bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluate the Effectiveness of Four Alternative Approaches for the Classical Cough Test During the Urodynamic Study in the Context of the COVID-19 Global Epidemic Situation
Authors: Zeng Xiao , Liu Shuang , Shen SiHong , Shen Hong , Luo DeYi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the four different alternatives to the classical cough test during a urodynamic study in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Materials and Methods
Patients who needed to undergo a urodynamic study (UDS) at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University between April 2021 and May 2021 were randomly selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. During the UDS process, we used four alternative methods to the “cough test”: 1) quickly pressing the bladder area, 2) performing the Valsalva maneuver, 3) performing the Kegel maneuver, and 4) letting the patient close their mouth while doing cough test. The "cough" waveform data were obtained and compared with the classical cough test.
Results
120 patients (89 men, 31 women) were included in the study. There was no statistical difference between the cough waveform induced by the Valsalva maneuver compared with the classical cough test (P=0.150), no statistical difference between cough with closing mouth and classical cough test(P=0.255), no significant difference between pressing quickly on the bladder area and classical method(P=0.087), and there was a significant difference between the data obtained by the Kegel maneuver and the classical method (P<0.05). The average "cough" amplitude obtained was 73.14 ± 22.48 cm H2O, 66.17 ± 17.12 cm H2O, 82.93 ± 18.95 cm H2O, 26.50 ± 8.68 cm H2O, and 68.90 ± 20.32 cm H2O by the classical cough test, by quickly pressing the bladder area, by the Valsalva maneuver, by the Kegel maneuver, and by coughing with a closed mouth, respectively.
Conclusion
Quickly pressing the bladder area, performing the Valsalva maneuver, and letting the patient close their mouth while doing the cough test can all provide effective cough waveforms and amplitudes.
Trial registration:
No.2021–183.
Feasibility of Assessing Bone Mineral Density Based on Hydroxyapatite-(iodine) Image Analysis in Contrast-Enhanced Dual-Energy Spectral CT Imaging
Authors: Zhao Mingyue , Liu Yijun , Liu Lei , Zhang Zijing , Li Jianying , Wei Wei 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background. To explore the feasibility of using hydroxyapatite (HAP) measurement based on the material decomposition in dual-energy spectral CT imaging to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD).Methods. 247 patients (aged 16 to 97 years, 156 males and 91 females) who underwent both unenhanced and contrast-enhanced (arterial-, venous- and delayed-) phase abdominal dual-energy spectral CT were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into four groups according to their ages: group A (<30years, n=40), group B (30-49years, n=90), group C (50-69years, n=73) and group D (≥70years, n=44). HAP densities of trabecular bone of the third lumbar vertebrae in four phases were measured on the HAP material decomposition images using HAP-Iodine as the basis material pair and recorded. HAP as function of age was established and measurements in four phases were statistically compared using that in unenhanced phase as the reference standard.Results. No statistical difference was found in HAP value among different imaging phases (P>0.05). The HAP value was positively correlated with age in group A (r=0.393, P<0.05) and negatively correlated with age in groups B, C and D (r=-0.298, -0.361, -0.361, P<0.05), and overall high negative correlation with age for patients ≥30years (r=-0.775, P<0.05).Conclusions. The HAP measurement is not affected by contrast agent and stable in different imaging phases in dual-energy spectral CT, enabling a phase-independent HAP measurement. HAP has correlation with age which may be used to reflect the change of vertebral BMD, providing a reference for evaluating BMD according to the linear regression equation.
Comparison of Post-operative Bleeding Incidence in Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty with and without Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lim Shu Yu , Rajandram Retnagowri , Roslani April Camilla 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of hemorrhoidal artery ligation supplementation in reducing the incidence of post laser hemorrhoidoplasty bleeding.Method: This was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing post-operative bleeding incidence in patients undergoing laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) only versus LHP with hemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL). Outcome measures included post-operative bleeding and its severity (i.e. verbal rating scale and Clavien-Dindo classification), presence of perianal swelling and pain score (visual analog score) at 1-day, 1-week and 6-weeks post-operatively. Statistical tests were performed and a value of P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Seventy-six patients were randomized. There was no difference in median operating time. The bleeding incidence was highest at 1-week post-operatively (17.1%), and decreased to 1.3% at 6-weeks. There was no significant difference in bleeding incidence between both groups at any of the measured timepoints (P>0.05). Severity of bleeding and incidence of post-operative perianal swelling were similar in both groups (P>0.05). There was no difference in median pain scores. Conclusion: Supplementation of HAL to LHP does not reduce the post-operative bleeding incidence. LHP is sufficient as a stand-alone procedure for treating haemorrhoids.Trial Registration:National Registration Number is NMRR-15-1112-24065 (IIR). The trial start date was 1st January 2015 with the ClinicalTrials.gov identifier and registration number as NCT04667169.
Radiomics combined with clinical characteristics predicted the progression-free survival time in first-line targeted therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutation
Authors: Zhu Jianman , Sun Lei , Wang Linjing , Zhou Tongchong , Yuan Yawei , Zhen Xin , Liao Zhiwei 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective:This study was to explore the most appropriate radiomics modeling method to predict the progression-free survival of EGFR-TKI treatment in advanced non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations. Different machine learning methods may vary considerably and the selection of a proper model is essential for accurate treatment outcome prediction. Our study were established 176 discrimination models constructed with 22 feature selection methods and 8 classifiers. The predictive performance of each model was evaluated using the AUC, ACC,sensitivity and specificity,where the optimal model was identified. Results:There were totally 107 radiomics features and 7 clinical features obtained from each patient. After feature selection, the top-ten most relevant features were fed to train 176 models.Significant performance variations were observed in the established models, with the best performance achieved by the logistic regression model using gini-index feature selection (AUC=0.797, ACC=0.722, sensitivity=0.758, specificity=0.693).The median R-score was 0.518 (IQR,0.023-0.987), and the patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on this cut-off value. The KM survival curves of the two groups demonstrated evident stratification results (p=0.000).
Retroperitoneal Nephrometry Scoring System (RETRO) for Minimal-Invasive Partial Nephrectomy
Authors: Ye Sunyi , Zhu Lixian , Wang Ping , Sun Xinxing , Xu Xin , Zhao Feng , Yao Xiaolin , Huang Qiang , Dai Yun , Xia Dan , Wang Shuo 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective
To propose a standardized scoring system of renal tumors suitable for partial nephrectomy based on mini-invasiveness and retroperitoneal approach.
Patients and Methods:
One-hundred and five patients in retroperitoneal group and 17 in transperitoneal group were prospectively enrolled from January 2017 to December 2018. Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy performed by one surgeon. Perioperative characteristics of all patients were collected: age, gender, BMI, preoperative blood test and imaging results, operation time (the time period starts from the skin incision to the final skin closure), estimated blood lost, clamping time, complications within 30 days, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, pathology. An algorithm was extracted, and it was used to predict the risk of complications.
Results
Symptoms, ASA score and RETRO score were significantly correlated to postoperative complications, excluding tumor size, ischemia time and operation time. Adjusted RETRO points were an independent factor to predict complication rate (p=0.006). Limitation was that it did not analyze the relationship between the RETRO score and the long-term outcomes.
Conclusions
The RETRO score simplifies the risk evaluation of partial nephrectomy for patients with renal tumor, especially benefits those surgeries performed under robot-assisted laparoscope via retroperitoneal approach. The new RETRO score system that we developed is a selection criterion to perform surgery via different approach, and an accurate system to evaluate the complexity during partial nephrectomy.
Differences in canopy cover estimations from ALS data and their effect on fire predictions
Authors: Taneja Ritu , Wallace Luke , Reinke Karin , Hilton James , Jones Simon 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Canopy cover is a primary attribute used in empirical wildfire models for certain fuel types. Accurate estimation of canopy cover is key to ensuring accurate prediction of fire spread and behaviour in these fuels. Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) is a promising active remote sensing technology for estimating canopy cover in natural eco-systems since it can penetrate and measure the vegetation canopy. Various methods have been developed to estimate canopy cover from ALS data. However, little attention has been given to the evaluation of algorithms used to calculate canopy cover and the subsequent influence these algorithms can have on wildfire behaviour models. In this study we evaluate the effect of using different algorithms to calculate canopy cover on the performance of the Australian Mallee-heath fire spread model. ALS data was used to derive five canopy cover models. Fire spread metrics including burned area, unburned area within the fire extent, and extent of fire were compared for different model run times. The results show that these metrics are strongly influenced by choice of algorithm used to calculate canopy cover. The results from this study may provide practical guidance for the optimal selection of estimation methods in canopy cover mapping.
Factors associated with postpartum psychiatric disorders using routine administrative data
Authors: Alves Flávia Jôse Oliveira , Castro-de-Araujo Luis F. , Xavier Erika Fialho Morais , Silva Vivian Alessandra Ferreira da , Machado Daiane Borges , Barreto Maurício L. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate factors associated with postpartum psychiatric disorders and to propose a new approach for the use of routine mental health service data in BrazilMethods: We extracted data on visits to psychiatric outpatient services from the Authorization of Outpatient Procedures in Brazil (2008-2012). Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape (GAMLSS) with double Poisson distribution were performed, with postpartum psychiatric disorders as the dependent variable.Results: At each increment in the maternal age unit and CAPS coverage percentage, there was an increase of 1.01 (p<0.001) in the occurrence of postpartum psychiatric disorders.Conclusions: An increase in age is associated with a higher risk of presenting a postpartum psychiatric disorder. This approach provides an innovative feature to routinely analyse collected data.
The Whistleblower’s Dilemma: An Evolutionary Game Analysis of Public Health Early Warning System
Authors: Cao Feng , Zhang Ling , Wu Yihan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background: The outbreak of a disease is presenting a serious challenge to China’s current public health emergency management system. Despite of China’s emergency preparedness is showing a good overall progress, gaps remain in the implementation of effective early warning system.Methods: In this context, a tripartite evolutionary game model composed of the local government, the whistle-blower, and the public is formulated. By using MATLAB, the dynamic evolution path of the game model is stimulated under different conditions. The stable strategies for early warning system for public health emergency are also explored. Results: The results indicate that the cost of whistleblowing, the cost of response, and the benefit of attention significantly influence strategic decisions among three parties in the process of managing public health emergency. When there is a serious risk of an outbreak, the local government tends to adopt a active response strategy in the first instance to try to reduce the loss of life and property, whilst the cost of public warning to the whistleblower may influence government’s decision-makings. When the accuracy of early warning information is questionable, the local government tends to adopt a cautious strategy to reduce the total loss to society. Nevertheless, the whistleblower may choose to give early warning signs to the public, given the potential risks to the public. As a group with limited information resources, the public’s strategic decisions are largely influenced by the actions of the local government and the whistle blowers. The whistleblower thus faces a dilemma in public health early warning system.Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of the whistleblowing in managing public health emergency. Yet our findings provide theoretical support for policy recommendations for promoting the public health emergency preparedness.
Association Between Psychological Distress at Different Points in the Treatment of Esophageal Cancer and Stress-Coping Style
Authors: Ohkura Yu , Ichikura Kanako , Shindoh Junichi , Ueno Masaki , Udagawa Harushi , Matsushima Eisuke 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Patients with esophageal cancer often have depressed mood and fear of metastasis and death. Esophagectomy is an invasive procedure with a high incidence of complications. The objective of this study was to examine the association between stress-coping style and psychological distress at different points in the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Methods
Of 152 consecutive patients treated for esophageal cancer at the outpatient clinic at Toranomon Hospital between April 2017 and April 2019, 102 met the eligibility criteria for this study. Questionnaires designed to identify psychological distress and stress-coping styles were longitudinally administered at 5 time points, from the initial outpatient consultation to 3 months after esophagectomy.
Results
The coping styles ‘fighting spirit’ (OR 0.836, 95% CI 0.762–0.918; p < 0.001) and ‘anxious preoccupation’ (OR 1.482, 95% CI 1.256–1.748; p < 0.001) were strongly associated with psychological distress before treatment. However, later in treatment, ‘helpless/hopeless’ (OR 1.337, 95% CI 1.099–1.626; p = 0.004) became strongly associated with psychological distress after esophagectomy. There were no relationships between psychological distress and individual patient characteristics, with the exception of ‘history of surgery’ and ‘final staging.’ The concordance index was 0.864, 0.826, 0.839, 0.830, and 0.840 at times 1–5, respectively.
Conclusions
The relationship between psychological distress and coping styles was stronger at different points in the treatment of esophageal cancer compared with that between psychological distress and individual patient characteristics. This study used prospective basic clinical data and may provide baseline information for risk stratification in psychological management and for future clinical studies in patients with esophageal cancer.
A Phylogeographic Assessment of The Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus Strepsiceros) Across South Africa
Authors: Jacobs Ruan , Coetzer Willem Gabriel , Grobler Paul 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is widespread throughout South Africa and occurs in higher densities in the north-eastern and southern regions, with isolated populations in the Eastern Cape Province and in the Kimberley area in the Northern Cape Province. This study aimed to quantify the levels of genetic diversity and differentiation within and between individual greater kudu populations, based on neutral mitochondrial DNA regions as well as adaptive variation. A total of 116 kudu were sampled from various biomes, separated by geographic features and distance, across six South African provinces. Sampling was based on skin samples collected from taxidermists. Genetic diversity and differentiation were quantified using sequence data from the mitochondrial control region (mtDNA CR) and the Heat Shock Protein Subunit 5 (HSPA5) gene. A short tandem repeat (STR) sequences was identified at the 3’-UTR of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4) gene and used for downstream analyses. Twenty-six haplotypes were identified the CR dataset, three for the HSPA5 region, and 14 alleles were identified for the BMP4 STR. The CR phylogenetic analyses identified two distinct genetic clades representing an Eastern and Western group respectively. Molecular divergence dating identified the most recent common ancestor of the Eastern and Western South African kudu clades as older (2.237 Mya) than some well-known African antelope species. This data was further supported by the HSPA5 and BMP4 results. Environmental selective pressures, such as rainfall and ambient temperature were also identified as possible driving forces for evolution at the HSPA5 gene region. These results can provide support for future conservation management decisions to ensure the conservation of natural patterns of diversity in this majestic antelope species in South Africa.
Effects of Fitting Parameter on Device Performance and Reliability of Double-Gate n-FinFET by Using Bohm Quantum Potential (BQP) Model
Authors: MAURYA RAVINDRA KUMAR , Bhowmick Brinda 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Scaling of devices has been reached a brick wall due to short channel effects (SCEs) and quantum behavior of carriers. At this level, the quantum mechanics became more powerful than classical mechanics. In this paper,3-D Bohm Quantum Potential (BQP) model has been used to evaluate the electrical characteristic of n-FinFET at 300Kfor different high-k materials as gate dielectric. In this work, the numerical tool Silvaco’s Devedit has been used to simulate the device in 3-D.The sub-threshold swing (SS) is evaluated utilizing physics based modeling and numerical simulation, indicating strong dependency of SSon the fitting parameter (α), gate dielectric materials, and physical gate length of n-FinFET. The SS value down to 46.46 mV/decade is achieved using high gate dielectric constant (TiO2, k= 80). Here, drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL), transconductance, unity gain cut-off frequency (fT), intrinsic gate delay, and off-state power dissipation etc. electrical parameters have been investigated.
Children and Rural-Urban Inequality of Health Among Elderly in China: "Convergence Phenomenon" of the Number of Children and "Action Mechanism" of the Quality of Children
Authors: Zheng Zhenhua , Chu Yusu , Liu Yang , Lu Yingchen , Liu Wanting , Sun Ning , Chen Hong 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: There is a widespread health inequality between urban and rural elderly people in China. China's unique social culture, policy environment and family relations determine the importance of children to the health of the elderly. However, the existing research on the health inequality of urban and rural elderly in China was generally reflected in the discussion of the urban-rural dual structure and the socioeconomic status of the elderly, but ignoring the important role of children in the health of the elderly in China and that in the health inequality of urban and rural elderly in China.Methods: The data we used come from the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS). In total, 9745 valid samples were obtained. The statistical method used in thisstudy was the structural equation modeling method(SEM).Results: the degree of health inequality between urban and rural elderly decreases with the increase of the number of children. Children's quality, especially their economic status, played an important role in the health of the elderly, and was even significantly greater than the impact of their own socio-economic status. Conclusion: With the increase of the number of children, the health gap between urban and rural elderly in China showed a “convergence phenomenon”, and the urban-rural health inequality of the elderly and the urban-rural gap of children's economic conditions changed in the same direction. The economic conditions of children were not only an important factor affecting the health of the elderly, but also one of the important reasons for the convergence of the urban-rural health gap of the elderly with the increase of the number of children.
Care leaders’ experiences of collaboration between healthcare professions in primary care: an explorative qualitative study
Authors: Hemberg Jessica , Nyberg Jasmina 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The need for interprofessional collaboration in increasing, because a single professional group can no longer meet patients’ increasingly complex and multifaceted health-related problems and needs. Researchers have found that effective interprofessional collaboration is needed, especially in primary care. The aim of the study was to explore care leaders’ experiences of collaboration between different healthcare professions in primary care.Methods: An explorative qualitative design and qualitative content analysis were used. Data were collected in February and March 2021. The data material consists of texts from interviews with care leaders working in outpatient care in a primary care setting. The method was inspired by content analysis. Results: Six main themes emerged: Physically close interaction, inclusion of clients and understanding clients’ individual needs; Quick flow of communication, participation and common approach; Inclusion of other professions and sectors, and non-hierarchical work; Capacity for interaction and cooperation, respect for others’ knowledge, commitment to change and utilization of potential; Purposeful action, enablement of developmental work and boundary-crossing work; Commitment of management, prioritization, structured action, justification and clear division of work.Conclusions: Care leaders experience the development and implementation of effective collaboration between different healthcare professions to be important and necessary in primary care. Factors considered to promote interprofessional collaboration are physically close interaction, inclusion of clients, understanding clients’ individual needs, quick flow of communication, participation and common approach, inclusion of other professions and sectors, and non-hierarchical work. Factors important to the development of collaboration are capacity for interaction and cooperation, understanding and respect for others’ knowledge, commitment to change, utilization of potential, purposeful action, enablement of developmental work, boundary-crossing work, commitment of management and the organization, prioritization, structured action, justification and clear division of work and responsibility. A focus on collaboration between different professions in other healthcare sectors could be included in future research.Trial registration: Registration for the study made by an ethical committé 1st January 2021.