bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arrhythmic Heartbeat Classification Using 2D Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Degirmenci Murside , Ozdemir Mehmet Akif , Izci Elif , Akan Aydin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background: Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a method of recording the electrical activity of the heart and it provides a diagnostic means for heart-related diseases. Arrhythmia is any irregularity of the heartbeat that causes an abnormality in the heart rhythm. Early detection of arrhythmia has great importance to prevent many diseases. Manual analysis of ECG recordings is not practical for quickly identifying arrhythmias that may cause sudden deaths. Hence, many studies have been presented to develop computer-aided-diagnosis (CAD) systems to automatically identify arrhythmias.Methods: This paper proposes a novel deep learning approach to identify arrhythmias in ECG signals. The proposed approach identifies arrhythmia classes using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) trained by two-dimensional (2D) ECG beat images. Firstly, ECG signals, which consist of 5 different arrhythmias, are segmented into heartbeats which are transformed into 2D grayscale images. Afterward, the images are used as input for training a new CNN architecture to classify heartbeats. Results: The experimental results show that the classification performance of the proposed approach reaches an overall accuracy of 99.7%, sensitivity of 99.7%, and specificity of 99.22% in the classification of five different ECG arrhythmias. Further, the proposed CNN architecture is compared to other popular CNN architectures such as LeNet and ResNet-50 to evaluate the performance of the study.Conclusions: Test results demonstrate that the deep network trained by ECG images provides outstanding classification performance of arrhythmic ECG signals and outperforms similar network architectures. Moreover, the proposed method has lower computational costs compared to existing methods and is more suitable for mobile device-based diagnosis systems as it does not involve any complex preprocessing process. Hence, the proposed approach provides a simple and robust automatic cardiac arrhythmia detection scheme for the classification of ECG arrhythmias.
Cyclin Dependent Kinase 19 Upregulation Correlates With Unfavorable Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cai Xiaopeng , Deng Jingwen , zhou Jiaming , Cai Huiqiang , Chen Zhi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objectives: Cyclin dependent kinase 19 (CDK19) is a component of the Mediator co-activator complex, which is required for transcriptional activation. In this study, we will utilize the public data and combine it with wet-bench experiments in hepatic cell lines to elucidate the potential roles of CDK19 in hepatocellular cancer (HCC).Materials and Methods: We studied the relationships between CDK19 expression and several clinical features related with HCC by consulting Oncomine and UALCAN. The prognostic value of CDK19 was tested using the Kaplan‐Meier Plotter database. We presented the mutations of CDK19 and addressed its relations with immune cells with the use of cBioPortal, and COSMIC and TIMER database. Hub genes were obtained and further analysed using the STRING database. To test the in silico findings, we knocked down CDK19 with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) technology in two hepatic cell lines, and then several functional characterization experiments were conducted. Results: A remarkably higher level of CDK19 expression was found in HCC tissues than normal liver tissues, and CDK19 mRNA expression has high diagnostic value in HCC patients. Subgroup analysis showed that CDK19 overexpression were associated with gender, tumor stage and TP53 mutant. Prognostic values of CDK19 upregulation for overall survival (OS) were significant in patients with stage 2-3, stage 3-4, grade 2 and etc. 1% of the patients have mutations at CDK19, and we did not observe a potential relationship between CDK19 mutation and prognosis. CDK19 showed positive correlations with the abundances of CD4+ T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. We identified 10 genes that correlated with CDK19, 8 of which presented excellent prognostic value in HCC. Besides, these hub genes were directly involved in cell division and regulation of G2/M transition of mitotic cell cycle. PPI and pathway predictions indicated that CDK19 should have a high possibility to be involved with several cellular functions, such as proliferation, migration, and invasion. These functions were strongly interfered in two independent hepatic cell lines, after knocking down CDK19. Conclusions: CDK19 could serve as a prognostic marker in HCC and it deserves further work to test its therapeutic potential to HCC.
The Prognostic Multivariate Models For Severe Complications After Heart Valve Surgery
Authors: Liu Yunqi , Xiao Jiefei , Duan Xiaoying , Lu Xingwei , gong Xin , Chen Jiantao , Xiong Mai , Yin Shengli , Guo Xiaobo , Wu Zhongkai 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: To provide prognostic multivariate models for severe complications prediction after heart valvular surgery, such as low cardiac output syndrome (LOCS), acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis (AKI-rH) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).Methods: We developed multivariate logistic regression models to predict the severe complications after heart valvular surgery using 930 patients collected retrospectively from the first affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from January 2014 to December 2015. The validation was conducted using a retrospective dataset of 713 patients from the same hospital from January 2016 to March 2017. We considered two kinds of prognostic models: the PRF models which were built by using the preoperative risk factors only, and the PIRF models which were built by using both of the preoperative and intraoperative risk factors. The Least absolute shrinkage selector operator was used for developing the models. We assessed and compared the discriminative abilities for both of the PRF and PIRF models via the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: Compared with the PRF models, the PIRF modes selected additional intraoperative factors, such as auxiliary cardiopulmonary bypass time and combined tricuspid valve replacement. The area under the curves (AUCs) of the PRF models for predicting LOCS, AKI-rH and MODS are 0.565 (0.466, 0.664), 0.688 (0.62, 0.757) and 0.657 (0.563, 0.751), respectively. As a comparison, the AUCs of the PIRF models for predicting LOCS, AKI-rH and MODS are 0.821 (0.747, 0.896), 0.78 (0.717, 0.843) and 0.774 (0.7, 0.847), respectively. Conclusions: Adding the intraoperative factors can increase the predictive power of the prognostic models for severe complications prediction after heart valvular surgery.
Transcriptome Analysis of Intestinal Dysfunction in Newborn Piglets with Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Improve their Performance by Dimethylglycine Sodium Salt Supplementation after Weaning
Authors: Bai Kaiwen , Jiang Luyi , Li Qiming , Zhang Jingfei , Zhang Lili , Wang Tian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Few studies are available on the mechanism of intestinal dysfunction in newborn piglets with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This work aimed to study the mechanism of jejunum dysfunction in IUGR newborn piglets through RNA-seq and improve their performance by dimethylglycine sodium salt (DMG-Na) supplementation after weaning.
Methods

In total, 13 normal birth weight (NBW) newborn piglets and 23 IUGR newborn piglets were obtained. Among them, 3 NBW and 3 IUGR newborn piglets were selected and stunned by electric shock after birth without suckling and collected the jejunum samples for RNA-sEq. After weaning at 21 days, they were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n = 10): NBW weaned piglets fed with common basal diets (N); IUGR weaned piglets fed with common basal diets (I); IUGR weaned piglets fed with common basal diets plus 0.1% DMG-Na (ID). All piglets are slaughtered at 49 days of age to collect serum and jejunum samples.
Results

The hub genes, including ATP8, C11orf86, CDKN1C, DDX58. HPX, INHBB, LECT2, ND1, NFIX, PRDM5, PSD3, SCD, and ZNF770, were found from the data analyzed by RNA-seq and WGCNA. Interestingly, we found ATP8 was the most significantly changed gene, which was crucial in maintaining mitochondrial function. After weaning, the growth performance of ID group was improved (P < 0.05) compared to that in I group. Jejunum histological morphology and its sub-organelle ultrastructure, serum immunoglobulin, jejunum sIgA level, and jejunum digestive enzyme activity were improved (P < 0.05) in ID group compared to those in I group. The redox status of serum, jejunum and its mitochondrial, as well as jejunum redox status-related and mitochondrial function-related gene expression level and protein content were improved (P < 0.05) in ID group in comparison to those in I group.
Conclusion

The activity of the SIRT1/PGC1α pathway was inhibited in the IUGR weaned piglets, which in turn leads to damage to their redox status and jejunum structure and function, and finally lowers their performance. The IUGR weaned piglets activate the SIRT1/PGC1α pathway by taking in the antioxidant substance like DMG-Na, thereby improving their unfavorable body state.
Prognostic Factors in Non-Occlusive Mesenteric Ischemia: A Pragmatic Pre-Operative Score for the Prediction of 28-day Mortality
Authors: CALAME PAUL , Winiszewski Hadrien , Doussot Alexandre , Lakkis Zaher , Verdot Pierre , Pili-Floury Sebastien , Heyd Bruno , Piton Gael , Delabrousse Eric 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The prognosis of critical ill patients with non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is poor and not fully understood. Preoperative prognostic factors are needed. The aim of this study was to determine preoperative factors associated with 28-day mortality in a cohort of ICU patients requiring laparotomy for NOMI. The secondary objective was to determine general prognostic factors associated with NOMI.
Methods
This retrospective observational study was performed in a University Hospital among critically ill patients 18 years old or older who underwent a laparotomy for NOMI from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2019, and who had an available contrast enhanced CT with at least one portal venous phase. Variables were collected at the time of the CT. All variables associated with 28-day mortality were entered into a multivariate cox regression model and were used to compute a NOMI mortality score.
Results
During the study period, 154 patients underwent laparotomy for NOMI after having benefited from an abdominal enhanced CT. The 28-day mortality rate was 56%. Variable at the time of ICU admission and at the time of the CT were collected. Surgical and histopathologic findings were recorded. Multivariable analyses on 28-day mortality including variables at the time of the CT identified three independent variables (i.e. lactates > 7mmol/l, prothrombin rate < 60% and kidney infarction), included in a simple mortality score. For each variable associated with 28 days mortality, 1 point was attributed. Among the study population, the probability of 28-day mortality was 26% (11/42), 54% (26/48), 77% (23/30) and 100% (21/21) for a survival score of 0, 1, 2 and 3, respectively. A second explorative multivariate cox regression model including the variables at the time of ICU admission showed that jejunal transmural necrosis was the only operative finding associated with death (HR = 2.26 CI95%[1.14–4.71]).
Conclusion
We identified three preoperative factors independently associated with short-
Synthetic MRI for Evaluation of Brain Gliomas Grade and Tumor Proliferative Activity：A Retrospective Study
Authors: Xie Jiapei , Zhang Weidong , Xiao Liang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
PURPOSE

The evaluation of gliomas grade and proliferation contribute to improve prognosis. We explored the clinical value of synthetic MRI in evaluating quantitatively gliomas grade and predicting tumor proliferative activity.
METHODS

Forty-six patients with histopathologically proven gliomas were included in this study and underwent MAGnetic resonance Image Compilation within 1 week before surgery. T1 values pre- and post-contrast agent (T1-pre, T1-Gd) and T2 values pre-contrast agent (T2-pre) were measured in tumor solid parts and normal white matter of contralateral mirror. T1 and T2 values were compared with gliomas grade and expression of proliferation marker Ki-67. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic performance of each metric.
RESULTS

The values of T1-pre, ΔT1[(T1-pre) – (T1-Gd)] and Ki-67 labeling index (Ki-67 LI) were significantly higher in the group of high-grade gliomas ( HGGs, n = 26) compared with the group of low-grade gliomas ( LGGs, n = 20), whereas T1-Gd and the ratio of T1-Gd (rT1-Gd, tumor-to-normal ratio) values were significantly lower in the group of HGGs compared with the group of LGGs. Receiver operating characteristic analysis curves showed that ΔT1 values had the highest diagnostic value (sensitivity: 96.20%, specificity: 60.00%) for gliomas grade, and the optical cut-off value was 277.88ms. T1-pre (rs=0.47, P = 0.001) and ΔT1 (rs=0.56, P༜0.001) values were positively correlated with Ki-67 LI. T1-Gd (rs=-0.42, P = 0.004) and rT1-Gd (rs=-0.40, P = 0.007) values were negatively correlated with Ki-67 LI.
CONCLUSIONS

Synthetic MRI is helpful to distinguish HGGs from LGGs and predict the tumor proliferative activity.
First-Line Chemotherapy Response Is a Predictive Factor for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Treatment in Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma, a Real World Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Jian-Ri , Wang Shian-Shiang , Lu Kevin , Chen Chuan-Shu , Cheng Chen-Li , Chen Cheng-Che , Hung Sheng-Chun , Lin Chia-Yen , Chiu Kun-Yuan , Hsu Chiann Yi , Yang Cheng-Kuang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become important tools for the treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC). However, the clinical strategy using ICIs and chemotherapy is still controversy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of clinical parameters in aUC patients with ICIs treatment.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed aUC patients who received atezolizumab and pembrolizumab between January 2015 and October 2020. The associations between baseline demographics and clinical outcomes were evaluated.Results: Of the 74 included patients, the median age was 67 years. Among them, 53 patients received atezolizumab and the other 21 received pembrolizumab. There were 50 patients receiving first line ICIs therapy and the other 24 received second line monotherapy. Fifty-two (83.87%, 52/62) received cisplatin among all chemotherapy patients. The median progression free survival was 10.94 months and the overall survival was 28.44 months. Poor chemotherapy response or no chemotherapy, liver metastases, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status and higher neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were associated with higher risk of diseases progression (HR=5.70, 95% CI 2.04-15.90, p=0.001, HR=6.08, 95% CI 1.79-20.57, p=0.004; HR=5.40, 95% CI 1.76-16.57, p=0.003; HR=6.08, 95% CI 2.56-14.44, p<0.001 and HR= 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03, P=0.002 respectively). Liver metastases and WBC before ICI were associated with increased death risk (HR=11.95, 95%CI 3.22-44.34, p<0.001; HR=1.0001, 95% CI 1.00001-1.00002, p=0.036 respectively) while ICI response was associated with decreased death (HR=0.22, 95%CI 0.08-0.62, p=0.004). Chemotherapy responders were associated with better ICI treatment response (OR=6.52, 95%CI 1.45-29.24, p=0.014) while lymph node metastases and poor ECOG was associated with poor ICI response (OR=0.31, 95%CI 0.10-0.94, p=0.038; OR=0.32, 95%CI 0.11-0.95, p=0.040).Conclusions: Our data showed predictive role of first-line chemotherapy response to ICIs treatment efficacy in aUC patients as well as other prognostic factors, such as ECOG status, serum white blood cell count or NLR and liver metastases.
Biochemical characterisation of potentially contagious haemic neoplasia occurring in the Baltic clam Limecola balthica
Authors: Anna Hallmann , Alicja Michnowska , Agnieszka Chomiczewska , Marcin Lipiński , Katarzyna Smolarz 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Occurring in marine invertebrates haemic (leukemia-like) neoplasia, a disease of potentially infectious nature, arises from genome instabilities leading to multilevel malfunctions and unregulated cell division of presumably haemocyte precursors. As its biochemical characterisation remains unknown, we here present results describing selected physiological and biochemical aspects of the disease measured in neoplastic and healthy clams Limecola balthica. Activities of adenosine deaminase (ADA), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and FAA levels were measured in haemolymph but no differences in ADA and ALP activities between healthy and neoplastic clams were found. In both clam groups nine FAAs were detected with Asp, Glu, Pro, Ser constituting over 90% of total FAA content. Significantly higher Gln level was detected in leukemic-like clams suggesting an essential role of this FAA in cancer energy production. In neoplastic cells, an impairment of mitochondrial metabolism was observed as a decrease in mitochondrial oxygen consumption and lower cytochrome c oxidase activity. Neoplastic clams were also characterised by significantly higher concentration of ROS, but no elevated response of the oxidative stress markers were found suggesting an efficient antioxidant response. Finally, we, for the first time, report high levels of corticosterone and lower amounts of dehydrocorticosterone, cortisol and cortisone in healthy clams with elevated cortisol level found in neoplastic individuals.
Assessment of diabetes self-management among diabetic patients attending Jeddah Care Center for Diabetes, Saudi Arabia.
Authors: Alqahtani Reem , Alzahrani Sami , Alhemedi Moneerah , Hawsa Asya , Idris Sarah , Alotaibi Shomokh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objectives:To assess the levels and the associated demographic factors with diabetic self- management (DSM) among diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia. The impact of implementing DSM practices on glycemic control was additionally investigated.Results:The responses of 349 patients were analyzed (51.0% males and 37.2% obese). The median (IQR) raw DSMS score was 187 (165-205). Higher DSMS scores were reported for young adults (aged 20-29 years), insulin users, employed patients, as well as those with normal body mass index values and normal HbA1c results compared to their counterparts. Low HbA1c values were linearly associated with high scores of the healthy eating (β = -0.014, p=0.018) and physical activity subscales (β = 90-0.009, p=0.042).Keywords : Self-management; diabetes; glycemic control; Saudi Arabia.
Intermittent water supply systems and their resilience to COVID-19: IWA IWS SG survey
Authors: Farmani R. , Dalton Joe , Charalambous Bambos , Lawson Elizabeth , Bunney Sarah , Cotterill Sarah 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
There is limited information about the current state of intermittent water supply (IWS) systems at the global level. A survey was carried out by the Intermittent Water Supply Specialist Group of the International Water Association (IWA IWS SG) to better understand the current state of these systems and challenges that water companies may have faced under COVID-19 pandemic and to capture successful management strategies applied by water utilities. The survey consisted of three parts: (1) general information about IWS systems, (2) current state of IWS and (3) resilience of IWS under COVID-19 conditions, as well as some questions about potential interventions in order to improve system performance in general and under future uncertain conditions. The survey responses were evaluated based on the Safe & SuRe resilience framework, assessing measures of mitigation, adaptation, coping and learning, and exploring organisational and operational responses of IWS utilities. Infrastructure capacity and water resources availability were identified as the main causes of intermittency in most water distribution systems, while intermittent electricity was considered as the main external cause. Participants indicated that some risk assessment process was in place; however, COVID-19 has surpassed any provisions made to address the risks. Lessons learnt highlighted the importance of financial resources, e-infrastructure for efficient system operation and communication with consumers, and the critical role of international knowledge transfer and the sharing of best practice guidelines for improving resilience and transitioning towards continuous water supply.
Oil palm empty fruit bunch valorization for activated and non-activated carbon nanoparticles and its heavy-metal-removal efficiency
Authors: Zubaidah Salma , Putri Hartoyo Adisti Permatasari , Sihombing Januard Kristian , Herliyana Elis Nina , Darmawan Saptadi , Sari Nela Rahmati , Prabowo Muhammad Naufal Ibrahim , Hermawan Imam , Maulida Isna , Solikhin Achmad 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this study, we examined activated and non-activated carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibers for their nanomaterial characteristics and their potential effectiveness in heavy metal removal. To investigate these properties, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), EDX, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry were employed. This study shows that both the activated and the non-activated CNPs were in the form of well-dispersed and aggregated particles. As analyzed using SEM, the external surfaces of the non-activated CNPs were determined to be irregular, while those of the activated CNPs had a more circular shape without aggregation. Carbon was the most dominant element observed in these CNPs, and the occurrence of its activation process altered the chemical functional groups of the non-activated CNPs by shifting their wavenumbers and intensities. Additionally, the activation process increased the crystallinity domain in the activated CNPs. OPEFB fibers could be valorized to obtain both activated and non-activated CNPs that had the potential efficiency to remove heavy metals, including copper (Cu), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) at certain times. Based on the analysis of the Langmuir and Freundlich models, the activated and non-activated CNPs were found to have shown favorable adsorption to Cu, Pb, and Fe, with a percentage of heavy metal removal of over 84%. The adsorption of heavy metals was carried out via a chemical process.