bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First identification and molecular subtyping of Blastocystis sp. in zoo animals in southwestern China
Authors: Deng Lei , Yao Jingxin , Chen Shanyu , He Tingmei , Chai Yijun , Zhou Ziyao , Shi Xiaogang , Liu Haifeng , Zhong Zhijun , Fu Hualin , Peng Guangneng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Blastocystis sp. is an anaerobic protozoan that parasitizes many animal hosts and the human gastrointestinal tract, and its pathogenicity is controversial. Captive wildlife may be potential reservoirs for human infection with Blastocystis sp. The present study was performed to investigate the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in zoo animals in Sichuan Province, southwestern China.

Methods
A total of 420 fresh fecal samples were collected from 54 captive wildlife species in four zoos in southwestern China between June 2017 and September 2019. The prevalence and subtype (ST) genetic characteristics of Blastocystis sp. were determined by PCR amplification of the barcode region of the SSU rRNA gene and phylogenetic analysis.

Results
Overall, 15.7% (66/420) of the animal samples and 20.7% (14/54) of the species tested were shown to be infected with Blastocystis sp. The highest prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was found in Panzhihua Zoo (24.3%), which was significantly higher than that in Chengdu Zoo (6.9%), and Xichang Zoo (2.9%) (P < 0.05). There are also significant differences in the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. among different species (P < 0.05), and the highest of Blastocystis sp. prevalence was observed in white-cheeked gibbon, black great squirrel, and red giant flying squirrel (100%). Subtype analysis of Blastocystis sp. revealed nine subtypes, including six zoonotic STs (ST1-5, and ST8) and three animal-specific STs (ST10, ST14, and ST17), with ST17 as the predominant subtype (26/66) in Blastocystis sp.-positive isolates.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first report on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. among captive wildlife in zoos in southwestern China. This study highlights that these animals may serve as reservoirs for human Blastocystis sp. infections.

Graphical Abstract
Genome-wide occupancy reveals the localization of H1T2 (H1fnt) to repeat regions and a subset of transcriptionally active chromatin domains in rat spermatids
Authors: Shalini Vasantha , Bhaduri Utsa , Ravikkumar Anjhana C. , Rengarajan Anusha , Satyanarayana Rao M. R. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
H1T2/H1FNT is a germ cell-specific linker histone variant expressed during spermiogenesis specifically in round and elongating spermatids. Infertile phenotype of homozygous H1T2 mutant male mice revealed the essential function of H1T2 for the DNA condensation and histone-to-protamine replacement in spermiogenesis. However, the mechanism by which H1T2 imparts the inherent polarity within spermatid nucleus including the additional protein partners and the genomic domains occupied by this linker histone are unknown.

Results
Sequence analysis revealed the presence of Walker motif, SR domains and putative coiled-coil domains in the C-terminal domain of rat H1T2 protein. Genome-wide occupancy analysis using highly specific antibody against the CTD of H1T2 demonstrated the binding of H1T2 to the LINE L1 repeat elements and to a significant percentage of the genic regions (promoter-TSS, exons and introns) of the rat spermatid genome. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry analysis revealed the open chromatin architecture of H1T2 occupied chromatin encompassing the H4 acetylation and other histone PTMs characteristic of transcriptionally active chromatin. In addition, the present study has identified the interacting protein partners of H1T2-associated chromatin mainly as nucleo-skeleton components, RNA-binding proteins and chaperones.

Conclusions
Linker histone H1T2 possesses unique domain architecture which can account for the specific functions associated with chromatin remodeling events facilitating the initiation of histone to transition proteins/protamine transition in the polar apical spermatid genome. Our results directly establish the unique function of H1T2 in nuclear shaping associated with spermiogenesis by mediating the interaction between chromatin and nucleo-skeleton, positioning the epigenetically specialized chromatin domains involved in transcription coupled histone replacement initiation towards the apical pole of round/elongating spermatids.
A pilot randomized controlled trial of a tailored smoking cessation program for people living with HIV in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area
Authors: Kierstead Elexis C. , Harvey Emily , Sanchez Denisse , Horn Kimberly , Abroms Lorien C. , Spielberg Freya , Stanton Cassandra A. , Debnam Charles , Cohn Amy M. , Gray Tiffany , Magnus Manya , Patel Minal , Niaura Raymond , Elf Jessica L. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective
Morbidity and mortality from smoking-related diseases among people living with HIV (PLWH) in the U.S. surpasses that due to HIV itself. Conventional smoking cessation treatments have not demonstrated strong efficacy among PLWH. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate a tailored smoking cessation intervention based on the minority stress model. We compared standard of care counseling (SOC) to a tailored intervention (TI) including one face-to-face counseling session incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy to build resilience, and 30 days of 2-way text messaging.

Results
The primary outcome was smoking cessation. Secondary outcomes included cigarettes per day (CPD), exhaled carbon monoxide (CO), and cessation self-efficacy. A total of 25 participants were enrolled (TI:11, SOC:14), and 2 were lost to follow-up. There were no significant differences in quit rates between study groups. However, there was a significantly greater decrease in CPD in the TI versus SOC (13.5 vs. 0.0, p-value:0.036). Additionally, self-efficacy increased in both groups (TI p-value:0.012, SOC p-value:0.049) and CO decreased in both groups (TI p-value: < 0.001, SOC p-value:0.049). This intervention shows promise to support smoking cessation among PLWH. A larger study is needed to fully evaluate the efficacy of this approach.
Clinical trial: Trial Registration: Retrospectively registered (10/20/2020) NCT04594109.
Code fusion information-hiding algorithm based on PE file function migration
Authors: Tian Zuwei , Yang Hengfu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPE (portable executable) file has the characteristics of diversity, uncertainty of file size, complexity of file structure, and singleness of file format, which make it easy to be a carrier of information hiding, especially for that of large hiding capacity. This paper proposes an information-hiding algorithm based on PE file function migration, which utilizes disassembly engine to disassemble code section of PE file, processes function recognition, and shifts the whole codes of system or user-defined functions to the last section of PE file. Then it hides information in the original code space. The hidden information is combined with the main functions of the PE file, and the hidden information is coupled with the key codes of the program, which further enhances the concealment performance and anti-attack capability of the system.
Quantum Hermite–Hadamard-type inequalities for functions with convex absolute values of second $q^{b}$-derivatives
Authors: Ali Muhammad Aamir , Budak Hüseyin , Abbas Mujahid , Chu Yu-Ming 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we obtain Hermite–Hadamard-type inequalities of convex functions by applying the notion of$q^{b}$qb-integral. We prove some new inequalities related with right-hand sides of$q^{b}$qb-Hermite–Hadamard inequalities for differentiable functions with convex absolute values of second derivatives. The results presented in this paper are a unification and generalization of the comparable results in the literature on Hermite–Hadamard inequalities.
Assessing the effect of urban form on social sustainability: a proposed ‘Integrated Measuring Tools Method’ for urban neighborhoods in Dubai
Authors: Alipour S. M. Hossein , Galal Ahmed Khaled 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAmong the three pillars of sustainability, social sustainability has received the least attention, especially among the studies addressing the sustainable housing development in Dubai’s urban neighborhoods. Unfortunately, these neighborhoods are not showing enough vibrancy of their public spaces and amenities which seemingly undermined their social sustainability. The lack of a comprehensive tool that can assess the interlinked indicators of social sustainability in urban neighborhoods has urged the research to propose an Integrated Measuring Tools Method (IMTM), that incorporates relevant computational simulation techniques alongside the appropriate conventional qualitative tools. The proposed IMTM was utilized in assessing the social sustainability indicators within the urban form of an existing neighborhood in Dubai. The assessment revealed that various urban form characteristics including; density, land-use, mobility options, mobility networks, streets layouts, and the built environment’s safety and aesthetic qualities, are the main factors undermining social sustainability in the studied locality. The results informed a set of suggested redevelopment strategies/guidelines for this neighborhood that takes into consideration the exiting constraints and opportunities. These included; increasing density by infill development, redefining land-use to achieve diversity in housing types and decentralized amenities, diversifying mobility options, improving the spatial integration of the mobility networks while restraining the private cars movement, improving accessibility, enriching urban landscape, and finally enhancing the quality of amenities and services. A social sustainability redevelopment scenario was suggested based on these strategies. When compared to the exiting neighborhood utilizing the IMTM, it proved significantly better attainment of social sustainability principles. So, it might be claimed that the proposed IMTM and its outcomes proved to be a valid basis for assessing, redeveloping and validating social sustainability of existing neighborhoods with similar typology in Dubai, and potentially in the region.
Analyzing Bangkok city taxi ride: reforming fares for profit sustainability using big data driven model
Authors: Phiboonbanakit Thananut , Horanont Teerayut 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWith the trend toward the use of large-scale vehicle probe data, an urban-scale analysis can now provide useful information for taxi drivers and passengers. Unfortunately, traffic congestion has become a critical problem in urban cities. Road traffic congestion reduces productivity in transportation services, and the daily profit earned is consequently reduced. This is opposite to the cost of living, which is increasing rapidly. Therefore, these issues are causing difficulties in all occupations in terms of managing daily expenses, particularly for taxi drivers. The taxi driving is classified as low income compared to other occupations. Such facts are a symbol of economic inefficiency. To this end, this study aims to assist taxi agencies and the government in improving taxi driver profits in Bangkok using large-scale data. To deal with these large-scale data, we propose a big data-driven model. With this model, we first calculate costs using a cost–distance algorithm and trip reconstruction. The data are then modeled to understand distance-based profits with respect to the departure time and traffic conditions. Finally, several cost predictive models using machine learning are evaluated using the ground truth from 50 taxis for a 1-month period. The experiment results show that more frequent trips over a short distance yield higher profits than long-distance trips. Finally, a solution to improve taxi driver profits is determined. We also compare the advantages and disadvantages of a unified solution.
Impact of climate change on flood inundation in a tropical river basin in Indonesia
Authors: Yamamoto Kodai , Sayama Takahiro , Apip  
Published: January 2021

AbstractClimate change will have a significant impact on the water cycle and will lead to severe environmental problems and disasters in humid tropical river basins. Examples include river basins in Sumatra Island, Indonesia, where the coastal lowland areas are mostly composed of peatland that is a wetland environment initially sustained by flooding from rivers. Climate change may alter the frequency and magnitude of flood inundation in these lowland areas, disturbing the peatland environment and its carbon dynamics and damaging agricultural plantations. Consequently, projecting the extent of inundation due to future flooding events is considered important for river basin management. Using dynamically downscaled climate data obtained by the Non-Hydrostatic Regional Climate Model (NHRCM), the Rainfall-Runoff-Inundation (RRI) model was applied to the Batanghari River Basin (42,960 km2) in Sumatra Island, Indonesia, to project the extent of flood inundation in the latter part of the twenty-first century. In order to obtain reasonable estimates of the extent of future flood inundation, this study compared two bias correction methods: a Quantile Mapping (QM) method and a combination of QM and Variance Scaling (VS) methods. The results showed that the bias correction obtained by the QM method improved the simulated flow duration curve (FDC) obtained from the RRI model, which facilitated comparison with the simulated FDC using reference rainfall data. However, the high spatial variability observed in daily and 15-day rainfall data remained as the spatial variation bias, and this could not be resolved by simple QM bias correction alone. Consequently, the simulated extreme variables, such as annual maximum flood inundation volume, were overestimated compared to the reference data. By introducing QM-VS bias correction, the cumulative density functions of annual maximum discharge and inundation volumes were improved. The findings also showed that flooding will increase in this region; for example, the flood inundation volume corresponding to a 20-year return period will increase by 3.3 times. River basin management measures, such as land use regulations for plantations and wetland conservation, should therefore consider increases in flood depth and area, the extents of which under a future climate scenario are presented in this study.
Quantitative bone SPECT/CT reconstruction utilizing anatomical information
Authors: Kangasmaa Tuija S. , Constable Chris , Sohlberg Antti O. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundBone SPECT/CT has been shown to offer superior sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional whole-body planar scanning. Furthermore, bone SPECT/CT allows quantitative imaging, which is challenging with planar methods. In order to gain better quantitative accuracy, Bayesian reconstruction algorithms, including both image derived and anatomically guided priors, have been utilized in reconstruction in PET/CT scanning, but they have not been widely used in SPECT/CT studies. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of CT-guided reconstruction in quantitative bone SPECT.MethodsThree Bayesian reconstruction methods were evaluated against the conventional ordered subsets expectation maximization (OSEM) reconstruction method. One of the studied Bayesian methods was the relative difference prior (RDP), which has recently gained popularity in PET reconstruction. The other two methods, anatomically guided smoothing prior (AMAP-S) and anatomically guided relative difference prior (AMAP-R), utilized anatomical information from the CT scan. The reconstruction methods were evaluated in terms of quantitative accuracy with artificial lesions inserted in clinical patient studies and with 20 real clinical patients. Maximum and mean standardized uptake values (SUVs) of the lesions were defined.ResultsThe analyses showed that all studied Bayesian methods performed better than OSEM and the anatomical priors also outperformed RDP. The average relative error in mean SUV for the artificial lesion study for OSEM, RDP, AMAP-S, and AMAP-R was − 53%, − 35%, − 15%, and − 10%, when the CT study had matching lesions. In the patient study, the RDP method gave 16 ± 9% higher maximum SUV values than OSEM, while AMAP-S and AMAP-R offered increases of 36 ± 8% and 36 ± 9%, respectively. Mean SUV increased for RDP, AMAP-S, and AMAP-R by 18 ± 9%, 26 ± 5%, and 33 ± 5% when compared to OSEM.ConclusionsThe Bayesian methods with anatomical prior, especially the relative difference prior-based method (AMAP-R), outperformed OSEM and reconstruction without anatomical prior in terms of quantitative accuracy.
Pedagogical intentions or practical considerations when facilitating children's play? Teachers’ beliefs about the availability of play materials in the indoor ECEC environment
Authors: Nilsen Tone Rove 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis qualitative study investigated teachers' beliefs about the availability of play materials in the physical indoor environment of early childhood education and care (ECEC). The empirical data were gathered from fieldwork in eight child groups in ECEC institutions across Norway and comprised 13 semistructured interviews with teachers. The findings indicate a common ideological understanding among teachers that play materials should be available in children's play, enhancing play, learning, and development possibilities. However, many teachers described putting play materials out of children's reach during times of play. There are variations, but practical considerations often override pedagogical intentions when teachers plan and facilitate children's play. This study aims to enhance the indoor ECEC environment's quality by stimulating teachers' consciousness about play materials' availability, ensuring equal possibilities for children's play in ECEC. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Effect of space allowance and mixing on growth performance and body lesions of grower-finisher pigs in pens with a single wet-dry feeder
Authors: Camp Montoro Jordi , Boyle Laura Ann , Solà-Oriol David , Muns Ramon , Gasa Josep , Garcia Manzanilla Edgar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundLow space allowance (SA) and mixing may result in reduced growth performance (GP) and animal welfare issues because of adverse social behaviours directed to pen mates. This could be exacerbated in pens with single space feeders owing to social facilitation of feeding behaviour. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of SA and mixing on GP and body lesions (BL) in pens with one single space wet-dry feeder.ResultsTwo experiments were conducted on grower-finisher pigs from 10 to 21 weeks of age. In Exp1, pigs (N = 216) were assigned to three SA; 0.96 m2/pig (n = 6 pens; 10 pigs/pen; SA96), 0.84 m2/pig (n = 6; 12 pigs/pen; SA84) and 0.72 m2/pig (n = 6; 14 pigs/pen; SA72), in a randomized design. In Exp2, pigs (N = 230) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial randomized design considering SA and mixing as treatments. Pigs were assigned to two SA; 0.96 m2/pig (n = 10 pens; 10 pigs/pen; SA96) and 0.78 m2/pig (n = 10; 13 pigs/pen; SA78) and were either mixed or not at the entry to the finishing facility. GP was not affected by SA (P > 0.05) in either experiment. In Exp2, non-mixed pigs were 5.4 kg heavier (P <  0.001), gained 74 g more per day (P = 0.004), consumed 101.8 g more of feed per day (P = 0.007) and tended to have higher feed efficiency (P = 0.079) than mixed pigs from 11 to 21 weeks of age. Number of BL was affected by SA in both experiments. In Exp1, SA72 pigs had 74.4 and 97.4% more BL than SA96 and SA84 pigs at 20 weeks of age respectively (P <  0.01). In Exp2, SA78 pigs had 48.6, 43.6 and 101.3% more BL than SA96 pigs at 12, 16 and 21 weeks of age respectively (P <  0.05). Mixing did not affect the number of BL from 12 to 21 weeks of age in Exp2 (P > 0.05).ConclusionMixing had a considerable effect on growth performance thus, strategies to avoid or mitigate mixing should be considered. Although space allowance had no effect on growth performance, high number of body lesions in the lower space allowance indicates that space allowances equal or below 0.78 m2/pig are detrimental to the welfare of pigs despite following the EU legislation.
A pilot study of a nurse-led integrated care review (the INCLUDE review) for people with inflammatory rheumatological conditions in primary care: feasibility study findings
Authors: Hider Samantha L. , Bucknall Milica , Jinks Clare , Cooke Kelly , Cooke Kendra , Desilva Erandie Ediriweera , Finney Andrew G. , Healey Emma L. , Herron Daniel , Machin Annabelle R. , Mallen Christian D. , Wathall Simon , Chew-Graham Carolyn A. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
People with inflammatory rheumatological conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis are at an increased risk of common comorbidities including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and mood problems, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Identifying and treating these problems could lead to improved patient quality of life and outcomes. Despite these risks being well-established, patients currently are not systematically targeted for management interventions for these morbidities. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a nurse-led integrated care review in primary care to identify and manage these morbidities.

Methods
A pilot cluster RCT was delivered across four UK general practices. Patients with a diagnostic Read code for one of the inflammatory rheumatological conditions of interest were recruited by post. In intervention practices (n = 2), eligible patients were invited to attend the INCLUDE review. Outcome measures included health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), patient activation, self-efficacy and treatment burden. A sample (n = 24) of INCLUDE review consultations were audio-recorded and assessed against a fidelity checklist.

Results
453/789 (57%) patients responded to the invitation, although 114/453 (25%) were excluded as they either did not fulfil eligibility criteria or failed to provide full written consent. In the intervention practices, uptake of the INCLUDE review was high at 72%. Retention at 3 and 6 months both reached pre-specified success criteria. Participants in intervention practices had more primary care contacts than controls (mean 29 vs 22) over the 12 months, with higher prescribing of all relevant medication classes in participants in intervention practices, particularly so for osteoporosis medication (baseline 29% vs 12 month 46%). The intervention was delivered with fidelity, although potential areas for improvement were identified.

Conclusions
The findings of this pilot study suggest it is feasible to deliver an RCT of the nurse-led integrated care (INCLUDE) review in primary care. A significant morbidity burden was identified. Early results suggest the INCLUDE review was associated with changes in practice. Lessons have been learnt around Read codes for patient identification and refining the nurse training.

Trial registration
ISRCTN, ISRCTN12765345