bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in relevant excess mortality in Peru and nine areas during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic between January and May 2020: A descriptive study
Authors: Diego Juan , Enrique Josè 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Introduction: COVID-19 has arrived the main capitals of Peru and caused direct and indirect deaths. Though mortality data is reported through SINADEF, relevant excess mortality (REM) remains unknown.Objective: To estimate the monthly relevant excess mortality for all causes and non-related with violent and COVID-19 causes between January and May 2020 in Peru and nine areas with the highest absolute numbers of deaths by COVID-19. Material and Methods: To estimate relevant excess mortality, we calculated the monthly upper and lower limits of historical mortality (95% confidence interval) and the average for the last 3 years (2017-2019). REM was considered when observed values exceed the estimated upper limit plus corresponding 2 standard deviations. We also determined REM excluding non-related with violent and COVID-19 causes.Findings: Relevant excess mortality of 35 deaths per 100 000 population from all causes during April and May 2020 were found in Peru with no difference when we excluded violent deaths. In addition, Callao had the highest REM followed by Lima, Ucayali, Loreto, Piura, Ica, Ancash, and La Libertad. In country and capitals analysis, male and individuals over 60 years were the most affected groups.Discussion: Relevant excess mortality determination is a needed, easy and low-cost approach to monitor the progress of COVID pandemic and to evaluate the effectiveness of policy measures. This surveillance method should expand to the 25 locations of Peru. Conclusion: COVID-19 accounted for 45% of the relevant excess all-cause deaths, leaving 54.29% unattributed to COVID-19. Hence, it is necessary to rethink the policy measures in order to avoid direct and indirect deaths attributed to the pandemic.
Prevalence, Cognitive Characteristics and Influence Factors of Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment among Community-dwelling Older Adults in Chengdu, China
Authors: Qiu Peiyuan , Cai Yan , Wang Yangyang , Liao Shiyi , Nie Yunbo , Wang Ye , Rao Shan , Kuang Weihong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Dementia is a global public health priority. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia. And amnestic MCI (aMCI) is proved to have a higher probability to develop into AD comparing to other type of MCI. Yet a few studies have focused on prevalence of aMCI in China. This study aims to explore the prevalence of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), cognitive characteristics of aMCI, and associated risk factors for aMCI.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the communities of Chengdu, China. Participants were 368 older adults aged 60 years and over. Participants completed various neuropsychological assessments, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), Wechsler’s Logical Memory Task (LMT), Boston Naming Test (BNT) and Trail Making Test Part A (TMT-A). Social information was collected by standard questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was utilized to screen for the risk and protective factors of aMCI.Results: Data included 309 subjects with normal cognitive function and 59 with aMCI. The prevalence of aMCI was 16.0%.The average age of participants was 69.06±7.30 years, with 56.0% being females. After controlling for age, gender and education, the Spearman partial correlation coefficient between diverse cognitive assessments and aMCI ranged from -0.52 for the long-term delayed recall scores in AVLT to 0.19 for the time-usage scores in TMT-A, and results revealed that all domains except naming scores (after semantic cue of BNT) and error quantity (in TMT-A) showed statistically significant associations with aMCI. And the results of multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that older age (OR=1.044, 95%CI: 1.002~1.087, p=0.042), lower educational level, and diabetes (OR=2.450, 95%CI: 1.246~4.818, p=0.009) were risk factors of aMCI.Conclusions: Participants with aMCI showed lower cognitive function in memory, language and executive domains, especially in long-term delayed recall. The participants who were older, had less education, or with diabetes had higher risk of suffering from aMCI. These results may help clinical practitioners design and conduct targeted cognitive training and chronic disease management for the elderly, aiming to prevent and delay development of Alzheimer’s dementia.
Sleeping During the First Wave: Demographic, Psychological, Chronobiological, and Work-Related Predictors of Sleep Disturbances Throughout the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Salfi Federico , Lauriola Marco , D'Atri Aurora , Amicucci Giulia , Viselli Lorenzo , Tempesta Daniela , Ferrara Michele 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The first COVID-19 contagion wave caused unprecedented restraining measures worldwide. In Italy, a period of generalized lockdown involving home confinement of the entire population was imposed for almost two months (9 March–3 May 2020). The present is the most extensive investigation aimed to unravel the demographic, psychological, chronobiological, and work-related predictors of sleep disturbances throughout the pandemic emergency. A total of 13989 Italians completed a web-based survey during the confinement period (25 March–3 May). We collected demographic and lockdown-related work changes information, and we evaluated sleep quality, insomnia and depression symptoms, chronotype, perceived stress, and anxiety using validated questionnaires. The majority of the respondents reported a negative impact of confinement on their sleep and a delayed sleep phase. We highlighted an alarming prevalence of sleep disturbances during the lockdown. Main predictors of sleep disturbances identified by regression models were: female gender, advanced age, being a healthcare worker, living in southern Italy, confinement duration, and a higher level of depression, stress, and anxiety. The circadian evening preference turned out as a vulnerability factor, while morning-type individuals showed a lower predisposition to sleep and psychological problems. Finally, working from home emerged as a protective factor against the development of sleep disturbances. Besides confirming the role of specific demographic and psychological factors in developing sleep disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrated circadian typologies react differently to a particular period of reduced social jetlag. Finally, our results indicated working from home promotes well-being during the current pandemic period.
Community Case Managers’ (CCMs) Perspectives’ Collaborating With Primary Care Services When Managing Complex Patients in the Community: A Qualitative Study.
Authors: Yeo Gilbert , Kannan Predeebha , Lee Eng Sing , Smith Helen 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Strong collaboration between community case managers (CCMs) and medical professionals are vital for the continuity of complex patients’ care in the community. Key challenges can influence or even deter successful collaboration. Objective: The objective of this qualitative study was to understand the challenges encountered by CCMs when collaborating with primary care services. Methods: This exploratory qualitative descriptive study used individual in-depth interviews. CCMs were selected using maximum variation and snowball sampling. The interviews were semi-structured, guided by a topic guide. Data were analyzed alongside ongoing data collection. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the transcripts. Initial codes were obtained independently. These codes were then further explored, clarified and iteratively grouped into themes.Results: Fourteen individual in-depth interviews were conducted. Six themes emerged from the data i.e. self-identity, patient factor, inter-professional factor, collaborative culture, confidentiality and organizational structure. Challenges that resonated with previous studies were self-identity, inter-professional factors and confidentiality, whereas other challenges such as patient factors, collaborative culture, and organizational structure, were unique to Singapore’s health care landscape.Conclusions: Significant challenges were encountered by CCMs when collaborating with primary care services. Understanding these challenges is key to refining intervention in current models of comprehensive community care between medical and non-medical professionals.
Identifying Prognostic Lncrnas Based on A ceRNA Regulatory Network in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shi Yong , Yang Dongli , Qin Yixiao 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose Growing evidence demonstrates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in tumor occurrence. The lncRNAs' function and clinical significance in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remain unclear. The study aims to reveal the lncRNA-associated ceRNA regulatory network in LSCC and clarify its clinical relevance.Methods Here, we obtained LSCC transcriptome sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and identified the differential expression profile of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs by the EdgeR R package. The function enrichment analysis of mRNAs was performed using clusterProfiler R package and GSEA3.0. Then, we constructed a ceRNA network and a prognosis model based on lncRNAs through bioinformatic methods. Moreover, we explored the functions of prognosis-related lncRNA in LSCC by CCK-8 and transwell assay. Results 1961 lncRNAs, 69 miRNAs, and 2224 mRNAs were identified as differentially expressed genes in LSCC tissues. According to the transcriptome differential expression profile, a ceRNA network containing 61 lncRNAs, 21 miRNAs, and 77 mRNAs was established. Then, four lncRNAs (AC011933.2, FAM30A, LINC02086, LINC02575) were extracted from the ceRNA network to build a prognosis model for LSCC patients. Furthermore, we found that LINC02086 and LINC02575 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LSCC cells while AC011933.2 and FAM30A inhibited these biological functions in vitro. Conclusion Four lncRNAs from the ceRNA network were abnormally expressed and related to patient prognosis in LSCC. They played a significant role in the progress of LSCC via affecting the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells.
Employment of Patients With Kidney Failure Treated With Dialysis or Kidney Transplantation - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kirkeskov Lilli , Carlsen Rasmus , Lund Thomas , Buus Niels-Henrik 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Patients with kidney failure treated with dialysis or kidney transplantation experience difficulties maintaining employ­­ment due to the condition itself as well as the treatment. We aimed to establish the rate of employment before and after initiation of dialysis and after kidney transplantation and to identify predictors of employment during dialysis and post-transplant.Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, PRISMA, for studies that included employment rate in adults receiving dialysis or a kidney transplant. The literature search included cross sectional or cohort studies published in English in the period from January 1966 to August 2020 in the databases PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Data of employment rate, study population, age, gender, educational level, dialysis duration, kidney donor, ethnicity, dialysis modality, waiting time for transplantation, diabetes, and depression were extracted. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis for predictors for employment and odds ratio; confidence intervals; and test for heterogeneity were calculated using Chi-squared statistics and I2. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020188853.Results. 33 studies with 162,059 participants during dialysis and 31 studies with 137,742 participants receiving kidney transplantation. Dialysis patients were on average 52.6 years old (range 16-79), 60.3% males and kidney transplant patients 46.7 years old (range 18-78), 59.8% males. The employment rate (weighted mean) for dialysis patients was 26.3% (range 10.5-59.7%); pre-transplant 36.9% (range 25-86%), and post-transplant 38.2% (range 14.2-85%). Predictors for employment during dialysis and post-transplant were male, non-diabetic, peritoneal dialysis, and higher educational level, and post-transplant: pre-transplant employment, younger age, transplantation with a living donor kidney, and without depression.Conclusions: Patients with kidney failure had a low employment rate during dialysis, pre- and post-transplant. Kidney failure patients should be supported through a combination of clinical and social measures to ensure they remain in work.
Modeling Preconception Perceptions of Pregnancy and Birth: A Qualitative Study of Women Living in Italy
Authors: Rivera Sydney , Meier Stephanie , Naoum Zeina , DeMaria Andrea 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Preconception health planning is a recognized resource for optimization of physical and mental-emotional health prior to pregnancy, though few women and providers demonstrate high awareness of preconception health. Furthermore, concerns, fear, and risk perceptions are often absent from the discussion, despite their potential impact on pregnancy and birth decision-making. These themes remain understudied in Italian populations. Methods: Researchers conducted in-depth interviews in 2017 with 43 reproductive-aged women living in or around Florence, Italy, and currently using the Italian health care system. An expanded grounded theory approach was used to explore pregnancy and birth perceptions. HyperRESEARCH facilitated open and axial coding for thematic analyses.Results: Themes emerged in the form of three continuous spectrums across which women view pregnancy and birth decision-making in the preconception period. First, participants identified strong social and healthcare support for pregnancy and birth, which at times was perceived as excessive or limiting (Supported vs. Controlled). Second, participants contrasted Italian preferences for natural and holistic processes with the medical model of prenatal care and birth (Natural vs. Medical). Third, participants constructed pregnancy and birth through risk narratives, placing a high priority on safety (Safe vs. Risky). While women described a culture of social support and natural lifestyle preferences, they also emphasized complications and risk, treatment of pregnant women as sick or fragile, seemingly rigorous prenatal care, and birth choices contingent on as-of-yet unexperienced complications. High levels of social and medical control surrounding pregnancy correlated with high levels of perceived risk. Conclusions: Findings offer opportunities for practitioners to address pregnancy- and birth-related concerns and misinformation through an integrated model demonstrating both the destructive role of risk and control as well as the possibility of a more positive emphasis on safety and support.
Network Analysis Indicating the Pharmacological Mechanism of Yunpi-Qufeng- Chushi-Prescription in Prophylactic Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Li Lin , Zhou Donghai , Liu Qiuping , Li Dianming , Wang Qiao , Shi Xiaowei , Wen Chengping , Huang Lin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is an autoimmune inflammatory disease with increasing global morbidity and high disability. Early treatment is an effective intervention to slow down joint deformation. However, as for early RA and pre-RA patients, it sometimes takes a long time to make a definite diagnosis and few guidelines have made suggestion for these suspected or early phrase individuals. Yunpi-Qufeng-Chushi-Prescription (YQCP) is an optimization of the traditional formula, Cangzhu Fangfeng Tang which is effective for arthromyodynia management. Methods: In this study, LC-MS identify the main component of YQCP. Ingredients of the 11 herbs were collected from Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID). Targets of these ingredients were collected from two source, TCMID and PharmMapper. Microarray of 20 early untreated RA patients and corresponding health control were download from NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to defined the differential expressed genes.Gene ontology analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis were carried out for the YQCP. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) networks were constructed to identify the hub 2 / 13 2 targets. At last, molecular docking (MD) were conducted to further verified the the possibility of YQCP for RA therapy.Result: The study indicated that by acting on hub targets such as C3, EGFR, SRC and MMP9, YQCP may influence the mature of B cells and inhibit B cell-related IgG production, regulate oxidative stress and modulate activity of several enzymes including peroxidase and metallopeptidase to delay the occurrence and progress of RA and benefit the pre-RA or early RA patients. Conclusion: YQCP is a potential effective therapy for prophylactic treatment of RA.
Digital Dynamic Discrimination of Primary Colorectal Cancer Using Systemic Indocyanine Green with Near-Infrared Endoscopy.
Authors: Dalli Jeffrey , Loughman Eamon , Hardy Niall , Sarkar Anwesha , Khan Faraz , Khokhar Haseeb , Huxel Paul , O’Shea Donal , Cahill Ronan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Introduction: As indocyanine green (ICG) with near-infrared (NIR) endoscopy enhances real-time intraoperative tissue microperfusion appreciation, it may also dynamically reveal neoplasia distinctively from normal tissue especially with video software fluorescence analysis.Methods: Colorectal tumours of patients were imaged mucosally following ICG administration (0.25 mg/kg i.v.) using an endo-laparoscopic NIR system (PINPOINT Endoscopic Fluorescence System, Stryker) including immediate, continuous in situ visualization of rectal lesions transanally for up to 20 minutes. Spot and dynamic temporal fluorescence intensities (FI) were quantified using ImageJ (including videos at one frame per second, fps) and by a bespoke MATLAB® application that provided digitalized video tracking and signal logging at 30fps (Fluorescence Tracker App, FTA, downloadable via MATLAB® file exchange). Statistical analysis of FI-time plots compared tumours (benign and malignant) against control during FI curve rise, peak and decline from apex. Results: Early kinetic FI signal measurement (n=20, 16 males, 9 cancers) delineated discriminative temporal signatures from tumours offering rich data for analysis versus delayed spot measurement (n=10 patients with cancer). Malignant lesion curves peaked significantly later with a shallower gradient than normal tissue while benign lesions showed significantly greater and faster intensity drop from apex versus cancer. Automated tracker quantification efficiently expanded manual results and provided algorithmic KNN clustering. Conclusions Analysis of a continuous stream of intraoperatively acquired early ICG fluorescence data can act as an in situ tumour-identifier with greater detail than later snapshot observation alone. Software quantification of such kinetic signatures may distinguish invasive from non-invasive neoplasia with potential for real-time in silico diagnosis.
Modification of Densification Mechanisms By The Timing of Mechanical Pressure During Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Salamon David , Tan Hua , Zhang Haibo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The application of mechanical pressure during a sintering process is connected with grains sliding and diffusion enhancement. However, the timing of mechanical pressure during the rapid sintering process was not addressed. In the present study, four different timings of mechanical pressure with final pressure 50 MPa starting from the beginning, 600 ℃, 900 ℃ and at sintering temperature, furthermore one pressure-less SPS have been studied during SPS of Nano-Alumina powder (Taimei, Japan) at 1100 ℃, 1150 ℃, 1200 ℃, and 1300 ℃, respectively. The density, hardness, microstructure, and grain size of each sample were measured and calculated carefully. The results show that applying the pressure at 900 ℃ brings high density and small grain size, leading to the best Vickers hardness. The interaction between pressure and vapor, leading to the different vapor transfer rate of the first sintering stage, is considered as a reason for the differences in the microstructure.
Efficacy of Using a Laser Device to Reduce Wild (Water)Birds Visits to the Free-range area of a Layer Farm Situated in an Avian Influenza Hotspot-region in the Netherlands
Authors: Elbers Armin , Gonzales Jose 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Free-range layer farms have a significantly higher risk of introduction of avian influenza viruses (AIV) compared to indoor layer farms. Wild water birds, natural reservoir of AIV, likely play a role in the transmission of AIV to chickens by contaminating the farms’ free-range area. The use of a laser as a repellent device for wild birds has been studied since the 1970s, in particular around airfields as bird-strike prevention, but its use at poultry farms to keep wild birds away from the surroundings of the poultry barn has not been studied. Part (1.5 ha) of the free-range area of a layer farm that directly boarded the poultry barn was equipped with a video-camera recording system. Visits of wild birds to this free-range study area were recorded for a month without and subsequently a month with a Class-III B laser in operation in the winter period. The laser was operated in the free-range study area between 5:00 PM and 10:00 AM, chickens were present in the free-range study area between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The laser was operated in surrounding grass pastures between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and Western barn owls (Tyto alba) visited the free-range study area between sunset and sunrise; Blackbirds (Turdus merula), Western yellow wagtails (Motacilla flava), White wagtails (Motacilla alba), Common Moor-hen (Gallimula chloropus) and Common kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) visited the free-range study area between sunrise and 10:00 AM. The overall (all bird species) efficacy of the laser for reducing the rate of wild birds visiting the free-range study area was 98.2 %. This efficacy was for birds of the Order Anseriformes 99.7 % and for birds of the Order Passeriformes 96.1 %. The overall exposure time of the free-range study area to wild birds (all species) was 617 times lower with the laser in operation compared to a situation in which the laser was not in operation. Exposure time to wild birds of the Order Anseriformes – known as bird flu risk species - was 2,320 times lower compared to the situation without the laser in operation. Summarizing, it can be concluded that the laser equipment used in this study was highly proficient in keeping wild birds – in particular wild ducks - away from the free-range study area of the layer farm.