bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Improved Residual-Network Model-based Conditional Generative Adversarial Network Plantar Pressure Image Classification: A Comparison of Normal, Planus, and Talipes Equinovarus Feet
Authors: Han Jianlin , Wang Dan , Li Zairan , Dey Nilanjan , Shi Fuqian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The number of layers of deep learning (DL) increases, and following the performance of computing nodes improvement, the output accuracy of deep neural networks (DNN) faces a bottleneck problem. The resident network (RN) based DNN model was applied to address these issues recently. This paper improved the RN and developed a rectified linear unit (ReLU) based conditional generative adversarial nets (cGAN) to classify plantar pressure images. A foot scan system collected the plantar pressure images, in which normal (N), planus (PL), and talipes equinovarus feet (TE) data-sets were acquired subsequently. The 9-foot types named N, PL, TE, N-PL, N-TE, PL-N, PL-TE, TE-N, and TE-PL were classified using the proposed DNN models, named resident network-based conditional generative adversarial nets (RNcGAN). It improved the RN structure firstly and the cGAN system hereafter. In the classification of plantar pressure images, the pixel-level state matrix can be direct as an input, which is different from the previous image classification task with image reduction and feature extraction. cGAN can directly output the pixels of the image without any simplification. Finally, the model achieved better results in the evaluation indicators of accuracy (AC), sensitivity (SE), and F1-measurement (F1) by comparing to artificial neural networks (ANN), k-nearest neighbor (kNN), Fast Region-based Convolution Neural Network (Fast R-CNN), visual geometry group (VGG16), scaled-conjugate-gradient convolution neural networks (SCG-CNN), GoogleNet, AlexNet, ResNet-50-177, and Inception-v3. The final prediction of class accuracy is 95.17%. Foot type classification is vital for producing comfortable shoes in the industry.
Hyperchloremia Is Associated With Poor Renal Outcome After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Choi Jae Shin , Yun Donghwan , Kim Dong Ki , Oh Kook-Hwan , Joo Kwon Wook , Kim Yon Su , Na Ki Young , Han Seung Seok 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Hyperchloremia is associated with the risks of several morbidities and mortality. However, its relationship with acute kidney injury (AKI) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains unresolved.Methods: A total of 2,977 patients undergoing CABG between 2003 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed from two tertiary hospitals. Patients were categorized by serum chloride levels into normochloremia (95–105 mmol/L), mild hyperchloremia (106–110 mmol/L) and severe hyperchloremia (>110 mmol/L). The odds ratios (ORs) for AKI and hazard ratios (HRs) for ESRD were calculated after adjustment for multiple covariates. The death-adjusted risk of ESRD was additionally evaluated.Results: Postoperative AKI occurred in 798 patients (26.5%). The hyperchloremia group had a higher risk of AKI than the normochloremia group, wherein the risk was incremental depending on the severity of hyperchloremia as follows: ORs were 1.26 (1.06–1.51) and 1.95 (1.52–2.51) in the mild and severe hyperchloremia groups, respectively. During a median period of 7 years (maximum 15 years), 70 patients (2.3%) had ESRD. The severe hyperchloremia group was at an elevated risk of ESRD compared with the normochloremia group, with an HR of 2.43 (1.28–4.63). Even after adjusting for the competing risk of death, hyperchloremia was associated with the risk of ESRD.Conclusions: Preoperative hyperchloremia is associated with poor renal outcomes such as AKI and ESRD after CABG. Accordingly, serum chloride should be monitored in patients undergoing CABG.
Galectin-1 From Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Promotes the Invasion and Metastasis of Gastric Cancer Through&nbsp;TGF-β1-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: you xiaolan , Wu Jian , Zhao Xiaojun , Jiang Xingyu , Tao Wenxuan , Chen Zhiyi , Huang Chuanjiang , Zheng Tingrui , Shen Xianhe 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background The gastric cancer (GC) microenvironment has important effects on biological behaviors, such as tumor cell invasion and metastasis. However, the mechanism by which the GC microenvironment promotes GC cell invasion and metastasis is unknown. The present study aimed to clarify the effects and mechanism of galectin-1 (GAL-1, encoded by LGALS1) on GC invasion and metastasis in the GC microenvironment.Methods The expression of GAL-1/ LGALS1 was determined using western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR in GC tissues. Besides, methods including stable transfection, Matrigel invasion and migration assays, and wound-healing assays in vitro; and metastasis assays in vivo, were also conducted.Results GAL-1 from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) induced the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) of GC cells though the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1)/ Sma- and mad-related protein (Smad) pathway, and affected the prognosis of patients with GC. The level of GAL-1 was high in CAFs, and treating MGC-803 and SGC -7901 cell line with the conditioned medium from CAFs promoted their invasion and metastasis abilities. Overexpression of LGALS1 promoted the expression of TGF-β1 and induced EMT of GC cell lines. A TGF-β1 antagonist inhibited the invasion and migration of GC cells. In vivo, overexpression of LGALS1 promoted GC growth and metastasis, and the TGF-β1 antagonist dramatically reversed these events. Conclusions These findings suggested that high expression of GAL-1 in the GC microenvironment predicts a poor prognosis in patients with GC by promoting the migration and invasion of GC cells via EMT through the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. The results might provide new therapeutic targets to treat GC.
An Electrochemically Reduced Copper/Reduced Graphene Oxide Film Modified Electrode for Sensitive Non-Enzymatic Glucose Detection in Human Serum
Authors: Phetsang Sopit , Kidkhunthod Pinit , Chanlek Narong , Jakmunee Jaroon , Mungkornasawakul Pitchaya , Ounnunkad Kontad 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Numerous studies suggest that modification with functional nanomaterials can enhance the electrode electrocatalytic activity, sensitivity, and selectivity of the electrochemical sensors. Here, a highly sensitive and cost-effective disposable non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on copper(II)/reduced graphene oxide modified screen-printed carbon electrode is demonstrated. Facile fabrication of the developed sensing electrodes is carried out by the adsorption of copper(II) onto graphene oxide modified electrode, then following the electrochemical reduction. The proposed sensor illustrates good electrocatalytic activity toward glucose oxidation with a wide linear detection range from 0.10 mM to 12.5 mM, low detection limit of 65 µM, and high sensitivity of 172 µA mM− 1 cm− 2 along with satisfactory anti-interference ability, reproducibility, stability, and the acceptable recoveries for the detection of glucose in a human serum sample (95.6–106.4%). The copper(II)/reduced graphene oxide based sensor with the superior performances is a great potential for the quantitation of glucose in real samples.
Evaluating the Effect of Heat Waves on Early Melting of Snow Covers of Karkheh Catchment in Iran
Authors: Keikhosravi Ghasem 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The present study aims to evaluate the effect of heat waves on the early melting of snow cover in the Karkheh catchment of Iran. After collecting daily data on the maximum temperature of meteorological stations in the catchment during the statistical period (2000-2019), three indices of WSDI, Baldi, and ocular method were used to determine the threshold of days with heat wave. By extracting the hot waves and applying programming, the snow cover maps were drawn in the Google Earth Engine system and the area of ​​snow cover zones was calculated in the Model Builder environment. Finally, the atmospheric data were received from the NCEP/NCAR site and their generating patterns were examined after drawing in Grads software environment after determining the atmospheric synoptic patterns. The results indicated that the slope trend of hot waves is increasing at the catchment level. The average annual frequency of heat waves extracted for the snow cover growth period (November to May) was equal to 24 days of hot waves during the year. Regarding the ground pressure conditions and synoptic conditions of high atmospheric levels, two dominant synoptic patterns of heat waves were identified in the region as follows: 1) The Siberian high-pressure synoptic pattern at the ground level and the Saudi-African high-pressure ridge at high atmospheric levels. This synoptic pattern reduces snow cover area by an average of 40% in the Karkheh catchment and the highest frequency of the occurrence of this synoptic pattern is in February and March. 2) Pakistan-Africa low-pressure synoptic pattern at ground level and Saudi-African high-pressure ridge at high atmospheric levels, the frequency of the occurrence of which is higher in April and May months and reduces the snow cover area in the Karkheh catchment by an average of more than 55%.
Timing for elective cesarean and maternal fetal outcome: a retrospective cohort
Authors: Rosa Marcos Wengrover , Perez Amanda Vilaverde , Muller Gabriel Cardozo , Sbaraini Mariana , Hammes Luciano Serpa , Ghizzoni Flavia , Grossi Fernanda Santos , Ferreira Charles Francisco , Vettorazzi Janete 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: To assess the relationship between the timing of elective cesarean section (C-section) and neonatal outcomes in a Brazilian population.Methods: Retrospective cohort study including women with single gestation submitted to elective C-section from January 2013 to December 2016. Eligibility criteria included primiparous mothers and those who previously underwent a C-section, with gestational ages of 37–39 weeks (group I) or ≥ 39 weeks (group II), undergoing antepartum elective C-section without clinical indication. Main Outcomes and Measures: adverse neonatal outcomes (NICU admission, respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, hiperbilirrubinemia, neonatal infection and meconium aspiration syndrome)Results: There were 17,184 live births at Hospital Moinhos de Vento during the study period. Of these, remaining 3,722 C-sections without medical indication in nulliparous women or in those with one previous C-section. Of these, 1,460 were in group I and 2,262 were in group II. Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization, respiratory distress and hyperbilirubinemia were positively associated with group I in relation to group II (p≤0.0001, p=0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). Conclusion: Elective C-section based on maternal request should not be recommended; however, for women who require elective C-section, neonatal outcomes suggest that delivery between 39 and 39+7 weeks is the optimal timing.
The Governance of Energy Transition: Lessons from the Nigerian Electricity Sector
Authors: Edomah Norbert 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe rising need for energy transition towards more sustainable energy sources requires a rethink in the governance of energy systems. Arguably, policy makers have very important roles in governing transitions in any given society through established institutional frameworks. It has also been argued that energy infrastructure choices are determined by institutional dynamics and structures. However, what are the influences underlying changes in energy systems and what lessons can we draw from them for the governance of energy transition? This study focuses on understanding the dynamics of energy transition governance within the Nigerian electricity sector with the aim of drawing lessons that impact on energy transition and energy systems change.MethodsUsing explorative research tools, this research explores the dynamics of energy transition governance within the Nigerian electricity sector with the aim of drawing lessons that impact on energy transition and energy systems change. Data from primary and secondary sources in documentary archives and other published sources that links to the Nigerian historical energy infrastructure provisions were used for analysis in order to draw lessons on energy transition dynamics in Nigeria.ResultsThe study revealed that there were three important factors that had a direct impact on energy transition and energy systems change within Nigeria’s electricity sector. These are: (1) Changing perceptions and goals (during the period leading up to Nigeria’s independence, 1890 – 1960s); (2) Direct government interventions in energy infrastructure provisions (1940s – 1970s); and (3) Major changes in market rules (from 2005 and beyond).ConclusionsThe study concludes by highlighting that: (1) there is a need for government institutions to tackle energy access issues that addresses the needs of the poor; (2) it is imperative to explore technological options that are more sustainable; and (3) there is a need to address energy consumption patterns that are more energy intensive. Indeed, available energy resources, technological changes in electricity supply systems, and the ‘geographies of energy’ are major factors that influence energy production and consumption dynamics. All of these needs to be considered as energy decisions are primarily political choices.
Assessment of the Accuracy of Malaria Microscopy in Private Health Facilities in Entebbe Municipality, Uganda; A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mutabazi Tobius , Arinaitwe Emmanuel , Ndyabakira Alex , Sendaula Emmanuel , Kakeeto Alex , Okimat Paul , Orishaba Philip , Katongole Simon Peter , Mpimbaza Arthur , Byakika-Kibwika Pauline , Karamagi Charles , Kalyango Joan Nakayaga , Kamya Moses R , Dorsey Grant , Nankabirwa Joaniter Immaculate 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Although microscopy remains the gold standard for malaria diagnosis, little is known about its accuracy in the private health facilities in Uganda. We evaluated the accuracy of malaria microscopy, and factors associated with inaccurate smear results at private health facilities in Entebbe Municipality, Uganda.Methods: Between April and May 2018, all patients referred for a malaria smear in 16 private health facilities in Entebbe municipality were screened, and 321 patients were enrolled. A questionnaire was administered to collect demographic and clinical information, facility-based smear results were recorded from the participant’s consultation notes, and a research slide was obtained for expert microscopy. A health facility assessment was conducted, and information on experience in performing malaria microscopy was collected from all facility personnel reading smears and the data was linked to the participant’s clinic visit. Results: The prevalence of malaria parasitemia was 15.0% by expert microscopy. The sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value of the facility-based microscopy were high (95.8%, 90.1% and 99.2% respectively). However; the positive predictive value (PPV) was low with 27/73 (63%) patients diagnosed with malaria not having the disease. Majority of the inaccurate results were from 2 of the 23 laboratory personnel reading the smears. The factors associated with inaccurate smear readings included being read by a technician; 1) who had less than 5 years’ experience in reading malaria smears (adjusted Odds Ratio [OR] = 9.74, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] (1.06 – 89.5), p-value=0.04), and 2) who was examining less than 5 smears a day (OR = 38.8, 95% CI 9.65- 156, p-value <0.001).Conclusion: The accuracy of malaria microscopy in this setting was high, although one third of the patients diagnosed with malaria did not have the disease. Majority of the errors in smear readings were made by two laboratory personnel, with the main factor associated with inaccurate smear results being low experience in malaria microscopy. In-service training may be sufficient to eliminate inaccurate smear results in this setting, and these private facilities would be ideal model facilities to improve the quality of malaria microscopy in Uganda especially in the public sector.
Barriers to Learning for Sustainability: Reflections from a British Science Teacher
Authors: Parry Sally , Metzger Ellen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We collectively face a constellation of complex and interconnected environmental, social, and economic problems that threaten human and planetary wellbeing now and in the future. Learning that enables students across all levels and settings of education to become change agents for a more sustainable future, is widely expected to play a crucial role. However, “education as usual” with its one-way transmission of information from teacher to passive learners, disciplinary silos, and high-stakes, facts-based assessments, will not suffice to equip learners with the knowledge and competencies needed to address chronic and complex obstacles to sustainability. Forging a more sustainable path forward will require rethinking of traditional educational systems that were designed for different times. It will also necessitate a shift from traditional, teacher-centered pedagogies to strategies that nurture action-oriented, experiential and reflective learning in the face of complexity, uncertainty, and rapid change. In this contribution, the reflections of a British science teacher provide a first-hand perspective on the disconnect between the international discourse on transformative learning for sustainability and everyday classroom practice within the constraints of prevailing educational systems.
The Antibiotic Susceptibilities of Methicilline-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated From Various Clinical Samples
Authors: Ozbek Erdal , TEMİZ Hakan , ÖZCAN Nida , AKKOÇ Hasan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background and Objective::
In this study, it was aimed to determine the in vitro susceptibilities of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains to fluoroquinolone, linezolid, tigecycline, and quinupristin /dalfopristin as well as the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB) resistance phenotype.
Materials and Methods
A total of 94 MRSA strains isolated from various clinical samples in our hospital laboratory between January 2020 and September 2020 were included. The in-vitro susceptibilities of MRSA strains against fluoroquinolone, linezolid, tigecycline, and quinupristin/dalfopristin were determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay according to The European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). The E test assay was used for evaluation of tigecycline susceptibility. The D-zone test was performed with erythromycin (15 µg) and clindamycin (2 µg) discs to determine the MLSB resistance. Besides, bacterial identification, antibiotic susceptibility tests including methicillin resistance and MLSB phenotype determination were performed by using VİTEK 2 Gram-positive diagnostic kits(Bio-Mérieux/France).
Results
Results: Among 94 MRSA strains included, resistance rates to ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, tigecycline, and quinupristin/dalfopristin were found as 71% (67 isolates) 64%(60 isolates), 17%(16 isolates), and 2% (2 isolates), respectively.. Resistance was not detected for linezolid. A total of 36(49%) isolates showed cMLSB resistance phenotype while 18(19%) had iMLSB resistance. The MS phenotype – strains resistant to erythromycin and susceptible to clindamycin- was not detected.
Conclusion
Very little or no resistance was found to linezolid, quinupristin/dalfopristin and tigecycline. Therefore, these antibiotics may be beneficial for the proper treatment of infections caused by MLSB-resistant isolates.
Identification of biomarkers associated with metabolic cardiovascular disease using mRNA-SNP-miRNA regulatory network analysis
Authors: Fan Zhiyuan , Peng Wenjuan , Wang Zhiwen , Zhang ling , Liu Kuo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: CVD is the leading cause of death in T2DM patients. However, few biomarkers have been identified to detect and diagnose CVD in the early stage of T2DM. The aim of our study was to identify the important mRNAs, micro (mi)RNAs and SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that are associated with metabolic cardiovascular disease. Materials and methods: Expression profiles and GWAS data were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. MiRNA-sequencing was conducted by Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform in T2DM patients and T2DM with CVD patients. EQTL analysis and gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. MRNA-miRNA co-expression network and mRNA-SNP-miRNA interaction network were established and visualized by Cytoscape 3.7.2.Results: In our study, we identified 56 genes and 16 miRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed. GO and KEGG analyses results indicated that B cell receptor signaling pathway and hematopoietic cell lineage were included in the biological functions of differentially expressed genes. MRNA-miRNA co-expression network and mRNA-SNP-miRNA interaction network illustrated that let-7i-5p, RASGRP3, KRT1 and CEP41 may be potential biomarkers for the early detection and diagnosis of CVD in T2DM patients.Conclusion: Our results suggested that downregulated let-7i-5p, and upregulated RASGRP3, KRT1 and CEP41 may play crucial roles in molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation and development of CVD in T2DM patients.
Asiatic Acid Alleviates Ang-II Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy and Fibrosis via miR-126/PIK3R2 signaling
Authors: Li Haiyu , Tian Xiaoxu , Ruan Yongjuan , Xing Junhui , Meng Zhe 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCardiac hypertrophy is an independent risk factor of many cardiovascular diseases. Studies demonstrated that microRNA-126 (miR-126) was involved in angiogenesis during physiological and pathological process. However, its role in cardiac hypertrophy has not been known clearly. Recent studies demonstrated asiatic acid (AA) has obvious protective effect on cardiac hypertrophy. Here, this study aimed to discover the regulatory role of miR-126 and its mechanism in cardiac hypertrophy, and to determine whether AA’s anti-hypertrophy effect is partially miR-126 dependent. MethodsMale Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were AngII infused via osmotic minipumps for 4 weeks and were treated with AA (20mg/kg/day) by oral gavage. Cardiac protective hypertrophy was assessed using the echocardiography and histological analysis. And, the effect of AA on miR-126 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was investigated.ResultsTreatment of rats with AA decreased the ratio of heart weight to tibia length and hypertrophy markers. Moreover, our results found downregulation of miR-126 and activation of PI3K/AKT signaling AngII infusion induced cardiac hypertrophy model. It was also determined that miR-126 targets PIK3R2 directly. ConclusionsAA supplementation upregulated the expression of miR-126 and conferred cardio-protection against AngII induced cardiac hypertrophy.