bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virtual Unenhanced Images
Authors: Lennartz Simon , Pisuchpen Nisanard , Parakh Anushri , Cao Jinjin , Baliyan Vinit , Sahani Dushyant , Hahn Peter F. , Kambadakone Avinash 
Published: June 2021

Objectives
The aim of this study was to compare qualitative and quantitative metrics of virtual unenhanced (VUE) images among dual-source dual-energy computed tomography (dsDECT), rapid kV-switching DECT (rsDECT), and dual-layer detector DECT (dlDECT) using patient and phantom data.

Materials and Methods
Forty-four patients with clinical contrast-enhanced abdominal examinations on each of the 3 DECT scanner types and a phantom scanned with the same protocols were included in this retrospective study. Qualitative and quantitative assessment was performed on VUE images. Quantitative evaluation included measurement of attenuation and image noise for various tissues and the phantom. Virtual unenhanced image attenuation and noise were compared between scanner types, and intrapatient interscanner reproducibility of virtual unenhanced image attenuation was calculated as the percentage of measurement pairs with an interscanner difference ≤ 10 HU. Image quality, noise, sharpness, and iodine elimination were assessed qualitatively by 2 radiologists.

Results
Significant interscanner differences in VUE attenuation and noise were found in all tissues. dlDECT and rsDECT showed significantly higher VUE attenuation than dsDECT in the aorta, portal vein, and kidneys (P < 0.05). Conversely, VUE attenuation in dsDECT was significantly higher than in dlDECT/rsDECT for subcutaneous and retroperitoneal fat (both P < 0.05). A total of 91.9% (385/419) of measurements were reproducible between rsDECT and dlDECT, 70.9% (297/419) between dsDECT and rsDECT, and 66.8% (280/419) between dsDECT and dlDECT. Virtual unenhanced image attenuation in the contrast media–filled phantom cavity was 12.7 ± 4.7 HU in dlDECT, −5.3 ± 4.2 HU in rsDECT, and −4.0 ± 10.7 HU in dsDECT with significant differences between dlDECT and rsDECT/dsDECT, respectively (P < 0.05), between which attenuation was comparable in the unenhanced extraluminal phantom component (P = 0.11–0.62). Qualitatively, dsDECT yielded best iodine elimination, whereas sharpness, image noise, and overall image quality were rated higher in dlDECT and rsDECT.

Conclusions
There are significant interscanner differences in the attenuation measurements and qualitative assessment of VUE images, which should be acknowledged when using these images in patients that are being scanned on different DECT scanner types during imaging follow-up.
Employing a Xiphoid-umbilicus Approach in an Endoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Procedure for the Preperitoneal Repair of Midline Ventral Hernias
Authors: Tang Rui , Wu Weidong , Jiang Huiyong , Zhang Yizhong , Liu Nan , Wei Nina 
Published: June 2021

Objectives:
Endoscopic totally extraperitoneal sublay (TES) repair seems to be a promising procedure for treating ventral hernias because repairing at the preperitoneal layer reduces damage to the natural musculoaponeurotic structures of the abdominal wall. This article reports the preliminary surgical results after such a procedure with a xiphoid-umbilicus approach for a midline ventral hernia of the middle-upper abdomen.

Materials and Methods:
Fifteen cases with a small midline ventral hernia scheduled for preperitoneal repair with a TES procedure with a xiphoid-umbilicus approach were included. Patient demographics, hernia characteristics, operative variables, and surgical results were recorded and analyzed.

Results:
The patients’ average age was 55.80±15.33 years, body mass index was 26.49±2.98, defect size was 4.59±2.28 cm2, and the most frequent region was M3. Five of 15 procedures were conducted in a bottom-up direction, and 10 of 15 with single-port surgery. Only 1 repair failed due to severe peritoneal damage. The operation duration was 120.4±47.7 minutes. All patients recovered quickly and uneventfully, and no case needed readmission. No severe intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred. Only 1 case developed seroma, and there was no surgical site infection, pain, trocar site hernia, and recurrence observed during short-term follow-up (3 to 12 mo).

Conclusions:
Endoscopic preperitoneal repair helps reduce damage to the abdominal wall during a TES procedure. Compared with a suprapubic approach, employing a xiphoid-umbilicus approach facilitates preperitoneal repair for small ventral hernias of the middle-upper abdomen. This will be a future option for minimally invasive surgical repair of such ventral hernias (Supplemental Digital Content 1, Video, http://links.lww.com/SLE/A287).
OVARIAN GRANULOSA CELLS FROM WOMEN WITH PCOS EXPRESS LOW LEVELS OF SARS-COV-2 RECEPTORS AND CO-FACTORS
Authors: Naigaonkar Aalaap , Patil Krutika , Joseph Shaini , Hinduja Indira , Mukherjee Srabani 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is global pandemic with more than 3 million deaths so far. Female reproductive tract organs express coronavirus-associated receptors and factors (SCARFs); suggesting they may be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection however the susceptibility of ovary/follicle/oocyte to the same is still elusive. Co-morbidities like obesity, type-2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease etc. increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These features are common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), warranting further scope to study SCARFs expression in ovary of these women.Materials and methodsSCARFs expression in ovary and ovarian tissues of women with PCOS and healthy women was explored by analyzing publically available microarray datasets. Transcript expression of SCARFs were investigated in mural and cumulus granulosa cells (MGCs and CGCs) from control and PCOS women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).ResultsMicroarray data revealed that ovary expresses all genes necessary for SARS-CoV-2 infection. PCOS women mostly showed down-regulated/unchanged levels of SCARFs. MGCs and CGCs from PCOS women showed lower expression of receptors ACE2, BSG and DPP4 and protease CTSB than in controls. MGCs showed lower expression of protease CTSL in PCOS than in controls. Expression of TMPRSS2 was not detected in both cell types.ConclusionsHuman ovarian follicle may be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Lower expression of SCARFs in PCOS indicate that the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection to the ovary may be lesser in these women than controls. This knowledge may help in safe practices at IVF settings in the current pandemic.
The effect of Health Literacy on COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: The Moderating Role of Stress
Authors: Zhang Huiqiao , Li Yue , Peng Sihui , Jiang Yue , Jin Huihui , Zhang Fan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 vaccine is an essential means to establish group immunity and prevent the spread of the pandemic. However, the public’s hesitation has created major difficulties to the promotion of the vaccine. By investigating the relationship between health literacy and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, as well as the potential moderating role of stress, the present study would provide critical insights for tailoring vaccine-promotion strategies.ObjectiveThe two-fold research purpose is: i) address the effect of health literacy on people’s attitude toward COVID-19 vaccine, ii) clarify the role of stress in this effect.MethodsWith structured questionnaires, an online survey was conducted to evaluate general public’s COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, health literacy, and perceived stress. In total, 560 responses were collected, and moderated regression analysis was conducted to test the effect of health literacy on vaccine hesitancy among people with different levels of stress.ResultsA total of 560 participants aged over 18 years were included in this study. About 39.8% of the respondents reported vaccine hesitancy, and this rate is higher among those aged 20-30 years old (83%) and female (71.3%). The results showed people with higher level of health literacy are less likely to have vaccine hesitancy (β =-2.00, 95%CI= [-3.00∼ -0.99]). However, this effect was only among those with lower to moderate level of stress (β =-3.43, p<0.001), among the people with high stress, no significant effect of health literacy was found (β =-0.53, p>0.05).ConclusionsBy focusing on the effect of health literacy on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, the findings showed education program increasing individual’s health literacy may also effectively reduce the public’s vaccine hesitancy and promote accepting attitude. However, for people with high level of stress, other health programs need to be developed to enhance their positive attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine. In conclusion, promotion strategies should be tailored for different populations, with considering individual factors such as health literacy and stress.
The role of prisons in disseminating tuberculosis in Brazil: a genomic epidemiology study
Authors: Walter Katharine S. , dos Santos Paulo César Pereira , Gonçalves Thais Oliveira , da Silva Brunna Oliveira , Santos Andrea da Silva , Leite Alessandra de Cássia , da Silva Alessandra Moura , Moreira Flora Martinez Figueira , de Oliveira Roberto Dias , Lemos Everton Ferreira , Cunha Eunice , Liu Yiran E. , Ko Albert , Colijn Caroline , Cohen Ted , Mathema Barun , Croda Julio , Andrews Jason R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundGlobally, prisons are high-incidence settings for tuberculosis. Yet the role of prisons as reservoirs of M. tuberculosis, propagating epidemics through spillover from prisons to surrounding communities, has been difficult to measure directly.Methods and FindingsTo quantify the role of prisons in driving wider community M. tuberculosis transmission, we conducted prospective genomic surveillance in Central West Brazil from 2014 to 2019. We whole genome sequenced 1,152 M. tuberculosis isolates collected during active and passive surveillance inside and outside prisons and linked genomes to detailed incarceration histories. We applied multiple phylogenetic and genomic clustering approaches and inferred timed transmission trees. We found that M. tuberculosis sequences from incarcerated and non-incarcerated people were closely related in a maximum likelihood phylogeny. The majority (70.8%; 46/65) of genomic clusters including people with no incarceration history also included individuals with a recent history of incarceration. Among cases in individuals with no incarceration history, 50.6% (162/320) were in clusters that included individuals with recent incarceration history, suggesting that transmission chains often span prisons and communities. We identified a minimum of 18 highly probable spillover events, M. tuberculosis transmission from people with a recent incarceration history to people with no prior history of incarceration, occurring in the state’s four largest cities and across sampling years. We additionally found that frequent transfers of people between the state’s prisons creates a highly connected prison network that likely disseminates M. tuberculosis across the state.ConclusionsWe developed a framework for measuring spillover from high-incidence environments to surrounding communities by integrating genomic and spatial information to reconstruct tuberculosis transmission chains. Our findings indicate that, in this setting, prisons serve not only as disease reservoirs, but also disseminate M. tuberculosis across highly connected prison networks, both amplifying and propagating M. tuberculosis risk in surrounding communities.
Trends in COVID-19 vaccination intent, determinants and reasons for vaccine hesitancy: results from repeated cross-sectional surveys in the adult general population of Greece during November 2020-June 2021
Authors: Sypsa V , Roussos S , Engeli V , Paraskevis D , Tsiodras S , Hatzakis A 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundVaccine hesitancy is a major barrier to achieve large-scale COVID-19 vaccination. We report trends in vaccination intention and associated determinants from surveys in the adult general population in Greece.MethodsFour cross-sectional phone surveys were conducted in November 2020, February, April and May 2021 on nationally representative samples of adults in Greece. Multinomial logistic regression was used on the combined data of the surveys to evaluate independent predictors of vaccination unwillingness/uncertainty.ResultsVaccination intention increased from 67.6% in November 2020 to 84.8%. in May 2021. Individuals aged 65 years or older were more willing to get vaccinated (May 2021: 92.9% vs. 79.5% in 18-39 years, p<0.001) but between age-groups differences decreased over time. Vaccination intention increased substantially in both sexes, though earlier among men than women and was higher in individuals with postgraduate studies (May 2021: 91.3% vs. 84.0% up to junior high). From multivariable analysis, unwillingness and/or uncertainty to get vaccinated was associated with younger age, female gender (in particular in the April 2021 survey), lower educational level and living with a child ≤12 years old. Among those with vaccine hesitancy, concerns about vaccine effectiveness declined over time (21.6% in November 2020 vs. 9.6% in May 2021, p=0.014) and were reported more often by men; safety concerns remained stable over time (66.3% in November 2020 vs. 62.1% in May 2021, p=0.658) and were reported more often by women.ConclusionsVaccination intention increased substantially over time. Tailored communication is needed to address vaccine hesitancy and concerns regarding vaccine safety.FundingThe phone surveys were conducted with the kind support of the Greek Shipowners’ Social Welfare Company SYN-ENOSISConflicts of interest statementThe authors have no conflict of interest related to this article
The Influence of Irreversibly Electroporated Cells on Post Pulse Drug Delivery to Reversibly Electroporated Cells
Authors: Becker Sid M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractElectroporation can result in cell death in some proportion of a population of cells and, because the nature of the membrane disruption can vary significantly in irreversibly electroporated cells, there is uncertainty in the magnitude of and the transient behaviour of the associated permeability increases. This study numerically investigates the drug uptake by a population of cells that includes both reversibly and irreversibly electroporated cells. A theoretical continuum model is developed and simulations are conducted in conditions of low porosity (cells in tissues) and of high porosity (cells in suspension). This model estimates the permeability increases of electroporated cells using empirically based predictions of the dependence of long−lived electropore density on the local electric field magnitude. A parametric investigation investigates how the transmembrane transport characteristics of irreversibly electroporated cells (permeability and resealing rate) affect the drug uptake of the surviving cells. The results show that the magnitude and duration of the permeability increases of irreversibly electroporated cells is much more influential in low porosity tissues than in high porosity dilute suspensions. In applications of electroporation of cells in tissues, the uncertainty of irreversibly electroporated cells should be considered in regions of tissue experiencing field strengths for which the fraction of the total cells that are irreversibly electroporated exceeds about 0.1.
Uncovering the Genetic Profiles Underlying the Intrinsic Organization of the Human Cerebellum
Authors: Wang Yaping , Chai Lin , Chu Congying , Li Deying , Gao Chaohong , Wu Xia , Yang Zhengyi , Zhang Yu , Xu Junhai , Nyengaard Jens Randel , Eickhoff Simon B. , Liu Bing , Madsen Kristoffer Hougaard , Jiang Tianzi , Fan Lingzhong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe functional diversity of the human cerebellum is largely believed to be derived more from its extensive connections rather than being limited to its mostly invariant architecture. However, whether and how the determination of cerebellar connections in its intrinsic organization interact with microscale gene expression is still unknown. Here we decode the genetic profiles of the cerebellar functional organization by investigating the genetic substrates simultaneously linking cerebellar functional heterogeneity and its drivers, i.e., the connections. We not only identified 443 network-specific genes but also discovered that their co-expression pattern correlated strongly with intra-cerebellar functional connectivity (FC). Ninety of these genes were also linked to the FC of cortico-cerebellar cognitive-limbic networks. To further discover the biological functions of these genes, we performed a “virtual gene knock-out” by observing the change in the coupling between gene co-expression and FC and divided the genes into two subsets, i.e., a positive gene contribution indicator (GCI+) involved in cerebellar neurodevelopment and a negative gene set (GCI−) related to neurotransmission. A more interesting finding is that GCI− is significantly linked with the cerebellar connectivity-behavior association and many recognized brain diseases that are closely linked with the cerebellar functional abnormalities. Our results could collectively help to rethink the genetic substrates underlying the cerebellar functional organization and offer possible micro-macro interacted mechanistic interpretations of the cerebellum-involved high order functions and dysfunctions in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Intracranial Human Recordings Reveal Intensity Coding for the Pain of Others in the Insula
Authors: Soyman Efe , Bruls Rune , Ioumpa Kalliopi , Müller-Pinzler Laura , Gallo Selene , van Straaten Elisabeth C.W. , Self Matthew W. , Peters Judith C. , Possel Jessy K. , Onuki Yoshiyuki , Baayen Johannes C. , Idema Sander , Keysers Christian , Gazzola Valeria 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBased on neuroimaging data, the insula is considered important for people to empathize with the pain of others, whether that pain is perceived through facial expressions or the sight of limbs in painful situations. Here we present the first report of intracranial electroencephalographic (iEEG) recordings from the insulae collected while 7 presurgical epilepsy patients rated the intensity of a woman’s painful experiences viewed in movies. In two separate conditions, pain was deduced from seeing facial expressions or a hand being slapped by a belt. We found that broadband activity in the 20-190 Hz range correlated with the trial-by-trial perceived intensity in the insula for both types of stimuli. Using microwires at the tip of a selection of the electrodes, we additionally isolated 8 insular neurons with spiking that correlated with perceived intensity. Within the insula, we found a patchwork of locations with differing selectivities within our stimulus set, some representing intensity only for facial expressions, others only for the hand being hit, and others for both. That we found some locations with intensity coding only for faces, and others only for hand across simultaneously recorded locations suggests that insular activity while witnessing the pain of others cannot be entirely reduced to a univariate salience representation. Psychophysics and the temporal properties of our signals indicate that the timing of responses encoding intensity for the sight of the hand being hit are best explained by kinematic information; the timing of those encoding intensity for facial expressions are best explained by shape information in the face. In particular, the furrowing of the eyebrows and the narrowing of the eyes of the protagonist in the movies suffice to predict both the rating of and the timing of the neuronal response to the facial expressions. Comparing the broadband activity in the iEEG signal with spiking activity and an fMRI experiment with similar stimuli revealed a consistent spatial organization for the representation of intensity from our hand stimuli, with stronger intensity representation more anteriorly and around neurons with intensity coding. In contrast, for the facial expressions, we found that the activity at the three levels of measurement do not coincide, suggesting a more disorganized representation. Together, our intracranial recordings indicate that the insula encodes, in a partially intermixed layout, both static and dynamic cues from different body parts that reflect the intensity of pain experienced by others.
A Random Forest Classifier for Protein-Protein Docking Models
Authors: Barradas-Bautista Didier , Cao Zhen , Vangone Anna , Oliva Romina , Cavallo Luigi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHerein, we present the results of a machine learning approach we developed to single out correct 3D docking models of protein-protein complexes obtained by popular docking software. To this aim, we generated a set of ≈7×106 docking models with three different docking programs (HADDOCK, FTDock and ZDOCK) for the 230 complexes in the protein-protein interaction benchmark, version 5 (BM5). Three different machine-learning approaches (Random Forest, Supported Vector Machine and Perceptron) were used to train classifiers with 158 different scoring functions (features). The Random Forest algorithm outperformed the other two algorithms and was selected for further optimization. Using a features selection algorithm, and optimizing the random forest hyperparameters, allowed us to train and validate a random forest classifier, named CoDES (COnservation Driven Expert System). Testing of CoDES on independent datasets, as well as results of its comparative performance with machine-learning methods recently developed in the field for the scoring of docking decoys, confirm its state-of-the-art ability to discriminate correct from incorrect decoys both in terms of global parameters and in terms of decoys ranked at the top positions.