bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban population size and road traffic collisions in Europe
Authors: Cabrera-Arnau Carmen , Bishop Steven R.
Published: August 2021

Millions of road traffic collisions take place every year, leading to significant knock-on effects. Many of these traffic collisions take place in urban areas, where traffic levels can be elevated. Yet, little is known about the extent to which urban population size impacts road traffic collision rates. Here, we use urban scaling models to analyse geographic and road traffic collision data from over 300 European urban areas in order to study this issue. Our results show that there is no significant change in the number of road traffic collisions per person for urban areas of different sizes. However, we find individual urban locations with traffic collision rates which are remarkably high. These findings have the potential to inform policies for the allocation of resources to prevent road traffic collisions across the different cities.
Helicobacter pylori infection and hypochlorhydria in Zambian adults and children: A secondary data analysis
Authors: Hodges Phoebe , Kelly Paul , Kayamba Violet
Published: August 2021

Background

Hypochlorhydria (gastric pH >4) increases susceptibility to diarrhoea, iron deficiency, and gastric cancer. We sought to clarify the prevalence of this condition and its predisposing factors in Zambia by pooling data from previous studies conducted in hospital and community settings.

Methods

Gastric pH was measured in participants from five separate studies by collecting gastric aspirate from fasted adults and children under 3 years of age undergoing gastroscopy. Gastric pH was correlated with serological testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) andHelicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infections.

Results

We studied 597 individuals (487 adults and 110 children). Hypochlorhydria was present in 53% of adults and 31% of children. HIV infection was detected in 41% of adults and 11% of children.H.pyloriserology was available for 366 individuals: 93% of adults and 6% of children were seropositive. In univariate analysis, hypochlorhydria was significantly associated with HIV seropositivity (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2–2.4; p = 0.004) andH.pyloriantibody seropositivity (OR 4.9; 95% CI 2.8–8.6; p<0.0001), and with advancing age in HIV negative individuals (p = 0.0001). In multivariable analysis, onlyH.pyloriwas associated with hypochlorhydria (OR 4.0; 95% CI 2.2–7.2; p<0.0001) while excluding possible exposure to proton pump inhibitors.

Conclusions

Hypochlorhydria is common in our population, withH.pyloribeing the dominant factor. Only young HIV seronegative individuals had a low prevalence of hypochlorhydria. This may have implications for the risk of other health conditions including gastric cancer.
Reliability of joint position sense measured in the knee using the level function of the iPhone “Measure” application
Authors: Nakashima Yuki , Iwaki Daisuke , Kawae Toshihiro , Fudeyasu Kenichi , Kimura Hiroaki
Published: August 2021

An impaired joint position sense (JPS) causes activity limitations, postural imbalance, and falls. This study compares the reliability of knee JPS measurements between the iPhone’s “Measure” application and VICON motion capture system. Eleven healthy participants were recruited for the study. To conduct the study measures, the blindfolded participant, with an iPhone fixed to the lower non-dominant leg, was seated with their lower limbs in a relaxed position. The examiner held the participant’s leg at the target angle (30°/60° from initial position) for 5 s before releasing it. The participant was then instructed to move the leg to the same target angle and hold it for 5 s (replicated angle). Absolute angular error (AAE), i.e., the difference between the target and replicated angles, was measured. Intraclass and Pearson correlation coefficients established statistically significant relationships. The study comprised 6 males and 5 females of mean age 27.6±5.6 years, mean height 1.67±0.10 m, and mean body weight 60.7±10.3 kg. Strong correlations existed between iPhone and VICON 30° (ICC = 0.969, r = 0.960, P < 0.001) and 60° AAEs (ICC 0.969, r = 0.960, P < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots showed a mean difference of 0.43° and 0.20° between the AAE measurements at 30° and 60°, respectively. The iPhone’s “Measure” application is a simple and reliable method for measuring JPS in clinical practice and sports/fitness settings.
Nature benefits revisited: Differences in gait kinematics between nature and urban images disappear when image types are controlled for likeability
Authors: Burtan Daria , Burn Jeremy F. , Leonards Ute
Published: August 2021

Exposure to urban environments requires more cognitive processing than exposure to nature; an effect that can even be measured analysing gait kinematics whilst people walk towards photographic images. Here, we investigated whether differences in cognitive load between nature and urban scenes are still present when scenes are matched for their liking scores. Participants were exposed to images of nature and urban scenes that had been matcheda priorifor their liking scores by an independent participant sample (n = 300). Participants (N = 44) were either asked to memorise each image during walking or to rate each image for its visual discomfort after each walk. Irrespective of experimental task, liking score but not environment type predicted gait velocity. Moreover, subjective visual discomfort was predictive of gait velocity. The positive impact of nature described in the literature thus might, at least in part, be due to people’s aesthetic preferences for nature images.
Association between the donor to recipient ICG-PDR variation rate and the functional recovery of the graft after orthotopic liver transplantation: A case series
Authors: Cherchi Vittorio , Vetrugno Luigi , Terrosu Giovanni , Zanini Victor , Ventin Marco , Pravisani Riccardo , Tumminelli Francesco , Brollo Pier Paolo , Boscolo Erica , Peressutti Roberto , Lorenzin Dario , Bove Tiziana , Risaliti Andrea , Baccarani Umberto
Published: August 2021

Background

Despite current advances in liver transplant surgery, post-operative early allograft dysfunction still complicates the patient prognosis and graft survival. The transition from the donor has not been yet fully understood, and no study quantifies if and how the liver function changes through its transfer to the recipient. The indocyanine green dye plasma disappearance rate (ICG-PDR) is a simple validated tool of liver function assessment. The variation rate between the donor and recipient ICG-PDR still needs to be investigated.

Materials and methods

Single-center retrospective study. ICG-PDR determinations were performed before graft retrieval (T1) and 24 hours after transplant (T2). The ICG-PDR relative variation rate between T1 and T2 was calculated to assess the graft function and suffering/recovering. Matched data were compared with the MEAF model of graft dysfunction.

Objective

To investigate whether the variation rate between the donor ICG-PDR value and the recipient ICG-PDR measurement on first postoperative day (POD1) can be associated with the MEAF score.

Results

36 ICG-PDR measurements between 18 donors and 18 graft recipients were performed. The mean donor ICG-PDR was 22.64 (SD 6.35), and the mean receiver’s ICG-PDR on 1st POD was 17.68 (SD 6.60), with a mean MEAF value of 4.51 (SD 1.23). Pearson’s test stressed a good, linear inverse correlation between the ICG-PDR relative variation and the MEAF values, correlation coefficient -0.580 (p = 0.012).

Conclusion

The direct correlation between the donor to recipient ICG-PDR variation rate and MEAF was found. Measurements at T1 and T2 showed an up- or downtrend of the graft performance that reflect the MEAF values.
The antagonistic mechanism of Bacillus velezensis ZW10 against rice blast disease: Evaluation of ZW10 as a potential biopesticide
Authors: Chen Zuo , Zhao Lu , Dong Yilun , Chen Wenqian , Li Chunliu , Gao Xiaoling , Chen Rongjun , Li Lihua , Xu Zhengjun
Published: August 2021

Rice blast, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the three major diseases affecting rice production and quality; it reduces rice grain yield by nearly 30%. In the early stage of this study, a strain of Bacillus velezensis with strong inhibition of M. oryzae was isolated and named ZW10. In vitro assays indicated prolonged germination time of conidia of M. oryzae treated with the antifungal substances of ZW10, 78% of the conidia could not form appressorium, and the conidial tubes expanded to form vacuolar structure and then shrank. The results of FDA-PI composite dyes showed that the antifungal substances of ZW10 inhibited the normal activity of M. oryzae hyphae that were rarely able to infect the epidermal cells of rice leaf sheath in vivo tests. In addition, rice treated with the antifungal substances of ZW10 showed a variety of defense responses, including activation of defense-related enzymes, increased expression of the salicylic acid pathway genes, and accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which might function directly or indirectly in resistance to pathogen attack. The field experiment with rice blast infection in different periods showed that the antifungal substances of ZW10 had the same control effect as carbendazim. The significant biological control activity of ZW10 and its capacity to stimulate host defenses suggest that this B. velezensis strain has the potential to be developed into a biopesticide for the biocontrol of rice blast.
Gender-specific design and effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions against cognitive decline and dementia–protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zuelke Andrea E. , Riedel-Heller Steffi G. , Wittmann Felix , Pabst Alexander , Roehr Susanne , Luppa Melanie
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Dementia is a public health priority with projected increases in the number of people living with dementia worldwide. Prevention constitutes a promising strategy to counter the dementia epidemic, and an increasing number of lifestyle interventions has been launched aiming at reducing risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Gender differences regarding various modifiable risk factors for dementia have been reported, however, evidence on gender-specific design and effectiveness of lifestyle trials is lacking. Therefore, we aim to systematically review evidence on gender-specific design and effectiveness of trials targeting cognitive decline and dementia.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases MEDLINE (PubMed interface), PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and ALOIS will be searched for eligible studies using a predefined strategy, complemented by searches in clinical trials registers and Google for grey literature. Studies assessing cognitive function (overall measure or specific subdomains) as outcome in dementia-free adults will be included, with analyses stratified by level of cognitive functioning at baseline: a) cognitively healthy b) subjective cognitive decline 3) mild cognitive impairment. Two reviewers will independently evaluate eligible studies, extract data and determine methodological quality using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN)-criteria. If sufficient data with regards to quality and quantity are available, a meta-analysis will be conducted.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval will be required as no primary data will be collected.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021235281.
Critical role of IL-25-ILC2-IL-5 axis in the production of anti-Francisella LPS IgM by B1 B cells
Authors: Barbosa Carlos Henrique D. , Lantier Louis , Reynolds Joseph , Wang Jinyong , Re Fabio
Published: August 2021

B1 cells, a subset of B lymphocytes whose developmental origin, phenotype, and function differ from that of conventional B2 cells, are the main source of “natural” IgM but can also respond to infection by rapidly producing pathogen-specific IgM directed against T-independent antigens. Francisella tularensis (Ft) is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes tularemia. Infection with Ft Live Vaccine Strain activates B1 cells for production of IgM directed against the bacterial LPS in a process incompletely understood. Here we show that immunization with purified Ft LPS elicits production of LPS-specific IgM and IgG3 by B1 cells independently of TLR2 or MyD88. Immunization, but not infection, generated peritoneum-resident memory B1 cells that differentiated into LPS-specific antibody secreting cells (ASC) upon secondary challenge. IL-5 was rapidly induced by immunization with Ft LPS and was required for production of LPS-specific IgM. Antibody-mediated depletion of ILC2 indicated that these cells were the source of IL-5 and were required for IgM production. IL-25, an alarmin that strongly activates ILC2, was rapidly secreted in response to immunization or infection and its administration to mice significantly increased IgM production and B1 cell differentiation to ASC. Conversely, mice lacking IL-17RB, the IL-25 receptor, showed impaired IL-5 induction, IgM production, and B1 ASC differentiation in response to immunization. Administration of IL-5 to Il17rb-/- mice rescued these B1 cells-mediated responses. Il17rb-/- mice were more susceptible to infection with Ft LVS and failed to develop immunity upon secondary challenge suggesting that LPS-specific IgM is one of the protective adaptive immune mechanisms against tularemia. Our results indicated that immunization with Ft LPS triggers production of IL-25 that, through stimulation of IL-5 release by ILC2, promotes B1 cells activation and differentiation into IgM secreting cells. By revealing the existence of an IL-25-ILC2-IL-5 axis our results suggest novel strategies to improve vaccination against T-independent bacterial antigens.
Levantamento preliminar do patrimônio arqueológico de Nova Iguaçu, Japeri, Queimados, Mesquita e Belford Roxo, situados na região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Silva José Mauricio , Carvalho Claudia Rodrigues
Published: August 2021

Este artigo aborda o levantamento preliminar do patrimônio cultural arqueológico no Município de Nova Iguaçu e seus distritos emancipados (Japeri, Queimados, Mesquita, Belford Roxo) e uma pequena parcela de Miguel Pereira, inseridos na região referenciada pelos rios Iguaçu, Guandu e Santana e os maciços do Tinguá e Mendanha no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Forma um polígono com divisão político-administrativa específica, cujo processo de ocupação humana remonta ao período pré-colonial.  O levantamento foi iniciado no CNSA do IPHAN, seguido por pesquisa bibliográfica, buscando informações documentais sobre o processo de ocupação do espaço. Prospecções não interventivas no campo e entrevistas com os representantes das comunidades locais, também foram empregadas neste levantamento que resultou em 32 sítios cadastrados. A área se molda pela dinâmica de um processo de urbanização intenso e pelas transformações econômico-sociais da Região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, alterando a paisagem local e arriscando a preservação de seu patrimônio e memória.
Informe-se
Authors: /CFF Cebrim
Published: August 2021

Informe-se
Vehicle Counting Accuracy Improvement By Identity Sequences Detection Based on Yolov4 Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Rofii Faqih , Priyandoko Gigih , Fanani Muhammad Ifan , Suraji Aji
Published: August 2021

Models for vehicle detection, classification, and counting based on computer vision and artificial intelligence are constantly evolving. In this study, we present the Yolov4-based vehicle detection, classification, and counting model approach. The number of vehicles was calculated by generating the serial number of the identity of each vehicle. The object is detected and classified, marked by the display of bounding boxes, classes, and confidence scores. The system input is a video dataset that considers the camera position, light intensity, and vehicle traffic density. The method has counted the number of vehicles: cars, motorcycles, buses, and trucks. Evaluation of model performance is based on accuracy, precision, and total recall of the confusion matrix. The results of the dataset test and the calculation of the model performance parameters had obtained the best accuracy, precision. Total recall values when the model testing was carried out during the day where the camera position was at the height of 6 m and the loss of 500 was 83%, 93%, and 94%. Meanwhile, the lowest total accuracy, precision, and recall were obtained when the model was tested at night. The camera position was at the height of 1.5 m, and 900 losses were 68%, 77%, and 78%.
Reactivation of the Spent Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) Catalyst through Acid Treatment for Palm Oil Cracking to Biofuels
Authors: Amalia Rahma , Riyanto Teguh , Istadi Istadi
Published: August 2021

This work discusses the treated spent Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) catalysts using sulfuric or citric acids to examine the impact of acid treatment on the catalyst physicochemical properties and structural characteristics. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Brunauer−Emmett−Teller-Barrett−Joyner−Halenda (BET-BJH) methods. The catalytsts were performed in a continuous fixed-bed reactor for catalytic cracking of palm oil. Changes of the catalyst characteristics and catalytic performance testing of the catalyst after the acid treatment for palm oil cracking process were discussed. It was found that the acid treatment on the spent RFCC catalyst can increase the surface area and pore volume of catalysts as well as the crystallinity. The closed pores in the spent RFCC are opened by acid treatment by eliminating heavy metals. Concerning to the catalytic performance, the acid-treated catalysts had better performance than the non-treated catalyst, which could increase selectivity of the kerosene-diesel range fraction from 47.89% to 55.41%. It was interested, since the non-treated catalyst could not produce gasoline fraction, while the acid-treated catalsysts could produce gasoline fraction at selectivity range of 0.57 – 0.84%. It was suggested that both sulfuric or citric acids treatment could increase the cracking performance of spent RFCC catalyst by shifting the product to lower hydrocarbons.
Elevated serum gamma globulins in apparently healthy Nigerians living in Ogbomoso: a possible manifestation of phagocytic dysfunction
Authors: Adedeji Adebayo Lawrence , Jimoh Dauda , Badmus Jelili Abiodun , Bello Ibrahim Olabanji , Suleiman Ibrahim Eleha , Ayelagbe Olubunmi Gloria
Published: August 2021

Background: Serum protein abnormalities, particularly elevated gamma globulins (hypergammaglobulinemia, HGG), have been reported in apparently healthy Nigerians living in Ogbomoso and elsewhere. Since the mechanisms for this phenomenon have not been fully substantiated, we hypothesized that impaired neutrophil phagocytosis could contribute to this condition.

Methods: Healthy humans exhibiting HGG were identified using serum protein electrophoresis performed on cellulose acetate gel in barbital buffer (pH 8.6). GelQuant image analysis and quantitation software were further employed to quantify the gamma globulin fraction. Neutrophils were isolated from K3EDTA anticoagulated peripheral blood using Histopaque neutrophil isolation reagent. Neutrophil phagocytic activity was analyzed using a non-subjective commercial colorimetric phagocytosis assay kit.

Results: The purity and viability of isolated neutrophils were approximately 94% and 92%, respectively. Ex-vivo phagocytic activity of neutrophils isolated from apparently healthy subjects exhibiting HGG, expressed as a percentage of the average absorbance of the control group, was 48.1 ± 8.6% which was significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to the controls (98.9 ± 14.3%).

Conclusion: Since neutrophils play crucial roles in innate immune responses, impairment of neutrophil phagocytic activity may lead to persistent antigenic stimulations of the adaptive immune system. This could in turn orchestrate gamma globulins expression leading to HGG.

Statement of novelty: We demonstrated reduced neutrophil phagocytic activity as a possible basis for hypergammaglobulinemia in healthy Nigerians, perhaps for the first time.
Qualitative analysis for the nonlinear fractional Hartree type system with nonlocal interaction
Authors: Wang Jun
Published: August 2021

In the present paperwe study the existence of nontrivial solutions of a class of static coupled nonlinear fractional Hartree type system. First, we use the direct moving plane methods to establish the maximum principle(Decay at infinity and Narrow region principle) and prove the symmetry and nonexistence of positive solution of this nonlocal system. Second, we make complete classification of positive solutions of the system in the critical case when some parameters are equal. Finally, we prove the existence of multiple nontrivial solutions in the critical case according to the different parameters ranges by using variational methods. To accomplish our results we establish the maximum principle for the fractional nonlocal system.
Critical Notes on Hexameter Adespota
Authors: Perale Marco
Published: August 2021

New readings and supplements on thirty-five ‘anonymous’ hexameter texts not contained in the recent collection of adespota APHex I.
A Tax Register from Roman Fayum
Authors: Gonis Nikolaos
Published: August 2021

Revised edition of an Arsinoite tax register of the second/third century.
The God Kothos
Authors: Ritner Robert K.
Published: August 2021

The Coptic Panegyric of Makarius of Tkow describes the eviction of a pagan deity named Kothos, whose identity has been discussed and disputed since the text was first published in 1980 and most recently in APF 64/1, 2018. The varying identifications are here critically examined and a solution is offered.
The alchemical symbols in the manuscripts of “The Mirror of Wonders” (Mirʾāt al-ʿajāʾib)
Authors: Müller Juliane
Published: August 2021

“The Mirror of Wonders” (Mirʾāt al-ʿajāʾib) is an illustrated Arabic treatise about a mysterious mirror that displays different alchemical symbols. This work of unsettled authorship, which was composed between the 12th and 16th centuries, has got a rich manuscript tradition with more than 45 extant copies dating from the 16th to the 20th centuries, including translations into Turkish and Persian and various short versions of the text. They prove the remarkable popularity of “The Mirror of Wonders” throughout the Islamicate world, even in modern times. Most manuscripts contain a coloured illustration of the mirror and its symbols, with a large scope of variation in their visual design. The nine alchemical symbols of the mirror are: 1. The two figures embracing each other (al-shakhṣān al-muʿtaniqān); 2. The black circle (al- dāʾira al-sawdāʾ); 3. The palm of the hand (al-kaff); 4. The black raven (al-ghurāb al-aswad); 5. The eagle (al-ʿuqāb); 6. The sun (al-shams); 7. The snake (al-thuʿbān); 8. The nine crabs (al-saraṭānāt al-tisʿa) with the dog descending into the water (al-kalb al-nāzil fī l-māʾ) and 9. The nine circles (al-dawāʾir al-tisʿa). This paper presents the manuscript tradition of Mirʾāt al-ʿajāʾib and analyses the diverging imagery of the symbols and their meanings in the different manuscripts.
A novel optical needle probe for deep learning-based tissue elasticity characterization
Authors: Mieling R. , Sprenger J. , Latus S. , Bargsten L. , Schlaefer A.
Published: August 2021

The distinction between malignant and benign tumors is essential to the treatment of cancer. The tissue's elasticity can be used as an indicator for the required tissue characterization. Optical coherence elastography (OCE) probes have been proposed for needle insertions but have so far lacked the necessary load sensing capabilities. We present a novel OCE needle probe that provides simultaneous optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging and load sensing at the needle tip. We demonstrate the application of the needle probe in indentation experiments on gelatin phantoms with varying gelatin concentrations. We further implement two deep learning methods for the end-toend sample characterization from the acquired OCT data. We report the estimation of gelatin sample weight ratios [wt%] in unseen samples with a mean error of 1.21 ± 0.91 wt%. Both evaluated deep learning models successfully provide sample characterization with different advantages regarding the accuracy and inference time.
An interactive tool for identifying patient subgroups based on arbitrary characteristics for medical research
Authors: Spitz Lena , Swiatek Vanessa M. , Neyazi Belal , Sandalcioglu I. Erol , Preim Bernhard , Saalfeld Sylvia
Published: August 2021

We present an analysis tool for subgroup identification in medical research based on feature analysis. Our use case is intracranial aneurysms. In the tool, an aneurysm-of-interest’s most similar aneurysms within a database are found. Similarity is defined via user-selected parameters, which can be entirely arbitrary. Different interactive outputs and visualizations include a heatmap view and a graph, which give an intuitive feedback to support researchers in the consideration of research questions, which in the present use case often relate to rupture risk analysis. The tool was evaluated with a pilot study and phantom database and received favorable results for its requirements of reliability and appropriate and clear outputs.
Multi-Scale Input Strategies for Medulloblastoma Tumor Classification using Deep Transfer Learning
Authors: Bengs M. , Pant S. , Bockmayr M. , Schüller U. , Schlaefer A.
Published: August 2021

Medulloblastoma (MB) is a primary central nervous system tumor and the most common malignant brain cancer among children. Neuropathologists perform microscopic inspection of histopathological tissue slides under a microscope to assess the severity of the tumor. This is a timeconsuming task and often infused with observer variability. Recently, pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNN) have shown promising results for MB subtype classification. Typically, high-resolution images are divided into smaller tiles for classification, while the size of the tiles has not been systematically evaluated. We study the impact of tile size and input strategy and classify the two major histopathological subtypes-Classic and Desmoplastic/Nodular. To this end, we use recently proposed EfficientNets and evaluate tiles with increasing size combined with various downsampling scales. Our results demonstrate using large input tiles pixels followed by intermediate downsampling and patch cropping significantly improves MB classification performance. Our top-performing method achieves the AUC-ROC value of 90.90% compared to 84.53% using the previous approach with smaller input tiles.
Synthetic data generation for optical flow evaluation in the neurosurgical domain
Authors: Philipp Markus , Bacher Neal , Nienhaus Jonas , Hauptmann Lars , Lang Laura , Alperovich Anna , Gutt-Will Marielena , Mathis Andrea , Saur Stefan , Raabe Andreas , Mathis-Ullrich Franziska
Published: August 2021

Towards computer-assisted neurosurgery, scene understanding algorithms for microscope video data are required. Previous work utilizes optical flow to extract spatiotemporal context from neurosurgical video sequences. However, to select an appropriate optical flow method, we need to analyze which algorithm yields the highest accuracy for the neurosurgical domain. Currently, there are no benchmark datasets available for neurosurgery. In our work, we present an approach to generate synthetic data for optical flow evaluation on the neurosurgical domain. We simulate image sequences and thereby take into account domainspecific visual conditions such as surgical instrument motion. Then, we evaluate two optical flow algorithms, Farneback and PWC-Net, on our synthetic data. Qualitative and quantitative assessments confirm that our data can be used to evaluate optical flow for the neurosurgical domain. Future work will concentrate on extending the method by modeling additional effects in neurosurgery such as elastic background motion.
Validation of Automated Ultrasound-based Registration for Navigated Scaphoid Fixation
Authors: Brößner Peter , Hohlmann Benjamin , Welle Kristian , Radermacher Klaus
Published: August 2021

Fractures of the scaphoid bone may be treated in a minimally-invasive fashion. Conventionally, fluoroscopy is required to guide the placement of an osteosynthesis screw. In this work, an alternative method based on volumetric ultrasound is validated. Methods: The fully automatic and fast image processing pipeline involves two machine learning architectures for segmentation and registration. A pre-operatively acquired 3D bone model is registered to the 3D bone surface segmented from the intra-operative ultrasound. Screw positioning is planned in an automated fashion and evaluated in an in-vitro setting: Volumetric ultrasound images of a 3D-printed phantom of a human wrist are acquired for 22 different probe poses. For 220 test runs with different initial displacements, the resulting screw placement within a defined safe zone is evaluated. If the screw lies within the safe zone, its placement is assumed to be successful. Results: An isolated analysis of the registration results in a surface distance error of the registered meshes of 0.49 ± 0.01mm, with successful screw placement in all of the evaluated 220 test runs. The full pipeline, combining segmentation and registration, achieves a mean surface distance error of 0.79 ± 0.37mm, leading to successful screw placements for 149 out of 220 test runs. Poses not suited for the registration could be determined. Excluding these from the analysis, 139 out of 160 test runs are successful. Conclusion: The method proves to be promising when evaluating the registration alone, even given the challenging setup of sub-optimal probe positions. The experiments also demonstrate that further improvement regarding the segmentation is necessary.
Facial Feature Removal for Anonymization of Neurological Image Data
Authors: Gießler Fina , Thormann Maximilian , Preim Bernhard , Behme Daniel , Saalfeld Sylvia
Published: August 2021

Interdisciplinary exchange of medical datasets between clinicians and engineers is essential for clinical research. Due to the Data Protection Act, which preserves the rights of patients, full anonymization is necessary before any exchange can take place. Due to the continuous improvement of image quality of tomographic datasets, anonymization of patient-specific information is not sufficient. In this work, we present a prototype that allows to reliably obscure the facial features of patient data, thus enabling anonymization of neurological datasets in image space.
Towards Automated Surgical Documentation using automatically generated checklists from BPMN models
Authors: Just Elisaveta , Schaumann Katharina , Junger Denise , Ryniak Claudia , Klenzner Thomas , Burgert Oliver
Published: August 2021

The documentation of surgeries is usually created from memory only after the operation, which is an additional effort for the surgeon and afflicted with the possibility of imprecisely, shortend reports.The display of process steps in the form of checklists and the automatic creation of surgical documentation from the completed process steps could serve as a reminder, standardize the surgical procedure and save time for the surgeon. Based on two works from Reutlingen University, which implemented the creation of dynamic checklists from Business Process Modelling Notation (BPMN) models and the storage of times at which a process step was completed, a prototype was developed for an android tablet, to expand the dynamic checklists by functions such as uploading photos and files, manual user entries, the interception of foreseeable deviations from the normal course of operations and the automatic creation of OR documentation.
Prediction of the histopathological tumor type of newly diagnosed liver lesions from standard abdominal computer tomography with a machine-learning classifier based on convolutional neural networks
Authors: Sailer Maria , Schiller Florian , Falk Thorsten , Jud Andreas , Arke Lang Sven , Ruf Juri , Mix Michael
Published: August 2021

Background and objectives: Liver lesions are a relatively common incidental finding in computer tomography (CT) of the abdomen. The current gold standard is liver biopsy, which has the downside of respecting only a small part of the total lesion volume. Furthermore, this invasive method carries interventional risks like bleeding or infection. Therefore, an image-based biomarker would be highly desirable. Conventional “radiomics” methods have often been utilized for similar problems, but the results are often not reproducible. This is mainly due to sampling errors and interobserver variability, but also the seemingly complex nature of the problem. We present a new approach that implements cutting-edge research in machine learning which is nevertheless cheap and easily applicable in a routine clinical setting. To achieve this, we use convolutional neural networks (CNN) to predict the histopathological findings from liver lesions from preoperative liver CT. Methods: After splitting the study population into a training and test set we trained a CNN to predict the histopathological tumor type from CT data. Results: The developed CNN workflow is able to predict liver tumor histology from routine CT images. We also evaluated in how far transfer learning and data augmentation can help in solving this problem and implemented the developed workflow in a clinical routine setting. Conclusion: We propose a robust semiautomatic end-to-end classification workflow for the prediction of the histopathological type of tumor lesions based on abdominal CT and a deep convolutional neural network model. In our cohort, the model shows reliable and accurate results even with limited computational resources.
Metrological Support of Medical Drillings at the Lateral Skull Base
Authors: Knott Anna-Lena , Kristin Julia , Schipper Jörg , Klenzner Thomas , Prinzen Tom , Schmitt Robert H.
Published: August 2021

For minimally invasive drilling processes, the temperature development in the drilling ground is of crucial importance for patient safety. To monitor the temperature during drilling, a drill prototype was developed by BREDEMANN ET AL. which can record the drill temperature in parallel to the process and in real time. The measurement principle of the thermistor (temperature sensor) integrated in the drill could be validated. [1] The prototype must be refined for use in the operating room, as the drill does not yet meet all the medical requirements that need to be fulfilled. In further development, the recorded temperature data in particular must be processed and communicated to the surgeon in order to provide added value for the surgical procedure.
Extrapolation to product Herz spaces and some applications
Authors: Wei Mingquan
Published: August 2021

This paper extends the extrapolation theory to product Herz spaces. To prove the main result, we first investigate the dual space of the product Herz space, and then show the boundedness of the strong maximal operator on product Herz spaces. By using this extrapolation
theory, we establish the John–Nirenberg inequality, the characterization of little bmo, the Fefferman–Stein vector-valued inequality, the boundedness of the bi-parameter singular integral operator, the strong fractional maximal operator, and the bi-parameter fractional integral operator on product Herz spaces. We also give a new characterization of little bmo via the boundedness of the commutators of some bi-parameter operators on product Herz spaces.
Even in the one-parameter setting, some of our results are new.
Age of the lower Cambrian Vanadium deposit, East Guizhou, South China: Evidences from age of tuff and carbon isotope analysis along the Bagong section
Authors: Wu Tong , Yang Ruidong , Gao Junbo , Li Jun
Published: August 2021

The early Cambrian is a critical interval of dramatic oceanic and biochemical changes in geological history. The black shale deposits, which are rich in Mo, Ni, V, and platinum group elements (PGE), are a reflection of that interval. Among all known Cambrian black shale deposits in South China, the vanadium deposits are poorly constrained by geochronology. The newly discovered tuff layer in the Sansui Bagong vanadium deposit in Guizhou Province can provide excellent constraints on the age of vanadium deposits. In this study, we obtain a new zircon U–Pb isotopic age, which can constrain the age of the vanadium deposit. This tuff occurs in the middle part of the ore bed, and the age of the tuff layer can reflect the mineralization age of the V deposit. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is used in this study to obtain the zircon U–Pb age of the tuff and indicates that the event of volcanic activity took place at 520.9 ± 1 Ma. This age is close to the boundary between the Cambrian Terreneuvian and Series 2. This result provides a good constraint on the age of the vanadium deposits in South China and makes the vanadium deposits to be comparable with other Mo–Ni–PGE deposits. The alteration of organic carbon isotope (δ
13Corg) values can reflect changes in the marine environment and is widely used in stratigraphic correlation. The analysis of the δ
13Corg values of the ore bed in the present study reveals a positive excursion at the bottom of the deposit and a negative excursion in the V-enriched layer. The δ
13Corg values in the Bagong section are comparable to those in the Xiaotan and Longbizui sections. The ages of the Sansui vanadium deposit constrained by the U–Pb isotopic age of the tuff and the δ
13Corg values are consistent. All of the data lead us to infer that the vanadium deposit formed at approximately 521 Ma.
Effect of myeloperoxidase oxidation and N-homocysteinylation of high-density lipoprotein on endothelial repair function
Authors: Kameda Takahiro , Horiuchi Yuna , Shimano Shitsuko , Yano Kouji , Lai Shao-Jui , Ichimura Naoya , Tohda Shuji , Kurihara Yuriko , Tozuka Minoru , Ohkawa Ryunosuke
Published: August 2021

Endothelial cell (EC) migration is essential for healing vascular injuries. Previous studies suggest that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), the major protein constituent of HDL, have endothelial healing functions. In cardiovascular disease, HDL is modified by myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-homocysteine, resulting in apoA-I/apoA-II heterodimer and N-homocysteinylated (N-Hcy) apoA-I formation. This study investigated whether these modifications attenuate HDL-mediated endothelial healing. Wound healing assays were performed to analyze the effect of MPO-oxidized HDL and N-Hcy HDL in vitro. HDL obtained from patients with varying troponin I levels were also examined. MPO-oxidized HDL reduces EC migration compared to normal HDL in vitro, and N-Hcy HDL showed a decreasing trend toward EC migration. EC migration after treatment with HDL from patients was decreased compared to HDL isolated from healthy controls. Increased apoA-I/apoA-II heterodimer and N-Hcy apoA-I levels were also detected in HDL from patients. Wound healing cell migration was significantly negatively correlated with the ratio of apoA-I/apoA-II heterodimer to total apoA-II and N-Hcy apoA-I to total apoA-I. MPO-oxidized HDL containing apoA-I/apoA-II heterodimers had a weaker endothelial healing function than did normal HDL. These results indicate that MPO-oxidized HDL and N-Hcy HDL play a key role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease.
Adaptive ADI difference solution of quenching problems based on the 3D convection–reaction–diffusion equation
Authors: Zhu Xiaoliang , Ge Yongbin
Published: August 2021

The 3D quenching problem reflecting solid-burn scene based on convection–reaction–diffusion equation is creatively concerned in this work. The spatial derivatives of original equation are discretized by Taylor series and the temporal derivatives are approximated by the Crank–Nicolson (CN) method. After the discrete schemes are arranged, an alternating direction implicit (ADI) scheme on adaptive grid is constructed to interpret quenching phenomena of the three-dimension (3D) equation with singularity source. Quenching time, quenching domain, and characteristics relative to temperature as well as variation of temperature over time are achieved via scientific experiment and analysis. Comparing with the 1D or 2D problem, it is harder for the 3D problem to produce quenching phenomena. Regardless of different convection functions, it can form quenching behaviors through experiments when only the elements which include degeneracy parameter, convection parameters, and domain sizes are configured properly. We hope all this can offer references for the 3D engineering problem. At the same time, it will offer support to research the relationship between quenching phenomena and degeneracy parameter, convection parameters, and domain sizes in the future, respectively.
The discussion of risk in German surgical clinical practice guidelines: a qualitative review
Authors: McLennan Stuart , Jansen Carolin , Buyx Alena
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have a potentially important role regarding the assessment and communication of the risks of perioperative complications. This study aimed to (1) examine the content of German surgical CPGs in relation to surgical risks and (2) provide baseline results for future research in order to assess the development of surgical CPGs in Germany in relation to this issue.

Methods

In November 2015, all German surgical CPGs that provide guidance regarding illnesses that can be treated with a surgical procedure were collected from the websites of the German umbrella organisation of medical professional associations and the German Association for Cardiology.

Results

Data collection retrieved 230 CPGs of which 214 were included in the final analysis. The analysis identified four different groups: 1) 5% (10/214) of guidelines did not discuss “risks” or “complications” at all; 2) 21% (44/214) of guidelines discussed general risks that are not related to surgical complications; 3) 35% (76/214) of guidelines discussed surgical complications and often discussed their likelihood in terms of “high risk” or “low risk”, but did not provide numeric estimates and 4) 39% (84/214) of guidelines discussed specific surgical risks and also provided numerical risk estimates. Guidelines with higher methodological quality more frequently included numerical risk estimates.

Conclusions

It is positive that the vast majority of German surgical CPGs address the issue of risks. However, it would be helpful if more German surgical CPGs provide explicit and evidence-based estimates and recommendations relating to the surgical risk to support surgeons in providing high-quality care and to meet their ethical obligations to patients.
Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on stress levels of urologic patients
Authors: Del Zingaro Michele , Cochetti Giovanni , Maiolino Giuseppe , Stivalini Davide , Manfredini Giulia , Tancredi Angelica , Felici Graziano , Ciarletti Sara , Gaudio Gianluca , Rossi de Vermandois Jacopo Adolfo , Mearini Ettore
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Several studies have shown the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on perceived stress of different populations, but none of them analyzed urological patients who underwent elective surgery.

Methods

We enrolled prospectively patients who underwent elective surgery between March and October 2020. A survey on COVID-19 and the 4-item Perceived Stress Scale (PPS-4) questionnaire were administered at hospital admission. Demographic and medical history data were also collected. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of higher PSS-4 values (≥7).

Results

A total of 200 patients were enrolled. Mean PSS-4 value resulted 6.04. Patients with PSS-4 value ≥7 resulted 43.5% (87/200). In multivariate analysis, PSS-4 value ≥7 was independently associated (p < 0.05) with female gender (OR 6.42), oncological disease (OR 2.87), high (>5 in a range between 0 and 10) fear of intrahospital transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR 4.75), history of bladder instillation (OR 0.26), and current smokers (OR 0.27)

Conclusion

High PSS-4 values at hospital admission in urologic surgical patients are positively correlated with female gender, fear of intrahospital transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and oncological disease. PSS-4 questionnaire could be useful to select patients for whom a preadmission counselling is necessary to improve the management of their high stress level.
miR-496 inhibits proliferation via LYN and AKT pathway in gastric cancer
Authors: Su Rui , Zhao Enhong , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) operate as tumor suppressor or carcinogen to regulate cell proliferation, metastasis, invasion, differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolic process. In the present research, we investigated the effect and mechanism of miR-496 in human gastric cancer cells. miR-496 was downregulated in two gastric cancer cell lines, AGS and MKN45, compared with normal gastric epithelial cell line GES-1. miR-496 mimics inhibited the proliferation of AGS cells after the transfection for 48 and 72 h. The migration and invasion of AGS cells were also inhibited by the transfection of miR-496 mimics. miR-496 mimics induced the apoptosis through upregulating the levels of Bax and Active Caspase 3 and downregulating the levels of Bcl-2 and Total Caspase 3. Bioinformatics analysis showed that there was a binding site between miR-496 and Lyn kinase (LYN). miR-496 mimics could inhibit the expression of LYN in AGS cells. LYN overexpression blocked the inhibition of tumor cell growth, as well as the inhibition of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway induced by miR-496. In conclusion, miR-496 inhibited the proliferation through the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway via targeting LYN in gastric cancer cells. Our research provides a new potential target for clinical diagnosis and targeted treatment for gastric cancer.
Association of gene polymorphisms with women urinary incontinence
Authors: Aniulis Povilas , Podlipskyte Aurelija , Smalinskiene Alina , Aniuliene Rosita , Jievaltas Mindaugas
Published: August 2021

Aim of study was set to investigate the association of women urinary incontinence (UI) with serotonin receptor HTR2A T102C and beta 3-adrenergic receptor ADRB3 Trp64Arg genes polymorphisms. The study included 110 women with Urge, Stress, and Mixed UI types and the control group – 105 continent women. Both groups have filled in the ICIQ-FLUTS questionnaire and their blood genotyping was performed. Urge UI subgroup was older and had higher body mass index (BMI) in comparison to other UI types and control group. More than half of all women had family history of UI in Stress UI and Mixed UI subgroups. The frequency of HTR2A T102C gene polymorphism’s minor allele C and genotype CC was significantly more expressed in Urge UI subgroup, as compared with control group (C-77.3 vs 58.7%, p = 0.007 and CC-57.6 vs 31.1%, p = 0.015). The ADRB3 Trp64Arg gene polymorphism did not differ between groups. The regression analysis revealed CC genotype (OR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.11–8.43; p = 0.030) and allele C (OR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.16–5.53; p = 0.020) were risk factors for development of Urge UI. We conclude that HTR2A T102C gene polymorphism affected the development of Urge UI.