bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TEMImageNet training library and AtomSegNet deep-learning models for high-precision atom segmentation, localization, denoising, and deblurring of atomic-resolution images
Authors: Lin Ruoqian , Zhang Rui , Wang Chunyang , Yang Xiao-Qing , Xin Huolin L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAtom segmentation and localization, noise reduction and deblurring of atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images with high precision and robustness is a challenging task. Although several conventional algorithms, such has thresholding, edge detection and clustering, can achieve reasonable performance in some predefined sceneries, they tend to fail when interferences from the background are strong and unpredictable. Particularly, for atomic-resolution STEM images, so far there is no well-established algorithm that is robust enough to segment or detect all atomic columns when there is large thickness variation in a recorded image. Herein, we report the development of a training library and a deep learning method that can perform robust and precise atom segmentation, localization, denoising, and super-resolution processing of experimental images. Despite using simulated images as training datasets, the deep-learning model can self-adapt to experimental STEM images and shows outstanding performance in atom detection and localization in challenging contrast conditions and the precision consistently outperforms the state-of-the-art two-dimensional Gaussian fit method. Taking a step further, we have deployed our deep-learning models to a desktop app with a graphical user interface and the app is free and open-source. We have also built a TEM ImageNet project website for easy browsing and downloading of the training data.
Prevalence of spine degeneration diagnosis by type, age, gender, and obesity using Medicare data
Authors: Parenteau Chantal S. , Lau Edmund C. , Campbell Ian C. , Courtney Amy 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIdentifying the prevalence of degenerative spinal pathologies and relevant demographic risk factors is important for understanding spine injury risk, prevention, treatment, and outcome, and for distinguishing acute injuries from degenerative pathologies. Prevalence data in the literature are often based on small-scale studies focused on a single type of pathology. This study evaluates the prevalence of diagnosis of selected degenerative spinal pathology diagnoses using Medicare insurance claim data in the context of published smaller-scale studies. In addition, the data are used to evaluate whether the prevalence is affected by age, sex, diagnosed obesity, and the use of medical imaging. The Medicare Claims 5% Limited Data Set was queried to identify diagnoses of degenerative spinal pathologies. Unique patient diagnoses per year were further evaluated as a function of age, gender, and obesity diagnosis. Participants were also stratified by coding for radiological imaging accompanying each diagnosis. The overall prevalence of diagnosed spinal degenerative disease was 27.3% and increased with age. The prevalence of diagnosed disc disease was 2.7 times greater in those with radiology. The results demonstrate that degenerative findings in the spine are common, and, since asymptomatic individuals may not receive a diagnosis of degenerative conditions, this analysis likely underestimates the general prevalence of these conditions.
A novel missense mutation in the HSF4 gene of giant pandas with senile congenital cataracts
Authors: You Yuyan , Bai Chao , Liu Xuefeng , Xia Maohua , Yin Yanqiang , Chen Yucun , Wang Wei , Jia Ting , Lu Yan , Pu Tianchun , Zhang Chenglin , Li Xiaoguang , Wang Liqin , Xiu Yunfang , Niu Lili , Zhou Jun , Du Yang , Liu Yanhui , Xu Suhui 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCataracts are a common cause of visual impairment and blindness in mammals. They are usually associated with aging, but approximately one third of cases have a significant genetic component. Cataracts are increasingly prevalent among aging populations of captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and it is therefore important to identify genetic determinants that influence the likelihood of cataract development in order to distinguish between congenital and age-related disease. Here we screened for cataract-related genetic effects using a functional candidate gene approach combined with bioinformatics to identify the underlying genetic defect in a giant panda with congenital cataracts. We identified a missense mutation in exon 10 of the HSF4 gene encoding heat shock transcription factor 4. The mutation causes the amino acid substitution R377W in a highly conserved segment of the protein between the isoform-specific and downstream hydrophobic regions. Predictive modeling revealed that the substitution is likely to increase the hydrophobicity of the protein and disrupt interactions with spatially adjacent amino acid side chains. The mutation was not found in 13 unaffected unrelated animals but was found in an unrelated animal also diagnosed with senile congenital cataract. The novel missense mutation in the HSF4 gene therefore provides a potential new genetic determinant that could help to predict the risk of cataracts in giant pandas.
Aerobic exercise and aerobic fitness level do not modify motor learning
Authors: Hung Andrea , Roig Marc , Gillen Jenna B. , Sabiston Catherine M. , Swardfager Walter , Chen Joyce L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMotor learning may be enhanced when a single session of aerobic exercise is performed immediately before or after motor skill practice. Most research to date has focused on aerobically trained (AT) individuals, but it is unknown if aerobically untrained (AU) individuals would equally benefit. We aimed to: (a) replicate previous studies and determine the effect of rest (REST) versus exercise (EXE) on motor skill retention, and (b) explore the effect of aerobic fitness level (AU, AT), assessed by peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), on motor skill retention after exercise. Forty-four participants (20–29 years) practiced a visuomotor tracking task (acquisition), immediately followed by 25-min of high-intensity cycling or rest. Twenty-four hours after acquisition, participants completed a motor skill retention test. REST and EXE groups significantly improved motor skill performance during acquisition [F(3.17, 133.22) = 269.13, P = 0.001], but had no group differences in motor skill retention across time. AU-exercise (VO2peak = 31.6 ± 4.2 ml kg−1 min−1) and AT-exercise (VO2peak = 51.5 ± 7.6 ml kg−1 min−1) groups significantly improved motor skill performance during acquisition [F(3.07, 61.44) = 155.95, P = 0.001], but had no group differences in motor skill retention across time. Therefore, exercise or aerobic fitness level did not modify motor skill retention.
EEG-based diagnostics of the auditory system using cochlear implant electrodes as sensors
Authors: Somers Ben , Long Christopher J. , Francart Tom 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe cochlear implant is one of the most successful medical prostheses, allowing deaf and severely hearing-impaired persons to hear again by electrically stimulating the auditory nerve. A trained audiologist adjusts the stimulation settings for good speech understanding, known as “fitting” the implant. This process is based on subjective feedback from the user, making it time-consuming and challenging, especially in paediatric or communication-impaired populations. Furthermore, fittings only happen during infrequent sessions at a clinic, and therefore cannot take into account variable factors that affect the user’s hearing, such as physiological changes and different listening environments. Objective audiometry, in which brain responses evoked by auditory stimulation are collected and analysed, removes the need for active patient participation. However, recording of brain responses still requires expensive equipment that is cumbersome to use. An elegant solution is to record the neural signals using the implant itself. We demonstrate for the first time the recording of continuous electroencephalographic (EEG) signals from the implanted intracochlear electrode array in human subjects, using auditory evoked potentials originating from different brain regions. This was done using a temporary recording set-up with a percutaneous connector used for research purposes. Furthermore, we show that the response morphologies and amplitudes depend crucially on the recording electrode configuration. The integration of an EEG system into cochlear implants paves the way towards chronic neuro-monitoring of hearing-impaired patients in their everyday environment, and neuro-steered hearing prostheses, which can autonomously adjust their output based on neural feedback.
The effect of flue-curing procedure on the dynamic change of microbial diversity of tobaccos
Authors: Hu Binbin , Gu Kaiyuan , Gong Jiangshiqi , Zhang Ke , Chen Dan , He Xian , Chen Yi , Gao Kaixian , Jin Yan , Huang Kun , Zhu Yanmei , Zou Congming 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe purpose of the study is to explore the effect of flue-curing procedure on the diversity of microbial communities in tobaccos and the dynamic change of compositions of microbial communities in the flue-curing process. It expects to provide a theoretical basis for the application of microbes in tobacco leaves and a theoretical basis and idea for optimization of the flue-curing technologies. By investigating tobacco variety K326, the tests were carried out for comparing the conventional flue-curing procedure and dry-ball temperature set and wet-ball temperature degradation flue-curing procedure. Based on the culture-independent approach and high-throughput sequencing procedure, the relationship between the flue-curing procedure for tobaccos and microbial communities in tobaccos was revealed by measuring the dynamic change of microbial communities. The results indicated that:(1) Relative to surface wiping method, washing method was more suitable for the sampling of microbes on the surface of tobacco leaves; (2) Dry-ball temperature set and wet-ball temperature degradation flue-curing procedure was more favorable for maintaining the microbial diversity of tobaccos; (3) Relative to bacteria of the tobaccos, the succession rule of the fungal communities in tobaccos was relatively steady; (4)Compared with bacterial community diversity, the fungal community diversity presented an obvious negative correlation with temperature and humidity during the flue-curing process. (5) The function of bacterial communities in tobaccos matched with the material transformation law of tobaccos, having a direct correlation on the flue-curing process. In short, Dry-ball temperature set and wet-ball temperature degradation flue-curing procedure can more favorably maintain the microbial diversity of tobaccos; moreover, the function of the tobacco system involved in microbes in tobaccos was closely related to the material transformation law of tobaccos in the flue-curing process. It validated that the bacteria in tobaccos play an important role in the flue-curing process of tobaccos.
Complications and hospital stay after endoscopic retrieval of drug baggies in body stuffers: an observational prospective study
Authors: Shabani Mahtab , Kefayati Marzieh , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein , Zamani Nasim , McDonald Rebecca 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBody stuffers routinely receive conservative treatment, i.e. administration of the laxative polyethylene glycol for the passage of ingested drug baggies and observation. Endoscopic baggie removal may offer a safe alternative that could result in shorter hospitalization. We aimed to compare complications, hospital stay, and final outcome in body stuffers assigned to endoscopy versus conservative treatment. This is an observational prospective study of body stuffers presenting to a clinical toxicology center in Tehran (Iran) in 2016–2019, irrespective of the drug ingested. Eligible patients had baggies in their upper gastrointestinal tract and presented without severe poisoning. Patients received either endoscopy or conservative treatment, and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. A total of 69 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 29 years (range 18–64), among whom 1 was female (2%). Eighteen and 51 patients were endoscopically and conservatively managed, respectively. Drugs most commonly ingested were heroin in endoscopy patients (8/18 cases; 44%) and methamphetamine in the conservative group (28/51 cases; 55%). Endoscopy patients had a shorter hospital stay (median 1.5 vs. 2 days, P = 0.018). In the conservative group, one patient died, and the rate of complications was significantly higher, with more patients experiencing side effects (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.2, 1.7) and requiring intubation (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1, 1.5). Endoscopic retrieval was associated with fewer complications and shorter hospitalization. Endoscopy may be a safe treatment for body stuffers without severe poisoning on presentation.
Long-term monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater of the Frankfurt metropolitan area in Southern Germany
Authors: Agrawal Shelesh , Orschler Laura , Lackner Susanne 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a great approach that enables us to comprehensively monitor the community to determine the scale and dynamics of infections in a city, particularly in metropolitan cities with a high population density. Therefore, we monitored the time course of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration in raw sewage in the Frankfurt metropolitan area, the European financial center. To determine the SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration in sewage, we continuously collected 24 h composite samples twice a week from two wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influents (Niederrad and Sindlingen) serving the Frankfurt metropolitan area and performed RT-qPCR analysis targeting three genes (N gene, S gene, and ORF1ab gene). In August, a resurgence in the SARS-CoV-2 RNA load was observed, reaching 3 × 1013 copies/day, which represented similar levels compared to April with approx. 2 × 1014 copies/day. This corresponds to a continuous increase again in COVID-19 cases in Frankfurt since August, with an average of 28.6 incidences, compared to 28.7 incidences in April. Different temporal dynamics were observed between different sampling points, indicating local dynamics in COVID-19 cases within the Frankfurt metropolitan area. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA load to the WWTP Niederrad ranged from approx. 4 × 1011 to 1 × 1015 copies/day, the load to the WWTP Sindlingen from approx. 1 × 1011 to 2 × 1014 copies/day, which resulted in a preceding increase in these loading in July ahead of the weekly averaged incidences. The study shows that WBE has the potential as an early warning system for SARS-CoV-2 infections and a monitoring system to identify global hotspots of COVID-19.
A novel management for postprostatectomy urinary incontinence: platelet-rich plasma urethral sphincter injection
Authors: Lee Ping-Jui , Jiang Yuan-Hong , Kuo Hann-Chorng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) is the most innovative blood-derived product used in regenerative medicine. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of PRP urethral sphincter injection for the management of postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI). In total, 28 PPI patients with a mean age of 71.8 ± 8.9 years were prospectively enrolled. They received four PRP urethral sphincter injections each month. The clinical outcomes were assessed 3 months after the fourth injection as posttreatment Global Response Assessment (GRA) score, the newly designed visual analogue scale of stress urinary incontinence (VAS of SUI), and in urodynamic parameters. After injections, the posttreatment median GRA with quartiles was 2.0 (1.0, 2.0). Overall, six (21.4%) patients achieved complete continence and pad-free status, 20 (71.4%) achieved successful outcome (GRA score ≥ 2), and 26 (92.9%) showed clinical improvement (GRA score ≥ 1). The VAS of SUI significantly improved from 6.5 (5.0, 8.0) to 3.5 (2.0–5.8) (p < 0.001) as well as abdominal leak point pressure, from 57.5 (50.0, 115.0) to 126.0 (68.3, 150.0), (p = 0.004). After repeated PRP urethral sphincter injections, the SUI severity reduced significantly with high success rates. There was no major adverse event, except three patients with mild hematuria and micturition pain. In conclusion, PRP urethral sphincter injection is safe and effective as a novel management of PPI.
Bioconjugate synthesis, phytochemical analysis, and optical activity of NiFe2O4 nanoparticles for the removal of ciprofloxacin and Congo red from water
Authors: Taj Muhammad Babar , Alkahtani Muneera D. F. , Raheel Ahmad , Shabbir Saima , Fatima Rida , Aroob Sadia , yahya Rana , Alelwani Walla , Alahmadi Nadiyah , Abualnaja Matokah , Noor Sadia , Ahmad Raja Hammad , Alshater Heba 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this paper, Jr.NiFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized first time using the leaves extract of Juglans regia via a straightforward process. The physio and phytochemical analysis of plant confirm the presence of macromolecules which function as bio-reductant and stabilize the nanoparticles. The Jr.NiFe2O4 NPs were characterized by UV–visible, FTIR spectroscopy, PXRD pattern, SEM and TGA/DTA analysis. The nanoparticles proved to be optically active having a value of indirect bandgap of energy in the range of 1.53 eV. The Jr.NiFe2O4 NPs have the ability in scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) free radicals and showed 58.01% ± 1.2% scavenging activity at 100 µg/mL concentrations. The photocatalytic degradation study of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and Congo red (CR) reveals that the highest degradation rate was acquired for CIP using pH = 3, at 254 nm, while 85% of removal rate was analysed for CR. The kinetic studies in case of CR removal followed pseudo-first-order model with thermodynamic parameters (∆G° = − 5.87 kJ mol−1 K, ΔH° = 1393.50 kJ mol−1 and ΔS° = 22.537 kJ mol−1 K) with error analysis. Overall, these data recommend an innovative inspiring application of a plant-mediated synthesis of Jr.NiFe2O4 NPs.
Dynamic changes in marital status and survival in women with breast cancer: a population-based study
Authors: Ding Wu , Ruan Guodong , Lin Yingli , Zhu Jianming , Tu Chuanjian , Li Zhian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMarital status proved to be an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with breast cancer. We therefore strove to explore the impact of dynamic changes in marital status on the prognosis of breast cancer patients. We selected patients meeting the eligibility criteria from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer database. We then used multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model to analyze the effect of dynamic changes in marital status on the prognosis of overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific special survival (BCSS). Compared with the patients in the Single–Single group and the divorced/separated/widowed–divorced/separated/widowed (DSW–DSW) group, patients in the Married–Married group were significantly associated with better BCSS (HR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03–1.19, P < 0.001; HR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.14–1.25, P < 0.001, respectively) and OS (HR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.20–1.30, P < 0.001; HR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.45–1.54, P < 0.001, respectively). In contrast to the DSW–DSW group, the Single–Single group and the DSW–Married group showed similar BCSS (HR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.92–1.05, P = 0.660; HR 1.06, 95% CI: 0.97–1.15, P = 0.193, respectively) but better OS (HR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.09–1.19, P < 0.001; HR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.25–1.40, P < 0.001, respectively). Compared with the Single–Single group, the Single–Married group showed significantly better BCSS (HR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.07–1.36, P = 0.003) but no difference in OS (HR 1.08, 95% CI: 0.98–1.18, P = 0.102); In contrast to the Married–DSW group, the Married–Married group exhibited better BCSS (HR 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05–1.18, P < 0.001) and OS (HR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.22–1.32, P < 0.001). Our study demonstrated that, regardless of their previous marital status, married patients had a better prognosis than unmarried patients. Moreover, single patients obtained better survival outcomes than DSW patients. Therefore, it is necessary to proactively provide single and DSW individuals with appropriate social and psychological support that would benefit them.
Partial hepatectomy enhances the growth of CC531 rat colorectal cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Herrero de la Parte Borja , González-Arribas Mikel , Diaz-Sanz Iñaki , Palomares Teodoro , García-Alonso Ignacio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPartial hepatectomy (PHx) is the gold standard for the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases. However, after removing a substantial amount of hepatic tissue, growth factors are released to induce liver regeneration, which may promote the proliferation of liver micrometastases or circulating tumour cells still present in the patient. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of PHx on the growth of liver metastases induced by intrasplenic cell inoculation as well as on in vitro proliferation of the same cancer cell line. Liver tumours were induced in 18 WAG/RijHsd male rats, by seeding 250,000 syngeneic colorectal cancer cells (CC531) into the spleen. The left lateral lobe of the liver was mobilized and in half of the animals it was removed to achieve a 40% hepatectomy. Twenty-eight days after tumour induction, the animals were sacrificed and the liver was removed and sliced to assess the relative tumour surface area (RTSA%). CC531 cells were cultured in presence of foetal calf serum, non-hepatectomised (NRS) or hepatectomized rat serum (HRS), and their proliferation rate at 24, 48, and 72 h was measured. RTSA% was significantly higher in animals which had undergone PHx than in the controls (non-hepatectomised) (46.98 ± 8.76% vs. 18.73 ± 5.65%; p < 0.05). Analysing each lobe separately, this difference in favour of hepatectomized animals was relevant and statistically significant in the paramedian and caudate lobes. But in the right lobe the difference was scarce and not significant. In vitro, 2.5% HRS achieved stronger proliferative rates than the control cultures (10% FCS) or their equivalent of NRS. In this experimental model, a parallelism has been shown between the effect of PHx on the growth of colorectal cancer cells in the liver and the effect of the serum on those cells in vitro.