bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Image enhancement to leverage the 3D morphological reconstruction of single-cell neurons
Authors: Guo Shuxia , Zhao Xuan , Jiang Shengdian , Ding Liya , Peng Hanchuan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Motivation
To digitally reconstruct the 3D neuron morphologies has long been a major bottleneck in neuroscience. One of the obstacles to automate the procedure is the low signal-background contrast (SBC) and the large dynamic range of signal and background both within and across images.

Results
We developed a pipeline to enhance the neurite signal and to suppress the background, with the goal of high SBC and better within- and between-image homogeneity. The performance of the image enhancement was quantitatively verified according to the different figures of merit benchmarking the image quality. In addition, the method could improve the neuron reconstruction in approximately 1/3 of the cases, with very few cases of degrading the reconstruction. This significantly outperformed three other approaches of image enhancement. Moreover, the compression rate was increased five times by average comparing the enhanced to the raw image. All results demonstrated the potential of the proposed method in leveraging the neuroscience by providing better 3D morphological reconstruction and lower cost of data storage and transfer.

Availability and implementation
The study is conducted based on the Vaa3D platform and python 3.7.9. The Vaa3D platform is available on the GitHub (https://github.com/Vaa3D). The source code of the proposed image enhancement as a Vaa3D plugin, the source code to benchmark the image quality and the example image blocks are available under the repository of vaa3d_tools/hackathon/SGuo/imPreProcess. The original fMost images of mouse brains can be found at the BICCN’s Brain Image Library (BIL) (https://www.brainimagelibrary.org).

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
International multicentre propensity score-matched analysis comparing robotic versus laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy
Authors: Chiow Adrian K H , Fuks David , Choi Gi-Hong , Syn Nicholas , Sucandy Iswanto , Marino Marco V , Prieto Mikel , Chong Charing C , Lee Jae Hoon , Efanov Mikhail , Kingham T Peter , Choi Sung Hoon , Sutcliffe Robert P , Troisi Roberto I , Pratschke Johann , Cheung Tan-To , Wang Xiaoying , Liu Rong , D’Hondt Mathieu , Chan Chung-Yip , Tang Chung Ngai , Han Ho-Seong , Goh Brian K P ,   International Robotic and Laparoscopic Liver Resection Study Group collaborators, D’Silva M , Schotte H , De Meyere C , Lai E , Krenzien F , Schmelzle M , Kadam P , Montalti R , Giglio M , Liu Q , Lee K F , Salimgereeva D , Alikhanov R , Lee L-S , Gastaca M , Jang J Y 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Minimally invasive right posterior sectionectomy (RPS) is a technically challenging procedure. This study was designed to determine outcomes following robotic RPS (R-RPS) and laparoscopic RPS (L-RPS).

Methods
An international multicentre retrospective analysis of patients undergoing R-RPS versus those who had purely L-RPS at 21 centres from 2010 to 2019 was performed. Patient demographics, perioperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were analysed retrospectively from a central database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed, with analysis of 1 : 2 and 1 : 1 matched cohorts.

Results
Three-hundred and forty patients, including 96 who underwent R-RPS and 244 who had L-RPS, met the study criteria and were included. The median operating time was 295 minutes and there were 25 (7.4 per cent) open conversions. Ninety-seven (28.5 per cent) patients had cirrhosis and 56 (16.5 per cent) patients required blood transfusion. Overall postoperative morbidity rate was 22.1 per cent and major morbidity rate was 6.8 per cent. The median postoperative stay was 6 days. After 1 : 1 matching of 88 R-RPS and L-RPS patients, median (i.q.r.) blood loss (200 (100–400) versus 450 (200–900) ml, respectively; P &lt; 0.001), major blood loss (&gt; 500 ml; P = 0.001), need for intraoperative blood transfusion (10.2 versus 23.9 per cent, respectively; P = 0.014), and open conversion rate (2.3 versus 11.4 per cent, respectively; P = 0.016) were lower in the R-RPS group. Similar results were found in the 1 : 2 matched groups (66 R-RPS versus 132 L-RPS patients).

Conclusion
R-RPS and L-RPS can be performed in expert centres with good outcomes in well selected patients. R-RPS was associated with reduced blood loss and lower open conversion rates than L-RPS.
Building Capacity and Infrastructure at Hospitals Implementing Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling: Experience and Lessons Learned From Nepal, Rwanda, and Tanzania
Authors: Subedi Nuwadatta , Bhattarai Suraj , Mremi Alex , Ntakirutimana Gervais , Ndayisaba Marie Claire , Rugwizangoga Belson , Mbarushimana Djibril , Hategekimana Elisée , Tuyizere Vestine , Paganelli Christina 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) is a useful tool to determine cause of death in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In 2019 the MITS Surveillance Alliance supported the implementation of small-scale postmortem studies using MITS in several LMICs.

Methods
In this article we describe the preparations, challenges, and lessons learned as part of implementing MITS across 4 study sites in 3 countries: Nepal, Rwanda, and Tanzania. We describe the process for building capacity to conduct MITS, which consisted of training in MITS sample collection, individual site assessment to determine readiness and gaps prior to implementation, site visits as sites began implementation of MITS, and feedback based on remote evaluation of histology slides via an online portal.

Results
The 4 study sites each conducted 100 MITS, for a total of 400. All 4 sites lacked sufficient infrastructure and facilities to conduct MITS, and upgrades were required. Common challenges faced by sites included that clinical autopsies were neither routinely conducted nor widely accepted. Limited clinical records made cause of death determination more difficult. Lessons learned included the importance of sensitization of the community and medical staff to MITS to enhance understanding and increase consent.

Conclusions
The study sites accomplished MITS and utilized the available support systems to overcome the challenges. The quality of the procedures was satisfactory and was facilitated through the organized capacity-building programs.
Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Nationwide Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Ga Hee , Lee Yeong Chan , Kim Tae Jun , Kim Eun Ran , Hong Sung Noh , Chang Dong Kyung , Kim Young-Ho 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsAlthough recent studies have reported that inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases via chronic intestinal inflammation and the gut-brain axis, there is insufficient evidence supporting this notion. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease [PD] and Alzheimer’s disease [AD] in patients with IBD.MethodsUsing the National Health Insurance Service data for the entire Korean population, we identified patients with IBD and controls from 2009 to 2011 and followed them up until 2017. We selected the controls in a 1:4 ratio based on age and sex for comparison with cases.ResultsOf 24 830 IBD patients and 99 320 non-IBD controls, 98 IBD patients and 256 controls developed PD, and 644 IBD patients and 2303 controls developed AD. The overall neurodegenerative disease risk was higher in IBD patients (PD: adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-1.97; AD: adjusted HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05-1.25). Younger IBD patients aged 40-65 years had a higher risk of PD compared with controls [adjusted HR, 2.34; 1.63-3.35]. In contrast, patients aged ≥65 years had an increased risk of AD compared with controls [adjusted HR, 1.14; 1.04-1.25]. In a nested case-control study of the IBD cohort, patients aged ≥65 years and the female sex were risk factors for AD, whereas living in an urban area was protective against AD.ConclusionsThe risk of neurodegenerative diseases was higher in IBD patients than in the non-IBD population.
Diagnosis and Outcome of Extranodal Primary Intestinal Lymphoma in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An ECCO CONFER Case Series
Authors: Phillips Frank , Verstockt Bram , Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe , Guerra Ivan , Teich Niels , Katsanos Konstantinos , Filip Rafal , Molnar Tamas , Karmiris Konstantinos ,   ECCO CONFER Investigators, Kopylov Uri , Ellul Pierre , Sanchez Maria Chaparro , Goren Idan , Gecse Krisztina , Beaugerie Laurent , Bossuyt Peter , Sebastian Shaji 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
There is a small but measurable increased risk of lymphoma in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], with a suggestion that primary intestinal lymphoma [PIL] in IBD is associated with inflamed tissue and immunosuppressant use, mainly thiopurines.

Methods
This multicentre case series was supported by the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation [ECCO] and performed as part of the Collaborative Network of Exceptionally Rare case reports [CONFER] project. Clinical data were recorded in a standardized case report form.

Results
Fifteen patients with intestinal lymphoma from eight centres were included (12 males, 11 patients with Crohn’s disease [CD], mean age 47.8 [±16.4 SD, range 26–76] years at lymphoma diagnosis). Lymphoma type was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL] in eight, Hodgkin’s disease in two, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue [MALT] lymphoma in three, and single cases of immunoblastic lymphoma and indolent T-cell lymphoma. Lymphoma was located within the IBD-affected area in ten patients. At lymphoma diagnosis, nine patients had a history of azathioprine or anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] use. Lymphoma was diagnosed at a mean time of 10.4 [±7.07, 1–24] years after IBD diagnosis in 11 patients, prior to IBD in two and concurrently in two. Sustained remission over a median follow-up time of 6.5 [1.5–20] years was achieved in ten patients after treatment; five of them had started biological therapy [including anti-TNFs, vedolizumab and ustekinumab] for active CD subsequent to their PIL treatment.

Conclusion
In this small case series, two-thirds of patients developed lymphoma in the IBD-affected area, and almost two-thirds had a history of thiopurine or anti-TNF use. Biologics were restarted without recurrence of lymphoma in half of the remitters.
Case report of cardiogenic shock in COVID-19 myocarditis: peculiarities on diagnosis, histology, and treatment
Authors: Fiore Giorgio , Sanvito Francesca , Fragasso Gabriele , Spoladore Roberto 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
The year 2020 was dramatically characterized by SARS-CoV-2 pandemic outbreak. COVID-19-related heart diseases and myocarditis have been reported.

Case summary
A 45-year-old healthy male was admitted to the intensive care unit of our hospital because of cardiogenic shock. A diagnosis of COVID-19 infection and myocarditis was done. We present here several peculiarities about diagnostic workup, myocardial histological findings, choice of treatment, and the patient clinical course at 3 and 8 months of follow-up.

Discussion
COVID-19 myocardial damage and myocarditis are mainly linked to the cytokine storm with mild myocardial inflammatory infiltrate and very unusual platelet microclots in the setting of the microvascular obstructive thrombo-inflammatory syndrome. Counteracting the inflammatory burden with an interleukine-1 inhibitor appeared safe and led to a dramatic and stable improvement of cardiac function.
A life-threatening reverse Takotsubo syndrome in a young breastfeeding woman: a case report
Authors: Pires Carla Marques , Rocha Sérgia , Salomé Nuno , Azevedo Pedro 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is characterized by transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and is usually triggered by emotional, physical, or combined stress. This syndrome has been increasingly recognized, although it remains a challenging and often misdiagnosed disorder.

Case summary
A 36-year-old breastfeeding woman was admitted with sudden dyspnoea and oppressive chest pain. On admission, she was lethargic, hypotensive, and tachycardic. The electrocardiogram showed rapid atrial fibrillation and diffuse ST-segment depression. The transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed severe LV systolic dysfunction, with midventricular and basal akinesis, compensatory apical hyperkinesia, and without intraventricular gradient. Emergent coronary angiogram showed normal coronary arteries. A presumptive diagnosis of reverse TTS with cardiogenic shock (CS) was made. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit after intubation and inotropic and vasopressor support was initiated. During hospitalization, rapid clinical improvement was observed. In 3 days, the patient was weaned from haemodynamic support and extubated. Furthermore, β-blocker and angiotensin receptor blocker were initiated and tolerated. Cabergoline was also administered to inhibit lactation. The presumptive diagnosis was further strengthened by cardiac magnetic resonance and all triggering factors were excluded. At hospital discharge she was asymptomatic and the follow-up TTE was normal, which confirmed the diagnosis of reverse TTS.

Discussion
We present a case of a young woman, 8 months after delivery, which developed a life-threatening reverse TTS without triggering factor identified. Reverse TTS is a rare variant of TTS with different clinical features and is more likely to be complicated by pulmonary oedema and CS.
Impact of antenatal care visits on childhood immunization: a propensity score-matched analysis using nationally representative survey
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Yuvaraj , Rehman Tanveer 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background
Evidence has suggested a relationship between antenatal care (ANC) visits and childhood immunization coverage. However, evaluating its impact using observational data suffers from the problem of selection bias. Hence, we adopted propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis for studying the impact of ANC visits on childhood immunization.

Methods
Data regarding ANC visits and childhood immunization were collected from a nationally representative survey, National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4). We performed PSM analysis with logit model using the psmatch2 command package in STATA to find the average treatment effect on the population (ATE), treated (ATT), and untreated (ATU).

Results
In total, 5,430 participants were included in the analysis. Radius matching with caliper width of 0.01 was used to match the groups. The ATT values in the intervention and control groups were 0.71 and 0.47, respectively, indicating that the immunization coverage was increased by 24% because of ANC visits. The ATU values in the intervention and control groups were 0.40 and 0.65, respectively. This indicates that for the women who did not make the ANC visits, the chance of getting their children immunized would have increased by 25% if they had made four or more visits. The final ATE estimate was 0.25 among the study participants. Quality of matching was good with no significant difference in characteristics between the two groups.

Conclusion
Findings from our study imply that policymakers in India should focus on further improving the ANC coverage as it has a significant impact on improving childhood immunization coverage.
Pandemic-related racial discrimination and its health impact among non-Indigenous racially minoritized peoples in high-income contexts: a systematic review
Authors: Yashadhana Aryati , Derbas Alexia , Biles Jessica , Grant Julian 
Published: September 2021

SummaryThis study aims to review articles reporting the perspectives and experiences of pandemic-related discrimination among racially minoritized peoples in high-income contexts. We searched online databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and ProQuest) for peer-reviewed articles published between January 2002 and October 2020. Eligible studies reported either quantitative or qualitative accounts of pandemic-related discrimination from the perspectives of racially minoritized peoples in high-income contexts. Two authors screened 30% of titles/abstracts, and all full-text articles. Each article included for extraction underwent a quality assessment by two reviewers. Data were extracted and categorized thematically using NVivo 12, followed by a secondary analysis informed by critical race theory. Of the 1289 articles screened, 16 articles from five countries met the inclusion criteria. Racial discrimination is heightened during pandemic periods, due to the social association of specific racial groups with pandemic diseases including COVID-19, SARS (Asian), H1N1 (Hispanic) and Ebola (African). Fear based responses to racially minoritized peoples during pandemic periods included verbal/physical abuse, hypersurveillance, and avoidance, often occurring in public spaces. Pandemic-related racism had subsequent impacts on mental health and health care accessibility. Various coping strategies, including community support, avoidance, and problem solving, were documented in response to racial discrimination. Racialized discrimination and violence is a serious threat to the health and wellbeing of racially minoritized peoples, particularly due to its increase during pandemic periods. Racism must be recognized as a public health issue, and efforts to address its increased impact in pandemic contexts should be made, including ensuring that adequate representation of racially minoritized groups is present in policy, planning, and implementation.
Genetic modeling of GNAO1 disorder delineates mechanisms of Gαo dysfunction
Authors: Wang Dandan , Dao Maria , Muntean Brian S , Giles Andrew C , Martemyanov Kirill A , Grill Brock 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
GNAO1 encephalopathy is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a spectrum of symptoms that include dystonic movements, seizures and developmental delay. While numerous GNAO1 mutations are associated with this disorder, the functional consequences of pathological variants are not completely understood. Here, we deployed the invertebrate C. elegans as a whole-animal behavioral model to study the functional effects of GNAO1 disorder-associated mutations. We tested several pathological GNAO1 mutations for effects on locomotor behaviors using a combination of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and transgenic overexpression in vivo. We report that all three mutations tested (G42R, G203R and R209C) result in strong loss of function defects when evaluated as homozygous CRISPR alleles. In addition, mutations produced dominant negative effects assessed using both heterozygous CRISPR alleles and transgenic overexpression. Experiments in mice confirmed dominant negative effects of GNAO1 G42R, which impaired numerous motor behaviors. Thus, GNAO1 pathological mutations result in conserved functional outcomes across animal models. Our study further establishes the molecular genetic basis of GNAO1 encephalopathy, and develops a CRISPR-based pipeline for functionally evaluating mutations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Total arch replacement in octogenarians
Authors: Hachiro Kohei , Kinoshita Takeshi , Suzuki Tomoaki , Asai Tohru 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We investigated the effect of a preoperative age ≥80 years on postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent isolated elective total arch replacement using mild hypothermic lower body circulatory arrest with bilateral antegrade selective cerebral perfusion.

METHODS
A total of 140 patients who had undergone isolated elective total arch replacement between January 2007 and December 2020 were enrolled in the present study. We compared postoperative outcomes between 30 octogenarian patients (≥80 years old; Octogenarian group) and 110 non-octogenarian patients (≤79 years old; Non-Octogenarian group).

RESULTS
Overall 30-day mortality and hospital mortality were 0% in both groups, and there was no significant difference in overall survival between the 2 groups (log-rank test, P = 0.108). Univariable Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that age as continuous variable was only the predictor of mid-term all-cause death (hazard ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.16; P = 0.037), but not in the Octogenarians subgroup (P = 0.119).

CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative age ≥80 years is not associated with worse outcomes postoperatively after isolated elective total arch replacement with mild hypothermic lower body circulatory arrest and bilateral antegrade selective cerebral perfusion.
Analysis of a Galerkin finite element method for the Maxwell–Schrödinger system under temporal gauge
Authors: Ma Chupeng , Zhang Yongwei , Cao Liqun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This paper is concerned with the numerical solution of the Maxwell–Schrödinger system under the temporal gauge, which describes light–matter interactions. We first propose a semidiscrete finite element scheme for the system and establish stability estimates for the finite element solution. Due to the lack of control over its divergence we cannot get $\textbf{H}^{1}$$a \;priori$ estimates for the vector potential, making it difficult to obtain error estimates by usual techniques. We apply an exhaustion argument to overcome this difficulty and derive error estimates for the finite element approximation. An energy-conserving time-stepping scheme is proposed to solve the semidiscrete system.
Evaluation of amoxicillin, metronidazole and gentamicin dosage regimens for use in antibiotic prophylaxis in colorectal surgery
Authors: da Silva Neto M J J , MacKay G , Agaram R , MacLeod M , Watson D G , Thomson A H 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate amoxicillin, metronidazole and gentamicin dosage regimens for antibiotic prophylaxis in colorectal surgery.

Methods
The study was conducted in 20 patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Patients received one or two doses of amoxicillin 1000 mg, metronidazole 500 mg and gentamicin 3 mg/kg ideal body weight, banded by height. Antibiotic concentrations were measured up to 7 h post dose. Population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) analysis with NONMEM followed by Monte Carlo simulation of different dosage regimens was used to estimate the PTA for potential organisms associated with surgical site infections (SSIs).

Results
A median of 5 (range 3–6) concentrations were available per patient. CL and V of all antibiotics were related to weight; gentamicin CL was also related to CLCR. The administered doses maintained the desired PTA up to 8 h for the Streptococcus anginosus group but not for enterococci, Bacteroides fragilis group, MSSA, and Escherichia coli. An additional 500 mg amoxicillin every 4 h was sufficient to achieve the PTA for most relevant organisms but 2 hourly dosing was required for patients at risk of infective endocarditis. A metronidazole dose of 1000 mg was required for patients &gt;85 kg. In patients with CLCR &gt;50 mL/min, 5 mg/kg gentamicin (with an additional 2.5 mg/kg in prolonged surgery at 6 h) maintained PTA targets for &gt;10 h.

Conclusions
PopPK analysis with Monte Carlo simulation identified prophylactic antibiotic regimens that would maintain the PTA for organisms associated with SSIs during short- and long-duration colorectal surgery.