bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary lesion classification from endobronchial ultrasonography images using adaptive weighted‐sum of the upper and lower triangular gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix
Authors: Khomkham Banphatree , Lipikorn Rajalida 
Published: November 2020

AbstractVisual classification of pulmonary lesions from endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) images is performed by radiologists; therefore, results can be subjective. Here, two robust features, called the adaptive weighted‐sum of the upper triangular gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) and the adaptive weighted‐sum of the lower triangular GLCM (AWSL), were combined with 22 other standard features and used as initial input data to assist radiologists. The proposed method integrated the kth percentile of the sum of intensities, a genetic algorithm (GA), and support vector machine (SVM) to classify a lesion, and then applied the kth percentile of the sum of intensities to select the optimal window of interest (WOI) where all the features are extracted. After feature extraction, a GA was used to select only relevant features that were then forwarded to SVM to classify the lesion. Efficiency of the proposed features and the proposed method was evaluated using a dataset of 89 EBUS images with 10‐fold cross‐validation. Optimal classification results were obtained using 16 selected features from the WOI at the fifth percentile with accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision at 86.52%, 87.27%, 85.29%, and 90.57%, respectively. Among the 16 selected features, six were from the proposed features. The proposed method was compared with other existing methods. Results revealed that the proposed features together with the proposed method significantly improved the classification performance of pulmonary lessons, especially for small datasets.
A long‐acting isomer of Ac‐SDKP attenuates pulmonary fibrosis through SRPK1‐mediated PI3K/AKT and Smad2 pathway inhibition
Authors: Qiu Yueyuan , Wang Zhaowei , Zhang Xutao , Huang Ping , Zhang Wangqian , Zhang Kuo , Wang Shuning , He Lei , Guo Yanhai , Xiang An , Zhang Cun , Hao Qiang , Li Meng , Li Weina , Zhang Yingqi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, life‐threatening lung disease with a poor prognosis. N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline (Ac‐SDKP) is a critical negative regulator of fibrosis development. However, it's extremely short half‐life greatly limits its applications. Previously, we reported an Ac‐SDKP analog peptide in which Asp and Lys residues were replaced with D‐amino acids (Ac‐SDDKDP). Ac‐SDDKDP exhibits better resistance to angiotensin‐1‐converting enzyme (ACE)‐mediated degradation and a longer half‐life than Ac‐SDKP in rat and human sera. The objective of this study was to explore the potential application of Ac‐SDDKDP for the treatment of IPF and to clarify the underlying mechanisms. We found that Ac‐SDDKDP exerted similar antifibrotic effects as Ac‐SDKP on human fetal lung fibroblast‐1 (HFL‐1) proliferation, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), collagen I and collagen III expression, and Smad‐2 phosphorylation in vitro. In vivo, Ac‐SDDKDP exhibited significantly greater protective effects against bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis than Ac‐SDKP in mice. α‐SMA, CD45, collagen I and collagen III expression, and Smad‐2 phosphorylation were significantly decreased in the lungs of Ac‐SDDKDP‐treated but not Ac‐SDKP‐treated mice. Furthermore, a pull‐down experiment was used to screen for molecules that interact with Ac‐SDKP. Co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) and computer‐based molecular docking experiments demonstrated an interaction between Ac‐SDKP or Ac‐SDDKDP (Ac‐SDKP/Ac‐SDDKDP) and serine/arginine‐rich protein‐specific kinase 1 (SRPK1) that caused inhibition SRPK1‐mediated phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase/ serine/threonine kinase (PIK3/AKT) signaling pathway activation and Smad2 phosphorylation and thereby attenuated lung fibrosis. Our data suggest that long‐acting Ac‐SDDKDP may potentially be an effective drug for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. The interacting molecule and antifibrotic mechanism of Ac‐SDKP/Ac‐SDDKDP were also identified, providing an experimental and theoretical foundation for the clinical application of the drug.
Does work–family balance mediate the relationship between work–family conflicts and job satisfaction of academicians?
Authors: Rahman Md. M. , Ali Noor A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractExtreme workloads and strict work schedules make an individual cut their time and energy from their family domain, which may create a conflict, and this situation is called Work–Family Conflict (W‐FC). Besides this, Work Family Balance (WFB) and Job Satisfaction (JS) issues are significant for academics because they have to play two roles (Job and Family) at the same time. This paper's fundamental objective was to investigate the indirect effect (mediation) of WFB through both forms of W‐FC and JS. Following the convenience sampling technique, 250 married academicians from different private universities were considered for the sample size. Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to complete the data analyses. The outcomes of this study showed that out of the two forms, only W to F has significant adverse effects on JS. Also, it was found that to some extent, WFB showed a partial mediating effect only between W to FC and JS, whereas there was no mediating effect through F to WC and JS. These findings will help both academicians and higher authorities of private universities in Bangladesh. The higher authorities and decision‐makers of the private universities in Bangladesh can identify the sources of W‐FCs and take the necessary steps to mitigate the level of W‐FCs.
Acrobatic exercise recovers object recognition memory impairment in hypoxic‐ischemic rats
Authors: de Almeida Wellington , Confortim Heloísa Deola , Deniz Bruna Ferrary , Miguel Patrícia Maidana , Vieira Milene Cardoso , Bronauth Loise , dos Santos Adriana Souza , Bertoldi Karine , Siqueira Ionara Rodrigues , Pereira Lenir Orlandi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNeonatal hypoxia‐ischemia (HI) can lead to cognitive impairments and motor dysfunction. Acrobatic exercises (AE) were proposing as therapeutic option to manage HI motor deficits, however, the cognitive effects after this treatment are still poorly understood. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of AE protocol on memory impairments and brain plasticity markers after Rice–Vannucci HI rodent model. Wistar rats on the 7th postnatal day (PND) were submitted to HI model and after weaning (PND22) were trained for 5 weeks with AE protocol, then subsequently submitted to cognitive tests. Our results showed recovery in novel object recognition (NOR) memory, but not, spatial Morris Water Maze (WM) memory after AE treatment in HI rats. BDNF and synaptophysin neuroplasticity markers indicate plastic alterations in the hippocampus and striatum, with maintenance of synaptophysin despite the reduction of total volume tissue, besides, hippocampal HI‐induced ipsilateral BDNF increased, and striatum contralateral BDNF decreased were noted. Nevertheless, the exercise promoted functional recovery and seems to be a promising strategy for HI treatment, however, future studies identifying neuroplastic pathway for this improvement are needed.
Ameliorative effects of jamun seed and orange peel extracts on microcystin LR induced alterations in calcitonin cells and parathyroid gland of rats
Authors: Srivastava Babita Deep , Srivastava Manish , Srivastav Sunil Kumar , Urata Makoto , Suzuki Nobuo , Srivastav Ajai Kumar 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study investigated changes in calcitonin cells (C‐cells) and parathyroid glands (PTG) induced by microcystin LR (MCLR) exposure to rats and evaluated ameliorative effects of jamun (Syzygium cumini) seed (JSE) and orange (Citrus sinensis) peel (OPE) extracts. Wistar rats were treated as—Group A (control), Group B (MCLR), Group C (MCLR + JSE), Group D (MCLT + OPE), Group E (OPE) and Group F (JSE). Microcystin dose was (10 μg/kg body wt/day whereas OPE and JSE dose was 200 mg/kg body wt/day. Thyroid and PTG were fixed on 15 and 30 days following the treatment. C‐cells of treated rats for 15 days with MCLR; MCLR + JSE and MCLR + OPE exhibit degranulation, mitochondrial swelling and prominent RER. In MCLR treated rats few cells completely lack secretory granules. After 30 days MCLR treatment accumulation of secretory granules and degeneration were noticed in C‐cells. C‐cell nuclear volume (NV) of MCLR, MCLR + JSE and MCLT + OPE treated rats show an increase. In MCLR, MCLR + JSE and MCLR + OPE treated rats PTG exhibit hyperchromatic nuclei, nuclear elongation and increased NV after 15 days. After 30 days MCLR treatment nuclei of PTG become more hyperchromatic, more elongated, show degeneration of nuclei and increase in NV. NV is increased in Group C and Group D. PTG remain unaltered 30 days following treatment with OPE and JSE. Microcystin LR provoke physiological effects on the blood calcium and alterations in C cells and PTG, which cause serious threat to organism. These changes can be protected by JSE and OPE.
Quantifying neurovascular canal branching patterns reveals a shared crocodylian arrangement
Authors: Lessner Emily J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHighly branched dendritic structures are common in nature and often difficult to quantify and therefore compare. Cranial neurovascular canals, examples of such structures, are osteological correlates for somatosensory systems and have been explored only qualitatively. Adaptations of traditional stream‐ordering methods are applied to representative structures derived from computed tomography‐scan data. Applying these methods to crocodylian taxa, this clade demonstrates a shared branching pattern and exemplifies the comparative utility of these methods. Additionally, this pattern corresponds with current understanding of crocodylian sensory abilities and behaviors. The method is applicable to many taxa and anatomical structures and provides evidence for morphology‐based hypotheses of sensory and physiological evolution.
Understanding Early Hemophilic Arthropathy in Children and Adolescents Through MRI T2 Mapping
Authors: Majeed Haris , Ahmed Humayun , Sussman Marshall S. , Macgowan Christopher , Rayner Tammy , Weiss Ruth , Feldman Brian M. , Doria Andrea S. 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundPersons with hemophilia experience hemarthrosis, which can lead to cartilage degeneration, causing physical impairment. MRI T2 mapping has the potential to be used as a tool to evaluate early arthropathic changes and cartilage degeneration in patients with hemophilia.PurposeTo assess the value of MRI‐T2 mapping as a tool for investigating the cartilage status of children and adolescents with hemophilic arthropathy.Study TypeProspective, cross‐sectional.SubjectsTwenty‐eight boys with hemophilia (aged 5–17 years) and 23 healthy boys (aged 7–17 years).Field Strength/SequencesA multiecho spin‐echo T2‐weighted gradient echo sequence was used on a 3.0T magnet.AssessmentMRI‐T2 maps of ankle (tibia‐talus) (n = 19) or knee (femur‐tibia) (n = 9) cartilage were assessed in hemophilia and healthy groups. An anatomically‐based MRI score was also assigned to each ankle/knee.Statistical TestsPearson's correlation coefficient (r), linear regression, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.ResultsNegative associations between age and ankle/knee cartilage T2 relaxation times were found in hemophilia (r = –0.72 [P = 0.03] to –0.55 [P = 0.01]) and healthy (r = –0.84 [P < 0.001] to –0.55 [P = 0.20]) groups. There were nonsignificant associations between ankle cartilage T2 relaxation times and MRI scores (r = –0.15 [P = 0.54] to 0.31 [P = 0.19]).Data ConclusionResults of this clinical investigation emphasize the potential importance of MRI‐T2 maps as a tool to understand the functional status of cartilage in children and adolescents with hemophilic arthropathy, while holding promise for the detection of early cartilage degeneration prior to macroscopic characterization by conventional MRI. MRI‐T2 mapping may provide novel information that is not reflected in the anatomically‐based MRI scoring system.Level of Evidence3Technical Efficacy Stage2
Correlation between water stress and phenolic compounds of hydroSOStainable almonds
Authors: Lipan Leontina , Cano‐Lamadrid Marina , Collado‐González Jacinta , Wojdyło Aneta , López‐Lluch David , Moriana Alfonso , Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDWater scarcity is currently affecting many areas of the world, reaching worrying levels in drought areas such as southern Spain. To cope with this issue, researchers in the agricultural sector have implemented deficit irrigation strategies intended to reduce water consumption by increasing fruit quality. Almond is among the most popular tree nuts worldwide and also the most nut cultivated in Spain. Almond consumption, together with other nuts, has been widely associated with improvements in cardiovascular health, metabolic syndrome and diabetes owing to their bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. Water deficit strategies generate hydroSOStainable almonds, raised under water stress conditions, with high content of bioactive compounds. The aim of this work was to study the relationship between water stress, color and polyphenols in hydroSOStainable almonds. For this, instrumental color, total phenolic content and phenolic compounds were measured and correlated using Pearson's correlation.RESULTSThe results showed a strong relationship between water stress, color and polyphenols of almonds, showing that increasing water stress in plants up to ~100 MPa × day values of stress integral increase the polyphenols in almonds, leading to a reddish color.CONCLUSIONFinally, this research demonstrated that implementing water‐saving strategies help to improve the phenolic content and color of hydroSOStainable almonds and also that isorhamnetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside, isorhamnetin‐3‐O‐glucoside and kaempferol‐3‐O‐glucoside could be important markers of hydroSOStainable almonds (cv. Vairo). Besides, hydroSOStainable almonds could be an important source of phenols, providing 25% of the estimated total polyphenolic daily intake. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Formal robotic training diminishes the learning curve for robotic pancreatoduodenectomy: Implications for new programs in complex robotic surgery
Authors: Schmidt Carl R. , Harris Britney R. , Musgrove Kelsey A. , Rao Pavan , Marsh J. Wallis , Thomay Alan A. , Hogg Melissa E. , Zeh Herbert J. , Zureikat Amer H. , Boone Brian A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe learning curve associated with robotic pancreatoduodenectomy (RPD) is a hurdle for new programs to achieve optimal results. Since early analysis, robotic training has recently expanded, and the RPD approach has been refined. The purpose of this study is to examine RPD outcomes for surgeons who implemented a new program after receiving formal RPD training to determine if such training reduces the learning curve.MethodsOutcomes for consecutive patients undergoing RPD at a single tertiary institution were compared to optimal RPD benchmarks from a previously reported learning curve analysis. Two surgical oncologists with formal RPD training performed all operations with one surgeon as bedside assistant and the other at the console.ResultsForty consecutive RPD operations were evaluated. Mean operative time was 354 ± 54 min, and blood loss was 300 ml. Length of stay was 7 days. Three patients (7.5%) underwent conversion to open. Pancreatic fistula affected five patients (12.5%). Operative time was stable over the study and lower than the reported benchmark. These RPD operative outcomes were similar to reported surgeon outcomes after the learning curve.ConclusionThis study suggests formal robotic training facilitates safe and efficient adoption of RPD for new programs, reducing or eliminating the learning curve.
Sample preparation and fractionation techniques for intact proteins for mass spectrometric analysis
Authors: Thomas Shannon L. , Thacker Jonathan B. , Schug Kevin A. , Maráková Katarína 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe analysis of proteins in biological samples is highly desirable, given their connection to myriad biological functions and disease states, as well as the growing interest in the development of protein‐based pharmaceuticals. The introduction and maturation of “soft” ionization methods, such as electrospray ionization and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization, have made mass spectrometry an indispensable tool for the analysis of proteins. Despite the availability of powerful instrumentation, sample preparation and fractionation remain among the most challenging aspects of protein analysis. This review summarizes these challenges and provides an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art in sample preparation and fractionation of proteins for mass spectrometric analysis, with an emphasis on those used for top‐down proteomic approaches. Biological fluids, particularly important for clinical and pharmaceutical applications and their characteristics are also discussed. While immunoaffinity‐based methods are addressed, more attention is given to non‐immunoaffinity‐based methods, such as precipitation, coacervation, size exclusion, dialysis, solid‐phase extraction, and electrophoresis. These techniques are presented in the context of a significant number of studies where they have been developed and utilized.
Anger Dimensions and Mental Health Following a Disaster: Distribution and Implications After a Major Bushfire
Authors: Cowlishaw Sean , Metcalf Olivia , Varker Tracey , Stone Caleb , Molyneaux Robyn , Gibbs Lisa , Block Karen , Harms Louise , MacDougall Colin , Gallagher H. Colin , Bryant Richard , Lawrence‐Wood Ellie , Kellett Connie , O'Donnell Meaghan , Forbes David 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAnger is an important dimension of affect and a prominent feature of posttraumatic mental health, but it is commonly overlooked in postdisaster settings. We aimed to examine the distribution and implications of significant anger problems in the aftermath of a natural disaster, via analyses of Beyond Bushfires survey data from 736 residents of rural communities 5 years after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria, Australia. Assessments included the five‐item Dimensions of Anger Reaction (DAR‐5) scale along with measures of PTSD, depression, and significant mental illness, and indicators of life satisfaction, suicidality, hostile aggressive behavior, and violence exposure. The results indicated that approximately 10% of respondents from areas highly affected by the bushfires scored above the provisional cutoff criteria for significant anger problems on the DAR‐5, which was a more than 3‐fold increase, OR = 3.26, relative to respondents from areas of low‐to‐moderate bushfire impact. The rates were higher among women, younger participants, and those who were unemployed, and co‐occurred commonly, although not exclusively, with other postdisaster mental health problems. Anger problems were also associated with lower life satisfaction, β = −.31, an 8‐fold increase in suicidal ideation, OR = 8.68, and a nearly 13‐fold increase in hostile aggressive behavior, OR = 12.98. There were associations with anger problems and violence exposure, which were reduced when controlling for covariates, including probable PTSD. The findings provide evidence indicating that anger is a significant issue for postdisaster mental health and should be considered routinely alongside other posttraumatic mental health issues.
Outcomes of Endoscopic Versus Open Skull Base Surgery in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Lenze Nicholas R. , Gossett Katherine A. , Farquhar Douglas R. , Quinsey Carolyn , Sasaki‐Adams Deanna , Ewend Matthew G. , Thorp Brian , Ebert Charles S. , Zanation Adam M. 
Published: November 2020

Objective/HypothesisTo characterize the pathology and outcomes of skull base surgery in the pediatric population by open versus endoscopic surgical approach.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsA retrospective review of pediatric patients (<18 years) who underwent skull base surgery for nonmalignant disease from May 2000 to August 2019 was performed. Patient demographics, pathology, and operative characteristics by surgical approach were recorded and analyzed. Patients with a combined endoscopic/open approach were classified as open for the analysis.ResultsEighty‐two pediatric skull base patients were identified with a mean age of 11.3 years (standard deviation 5.2). A purely endoscopic approach was used in 63 (77%) patients, a purely open approach was used in nine (11%) patients, and a combined open/endoscopic approach was used in 10 (12%) patients. The all‐cause complication rate was 9.8%. There was no statistically significant difference in rate of complications between patients with an open versus endoscopic approach for resection (15.8% vs. 7.9%; P = .379). Risk of having a complication did not significantly vary by patient age. The odds of having a complication with an open approach was not statistically significant in a multivariable model adjusted for age, sex, race, intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, tracheostomy requirement, and vascular flap use (odds ratio 2.76, 95% confidence interval 0.28–26.94; P = .383).ConclusionsOur retrospective study demonstrates a similar risk of complication for open versus endoscopic approach to resection in pediatric skull base patients at our institution. Safety and feasibility of the endoscopic approach has previously been demonstrated in children, and this is the first study to directly compare outcomes with open approaches.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:996–1001, 2021
Long‐term Impact of Hearing Aid Provision or Cochlear Implantation on Hearing Handicap
Authors: Kim Alexander S. , Betz Joshua F. , Nieman Carrie L. , Hoyer Matthew R. , Applebaum Jeremy , Lin Frank R. , Goman Adele M. 
Published: November 2020

Objectives/HypothesisPrevious research has shown hearing handicap to be reduced following hearing aid use or cochlear implantation in short‐to‐medium follow‐up periods, yet the impact of interventions for hearing loss on hearing handicap in the long term remains understudied. This article reports hearing handicap at 6 months, 12 months, and 5 years after either hearing aid provision or cochlear implantation.Study DesignObservational study.MethodsA study of 115 participants from the Studying Multiple Outcomes after Aural Rehabilitative Treatment (SMART) study cohort assessed self‐reported hearing handicap using the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening version (HHIE‐S) at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and 5 years. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to estimate the population mean HHIE‐S score over time, accounting for the correlated nature of repeated measures data, and multiple imputation with chained equations was performed to impute missing data.ResultsCompared to baseline, mean HHIE‐S scores after hearing aid provision were significantly reduced at 6 months (mean = −7.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −10.40, −5.53), 12 months (mean = −6.58, 95% CI: −9.26, −3.90), and 5 years (mean = −4.58, 95% CI: −7.87, −1.30). After cochlear implantation, mean hearing handicap scores were also significantly lower compared to baseline at 6 months (mean = −8.18, 95% CI: −11.07, −5.30), 12 months (mean = −10.04, 95% CI: −12.92, −7.16), and 5 years (mean = −8.97, 95% CI: −12.92, −7.16).ConclusionsThis study found short‐term benefits from hearing aids and cochlear implantation on hearing handicap were maintained over 5 years. Laryngoscope, 131:1122–1126, 2021