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 Computed 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 DRLSE model, 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.
The Relationship Between Lower Respiratory Tract Microbiome and Allergic Respiratory Tract Diseases in Children
Authors: Cui Jinghua , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhao Hanqing , Chen Zhen , Zhang Quan , Yan Chao , Xue Guanhua , Li Shaoli , Feng Yanling , Liu Han , Chen Chen , Xie Xianghui , Yuan Jing 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: With the development of sequencing technologies, it has been found that there are microbes similar to those in the upper respiratory tract present in the healthy human lower respiratory tract (LRT), including the lungs and bronchus. Thus, to study the LRT microbiome and evaluate the relationship between this microbiome and allergic respiratory diseases in children, we enrolled 68 children who visited the respiratory department and underwent bronchoscopy from January 2018 to December 2018 in the affiliated hospital of the Capital Institute of Pediatrics. Methods: Using the total IgE (TIgE) values, children were divided into two groups: one group had 34 patients with allergy (allergy sensitivity, AS); the second group had 34 patients with no allergy (no allergy sensitivity, NAS). Nucleic acid was extracted from samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) taken during bronchoscopy treatment and the 16S rDNA gene was sequenced and analysed. Results: The results showed that Haemophilus, Moraxella, Streptococcus, Prevotella, Neisseria, and Rothia were detected in all patients. There was a statistically significant difference in the composition and distribution of microbiota between the AS and NAS groups (p < 0.01). Compared with children in the AS group, the LRT of those belonging to the NAS group were enriched with Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and Anoxybacillus. However, the level of Bacteroidetes in the AS group was significantly higher. Analysis of the correlation of clinical indices and microbiome showed that TIgE was positively correlated with Bacteroidetes and negatively correlated with Streptococcus. In addition, absolute lymphocyte count showed a relationship with Streptococcus, and the absolute neutrophil count or percentage of neutrophils showed a relationship with Cardiobacterium.Conclusions: The respiratory tract microbiome functioned similarly to the intestinal microbiome. That is, the decrease in microbial diversity and the change in composition could lead to an increase in allergic symptoms. The colonised microbiota of the LRT in children, especially that of Bacteriodetes and Streptococcus, showed a certain correlation with early respiratory allergic diseases. Trial registration number is ISRCTN18302701, and date of registration is 06/10/2020.
A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis on the Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Zhang Haifu , Zhang Qinxia , Yang Dong , Xu Zhao , Zhang Xingwei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmias in clinical practice. Alcohol consumption has been linked to the occurrence of AF.Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, OVID, Google scholar, and Web of Science) was performed. The search yielded a total of 1177 articles, and 12 cohort studies from the total were included in the meta-analysis. The effects of different doses of alcohol consumption on the risk of AF in men and women were compared using hierarchical analysis. Dose-response curves of alcohol consumption and risk of AF were plotted for the two groups according to sex.Results: The risk of AF increased with increased alcohol consumption in both men and women. In the male population, light-moderate alcohol consumption did not increase the risk of AF (HR: 1.07, 95%CI: 0.92-1.23, P=0.38), while heavy alcohol consumption significantly increased the risk of AF (HR: 1.38, 95%CI: 1.23-1.54, P<0.01). In the female population, the risk of AF was not significantly increased by either light-moderate or heavy alcohol consumption (light- moderate drink: HR: 1.00, 95%CI: 0.92-1.10, P=0.95; heavy drink: HR: 1.05, 95%CI: 0.90-1.23, P=0.55).Conclusions: In women, the risk of AF was not associated with any degree of alcohol consumption while high levels of alcohol consumption significantly increased the risk of AF in men.
Exploration of Chinese Parental Awareness About COVID-19 Outbreaks
Authors: Peng Niang-Huei , Meng Hongyan , Li ZhenZhen , Wei BiRong , Chang Yue‐Cune , Huang MaoXin , Zhou JianFu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Currently children’s COVID-19 case numbers are gradually increased in various countries, and many parents fear for their children’ safety after schools reopen. The aim of this research was to investigate Chinese parents’ awareness of pediatric COVID-19 in relation to protecting their children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Fujian and Jiangsu provinces in China using a web-based research questionnaire to investigate parents with children aged 6 to 16 years old. Results: Research samples included 1222 participants. 99.2% of participants were aware of respiratory transmission of COVID-19, and 75.6% also believed fecal-oral transmission to be possible. Although 98.3% of participants reported knowing how to properly wear and remove masks, most parents were unaware of good handwashing technique and answered incorrectly regarding cough etiquette. Research participants seemed uncertain of children’s symptoms. Awareness scores of participants significantly differed across parental role, educational attainment levels, and social-economic levels (P<0.005), with fathers, the better educated, and those of higher income showing higher levels of awareness. Conclusion: Research results suggest an urgent need for parental education regarding COVID-19 in children, especially regarding handwashing techniques and cough etiquette; educational facilities and outreach to parents and schoolchildren are particularly important.
Fatty Acid Composition of Eucommia Rubber Particles, Content and Molecular Weight Distribution of Eu-rubber in Eucommia Ulmoides Leaves and Samaras
Authors: Qin Li-Jun , Yuan Ting , Yang ZhengWei , Zhao DeGang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
[Backgroud] Eucommia ulmoides rubber particles (EuRPs) wrapped by a monolayer protein-lipid membrane are speculated to an important site for the biosynthesis of E. ulmoides rubber (Eu-rubber), and the types and contents of these protein and lipid varied in different E. ulmoides organs which might indicate the difference of Eu-rubber biosynthesis in EuRPs from different organs and tissues. In this paper, the morphological structure and fatty acid composition of EuRPs in leaves and samaras collected in October, 2019 were compared, and molecular weight (Mw) and molecular weight distribution (MWD) were also analyed by GPC system. [Results] The results showed that small rubber particles (SRPs, 1~4 μm) and medium rubber particles (MRPs, 4~7 μm) from leaves and samaras respectively accounted for 39%, 53% and 38%, 34%, while the amount of the large rubber particles (LRPs, 7~11 μm) were 23% and 13%, which indicated there was no significance in leaf and samara SRPs while the amount of MRPs and LRPs in leaf both were more than that of in samara. Synchronously, the determination results of fatty acids (FAs) compositon showed three of the 35 kinds FAs were uniquely detected in leaf rubber particles (LeRPs), which included eleven carbonic (C11:0), thirteen carbonic (C13:0) and arachidic acids (C20:0), while γ-linolenic acid (C18:3n6) was exclusively found in samara rubber particles (SaRPs) with a lower content. Additioanlly, five characteristic distribution peaks (CDPs) of Eu-rubber from leaves were detected while there were only 2-3 CDPs in samaras; Further, the MWD analysis suggested that the MWD of Eu-rubber in E. ulmoides samaras and leaves were 40.61 and 6.76 respectively, which indicated the more Eu-rubber molecules with various Mw existed in samara compared with those in leaf. [Conclusions] Together, we concluded that average size of LeRPs was bigger than SaRPs in October, and 3 kinds of saturated fatty acid (SAF) were unique to the leaves while only one of unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) was sole to SaRPs. Simultaneously, the Eu-rubber in samara in October possessed more rubber molecules with various molecular weights compared with the contemporaneous leaves.
A comprehensive cell profiling reveals new cell subtypes and immune dysfunction in peritoneal fluid of endometriosis
Authors: Zou Gen , Wang Jianzhang , Xu Xinxin , Xu Ping , Zhu Libo , Yu Qin , Peng Yangying , Guo Xinyue , Li Tiantian , Zhang Xinmei 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEndometriosis is a refractory and recurrent disease and it affects nearly 10% of reproductive-aged women and 40% of infertile patients. The commonly accepted theory for endometriosis is retrograde menstruation where endometrial tissues invade into peritoneal cavity and fail to be cleared due to immune dysfunction. Therefore, the comprehensive understanding of immunologic microenvironment of peritoneal cavity deserves further investigation for the previous studies mainly focus on one or several immune cells.ResultsHigh-quality transcriptomes were from peritoneal fluid samples of patients with endometriosis and control, and firstly subjected to 10 × genomics single-cell RNA-sequencing. We acquired the single-cell transcriptomes of 10,280 cells from endometriosis sample and 7,250 cells from control sample with an average of approximately 63,000 reads per cell. A comprehensive map of overall cells in peritoneal fluid was first exhibited and it showed that immune cells predominated in peritoneal fluid. We unveiled the heterogeneity of immune cells and discovered new cell subtypes including TCR+ macrophages, proliferating macrophages and natural killer dendritic cells in peritoneal fluid, which was further verified by double immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Pseudo-time analysis showed that the response of macrophages to the menstrual debris might follow the certain differentiation trajectory after endometrial tissues invaded into the peritoneal cavity. Our analyses also mirrored the dysfunctions of immune cells including decreased phagocytosis and cytotoxic activity and elevated pro-inflammatory and chemotactic effects in endometriosis.ConclusionTCR+ macrophages, proliferating macrophages and natural killer dendritic cells are firstly reported in peritoneal fluid. Our results also revealed that peritoneal cavity is an immune microenvironment and immune dysfunction happens in peritoneal fluid of endometriosis, which may be responsible for the residues of invaded menstrual debris. It provided a large-scale and high-dimensional characterization of peritoneal microenvironment and offered a useful resource for immunotherapy of endometriosis.
Schwann Cells Promote Prevascularization and Osteogenesis of Tissue-engineered Bone via Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Jiang Xiaorui , Jiang Shan , Cai Xiyu , Pei Guoxian 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Tissue-engineered bone grafts (TEBGs) that undergo vascularization and neurotization evolve into functioning bone tissue. Previously, we verified that implanting sensory nerve tracts into TEBGs promoted osteogenesis. However, the precise mechanisms and interaction between seed cells were not explored. In this study, we hypothesized that neurotization may influence the osteogenesis of TEBGs through vascularization. Methods: We cultured rat Schwann cells (SCs), aortic endothelial cells (AECs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and then obtained BM-MSC-derived induced endothelial cells (IECs) and induced osteoblasts (IOBs). IECs and AECs were cultured in SC-conditioned medium (SC-CM) to assess proliferation, migration, capillary-like tube formation and angiogenesis, and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in the supernatants were detected. We established an indirect coculture model to detect the expression of nestin and VEGF receptors in IECs and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 in SCs. Then, SCs, IECs and IOBs were labeled and loaded into a β-tricalcium phosphate scaffold to induce prevascularization, and the scaffold was implanted into a 6-mm-long defect of rat femurs. Three groups were set up according to the loaded cells: I, SCs and IECs (coculture for 3 days) plus IOBs; II, IECs (culture for 3 days) plus IOBs; III, IOBs. Nestin and TIMP-2 expression and osteogenesis of TEBGs were evaluated at 12 weeks post implantation through histological and radiological assessment.Results: We found that SC-CM promoted IEC proliferation, migration, capillary-like tube formation and angiogenesis, but no similar effects were observed for AECs. IECs expressed nestin extensively, while AECs barely expressed nestin, and SC-CM promoted the VEGF secretion of IECs. In the coculture model, SCs promoted nestin and VEGF receptor expression in IECs, and IECs inhibited TIMP-2 expression in SCs. The promotion of prevascularized TEBGs by SCs and IECs in group I augmented new bone formation at 6 and 12 weeks. Nestin expression was higher in group I than in the other groups, while TIMP-2 expression was lower at 12 weeks. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that SCs can promote TEBG osteogenesis via IECs and further revealed the mechanisms related to specific characteristics of IECs, providing preliminary cytological evidence for neurotization of TEBGs.
Efficacy and Safety of Pidotimod in Childhood Wheezing: A Pilot Study&nbsp;
Authors: Manti Sara , Parisi Giuseppe Fabio , Papale Maria , Mollica Federico , Giugno Andrea , Leonardi Salvatore 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background. Effective therapies for the management of wheezing in pediatric population are needed. We conducted a pilot, mono-centre, prospective, follow-up study to assess the efficacy and the safety of Pidotimod (PDT) in the treatment of wheezing in children. Methods. Globally, 90 children (M:F=58:62, mean age 4.7±1.64 years) with recurrent viral wheezing were enrolled in the study between October-November 2018. At baseline, children were receiving treatment with PDT as 1 vial of 400mg daily for 3 consecutive months. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of PDT treatment at the end of 3 (T3) months of therapy as well as the long efficacy and preventive efficacy of PDT treatment during a 3-months follow-up (T6) by using the following outcomes: (i) how many patients showed one or more episodes of viral wheezing, (ii) how many patients were taking concomitant medications (ICS, SABA, antibiotics), (iii) how many patients were requiring ED visits, and (iv) how many patients were requiring hospitalization.Results. A significant decrease in number of patients with at least one or more episodes of wheezing and taking antibiotics was recorded after 3 months of treatment, and a further significant decrease for both outcomes was reported at 3-months follow-up period (p<0.05). Differently, after 3 months of treatment, we found a significant decrease in number of patients taking ICS and SABA, in number of patients requiring ED visits and/or hospitalization (p<0.05); however, for all these outcomes no further significant decrease was reported at follow-up period. Conclusions. We firstly showed that administration of PDT is useful in the management of patients with recurrent viral wheezing because we found a reducing a number of patients requiring ED visits and/or hospitalization as well as number of patients taking drugs during the treatment period. Moreover, firstly to date, we found a long-term clinical effect over three months after treatment suspension counteracting the recurrence of disease.
The Influencing Factors of Self-evaluation in Adolescents: A Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Zhai Xiaobing , Di Lihua , Eshak Ehab S , Jiang Can , Zeng Jing , Yang Mei , Zhou Jia , Peng Yushuang , Zhang Yanan , Cao Jinhong , Xiang Bing 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Adolescents’ self-evaluation is an expressive form of their self-concept. Parental bonding, personality traits and psychological status were determining factors of adolescents’ self-evaluation; however, no study has tested the effects of the three variables simultaneously. We aimed to explore these effects by a systematic approach. Methods: Data came from the Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS). The associations of parental bonding (measured by the Parental Bonding Instrument), personality traits (the Responsibility Scale) and psychological status (the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, K6) with self-evaluation measured in three domains (the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale for children and the Self-Discipline Scale) were tested by the structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. Results: A total of 892 Chinese adolescents (Mage in years=10.72, SD = 0.89) were included. Signiﬁcant positive correlations were found among self-evaluation, parental bonding, personality traits and psychological status. The overall (direct and indirect) effects of parental bonding on adolescents’ self-evaluation was 0.49 (parental bonding→ self-evaluation, β=0.28; parental bonding→ personality traits and psychological status→ self-evaluation, β=0.21). Personality traits and psychological status were directly associated with adolescents’ self-evaluation (personality trait→ self-evaluation, β=0.78 and K6→ self-evaluation, β=0.39). Conclusions: The use of SEM offered a detailed analysis of the correlations between parental bonding, personality traits, and psychological status, and a systematic approach to investigate their direct and indirect effects on adolescents’ self-evaluation. The three factors were directly associated with adolescents’ self-evaluation and parental bonding had an indirect effect on adolescents’ self-evaluation that was mediated by both personality traits and psychological status.
Neuroanatomy and Behaviour in Mice with a Haploinsufficiency of AT-Rich Interactive Domain 1B (ARID1B) Throughout Development
Authors: Ellegood Jacob , Petkova Stela P , Kinman Adrienne , Qiu Lily R , Wade Ayanna , Fernandes Darren , Lindenmaier Zsuzsa , Crieghton Amie , Nutter Lauryl , Nord Alexander S , Silverman Jill L , Lerch Jason P 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background - One of the causal mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) is chromatin modification, and the genes that regulate chromatin. AT-Rich Interactive Domain 1B (ARID1B) , a chromatin modifier, has been shown to be reduced in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to affect rare and inherited genetic variation in a broad set of NDDs. Methods - A novel preclinical mouse model of Arid1b deficiency was created validated to characterize and define neuroanatomical, behavioural and tran­scriptional phenotypes. Neuroanatomy was assess ex vivo in adult animals and in vivo longitudinally from birth to adulthood. Behavioural testing was also performed throughout development and tested all aspects of motor, learning, sociability, repetitive behaviours, seizure susceptibility and general milestones.Results - Brains of adult Arid1b+/- mice had a smaller cerebellum and a larger hippocampus and corpus callosum. These results stand in contrast to previously reported data highlighting losses in corpus callosum volume. In addition, a striking sex dependence was observed throughout development; males had an early emergence of this neuroanatomical phenotype at postnatal day 7, whereas females had a delayed emergence around postnatal day 40. Behaviourally, during neonatal development, Arid1b+/- mice exhibited robust impairments in ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and metrics of developmental growth. As adults, Arid1b+/- mice showed low motor skills in open field exploration and normal three chambered approach. Arid1b+/- mice had learning and memory deficits in novel object recognition but not in visual discrimination and reversal touchscreen tasks. Social interactions in the male-female social dyad with USVs revealed social deficits on some but not all parameters. No repetitive behaviours were observed. Limitations – The behaviour and the neuroimaging analysis were done on separate cohorts of mice, which does not allow a direct correlation between the imaging and behavioural findings. Conclusions – This study represents a full investigation of Arid1b+/- haploinsufficiency throughout development and highlights the importance of examining both sexes throughout development in NDDs.