bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A fuzzy and spline based dynamic histogram equalization for contrast enhancement of brain images
Authors: Saravanan S. , Karthigaivel R. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn general, medical images acquired at insufficient lighting conditions are suffering from low contrast issues which are inadequate for image analysis steps. One standard solution to improve the image contrast is to change its intensity distribution with the help of an image histogram. The histogram‐based contrast enhancement methods treat the images as regions rather than objects which would be more useful for applications like brain image enhancement. In this paper, a Fuzzy and Spline based Histogram Equalization (FSDHE) is proposed to perform contrast enhancement with medical images. The proposed FSDHE method partitions the image into connected components, and the type of components are identified with a fuzzy membership function. The dynamic histogram equalization is applied to each component individually. The equalized sub‐histograms are combined to drive the global histogram, which is inconsistent as dynamic histogram equalization treated the intensity range for each connected component differently. Hence, a spline‐based histogram smoothing is proposed here in this research work. The equalized intensity mapping is received as control points for the polynomial curve, and a smooth intensity transformation is interpolated as a spline curve. The proposed FSDHE model is analyzed with MRI‐brain image dataset of 3064 images, which consists of both benign and malignant cases. The contrast enhancement performance of the proposed FSDHE method is quantified by various measures like Absolute Mean Brightness Error (AMBE), Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), Contrast (C), Weber Contrast (WC), Entropy, Hausdorff Distance (HD) and Texture Preservation (TP) measures. The performance of the FSDHE method is compared against with other histogram equalization methods, and the results indicate that the FSDHE method achieves better quality measures of 3.1401, 30.5499, 21.5486, 0.7779, 4.0252, 0.2777, and 0.7836 for the seven‐performance metrics.
Study of the geostatistical grid maths operation method of quantifying water movement in soil layers of a cotton field*
Authors: Liu Liyuan , Xing Fangfang , Li Yabing , Han Yingchun , Wang Zhanbiao , Zhi Xiaoyu , Wang Guoping , Feng Lu , Yang Beifang , Lei Yaping , Fan Zhengyi , Du Wenli 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe precise quantification of water movement in different field soil layers is important for variable‐rate irrigation and fertilization. To this end, a field experiment based on a geostatistical approach was conducted in southern Anyang, Henan, China, to examine soil water movement in a cotton field with drip irrigation by measuring the soil water content (SWC) data on a regular 100 × 80 cm grid. The result shows that the temporal and spatial variation of soil moisture decreased with the increase of soil depth at different points, and apparent spatial heterogeneity was observed under different soil conditions through a semivariogram analysis. The variation of soil moisture at different soil profiles was affected by the cotton plants and drip lines in non‐irrigation and irrigation periods respectively. The level of the change at 20 cm was more than 70 cm in the horizontal direction in the two periods, however the degree of change at 40 cm in the irrigation period was more than 70 cm in the vertical direction, while contrary results were shown in the non‐irrigation period. Moreover, the results indicated that the trapezoidal rule could be applied to quantify the volume of water movement precisely.
Expression level and diagnostic value of exosomal NEAT1/miR‐204/MMP‐9 in acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Chen Zhenzhen , Yan Youyou , Wu Junduo , Qi Chao , Liu Jia , Wang Junnan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAcute myocardium infarction (AMI) is one of the main causes of cardiovascular death, and timely intervention and diagnosis are essential. Owing to the irreversible apoptosis and death of myocardial cells, which ultimately causes heart failure, the problem of myocardial repair after myocardial infarction needs to be urgently addressed. Exosomes can act as messengers between cells, delivering large amounts of proteins, RNA, and lipids to receptor cells, and regulating target cell functions. Studies have shown that exosomes can repair infarcted myocardium. We aimed to investigate the relationship between long non‐coding RNA NEAT1 in serum exosomes of patients and AMI and its underlying mechanism. Subjects were divided into control, UA, and STEMI groups. RNA was extracted from the serum exosomes, and the expressions of lncRNA NEAT1 and miR‐204 were detected by qRT‐PCR. MMP‐9 was detected by western blot, Spearman test was used to analyze the correlation among the three. Logistic regression and Receiver‐operating characteristic curve (ROC) were used to evaluate the prediction of acute myocardial infarction. The expressions of NEAT1 and MMP‐9 in serum exosomes of patients with acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction were up‐regulated and positively correlated, miR‐204 expression was down‐regulated, there were no correlations between miR‐204 with NEAT1, or MMP‐9. Exosomal NEAT1, miR‐204, and MMP‐9 displayed potent biomarkers for diagnosis of acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Dissolving microneedles containing aminolevulinic acid improves protoporphyrin IX distribution
Authors: Requena Michelle Barreto , Permana Andi Dian , Vollet‐Filho Jose Dirceu , González‐Vázquez Patricia , Garcia Marlon Rodrigues , De Faria Clara Maria Gonçalves , Pratavieira Sebastião , Donnelly Ryan F. , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador 
Published: September 2020

AbstractOne important limitation of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the limited tissue penetration of precursors. Microneedles (MNs) are minimally invasive devices used to promote intradermal drug delivery. Dissolving MNs contain drug‐associated to polymer blends, dissolving after insertion into skin, allowing drug release. This study comprises development and characterization of a pyramidal model of dissolving MNs (500 μm) prepared with 5% wt/wt aminolevulinic acid and 20% wt/wt Gantrez AN‐139 in aqueous blend. Protoporphyrin IX formation and distribution were evaluated in tumor mice model by using fluorescence widefield imaging, spectroscopy, and confocal microscopy. MNs demonstrated excellent mechanical resistance penetrating about 250 μm with minor size alteration in vitro, and fluorescence intensity was 5‐times higher at 0.5 mm on average compared to cream in vivo (being 10 ± 5 a.u. for MNs and 2.4 ± 0.8 a.u. for cream). Dissolving MNs have overcome topical cream application, being extremely promising especially for thicker skin lesions treatment using PDT.
Development of a polarization imaging method to detect paraffin‐embedded pathology tissues before applying other techniques
Authors: Sijilmassi Ouafa , López‐Alonso José Manuel , Del Río Sevilla Aurora , del Carmen Barrio Asensio María 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe present article describes the development of a technique, applied to paraffin‐embedded tissues, which uses three different wavelengths of monochromatic light (λ1 = 445 nm, λ2 = 540 nm and λ3 = 660 nm) for the measures of the degree of polarization, degree of linear polarization, degree of circular polarization and birefringence, all obtained from measurements of Stokes parameters by using polarized light. The goal of this study was to detect changes in developing embryonic mouse eye when pregnant mice fed diets without folic acid for variable periods compared with a healthy control group. We present a biomedical diagnostic technique based on polarized light detection applied to paraffin‐embedded tissues to visualize the structural damage to aid us in the diagnosis before applying other techniques. Through this method, we can visualize and identify which parts of the tissue were altered with respect to the control group.
Dexamethasone‐loaded β‐cyclodextrin for osteogenic induction of mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells and bone regeneration
Authors: Li Xing , Xu Lu , Nie Hemin , Lei Lei 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDexamethasone (DEX) is a glucocorticoid commonly used as an in vitro osteogenic inducer of mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (abbreviated MSCs). However, several studies investigating the effects of glucocorticoids on bone regeneration through systemic injections have demonstrated negative impacts of the drugs at high concentration on the healing of hard tissues. These contrasting evidences suggest that application of glucocorticoids should be limited to low dosages but at the same time a long enough treatment period is preferred, which prompted us to evaluate the effects of different local release systems of DEX on MSC differentiation and bone repair. Two types of DEX‐loaded β‐cyclodextrin (CD) complexes, including CD/DEX and CD/AD‐DEX, were fabricated via host‐guest interactions and characterized by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, MS‐ESI, and UV–vis. The results demonstrated that these CD‐based assemblies released DEX in differentiated profiles, with CD/DEX releasing significantly faster than CD/AD‐DEX. Although CD/DEX were slightly more powerful than CD/AD‐DEX in inducing rat bone marrow MSCs (rBMSCs) into osteogenic lineage in vitro, CD/AD‐DEX was advantageous over CD/DEX in accelerating bone regeneration over a time period of 4 weeks in a rat tibia defect model. The results suggest that DEX‐loaded assemblies via host‐guest interactions are flexible in modulating DEX release patterns and have great potential in bone tissue engineering.
A review of silver nanoparticles in food packaging technologies: Regulation, methods, properties, migration, and future challenges
Authors: Istiqola Arsi , Syafiuddin Achmad 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe development of antimicrobial food packaging is needed for food preservation and quality maintenance. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely used as an antimicrobial agent in food packaging technologies. However, the risks associated with their potential migration into foods are a major concern. This paper comprehensively reviews the use of AgNPs in food packaging technologies. The application of AgNPs in food packaging technologies has been regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority. The addition of AgNPs into food packaging can improve their barrier, mechanical, and antibacterial properties, as well as maintain the quality of foods. Migration of AgNPs from food packaging into foods is still a concern as it has implications for human health associated with their toxicity properties. A study on the toxicological properties of AgNPs released from food packaging needs to be carried out intensively to ensure their safety before being widely implemented. Moreover, comprehensive economic evaluation to implement AgNPs in food packaging is needed as such a study is missing in the literature.
Sense of community in poverty contexts in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico: A transcultural study
Authors: Moura James F. , Rodríguez Nelly A. , Castillo León María Teresita D. N. J. , Marín Teresita C. Campo , Ximenes Verônica M. , Cidade Elivia C. , Nepomuceno Bárbara B. , Arboleda Yinet 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe aim of this article is to analyze the sense of community of three communities in conditions of poverty in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. The general sample was composed of 533 people: 124 from Bogotá (Colombia), 200 from Mérida (Mexico), and 209 from Porto Alegre (Brazil). The scale applied was the Sense of Community Index, performing variance analysis, and multivariate analysis of variance. The results conclude that there are significant differences between the general averages of the Sense of Community Index between the countries, observing the largest differences between the samples of Brazil and Mexico. The interaction between the factors has significant differences, particularly in the factors of influence and emotional connection in account of specific cultural aspects in each country and community. The sense of community derives from the encounter of transcultural and contextual aspects linked to poverty.
Combined treatment with silver graphene quantum dot, radiation, and 17‐AAG induces anticancer effects in breast cancer cells
Authors: Esgandari Kosar , Mohammadian Mahshid , Zohdiaghdam Reza , Rastin Sepideh Jafarzadeh , Alidadi Saba , Behrouzkia Zhaleh 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe aimed to investigate the possible anticancer effects of radiation in combination with 17‐allylamino‐17‐demethoxy geldanamycin (17‐AAG) and silver graphene quantum dot (SQD) in breast cancer (BC) cells. MCF‐7 BC cells treated with, or without, different concentrations of 17‐AAG and synthesized SQD and cellular viability detected. The growth inhibitory effects of low concentrations of 17‐AAG with minimally toxic concentration of SQD in combination with 2 Gy of X‐ray radiation were examined. The apoptosis induction assessed by acridine orange/ethedium bromide staining. Likewise, the levels of lactate, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO) were evaluated. The relative gene expression levels of Bax and Bcl‐2 were detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and the Bax/Bcl‐2 expression ratio was determined. Moreover, the protein expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was assessed by western blot analysis. Treatment with low concentrations of 17‐AAG and SQD at a minimally toxic concentration promoted inhibition of BC cell growth and induced apoptosis. In addition, significant reduction in cell viability was seen in triple combination versus all double and single treatments. Indeed 17‐AAG and SQD in combined with radiation significantly increased the H2O2 and NO versus single and double treated cases. In addition, triple combination treatment showed decreased lactate level in compared tomonotherapies. EGFR protein expression levels were found to decreased in all double and triple combined cases versus single treatments. Additionally, in double and triple treatments, Bax/Bcl2 ratio were higher in compared to single treatments. Treatment with low concentrations of 17‐AAG and SQD at a minimally toxic concentration tends to induce anticancer effects and increase the radiation effects when applied with 2 Gy of radiation versus radiation monotherapy.
Effect of microwave‐assisted alkali pre‐treatment on fractionation of pistachio shell and enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose‐rich residues
Authors: Özbek Hatice N , Koçak Yanık Derya , Fadıloğlu Sibel , Göğüş Fahrettin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDPistachio shell is a lignocellulosic biomass with a high potential to be converted into chemicals, biopolymers, and biofuels. Alkaline pre‐treatment is an effective way to extract hemicellulose and increase the cellulose hydrolysis. However, there are some disadvantages to this process, such as a long processing time and the formation of high amounts of degradation products. Microwave irradiation can be used to enhance the effectiveness of alkaline treatment. In this study, microwave‐assisted alkali pre‐treatment (MAAP) was carried to fractionate pistachio shell into its valuable components (i.e., hemicellulose and cellulose), and the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose‐rich residues was performed to produce fermentable sugars.RESULTSThe MAAP conditions (microwave power, NaOH concentration, and pre‐treatment time) were studied and optimized by Box–Behnken design to obtain the highest hemicellulose and cellulose yields. Optimal pre‐treatment conditions were microwave power of 224 W, NaOH concentration of 1.96 N, and pre‐treatment time of 2.63 min. Under these conditions, the recoveries were 58.35% and 92.46% for hemicellulose and cellulose, respectively. Additionally, compositional analysis carried out on the solid and liquid fractions obtained from the pre‐treatments indicated that the main components in the liquid phases were xylooligosaccharides (XOS) and the solid phases were enriched in cellulose. MAAP enhanced the enzymatic hydrolysis yield, and a maximum glucan to glucose conversion yield of 82.67 mol% was obtained for the solid pre‐treated under optimum conditions.CONCLUSIONThe studied MAAP process could be an effective and viable option to extract hemicellulose from pistachio shell and increase the enzymatic digestibility of cellulose‐rich solid residues. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Metal–organic frameworks derived magnetic Fe3O4/C for catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol
Authors: Jiang Shanshan , Huang Jin , Wang Yue , Lu Shiyu , Li Pei , Li Cuiqin , Li Feng 
Published: September 2020

AbstactBACKGROUNDFe based metal organic frameworks (Fe‐MOFs) were prepared by solvothermal method, and carbon loaded Fe3O4 (Fe3O4/C) was prepared by pyrolytic carbonization and carbothermal reduction.RESULTSVarious analytical techniques were used to characterize the physicochemical structure of Fe‐MOFs and Fe3O4/C under different solvothermal and calcination conditions. Fe3O4/C was then employed as a catalyst for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural with alcohol as a hydrogen donor, and the effect of hydrogen donor species, reaction temperature, and reaction time were investigated.CONCLUSIONThe Fe3O4/C catalyst could be easily collected with a magnet and reused for four runs without significant loss of its catalytic. A possible mechanism for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural over Fe3O4/C was proposed. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Peri‐implant disease education and diagnosis in the pre‐doctoral curriculum
Authors: Shaltoni Samer , Ashrafi Seema , Narvekar Aniruddh , Viana Maria Grace , Nares Salvador 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess how pre‐doctoral periodontal programs in the United States of America are educating their dental students regarding the management of peri‐implant diseases and secondarily, to determine if a current standard of teaching exists.Methods and MaterialsElectronic surveys were distributed to pre‐doctoral program directors across 57 dental schools in the United States via a secure online survey system. The survey consisted of 19 questions pertaining to curriculum structure involving didactic and clinical management of peri‐implant diseases.ResultsA total of 25 program directors (44%) responded, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicated a lack of standardization of pre‐doctoral didactic and clinical curriculum among dental schools.ConclusionsData pooled from 25 pre‐doctoral periodontal programs in the United States show that there is currently no standardization in the dental school curriculum related to the didactic and clinical management of peri‐implant diseases. The development of standardized content is recommended to assist program directors in assessing and enhancing educational experiences for dental students on the management of peri‐implant diseases.
Implementing innovative service delivery models in genetic counseling: a qualitative analysis of facilitators and barriers
Authors: Khan Ambreen , Cohen Stephanie , Weir Charlene , Greenberg Samantha 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGiven the increasing demand for genetic counseling, implementation of innovative service delivery models (SDMs) has been proposed to improve access and increase the efficiency of genetic counseling services. This study investigated the key considerations in genetic counseling practices that impact the decision to implement innovative SDMs, as well as barriers and facilitators to implementation. A cross‐sectional, qualitative research design was employed, using focus groups. Genetic counselors (GCs) were recruited from respondents to an online survey about SDMs and by posting an invitation to the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) listserv. A total of 30 participants participated in either in‐person (n = 3) or online (n = 5) focus groups, facilitated by members of the Service Delivery Model subcommittee of the NSGC Access and Service Delivery Committee. Transcribed audio and written notes from the focus groups were coded, utilizing an inductive thematic analysis method. Five overarching themes that impact decisions to implement and use innovative SDMs were identified: (a) Patient volume and efficiency are key motivators in trying innovative SDMs; (b) the decision to change is facilitated by available resources; (c) the implementation of innovative SDMs is multidimensional and complex process; (d) there is concern about the impact on patient–provider relationships with the utilization of innovative SDMs; and (e) measuring outcomes of innovative SDM facilitates acquisition of additional resources and support. Approaches to innovative SDM selection and implementation vary by institution needs, resources, and population as demonstrated by the variety of approaches to similar barriers. Outcomes related to the implementation of innovative SDMs in genetic counseling practice should be measured to demonstrate the value of innovative genetic counseling SDMs, improvement of access to care, and to justify need for additional resources to support implementation of these models.
Geographical analysis of the distribution of certified genetic counselors in the United States
Authors: Triebold Malia , Skov Karina , Erickson Lindsay , Olimb Sarah , Puumala Susan , Wallace Ian , Stein Quinn 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe number of certified genetic counselors (CGCs) in the genetic counseling workforce has increased over the past few decades as the number of training programs increases and CGCs expand into new patient‐facing and non‐patient‐facing roles. Few studies have explored the distribution of CGCs across the United States. We sought to identify the U.S. geographical regions with the highest number of CGCs and those regions where the physical presence of CGCs is sparser. Deidentified city, state, and ZIP code information for each CGC in the United States were obtained from the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) database. A countrywide analysis of the distribution of CGCs was completed using geographic information system (GIS) mapping software. The data were organized into U.S. metropolitan or micropolitan statistical areas, if applicable, and analyzed by CGC per capita. We included a total of 4,554 data points (92.2%) in the analysis. Results showed there is one CGC for every 71,842 people nationwide. Of 3,141 total counties (or county equivalents) in the United States, 535 counties had at least one CGC (17.0%). The majority (98.7%) of CGCs live or work within metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), which are defined by this study as geographical areas with greater than 50,000 people. Of the MSAs with a CGC, approximately half have more than one CGC per 100,000 people. These results are consistent with the overall distribution of the U.S. population. We believe that the MSAs with the most CGCs per capita are due to associations with specific institutions, that is, genetic counseling training programs, health system headquarters, or genetic laboratories. Although the present study cannot draw definite conclusions regarding direct patient care services provided by CGCs, it does provide a snapshot of current CGC distribution within the country. Knowing the distribution of CGCs provides a tool to conduct further workforce analyses to determine the number of CGCs needed to serve the U.S. population.