bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO) Visceral Leishmaniasis Library of Clinical Therapeutic Studies: A Protocol for a Living Systematic Review of Clinical Studies
Authors: Singh-Phulgenda sauman , Rashan Sumayyah , Harriss Eli , Dahal Prabin , Naylor Caitlin , Brack Matthew , Guerin Philippe , Maguire Brittany J 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a vector-borne disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. The disease is endemic in parts of South Asia, East Africa, South America and the Mediterranean region, with an estimated 50,000 to 90,000 cases occurring annually. A living systematic review of existing scientific literature is proposed to identify clinical drug efficacy studies against VL, conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic-Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Methods and analysis: The proposed living systematic review builds on a previous systematic review first carried out in 2016, and the current protocol is designed to capture any published or registered VL clinical study from Nov-2021 onwards. The following databases will be searched by a medical librarian: PubMed, Ovid Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, clinicaltrials.gov, WHO ICTRP, as well as IMEMR, IMSEAR, and LILACS from the WHO Global Index Medicus. The systematic review will consider both randomised and non-randomised interventional studies, including single-armed studies. Ethics and dissemination: A database of eligible studies, including study characteristics, is openly available (https://www.iddo.org/tool/vl-surveyor) and will be continually updated every six months. All findings will be published in a peer reviewed journal.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021284622
An EMD and IMF Energy Entropy Based Optimized Feature Extraction and Classification Scheme for Single Trial EEG Signal
Authors: Luo Song , Zhong PeiYun , Chen Rui , Pan CunYang , Liu KeYu , Li Kun 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
For the purpose of improving the classification accuracy of single trial EEG signal during motor imagery (MI) process, this study proposed a classification method which combined IMF energy entropy and improved EMD scheme. Singular value decomposition (SVD), Gaussian mixture model, EMD and IMF energy entropy were employed for the newly designed scheme. After removing noise and artifacts from acquired EEG signals in EEGLAB, SVD was applied, and the singular values were clustered by Gaussian mixture model. The insignificant characteristics indicated by the small SVD values were then removed, and the signals were reconstructed, feeding to EMD algorithm. Those IMFs mapping to δ、θ、α and β frequencies were selected as the major features of the EEG signal. The SVM classifier with RBF, linear, and polynomial kernel functions and voting mechanism then kicked in for classification. The results were compared with that of the traditional EMD and EEMD through simulation, showing that the proposed scheme can eliminate mode mixing effectively and improve the single trial EEG signal classification accuracy significantly, suggesting the probability of designing a more efficient EEG control system based on the proposed scheme.
2D PdCu Alloy Nanodendrites Manifest Effective Peroxidase-Like Activity Against Biofilms
Authors: Yuan Guotao , Zhang Shitong , Yang Zaixing , Tian Xin , Cheng Si , Pan Yue , Zhou Ruhong 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Noble metal nanomaterials with peroxidase-like catalytic activity have received great interest lately for their potential applications in biomedicine and environmental protection; however, it is still challenging to achieve high catalytic efficiency despite enormous efforts. In this work, a novel but simple route was developed to synthesize 2D PdCu alloy nanodendrites (PdCu NDs) as a high-performance peroxidase mimic for biofilm elimination. Catalytic kinetics shows that the composition-dependent synergy between Pd and Cu in the PdCu NDs can strongly enhance the peroxidase-like activity. Density functional theory calculations further provide the underlying mechanisms at both atomic and electronic levels for the effective adsorption and dissociation of H2O2 molecules on PdCu NDs surfaces. Owing to their superior peroxidase-like activity, the PdCu NDs exhibit striking biofilm inhibition properties, which suggests that the controlled synthesis of 2D noble metal alloy may open up new opportunities for enhancing enzyme-like activities of noble metal nanomaterials.
Disability-Friendly Healthcare at Public Health Facilities in Bangladesh: A Mixed-Method Study To Explore the Existing Situation
Authors: Torsha Nawshin , Rahman Farah Naz , Hossain Shafkat , Chowdhury Hasina Akhter , Kim Minjoon , Rahman SM Mustafizur , Rahman AKM Fazlur , Rahman Aminur 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

Several strategies and policies are being implemented in Bangladesh to address the healthcare needs of people with disabilities, who comprise about 10% of the country’s total population. However, these measures are not adequate to provide accessible or friendly healthcare to the people with disabilities. This study aimed to explore the disability-friendliness of healthcare facilities, and the challenges of people with disabilities in terms of access to 1) information and communication, 2) access to infrastructure, and 3) providers’ capacity in Bangladesh.
Methods

A mixed-method study was conducted, including a cross-sectional survey of healthcare facilities, followed by structured-interview with people with disabilities and healthcare managers, and qualitative interviews among people with disabilities or their caregivers, healthcare providers (HCPs), policymakers, and community leaders. Data were collected from 150 public healthcare (primary-to-tertiary) facilities and from 300 people with disabilities in 16 districts across Bangladesh between January-December 2019. An observational checklist and structured questionnaires were used to assess the situation of healthcare facilities, and literature-guided guidelines were used for qualitative interviews. During analysis, the disability-friendliness of healthcare facilities were quantified through a scoring system, and thematic analysis of qualitative data was performed to identify the challenges of implementing disability-friendly healthcare (DFHC).
Results

The score for providing DFHC was low across all the four objectives in the healthcare facilities. The highest score (mean percentage) was observed in the infrastructure domain: 29.3±20.5, followed by communication: 18.2±4.8, and information: 14.6±6.22, and the lowest (0.93±7.1) score was for capacity of the HCPs to provide DFHC. Mean percentage scores for access to 13 infrastructure points were low, and extremely low scores were found in areas such as access to elevators (5.6±5.0), ticket counters (7.3±17.7) and toilets (10.6±9.3). Furthermore, about 59.1% of people with disabilities expressed dissatisfaction regarding access to information and communication. The majority (98.2%) recommended that training of HCPs can improve the situation.
Conclusion

This study revealed that most of the public health facilities in Bangladesh were not disability-friendly. Findings can inform development of a national disability-friendly policy with implementation guidelines.
Angiotensin II Receptor Type 2 Activation Does Not Influence Brain Damage, Neurological Impairment and Inflammation After Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Timaru-Kast Ralph , Bardon Andreas Garcia , Luh Clara , Coronel-Castello Shila P. , Songarj Phuriphong , Griemert Eva-Verena , Krämer Tobias , Sebastiani Anne , Steckelings Ulrike Muscha , Thal Serge C. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Antagonism of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) improves neurological function and reduces brain damage after experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI), which may be partly a result of enhanced indirect angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2) stimulation. AT2 stimulation was demonstrated to act neuroprotective via anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and neuroregenerative mechanisms in experimental cerebral pathology models. We recently demonstrated an upregulation of AT2 after TBI suggesting a protective mechanism. The present study investigated the effect of post-traumatic (5 days after TBI) AT2 activation via high and low doses of a selective AT2 agonist, compound 21 (C21), compared to vehicle-treated controls. No differences in the extent of the TBI-induced lesions were found between both doses of C21 and the controls. We then tested AT2-knockdown animals for secondary brain damage after experimental TBI. Lesion volume and neurological outcomes in AT2-deficient mice were similar to those in wild-type control mice at both 24 hours and 5 days post-trauma. Thus, in contrast to AT1 antagonism, AT2 modulation does not influence the initial pathophysiological mechanisms of TBI in the first 5 days after the insult, indicating that AT2 plays only a minor role in the early phase following trauma-induced brain damage.
Evaluation of Corona Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress, Quality of Life and Stress Coping Styles in COVID-19 Survivors
Authors: Korkut Süleyman 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objectives

The study aims to evaluate coronavirus anxiety, generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), quality of life (QOL) levels and coping styles with stress in COVID-19 survivors, as well as to assess these factors by comparing with people who have not had COVID-19.
Methods

The number of COVID-19 survivors, who suffer from the psychosocial impacts of the pandemic, is also increasing. The study was conducted between February 15- April 5, 2021 as a cross-sectional study design in a city, in Turkey. 113 people who confirmed with COVID-19 by clinical tests in the last 3 months and 107 people who have not had COVID-19, randomly participated in the study. Scales were used which evaluating generalized anxiety, corona anxiety, post-traumatic stress, quality of life and coping styles.
Results

COVID-19 survivors had higher generalized anxiety. PTSS was high in both groups, but there was no difference between the groups. Corona anxiety was higher in the group who have not had COVID-19. The QOL levels of the participants were found to be low in all domains. Furthermore, COVID-19 survivors had poorer QOL. A negative correlation was found between corona anxiety and generalized anxiety.
Conclusion

COVID-19 survivors, whose number has exceeded millions and increased over time, suffer from serious psychosocial problems. Psychosocial intervention studies should be conducted and public mental health strategies should be developed. Providing psychosocial support and psychological guidance will contribute to mental health well-being and improve the QOL.
Development Of Water Quality Prediction Model For Narmada River Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Lakhera Shubham , Chandra Sunayana , Rahi Dal Chand 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The lack of a universal system for analysis, prediction, and storage of water quality and condition of rivers in Madhya Pradesh has led to uneven policy-making and poor management ultimately posing issues in health, irrigation and keep increasing pollution in rivers. This study is a part of developing a central system for river water quality assessment and prediction. The conventional method of water quality assessment is based on the calculation of the water quality index which can be very complex and time-consuming. This paper aims to develop a water quality prediction model with the help of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for predicting the water quality of the Narmada River using two machine learning algorithms Levenberg and Gradient Descent and the results were compared. This research uses the surface water historical data of years 2018, 2019 of the river Narmada with monthly time intervals. Data is obtained from the Central Pollution Control Board resource called Narmada Automatic Sampling Collection Stations System. For training the network 10 water quality parameters including, DO, BOD, Turbidity, pH, etc. After training the networks were accessed using Mean Squared Error (MSE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Coefficient of Correlation (R) out of which 2 best performing networks with 7 ( Training R = 0.80083, Testing R = 0.5767) and 19 (Training R = 0.6594, Testing R = 0.7424) Neurons in the hidden layer, were selected from Levenberg algorithm and, 5 (Training R = 0.7670, Testing R = 0.8123) & 17 (Training R = 0.8631, Testing R = 0.8981) Neurons in the hidden layer were selected from Gradient descent algorithm. This simplifies the calculation of WQI take care if any sampling station is out of service and data is not available for some reason. Further, the aim is to refine the prediction location-wise to be able to make a better decision when & where to implement the measures to reduce the pollution or the knowledge level of treatment required to make the water fit for use beforehand. This would be helpful in the treatment of water for use in Domestic or Irrigation Purposes.
Development and Validation of a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Scale for Medication Safety in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wei Shan , Fang Junyan , Huang Zehui , Ji Ouyang , Chen Zhihao , Song Ahui , Li Pu , Hu Chun , Zhang Bin , Ding Feng , Liu Yingli 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To develop a knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) scale for medication safety in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), test its reliability and validity, and provide a reliable assessment instrument for the self-medication of patients with CKD.
Methods
The initial scale was formulated based on the KAP theory together with a literature review, research group discussion and semi-structured interviews of patients with CKD. An expert panel consultation and pre-investigation were conducted to improve the scale. Next, 209 patients with CKD were enrolled to undertake the questionnaire linked to the primary scale. The item analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and split-half reliability were used to evaluate the validity and reliability of the scale.
Results
The primary scale consisted of 32 items with three dimensions. Three items were deleted after the item analysis. Then, the principal component analysis with Varimax rotation was employed to analyze the construct and factor structure. Finally, item 20 was deteled and the formal scale was formed with 28 items and four dimensions. The cumulative variance contribution rate was 65.132%. The alpha coefficient was 0.944 and the split-half reliability coefficient was 0.834 for the scale.
Conclusion
The KAP scale has good reliability and validity. It may be valuable for evaluating the levels of medication adherence and managing the self-medication of patients with CKD in China. In the future, further translation and validation in different regions with expansion of sample size are required, so that this scale can be further applied worldwide.
Transition from Antigenemia to Quantitative Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing in Kidney Transplant Recipients Receiving Preemptive Therapy for Cytomegalovirus Infection.
Authors: Nakamura Mônica Rika , Requião-Moura Lúcio R. , Gallo Roberto Mayer , Botelho Camila , Taddeo Júlia , Viana Laila Almeida , Felipe Cláudia Rosso , Medina-Pestana José , Tedesco-Silva Hélio 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Due to the high costs, the strategy to reduce the impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) after kidney transplant (KT) involves preemptive treatment in low and middle-income countries. Thus, this retrospective cohort study compared the performance of antigenemia transitioned to quantitative nucleic acid amplification testing, RT-PCR, in KT recipients receiving preemptive treatment as a strategy to prevent CMV infection. Between 2016 and 2018, 363 patients were enrolled and received preemptive treatment based on antigenemia (n=177) or RT-PCR (n=186). The primary outcome was CMV infection or disease. There were no differences in one-year cumulative incidence of CMV-related events (50.8% vs. 44.1%, P=0.20), neither in time to diagnosis (47.0 vs. 47.0 days) among patients conducted by antigenemia vs. RT-PCR, respectively. The length of CMV first treatment was longer with RT-PCR (20.0 vs. 27.5 days, P<0.001), while the rate of retreatment was not different (14.7% vs. 11.8%, P=0.48). In the Cox regression, the variables associated with CMV-related events were acute rejection within 30 days (HR=2.05, p=0.01) and 30-day glomerular filtration rate (HR=0.98, p<0.001). In conclusion, acute rejection and glomerular filtration rate are risk factors for CMV infection and disease, showing comparable performance in the impact of CMV-related events between antigenemia and RT-PCR for preemptive treatment.
Predicting Risks of Severe Windstorm Damage to Southeastern U.S. forests
Authors: Fortuin Christine Cairns , Montes Cristian R. , Vogt James T. , Gandhi Kamal J. K. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
ContextThe southeastern U.S. experiences tornadoes and severe thunderstorms that can cause economic and ecological damage to forest stands resulting in loss of timber, reduction in short-term carbon sequestration, and increasing forest pests and pathogens. ObjectivesThis project sought to determine landscape-scale patterns of recurring wind damages and their relationships to topographic attributes, overall climatic patterns and soil characteristics in southeastern forests. MethodsWe assembled post-damage assessment data collected since 2012 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). We utilized a regularized Generalized Additive Model (GAM) framework to identify and select influencing topographic, soil and climate variables and to discriminate between damage levels (broken branches, uprooting, or trunk breakage). Further, we applied a multinomial GAM utilizing the identified variables to generate predictions and interpolated the results to create predictive maps for tree damage. ResultsTerrain characteristics of slope and valley depth, soil characteristics including erodibility factor and bedrock depth, and climatic variables including temperatures and precipitation levels contributed to damage severity for pine trees. In contrast, valley depth and soil pH, along with climactic variables of isothermality and temperature contributed to damage severity for hardwood trees. Areas in the mid-south from Mississippi to Alabama, and portions of central Arkansas and Oklahoma showed increased probabilities of more severe levels of tree damage. ConclusionsOur project identified important soil and climatic predictors of tree damage levels, and areas in the southeastern U.S. that are at greater risk of severe wind damage, with management implications under continuing climate change.
Combined Treatment of Graft Versus Host Disease Using Donor Regulatory T Cells and Ruxolitinib.
Authors: Rodríguez-Gil Alfonso , Escamilla-Gómez Virginia , Nufer Melanie , Andújar-Sánchez Félix , Lopes-Ramos Teresa , Bejarano-García José Antonio , García-Guerrero Estefanía , Calderón-Cabrera Cristina , Caballero-Velázquez Teresa , García-Calderón Clara Beatriz , Hernández-Díaz Paola , Reguera-Ortega Juan Luis , Rodríguez-Torres Nancy , Martínez-Cibrián Nuria , Rodríguez-Barbosa José Ignacio , Villadiego Javier , Pérez-Simón José Antonio 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Donor derived regulatory T lymphocytes and the JAK1/2 kinase inhibitor ruxolitinib are currently being evaluated as therapeutic options in the treatment of Chronic Graft versus Host Disease (cGvHD).In this work, we aimed to determine if the combined use of both agents can exert a synergistic effect in the treatment of cGvHD. For this purpose, we studied the effect of this combination both in vitro and in a progressive onset acute to chronic GvHD mouse model. Our results show that ruxolitinib favors the ratio of thymic regulatory T cells to conventional T cells in culture, without affecting the suppressive capacity of these Treg. The combination of ruxolitinib with Treg showed a higher efficacy as compared to each single treatment alone in our GvHD mouse model in terms of GvHD incidence, severity and survival without hampering Graft versus Leukemia effect. This beneficial effect correlated with the detection in the bone marrow of recipient mice of the infused donor allogeneic Treg after the adoptive transfer.
Force Interaction with a Small Insect by a Soft Microfinger with Active Tactile Sensing
Authors: Konishi Satoshi , Mori Fuminari , Kakehi Yugo , Shimizu Ayano , Sano Fumiya , Koyanagi Kodai 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Human-robot interaction technology has contributed to improving sociality for humanoid robots. At scales far from human scales, a microrobot can interact with an environment in a small world. Microsensors have been applied to measurement of forces by flying or walking insects. Meanwhile, most previous works focused on the measurement of the behavior of insects. Here, we propose microrobot-insect interactions by soft microfingers integrated with artificial muscle actuators and tactile sensors, which has been developed for a haptic teleoperation robot system. A soft pneumatic balloon actuator acts as the artificial muscle, and a flexible strain sensor using a liquid metal provides tactile sensing. Force interaction between a pill bug and the microfinger could be accomplished. The microfiger (12 mm × 3 mm × 490 µm) can move and touch an insect, and it can detect reaction force from an insect. The measured reaction force from the legs of a pill bug as a representative insect was less than 10 mN. Our results demonstrate the potential of microfinger-insect interactions in a small world. We anticipate that our results will lead to novel human-environment interaction.
Predictors of the Intention to use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hong Kong Using Extended Theory of Planned Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ng Tommy K. C. , Lo Man Fung , Fong Ben Y. F. , Yee Hilary H. L. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine are available and have a long history in Hong Kong. Little is known on the intention to use TCM in Hong Kong. In this study, the intention to use TCM were examined by the extended theory of planned behavior.Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from 15 and 29 November 2021. Respondents’ attitude towards using TCM, intention to use TCM, knowledge, perceived behavioral control, perceived service quality, satisfaction, subjective norms and demographic characteristics were collected from the survey. To examine the conceptual framework in this study, partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was adopted.Results: In total, 446 responses (completion rate = 74.3%) were analysed. Attitude towards TCM was the strongest predictor to the intention to use TCM followed by satisfaction and subjective norms. Attitude had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and intention to use TCM. Attitude had a full mediating effect on the relationship between knowledge and intention to use TCM. Satisfaction had a full mediating effect on the relationship between perceived service quality and intention to use TCM.Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate the predictors of the intention to use TCM in Hong Kong by using TPB. Individuals’ attitude towards TCM has showed stronger effect to the intention to use TCM than other predictors, such as satisfaction, perceived behavioral control and subjective norms. To enhance the intention to use TCM in Hong Kong, key stakeholders, including TCM professional organisations, health professionals and policymakers, should develop a positive attitude towards TCM among Hong Kong population.