bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of ultrasound artificial intelligence in the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant breast lesions of BI-RADS 4A
Authors: Niu Sihua , Huang Jianhua , Li Jia , Liu Xueling , Wang Dan , Zhang Ruifang , Wang Yingyan , Shen Huiming , Qi Min , Xiao Yi , Guan Mengyao , Liu Haiyan , Li Diancheng , Liu Feifei , Wang Xiuming , Xiong Yu , Gao Siqi , Wang Xue , Zhu Jiaan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The classification of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System 4A (BI-RADS 4A) lesions is mostly based on the personal experience of doctors and lacks specific and clear classification standards. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) provides a new method for BI-RADS categorisation. We analysed the ultrasonic morphological and texture characteristics of BI-RADS 4A benign and malignant lesions using AI, and these ultrasonic characteristics of BI-RADS 4A benign and malignant lesions were compared to examine the value of AI in the differential diagnosis of BI-RADS 4A benign and malignant lesions.Methods: A total of 206 lesions of BI-RADS 4A examined using ultrasonography were analysed retrospectively, including 174 benign lesions and 32 malignant lesions. All of the lesions were contoured manually, and the ultrasonic morphological and texture features of the lesions, such as circularity, height-to-width ratio, margin spicules, margin coarseness, margin indistinctness, margin lobulation, energy, entropy, grey mean, internal calcification and angle between the long axis of the lesion and skin, were calculated using grey level gradient co-occurrence matrix analysis. Differences between benign and malignant lesions of BI-RADS 4A were analysed.Results: Significant differences in margin lobulation, entropy, internal calcification and ALS were noted between the benign group and malignant group (P=0.013, 0.045, 0.045, and 0.002, respectively). The malignant group had more margin lobulations and lower entropy compared with the benign group, and the benign group had more internal calcifications and a greater angle between the long axis of the lesion and skin compared with the malignant group. No significant differences in circularity, height-to-width ratio, margin spicules, margin coarseness, margin indistinctness, energy, and grey mean were noted between benign and malignant lesions.Conclusions: Compared with the naked eye, AI can reveal more subtle differences between benign and malignant BI-RADS 4A lesions. These results remind us carefully observation of the margin and the internal echo is of great significance. With the help of morphological and texture information provided by AI, doctors can make a more accurate judgment on such atypical benign and malignant lesions.
Selecting Suitable Reference Genes for qPCR Normalization: A Comprehensive Analysis in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Jain Nityanand , Nitisa Dina , Pirsko Valdis , Cakstina Inese 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMCF-7 breast cancer cell line is undoubtedly amongst the most extensively studied patient-derived research models, providing pivotal results that have over the decades translated to constantly improving patient care. Many research groups, have previously identified suitable reference genes for qPCR normalization in MCF-7 cell line. However, over the course of identification of suitable reference genes, a comparative analysis comprising these genes together in a single study have not been reported. Furthermore, the expression dynamics of these reference genes within sub-clones cultured over multiple passages (p) has attracted limited attention from research groups. Therefore, we investigated the expression dynamics of 12 previously suggested reference genes within two sub-clones (culture A1 and A2) cultured identically over multiple passages. Additionally, the effect of nutrient stress on reference gene expression was examined to devise an evidence-based recommendation of the least variable reference genes that could be employed in future gene expression studies.ResultsThe analysis revealed the presence of differential reference gene expression within the sub-clones of MCF-7. In culture A1, GAPDH-CCSER2 were identified as the least variable reference gene pair while for culture A2, GAPDH-RNA28S was identified. However, upon validation using genes of interest, both these pairs were found to be unsuitable control pairs. Normalization of AURKA and KRT19 with triplet pair GAPDH-PCBP1-CCSER2 yielded successful results. The triplet also proved its capability to handle variations arising from nutrient stress.ConclusionsThe variance in expression behavior amongst sub-clones highlights the potential need for exercising caution while selecting reference genes for MCF-7. GAPDH-PCBP1-CCSER2 triplet offers a reliable alternative to otherwise traditionally used internal controls for optimizing intra- and inter-assay gene expression differences. Furthermore, we suggest avoiding the use of ACTB, GAPDH and PGK1 as single internal controls.
Mechanistic modelling of coronavirus infections and the impact of confined neighbourhoods on a short time scale
Authors: Ahmed Danish Ali , Ansari Ali , Imran Mudassar , Dingle Kamal , Ahmed Naveed , Bonsall Michael 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: To mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, some countries have adopted more stringent non-pharmaceutical interventions in contrast to those widely used (for e.g. the state of Kuwait). In addition to standard practices such as enforcing curfews, social distancing, and closure of non-essential service industries, other non-conventional policies such as the total confinement of highly populated areas has also been implemented.Methods: In this paper, we model the movement of a host population using a mechanistic approach based on random walks, which are either diffusive or super-diffusive. Infections are realised through a contact process, whereby a susceptible host may be infected if in close spatial proximity of the infectious host. Our focus is only on the short-time scale prior to the infectious period, so that no further transmission is assumed.Results: We find that the level of infection depends heavily on the population dynamics, and increases in the case of slow population diffusion, but remains stable for a high or superdiffusive population. Also, we find that the confinement of homogeneous or overcrowded sub-populations has minimal impact in the short term.Conclusion: Our results indicate that on a short time scale, confinement restrictions or complete lock down of whole residential areas may not be effective. Finally, we discuss the possible implications of our findings for total confinement in the context of the current situation in Kuwait.
ZBTB7A functioned as an oncogene in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Meng-Xia , Zhang Mei-Fang , Tu Zi-Wei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite zinc finger and BTB domain-containing 7A (ZBTB7A) documented importance in multiple tumors, the function and clinical value in Colorectal cancer (CRC) remain elusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional roles and the clinical value of ZBTB7A in CRC progression. Methods: The level of ZBTB7A was detected in a large cohort of CRC patients (n=189) by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and we analyzed the diagnostic and prognostic value of the protein. In addition, the functional roles of ZBTB7A on CRC were explored in vitro and in vivo. Results: Survival analyses indicated that patients with high ZBTB7A expression made the prognosis worse (P=0.024). Functionally, knockdown of ZBTB7A could markedly inhibit tumor proliferation in vitro and in vivo, whereas ZBTB7A overexpression displayed the opposite results. Conclusions: ZBTB7A was associated with poor survival outcomes and functioned as an oncogene in CRC patients, indicating that it is a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC patients.
Reductive dissolution of biogenic magnetite
Authors: Yamazaki Toshitsugu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Reductive dissolution of magnetite is known to occur below the Fe-redox boundary in sediments. In this study detailed processes associated with biogenic magnetite dissolution are documented. A sediment core from the Japan Sea was used for this purpose, in which reductive dissolution of magnetic minerals is known to start at depths of about 1.15 m and is mostly complete within a depth interval of about 0.35 m. Using first-order reversal curve diagrams, preferential dissolution of biogenic magnetite within this interval is estimated from the observation that a narrow peak that extends along the coercivity axis (central ridge), which is indicative of biogenic magnetite, diminishes downcore. Transmission electron microscopy is used to demonstrate that the sediments contain three magnetofossil morpho-types: octahedra, hexagonal prisms, and bullet-shaped forms. Within the reductive dissolution zone, partially etched crystals are commonly observed. With progressive dissolution, the proportion of bullet-shaped magnetofossils decreases, whereas hexagonal prisms become more dominant. This observation can be explained by the differences in resistance to dissolution among crystal planes of magnetite and the differences in surface area to volume ratios. Magnetofossil morphology may reflect the preference of magnetotactic bacterial lineages for inhabiting specific chemical environments in sediments. However, it could also reflect alteration of the original morphological compositions during reductive diagenesis, which should be considered when using magnetofossil morphology as a paleoenvironmental proxy.
Implementation Evaluation of a Multidisciplinary Blunt Chest Injury Care Bundle (ChIP): Fidelity of Delivery
Authors: Kourouche Sarah , Curtis Kate , Munroe Belinda , Lyons Jack , Carey Ian , Buckley Tom 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Ineffective or delayed treatment of patients with blunt chest wall injury results in high rates of morbidity and mortality. A blunt chest injury care bundle protocol (ChIP) was developed and implemented to improve evidence-based care for these patients at two regional hospitals in Australia. ChIP is an early notification system to notify specialist clinician ‘responders’ to prescribe and commence treatment for patients with blunt chest injury in the emergency department (ED). A multi-pronged implementation strategy developed using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW), including seven intervention functions and 15 behaviour change techniques, guided implementation. Fidelity to the implementation strategy was high, with 97.5% fully or partially implemented. Implementation fidelity is the extent to which an intervention has been implemented as intended; it affects the internal and external validity of implementation. This study evaluates the fidelity of intervention delivery (fidelity, dose and reach) at two hospitals. Methods: Pre-post implementation evaluation study. The characteristics of patients, rate of ChIP activations and components of ChIP received by eligible patients were compared pre (1 July 2015 to 21 November 2017) and post (22 November 2017 to 30 June 2019) intervention. Sample medians were compared using the non-parametric median test, with the 95% confidence of the difference estimated using the Hodges-Lehmann estimate. Differences in proportions for categorical data were compared with two-sample z-test. Logistic regression was used to adjust for group differences. Results: Overall, 97.1% of eligible patients received ChIP over the 19-month post-implementation period. Compared to the pre-implementation group the post-implementation group, were more likely to receive evidence-based treatments including high flow nasal cannula (OR=6.8 (4.8,9.6)), incentive spirometry in ED (OR=7.5 (3.2,17.6)), regular analgesia (OR=2.4 (1.5,3.8)), regional analgesia (OR=2.8 (1.5, 5.3)), Patient controlled analgesia (OR=1.8 (1.3,2.4)), and multiple specialist team reviews e.g. ICU liaison (OR=10.7 (6.9,16.7)). Conclusions: High fidelity of delivery was achieved and sustained for ChIP for the implementation of a complex intervention in the emergency context with a robust implementation plan based on theoretical frameworks. Findings from this evaluation can inform future implementation of ChIP and other multidisciplinary interventions in an emergency or acute care context. Trial registration: ANZCTR: ACTRN12618001548224, approved 17/09/2018
Development a quantitative segmentation model to assess the effect of comorbidity on patients with COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Cui , Yang Guangzhao , Cai Chunxian , Xu Zhihua , Wu Hai , Guo Youmin , Xie Zongyu , Shi Hengfeng , Cheng Guohua , Wang Jian 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought a global disaster. Quantitative lesions may provide the radiological evidence of the severity of pneumonia and further to assess the effect of comorbidity on patients with COVID-19.Methods: 294 patients with COVID-19 were enrolled from February, 24, 2020 to June, 1, 2020 from six centers. Multi-task Unet network was used to segment the whole lung and lesions from chest CT images. This deep learning method was pre-trained in 650 CT images (550 in primary dataset and 100 in test dataset) with COVID-19 or community acquired pneumonia and Dice coefficients in test dataset were calculated. 50 CT scans of 50 patients (15 with comorbidity and 35 without comorbidity) were random selected to mark lesions manually. The results will be compared with the automatic segmentation model. Eight quantitative parameters were calculated based on the segmentation results to evaluate the effect of comorbidity on patients with COVID-19.Results: Quantitative segmentation model was proved to be effective and accurate with all Dice coefficients more than 0.85 and all accuracies more than 0.95. Of the 294 patients, 52 (17.7%) patients were reported having at least one comorbidity, 14 (4.8%) having more than one comorbidity. Patients with any comorbidity were older (P<0.001), had longer incubation period (P<0.001), were more likely to have abnormal laboratory findings (P<0.05) and be in severity status (P<0.001). More lesions (including larger volume of lesion, consolidation and ground-glass opacity) were shown in patients with any comorbidity than patients without comorbidity (all P<0.001). More lesions were found on CT images in patients with more comorbidities. The median volumes of lesion, consolidation and ground-glass opacity in diabetes mellitus group were largest among the groups with single comorbidity that had the incidence rate of top three.Conclusions: Multi-task Unet network can make quantitative CT analysis of lesions to assess the effect of comorbidity on patients with COVID-19, further to provide the radiological evidence of the severity of pneumonia. More lesions (including GGO and consolidation) were found in CT images of cases with comorbidity. The more comorbidities patients have, the more lesions CT images show.
Physicians’ prescribing behaviour and clinical practice patterns for allergic rhinitis management in Italy
Authors: Passalacqua Giovanni , Musarra Antonino , Senna Gianenrico , Bousquet Jean , Ferrara Carmen , Lonati Caterina , Canonica Giorgio Walter 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite availability of clinical guidelines, underdiagnosis, undertreatment, and poor adherence are still significant concerns in allergic rhinitis (AR) therapeutic management. We investigated clinical practice patterns and prescribing behavior of Italian healthcare professionals (HCPs) specialized in AR. Methods: One-hundred allergologists, 100 ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists, and 150 general practitioners (GPs) were recruited. The survey assessed: socio-demographic, work experience, monthly caseload, prescription drivers. Next, HCPs were invited to retrospectively recover patients’ clinical data to investigate: AR clinical characteristics, therapy management, prescription patterns, patient adherence. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, One-Way analysis of variance, and Two-Way Analysis of Variance were performed.Results: Allergologists visited more AR patients (31% of monthly caseload) than ENTs (21%, p<0.001), while GPs’ caseload was the lowest (6%). Clinical information of 2823 patients were retrieved of whom 1906 (67,5%) suffered from moderate/severe AR (discomfort score: 7,7±1,3) and 917 (32,4%) from mild AR (5.7±1.9). About one-third of mild patients had a discomfort score >=7. Main prescription drivers were “effective on all symptoms” (54,3% patients) and “quick symptom relief” (47,8%), whereas minor drivers were “affordable price” (13,4%) and “refundable” (8,7%). The most prescribed drugs were antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids (79% and 55% prescriptions), followed by fixed-dose-combination of intranasal azelastine/fluticasone (19%). Polytherapy was the most common treatment strategy (59,6%). HCPs’ believe that the majority of the patients was adherent to treatment (88% with score>7).Conclusions: This survey describes the therapeutic approach adopted by Italian physicians to cope with AR and shows that HCPs underestimated AR severity and had a non-realistic perception of patients’ adherence. These findings suggest that further efforts are required to improve AR clinical management in Italy.
How The Biophilic Design Social Movement Informs Planning, Policy And Professional Practice
Authors: Soderlund Jana , Newman Peter 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
A new social movement called biophilic design has emerged over recent decades to enable greater connection between nature and urban populations to make biodiversity and natural systems a part of daily life in cities. Understanding the origins of this social movement can inform further progression, implementation and planning of biophilic design. The research methodology of immersion and heuristic inquiry within the social movement was used to create interviews with key people in the social movement’s origin and subsequent delivery. The results are presented using the three stages of a social movement: emergence, coalescence and mainstreaming. In each stage there are particular motivators and drivers that provide impetus to the movement which are outlined based on the responses of the participants. These were applied to the three stages of the social movement and translated into a framework of ten actions for mainstreaming the implementation of biophilic design into urban planning and policy as well as into professional practice.
Lidocaine alone or combined with Magnesium Sulfate stabilizes hemodynamic parameters during General Anesthesia without prolonging the Neuromuscular Blockade: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
Authors: Paula-Garcia Waynice N. , Oliveira-Paula Gustavo H , de Boer Hans D , Garcia Luís Vicente 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundLidocaine and magnesium sulfate have become increasingly utilisedin general anaesthesia. The present study evaluated the effects of these drugs, isolated or combined on the hemodynamic parameters as well as on the cisatracurium-induced neuromuscular blockade (NMB).MethodsAt a University hospital, 64 patients, ASA physical status I and II, undergoing elective surgery with similar pain stimulus, were randomly assigned to four groups. Patients received a bolus of lidocaine and magnesium sulfate before the tracheal intubation and a continuous infusion during the operation respectively: 3 mg.kg-1 and 3 mg.kg-1.h-1 (Lidocaine -L group), 40 mg.kg-1 and 20 mg.kg-1.h-1 (Magnesium - M group), equal doses of both drugs (Magnesium plus lidocaine - MLgroup) and, a equivalent volume of isotonic solution (Control - C group). Haemodynamic parameters and neuromuscular blockade features were continuously monitored until spontaneous recovery of the Traino of Four ratio (TOF=0.9).ResultsThe Lidocaine group presented a highly significant small hemodynamic fluctuation during the anesthesia induction and maintenance period (p<0.0001) with no change at NMB. The magnesium sulfate infusion alone or combined with lidocaine prolonged all the recovery characteristics (p< 0.0001). The onset time was not influenced by the studied drugs. The percentage of patients who achieved a TOF ratio of 90% without recovering the first Twich (T1-95%) was higher in the M and ML groups.ConclusionIntravenous lidocaine plays a significant role in the hemodynamic stability in patients under general anesthesia without exerting any additional impact on the NMB even combined with magnesium sulfate. Aside from prolonging all NMB recovery characteristics without altering the onset speed, magnesium sulfate enhances the TOF recovery rate without T1 recovery. Our findings may aid clinical decisions involving the use of these drugs by encouraging their association in multimodal anesthesia or other therapeutic purposes.Trial registration﻿NCT02483611 (registration date: 06-29- 2015).
Natural Infections With Different Plasmodium Species Induce Antibodies Reactive to A Chimeric Plasmodium Vivax Recombinant Protein
Authors: McCaffery Jessica N , Singh Balwan , Nace Douglas , Moreno Alberto , Udhayakumar Venkatachalam , Rogier Eric 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: As malaria incidence and transmission in a region decreases, it becomes increasingly difficult to identify areas of active transmission. Improved methods for identifying and monitoring foci of active malaria transmission are needed in areas of low parasite prevalence in order to achieve malaria elimination. Serological assays can provide population-level infection history to inform elimination campaigns.Methods: A bead-based multiplex antibody detection assay was used to evaluate a chimeric P. vivax MSP1 protein (PvRMC-MSP1), designed to be broadly immunogenic for use in vaccine studies, to act as a pan-malaria serological tool based on its ability to capture IgG in plasma samples obtained from naturally exposed individuals. Samples from 236 US travelers with PCR confirmed infection status from all four major Plasmodium species infecting humans, P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, and P. ovale were tested for IgG capture using PvRMC-MSP1 as well as the four recombinant MSP1-19 kD isoforms representative of these Plasmodium species.Results: Regardless of infecting Plasmodium species, a majority of plasma samples from infected US travelers provided a high assay signal to the PvRMC-MSP1 chimeric protein. Most individuals that responded to the PmMSP1 or PoMSP1 antigen also responded to PvRMC-MSP1, with very few individuals responding to PmMSP1 or PoMSP1 antigens alone. When grouped by active infection, we observed that plasma from P. vivax-infected individuals produced increased assay signals in response to the PvRMC-MSP1 chimera as compared to the recombinant PvMSP1 for 89.5% (34/38) of individuals. PvRMC-MSP1 also showed improved ability to capture IgG antibodies from P. falciparum-infected individuals when compared to the capture by recombinant PvMSP1. Conclusions: These results support further study of designed antigens as an approach for increasing sensitivity or broadening binding capacity to improve existing serological tools for determining population-level exposure to Plasmodium species. Including both broad-reacting and Plasmodium species-specific antigen-coated beads in an assay panel could provide a nuanced view of population-level exposure histories, an extensive IgG profile, and detailed seroestimates. A more sensitive serological tool for detection of P. vivax exposure would aid malaria elimination campaigns in co-endemic areas and regions where P. vivax is the dominant parasite.