bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Survey on Generative Adversarial Networks for imbalance problems in computer vision tasks
Authors: Sampath Vignesh , Maurtua Iñaki , Martín Juan José Aguilar , Gutierrez Aitor 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Any computer vision application development starts off by acquiring images and data, then preprocessing and pattern recognition steps to perform a task. When the acquired images are highly imbalanced and not adequate, the desired task may not be achievable. Unfortunately, the occurrence of imbalance problems in acquired image datasets in certain complex real-world problems such as anomaly detection, emotion recognition, medical image analysis, fraud detection, metallic surface defect detection, disaster prediction, etc., are inevitable. The performance of computer vision algorithms can significantly deteriorate when the training dataset is imbalanced. In recent years, Generative Adversarial Neural Networks (GANs) have gained immense attention by researchers across a variety of application domains due to their capability to model complex real-world image data. It is particularly important that GANs can not only be used to generate synthetic images, but also its fascinating adversarial learning idea showed good potential in restoring balance in imbalanced datasets.In this paper, we examine the most recent developments of GANs based techniques for addressing imbalance problems in image data. The real-world challenges and implementations of synthetic image generation based on GANs are extensively covered in this survey. Our survey first introduces various imbalance problems in computer vision tasks and its existing solutions, and then examines key concepts such as deep generative image models and GANs. After that, we propose a taxonomy to summarize GANs based techniques for addressing imbalance problems in computer vision tasks into three major categories: 1. Image level imbalances in classification, 2. object level imbalances in object detection and 3. pixel level imbalances in segmentation tasks. We elaborate the imbalance problems of each group, and provide GANs based solutions in each group. Readers will understand how GANs based techniques can handle the problem of imbalances and boost performance of the computer vision algorithms.
Protein Liposomes-Mediated Targeted Acetylcholinesterase Gene Delivery for Effective Liver Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wang Kai , Shang Fusheng , Chen Dagui , Cao Tieliu , Wang Xiaowei , Jiao Jianpeng , He Shengli , Liang Xiaofei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Effective methods to deliver therapeutic genes to solid tumors and improve their bioavailability are the main challenges of current medical research on gene therapy. The development of efficient non-viral gene vector with tumor-targeting has very important application value in the field of cancer therapy. Proteolipid integrated with tumor-targeting potential of functional protein and excellent gene delivery performance has shown potential for targeted gene therapy.Results: Herein, we prepared transferrin-modified liposomes (Tf-PL) for the targeted delivery of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) therapeutic gene to liver cancer. We found that the derived Tf-PL/AChE liposomes exhibited much higher transfection efficiency than the commercial product Lipo 2000 and shown premium targeting efficacy to liver cancer SMMC-7721 cells in vitro. In vivo, the Tf-PL/AChE could effectively target liver cancer, and significantly inhibit the growth of liver cancer xenografts grafted in nude mice by subcutaneous administration. Conclusion: This study proposed a transferrin-modified proteolipid-mediated gene delivery strategy for targeted liver cancer treatment, which has a promising potential for precise personalized cancer therapy.
Vagus nerve stimulation ameliorates L-NAME-induced preeclampsia-like symptoms in rats through inhibition of the inflammatory response
Authors: Zheng linmei , Tang Rong , Shi Lei , Zhong Mei , Zhou Zhongyi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Preeclampsia is characterized by an excessive inflammatory response. Recent studies have shown that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has anti-inflammatory properties in vivo. This study aims to investigate whether VNS is safe for use during pregnancy and to explore the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of VNS in PE. Methods Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly chosen to receive N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-containing water (preeclampsia-like mouse model) or saline (normal pregnancy control) daily at gestational days 14.5-20.5. VNS and the α7nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine citrate (MLA, 1 mg/kg/d) were given daily at the same time. Results VNS decreased the high systolic blood pressure and urinary protein observed in the PE rats. In addition, VNS mitigated abnormal pregnancy outcomes. Moreover, VNS alleviated the inflammatory response by decreasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines. VNS significantly increased the expression of α7nAChR and attenuated the activation of NF-κB p65 in the placenta. Discussion Our findings indicate that maternal VNS treatment is safe during pregnancy and has a protective effect in a pregnant rat model of preeclampsia induced by L-NAME.
Muscles adaptation to aging and training: Architectural changes - A randomised trial
Authors: LÉTOCART Adrien J. , Mabesoone Franck , Charleux Fabrice , Couppé Christian , Svensson Rene B. , Marin Frédéric , Magnusson S. Peter , Grosset Jean-François 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: To investigate how anatomical cross-sectional area and volume of quadriceps and triceps surae muscles were affected by ageing, and by resistance training in older and younger men, in vivo. Methods: The old participants were randomly assigned to moderate (O55, n=13) or high-load (O80, n=14) resistance training intervention (12 weeks; 3 times/week) corresponding to 55% or 80% of one repetition maximum, respectively. Young men (Y55, n=11) were assigned to the moderate-intensity strengthening exercise program. Each group received the exact same training volume on triceps surae and quadriceps group (Reps x Sets x Intensity). The fitting polynomial regression equations for each of anatomical cross-sectional area-muscle length curves were used to calculate muscle volume (contractile content) before and after 12 weeks using magnetic resonance imaging scans.Results: Only Rectus femoris and medial gastrocnemius muscle showed a higher relative anatomical cross-sectional area in the young than the elderly on the proximal end. The old group displayed a higher absolute volume of non-contractile material than young men in triceps surae (+96%). After training, Y55, O55 and O80 showed an increase in total quadriceps (+4.3%; +6.7%; 4.2% respectively) and triceps surae (+2.8%; +7.5%; 4.3% respectively) volume. O55 demonstrated a greater increase on average gains compared to Y55, while no difference between O55 and O80 was observed.Conclusions: Muscle loss with aging is region-specific for some muscles and uniform for others. Equivalent strength training volume at moderate or high intensities increased muscle volume with no differences in muscle volume gains for old men. These data suggest that physical exercise at moderate intensity (55 to 60% of one repetition maximum) can reverse the aging related loss of muscle mass.Trial registration: NCT03079180 in ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration date: March 14, 2017.
Optimization of orbital retraction during endoscopic transorbital approach via quantitative measurement of the intraocular pressure - [SevEN 006]
Authors: Kim Woo Hyun , Moon Ju Hyung , Kim Eui Hyun , Hong Chang Ki , Han Ji Sang , Hong Je Beom 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Increased use of the transorbital approach (TOA) warrants greater understanding of the risk of increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and intraorbital pressure (IORP) due to orbital compression. We aimed to investigate the changes in IOP and IORP in response to orbital retraction in TOA and establish a method for the continuous measurement of intraoperative IORP.Methods: We assessed nine patients who underwent TOA surgery from January 2017 to December 2019, in addition to five cadavers. IORP and IOP were measured using a cannula needle monitor, tonometer, cuff manometer, and micro strain gauge monitor.Results: In all nine clinical cases and five cadavers, increased physical compression of the orbit increased the IOP and IORP in a curvilinear pattern. In clinical cases, when the orbit was compressed 1.5 cm from the lateral margin in the sagittal plane, the mean IOP and IORP were 25.4±5.2 mmHg and 14±9.2 mmH2O, respectively. The IORP satisfactorily reflected the IOP (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.824, p<0.001).Conclusion: We measured IOP and IORP simultaneously during orbital compression to gain basic information on pressure changes. In clinical cases, the change in the IOP could be conveniently and noninvasively monitored using continuous IORP measurements.
A qualitative inquiry of access to and quality of primary healthcare in seven communities in East and West Africa (SevenCEWA): perspectives of stakeholders, healthcare providers and users
Authors: Ameh Soter , Akeem Bolarinwa Oladimeji , Ochimana Caleb , Oluwasanu Abayomi Olabayo , Mohamed Shukri F , Okello Samson , Muhihi Alfa , Danaei Goodarz 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Universal health coverage is one of the Sustainable Development Goal targets known to improve population health and reduce financial burden. There is little qualitative data on access to and quality of primary healthcare in East and West Africa. The aim of this study was to describe the viewpoints of healthcare users, healthcare providers and other stakeholders on health-seeking behaviour, access to and quality of healthcare in seven communities in East and West Africa.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in four communities in Nigeria and one community each in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in 2018. Purposive sampling was used to recruit: 155 respondents (mostly healthcare users) for 24 focus group discussions, 25 healthcare users, healthcare providers and stakeholders for in-depth interviews and 11 healthcare providers and stakeholders for key informant interviews. The conceptual framework in this study combined elements of the Health Belief Model, Health Care Utilisation Model, four ‘As’ of access to care, and pathway model to better understand the a priori themes on access to and quality of primary healthcare as well as health-seeking behaviours of the study respondents. A content analysis of the data was done using MAXQDA 2018 qualitative software to identify these a priori themes and emerging themes.Results: Access to primary healthcare in the seven communities was limited, especially use of health insurance. Quality of care was perceived to be unacceptable in public facilities whereas cost of care was unaffordable in private facilities. Health providers and users as well as stakeholders highlighted shortage of equipment, frequent drug stock-outs and long waiting times as major issues, but had varying opinions on satisfaction with care. Use of herbal medicines and other traditional treatments delayed or deterred seeking modern healthcare in the Nigerian sites. Conclusions: There was a substantial gap in primary healthcare coverage and quality in the selected communities in rural and urban East and West Africa. Alternative models of healthcare delivery that address social and health inequities, through affordable health insurance, can be used to fill this gap and facilitate achieving universal health coverage.
Psychosocial characteristics and HIV-related risky sexual behaviors among cisgender, transgender, and gender non-conforming MSM in China
Authors: Duan Zhizhou , Wang Liyin , Guo Menglan , Ding Changmian , Huang Danqin , Yan Hong , Wilson Amanda , Li Shiyue 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: While a growing number of studies focus on men who have sex with men (MSM), they typically ignore the heterogeneity of gender minorities within the MSM population. The recognition of new sub-groups among gender minorities (i.e., transgender and gender non-conforming), who also identify as MSM, play a considerable role in new HIV infections in China. Information on the psychosocial factors and HIV-related risky sexual behaviors requires further consideration to understand the prevalence of HIV infection among MSM within these gender minority sub-groups.Methods: From September 2017 to January 2018, MSM were recruited in Wuhan, Nanchang, and Changsha cities in China. Participants were asked to fill out a structured self-administered questionnaire to assess depression, perceived social support, resilience, identity concealment, and HIV-related risky sexual behaviors. Results: A total of 715 MSM completed the structured questionnaire, the number of gender minorities identifying as MSM were 63 and accounted for 8.8% of the population. Compared to the cisgender MSM population, transgender MSM were more likely to have a one-night stand/occasional partners (AOR= 3.49, 95% CI =1.02-11.98), to have sex after drug use in the past six months (AOR=2.57, 95%CI =1.05-6.29), and to have reported a significantly lower likelihood of identity concealment (mean difference=-3.30, 95%CI=-5.86, -0.74, P=0.01).Conclusions: The findings highlight the significance of providing targeted interventions for different gender minorities within the MSM population. Research is required to further understand the relationship between gender identity, psychosocial characteristics, and HIV-related risky sexual behaviors.
A signature of seven immune-related genes predicts overall survival in male gastric cancer patients
Authors: Xu Xin , Lu Yida , Wu Youliang , Wang Mingliang , Wang Xiaodong , Wang Huizhen , Chen Bo , Li Yongxiang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer (GC) has a high mortality rate and is one of the most fatal malignant tumours. Male sex has been proven as an independent risk factor for GC. This study aimed to identify immune-related genes (IRGs) associated with the prognosis of male GC.Method: RNA sequencing and clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed IRGs between male GC and normal tissues were identified by integrated bioinformatics analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to screen survival-associated IRGs. Then, GC patients were separated into high- and low-risk groups based on the median risk score. Furthermore, a nomogram was constructed based on the TCGA dataset. The prognostic value of the risk signature model was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), Harrell’s concordance index and calibration curves. In addition, the gene expression dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was also downloaded for external validation. The relative proportions of 22 types of infiltrating immune cells in each male GC sample were evaluated using CIBERSORT.Results: A total of 276 differentially expressed IRGs were screened, including 189 up-regulated and 87 down-regulated genes. Subsequently, a seven-IRGs signature (LCN12, CCL21, RNASE2, CGB5, NRG4, AGTR1 and NPR3) was identified to be significantly associated with the overall survival (OS) of male GC patients. Survival analysis indicated that patients in the high-risk group exhibited a poor clinical outcome. The results of multivariate analysis revealed that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor. The established nomogram could be used to evaluate the prognosis of individual male GC patients. Further analysis showed that the prognostic model had excellent predictive performance in both TCGA and validated cohorts. Besides, the results of tumour-infiltrating immune cell analysis indicated that the seven-IRGs signature could reflect the status of the tumour immune microenvironment.Conclusions: Our study developed a novel seven-IRGs risk signature for individualized survival prediction of male GC patients.
tRFTars: predicting the targets of tRNA-derived fragments
Authors: Xiao Qiong , Gao Peng , Huang Xuanzhang , Chen Xiaowan , Chen Quan , Lv Xinger , Fu Yu , Song Yongxi , Wang Zhen-Ning 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are 14–40-nucleotide-long, small non-coding RNAs derived from specific tRNA cleavage events with key regulatory functions in many biological processes. Many studies have shown that tRFs are associated with Argonaute (AGO) complexes and inhibit gene expression in the same manner as miRNAs. However, there are currently no tools for accurately predicting tRF target genes.Methods: We used tRF-mRNA pairs identified by crosslinking, ligation, and sequencing of hybrids (CLASH) and covalent ligation of endogenous AGO-bound RNAs (CLEAR)-CLIP to assess features that may participate in tRF targeting, including the sequence context of each site and tRF-mRNA interactions. We applied genetic algorithm (GA) to select key features and support vector machine (SVM) to construct tRF prediction models.Results: We first identified features that globally influenced tRF targeting. Among these features, the most significant were the minimum free folding energy (MFE), position 8 match, number of bases paired in the tRF-mRNA duplex, and length of the tRF, which were consistent with previous findings. Our constructed model yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) = 0.980 (0.977-0.983) in the training process and an AUC = 0.847 (0.83-0.861) in the test process. The model was applied to all the sites with perfect Watson-Crick complementarity to the seed in the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the human genome. Seven of nine target/nontarget genes of tRFs confirmed by reporter assay were predicted. We also validated the predictions via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Thirteen potential target genes from the top of the predictions were significantly down-regulated at the mRNA levels by overexpression of the tRFs (tRF-3001a, tRF-3003a or tRF-3009a).Conclusions: Predictions can be obtained online, tRFTars, freely available at http://trftars.cmuzhenninglab.org:3838/tar/, which is the first tool to predict targets of tRFs in humans with a user-friendly interface.
Does the gap between health workers’ expectations and the realities of implementing a Performance-Based Financing project in Mali create frustration?
Authors: ZITTI Tony , FILLOL Amandine , LOHMANN Julia , COULIBALY Abdourahmane , RIDDE Valéry 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) have seen a shift in the health financing architecture in recent years, particularly in Africa. Performance-Based Financing (PBF) is one of these recent initiatives. Motivating health workers is one of the mechanisms through which PBF is assumed to improve the quality of care. Our study therefore offers a unique opportunity to identify and understand how health workers’ expectations related to their experiences of the first cycle of payment of PBF subsidies, and how this affected their motivation and sentiments towards the intervention.Methods: We adopted a qualitative approach using multiple case studies. For our study, we chose three district hospitals (DH 1, 2 and 3) in three health districts (district 1, 2 and 3) among the ten in the Koulikoro region. Our cases correspond to the three DHs. We followed the principle of data source triangulation. The different data sources used are: 53 semi-directive interviews conducted with health workers, following the principle of saturation; field notes and documents relating to the distribution grids of subsidies for each DH. Data was analyzed in a mixed deductive and inductive manner.Results: The results show that the PBF subsidies led to health workers feeling more motivated to perform their tasks overall. Beyond financial motivation, this was primarily due to PBF allowing them to work better. However, respondents perceived a discrepancy between the efforts made and the subsidies received. The fact that their expectations were not met led to a sense of frustration and disappointment. Similarly, the way in which the subsidies were distributed and the lack of transparency in the distribution process led to feelings of unfairness among the vast majority of respondents. The results show that frustrations can build up in the early days of the intervention.Conclusion: The PBF implementation in Mali left health workers frustrated. The short overall implementation period did not allow actors to adjust their initial expectations and motivational responses, neither positive nor negative. This underlines how short-term interventions might not just lack impact, but instil negative sentiments likely to carry on into the future.
Thyroid function and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in hyperthyroidism patients
Authors: Wang Bairong , Wang Baomin , Yang Yumei , Xu Jing , Hong Mengyang , Xia Mingfeng , Li Xiaomu , Gao Xin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Although thyroid function has been demonstrated to be associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in different population, the prevalence and features of NAFLD in hyperthyroidism have not been reported. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of NAFLD and association of thyroid function and NAFLD in hyperthyroidism patients.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, China. A total 117 patients with hyperthyroidism were consecutively recruited from 2014-2015. Thyroid function and other clinical features were measured, liver fat content was measured by color Doppler ultrasonically,NAFLD was defined in patients with liver fat content more than 9.15% . Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS software package version 13.0.Results: The prevalence of NAFLD was 11.97% in hyperthyroidism. Patient with NAFLD had lower free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels than patients without NAFLD (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, gender, metabolic parameters and inflammation factors, higher FT3 were associated with lower liver fat content (β=－0.072, P=0.009) and decreased odds ratio of NAFLD (OR=0.267, 95%CI 0.087-0.817, P=0.021). Conclusions: FT3 level was negatively associated with the liver fat content in this population. These results may provide new evidence in the role of thyroid hormone on the regulation of liver fat content and NAFLD.