dies and 1 million survive with severe neurological sequelae. This study aims to analyze fetal and umbilical risk factors in neonatal asphyxia.This research is a quantitative retrospective case-control study, which was conducted at The Dr. Moewardi  hospital,  Surakarta. Data was taken from  medical records from 2013-2018. The case group was patients diagnosed  asphyxia, while those who did not experience asphyxia were treated as a control group.  A total of 264  samples, consisting of 88 case group respondents and 176 control group respondents. Statistical analysis Chi- Square and Fisher Exact found that preterm birth (OR 2.07 CI 95% P 0.02), labor with instrument or complication (OR 3.61 CI 95% P 0.00), infant weight (OR 2.85 CI 95% P 0, 00), fetal position (OR 2.37 CI 95% P 0.05), umbilical cord (QR 3.071 CI 95% P 0.01) are at risk for the incidence of perinatal Asphyxia. The amniotic fluid mixed with meconium (OR 1.51 CI 95% P 0.16) has no risk with perinatal asphyxia.The risk factors of incidences of perinatal asphyxia were  preterm birth, labor with instrument or complication, baby weight, fetal position and umbilical cord. 

scholarly journals Low Iron Level is related to Telogen Effluvium in Women

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Manjurul Karim ◽  
Md Abdul Wahab ◽  
Lubna Khondoker ◽  
Md Shirajul Islam Khan
Keyword(s):  
Hair Loss ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Iron Level ◽  
History Of ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group B ◽  
Medical University ◽  
Control Study

A case-control study conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from July 2008- December 2010. A total 60 female patients of telogen effluvium attending in outpatient department (OPD) were enrolled in the study with 30 having hair loss considered as case (Group-A) and another 30 females had no history of hair loss were considered as control (Group-B). The study included 60 patients and the mean age were 25.4±7 years ranging from 18 to 42 years in group A and 24.8±5.6 years ranging from 17 to 36 years in group B. Maximum number was found in the age group of 21- 30 years in both groups and nearly three fourth (73.4%) patients were unmarried in group A and 18(60.0%) in group B. Most of the patients were student in both groups, which were 21(70.0%) and 17(56.7%) in group A and group B respectively and majority of the the patients were HSC level in both groups, 15(50.0%) and 14(46.7%) in Group A and Group B respectively. Most of the patients came from middle class, which were 20(66.7%) and 16(53.3%) in group A and group B respectively. The mean serum ferritin were 18.8±8.1 g/L ranging from 4.5 to 36.54 g/L and 36.6±9.9 mg/L ranging from 18.46 to 56.3 mg/ L in group A and group B respectively. The mean Hb level was 11.5±1.4 gm/dl ranging from 8.5 to 14.0 gm/dl in group A and 12.8±1.1 gm/dl ranging from 10.5 to 14.5 gm/dl in group B. The mean difference of Hb level was statistically significant (p<0.05) between two groups in unpaired t-test. It can be concluded that low iron level is associated with telogen effluvium in women. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmed.v21i2.13617 Bangladesh J Medicine 2010; 21: 84-89

Evaluating the efficacy of topical vancomycin powder in the treatment of open lower extremity fractures

Trauma ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 146040862097814
Author(s):  
Justin Vaida ◽  
Alexander DB Conti ◽  
Justin J Ray ◽  
Daniel A Bravin ◽  
Michelle A Bramer
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Vancomycin Powder ◽  
Control Study

Introduction Optimal management of lower extremity fractures includes early antibiotics administration, thorough irrigation and debridement, consideration of soft tissue injury, and definitive skeletal management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical vancomycin powder in the treatment of open lower extremity fractures. Methods This was a retrospective case control study in which open lower extremity fractures at our institution were reviewed for development of infection (including species and sensitivity if present) and the development of unanticipated wound complications requiring intervention. Patients from 2010-2015 were treated with standard of care consistent with evidence-based literature (IV antibiotics with external fixator, intramedullary nail, etc.). Patients from 2016–18 were additionally treated with vancomycin powder applied directly to the wound before closure. All patients were monitored per the treating surgeon’s standard follow-up protocol and had follow-up of at least two months. Results This retrospective case control study comprised 434 patients. The historical control group (n = 388 patients) and treatment group (n = 46 patients) were similar for age, sex, BMI (body mass index), diabetes, smoking status, and Injury Severity Score (ISS). There were 36 infections (9.28%) in the control group compared to four infections (8.70%) in the vancomycin powder group (p = 0.901). No significant difference was seen after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, diabetes, smoking status, and ISS. The vancomycin powder group experienced significantly more wound complications (15.2%) compared to the control group (6.4%; p = 0.039), which remained significant when adjusting for multiple covariates. Conclusions Topical vancomycin powder did not reduce the infection rate when applied in the surgical site of open lower extremity fractures. Instead, the addition of topical vancomycin powder resulted in significantly more wound complications in patients with open lower extremity fractures.

Negative Interaction between Lithium and Electroconvulsive Therapy – A Case-Control Study

1996 ◽  
Vol 168 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. Jha ◽  
G. S. Stein ◽  
P. Fenwick
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Negative Interaction ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Concurrent Use ◽  
Control Study ◽  
Age And Sex

BackgroundConcurrent use of lithium and ECT is suspected to increase neurotoxicity.MethodA retrospective case-control study over an eight-year period was conducted to investigate the adverse effects of a combined lithium/ECT treatment Thirty-one subjects with combined lithium/ECT treatment were compared with a control group (ECT only) of 135 cases matched for age and sex.ResultsMost cases in both groups had no adverse effects. Three (10%) study group subjects and 15 (11 %) controls experienced brief delirium. Three controls and none of the subjects developed a prolonged confusion. There were no significant differences in the profile of other adverse effects between the two groups.ConclusionPrescription of lithium together with ECT was not associated with higher frequency of adverse effects.

scholarly journals Self-retained cryopreserved amniotic membrane for treating severe corneal ulcers: a comparative, retrospective control study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Han Y. Yin ◽  
Anny M. S. Cheng ◽  
Sean Tighe ◽  
Philip Kurochkin ◽  
Jamie Nord ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Adjuvant Therapy ◽  
Corneal Ulcer ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Corneal Ulcers ◽  
Initial Visual Acuity ◽  
Snellen Visual Acuity ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Control Study

Abstract To compare the effectiveness of self- retained cryopreserved AM as an adjuvant therapy for infectious corneal ulcers. Retrospective, case–control study of 24 eyes of 24 consecutive patients with central and paracentral corneal infectious ulcers and initial visual acuity worse than 20/200. Among them, 11 eyes of 11 patients received additional placement of self-retained cryopreserved AM. Epithelialization and Best Corrected Snellen Visual Acuity (BCSVA) were compared between the two groups. At baseline, both groups had comparable age, gender, visual acuity (VA), size and location of corneal ulcer. Patients receiving additional placement of cryopreserved AM had significantly faster epithelialization within 3.56 ± 1.78 weeks vs 5.87 ± 2.20 weeks (p = 0.01) and achieved complete epithelialization in significantly more patients (72.7% vs 23.1% p = 0.04) despite overall larger baseline defect size (32.7 ± 19.5 mm2 vs 21.5 ± 10.7 mm2, p = 0.11). Consequently, the AM group had clinically significant BCSVA (> 3 lines) (81.8% vs 38.4%, p = 0.047) and total VA improvement (log MAR 0.7 ± 0.6 vs 1.6 ± 0.9, p = 0.016) compared to the control group at the time of complete epithelialization. In-office sutureless AM may be an effective adjuvant therapy in treating sight-threatening infectious corneal ulcers by promoting faster corneal epithelialization and overall better recovery of the VA.

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