bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A model for segmentation of CT images of liver lesions based on regional fitting and gradient information
Authors: Xue Baoshan , Zhang Fengfeng , Yan Xiaojian , Wang Rongmiao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The Computerized tomography (CT) images of liver have such disadvantages as uneven gray scale, fuzzy boundary and missing, so the commonly used image segmentation model of liver lesions has low segmentation accuracy. Methods: We propose a new hybrid active contour model based on regional fitting and gradient information for segmenting CT images of liver lesions. Firstly, the problem of uneven gray scale of liver lesions image was solved by local area fitting method, and the gradient information of liver lesions image was integrated to enhance the detection ability of the model on the edge of liver lesions. Secondly, we introduce the region area term, which can keep the image segmentation curve smooth in the process of segmentation, and effectively control the direction and speed of curve evolution. Finally, the performance of the Distance Regularized Level Set Evolution (DRLSE) model, Region-Scalable Fitting (RSF) model and the present model was compared in the segmentation of liver lesions. Results: It can be concluded from the experimental results that: compared with DRLSE model and RSF model，the average Dice similarity coefficient reached 97.7%, ncreased by 12.7% and 11.7% respectively; the under segmentation rate was 2%, 9% and 17% lower, and the over segmentation rate was 1.6%. Conclusion: Therefore, the segmentation model proposed in this paper has excellent segmentation performance and greatly improves the segmentation accuracy of liver lesions.
Blood angiopoietin-2 predicts liver angiogenesis and fibrosis in hepatitis C patients
Authors: Osawa Yosuke , Yoshio Sachiyo , Aoki Yoshihiko , Korenaga Masaaki , Imamura Masatoshi , Oide Takashi , Okawara Miku , Kawai Hironari , Tsutsui Yuriko , Yoshida Yuichi , Yoshikawa Shiori , Mori Taizo , Yamazoe Taiji , Kanto Tatsuya 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPathological angiogenesis is involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), the level of angiogenic factor angiopoietin (ANGP)-2 is reported to be increased in the blood, correlating with fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to clarify whether blood ANGP-2 is useful as a biomarker for liver angiogenesis and fibrosis in CHC patients and to further reveal the relationship between such pathology in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated liver fibrosis mouse model.MethodsPlasma levels of ANGP-2, expression of a liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) marker (CD31), collagen deposition (Sirius Red staining) in the liver, clinical fibrosis markers (Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer, virtual touch quantification, and liver stiffness measurement), and liver function (albumin bilirubin score) were examined in CHC patients. To determine the effects of an anti-angiogenic agent on liver fibrosis in vivo, sorafenib was administered to the CCl4-treated mice (BALB/c male).ResultsThe plasma levels of ANGP-2 were increased in CHC patients compared to healthy volunteers and decreased by the eradication of hepatitis C with direct-acting antivirals. In addition, plasma ANGP-2 levels were correlated with CD31 expression, collagen deposition, clinical fibrosis markers, and liver function. Sorafenib inhibited liver angiogenesis and fibrosis in the CCl4-treated mice and was accompanied by decreased ANGP-2 expression in LSECs. ConclusionsANGP-2 may serve as a useful biomarker for liver angiogenesis and fibrosis in CHC patients. In addition, angiogenesis and fibrosis may be closely related.
Treatment of Intrauterine Adhesions with Human Amnion Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (hAMSCs) on Promoting Endometrial Regeneration and Repair Via Notch Signaling Pathway Regulation
Authors: Yu Jie , Zhang Wenwen , Huang Jiayue , Gou Yating , Sun Congcong , Wu Benyuan , Li Changjiang , Chen Xinpei , Mao Yanhua , Zhang Yingfeng , Wang Jia 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells(hAMSCs) can repair and improve the damaged endometrium which its aplastic disorder is the main reason for intrauterine adhesions(IUAs).Methods: We conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments. In vivo experiments: 45 female Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were involved and randomized equally into Sham group, IUA group, Estradiol(E2) group, hAMSCs group, and E2 + hAMSCs group. The effect of hAMSCs and E2 only or combined was evaluated by Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and Masson staining. The expression of epithelial markers and key proteins of Notch signaling pathway by Immunohistochemistry. In vitro experiments: Firstly, the hAMSCs cells were taken and divided into control group and induced group in which hAMSCs were differentiated into endometrial epithelial cells in induced microenvironment, and extracted their RNA respectively. The expression of epithelial markers and Notch1 messenger RNA (mRNA) was detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR). and the changes in expression position of Notch intracellular domain(NICD) and expression amount of target gene, hairy enhancer of split 1(Hes1) were detected by Immunofluorescence. Then, Activated and inhibited the Notch signaling pathway while induction, and detected mRNA expression of hAMSCs epithelial markers by quantitative real-time polymerase chainreaction (qRT-PCR) respectively and detected hAMSCs cell cycle by flow cytometric. Results:This study showed that hAMSCs alone or combined with E2 could promote endometrial repair, and Notch signaling pathway a great role in it. And otherwise, the activation or habitation of Notch signaling pathway determines whether hAMSCs could differentiate into endometrial epithelial cells or not.Conclusion: we concluded that activate the Notch signaling pathway promote the differentiation of hAMSCs into endometrial epithelial cells, and further treat IUAs.
Clinical Study on the Minimally Invasive Treatment of Early Necrosis of the Femoral Head With Hydroxyapatite Coated Hollow Titanium Rod Supporting the Femoral Head to Prevent Collapse
Authors: Yang Xinmin , Gao Liangbin , Li Bo , Hu Xumin , Zhang Di , Zhao Qiancheng , Jiang Xu , Zhang Chi , Wu Jionglin , Guo Rui , Tian Ye , Yao Yao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the treatment effect of minimally invasive treatment of early osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) with hydroxyapatite coated hollow titanium rod. Methods: From 1, January 2003 to 1, January 2019, 72 patients with ONFHⅡ Stage were selected. There were 50 males and 20 females, aged from 28 to 56. Onset time was 8~28 months. Lesion site: 18 left, 38 right, 16 bilateral. Causes of ONFH: 30 alcohol, 28 hormone, 9 trauma and 5 idiopathic patients. ARCO stage: 14 IIA, 33 IIB, 25 IIC. All patients underwent arthroscopic assisted minimally invasive percutaneous core decompression and bone grafting with hydroxyapatite coated titanium rod surgery. Visua Analogue Scales (VAS), Harris score and Images were used for assessing pain, hip joint function and the stability, respectively. Hip replacement was performed finally. Results: 16 patients with heavy hormone use history and femoral head collapse underwent Total Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty (THRA) at the last follow-up. 24 months later, 8 ⅡB cases progressed to ⅡC, 2 cases were stable at ⅡC, 6 cases increased to Ⅲ, and underwent THRA. 12ⅡC cases progressed to Ⅲ, 2 cases were stable at Ⅲ, and 10 cases had articular cartilage surface collapse. THRA was administered 30 months after surgery. VAS score of individual patients increased and Harris score decreased 24 months after surgery, but there was no significant difference between the scores of 12 months and 24 months. The clinical effect of the last follow-up showed that the postoperative improvement rate of this group was 76.13%, among which the best was 100% in IIA, 79.48% in IIB, and the lowest was 58.06 in IIC. Both the patients with IIB or IIC, cases with aggravation and without change were hormonal ONFH. Conclusion: The treatment of ONFH with hydroxyapatite coated hollow titanium rod supporting the femoral head to prevent collapse is feasible. In addition to the Glucocorticoid-induced ONFH stage ⅡC outside, this method to other Ⅱ period lesions in improving the curative effect and preventing the collapse of femoral head articular surface is good and safe.
The Role of PPARγ&nbsp;in Hyperglycemia-induced Deleterious Effect on Chondrocytes
Authors: Ma Chi , Yang Na-na , Tan Yangfan , Chen Cheng , Zhao Jun , Liu Tang hao 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Aims: There is a well-established link between OA and diabetes, and study have shown that hyperglycemia might play an important role in the occurrence and development of OA. Accumulative evidence suggested that PPARγ was involved in AGEs-related disease, including diabetes and OA. The study was designed to investigate the effects of hyperglycemia on the expression of PPARγ in chondrocytes and whether PPARγ agonist pioglitazone had a chondroprotective effect.Main methods: Primary human chondrocytes were incubated with different concentration of glucose medium(5.5mM-30mM) in the presence or absence of PPARγ agonist pioglitazone. The AGEs formation level in chondrocytes culture medium was detected by AGEs specific ELISA kits. The expression of IL-1, MMP-13, TNF-α, PPARγ was determined by western blotting and real-time PCR.Key findings: The AGEs fomation level was time-dependently and dose-dependently increased in chondrocyte culture media. Hyperglycemia could enhance the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13, but the level of PPARγ was decreased in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner, which was inhibited by PPARγ agonist pioglitazone. Noteworthy, the maximum effect was found to at 20mM glucose medium for 24h.Significance: Hyperglycemia could increase the AGEs formation level and induce inflammatory response and matrix degradation reaction in chondrocytes. PPARγ agonists pioglitazone had a chondroprotective effect via inhibit inflammatory response and matrix degradation reaction. PPARγ could be a potential target for pharmacologic intervention in the treatment of diabetic-induced OA.
Comparison and Optimization: Different Medium and a Novel Scheme for Rabbit Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Culture
Authors: Cong Zhu , Jian-biao Lin , Hui-xiang Jiang , Wei-bin Lin , Jian-ting Gao , Ming-ming Gao , Ben-wen Wu , Bin Feng , Na-na Chen , Huang Guofeng , Zhen-qi Ding 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundRabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) are widely used as seed cells for bone tissue engineering, but the effect of different medium on the physiological characteristics of rBMSCs is still not clear and the optimal culture medium for rBMSCs is also uncertain.MethodsRBMSCs were divided into 4 groups: DMEM/F12 (F12) group, DMEM/Low glucose (LG) group, DMEM/High glucose (HG) group, and optimizational culture method group which was cultured with DMEM/High glucose for the first 6 days and then DMEM/Low glucose (HG-LG). The morphology, proliferation ability, stem cell surface markers, multi-directional differentiation potential, adhesion ability and vitality in tissue engineering bone (TEB) were detected and compared. ResultsRBMSCs in the 4 groups shared the same shape, similar surface markers (positive in CD44, CD29, negative in CD45, CD34) and similar osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic directional differentiation capability. For the primary rBMSCs, the proliferation ability of HG group was higher than that of LG group (P<0.05), while F12 group was between the former two. The proliferation ability of the 3rd passage of rBMSCs in the 4 groups was similar. The adhesion ability of the 3rd passage rBMSCs in the 4 groups was listed as follows starting from high to low: LG group and HG-LG group (they had similar ability), F12 group, HG group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The vitality of TEB in LG group and HG-LG group was higher than that in F12 group and HG group (P<0.05). ConclusionsThe primary rBMSCs cultured with DMEM/High glucose showed good proliferation ability, while the 3rd rBMSCs cultured with DMEM/Low glucose showed good adhesion ability and vitality in TEB. RBMSCs cultured with DMEM/High glucose for the first 6 days and then DMEM/Low glucose showed good proliferation ability, good adhesion ability and good vitality in TEB, which might provide a novel optimizational scheme for rBMSCs culture.
Maternal and Child Health Implementation Research in Mozambique: Effective Community Interventions to Promote Sexual and Reproductive Health
Authors: Pires Paulo Das Das Neves , Mupueleque Martins , Zakus David , Mucufo Jaibo , Abdirazak Ahmed , Macaringue Cynthia , Siemens Ronald , Belo Celso 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: High maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Mozambique, are due to adolescent pregnancies, difficulties in accessing health services, traditional constraints, and gender inequalities. An implementation research project, Alert Community to Prepared Hospital in Natikiri, Nampula, Mozambique was developed to reduce maternal and new-born mortality. From 2016 to 2020, it implemented activities to improve population knowledge and function in sexual and reproductive health, and to enable community participation in maternal health services. In this paper we will assess and discuss the impact of community participation on improving sexual and reproductive health.Methods: Implementation research with community intervention and programmed mid-term evaluations, using mixed methods research, with descriptive quantitative surveys and qualitative focus groups discussions and interviews, applied from 2017 to 2020. Local health committees, traditional birth attendants, traditional healers and local leadership all participated: trained in sexual and reproductive health and participated in radio discussion groups; community and hospital members of the co-management committee enabled local programming. Maternal and child health indicators were evaluated with health unit’s operational data. Quantitative data were captured in Microsoft Office Excel, analysed with SPSS21 to find frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation; qualitative data registered in Word was analysed with NVIVO. This research received bioethical approvals from both the Mozambique and Canadian universities and followed Helsinki Declaration recommendations.Results: Comparing changes from 2016 to 2019, the number of health committees operating in Natikiri rose from 7 to 20. Each committee integrated four Family Health Champions, who attained 24738 residents with health education interventions on reproductive health. A theatre group developed dramas about the same key messages, presented in communities. Population access to contraceptives was facilitated, from 42% to 91% in women and from 65% to 90% in men. At Marrere Health Centre, women with four ante-natal visits rose by 185%, and children less than one year of age’ visits 89%; at Marrere General Hospital deliveries rose 60%.Conclusion: Community participation, at all levels of maternal and child health service care continuum, from community to hospital, enhanced with complementary interventions well contextualised, is effective in improving adolescent and adult sexual and reproductive health.Trial registrationThis study was not registered in any data base.
Calycosin-7-O-β-D-Glucoside Treatment Promotes Axonal&nbsp;Regeneration via Rho/ROCK Pathway After Ischemia/Reperfusion&nbsp;Injury
Authors: Zhong Nijun , Yu Aiming , Wen Guiqing , Zhong Lanying , He Yingying , Zheng Haozhen , Shen Xiao , Wang Li-Sheng 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: As a medical component in Astragalus(AR) ，Calycosin-7- O -β-D-glucoside（CG）defends ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury in cerebral ischemia due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, whether CG can facilitate I/R injury by stimulating neuroregeneration and its specific mechanism is remained to be elucidated. Methods: In this study, an animal model of ischemic stroke was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Seven days after CG, triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was performed to examine the ischemic volume, accompanied by behavioral tests to assess neurological function. Nissl staining and Bielschowsky’s silver staining were used to observe nerve cell damage and axonal loss, while immunofluorescence was used to evaluate axonal regeneration. Results: The expression of proteins associated with the Rho/ROCK pathway was detected by using western blot (WB) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We showed that CG significantly reduced ischemic volume, facilitated axonal regeneration, improved neurological function, and regulated expression of RGMa, Rho, ROCK, and CRMP2. Conclusions: Our results suggested that CG promotes axonal regeneration by limiting activation of the Rho/ROCK pathway to promote recovery after cerebral ischemia.
Collaborating in a Penta-Helix Structure within a CBPR Programme: “Wrestling with Hierarchies and Getting Caught in Downpipes”
Authors: Forss Katarina Sjögren , Kottorp Anders , Rämgård Margareta 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: In the light of the existence of social inequalities in health, a CBPR (Community Based Participatory Research) programme for health promotion started in Malmö, Sweden, in 2017. The programme was based on a penta-helix structure and involved a strategic steering group with representatives from academia, voluntary organisations, the business sector, the public sector, and citizens from the geographical community where the programme took place. The aim of this study was to explore how the penta-helix collaboration worked out from the perspectives of all partners, including the citizens.Methods: Individual interviews, that were based on a guide for self-reflection and evaluation of CBPR partnerships, were conducted with the representatives (N= 13) on three occasions, during the period 2017-2019. A qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the interviews. Results: Six themes emerged from the analysis including Challenges for the partners in the penta-helix collaboration; Challenges for the professionals at the local level; Citizens driving processes important for penta-helix collaboration; Health promoters building trust over different sectors in the society; System changes takes time and Shift of power. The analysis shows that the penta- helix collaboration worked well at the local level in a governance related model for penta- helix cooperation. In the overall cooperation it was the citizen-driven processes that make the program work. However, the findings also indicated an inflexibility in organisations with hierarchical structures that created barriers for citizens involvement in the penta-helix collaboration.Conclusion: The main issue uncovered in this study is the problem of vertically organized institutions where discovery and innovation processes flow down from the top, thereby eliminating the essential input of the people and community that they are supposed to serve. The success of the programme was based on an interprofessional cooperation at a local level, where local professions worked together with voluntary organisations, social workers, CBPR researchers from the university, citizens and local health promoters.
Recipe Analysis Method and Implementation for Motion Planning of Cooking Robot
Authors: Inagawa Masahiro , Takei Toshinobu , Imanishi Etsujiro 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Many cooking robots have been developed in response to the increasing demand for such robots. However, most of the existing robots must be programmed according to the recipes to enable cooking through the robotic arms, which requires considerable time and expertise. Therefore, this paper proposes a method to allow a robot to cook by analyzing the recipes available on the internet without any programming. The proposed method can plan robot motion by analyzing the cooking procedure of a recipe. We developed a cooking robot to execute the proposed method, and evaluated the eﬀectiveness of the approach by analyzing 50 recipes. More than 25 recipes could be implemented using the proposed approach.
Testing the Contextual Interaction Theory in a UHC pilot district in South Africa
Authors: Michel Janet , Mohlakoana Nthabiseng , Bärnighausen Till , Tediosi Fabrizio , Evans David , McIntyre Di , Bressers Hans T. A , Tanner Marcel 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: World-wide, there is growing universal health coverage (UHC) enthusiasm. The South African government began piloting policies aimed at achieving UHC in 2012. These UHC policies have been and are being rolled out in the ten selected pilot districts. Our study explored policy implementation experiences of 71 actors involved in UHC policy implementation, in one South African pilot district using the Contextual Interaction Theory (CIT) lens.Method: Our study applied a two-actor deductive theory of implementation, Contextual Interaction Theory (CIT) to analyse 71 key informant interviews from one National Health Insurance (NHI) pilot district in South Africa. The theory uses motivation, information, power, resources and the interaction of these to explain implementation experiences and outcomes. The research question centred on the utility of CIT tenets in explaining the observed implementation experiences of actors and outcomes particularly policy- practice gaps.Results: All CIT central tenets (information, motivation, power, resources and interactions) were alluded to by actors in their policy implementation experiences, a lack or presence of these tenets were explained as either a facilitator or barrier to policy implementation. This theory was found as very useful in explaining policy implementation experiences of both policy makers and facilitators. Conclusion: A central tenet that was present in this context but not fully captured by CIT was leadership. Leadership interactions were revealed as critical for policy implementation, hence we propose the inclusion of leadership interactions to the current CIT central tenets, to become motivation, information, power, resources, leadership and interactions of all these.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Severe Mitochondrial Diseases Caused by Nuclear Gene Defects: A Study in Japan&nbsp;
Authors: Akiyama Nana , Shimura Masaru , Yamazaki Taro , Harashima Hiroko , Fushimi Takuya , Tsuruoka Tomoko , Ebihara Tomohiro , Ichimoto Keiko , Matsunaga Ayako , Saito-Tsuruoka Megumi , Yatsuka Yukiko , Kishita Yoshihito , Kohda Masakazu , Namba Akira , Kamei Yoshimasa , Okazaki Yasushi , Kosugi Shinji , Ohtake Akira , Murayama Kei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Prenatal diagnoses of mitochondrial diseases caused by defects in nuclear DNA (nDNA) or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been reported in several countries except for Japan. The present study aimed to clarify the status of prenatal genetic diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases caused by nDNA defects in Japan. A comprehensive genomic analysis was performed to diagnose more than 400 patients, of which, 13 families (18 cases) had requested prenatal diagnoses. Results: Eight cases diagnosed with wild homozygous or heterozygous variants same as either of the heterozygous parents continued the pregnancy and delivered healthy babies. Another eight cases were diagnosed with homozygous, compound heterozygous, or hemizygous variants same as the proband. Of these, seven families chose to terminate the pregnancy, while one decided to continue the pregnancy.Conclusions: Neonatal- or infantile-onset mitochondrial diseases show severe phenotypes and lead to lethality. Therefore, such diseases could be candidates for prenatal diagnosis with careful genetic counseling, and prenatal testing could be a viable option for families.