bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of invisible ischemic stroke in noncontrast CT based on novel two‐stage convolutional neural network model
Authors: Wu Guoqing , Chen Xi , Lin Jixian , Wang Yuanyuan , Yu Jinhua 
Published: December 2020

PurposeEarly identification of ischemic stroke lesion regions plays a vital role in its treatments like thrombolytic therapy and patients’ recovery. Noncontrast computed tomography (ncCT) is the most widespread imaging modality in emergency departments. Unfortunately, it is extremely hard to distinguish the lesion from healthy tissue during the hyper‐acute phase of stroke. In this paper, a two‐stage convolutional neural network‐based method was proposed to identify the invisible ischemic stroke from ncCT.MethodsIn order to combine the global and local information of images effectively, a cascaded structure with two coordinated networks was used to detect the suspicious stroke regions on the whole and optimize the detailed localization. In the first stage, an end‐to‐end U‐net with adaptive threshold was proposed to integrate global position, symmetry and gray texture information to detect the suspicious regions. After reducing the interference from most normal regions, a ResNet‐based patch classification network was used to eliminate some false positive samples on suspicious regions by mining deeper image features, contributing to a more precise localization of stroke. Finally, a MAP model was used to optimize the result by combining the classification results of each patch with their spatial constraint information.ResultsThree independent experiments, that is, training and testing on dataset from one hospital, on the combination of two, and on the two respectively, were performed on a total of 277 cases from two hospitals to validate the proposed model, The proposed method achieved identification accuracy of 91.89%, 87.21%, and 85.71% in the three experiments, and the final localization accuracy in terms of precise localization of stroke were 82.35%, 83.02%, and 81.40%, respectively, which indicated the robustness and clinical values of the method.ConclusionsThere are some deep image feature differences between stroke region and normal region on ncCT images. The proposed two‐stage convolutional neural network model can well seize these features and use them to effectively identify and locate stroke.
Evaluation of carbon nanotube x‐ray source array for stationary head computed tomography
Authors: Spronk Derrek , Luo Yueting , Inscoe Christina R. , Lee Yueh Z. , Lu Jianping , Zhou Otto 
Published: December 2020

PurposeStationary computed tomography (s‐CT) conceptually offers several advantages over existing rotating gantry‐based CT. Over the last 40 yr, s‐CT has been investigated using different technological approaches. We are developing a s‐CT system specifically for head/brain imaging using carbon nanotube (CNT)‐based field emission x‐ray source array technology. The noncircular geometry requires different assessment approaches as compared to circular geometries. The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether the CNT source array meets the requirements for stationary head CT (s‐HCT).MethodsMultiple prototype CNT x‐ray source arrays were manufactured based on the system requirements obtained from simulation. Source characterization was performed using a benchtop setup consisting of an x‐ray source array with 45 distributed focal spots, each operating at 120 kVp, and an electronic control system (ECS) for high speed control of the x‐ray output from individual focal spots. Due to the forward‐angled geometry of the linear anode, the projected focal spot shape is expected to vary at wide angle views. A pinhole method was implemented to determine the effective focal spot size (FSS) in the imaging plane at a range of angular viewpoints with a flat panel detector. The output spectrum and half value layer (HVL) were also evaluated for a range of viewing angles to characterize the beam quality across the fan‐beam. Dosimetry was performed on a simulated scan to evaluate total exposure.ResultsThe prototype CNT x‐ray source array demonstrated adequate specifications for a s‐HCT imaging machine. The source array was operated at 120 kVp with long‐term stability over a full year of regular laboratory use. Multiple cathode current measurements were used to confirm submicrosecond accuracy with regards to exposure time and subsequently dose control. All 45 focal spots were measured with an average value of 1.26 (±0.04) mm × 1.21 (±0.03) mm (equivalent to IEC 1,0). The x‐ray spectrum was found to be appropriately filtered based on sources used in existing rotary CT systems. A stable and reliable output of 0.04 mAs per emitter and a resulting dose of 0.015 mGy per projection were observed over several months of rigorous phantom imaging. Dose per projection was regulated by the ECS and measured with ±0.5% tolerance.ConclusionsThe CNT x‐ray source array was found to meet the requirements for the proposed stationary head CT scanner, with regard to FSS, beam quality, and dose precision. The remaining challenges are related to the overall system design of a nonrotating CT scanner with distributed sources. The next phase of the project will incorporate multiple CNT source arrays with multirow detectors in a proof‐of‐concept study and analysis of a fully functional s‐HCT system.
Quantitative laryngeal electromyography parameters may correlate with improved outcomes following botulinum toxin injection for spasmodic dysphonia
Authors: Dwyer Christopher D. , Leclerc Andrée‐Anne , Nandedkar Sanjeev D. , Young VyVy N. , Rosen Clark A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundDespite use of qualitative laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) guided botulinum toxin A (BoNT‐A) injection for treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (AdSD), unsatisfactory injections and complete “misses” remain problematic. We aimed to determine if the quantitative LEMG measure of number of small segments (NSS) correlates with voice outcomes following (BoNT‐A injection for AdSD.MethodsAutomated quantitative LEMG analysis was performed during electromyography (EMG) ‐guided BoNT‐A injection into the thyroarytenoid‐lateral cricoarytenoid muscle complex for treatment of AdSD. Pre‐injection phonatory NSS values were correlated with clinical voice outcomes and patient reported injection results.ResultsQuantitative LEMG measures were obtained for 45 AdSD patients (28 female, mean age 60.8 ± 12.8 years) during EMG‐guided BoNT‐A injection. Mean sampled NSS during phonation immediately prior to BoNT‐A injection was 524 ± 323 (range: 2–904). Mean follow up was 36.5 ± 9.4 days; one patient was lost to follow‐up. In comparison to their previous BoNT‐A injection, the current injection was rated as worse, same, and better by 13 (29.5%), 25 (56.8%), and 6 (13.6%) patients, respectively. All 4 (9.1%) patients with NSS < 200 rated their BoNT‐A injection result as worse than previous, and change in Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10) scores were worse or without change.ConclusionsAiming for an NSS value greater than 200 during phonation prior to BoNT‐A toxin injection for AdSD may reduce unfavorable voice outcomes.
Emerging tri‐s‐triazine‐based graphitic carbon nitride: A potential signal‐transducing nanostructured material for sensor applications
Authors: Chouhan Raghuraj Singh , Jerman Ivan , Heath David , Bohm Sivasambu , Gandhi Sonu , Sadhu Veera , Baker Syed , Horvat Milena 
Published: December 2020

AbstractToday, tris‐s‐triazine based graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) is a new research hot topic. It has a unique electronic band structure, high physicochemical stability, large surface area, and is “earth‐abundant.” These and other properties have made it a highly researched material especially for visible light photocatalysis and photodegradation applications and as the starting material from which to develop novel electrochemical sensing platforms. In this review, the state‐of‐the‐art technologies utilizing tris‐s‐triazine graphitic carbon nitride as a tailorable signal‐transducing nanostructured material for sensing applications is presented in detail. Initially, the electronic structure of g‐C3N4, morphologies, doping, heterojunctions, its combination with other carbon materials, and defect formation, is described, which is followed by a discussion on its role in electrochemiluminescence, photoelectrochemical, fluorescence sensors and gas sensors as a signal transducer with appropriate examples. This review concludes with a discussion summarizing state‐of‐the‐art and both future perspectives and challenges at the cutting edge of this research.
Predictors of death within 6 months of stroke onset: A model with Barthel index, platelet/lymphocyte ratio and serum albumin
Authors: Sha Ling , Xu Tiantian , Ge Xijuan , Shi Lei , Zhang Jing , Guo Huimin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimsTo develop and internally validate a nomogram to predict the risk of death within 6 months of onset of stroke in Chinese. Identifying risk factors with potentially direct effects on the nomogram will improve the quality of risk assessment and help nurses implement preventive measures based on patient‐specific risk factors.DesignA retrospective study.MethodsWe performed a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression modelling and multivariate logistic regression analysis to establish a prediction model of death risk in stroke patients within 6 months of onset. LASSO and time‐dependent Cox regression models were further used to analyse the 6‐month survival of stroke patients. Data were collected from 21 October 2013–6 May 2019.ResultsThe independent predictors of the nomogram were Barthel index (odds ratio (OR) = 0.980, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.961–0.998, p = .03), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (OR = 1.005, 95% CI = 1.000–1.010, p = .04) and serum albumin (OR = 0.854, 95% CI = 0.774–0.931, p < .01). This model showed good discrimination and consistency, and its discrimination evaluation C‐statistic was 0.879 in the training set and 0.891 in the internal validation set. The DCA indicated that the nomogram had a higher overall net benefit over most of the threshold probability range. The time‐dependent Cox regression model established the impact of the time effect of the age variable on survival time.ConclusionsOur results identified three predictors of death within 6 months of stroke in Chinese. These predictors can be used as risk assessment indicators to help caregivers performing clinical nursing work, and in clinical practice, it is suggested that nurses should evaluate the self‐care ability of stroke patients in detail. The constructed nomogram can help identify patients at high risk of death within 6 months, so that intervention can be performed as early as possible.
Therapeutic approaches against coronaviruses acute respiratory syndrome
Authors: Servidio Camilla , Stellacci Francesco 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCoronaviruses represent global health threat. In this century, they have already caused two epidemics and one serious pandemic. Although, at present, there are no approved drugs and therapies for the treatment and prevention of human coronaviruses, several agents, FDA‐approved, and preclinical, have shown in vitro and/or in vivo antiviral activity. An in‐depth analysis of the current situation leads to the identification of several potential drugs that could have an impact on the fight against coronaviruses infections. In this review, we discuss the virology of human coronaviruses highlighting the main biological targets and summarize the current state‐of‐the‐art of possible therapeutic options to inhibit coronaviruses infections. We mostly focus on FDA‐approved and preclinical drugs targeting viral conserved elements.
Mega doses of retinol: A possible immunomodulation in Covid‐19 illness in resource‐limited settings
Authors: Midha Ish K. , Kumar Nilesh , Kumar Amit , Madan Taruna 
Published: December 2020

SummaryOf all the nutrients, vitamin A has been the most extensively evaluated for its impact on immunity. There are three main forms of vitamin A, retinol, retinal and retinoic acid (RA) with the latter being most biologically active and all‐trans‐RA (ATRA) its main derivative. Vitamin A is a key regulator of the functions of various innate and adaptive immune cells and promotes immune‐homeostasis. Importantly, it augments the interferon‐based innate immune response to RNA viruses decreasing RNA virus replication. Several clinical trials report decreased mortality in measles and Ebola with vitamin A supplementation.During the Covid‐19 pandemic interventions such as convalescent plasma, antivirals, monoclonal antibodies and immunomodulator drugs have been tried but most of them are difficult to implement in resource‐limited settings. The current review explores the possibility of mega dose vitamin A as an affordable adjunct therapy for Covid‐19 illness with minimal reversible side effects. Insight is provided into the effect of vitamin A on ACE‐2 expression in the respiratory tract and its association with the prognosis of Covid‐19 patients. Vitamin A supplementation may aid the generation of protective immune response to Covid‐19 vaccines. An overview of the dosage and safety profile of vitamin A is presented along with recommended doses for prophylactic/therapeutic use in randomised controlled trials in Covid‐19 patients.
Multifunctionalized Gold Sub‐Nanometer Particles for Sensitizing Radiotherapy against Glioblastoma
Authors: Dong Cheng‐Yuan , Hong Sheng , Zheng Di‐Wei , Huang Qian‐Xiao , Liu Fu‐Sheng , Zhong Zhen‐Lin , Zhang Xian‐Zheng 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGlioblastoma is the most common lethal malignant intracranial tumor with a low 5‐year survival rate. Currently, the maximal safe surgical resection, followed by high‐dose radiotherapy (RT), is a standard treatment for glioblastoma. However, high‐dose radiation to the brain is associated with brain injury and results in a high fatality rate. Here, integrated pharmaceutics (named D‐iGSNPs) composed of gold sub‐nanometer particles (GSNPs), blood‐brain barrier (BBB) penetration peptide iRGD, and cell cycle regulator α‐difluoromethylornithine is designed. In both simulated BBB and orthotopic murine GL261 glioblastoma models, D‐iGSNPs are proved to have a beneficial effect on the BBB penetration and tumor targeting. Meanwhile, data from cell and animal experiments reveal that D‐iGSNPs are able to sensitize RT. More importantly, the synergy of D‐iGSNPs with low‐dose RT can exhibit an almost equal therapeutic effect with that of high‐dose RT. This study demonstrates the therapeutic advantages of D‐iGSNPs in boosting RT, and may provide a facile approach to update the current treatment of glioblastoma.
Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway axis mediated neurotoxicity induced by high‐risk pesticide residue‐Avermectin
Authors: Zhu Ting , Liu Xu , Song Jian , Li Dong , Pang Xiao‐Jing , Wang Sheng‐Hui , Li Qing‐Rong , Fu Dong‐Jun , Zhang Sai‐Yang , Xie Han‐Zhong 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPesticide residues have become a healthy threaten of human beings. Among the pesticides, many of them have neurotoxicity. Extracellular Regulated Protein Kinases (ERK) pathway is an important signaling pathway that regulates a variety of downstream progress. In this work, peach (PRUNUS persica) and cherry (PRUNUS cerasus) were sampled from over 300 plantations in China and assessed for the residue risk. In mechanism studies, high‐risk pesticide Avermectin showed a high activity inhibiting three neurotoxicity models, SH‐SY5Y, PC‐12 and SK‐N‐SH cells. At protein levels, ERK pathway proteins and their downstream proteins were obviously down‐regulated. Moreover, the effects of low‐dose Avermectin can be accumulated at protein levels in the low‐dose long‐term chronic toxicology detection.
Detoxification of fermentable broth with activated biocarbon resulting from pyrolysis of agroforestry residues
Authors: Martins Ayrton F. , Villetti Marcos A. , Mortari Sérgio R. , Pedroso Giovanni B. , Saldanha Loisleini F. , Rambo Magale K. D. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCarbon‐like materials from pyrolysis (<500°C) of agricultural leftovers (rice husks, eucalyptus sawdust and peach stones) were submitted to steam activation and the expected adsorbent properties evaluated by means of a chemical method (methylene blue) and physically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and surface area (BET). Batch experiments were carried out to check the pH effect on the adsorption of methylene blue, by evaluating the respective equilibrium isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin). The steam‐activated biocarbons showed significant adsorbent capacity, which increased along with pH. The best performance was achieved by the activated biocarbon from peach stones, which showed adsorptive properties similar to activated carbon market. The suitable detoxification efficiency of untreated broths with activated biocarbon, and an increase in the required fermentability, supports the potential use of these adsorptive bioproducts from agricultural leftovers. The profitable use of agricultural waste materials is actually a welcome strategy for consolidating the biorefinery concept as well as ensuring planetary sustainability.Practitioner points

Use of biomass residues for detoxification of fermentable broth.
The activated biocarbons showed significant adsorbent capacity similar to activated carbon market.
The results revealed the potential of the biomass residues as a promising source within bio‐refineries.
Disorderly Identities: University Rankings and the Re-ordering of the Academic Mind
Authors: Nixon Jon 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis chapter focuses on the use of university rankings as a means of ostensibly achieving increased transparency and covertly introducing a competitive market which has impacted on the sector as a whole, on institutions, and on individuals. The systemic characteristics of this new and now increasingly dominant market-driven order are outlined, followed by an exposition of how that order has impacted on the mind-set of academic practitioners by defining the norms of academic professionalism and academic practice. A new kind of orderliness now circumscribes and defines what it means to be an academic. Some of the emergent but pressing alternatives to this identity-kit of orderliness are suggested: disorderly identities that transgress the spatial boundaries of the dominant order, challenge its control of the chronology of that order, and begin to constitute participative and non-hierarchical foci of pedagogical action and participative research.
Becoming World Class: What It Means and What It Does
Authors: Benner Mats 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOn the basis of a critical survey of university strategies, it is argued that universities reify and objectify “world class” and turn it into absolute and precisely defined goals (location in ranking hierarchies, publication patterns, number of start-ups and licens-es, etc.) and that this in turn is based on a skewed reading of the ascendancy of some universities (notably leading US higher education institutions) to that level. The notion of a “world class university” may therefore be self-defeating as it entails even closer monitoring, adaptation and adoption of indicators and steering that is outlined accordingly.
The Paradox of the Global University
Authors: Stevens Mitchell L. , Giebel Sonia 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNo university of ambition officially claims to be local. Touting international reach and reputation is a nearly essential feature of university strategic planning worldwide. Yet being a global university is paradoxical. Academic institutions historically are servants of particular cities, regions, and nations, and one of their essential functions has been to connect particular places with world affairs. International rankings regimes, the search for tuition revenue among schools in a few large markets, and the remarkable consistency with which nations pursue status through higher education: all of these deepen the implication of universities in the fate and future of particular locales.
The Evidential Conditional
Authors: Crupi Vincenzo , Iacona Andrea 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis paper outlines an account of conditionals, theevidential account, which rests on the idea that a conditional is true just in case its antecedent supports its consequent. As we will show, the evidential account exhibits some distinctive logical features that deserve careful consideration. On the one hand, it departs from the material reading of ‘if then’ exactly in the way we would like it to depart from that reading. On the other, it significantly differs from the non-material accounts which hinge on the Ramsey Test, advocated by Adams, Stalnaker, Lewis, and others.
Real world analysis of high-cut-off (HCO) hemodialysis with bortezomib-based backbone therapy in patients with multiple myeloma and acute kidney injury
Authors: Steiner N. , Abdel Hamid A. , Kronbichler A. , Neuwirt H. , Myslivecek M. , Kollar M. , Lachmanova J. , Rysava R. , Hruskova Z. , Spicka I. , Willenbacher W. , Nachbaur D. , Wolf D. , Tesar V. , Gunsilius E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn patients with multiple myeloma (MM) free light chain-induced cast nephropathy is a serious complication associated with poor survival. High-cut-off (HCO) hemodialysis can reduce the amount of serum free light chains (sFLC), but data on its impact on clinical outcome is limited and contradictory. To gain further insights we collected real world data from two major myeloma and nephrology centers in Austria and the Czech Republic.MethodsSixty-one patients with MM and acute kidney injury, who were treated between 2011 and 2019 with HCO hemodialysis and bortezomib-based MM therapy, were analyzed.ResultsThe median number of HCO hemodialysis sessions was 11 (range 1–42). Median glomerular filtration rate at diagnosis was 7 ± 4.2 ml/min/1.73m2. sFLC after the first HCO hemodialysis decreased by 66.5% and by 89.2% at day 18. At 3 and 6 months, 26 (42.6%) and 30 (49.2%) of patients became dialysis-independent.ConclusionThe widely used strategy combining HCO hemodialysis and bortezomib-based antimyeloma treatment is dissatisfactory for half of the patients undergoing it and clearly in need of improvement.
Beneficial effect of retigabine on memory in rats receiving ethanol
Authors: Zwierzyńska Ewa , Krupa-Burtnik Agata , Pietrzak Bogusława 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Retigabine belongs to the novel generation of antiepileptic drugs but its complex mechanism of action causes that the drug might be effective in other diseases, for instance, alcohol dependence. It is known that ethanol abuse impaired the function of brain structures associated with memory and learning such as the hippocampus. In our previous study, retigabine reduced hippocampal changes induced by ethanol in the EEG rhythms in rabbits. This study is focused on the impact of retigabine on memory processes in male rats receiving alcohol.

Methods
Memory was evaluated in various experimental models: Morris water maze, Contextual, and Cued Fear Conditioning tests. Retigabine was administered for 3 weeks directly to the stomach via oral gavage at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Rats received also 20% ethanol (5 g/kg/day in two doses) via oral gavage for 3 weeks and had free access to 5% ethanol in the afternoon and at night. Morris water maze was performed after 1 and 3 weeks of ethanol administration and after 1 week from the discontinuation of ethanol administration. Contextual and Cued Fear Conditioning tests were carried out after 24 h and 72 h of alcohol discontinuation.

Results
The drug significantly decreased ethanol-induced memory disturbances during alcohol administration as well as slightly improved learning processes after the discontinuation of ethanol administration.

Conclusions
This beneficial effect of retigabine-ethanol interaction on memory may be a relevant element of the drug’s impact on the development of addiction.