bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated claustrum segmentation in human brain MRI using deep learning
Authors: Li Hongwei , Menegaux Aurore , Schmitz‐Koep Benita , Neubauer Antonia , Bäuerlein Felix J. B. , Shit Suprosanna , Sorg Christian , Menze Bjoern , Hedderich Dennis 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn the last two decades, neuroscience has produced intriguing evidence for a central role of the claustrum in mammalian forebrain structure and function. However, relatively few in vivo studies of the claustrum exist in humans. A reason for this may be the delicate and sheet‐like structure of the claustrum lying between the insular cortex and the putamen, which makes it not amenable to conventional segmentation methods. Recently, Deep Learning (DL) based approaches have been successfully introduced for automated segmentation of complex, subcortical brain structures. In the following, we present a multi‐view DL‐based approach to segment the claustrum in T1‐weighted MRI scans. We trained and evaluated the proposed method in 181 individuals, using bilateral manual claustrum annotations by an expert neuroradiologist as reference standard. Cross‐validation experiments yielded median volumetric similarity, robust Hausdorff distance, and Dice score of 93.3%, 1.41 mm, and 71.8%, respectively, representing equal or superior segmentation performance compared to human intra‐rater reliability. The leave‐one‐scanner‐out evaluation showed good transferability of the algorithm to images from unseen scanners at slightly inferior performance. Furthermore, we found that DL‐based claustrum segmentation benefits from multi‐view information and requires a sample size of around 75 MRI scans in the training set. We conclude that the developed algorithm allows for robust automated claustrum segmentation and thus yields considerable potential for facilitating MRI‐based research of the human claustrum. The software and models of our method are made publicly available.
Definition of Healthy Ranges for Alanine Aminotransferase Levels: A 2021 Update
Authors: Valenti Luca , Pelusi Serena , Bianco Cristiana , Ceriotti Ferruccio , Berzuini Alessandra , Iogna Prat Laura , Trotti Roberta , Malvestiti Francesco , D’Ambrosio Roberta , Lampertico Pietro , Colli Agostino , Colombo Massimo , Tsochatzis Emmanuel A. , Fraquelli Mirella , Prati Daniele 
Published: September 2021

The changing epidemiology of liver disease, and modifications in the recommended analytical methodology call for a re‐evaluation of the upper reference limits (URLs) of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Using the same approach consolidated 20 years ago to define the healthy population, we defined the URL for the newly recommended International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) standardized test. In a cross‐sectional study, we examined 21,296 apparently healthy blood donors (age 18‐65 years) and calculated the sex‐specific URL by the 95th percentile in individuals without risk factors for liver disease. These were tested for the ability to predict liver damage in a subset of 745 participants with dysmetabolism, in an independent cohort of 977 unselected donors, and in 899 patients with chronic liver disease. ALT levels were measured by the IFCC test. Male sex, body mass index, glucose, lipids, ferritin, hypertension, and younger age were independent ALT predictors (P < 0.001). Updated URLs were identified at 42/30 U/L in males/females, approximately 30% lower than those currently recommended by the IFCC. Due to improved sensitivity, they conferred the ability to detect steatosis and significant fibrosis in individuals with dysmetabolism (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31, range 1.40‐3.80, P = 0.001; and OR = 3.35, range 1.19‐9.42, P = 0.021; respectively), although with a limited accuracy, and significant fibrosis in unselected donors (OR = 2.32, 1.02‐5.31, P = 0.045). Updated URLs had a moderate to high accuracy to discriminate liver conditions (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.81, range 0.78‐0.91). Conclusion: Updated URLs by the IFCC method were lower than those calculated in initial studies, but higher than those in use with the recommended old, nonstandardized method, and were able to better predict liver disease. The limited awareness that different techniques are still in use should be regarded as a possible source of medical errors.
Skin problems of Korean military personnel changes in the use of cosmetics and differences in preference according to different characteristics: Focused on comparison pre‐ and post‐enlistment
Authors: Lee Jinkyung , Kwon Ki Han 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundRecently, men's interest and participation in cosmetology have increased, and the number of “grooming” men who are exorbitantly investing in fashion and looks has increased, further increasing the growth potential of men's cosmetics.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to analyze the skin diseases of men in their 20s and 30s in Korea, focusing on the comparison before and after enlistment, and to study the changes in cosmetic use and the difference in cosmetic preference according to the military service problem of Korean men.MethodsWe enrolled 450 people, after excluding 50 dishonest respondents. Statistical data processing collected with the data analysis method were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) WIN25.0 statistical package program through data coding and cleaning.ResultsA total of 217 (48.2%) people preferred the cosmetic type of skin/lotion preferred by the private sector, and the cosmetic type required by the military was a complex skin lotion (48.2%) with 216 people (48.2%). All‐in‐one products were the most common products. The P‐value was P < .001 or more.ConclusionThe results of this comprehensive study indicated skin problems of Korean military personnel changes in the use of cosmetics and differences in preference according to different characteristics focused on comparison pre‐ and post‐enlistment was assessed.
Great future or greedy venture: Precision medicine needs philosophy
Authors: Jiao Fei , Guo Ruoyu , Beckmann Jacques S. , Yan Zhonghai , Yang Yun , Hu Jinxia , Wang Xin , Xie Shuyang 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionOver the past decade, we have witnessed the initiation and implementation of precision medicine (PM), a discipline that promises to individualize and personalize medical management and treatment, rendering them ultimately more precise and effective. Despite of the continuing advances and numerous clinical applications, the potential of PM remains highly controversial, sparking heated debates about its future.MethodThe present article reviews the philosophical issues and practical challenges that are critical to the feasibility and implementation of PM.OutcomeThe explanation and argument about the relations between PM and computability, uncertainty as well as complexity, show that key foundational assumptions of PM might not be fully validated.ConclusionThe present analysis suggests that our current understanding of PM is probably oversimplified and too superficial. More efforts are needed to realize the hope that PM has elicited, rather than make the term just as a hype.
Are current tissue-based selenium guidelines and criteria overly protective of freshwater fish populations? A critical review with recommendations
Authors: Gilron Guy , Matheson Graham , Garrett Reid , Adams William J. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Several decades after selenium impacts on wild fish populations were observed in freshwater reservoirs receiving fly ash effluents from electric power facilities at Belews Lake and Hyco Reservoir (North Carolina, USA), developments in selenium (Se) toxicology have led to a greater understanding of Se effects on freshwater fish. These latter advancements have allowed regulatory agencies in several jurisdictions to develop tissue-based toxicity benchmarks for the protection of aquatic life. These benchmarks were generally derived from datasets encompassing multiple fish species and designed to protect the most sensitive species (US Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] water quality criteria). Safety factors have been applied in the development of some Canadian guidelines (British Columbia [BC]), resulting in guidelines that appear to be overly conservative. The present study addresses the question, “Are current tissue-based selenium guidelines and criteria overly protective of freshwater fish populations?” A literature review was conducted of studies in which Se was the primary constituent of concern, to compare tissue concentrations and results of fish population metrics and deformity assessment studies with current regulatory thresholds for the protection of aquatic life in the United States and Canada. EPA fish tissue-based Se criteria were found to be protective of fish populations and, at times, overly protective. Canadian water quality guidelines for Se (BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy [BCMOECCS], Environment and Climate Change Canada [ECCC]) were consistently found to be overly protective, especially for benchmarks in which safety factors were used to derive those guidelines. In addition to a synthesis of the results of these studies, various limitations of the reviewed studies are discussed, and recommendations for future studies are proposed. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:622–630. © 2021 SETAC
KEY POINTS
Critical evaluation of tissue-based selenium guidelines in Canada and USA against field research finds environmental regulations are protective of fish, and overly conservative in some cases. Fish tissue samples several orders of magnitude in exceedance of USEPA, Canadian, and BC guidelines and criteria were found to have no population-level impacts on freshwater fish. The use of safety factors in establishing environmental benchmarks produces overly conservative benchmark values.
ePTFE‐based biomedical devices: An overview of surgical efficiency
Authors: Roina Yaëlle , Auber Frédéric , Hocquet Didier , Herlem Guillaume 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a ubiquitous material used for implants and medical devices in general because of its high biocompatibility and inertness: blood vessel, heart, table jawbone, nose, eyes, or abdominal wall can benefit from its properties in case of disease or injury. Its expanded version, ePTFE is an improved version of PTFE with better mechanical properties, which extends its medical applications. A material as frequently used as ePTFE with these exceptional properties deserves a review of its main uses, developments, and possibility of improvements. In this systematic review, we examined clinical trials related to ePTFE‐based medical devices from the literature. Then, we excluded all trials using ePTFE as a control to test other devices. ePTFE‐coated stents, hemodialysis and bypass grafts, guided bone and tissue regeneration membranes, hernia and heart repair and other devices are reviewed. The rates of success using these devices and their efficiency compared to other materials used for the same purposes are reported. ePTFE appears to be more or just as efficient compared to them. Some success rates remain low, suggesting the need of improvement ePTFE for medical applications.
Glycine increases fat‐free mass in malnourished haemodialysis patients: a randomized double‐blind crossover trial
Authors: Genton Laurence , Teta Daniel , Pruijm Menno , Stoermann Catherine , Marangon Nicola , Mareschal Julie , Bassi Isabelle , Wurzner‐Ghajarzadeh Arelene , Lazarevic Vladimir , Cynober Luc , Cani Patrice D. , Herrmann François R. , Schrenzel Jacques 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundProtein energy wasting is associated with negative outcome in patients under chronic haemodialysis (HD). Branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) may increase the muscle mass. This post hoc analysis of a controlled double‐blind randomized crossover study assessed the impact of BCAAs on nutritional status, physical function, and quality of life.MethodsWe included 36 chronic HD patient features of protein energy wasting as plasma albumin <38 g/L, and dietary intakes <30 kcal/kg/day and <1 g protein/kg/day. Patients received either oral BCAA (2 × 7 g/day) or glycine (2 × 7 g/day) for 4 months (Period 1), followed by a washout period of 1 month, and then received the opposite supplement (Period 2). The outcomes were lean body mass measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, fat‐free mass index measured by bioelectrical impedance, resting energy expenditure, dietary intake and appetite rating, physical activity and function, quality of life, and blood parameters. Analyses were performed by multiple mixed linear regressions including type of supplementation, months, period, sex, and age as fixed effects and subjects as random intercepts.ResultsTwenty‐seven patients (61.2 ± 13.7 years, 41% women) were compliant to the supplementations (consumption >80% of packs) and completed the study. BCAA did not affect lean body mass index and body weight, but significantly decreased fat‐free mass index, as compared with glycine (coeff −0.27, 95% confidence interval −0.43 to −0.10, P = 0.002, respectively). BCAA and glycine intake had no effect on the other clinical parameters, blood chemistry tests, or plasma amino acids.ConclusionsBranched‐chain amino acid did not improve lean body mass as compared with glycine. Unexpectedly, glycine improved fat‐free mass index in HD patients, as compared with BCAA. Whether long‐term supplementation with glycine improves the clinical outcome remains to be demonstrated.
Sarcopenia as a prognostic predictor of liver cirrhosis: a multicentre study in China
Authors: Zeng Xin , Shi Zhi‐Wen , Yu Jia‐Jun , Wang Li‐Fen , Luo Yuan‐Yuan , Jin Si‐Min , Zhang Li‐Yuan , Tan Wei , Shi Pei‐Mei , Yu Hong , Zhang Chun‐Qing , Xie Wei‐Fen 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundDiagnostic criteria for sarcopenia have not been established in Chinese. This study established criteria based on the L3‐skeletal muscle index (L3‐SMI) and assessed its value for outcomes predicting in cirrhotic Chinese patients.MethodsTotally 911 subjects who underwent a CT scan at two centres were enrolled in Cohort 1 (394 male and 417 female subjects, aged 20–80 years). The data of those subjects younger than 60 years (365 male and 296 female subjects) were used to determine the reference intervals of the L3‐SMI and its influencing factors. Cohort 2 consisted of 480 patients (286 male and 184 female patients) from three centres, and their data were used to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia and evaluate the value of L3‐SMI for predicting the prognosis and complications of cirrhosis.ResultsAge and sex had the greatest effects on the L3‐SMI (P < 0.001). The L3‐SMI scores were clearly higher in male patients than in female patients (52.94 ± 8.41 vs. 38.91 ± 5.65 cm2/m2, P < 0.001) and sharply declined in subjects aged ≥ 60 years. Based on the mean −1.28 × SD among adults aged < 60 years, the L3‐SMI cut‐off value for sarcopenia was 44.77 cm2/m2 in male patients and 32.50 cm2/m2 in female patients. Using these values, 22.5% of the cirrhotic patients (28.7% of male patients and 11.9% of female patients) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Compared with non‐sarcopenia individuals, sarcopenia patients had lower body mass index (21.28 ± 3.01 vs. 24.09 ± 3.39 kg/m2, P < 0.001) and serum albumin levels (31.54 ± 5.93 vs. 32.93 ± 5.95 g/L, P = 0.032), longer prothrombin times (16.39 ± 3.05 vs. 15.71 ± 3.20 s, P = 0.049), higher total bilirubin concentrations (41.33 ± 57.38 vs. 32.52 ± 31.48 μmol/L, P = 0.039), worse liver function (Child–Pugh score, 8.05 ± 2.11 vs. 7.32 ± 2.05, P = 0.001), higher prevalence of cirrhosis‐related complications (81.82% vs. 62.24%, P < 0.001) and mortality (30.68% vs. 11.22%, P < 0.001). Overall survival was significantly lower in the sarcopenia group [risk ratio (RR) = 2.643, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.646–4.244, P < 0.001], accompanied with an increased cumulative incidence of ascites (RR = 1.827, 95% CI 1.259–2.651, P = 0.002), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (RR = 3.331, 95% CI 1.404–7.903, P = 0.006), hepatic encephalopathy (RR = 1.962, 95% CI 1.070–3.600, P = 0.029), and upper gastrointestinal varices (RR = 2.138, 95% CI 1.319–3.466, P = 0.002). Subgroup analysis showed sarcopenia shortened the survival of the patients with Model For End‐Stage Liver Disease score > 14 (RR = 4.310, 95% CI 2.091–8.882, P < 0.001) or Child–Pugh C (RR = 3.081, 95% CI 1.516–6.260, P = 0.002).ConclusionsSarcopenia is a common comorbidity of cirrhosis and can be used to predict cirrhosis‐related complications and the prognosis.
Leucine‐enriched whey protein supplementation, resistance‐based exercise, and cardiometabolic health in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kirk Ben , Mooney Kate , Vogrin Sara , Jackson Matthew , Duque Gustavo , Khaiyat Omid , Amirabdollahian Farzad 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing protein intake (above the Recommended Dietary Amount) alone or with resistance‐based exercise is suggested to improve cardiometabolic health; however, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to confirm this.MethodsThe Liverpool Hope University‐Sarcopenia Aging Trial (LHU‐SAT) was a 16 week RCT (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02912130) of 100 community‐dwelling older adults [mean age: 68.73 ± 5.80 years, body mass index: 27.06 ± 5.18 kg/m2 (52% women)] who were randomized to four independent groups [Control (C), Exercise (E), Exercise + Protein (EP), Protein (P)]. E and EP completed supervised and progressive resistance‐based exercise (resistance exercise: two times per week, functional circuit exercise: once per week), while EP and P were supplemented with a leucine‐enriched whey protein drink (three times per day) based on individual body weight (0.50 g/kg/meal, 1.50 g/kg/day). Outcome measures including arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity), fasting plasma/serum biomarkers [glucose/glycated haemoglobin, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein, insulin, resistin, leptin, adiponectin, C‐reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐6, cystatin‐C, & ferritin], insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), and kidney function (eGFR) were measured before and after intervention.ResultsTotal protein intake (habitual diet plus supplementation) increased to 1.55 ± 0.69 g/kg/day in EP and to 1.93 ± 0.72 g/kg/day in P, and remained significantly lower (P < 0.001) in unsupplemented groups (E: 1.08 ± 0.33 g/kg/day, C: 1.00 ± 0.26 g/kg/day). At 16 weeks, there was a group‐by‐time interaction whereby absolute changes in LDL‐cholesterol were lower in EP [mean difference: −0.79 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.29, −0.28, P = 0.002] and P (mean difference: −0.76 mmol/L, 95% CI: −1.26, −0.26, P = 0.003) vs. C. Serum insulin also showed group‐by‐time interactions at 16 weeks whereby fold changes were lower in EP (mean difference: −0.40, 95% CI: −0.65, −0.16, P = 0.001) and P (mean difference: −0.32, 95% CI: −0.56, −0.08, P = 0.009) vs. C, and fold changes in HOMA‐IR improved in EP (mean difference: −0.37, 95% CI: −0.64, −0.10, P = 0.007) and P (mean difference: −0.27, 95% CI: −0.53, −0.00, P = 0.048) vs. C. Serum resistin declined in P only (group‐by‐time interaction at 16 weeks: P = 0.009). No other interactions were observed in outcome measures (P > 0.05), and kidney function (eGFR) remained unaltered.ConclusionsSixteen weeks of leucine‐enriched whey protein supplementation alone and combined with resistance‐based exercise improved cardiometabolic health markers in older adults.
Corporate social responsibility, social bonding and place attachment among entrepreneurs of small and medium‐sized tourism enterprises
Authors: Wen Tong , Zhang Qingfang , Song Lihong , Li Yaoqi 
Published: September 2021

AbstractExisting person‐centric corporate social responsibility (CSR) research has focused on corporations and neglects the roles of small and medium‐sized tourism enterprises' entrepreneurs. The few studies available have also overlooked local factors crucial to small and medium‐sized enterprises. We have introduced the use of sensemaking theory to build a model to illustrate the impact of CSR activities on place attachment. Findings showed that respondents interpret CSR activities as establishing or strengthening place‐social bonding, and define or re‐define themselves based on place, thereby developing place attachment. The main contribution is to break through the organizational and individual levels, connecting people and places to understand the impact of CSR on entrepreneurs' place‐based identity.
Secretion of sulfated fucans by diatoms may contribute to marine aggregate formation
Authors: Huang Guoyin , Vidal‐Melgosa Silvia , Sichert Andreas , Becker Stefan , Fang Yang , Niggemann Jutta , Iversen Morten Hvitfeldt , Cao Yi , Hehemann Jan‐Hendrik 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMicroalgae produce copious amounts of structurally diverse polysaccharides, some are bound within cells and cell walls, while others are secreted into the surrounding seawater. A fraction of the secreted polysaccharides assembles into particles promoting aggregation and in turn formation of aggregates increases the export of carbon into the deep ocean via sinking. However, specific polysaccharides contributing to particle formation and carbon export remain unknown. Here, we studied microalgae polysaccharide composition in a system of reduced complexity consisting of lab grown monospecific cultures of the centric diatom species Thalassiosira weissflogii and Chaetoceros socialis. We followed the abundance and dynamics of five specific polysaccharide types in the dissolved and particulate organic matter (DOM and POM) for two weeks. Polysaccharides were detected using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for β‐1,4‐mannan, β‐1,4‐xylan, arabinogalactan, and two fucose‐containing sulfated polysaccharide (FCSP) epitopes. Additionally, glycan composition of all samples was analyzed by monosaccharide analysis. The time series revealed polysaccharides partition differently between the dissolved and particulate carbon pools. β‐1,4‐xylan and β‐1,4‐mannan were mainly present in POM, possibly as cell wall polymers, while FCSPs were found in both DOM and POM. The data showed that the main glycan component secreted by diatoms was fucose‐containing polysaccharide, which accumulated in DOM over time. Roller tank experiments were used to induce aggregate formation finding FCSP transitioned from DOM to POM under aggregating conditions. These results suggest that diatom‐secreted FCSPs are involved in the formation of aggregates, which promote the formation of particles, and potentially carbon export.
Simultaneous measurement of time‐of‐wetness and electrolyte concentrations with IDE sensors by evaluation of impedance spectra using an artificial neural network
Authors: Wagner Benjamin , Mittelbach Andreas , Geiß Paul L. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA measurement principle to examine the time‐of‐wetness and concentration of electrolytes using interdigitated electrode sensors and a neural network approach is discussed in this study. The electrolyte serves as a capacitive and resistive medium and changes the frequency responses of the sensor depending on its surface coverage and concentration. The measured impedance spectra are analyzed by an artificial neural network (ANN) model, which was trained by experimental and simulated data. Investigations of the performance of the ANN show a precise determination of the electrolyte concentration and present surface coverage. Furthermore, the application of this fast and easy method is discussed and tested to investigate the drying behavior of droplets from aqueous sodium chloride solution on the sensor surface in a climate chamber.