bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correcting inaccurate background mortality in excess hazard models through breakpoints
Authors: Mba Robert Darlin , Goungounga Juste Aristide , Grafféo Nathalie , Giorgi Roch 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background : Methods for estimating relative survival are widely used in population-based cancer survival studies. These methods are based on splitting the observed (the overall) mortality into excess mortality (due to cancer) and background mortality (due to other causes, as expected in the general population). The latter is derived from life tables usually stratified by age, sex, and calendar year but not by other covariates (such as the deprivation level or the socioeconomic status) which may lack though they would influence background mortality. The absence of these covariates leads to inaccurate background mortality, thus to biases in estimating the excess mortality. These biases may be avoided by adjusting the background mortality for these covariates whenever available. Methods : In this work, we propose a regression model of excess mortality that corrects for potentially inaccurate background mortality by introducing age-dependent multiplicative parameters through breakpoints, which gives some flexibility. The performance of this model was first assessed with a single and two breakpoints in an intensive simulation study, then the method was applied to French population-based data on colorectal cancer. Results: The proposed model proved to be interesting in the simulations and the applications to real data; it limited the bias in parameter estimates of the excess mortality in several scenarios and improved the results and the generalizability of Touraine’s proportional hazards model. Conclusion: Finally, the proposed model is a good approach to correct reliably inaccurate background mortality by introducing multiplicative parameters that depend on age and on an additional variable through breakpoints.
Presence and strength of binding of IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 during CoViD-19 infection
Authors: Schasfoort Richard , Weperen Jos van , Amsterdam Margot van , Parisot Judicaël , Hendriks Jan , Koerselman Michelle , Karperien Marcel , Mentink Anouk , Bennink Martin , Krabbe Hans , Terstappen Leon , Mulder Leontine 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Surface Plasmon Resonance imaging (SPRi) was used to determine the presence and strength of binding of IgG, IgM and IgA against the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 in sera of 119 CoViD-19 patients. The high-throughput assay enables to follow the specific immune response of ultimate 384 individuals for these four parameters in one run. The measured IgG, IgM and IgA levels correlated with ELISA (Euroimmun: Anti-SARS-CoV-2, IgG assay, r-0.95, ECLIA: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Ig electrochemiluminescence r=0.73). During the course of the disease, the IgG levels and strength of binding increased while generally the IgM and IgA levels went down. Recovered patients all show high strength of binding of the IgG type to the RBD protein. The anti-RBD immune globulins SPRi assay provides additional insights in the immune status of patients recovering from CoViD-19 and can be applied for the assessment of the immune reaction of healthy individuals in vaccination programmes.
Efficiency of Non-invasive Prenatal Screening in Pregnant Women at Advanced Maternal Age
Authors: Zhu Hui , Jin Xiaoxiao , Xu Yuqing , Zhang Weihua , Liu Xiaodan , Jin Jinglei , Qian Yeqing , Dong Min-Yue 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the efficiency of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) in the prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidies in pregnant women at advanced maternal age (AMA). Results: From February 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018, 29,443 pregnant women at AMA underwent NIPS and followed-up were recruited. Their detailed clinical data and follow-up outcomes were collected and analyzed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) of NIPS for detecting fetal trisomy 21 were 99.11%, 99.96%, 90.98%, and 100%, respectively. These same parameters for detecting fetal trisomy 18 were 100%, 99.94%, 67.92%, and 100%, respectively. Finally, these parameters for detecting trisomy 13 were 100%, 99.96%, 27.78%, and 100%, respectively. The prevalence of fetal trisomy 21 increased with maternal age. There were significant differences in the prevalence of fetal trisomy 21 among the groups I (35-37-year-old), II (38-40-year-old) and III (41-year-old and older) ( P <0.05). Conclusion: It is indicated that NIPS is an effective prenatal screening method in pregnant women at AMA. Keywords: Advanced maternal age, Trisomy, Noninvasive prenatal screening, Fetal aneuploidies , Prenatal screening method
Self-Concept Among Infertile Women Receiving Oocyte Donation and Fertile Women
Authors: Reisi Marziye , Alidosti Masoumeh , irani Parichehr Sabaghzadeh , Asadi Leila 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: One of the technologies used to assist fertility is oocyte donation. Although there is sufficient information about medical aspects of oocyte donation; the psychological aspects of this treatment are not well-known. Self-concept investigates psychological aspects of people and therefore the aim of this study is aimed to compare self-concept of infertile women undergoing oocyte donation and fertile women. Method: In this descriptive-analytical study, 106 women selected using convenience sampling were divided into two groups of infertile women undergoing oocyte donation and fertile women. Data gathering tool in this study was two questionnaires including demographic information questionnaire and Rogers’ standardized self-concept questionnaire. Data was analyzed using chi-square and t-test with the help of SPSS20 software. Results: The findings showed that self-concept of the majority of participants in both groups were weak. The score of infertile women undergoing oocyte donation was higher than fertile women and the difference between two groups was significant (P=0.045). Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be said that infertility and treatment using oocyte donation weakens one’s self-concept. Therefore, it is necessary for authorities to make arrangements in order to evaluate mental health of infertile women undergoing oocyte donation.
Morphological approach focusing on the structure of the external genitalia of female Triatoma jatai, Triatoma costalimai, and Triatoma williami (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)
Authors: Teves Simone Caldas , Gonçalves Teresa Cristina Monte , de Freitas Simone Patricia Carneiro , Lopes Catarina Macedo , Carbajal-de-la-Fuente Ana Laura , Santos-Mallet Jacenir Reis dos 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Rapid establishment of a national surveillance of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Belgium
Authors: Goethem Nina Van , Vilain Aline , Wyndham-Thomas Chloé , Deblonde Jessika , Bossuyt Nathalie , Lernout Tinne , Gonzalez Javiera Rebolledo , Quoilin Sophie , Melis Vincent , Beckhoven Dominique Van 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: In response to the COVID-19 epidemic, caused by a novel coronavirus, it was of great importance to rapidly collect as much accurate information as possible in order to characterize the public health threat and support the health authorities in its management. Hospital-based surveillance is paramount to monitor the severity of a disease in the population.Methods: Two separate surveillance systems, a Surge Capacity survey and a Clinical survey, were set up to collect complementary data on COVID-19 from Belgium’s hospitals. The Surge Capacity survey collects aggregated data to monitor the hospital capacity through occupancy rates of beds and medical devices, and to follow a set of key epidemiological indicators over time. Participation is mandatory and the daily data collection includes prevalence and incidence figures on the number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital. The Clinical survey is strongly recommended by health authorities, focusses on specific patient characteristics and relies on individual patient data provided by the hospitals at admission and discharge.Conclusions: This national double-level hospital surveillance was implemented very rapidly after the first COVID-19 patients were hospitalized and revealed to be crucial to monitor hospital capacity over time and to better understand the disease in terms of risk groups and outcomes. The two approaches are complementary and serve different needs.
Kinetic Study on the Hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl picolinate Catalyzed by g-C3N4/LaNiO3-Perovskite-type Oxides
Authors: Ye Changyu , Wang Rui , Wang Haoyu , Zhang Huixing , Jiang Fubin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
LaNiO 3 -Perovskite-type oxides, as a novel hydrolytic catalyst, were synthesized using a sol-gel-calcination method, and were characterized by employing x-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). It was revealed that LaNiO 3 and 2% g-C 3 N 4 /LaNiO 3 -Perovskite-type oxides are nanoparticles about 12 nm and 10nm easily agglomerated in large amounts, and the specific surface area of LaNiO 3 is 21.277 m 2 /g and 2% g-C 3 N 4 /LaNiO 3 is 26.645 m 2 /g, respectively. The results also indicate that there are irregular microporoes in the material. In the catalytic activity test, the absorption spectra were collected when hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl picolinate (PNPP) (C PNPP =1-5×10 -5 mol/L) was catalyzed by LaNiO 3 (0.5g/L) and 2% g-C 3 N 4 /LaNiO 3 (0.5g/L) in buffer solution at different pH values (6.5-7.8), respectively. Based on the absorption spectrum data, the pseudo first-order rate constant is estimated to be 0.59min -1 and 1.14min -1 , respectively. In addition, the proposed kinetics model of this reaction was confirmed by the results of the spectrum and the calculations.
Prognostic value of the dynamic change of platelets to lymphocytes ratio and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio for gastric cancer patients receiving curative surgery.
Authors: Basnet Shiva , Liu Nan , Jiang Qixin , Lan Hai Dan , Khadka Mamata , Gautam Nishim , Ge Hai Yan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The inflammatory biomarkers play a prominent role in tumorigenesis and progression of gastric cancer. Inflammatory response has shown to be promising candidate for monitoring the survival prediction in various cancer. Certain percent of cancer related deaths are closely associated with chronic inflammation. Our study aims to focus a precise estimation on the prognostic significance of preoperative Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Platelets to Lymphocyte ratio (PLR), derived Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio (ΔNLR) and derived Platelet to Lymphocyte ratio (ΔPLR) following gastric cancer.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in patients with gastric cancer in Shanghai East Hospital affiliated with Tong ji University between December 2012 and June 2015, and total 145 patients were identified eligible. NLR, PLR, Δ NLR and ΔPLR values were calculated from peripheral blood cell count taken before surgery and 6-month post-surgery. Optimal cutoff value was determined by Receiver operating curve (ROC). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the overall survival (OS) and Recurrence Free Survival (RFS). Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the prognostic factors. Continuous data with normal distribution was presented as mean ± standard deviation, and non-parametrical data were presented as median with interquartile range (IQR). Categorical data was described by frequency. The Student’s t test or one-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) was used for comparing continuous variables whereas Fisher’s exact test or χ2 test was used for categorical dataResults: The median follow-up duration was 26 months (IQR, 17–35). Patients were stratified in two groups by NLR (≤ 2.9,>2.9) and PLR (≤ 147,>147).3 years RFS of low ΔNLR and high ΔNLR is 59.0% and 76.7% respectively. Similarly, RFS of low ΔPLR and high ΔPLR group is 58.0% and 76.2%respectively. Multivariate analysis reviled elevated PLR [HR = 1.008,95%CI = 1.002–1.014, P-value = 0.011, for OS and HR = 1.009,95%CI = 1.004–1.014, P-value = 0.001, for RFS] and ΔPLR [HR = .994,95%CI = 0.990–0.999, P-value = 0.016 for OS and HR = 0.991 95%CI = 0.987–0.996 P-value = < 0.001 for RFS] were significantly associated with OS and RFS.Conclusions: Pre-operative PLR and derived(ΔPLR) are independent prognostic factors of OS and RFS in Gastric Cancer (GC) patients undergoing radical gastrectomy. The reduction of PLR and NLR after surgery might be helpful to predict cancer recurrence in patients who have undergone gastrectomy.
Laboratory Tests on Hydraulic Lime Mortar Reinforced With Jute Fibres
Authors: Formisano Antonio , Chiumiento Giovanni , Dessì Enzo J. 
Published: August 2020

Background:Considering the high seismic vulnerability of masonry buildings located in the Italian territory, the implementation of seismic retrofit programs is strongly needed.. With consideration for sustainable interventions, it is evident that the retrofit techniques to protect the historical heritage should be carried out with innovative green compound materials, such as mortars reinforced with natural fibres.Objective:In the current paper, laboratory tests on lime mortars strengthened with raw jute fibres have been performed.Methods:The workability of the fibre-reinforced mixture has been assessed through shaking table tests, and the mechanical resistances of standard specimens have been evaluated by bending and compression tests.Results:Considering the hygroscopic nature of jute, it has been identified that the optimal water/lime ratio and the maximum water percentage are absorbed by jute fibres. From the results, how the spreading of the mixture, which is indicative of the mortar consistency, changes with the water/lime ratio, has been evaluated. From bending tests, the effective behaviour of fibres, which provide a stitching effect of the failure crack in the investigated fibre-reinforced lime mortars, has been observed.Conclusion:Finally, the results of compression tests have shown that the examined fibre-reinforced mortars can be effectively used as building products according to the actual Italian technical code NTC 2018.
Development of Mathematical Anxiety Instruments with a Rasch Model Analysis
Authors: Karlimah Karlimah , Andriani Dewi , Suryana Dodi 
Published: August 2020

Background:This study was motivated by a large number of students who feel anxious when dealing with mathematics, which is an unpleasant feeling characterized by the presence of worry, anxiety, confusion, and stress.Objective:This study aims to test the instruments of mathematical anxiety using Rasch Model analysis.Materials and Methods:The study used descriptive analysis with a cross-sectional design. Subjects of the study were elementary school students in grade VI SDN Margarahayu, 13 male and 5 female students in grade VI A, 9 male and 3 female students in grade VI B.Results:The results of the analysis show that the instrument has a poor or not maximum reliability value (α = 0.56). Likewise, the respondent's reliability value (α = 0.49) is in the weak category and the item reliability (α = 0.93) is in the excellent category.Conclusion:The analysis of the instrument shows that 2 items do not meet the standard criteria for the measurement, including number 16 as bias genders are more profitable for female students, and number 9 misfits because it is too difficult for most students to agree on. 3 items are categorized as very difficult, including item number P13, P11, and P12. There are 5 items in difficult category, which include numbers P9, P15, P14, P16, and P10. There are 4 items in the easy category, including P6, P5, P4, and P3. While the very easy category has 4 items, including numbers P1, P7, P2, and P8.
Underground Roundabouts: Analysis of Several Layouts for A Case Study in Urban Area
Authors: Guerrieri Marco , Sartori Matteo 
Published: August 2020

Background:Roundabouts eliminate some of the most complex and dangerous aspects of traditional at-grade road intersections. In recent times, novel two-level roundabout layouts have been proposed (i.e. target-roundabout and four-flyover roundabout). Nevertheless, no research on underground roundabouts is available. This paper analyzed the underground roundabout planned in the city of Trento (Italy).Objective:The paper examines an underground roundabout in an urban context, planned with the purpose of alleviating traffic congestion in the city of Trento (Italy). Four different layouts have been studied.Methods and Results:This study was conducted with the help of traffic microsimulation in the AIMSUN environment. The traffic model was calibrated using GEH index. The simulated queues are significantly close to the real queues measured in the year 2020.Conclusion:Underground roundabout can reduce queues, travel times, fuel consumption, air pollutant emissionsetc. This particular type of roundabout could be used in urban contexts with a traffic demand and congestion problems comparable to those of the present study.
Glucose Concentrations in Closely Related Titmice (Baeolophus) Species Linked to Regional Habitat Differences Across an Avian Hybrid Zone
Authors: Vaughn Jennifer C. , Voelker Gary , Heatley J. Jill 
Published: August 2020

Aims:We used physiological data, in conjunction with habitat information, to elucidate the interactions between two hybridizing songbirds within a hybrid zone.Background:Hybrid zones are ideal regions to examine a variety of ecological, behavior, and evolutionary processes. In addition to genetics, behavior, and morphology, physiological differences may impact hybrid fitness, genetic introgression, and even the stability of a hybrid zone.Objective:To assess physiological differences in hybridizing species, we investigated selected venous blood analytes in two species of songbirds hybridizing along the Balcones Escarpment in central Texas.Methods:Using a portable blood analyzer, we assayed blood samples from Black-crested Titmouse (Baeolophus atricristatus) and Tufted Titmouse (B. bicolor) individuals along a longitudinal transect that included the contact zone. Ecologically, this transect varies from higher elevation semi-arid regions on the Balcones Escarpment (and west across the Edwards Plateau) to lower elevation mesic forests east of the escarpment.Results:As expected, several blood analytes differed with age, sex, and sedative administration; however, we observed relatively increased blood glucose concentrations in Black-crested Titmice, which occupy the semi-arid habitats of west Texas. Furthermore, glucose concentrations were further elevated following rainfall events. Blood glucose concentrations often increase during stressful conditions and or related to changes in diet.Conclusion:We suspect that Black-crested Titmice have relatively increased blood glucose concentrations as a product of living in a semi-arid environment that causes chronic stress from unpredictable food and water resources. The link between rainfall and glucose may be a result of the increased and greater diversity of food availability after rainfall. Although further research is needed, we suspect that habitat differences and associated lack of physiological adaptations may be a limiting factor in westward range expansion in the more aggressive Tufted Titmice.
Patient Satisfaction With Telemedicine During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ramaswamy Ashwin , Yu Miko , Drangsholt Siri , Ng Eric , Culligan Patrick J , Schlegel Peter N , Hu Jim C 
Published: August 2020

Background
New York City was the international epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care providers responded by rapidly transitioning from in-person to video consultations. Telemedicine (ie, video visits) is a potentially disruptive innovation; however, little is known about patient satisfaction with this emerging alternative to the traditional clinical encounter.

Objective
This study aimed to determine if patient satisfaction differs between video and in-person visits.

Methods
In this retrospective observational cohort study, we analyzed 38,609 Press Ganey patient satisfaction survey outcomes from clinic encounters (620 video visits vs 37,989 in-person visits) at a single-institution, urban, quaternary academic medical center in New York City for patients aged 18 years, from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020. Time was categorized as pre–COVID-19 and COVID-19 (before vs after March 4, 2020). Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests and multivariable linear regression were used for hypothesis testing and statistical modeling, respectively.

Results
We experienced an 8729% increase in video visit utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the same period last year. Video visit Press Ganey scores were significantly higher than in-person visits (94.9% vs 92.5%; P<.001). In adjusted analyses, video visits (parameter estimate [PE] 2.18; 95% CI 1.20-3.16) and the COVID-19 period (PE 0.55; 95% CI 0.04-1.06) were associated with higher patient satisfaction. Younger age (PE –2.05; 95% CI –2.66 to –1.22), female gender (PE –0.73; 95% CI –0.96 to –0.50), and new visit type (PE –0.75; 95% CI –1.00 to –0.49) were associated with lower patient satisfaction.

Conclusions
Patient satisfaction with video visits is high and is not a barrier toward a paradigm shift away from traditional in-person clinic visits. Future research comparing other clinic visit quality indicators is needed to guide and implement the widespread adoption of telemedicine.
Repeated Psychosocial Screening of High School Students Using YouthCHAT: Cohort Study
Authors: Thabrew Hiran , Kumar Harshali , Goldfinch Mary , Cavadino Alana , Goodyear-Smith Felicity 
Published: August 2020

Background
Psychosocial problems are common during adolescence and can have long-lasting effects on health and on academic and social functioning. YouthCHAT, an electronic HEEADSSS (home, education, eating, activities, drugs and alcohol, suicide and depression, sexuality and safety)-aligned instrument, has recently been demonstrated to be an acceptable and effective school-based psychosocial screener for 13-year-old (Year 9) high school students.

Objective
This study aims to compare acceptability and detection rates with repeated YouthCHAT screenings of high school students when they are 13 years old (Year 9) and 14 years old (Year 10).

Methods
We invited all Year-10 students to complete a YouthCHAT screening in 2018. Rates of positively identified issues were compared between the subset of students screened in both 2017 and 2018. Student acceptability toward YouthCHAT was investigated through focus group sessions. Onward clinical referral rates in 2018 were also investigated to explore the potential referral burden following screening. Data analysis for rates of positively identified issues were conducted with the McNemar test. Chi-square, Fisher exact test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to analyze the focus group data.

Results
Of 141 eligible Year-10 students, 114 (81%) completed a YouthCHAT screening during 2018, and 97 (85%) of them completed it for a second time. Apart from depression, which increased (P=.002), and perceived life stress, which decreased (P=.04), rates of identified issues were broadly similar between 13 and 14 years of age. Repeated screenings via YouthCHAT was acceptable to students and time-efficient (mean, 6 minutes and 32 seconds) but did not reduce the overall number of individuals with identified issues. Onward clinical referrals from positive screens were mostly managed by school-based health services without the need for external referrals.

Conclusions
Although further evaluation is needed, our results support the value of YouthCHAT as an acceptable and effective instrument with which to achieve routine identification of psychosocial issues and early intervention within a high school environment.