bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatio-temporal patterns of pneumonia in Bhutan: A Bayesian analysis
Authors: Wangdi Kinley , Penjor Kinley , Tsheten Tsheten , Tshering Chachu , Gething Peter , Gray Darren , Clements Archie 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Pneumonia is one of the top 10 diseases by morbity in Bhutan. This study aimed to investigate the spatial and temporal trends and risk factors of pneumonia in Bhutan. A multivariable Zero-inflated Poisson regression using a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation was undertaken to quantify associations of age, sex, rainfall, maximum temperature and relative humidity with monthly pneumonia incidence and identify underlying spatial structure of the data. Overall pneumonia incidence was 96.5 and 4.57 per 1,000 populations over nine years in people aged < 5 years and ≥ 5 years, respectively. Children < 5 years or being a female are more like to get pneumonia than ≥ 5 years and males. A 10mm increase in rainfall and 1°C increase in maximum temperature was associated with a 7.2% (95% (credible interval [CrI] 0.7%, 14.0%) and 28.6% (95% CrI 27.2%, 30.1%) increase in pneumonia cases. A 1% increase in relative humidity was associated with a decrease in the incidence of pneumonia by 8.6% (95% CrI 7.5%, 9.7%). There was no evidence of spatial clustering after accounting for the covariates. Seasonality and spatial heterogeneity can partly be explained by the association of pneumonia risk to climatic factors including rainfall, maximum temperature and relative humidity.
Euthanasia in Dogs Under Primary Veterinary Care in the UK: Frequency and Risk Factors
Authors: Pegram Camilla , Gray Carol , Packer Rowena M. A. , Richards Ysabelle , Church David B. , Brodbelt Dave C. , O'Neill Dan G. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The loss of a pet can be particularly distressing for owners, whether the method of death is euthanasia or is unassisted. Using primary-care clinical data, this study aimed to report the demographic and clinical factors associated with euthanasia, relative to unassisted death, in dogs. Method of death (euthanasia or unassisted) and clinical cause of death were extracted from a random sample of 29,865 dogs within the VetCompass Programme from a sampling frame of 905,544 dogs under UK veterinary care in 2016. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to evaluate associations between risk factors and method of death. Of the confirmed deaths, 26,676 (89.3%) were euthanased and 2,487 (8.3%) died unassisted. After accounting for confounding factors, 6 grouped-level disorders had higher odds in euthanased dogs (than dogs that died unassisted), using neoplasia as the baseline. The disorders with greatest odds included: poor quality of life (OR 16.28), undesirable behaviour (OR 11.36) and spinal cord disorder (OR 6.00). Breed, larger bodyweight and increasing age were additional risk factors for euthanasia. The results highlight that a large majority of owners will face euthanasia decisions and these findings can support veterinarians and owners to better prepare for such an eventuality.
The Prevalence and Severity of Depression, Anxiety and Stress as Well as Coping Strategies Used by Medical Undergraduate Students Enrolled in Arsi University: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Melaku Leta , Bulcha Guta , Worku Deressa 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEvery individual has a certain number of coping resources, and once these coping resources are challenged, mental illness usually results.ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety and stress as well as coping strategies used by medical undergraduate students enrolled in Arsi University.MethodsInstitutional based cross-sectional design was conducted on 265 sampled medical students. Participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by pre-tested, structured and self-administrated questionnaire. Afterwards, logistic regression analysis was employed and statistical significance was accepted at p<0.05. ResultIn the present study 5 questionnaires were rejected for incompleteness, resulting in a response rate of 98.1%. The current prevalence rate of depression, anxiety and stress were 52.3%, 60.8% and 40.4% respectively. The proportion of respondents who had extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were 6.2%, 16.2% and 2.3% respectively. Depression was specifically associated with a monthly income and residency. Anxiety was significantly associated with residency and educational level. Stress was associated with a monthly income, educational level and residency. The main coping strategy adopted by respondents was religion. In particular, the coping mechanisms of denial, substance use, behavioral disengagement, venting, self-blame were significantly associated to DAS. ConclusionOverall prevalence rate of depression, anxiety and stress is alarmingly high. Therefore, implementing stress reduction interventions and establishing student counseling center is highly recommended.
Effectiveness of the toxin-degrading strain screening strategy: Deficiency and improvement in screening the gossypol-degrading microorganism Aspergillus niger
Authors: Zhang Chen , Shu Gangqin , Wang Hui , Li Daojie , Xü Yuan , Zhang Yunhua , Cheng Maoji , Chen Lijuan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

The gossypol, as an antinutritional factor or natural plant toxin, has antifertility effects on humans and animals, exists in cottonseed oil and meal, and is a typical food or feed contaminant. It is the classic screening method to using acetate gossypol as the sole carbon sources to prepare selective medium and screening gossypol-degrading microorganisms. By the classic screening strategy, many researchers have discovered that some microorganisms, and Aspergillus niger is the most reported microorganism. A strain of A. niger which can grow in an agar solid medium with gossypol as the sole carbon source is isolated from cattle rumen liquid was obtained by classic screening strategy. The effectiveness of the classic screening strategy was verified, by duplicating and verifying the degradation of gossypol by the A. niger.
Results

the A. niger can reduce the free gossypol (FG) content through biosorption but has no effect on the total gossypol (TG) content. And it can secrete agarase, utilise agar as carbon source.
Conclusions

The A. niger can secrete agarase, but cannot effectively degrade gossypol, In this case, it will mislead researchers and lead them to make wrong judgments. The usual methods of previous screening strategies are not rigorous enough, the classic screening method has defect in screening toxin-degrading strain, so agar control group should be added.
A ‘Dynamic Adder Model’ For Cell Size Homeostasis in Dictyostelium Cells
Authors: Tanaka Masahito , Yumura Shigehiko 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
After a cell divides into two daughter cells, the total cell surface area of the daughtercells should increase to the original size to maintain cell size homeostasis in a single cellcycle. Previously, three models have been proposed to explain the regulation of cell sizehomeostasis: sizer, timer, and adder models. Here, we precisely measured the total cellsurface area of Dictyostelium cells in a whole cell cycle by using the agar-overlaymethod, which eliminated the influence of surface membrane reservoirs, such asmicrovilli and membrane winkles. The total cell surface area linearly increased duringinterphase, slightly decreased at the metaphase, and then increased by approximately20% during cytokinesis. From the analysis of the added surface area, we concluded thatthe cell size was regulated by the near-adder model in interphase and by the timer modelin the mitotic phase. The adder model in the interphase is not caused by a simple cellmembrane addition, but is more dynamic due to the rapid cell membrane turnover. Wepropose a ‘dynamic adder model’ to explain cell size homeostasis in the interphase.
Wafer-Scale Functional Circuits Based on Two Dimensional Semiconductors with Fabrication Optimized by Machine Learning
Authors: Chen Xinyu , Xie Yufeng , Sheng Yaochen , Tang Hongwei , Wang Zeming , Wang Yu , Wang Yin , Liao Fuyou , Ma Jingyi , Guo Xiaojiao , Tong Ling , Liu Hanqi , Liu Hao , Wu Tianxiang , Cao Jiaxin , Bu Sitong , Shen Hui , Bai Fuyu , Huang Daming , Deng Jianan , Riaud Antoine , Xu Zihan , Wu Chenjian , Xing Shiwei , Lu Ye , Ma Shunli , Sun Zhengzong , Xue Zhongying , Di Zengfeng , Gong Xiao , Zhang Wei , Zhou Peng , Wan Jing , Bao Wenzhong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Triggered by the pioneering research on graphene, the family of two-dimensional layered materials (2DLMs) has been investigated for more than a decade, and appealing functionalities have been demonstrated. However, there are still challenges inhibiting high-quality growth and circuit-level integration, and results from previous studies are still far from complying with industrial standards. Here, we overcome these challenges by utilizing machine-learning (ML) algorithms to evaluate key process parameters that impact the electrical characteristics of MoS2 top-gated field-effect transistors (FETs). The wafer-scale fabrication processes are then guided by ML combined with grid searching to co-optimize device performance, including mobility, threshold voltage and subthreshold swing. A 62-level SPICE modeling was implemented for MoS2 FETs and further used to construct functional digital, analog, and photodetection circuits. Finally, we present wafer-scale test FET arrays and a 4-bit full adder employing industry-standard design flows and processes. Taken together, these results experimentally validate the application potential of ML-assisted fabrication optimization for beyond-silicon electronic materials.
Machine Learning Based Prediction Model for Using Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs on Risk of Adverse Events
Authors: Lu Juan , Wang Ling , Bennamoun Mohammed , Ward Isaac , An Senjian , Sohel Ferdous , Chow Benjamin JW , Dwivedi Girish , Sanfilippo Frank M 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
To investigate the usefulness of machine learning approaches on linked administrative health data at the population level in predicting older patients’ one-year risk of adverse events after supplied with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Patients from a Western Australian cardiovascular population who were supplied with NSAIDs between 1 Jan 2003 and 31 Dec 2004 were identified from Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data. Comorbidities from linked hospital admissions data and medication history were inputs. Admissions for acute coronary syndrome or deaths within one year from the last supply date were outputs. Machine learning classification methods were used to build models to predict ACS and optimise their performance, measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity and specificity. There were 69007 patients in the NSAIDs cohort with mean age 76 years and 54.3% were female. 1882 patients were admitted for acute coronary syndrome and 5405 patients dead within one year after their last supply of NSAIDs. The multi-layer neural network, gradient boosting machine and support vector machine were applied to build various classification models. The models achieved an average AUC-ROC score of 0.72 predicting ACS and 0.84 predicting death. Machine learning models applied to linked administrative data can potentially improve adverse event risk prediction. Further investigation of additional data and approaches are required further to improve the performance for adverse event risk prediction.
The Variation of Air Purification Benefit Provided by Street Tree Assemblages in Shenyang, China
Authors: Yao Jing , Chen Wei , Liu Miao , Wang Xiaobo , Chen Nina , He Xingyuan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Street trees assemblage is a widespread natural component in the cities and provides a wide range of ecosystem services to the cities. However, the distribution of street trees assemblage within a city is inequal. In this paper, we took air purification benefit provided by street trees for example to examine how urban form, urban geography and drivers of vegetation management affect the variation of ecosystem services provided by street trees in metropolitan Shenyang, Northeastern China. The i-Tree Street (2018) was utilizing to evaluate air purification benefit provided by street trees.Results: We analyze the results using 2 indices: per kilometer benefit and average tree benefit. The results showed us that (1) both indices didn’t vary along the population gradient. (2) The per kilometer benefit had a decreasing trend along the urban-suburban gradient. (3) The districts which had the highest per kilometer benefit and average tree benefit are neither the old ones nor the newest one, but the districts start to develop from around 2002 and 2003.Conclusions: We infer that the public policy is a main driver of vegetation management, especially for street trees, because street tree is closely related to road/street development which is closely related to economic development of a region. Besides, there could be a time lag effect for ecosystem services provided by trees.
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitism and Associated Risk Factors in Rural and Urban Areas of Southern Algeria: a Four-year Community Based Study
Authors: Sebaa Soumia , Behnke Jerzy M. , Baroudi Djamel , Hakem Ahcene , Abu-Madi Marawan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are amongst the most common infections worldwide and have been identified as one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality among disadvantaged populations. This community based study was conducted to assess the magnitude and pattern of intestinal parasitism and to identify the key risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections in Laghouat province, south Algeria.Methods: Stool samples were collected from 2277 symptomatic and asymptomatic patients aged 1-89 years old. Structured questionnaire were used to identify environmental, socio demographic and behavioral factors. Stool specimens were collected and examined for intestinal parasitic infection. Results: More than 33% of participants were found to be infected for at least one protozoan and/or helminth parasite. Of these, the most common parasites were Blastocystis spp. (17.79%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (8.78%), Giardia intestinalis (4.22%), Entamoeba coli (4.08%) and more rarely Endolimax nana, Cryptosporidium spp, Trichomonas intestinalis, Enterobius vermicularis, Taenia spp., and a single case of Trichuris trichiura. Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between prevalence and species richness of combined protozoan parasites and contact with animal, living in rural areas and relying primarily on tap water, particularly in young individuals. Analysis of temporal consistency showed a high rate of infection in rural locations in the spring of 2018 and a firm relationship between school children and tap water was also detected. Conclusions: The high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the Laghouat population, with identification of several risk factors indicates that parasitic infections are important public health problems. Therefore, several strategies are recommended in order to effectively reduce these infections including good animal husbandry practices, health education focused on good personal hygiene practices especially for school children, availability of safe drinking water and adequate sanitation.
Impact of Surgical Site Infection To Outcome In Patients With Operatively Treated Tibial Plateau Fractures– A Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Henkelmann Ralf , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Glaab Richard , Mende Meinhard , Ull Christopher , Braun Philipp-Johannes , Gensior Tobias J. , Katthagen Christoph , Hepp Pierre 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Tibial plateau fractures (TPF) can be a life changing injury. Surgical site infection (SSI) occur in 3-10% and is a feared complication. Aim of this study was to evalute the impact of SSI to outcome in patients with operatively treated TPF.Methods: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study in seven participating countries. Between January 2005 and December 2014 all participating centers have followed up patients with SSI. In addition, three centers followed up patients without SSI as a reference group. Descriptive data and follow up data with patient reported outcome scores (KOOS, Lysholm) were evaluated. Statistic analyses were performed with IBM SPSS and two-sided tests to the significance level of α = 0.05. Results: In summary, 287 patients (41 with SSI and 246 without SSI) with an average follow-up of 75.9 ± 35.9 months were included in this study. Patients with a SSI had a significant poorer Outcome in KOOS5 (48.7 ± 23.2 vs. 71.5 ± 23.5; p < 0.001) and Lysholm (51.4 ± 24.0 vs. 71.4 ± 23.5; p < 0.001) compared to patients without SSI. This significant difference was also evident in the KOOS subscores pain (57.9 ± 22,9 vs. 75.0 ± 22.3; p < 0.001), symptoms (54.5 ± 28.8 vs. 75.4 ± 23.4; p < 0.001), ADL (48.8 ± 27.5 vs. 80.5 ± 22.6; p < 0.001) and QOL (37.8 ± 31.5 vs. 56.4 ± 30.2; p = 0.001).Conclusion: Patients with SSI differed significantly from patients without SSI in terms of gender, smoking and drug addiction. The trauma-associated data showed a significant difference in the severity of fracture morphology, concomitant injuries (especially open fracture and compartment syndrome), and the incidence of polytraumata. In terms of PRO, a significantly poorer outcome was recorded in patients with SSI.
Image Classification of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture with Endplate-disc Complex Injury
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Wang Song , Wang Qing , Yang Jin , Xu Shuang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to observe the condition of osteoporosis vertebral fracture(OVF) combined with endplate-disc complex (EDC) injury through MRI and CT, and to classify the degree of EDC injury according to the changes in the signal and morphology of the EDC on the image.Methods A total of 479 cases of OVF were included in this study. Baseline data were recorded. We investigate the incidence of EDC injury, observed the morphology and signal changes of EDC injury through MRI and CT, and divided it into grades 0-4 according to the severity of injury.We compared whether there were differences in the degree of EDC injury among different vertebral fractures, bone mineral density(BMD), and severity of vertebral fractures. Results Among 479 patients, 321 cases had EDC injury adjacent to fractured vertebral body. Among them, 158 cases were grade 0, 66 cases were grade 1, 72 cases were grade 2, 78 cases were grade 3, and 92 cases were grade 4. The degree of EDC injury combined with thoracolumbar vertebral fractures was more serious than that of thoracic and lumbar vertebral body fractures.Vertebral fractures with severe osteoporosis were combined with more severe EDC injury. The more severe the vertebral fracture, the more severe the combined EDC injury.Conclusion This study found that the incidence rate of EDC injury reached 67.0%. To patients with OVF, severe osteoporosis, and severe fractures in the thoracolumbar segments often have more severe EDC injury.
Neonatal Tactile Stimulation Modulates Dendritic Spine Densities in Somatosensory Cortex of Adult WAG/Rij rats
Authors: Ilbay Gul , Balikci Aymen , Kokturk Sibel , Yilmaz Melda Yardimoglu , Ates Nurbay 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective: The aim of our study is to examine the effects of neonatal tactile stimulatons on the brain structures that previously defined as the focus of epilepsy in the Wistar-Albino-Glaxo from Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rat brain with genetic absence epilepsy.Methods: In the present research, morphology and density of dendritic spines were analyzed in the somatosensory cortex (SoCx) of WAG/Rij rats (non stimulated control, tactile-stimulated and maternal separated rats) and healthy Wistar (non-epileptic) rats. To achieve this, a Golgi-Cox method was used.Results: Dendritic spine number in layer V of the SoCx has been detected significantly higher in adult WAG/Rij rats at post natal day 150 in comparison to non-epileptic adult control Wistar rats (p<0,001). Moreover, quantitative analyses of dendrite structure in adult WAG/Rij rats showed a decrease in dendrite spine density of pyramidal neurons of SoCx which occurred in early neonatal exposure to maternal separation (MS) and tactile stimulation (TS) (p<0,001).Conclusions: Our findings provide the first evidence that tactile stimulations during the early postnatal period have a long-term impact on dendrite structure in WAG/Rij rat’s brain and suggest a reduction in dendrite spine density is linked to absence seizure reduction.
An internet-based self-help intervention for people with psychological distress due to COVID-19: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Brog Noemi Anja , Hegy Julia , Berger Thomas , Znoj Hansjörg 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) has reached pandemic status and is affecting countries all over the world. The COVID-19 pandemic is accompanied by various stressors that require adjustment in everyday life and possibly changes in personal future prospects. While some individuals cope well with these challenges, some develop psychological distress including depressive symptoms, anxiety or stress. Internet-based self-help interventions have proven to be effective in the treatment of various mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Based on that, we developed an internet-based self-help program for individuals with psychological distress due to the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The 3-week self-help program consists of 6 modules comprising texts, videos, figures and exercises. Participants can request guidance within the self-help program (guidance on demand). The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of the self-help program compared to a waiting control condition.Methods: The design is a parallel group randomized controlled trial. Participants are allocated to a 3-week self-help intervention plus care as usual or a 3-week waiting period with only care as usual. There are follow-ups after 6 weeks and 18 weeks. At least 80 participants with COVID-19 pandemic related psychological distress will be recruited. Primary outcome are depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes include anxiety and chronic stress, suicidal experiences and behaviour, health-related quality of life, generalized optimism and pessimism, embitterment, optimistic self-beliefs, emotion regulation skills, loneliness, resilience and the satisfaction with and usability of the self-help program.Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first studies investigating the efficacy of an internet-based self-help program for psychological distress due to the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the results of this study may give further insight into the use of internet-based self-help programs in pandemic-related psychological distress.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04380909, Retrospectively registered on 8 May 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04380909