bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Skin cancer detection from dermoscopic images using deep learning and fuzzy k‐means clustering
Authors: Nawaz Marriam , Mehmood Zahid , Nazir Tahira , Naqvi Rizwan Ali , Rehman Amjad , Iqbal Munwar , Saba Tanzila 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMelanoma skin cancer is the most life‐threatening and fatal disease among the family of skin cancer diseases. Modern technological developments and research methodologies made it possible to detect and identify this kind of skin cancer more effectively; however, the automated localization and segmentation of skin lesion at earlier stages is still a challenging task due to the low contrast between melanoma moles and skin portion and a higher level of color similarity between melanoma‐affected and ‐nonaffected areas. In this paper, we present a fully automated method for segmenting the skin melanoma at its earliest stage by employing a deep‐learning‐based approach, namely faster region‐based convolutional neural networks (RCNN) along with fuzzy k‐means clustering (FKM). Several clinical images are utilized to test the presented method so that it may help the dermatologist in diagnosing this life‐threatening disease at its earliest stage. The presented method first preprocesses the dataset images to remove the noise and illumination problems and enhance the visual information before applying the faster‐RCNN to obtain the feature vector of fixed length. After that, FKM has been employed to segment the melanoma‐affected portion of skin with variable size and boundaries. The performance of the presented method is evaluated on the three standard datasets, namely ISBI‐2016, ISIC‐2017, and PH2, and the results show that the presented method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art approaches. The presented method attains an average accuracy of 95.40, 93.1, and 95.6% on the ISIC‐2016, ISIC‐2017, and PH2 datasets, respectively, which is showing its robustness to skin lesion recognition and segmentation.
Phenotypic, morphological, and metabolic characterization of vascular‐spheres from human vascular mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Valente Sabrina , Ciavarella Carmen , Hernández‐Aguilera Anna , Salvador Fernández‐Arroyo , Buzzi Marina , Joven Jorge , Pasquinelli Gianandrea 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe ability to form spheroids under non‐adherent conditions is a well‐known property of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), in addition to stemness and multilineage differentiation features. In the present study, we tested the ability of hMSCs isolated from the vascular wall (hVW‐MSCs) to grow as spheres, and provide a characterization of this 3D model. hVW‐MSCs were isolated from femoral arteries through enzymatic digestion. Spheres were obtained using ultra‐low attachment and hanging drop methods. Immunophenotype and pluripotent genes (SOX‐2, OCT‐4, NANOG) were analyzed by immunocytochemistry and real‐time PCR, respectively. Spheres histological and ultrastructural architecture were examined. Cell viability and proliferative capacity were measured using LIVE/DEATH assay and ki‐67 proliferation marker. Metabolomic profile was obtained with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. In 2D, hVW‐MSCs were spindle‐shaped, expressed mesenchymal antigens, and displayed mesengenic potential. 3D cultures of hVW‐MSCs were CD44+, CD105low, CD90low, exhibited a low propensity to enter the cell cycle as indicated by low percentage of ki‐67 expression and accumulated intermediate metabolites pointing to slowed metabolism. The 3D model of hVW‐MSCs exhibits stemness, dormancy and slow metabolism, typically observed in stem cell niches. This culture strategy can represent an accurate model to investigate hMSCs features for future clinical applications in the vascular field.
Validation of clinical‐grade whole genome sequencing reproduces cytogenetic analysis and identifies mutational landscape in newly‐diagnosed multiple myeloma patients: A pilot study from the 100,000 Genomes Project
Authors: Lomas Oliver C. , Gooding Sarah , Cabes Maite , Dreau Helene , Wilson Edward , Polzella Paolo ,   Genomics England Research Consortium, Ramasamy Karthik , Hamblin Angela D. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMultiple myeloma is characterized by chromosomal abnormalities and genetic variation, which may inform prognosis and guide treatment. This pilot study sought to examine the feasibility of incorporating Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) alongside the routine laboratory evaluation of 14 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who had enrolled in the 100,000 Genomes Project. In all 14 cases, WGS data could be obtained in a timely fashion within existing clinical frameworks in a tertiary hospital setting. The data not only replicated standard‐of‐care FISH analysis of chromosomal abnormalities but also provided further chromosomal and molecular genetic insights that may influence patient management.
Cytopenia associated with copper deficiency
Authors: Uchino Kaori , Quang Lam Vu , Enomoto Megumi , Nakano Yuta , Yamada Saki , Matsumura Saori , Kanasugi Jo , Takasugi Soichi , Nakamura Ayano , Horio Tomohiro , Murakami Satsuki , Goto Mineaki , Mizuno Shohei , Yamamoto Hidesuke , Watarai Masaya , Hanamura Ichiro , Takami Akiyoshi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionDue to an increased incidence of copper deficiency, we investigated adult patients who had low serum levels of copper with cytopenia at our hospital from March 2014 to March 2021.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of patients who had been diagnosed with cytopenia due to copper deficiency at the Aichi Medical University Hospital from March 2014 to March 2021.ResultsIn the 15 patients with cytopenia secondary to low serum copper level, 11 had cytopenia of two to three lineages; three (27%) had pancytopenia, and eight (73%) had bicytopenia. Of the 15 patients, nine (60%) underwent bone marrow examinations; three (30%) showed typical morphologic features associated with copper deficiency, such as multiple clear cytoplasmic vacuoles in erythroblasts and myeloid cells, and three (30%) showed dysplastic features as observed in myelodysplastic syndrome. Among the 14 (93%) patients who were treated with copper supplements, had cessation of zinc supplements, or both, 11 (73%) and eight (53%) showed normal copper levels and hematological improvement, respectively.ConclusionCopper deficiency is more common than expected and should be considered in patients with unexplained cytopenia.
The negative impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on UK haematology registrars’ well‐being and training: Results of a UK nationwide survey
Authors: Altohami Mohammed OA , Langridge Alexander , Shareef Enas MK , Nicolson Phillip LR 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has disturbed medical training. Haematology registrars were surveyed using SurveyMonkey. Eighty‐nine out of 269 (24.9%) responded. Reported stressors included concerns about transmitting the infection, disruption of leave, inferior patient outcomes, survivors’ guilt and interruption of career progression. Only 31.2% felt ready to progress to the next training stage. Reported causes of lack of training were disruption of clinics and training days and utilisation of telephone consultations. Several stressors negatively impacted haematology registrars’ well‐being, training and progression. More emphasis on psychological support, outpatient clinic work and e‐learning is needed.
Adipose-derived stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles inhibit neuroblastoma growth by regulating GABBR1 activity through LINC00622-mediated transcription factor AR
Authors: Guo Mengguo , Li Dongpeng , Feng Yawen , Li Mu , Yang Bo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractNeuroblastoma (NB) is a huge threat to children's health. Adipose-derived stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles (ADSC-Evs) can regulate tumor progression. This study aimed to identify the role of ADSC-Evs in NB. Following ADSC-Ev isolation and identification, PKH26-labeled ADSC-Evs were cocultured with NB cells to observe the internalization of ADSC-Evs. ADSC-Ev effects on NB cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were assessed. The regulatory molecules related to NB development were predicted. The expressions of and relations among LINC00622, transcriptional factor androgen receptor (AR), and gamma-aminobutyric acid B-type receptor 1 (GABRR1) were detected and verified. LINC00622 was inhibited in ADSCs to evaluate ADSC-Ev effects on NB cells. Xenograft tumor experiment in nude mice was further performed to evaluate the effects of ADSC-Evs-carried LINC00622 on NB in vivo. ADSC-Evs inhibited NB cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. ADSC-Evs increased GABBR1 expression in NB cells. ADSC-Evs-carried LINC00622 mediated AR to promote GABBR1 expression. Silencing LINC00622 in ADSCs weakened the inhibition of ADSC-Evs on NB cell malignant behaviors. ADSC-Evs reduced tumor growth in nude mice, which was restored after inhibiting LINC00622 expression in ADSCs. We highlighted that ADSC-Evs carried LINC00622 into NB cells to inhibit transcription factor AR and promote GABBR1 expression, thus inhibiting NB cell growth.
Surface topography as a tool to detect early changes in a posttraumatic equine model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Thampi Parvathy , Tabbaa Suzanne M. , Johnstone Brian , Wimmer Marcus A. , Laurent Michel P. , Wayne McIlwraith C. , Frisbie David D. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe equine model of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (OA) mimics certain aspects of the naturally occurring disease, both in horses and humans. The objective of this study was to assess articular cartilage degeneration in a posttraumatic OA model using the established macroscopic and microscopic scoring systems and compare them with a novel surface topography analysis. OA was induced in the carpal joint of 15 (n = 15) mixed breed horses. Surface changes on the articular cartilage were characterized using osteochondral blocks from the third carpal bone (C3) and radial carpal bone using surface topography, standard histological grading, and gross evaluation of the joints. Significant differences were observed between OA and non‐OA joints for gross evaluation scores. Microscopic scores of hematoxylin and eosin and Safranin O and Fast Green‐stained sections demonstrated no differences between OA and non‐OA joints. However, articular cartilage from the induced OA joint had significantly greater surface topography measurements compared with the sham treatment group, consistent with the changes seen on gross evaluation of joints. No significant correlations were noted between surface roughness measurements, histological assessment, and gross evaluation scores. The results suggest that surface topography analysis may provide a reliable objective approach to assess early changes in the cartilage surface in OA.
Apatite Formation Induced by Chitosan/Gelatin Hydrogel Coating Anchored on Poly(aryl ether nitrile ketone) Substrates to Promote Osteoblastic Differentiation
Authors: Li Yizheng , Liu Chengde , Liu Wentao , Cheng Xitong , Zhang Ali , Zhang Shouhai , Liu Cheng , Li Nan , Jian Xigao 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBone‐like apatite is a promising coating of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) for bone implantation. Poly(aryl ether nitrile ketone) containing phthalazinone moiety (PPENK) is a novel alternative for its easy synthesis. Here, chitosan/gelatin hybrid hydrogel coating is applied to induce the formation of apatite on the surface of PPENK substrate through biomineralization to improve its biocompatibility and osteogenic property. PPENK possessing allyl groups (PPENK‐d) are synthesized and spin‐coated on PPENK substrate to impart reactive groups. The hydrogel coating is prepared by the ultraviolet crosslinking of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and chitosan methacrylate (CSMA) on PPENK substrate. PPENK‐d, GelMA, and CSMA are characterized by 1H‐NMR to confirm the designed structures. The presence of chitosan increases the chelation of calcium ions and thus induces the nucleation of apatite. The microstructural and compositional results reveal that the chitosan‐containing hydrogel coating induced apatite coating yields a higher apatite quantity compared to the gelatin hydrogel coating. The apatite coatings on PPENK substrate promote the cytocompatibility and osteogenesis of MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblasts in vitro.
Longitudinal Changes in Parkinson's Disease Symptoms with and Without Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder: The Oxford Discovery Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Yaping , Lawton Michael A. , Lo Christine , Bowring Francesca , Klein Johannes C. , Querejeta‐Coma Agustin , Scotton Sangeeta , Welch Jessica , Razzaque Jamil , Barber Thomas , Ben‐Shlomo Yoav , Hu Michele T. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) comorbid with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) may show more severe motor and nonmotor symptoms, suggesting a distinct PD subtype.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of RBD on the longitudinal change of motor and nonmotor symptoms in patients with PD.MethodsPatients with early PD (diagnosed within 3.5 years) recruited from 2010 to 2019 were followed every 18 months in the Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre Discovery cohort. At each visit, we used standard questionnaires and measurements to assess demographic features and motor and nonmotor symptoms (including RBD, daytime sleepiness, mood, autonomic symptoms, cognition, and olfaction). Data were analyzed with linear mixed effects and Cox regression models. Possible RBD (pRBD) was longitudinally determined according to RBD Screening Questionnaire scores.ResultsA total of 923 patients were recruited (mean age: 67.1 ± 9.59 years; 35.9% female), and 788 had follow‐up assessment(s) (mean: 4.8 ± 1.98 years, range: 1.3–8.3). Among them, 33.3% were identified as pRBD (PD + pRBD). Patients with PD + pRBD had more severe baseline symptoms and showed faster progression on Movement Disorder Society‐Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale parts I and III, Purdue Pegboard test, and Beck Depression Inventory scores. Moreover, PD + pRBD was associated with an increased level of risk for mild cognitive impairment (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.83), freezing of gait (HR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.10–1.86), and frequent falling (HR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.02–2.60).ConclusionsPatients with PD + pRBD progress faster on motor, mood, and cognitive symptoms, confirming a more aggressive PD subtype that can be identified at baseline and has major clinical implications. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
High Fat Diet and High Cholesterol Diet Reduce Hepatic Vitamin D‐25‐Hydroxylase Expression and Serum 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D3 Level through Elevating Circulating Cholesterol, Glucose, and Insulin Levels
Authors: Zhu Tengfei , Zhao Jingyu , Zhuo Shu , Hu Zhimin , Ouyang Shuyu , Wunier  , Yu Shuting , Chen Yan , Li Yu , Le Yingying 
Published: August 2021

ScopeLow circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels associate with obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, but the underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. As energy‐dense diet contributes to these disorders, this study investigates whether diet could impair vitamin D metabolism.Methods and ResultsCompared with control chow‐fed mice, high fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice show lower serum 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 levels, lower hepatic vitamin D 25‐hydroxylase Cyp2r1 expression but comparable renal vitamin D metabolic enzymes expression. Time course studies show that after HFD feeding, the serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, fatty acids, glucose, and insulin elevate sequentially and before the reduction of hepatic Cyp2r1 expression and serum 25(OH)D3 levels. Hepatic Cyp2r1 expression also reduces after consuming high fat and high sucrose diet. After high cholesterol diet feeding, serum total cholesterol rises and hepatic Cyp2r1 expression decreases ahead of the reduction of serum 25(OH)D3. In vitro studies demonstrate that high concentrations of cholesterol, glucose, and insulin significantly inhibit Cyp2r1expression in primary murine hepatocytes. Further studies show that dietary restriction in HFD‐fed mice ameliorates hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, and elevates hepatic Cyp2r1 expression and serum 25(OH)D3 level.ConclusionThese findings suggest that diet‐induced elevation of circulating cholesterol, glucose, and insulin reduces serum 25(OH)D3 level through suppressing hepatic Cyp2r1 expression.
Accelerated aging effects in composites used as repair for pipes in oil industry
Authors: L. da Rocha Mirella , de O. Leite Maraisa C. , P. da C. Ferreira Evans , D. Melo José D. , C. Barbosa Ana Paula 
Published: August 2021

AbstractComposites are often employed as repair materials for steel pipelines in the oil industry. Nevertheless, it is known that polymer matrix composites age through service life due to exposure to environmental factors, leading to a decrease in the durability of these repairs. In this work, alterations in glass fiber–epoxy composites aged for 1440, 2880, and 4320 h were studied in two different aging conditions: an accelerated aging chamber (with alternate cycles of exposure to ultraviolet [UV] radiation and water condensation) and immersed in salt water. The effects of aging in the material were evaluated by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), lap‐shear tests, permeability analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in terms of mass variation. The results show that chemical changes, as well as alterations in mass and fiber exposure, increases in glass transition temperature and permeability, and more pronounced debonding composite/metal after lap‐shear tests, as compared to unaged materials, occurred. In general, the cycles of UV and water condensation were found to be more harmful to the material than aging in salt water, for the same exposure period.
Synthesis of bromine‐functionalized polyolefins by scandium‐catalyzed copolymerization of 10‐bromo‐1‐decene with ethylene, propylene, and dienes
Authors: Wang Yinran , Jiang Lei , Ren Xiaorui , Guo Fang , Hou Zhaomin 
Published: August 2021

By use of a THF‐containing trimethylsilylmethyl scandium catalyst system (C5Me4SiMe3)Sc(CH2SiMe3)2(THF)/[Ph3C][B(C6F5)4], the multi‐component copolymerization of 10‐bromo‐1‐decene (BrDC) with ethylene, propylene, and dienes has been achieved to afford a new family of bromine‐functionalized polyolefins with controllable composition and high molecular weight. The copolymerization of BrDC with ethylene afforded the well‐defined BrDC–ethylene copolymers with high BrDC incorporation (up to 12 mol%) and high molecular weight (Mw > 100 kg mol−1). The terpolymerization of propylene, ethylene with BrDC afforded random ethylene–propylene–BrDC terpolymers with controllable bromine content (2 ~ 11 mol%), high molecular weight (Mw > 100 kg mol−1) and low glass transition temperature (Tg = −51 °C ~ −67 °C). Moreover, the tetrapolymerization of ethylene, propylene, BrDC, and ethylidene norbornene or conjugated dienes such as isoprene and myrcene has been achieved for the first time to afford selectively the bromine‐functionalized ethylene–propylene–diene rubbers containing various types of double bonds.
Cancer and severe mental illness in low‐ and middle‐income countries: The challenges and outlook for the future
Authors: Park Sung Jin , Wai Alisa , Pavithran Keechilat , Kunheri Beena , Valsraj Koravangattu 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectivePatients with severe mental illness (SMI) face health inequalities that lead to under treatment of diseases such as cancer and result in increased mortality. There is literature addressing this issue for SMI patients in high‐income countries but few for those in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This review aims to draw attention to the health inequalities and the compounding factors faced by SMI patients in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The relevance of integration of psycho‐oncology in the care of SMI patients with cancer is integral to reduce disparities and address varied contributory factors.MethodsThe literature review was conducted by searching through two databases which includes PubMed and Google Scholar. We searched for articles using keyword search terms: severe mental illness, SMI, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, cancer, low‐ middle‐income countries, low‐ and middle‐income countries, psycho‐oncology, HPV vaccine, cancer incidence, cancer mortality, cancer control, cancer screening, cancer treatment and palliative care.ResultsA total of 80 research articles were included in our literature review. We found that there was an increased requirement for adapting to the changing disease landscape in low‐ and middle‐income countries. An improvement on aspects such as vaccination, screening and prevention is necessary, and also efforts to change social stance towards SMI is crucial.ConclusionThere is an increase incidence of cancer in low‐ and middle‐income countries, and the number of patients with SMI in low‐ and middle‐income countries is also rising. This is due to social, psychological, economical and healthcare factors. Low‐ and middle‐income countries must consider improving these aspects in order to adapt to the changing landscape.
Automation of leaf counting in maize and sorghum using deep learning
Authors: Miao Chenyong , Guo Alice , Thompson Addie M. , Yang Jinliang , Ge Yufeng , Schnable James C. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLeaf number and leaf emergence rate are phenotypes of interest to plant breeders, plant geneticists, and crop modelers. Counting the extant leaves of an individual plant is straightforward even for an untrained individual, but manually tracking changes in leaf numbers for hundreds of individuals across multiple time points is logistically challenging. This study generated a dataset including over 150,000 maize and sorghum images for leaf counting projects. A subset of 17,783 images also includes annotations of the positions of individual leaf tips. With these annotated images, we evaluate two deep learning‐based approaches for automated leaf counting: the first based on counting‐by‐regression from whole image analysis and a second based on counting‐by‐detection. Both approaches can achieve root of mean square error (RMSE) smaller than one leaf, only moderately inferior to the RMSE between human annotators of between 0.57 and 0.73 leaves. The counting‐by‐regression approach based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) exhibited lower accuracy and increased bias for plants with extreme leaf numbers which are underrepresented in this dataset. The counting‐by‐detection approach based on Faster R‐CNNs (region based convolutional neural networks) object detection models achieve near human performance for plants where all leaf tips are visible. The annotated image data and model performance metrics generated as part of this study provide large scale resources for the comparison and improvement of algorithms for leaf counting from image data in grain crops.