bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of Thyroid Nodules with Ultrasound Images Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Yu Xia , Wang Hongjie , Ma Liyong 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Thyroid nodules are a common clinical entity with high incidence. Ultrasound
is often employed to detect and evaluate thyroid nodules. The development of an efficient
automated method to detect thyroid nodules using ultrasound has the potential to reduce both physician
workload and operator-dependence.

Objective:
To study the method of automatic detection of thyroid nodules based on deep learning
using ultrasound, and to obtain the detection method with higher accuracy and better performance.

Methods:
A total of 1200 ultrasound images of thyroid nodules and 800 ultrasound thyroid images
without nodule are collected. An improved faster R-CNN based detection method of thyroid nodule
is proposed. Instead of using VGG16 as the backbone, ResNet is employed as the backbone
for faster R-CNN. SVM, CNN and Faster-RCNN methods are used for thyroid nodule detection
test. Precision, sensitivity, specificity and F1-score indicators are used to evaluate the detection
performance of different methods.

Results:
The method based on deep learning is superior to that based on SVM. Faster R-CNN
method and the improved method are better than CNN method. Compared with VGG16 as the
backbone, RestNet101 backbone based faster R-CNN method achieves better thyroid detection
effect. From the accuracy index, the proposed method is 0.084, 0.032 and 0.019 higher than SVM,
CNN and faster R-CNN, respectively. Similar results can be seen in precision, sensitivity, specificity
and F1-Score indicators.

Conclusion:
The proposed method of deep learning achieves the best performance values with the
highest true positive and true negative detection compared to other methods and performs best in
the detection of thyroid nodules.
ANN Classification and Modified Otsu Labeling on Retinal Blood Vessels
Authors: Balasubramanian Kishore , N.P. Ananthamoorthy 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Diagnosis of ophthalmologic and cardiovascular systems most often rely
on the prerequisite step of segmentation of retinal blood vessels. Analysis of vascular structures in
the retinal fundus images can aid in the early screening or detection of many ophthalmological
diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, vein occlusions, hemorrhages etc. In most cases, optic
nerve gets damaged causing a blind spot. In this paper, a method of blood vessel segmentation
using improved SOM (iSOM) and ANN classifier is presented.

Methods:
Morphological operations are carried out to enhance the input image. Clustering of pixels
is done using improved Kohonen Self- Organizing Map (SOM) based on texture feature wherein
a new node is introduced and new learning methodology is adopted using constrained weight
updation. Finally, modified Otsu method is designed to label the output neuron class as vessel and
non -vessel.

Results:
Segmentation is tested on public image sets, High Resolution Fundus (HRF) images and
DRIONS-DB databases for Accuracy, Recall rate, Precision, F-Score, AUC and JC. The results
achieve an appreciable level of accuracy (~97%) as compared to other similar methods of classification.
The average time taken is less in estimating the neuron class and is about 12.1 sec per image
when evaluated on Intel Core i5 CPU running at 2.30 GHz coupled with 4 GB RAM. The
mean squared error for the segmented images is found to be in the range of 4-5%.

Conclusion:
Segmentation of retinal blood vessels based on artificial neural networks employing
iSOM preserves the topology consuming less time for constrained weight updation achieving better
results than SOM. A new model to detect vessels can be developed by concatenating iSOMs in
parallel for multi class functions.
Lipidomic Insight of Anticandidal Perillyl Alcohol and Sesamol Induced Candida Membrane Disruption: Implications of Lipid Alteration, Impaired Fluidity and Flippase Activity
Authors: Fatima Zeeshan , Hameed Saif 
Published: October 2019

Background: :
Considering the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in prevalent
human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans, there is parallel spurt in the development of novel
strategies aimed to disrupt MDR. The cell envelope of C. albicans comprises a wealth of lipid
moieties contributing towards long-term survival of pathogen that could be exploited as efficient
antifungal target owing to the advancements made in mass spectrometry based lipidomics technology.

Objective: :
This study aimed to utilize the lipidomics approach to unveil several lipid-associated
changes in response to two natural anticandidal compounds perillyl alcohol (PA) and sesamol
(Ses).

Method: :
Lipidomics is performed through ESI-MS, flippase activity by FACS, fluorescence
spectrometric analysis is used to assess membrane fluidity.

Results: :
Lipidomic analyses revealed that phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) were decreased in the
presence of Ses with considerable differences at specie level. Concurrently, we explored increased
inward translocation (flip) of fluorophore labelled PtdCho across the plasma membrane attributed
to enhanced PtdCho specific flippase activity. A considerable decrement in phosphatidylethanolamine
(PtdEtn) leading to altered membrane fluidity was observed in response to PA and Ses.
Additionally, we could detect alteration in the levels of phohatidylserine (PtdSer) and phosphatidylglycerol
(PtdGro) along with decreased triacylglycerides (TAG). The differential expressions
of various lipid biosynthetic pathway genes by RT-PCR corroborated with the lipidomics data.
Furthermore, PA and Ses leads to potentiation of membrane targeting drugs (azole and polyene)
and displayed additive effect.

Conclusion::
Our work offers the basis of further understanding the regulation of lipid homeostasis
in C. abicans so that better therapeutic targets could be identified to combat MDR.
The Association of Potassium Status with Parameters of Glucose Metabolism is influenced by Age in Adults
Authors: Elmadfa Ibrahim , Meyer Alexa L. , Hasenegger Verena , Moeslinger Thomas , Ekmekcioglu Cem 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Potassium status has been found to affect glucose homeostasis.

Objective:
his study therefore aimed at investigating relationships between potassium status or dietary
intake and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in a sample of Austrian
adults (18-80 years, n = 421, 61% women) from the Austrian Study on Nutritional Status 2012.

Methods:
Dietary potassium intake was obtained by two 24 h recalls. FPG, plasma K+, and urinary K+
were determined photometrically, HbA1c by HPLC. Associations between the parameters were studied
using multiple regression analysis after controlling for confounders and after age stratification of the
sample (18-64 y vs. 65-80 y).

Results:
Most of the participants had a potassium intake of less than the estimated adequate daily intake
of 4000 mg/d. In the multiple regression analyses in the whole sample plasma K+ had a statistically
significant positive effect on FPG only in the crude model (ß = 0.128, p < 0.01) and on HbA1c
also in the fully adjusted model (ß = 0.129, p - 0.05). The small effects on HbA1c were also detected in
the younger age group but were absent in the older population. However, in this latter, a reverse association
of urinary K+ on HbA1c was observed as well as of dietary potassium intake on FPG with no
effects in the younger sample.

Conclusion:
We suggest that age dependent differences in the association between parameters of potassium
status and blood glucose regulation should also be taken into account.
Needle-disk Electrospinning: Mechanism Elucidation, Parameter Optimization and Productivity Improvement
Authors: Liu Zhi , Zhou Lei , Ruan Fangtao , Wei Anfang , Zhao Jianghui , Feng Quan 
Published: October 2019

Background:Nanofiber’s productivity plagues nanofibrous membranes’ applications in many areas. Herein, we present the needle-disk electrospinning to improve throughput. In this method, multiple high-curvature mentals are used as the spinning electrode.Methods:Three aspects were investigated: 1) mechanism elucidation of the needle-disk electrospinning; 2) parameter optimization of the needle-disk electrospinning; 3) productivity improvement of the needle-disk electrospinning.Results:Results show that high-curvature electrode evokes high electric field intensity, making lower voltage supply in spinning process. The needle number, needle length and needle curvature synergistically affect the spinning process and nanofiber morphology. Additionally, higher disk rotation velocity and higher voltage supply can also result in higher nanofiber’s productivity.Conclusion:Compared with previous patents related to this topic, the needle-disk electrospinning is featured with the merits of high throughput, low voltage supply, controllable spinning process and nanofiber morphology, benefiting the nanofiber practical industrial employment and further applications of nanofiber-based materials.
Influence of Albumin in the Microfluidic Synthesis of PEG-PLGA Nanoparticles
Authors: Poller Bettina , Painter Gavin F. , Walker Greg F. 
Published: October 2019

Background:
A key challenge in the manufacturing of polymeric colloids is
producing nanoparticles with good batch-to-batch consistency.

Objective:
Develop a robust microfluidics method for the preparation of PEG-PLGA nanoparticles
using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the organic phase solvent for the encapsulation
of DMSO soluble agents.

Method:
Microfluidic process parameters, total flow rate (10 mL/min), flow rate ratio
(1:1) of the aqueous phase and the organic polymer solution, and polymer concentration (5
mg/ml). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or human serum albumin (HSA) was included in the
aqueous phase. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy were used
to investigate the size and morphology of particles.

Results:
PLGA nanoparticles made using DMSO with the aqueous solvent containing
PVA (2%) had an average size of 60 nm while PLGA-PEG nanoparticles made with and
without PVA (2%) had an average size of 70 and 100 nm, respectively. PLGA-PEG nanoparticles
generated with or without PVA had a high batch-to-batch coefficient of variation
for the particle size of 20% while for PLGA nanoparticles with PVA it was 4%. HSA added
to the aqueous phase reduced the size and the zeta potential of PEG-PLGA nanoparticles
as well the batch-to-batch coefficient of variation for particle size to < 5%. Nanoparticles
were stable in solution and after lyophilized in the presence of sucrose.

Conclusion:
Albumin was involved in the self-assembly of PEG-PLGA nanoparticles altering
the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles. Adding protein to the aqueous
phase in the microfluidic fabrication process may be a valuable tool for tuning the properties
of nanoparticles and improving batch-to-batch consistency.
Effects of Electromagnetic Hydrolysis on Algal Concentration in Warm, Stagnant Surface Water
Authors: Bloetscher Frederick , E. Meeroff Daniel , Iles Matthew , Sethi Rohan 
Published: October 2019

Background::
The study was conducted in-situ at the INCA Pond system in the
City of Boynton Beach, Florida which has experienced issues with the formation of harmful
algae blooms that create nuisance complaints and unhealthy conditions in the water and surrounding
area.

Objective::
The EMOH device is designed to supersaturate water as a means to deter harmful
algal blooms. This pilot study was conducted to determine if an Electromagnetic Hydrolysis
(EMOH) device can improve the health of residential surface water by adding dissolved
oxygen to the water to allow the existing bacteria to remove the substrate that provides
a food source for blue-green algae outbreaks when combined with naturally occurring
aerobic bacteria.

Methods::
Combining the EMOH device with naturally occurring aerobic bacteria demonstrated that a pond that normally contained a low DO and copious amounts of algae, would contain fewer algal blooms, that the bacteria would consume the detrital layer on the bottom of the pond that acts as nutrient source for the algae and that DO levels increase with temperature, in contrast to expectations. Four configurations were compared.

Results: :
The EMOH device successfully reduced the detrital layer on the bottom of the
pond and experienced fewer algal blooms. The use of surface aeration permits the oxygen to
escape, so having the EMOH discharge below the surface increases efficiency.

Conclusion::
The EMOH device successfully accomplished its intended goals.
Protective Effect of Metformin, Resveratrol and Alpha-lipoic Acid on Radiation- Induced Pneumonitis and Fibrosis: A Histopathological Study
Authors: Yahyapour Rasoul , Amini Peyman , Saffar Hana , Motevaseli Elahe , Farhood Bagher , Pooladvand Vahid , Shabeeb Dheyauldeen , Musa Ahmed Eleojo , Najafi Masoud 
Published: October 2019

Background:Radiation-induced pneumonitis and fibrosis are the most common side effects of chest radiotherapy. They result from massive and chronic production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), inhibition of antioxidant enzymes as well as the release of several inflammatory mediators. In this study, we aimed to detect the radioprotective effects of metformin (as inhibitor of mitochondrial ROS), resveratrol (as stimulator of antioxidant defense enzymes) and alpha-lipoic acid (as direct antioxidant) for alleviating radiation-induced pneumonitis and fibrosis.Methods:80 Male Mice were randomly allotted to eight groups which include G1: control; G2: resveratrol; G3: alpha-lipoic acid; G4: metformin; G5: radiation; G6: radiation plus resveratrol; G7: radiation plus alpha-lipoic acid; G8: radiation plus metformin. Drugs’ doses were as follows: 100 mg/kg metformin, 200 mg/kg resveratrol and 200 mg/kg alpha-lipoic acid. Irradiation with a single radiation dose of 18 Gy was performed using a cobalt-60 (60Co) gamma-ray source. After 80 days, all mice were sacrificed and their lung tissues evaluated for morphological changes using histopathological markers.Results:Irradiation led to acute pneumonitis including infiltration of inflammatory cells and damages to alveolar and vascular, as well as mild fibrosis. Metformin, alpha-lipoic acid and resveratrol were able to reduce pneumonitis and overcome radiation-induced fibrosis.Conclusion:All agents could protect against radiation-induced lung injury moderately. It is possible that administering higher doses of these drugs over a long period of time could give better radioprotection of the lung.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Antipsychotic Drugs in Whole Blood Cell Cultures from Healthy Subjects
Authors: Kim Eun-Jeong , Kim Yong-Ku 
Published: October 2019

Objective:We aimed to evaluate the effects of various antipsychotics on the in vitro production of C-reactive protein (CRP) in whole blood cell cultures from healthy volunteers. The evaluation was performed using haloperidol, quetiapine, clozapine, amisulpride, and chlorpromazine.Methods:Antipsychotic agents were added to the participants' whole blood samples, and the resulting CRP levels were measured. For each agent, three different concentrations were tested: the therapeutic concentration, one-tenth the therapeutic concentration, and ten times the therapeutic concentration. The differences in CRP concentrations before and after drug administration were investigated.Results:The Friedman test showed that haloperidol, amisulpride, and chlorpromazine significantly increased CRP levels in the blood culture samples; however, clozapine and quetiapine did not increase CRP levels. In the case of chlorpromazine, elevated CRP levels were noted at all concentrations tested.Conclusion:Our study suggests that some antipsychotics elevate CRP levels in vitro. These results agree with previous studies showing that antipsychotics have immunomodulatory effects. Future research will clarify our findings and our understanding of antipsychotic drugs and their impact on immune regulation.
Vertebral Fractures in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: More Than Skeletal Complications Alone
Authors: Koromani Fjorda , Oei Ling , Shevroja Enisa , Trajanoska Katerina , Schoufour Josje , Muka Taulant , Franco Oscar H. , Ikram M. Arfan , Zillikens M. Carola , Uitterlinden André G. , Krestin Gabriel P. , Anastassiades Tassos , Josse Robert , Kaiser Stephanie M. , Goltzman David , Lentle Brian C. , Prior Jerilynn C. , Leslie William D. , McCloskey Eugene , Lamy Olivier , Hans Didier , Oei Edwin H. , Rivadeneira Fernando 
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVE
We aimed to assess whether individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have increased risk of vertebral fractures (VFs) and to estimate nonvertebral fracture and mortality risk among individuals with both prevalent T2D and VFs.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A systematic PubMed search was performed to identify studies that investigated the relationship between T2D and VFs. Cohorts providing individual participant data (IPD) were also included. Estimates from published summary data and IPD cohorts were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to estimate nonvertebral fracture and mortality risk among individuals with T2D and VFs.

RESULTS
Across 15 studies comprising 852,705 men and women, individuals with T2D had lower risk of prevalent (odds ratio [OR] 0.84 [95% CI 0.74–0.95]; I2 = 0.0%; Phet = 0.54) but increased risk of incident VFs (OR 1.35 [95% CI 1.27–1.44]; I2 = 0.6%; Phet = 0.43). In the IPD cohorts (N = 19,820), risk of nonvertebral fractures was higher in those with both T2D and VFs compared with those without T2D or VFs (hazard ratio [HR] 2.42 [95% CI 1.86–3.15]) or with VFs (HR 1.73 [95% CI 1.32–2.27]) or T2D (HR 1.94 [95% CI 1.46–2.59]) alone. Individuals with both T2D and VFs had increased mortality compared with individuals without T2D and VFs (HR 2.11 [95% CI 1.72–2.59]) or with VFs alone (HR 1.84 [95% CI 1.49–2.28]) and borderline increased compared with individuals with T2D alone (HR 1.23 [95% CI 0.99–1.52]).

CONCLUSIONS
Based on our findings, individuals with T2D should be systematically assessed for presence of VFs, and, as in individuals without T2D, their presence constitutes an indication to start osteoporosis treatment for the prevention of future fractures.
Economic and Clinical Burden of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in the U.S.
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Tampi Radhika P. , Racila Andrei , Qiu Ying , Burns Leah , Younossi Issah , Nader Fatema 
Published: October 2019

OBJECTIVE
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients with both T2DM and NASH have increased risk for adverse clinical outcomes, leading to higher risk for mortality and morbidity. We built a Markov model with 1-year cycles and 20-year horizon to estimate the economic burden of NASH with T2DM in the U.S.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Cohort size was determined by population size, prevalence of T2DM, and prevalence and incidence of NASH in 2017. The model includes 10 health states—NAFL, NASH fibrosis stages F0 through F3, compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, 1 year post–liver transplant, and post–liver transplant—as well as liver-related, cardiovascular, and background mortality. Transition probabilities were calculated from meta-analyses and literature. Annual costs for NASH and T2DM were taken from literature and billing codes.

RESULTS
We estimated that there were 18.2 million people in the U.S. living with T2DM and NAFLD, of which 6.4 million had NASH. Twenty-year costs for NAFLD in these patients were $55.8 billion. Over the next 20 years, NASH with T2DM will account for 65,000 transplants, 1.37 million cardiovascular-related deaths, and 812,000 liver-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS
This model predicts significant clinical and economic burden due to NASH with T2DM over the next 20 years. In fact, this burden may be greater since we assumed conservative inputs for our model and did not increase costs or the incidence of T2DM over time. It is highly likely that interventions reducing morbidity and mortality in NASH patients with T2DM could potentially reduce this projected clinical and economic burden.
Online community of Russian volunteers (on the example of social network vkontakte)
Authors: Smirnov V. A. 
Published: October 2019

The article analyzes the features of the current stage of development of volunteerism in the Russian Federation. As the information base of the research data from online communities of the social network vkontakte are used. The total number of analyzed groups is 2894, the number of participants is 1446008 people. To extract data about online communities and participants, a script was written in the programming language Python3, which allowed to gather relevant information using the vkontakte API.Based on the analysis, the author’s typology of volunteer communities is proposed in the article, including franchise groups, online service communities and direct action groups. The author analyzes the distribution of communities on the subject of their activities. The dominant positions in terms of the number of participants and the number of groups are occupied by communities based on the search for missing people. The least represented in the space of the social network vkontakte community of volunteers — animal advocates.Based on the socio-demographic analysis of community members, the author draws conclusions about the features of their distribution in terms of age and sex. In particular, young people between the ages of 14 and 30 take the dominant position among group members. This is largely due to the underdevelopment of the mechanisms for including middle-aged and older people in volunteer activities. As for the gender of the participants, the main contingent of the communities are women, while their relationship with men changes with age.The article presents an analysis of the participants’ value orientations. Conclusions are drawn about the domination of individual values and interests, which are based on the desire for self-development and personal growth. On the basis of this, a conclusion is drawn on the need to develop new social technologies for involving Russian citizens in the volunteer activity.The article explores some dysfunctions in the development of volunteerism in the Russian Federation: the lack of mechanisms for involving middle-aged and older citizens, the imitative nature of many volunteer projects. Based on this, conclusions are drawn about the need to adjust the social, educational, youth policy in the field of volunteer development in Russia.
ISOLASI BAKTERI SELULOLITIK PENDEGRADASI SELULOSA DARI KOMPOS
Authors: Arifin Zainul , Gunam Ida Bagus Wayan , Antara Nyoman Semadi , Setiyo Yohanes 
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to isolate cellulolytic bacteria that have the potential to degrade cellulose taken compost samples from Temesi and Bondowoso, this study was also conducted to determine the ability of bacteria to degrade cellulose based on Congo red test and filter paper degradation test. All isolates were tested for cellulolytic activity using soluble Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC). Characterization was carried out by growing selected pure isolates on CMC media and then dripping 0.1% congo red to test the cellulolytic potential (cellulolytic potential was characterized by the emergence of clear zones around the colony). The results of isolation of bacteria obtained 38 isolates, namely 26 Bondowoso sample isolates and 12 Temesi isolates that were able to grow and utilize cellulose as a carbon source. But only fourteen isolates produced clear zones in the Congo red test with diameters ranging from 1.66 cm to 6.76 cm. Six isolates that have the largest diameters clear zone, were tested for degradation of filter paper (Whatman no. 1). Isolates bacteria of B2S8 obtained from Bondowoso compost samples has the highest ability to degrade cellulose on Whatman paper no. 1 as much as 51.30%.
Keywords: Compost, Isolation, Screening, Cellulolytic Bacteria.