bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental and anthropogenic influences of movement and foraging in a critically endangered lemur species, Propithecus tattersalli: implications for habitat conservation planning
Authors: Semel Meredith A , Abernathy Heather N , Semel Brandon P , Cherry Michael J , Ratovoson Tsioriniaina J , Moore Ignacio T 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundWildlife conservation often focuses on establishing protected areas, however, these conservation zones are frequently developed without adequate knowledge of the movement patterns of the species they are designed to protect. Understanding movement and foraging patterns of species in dynamic and diverse habitats can allow managers to develop more effective conservation plans. Threatened lemurs in Madagascar are an example where management plans and protected areas are typically created to encompass large, remaining forests rather than the resource needs of the target species. MethodsTo gain an understanding of golden-crowned sifaka ( Propithecus tattersalli ) movement patterns, including space use and habitat selection, across their range of inhabited forest types, we combined behavior data with Dynamic Brownian Bridge Movement Models and Resource Selection Functions. We also examined the influence of abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors on home range size, movement rates, and foraging patterns. ResultsWe found that home range size and movement rates differed between seasons, with increased core area size and movement in the rainy season. Forest type also played a role in foraging behavior with lemur groups in humid forest avoiding roads in both seasons, groups in the dry deciduous forest avoiding road networks in the rainy season, and groups in the moderate evergreen forest displaying no selection or avoidance of road networks while foraging. ConclusionOur study illustrates the importance of studying primate groups across seasons as well as across forest types, as developing conservation plans as a single snapshot can give an inaccurate assessment of their natural behavior and resources needs. More specifically, by understanding how forest type influences golden-crowned sifaka movement and foraging behavior, we can make conservation management plans specific to the individual forest types they inhabit (humid, moderate evergreen, dry deciduous, littoral, etc.), rather than the region as a whole.
Effect of different interventions for latent tuberculosis infections in China: a model-based study
Authors: Wen Zexuan , Li Tao , Zhu Wenlong , Chen Wei , Zhang Hui , Wang Wei-bing 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background

Tuberculosis (TB) has a serious impact on people’s health. China is one of 30 countries that has a high TB burden. As the currently decreasing speed of the incidence of TB, the WHO’s goal of “End TB Strategy” is hard to achieve by 2035. As a result, a dynamic model that determines the impact of different tuberculosis preventive treatments (TPTs) in different age groups, and the effect of different interventions on latent TB infections (LTBIs) in China is developed.
Methods

A Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) model was established. Goodness-of-fit tests were used to assess model performance. Predictive analysis was used to assess the effect of different interventions on LTBIs and achieving the goals of the “End TB Strategy”.
Results

The chi-square test indicated the model provided a good statistical fit to previous data on the incidence of TB (χ2 = 0.3085, p > 0.999). The 1HP treatment regimen (daily rifapentine + isoniazid for 4 weeks) was most effective in reducing the number of TB cases by 2035. The model indicated that several strategies could achieve the 2035 target of the “End TB Strategy”: completion of active case finding (ACF) for LTBI and TPT nation-wide within five years; completion of ACF for LTBIs and TPT within two years in high-incidence areas; completion of TPT in the elderly within 2 years; or introduction of a new vaccine in which the product of annual doses and vaccine efficiency in each age group reached 14 million.
Conclusions

The incidence of TB in China declined gradually from 2005 to 2019. Although China have made a lot of efforts in TB prevention and control, there is still a long way to attain the 2025 and 2035 target of “End TB Strategy” with the present preventive interventions. Implementation of ACF for LTBIs and TPT nation-wide or in areas with high incidence, in the elderly, or administration of a new and effective vaccine could greatly reduce the number of TB cases and achieve the 2035 target of the “End TB Strategy” in China.
Ivermectin for COVID-19: addressing potential bias and medical fraud
Authors: Hill Andrew , Mirchandani Manya , Pilkington Victoria 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Ivermectin has become a controversial potential medicine for COVID-19. Some early studies suggested clinical benefits in treatment and prevention of infection. However, the body of evidence includes studies of varying quality. Furthermore, some trials have now been identified as potentially fraudulent. We present a sub-group analysis, to assess the effects of stratifying by trial quality on the overall results. The stratification is based on the Cochrane Risk of Bias measures (RoB 2) and analysis of raw data where possible. The results suggest that the significant effect of ivermectin on survival was dependent on largely poor quality and potentially fraudulent studies. This highlights the need for rigorous quality assessments, the need for authors to share patient level data and efforts to continue to avoid publication bias for registered studies. These steps are vital to facilitate accurate conclusions on any clinical treatment.
The Toxicity of Polyethylene Microplastic Exposure and Its Concurrent Effect With Aeromonas Hydrophila Infection To Zebrafish
Authors: Ding Ning , Jiang Lin , Wang Xiao , Wang Chun , Geng Yue , Zhang Jianxin , Sun Yingxue , Zhang Yanping , Yuan Quan , Liu Hong 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Microplastics that are widely distributed in the environment has raised great concerns due to their potential negative effects to humans. Zebrafish was used as the model organism in this study to assess the toxicity of microplastic exposure. The adult zebrafish were exposed to the PE microplastics in smooth clustered sphere shapes with diameters of 75-100 µm for 35 days, and the survival rate of the zebrafish were not significantly affected, whereas the growth rate was. Further analyses on the oxidative stress related enzyme activities showed that the production of GSH, GSH-PX, and GST in the intestine were stimulated when exposing to the microplastics of lower concentrations (0.1 and 1 mg/L), while the production of SOD, CAT, GSH, GSH-PX were suppressed when exposing to those of 10 mg/L. The activities of enzymes in the muscle were much less affected. The intestinal injury and changes of colony structure in the intestine were observed by exposure to the tested concentrations of microplastics. By exposure to the microplasctics for 35 days, a further concurrent exposure to microplasctics and Aeromonas hydrophila did not exacerbate the mortality of zebrafish due to bacterial infection; on the contrary, the mortality was reduced. This study confirmed the intestinal enzyme activity changes of zebrafish, but showed no sign of inducing higher mortality or exacerbating bacterial infection by chronic exposure to the microplastics.
Transcranial direct current electrical stimulation in combination with aerobic exercise is effective in reducing fatigue and pain in post-COVID-19 systemic autoimmune rheumatic patients
Authors: Missé Rafael Giovane , Santos Alexandre Moura dos , Borges Isabela Bruna Pires , Simões Marlise Sítima Mendes , Silva Lorenza Rosa Silverio , Correia Bruna Lindoso , Kim Ana Wook Sook , Caetano Aline Marques , Pasoto Sandra Gofinet , Saad Carla Gonçalves Schahin , Domiciano Diogo Souza , Tanaka Clarice , Greve Júlia Maria D’Andrea , Baptista Abrahão Fontes , Shinjo Samuel Katsuyuki 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objectives: Currently, no studies have assessed the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to treat fatigue and pain associated with or potentiated by post-COVID-19 syndrome in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs). Methods: This study included nine patients with different types of SARDs. All patients had previously confirmed RT-PCR test for COVID-19 as well as significant, persistent fatigue and pain that began to worsen after infection. Anodal tDCS was administered in five daily sessions (2mA, 20 minutes) over the C3 or C4 10/20 EEG positions, with the cathode placed at Fp1 or Fp2. Concomitantly, patients were involved in an aerobic exercise program by treadmill walking. All participants were evaluated using specific questionnaires and strength assessment by handgrip and physical function by timed-up-and go test and sit-to-stand test at baseline (within one week before tDCS protocol), and one week after tDCS protocol. During all procedures, the patients’ treatments remained unchanged. Results: The sample was composed of eight women and one man with a mean age of 48.7±9.6. After the tDCS protocol, the pain and fatigue significantly improved by a visual analog scale (P<0.05). The physical function also improved 9.5±2.7 vs. 6.8±0.8 (P=0.001) for timed-up-go-test and 10.3±3.7 vs. 15.1±4.0 (P=0.037) for sit-to-stand test. No subject experienced adverse events. One-hundred percent of patients adhered to all protocols. Conclusions: The present study showed tDCS in combination with aerobic exercise was effective in improving the physical function, and reducing fatigue/pain in SARDs patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.Clinical Trials: NCT04890483.
A GIS-Based Assessment of Active Tectonics from Morphometric Parameters and Geomorphic Indices of Assam Region, India
Authors: Gupta Laxmi , Agrawal Navdeep , Dixit Jagabandhu , Dutta Subashisa 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Assam region lies in the tectonic region of eastern Himalayas and flood plains of River Brahmaputra. The landscape of Assam is formed by the complex integration of the vertical and horizontal movement of the earth’s crust and the depositional and erosional process by a river. The frequency of seismic events results in the deformation of landforms and it highly influences the drainage pattern of the area. The analysis of tectonic or neotectonic activity with the help of morphometric parameters and geomorphic indices helps in the identification of hazard-prone areas of the basin. In the present study, the active tectonics of the Assam region is assessed using SRTM DEM data of 30 m resolution to derive linear and aerial morphometric parameters and eight geomorphic indices of the selected ten basins. The morphometric parameters and geomorphic indices namely, stream length gradient (Sl), valley floor width to height ratio (Vfh), hypsometric curve, hypsometric integral (Hi), asymmetric factor (Af), basin shape index (BS), transverse topographic symmetry (T), basin elongation ratio (BE) and stream sinuosity (SS) are calculated for each basin. With the help of GIS, the indices are classified into three tectonic activity classes i.e., from higher to lower and the average of the classes are combined to generate an index of relative active tectonics (IRAT). The four classes of IRAT are defined for the study area as i) very high; Class 1 (1.57 – 1.80), ii) high; Class 2 (1.81 – 2.06), moderate; Class 3 (2.07 – 2.26) and low; Class 4 (2.27 – 2.30). Class 1 of IRAT corresponds to Basin 1 and 6 with a total area of about 47740 km2, basin 2, 4 and 5 falls under Class 2 of IRAT and its total area is 2507 km2, class 3 covers a total area of 17495 km2 of basin 7,8 and 9 and Class 4 IRAT consists of basin 3 and 10 of total area 2090 km2. Results show that the majority of the study area lies in very high to moderate active tectonic zones and these zones are consistent with the presence of major faults and thrusts of the basin area. It can be concluded that the combined approach of GIS-based morphometric and geomorphic study of a region allows in the identification of deformed landforms resulting from active tectonics.
The Impact of Preoperative Biliary Drainage on Postoperative Outcomes of Patients with Malignant Obstructive Jaundice: A Retrospective Analysis of 290 Consecutive Cases at a Single Medical Center
Authors: Zhihui Gao , Jie Wang , Sheng Shen , Xiaobo Bo , Tao Suo , Xiaoling Ni , Han Liu , Lihong Huang , Liu Houbao 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe efficacy of preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) has been debated for several decades, and indications for PBD are still a controversial topic. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of PBD among patients with malignant obstructive jaundice in current clinical settings.MethodsAll consecutive patients with malignant obstructive jaundice who underwent radical resection from June 2017 to December 2019 at Zhongshan Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The study population was divided into two groups: a PBD group (PG) and direct surgery group (DG). Subgroups were chosen by site of obstruction. Perioperative indicators and postoperative complications were compared and analyzed.ResultsA total of 290 patients were analyzed. Postoperative complications occurred in 134 patients (overall rate: 46.4%). Patients in group PG had a lower overall rate of postoperative complications as compared to group DG, with perioperative total bilirubin (TB) identified as an independent risk factor in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio = 1.004; 95% confidence interval 1.001–1.007; P = 0.017). Subgroup analysis showed that PBD reduced the complication rate in patients with proximal obstruction. In the proximal-obstruction subgroup, a preoperative TB level >162 μmol/L predicted postoperative complications.ConclusionsPBD may reduce the overall rate of postoperative complications among patients with proximal malignant obstructive jaundice.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, 2018ZSLC 24. Registered May 17, 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/.
Determining Natural Pathway for Side-by-Side Robotic Wheelchair in Passing Pedestrian Flows Using Dynamic Density
Authors: Nguyen Vinh The , Tran Thang Duc , Kuo I-Han 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Side-by-side is the preferred mode of walking for pairs compared to Leader-Follower mode in which one follows the other. Yet, in passing, this walking mode tends to occupy more space on the pathway and reduces the travel space of pedestrians in the opposite direction. Therefore, humans often intuitively consider solutions to optimize the balance between side-by-side walking mode and moving space for others in passing. This is also a problem that designers of side-by-side robotic wheelchairs often have to solve. This paper proposes a novel model to determine natural navigation pathways for side-by-side robotic wheelchairs to pass multiple pedestrians walking in the opposite directions, mimicking human passing behaviors by taking into account the habit of moving with the flow and density in moving (called dynamic density). Based on an experimental observation and data collection, the model was developed and then validated by comparing the pathways generated by the model and the natural moving plans of the pairs in the same situations in a corridor. The simulation results show that they are highly similar.
Prognostic Risk Model of Immune-Related Genes In Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Ding Bo , Yan Wenjing , Wang Shizhi , Shen Yang 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Aim: The prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer (OC) is highly heterogeneous which hinders to make an appropriate clinical decision. The study aimed to stratify patients’ prognoses by establishing a risk assessment model in the context of mRNA levels of immune-related genes (IRGs). Methods: Comprehensive bioinformatics analyses were done using datasets from The UCSC Xena platform, ICGC Data Portal, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and the Genotype‐Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. LASSO regression was done to determine the independence of associations of specific factors with overall survival (OS). Nomogram that combined the independent prognostic factors was constructed to predict the OS of OC patients. The tumor microenvironment and immune response were estimated by cell type identification via estimating the relative subset of known RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT) and immunophenoscore (IPS). Results: Overall ten IRGs were significantly associated with the OS probability and were used for the prognostic model construction of OC patients. According to the prognostic model, ovarian cancer samples were identified as high- or low-risk group. A nomogram containing risk score, stage, histological grade and age could significantly predict 1-year, 3-years, and 5-years OS probability of OC patients, as well as a higher IPS score and a higher immunoreactivity phenotype, which were probably correlated with better immunotherapy response and good prognosis. Conclusions: We established a reliable IRGs-based risk model with potential prognostic value for patients with ovarian cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm these prognosis-associated biomarkers.
Biliary Self-Expandable Metallic Stent Combined With Iodine-125 Seeds in The Treatment of Malignant Biliary Obstruction (Bismuth Type I or II)
Authors: Liu Kai-Cai , Lv Wei-Fu , Lu Dong , Zhou Chun-Ze , Cheng De-Lei , Xu Shao-Bao , Gao Zong-Gen , Shi Chang-Sheng , Su Ming-Xue 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Biliary self-expandable metallic stent combined with iodine-125 seeds are increasingly used in patients with malignant biliary obstruction, rather than using percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage(PTCD) or biliary stents alone, because it has a good clinical effect.This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) combined with iodine-125 (125I) seeds in the treatment of Bismuth type I or II malignant biliary obstruction (MBO).
Methods
The clinical data of 74 cases of MBO treated with percutaneous SEMS combined with 125I seeds (combination group) and 81 cases of MBO treated with SEMS implantation alone (control group) in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.
Results
The surgical success rate of the two groups was 100%, and no surgery-related deaths occurred. The liver function of each group was significantly improved after 1 week and 1 month of follow-up. There was no significant difference in short-term efficacy or complications between the two groups (P> 0.05). The average biliary opening times of the combined group and control group were 9.01±4.38 months and 6.79±3.13 months, respectively (P <0.001). The average postoperative survival time was 12.08±5.38 months and 9.10±4.16 months, respectively (P <0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the type of biliary stent and liver metastasis were independent factors affecting survival.
Conclusion
SEMS combined with 125I seeds is a safe, effective and feasible palliative treatment for patients with Bismuth type I or II MBO, as it can delay the recurrence of jaundice and prolong the survival time of patients.
Stability Analysis of Multi-Serial-Link Mechanism Driven by Antagonistic Multiarticular Artificial Muscles
Authors: Ishikawa Yuta , Nabae Hiroyuki , Endo Gen , Suzumori Koichi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Artificial multi-joint musculoskeletal systems consisting of serially connected links driven by monoarticular and multiarticular muscles, which are often inspired by vertebrates, enable robots to elicit dynamic, elegant, and flexible movements. However, serial links driven by multiarticular muscles can cause unstable motion (e.g., buckling). The stability of musculoskeletal mechanisms driven by antagonistic multi-joint muscles depends on the muscle configuration, origin/insertion of muscles, spring constants of muscles, contracting force of muscles, and other factors. We analyze the stability of a multi-serial-link mechanism driven by antagonistic multi-joint muscles aiming to prevent buckling and other undesired motions. First, we theoretically derive the potential energy of the system and the stable condition at the target point. Then, we validate the method through dynamic simulations and experiments. We confirm that we can construct a stable multiarticulate musculoskeletal system using the proposed formulation and conditions.
Cost-Effectiveness of a Medication Event Monitoring System for Tuberculosis Management in Morocco
Authors: Yang Jangmi , Kim Hae-Young , Park Seup , Sentissi Ilham , Green Nathan , Oh ByungKwon , Kim Yujin , Oh Kyung Hyun , Paek Eunseong , Park Young Joon , Oh In-Hwan , Lee Seung Heon 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background Poor adherence to tuberculosis (TB) treatment can result in community transmission and drug resistance. Digital health technologies have been used to enhance adherence to TB medication for proper management, but the cost-effectiveness of this approach remains unclear.Methods We used the real data from the study conducted from April 2014 to December 2020 in Morocco to enhance the adherence to drug-susceptible TB treatment using a smart pillbox with a web-based medication monitoring system, called Medication Event Monitoring Systems (MEMS). We applied a Markov model adding Multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB to evaluate the costs and cost-effectiveness of MEMS, compared to the standard of care (modified directly observed treatment and intervention) from the health perspective. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per disability adjusted life-year (DALY) averted. We also performed two-way sensitive analysis between treatment success rate of MEMS and standard of care. Results The average total per-patient health system costs for treating a new TB patient under MEMS versus standard of care were $398.7 and $155.7, respectively. The MEMS strategy would reduce the number of drug-susceptible TB cases by 0.17 and MDR-TB cases by 0.01 per patient over five years. The ICER of MEMS was $434/DALY averted relative to standard of care, and was most susceptible to the TB treatment success rate of both strategies followed by the managing cost of MEMS.Conclusion MEMS is considered cost-effective for managing infectious active TB in Morocco.