bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence assists identifying malignant versus benign liver lesions using contrast‐enhanced ultrasound
Authors: Hu Hang‐Tong , Wang Wei , Chen Li‐Da , Ruan Si‐Min , Chen Shu‐Ling , Li Xin , Lu Ming‐De , Xie Xiao‐Yan , Kuang Ming 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and AimThis study aims to construct a strategy that uses assistance from artificial intelligence (AI) to assist radiologists in the identification of malignant versus benign focal liver lesions (FLLs) using contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).MethodsA training set (patients = 363) and a testing set (patients = 211) were collected from our institute. On four‐phase CEUS images in the training set, a composite deep learning architecture was trained and tuned for differentiating malignant and benign FLLs. In the test dataset, AI performance was evaluated by comparison with radiologists with varied levels of experience. Based on the comparison, an AI assistance strategy was constructed, and its usefulness in reducing CEUS interobserver heterogeneity was further tested.ResultsIn the test set, to identify malignant versus benign FLLs, AI achieved an area under the curve of 0.934 (95% CI 0.890–0.978) with an accuracy of 91.0%. Comparing with radiologists reviewing videos along with complementary patient information, AI outperformed residents (82.9–84.4%, P = 0.038) and matched the performance of experts (87.2–88.2%, P = 0.438). Due to the higher positive predictive value (PPV) (AI: 95.6% vs residents: 88.6–89.7%, P = 0.056), an AI strategy was defined to improve the malignant diagnosis. With the assistance of AI, radiologists exhibited a sensitivity improvement of 97.0–99.4% (P < 0.05) and an accuracy of 91.0–92.9% (P = 0.008–0.189), which was comparable with that of the experts (P = 0.904).ConclusionsThe CEUS‐based AI strategy improved the performance of residents and reduced CEUS's interobserver heterogeneity in the differentiation of benign and malignant FLLs.
The effect on pain level and comfort of foot massages given by mothers to newborns before heel lancing: Double‐blind randomized controlled study
Authors: Yavaş Seçil , Bülbül Tülay , Topçu Gavas Hilal 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroductionIn addition to pharmacological methods, non‐pharmacological methods can also be used for reducing pain and increasing comfort during invasive procedures in newborn babies. This study was conducted to determine the effect on pain level and comfort of foot massages given by mothers to newborns before heel lancing.MethodsThis is a double‐blind randomized controlled experimental study. The sample consisted of 128 newborns including 64 in the intervention group and 64 in the control group. The Newborn Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) and Newborn Comfort Behavior Scale (NCBS) were used to collect the data, along with questionnaires for information on the newborn and mother. The researcher explained to each mother in theory how to do a foot massage at least 2 h before the heel lancing procedure. Mothers then drew random assignments to either an intervention group that would give a foot massage for 3 min with baby oil, or a control group that simply waited 3 min, immediately prior to the lancing.ResultsIt was determined that the foot massage performed by the mother reduced the pain level of babies, increased their comfort levels, and decreased their distress levels.ConclusionNurses play an active role in defining and evaluating the newborn's responses to pain. It is thought that this study will guide nurses working in the clinic in reducing the acute pain that develops with invasive interventions performed on newborns and in preventing the negative effects of pain on the newborn.
Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine Jianpi formulas for atopic dermatitis: Evidence from 11 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Hongmin , Sun Xiaoyin , He Jingwei , Tan Cheng , Dai Ting 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundJianpi formulas have been widely used to treat atopic dermatitis (AD) by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners, but the efficacy and safety need further evaluation. A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of Jianpi formulas for AD.MethodsWe searched the following databases up to October 2020: PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database (CNKI), and Wanfang database. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated Jianpi formulas add‐on effect for AD were included for meta‐analysis. The primary outcome was minor remission. Secondary outcomes include complete remission, marked remission, and decrease of SCORAD.ResultsTotally eleven studies were included. Nine studies were included in qualitative analysis and seven were included in quantitative analysis. The common herbs were poria, glycyrrhiza uralensis, rhizoma atractylodis, atractylodes macrocephala, and semen coicis. The Jianpi formulas add‐on therapy showed consistent higher effectiveness rate in complete remission (RR1.528, 95%CI 1.176–1.984. p<0.01; Q=2.31, I2=0%), marked remission (RR 1.388, 95% CI 1.234–1.562. p<0.01; Q=3.682, I2=0%), and minor remission (RR 1.170, 95% CI 1.105–1.239, p<0.01; Q=14.355, I2=44.27%). The decrease of the scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) in Jianpi formulas was significantly higher than in control group (SMD=0.671, 95% CI 0.018 to 0.937). Jianpi formulas were generally well tolerated, with no significantly increased risk of adverse events (AE).ConclusionsThe combinations of Jianpi formulas showed moderate positive add‐one effects in AD patients. Further well‐designed clinical trials are needed to evaluate long‐term effect of this therapy.
Survey of attitudes of individuals who underwent remote prenatal check‐ups and consultations in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Nakagawa Kinuko , Umazume Takeshi , Mayama Michinori , Chiba Kentaro , Saito Yoshihiro , Noshiro Kiwamu , Morikawa Mamoru , Yoshino Masanori , Watari Hidemichi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimPerinatal telemedicine efforts have commenced worldwide in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. As there have been no prior studies on the acceptance of telemedicine by pregnant women, we conducted this survey to investigate the same.MethodsWe conducted an anonymous questionnaire survey of pregnant women who underwent telemedicine check‐ups from March 4 to June 30, 2020, using a mobile fetal heart rate monitor and video call system through the Hokkaido University Hospital.ResultsOut of the 77 individuals who received prenatal telemedicine check‐ups, 54 individuals (70%) had complications, and 64 individuals (83%) consented for the questionnaire survey. In the video call system, 18 individuals (28%) were found to be unwell and 17 individuals (27%) experienced difficulty using the mobile fetal heart rate monitoring device. Assuming scores for face‐to‐face consultations were five out of 10, the mean score for satisfaction was 4.2, but 19 (30%) women felt equal or greater satisfaction with face‐to‐face consultations. If not for the threat of COVID‐19, only four individuals (6%) proactively expressed a desire for telemedicine, with a significantly less demand observed among primiparous women than multiparous women. The permissible additional financial burden enabling telemedicine was $10 or less for 80% of subjects.ConclusionIn this small preliminary study, 30% of the pregnant women felt equal or greater satisfaction with telemedicine than face‐to‐face consultations. A stronger demand for telemedicine was exhibited by multiparous women than primiparous women. Thus, a system that would be advantages by limiting subjects and enabling low‐cost examinations is required for making perinatal telemedicine more popular.
Facing Each Other: Japanese and Russian Sociologies
Authors: Mitupova Sayana 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe history of sociology as a subfield has long aimed to describe the historical developments of the discipline, within which national traditions offer unique voices while also contributing to a global sociology. How do various sociological paradigms and national traditions approach social reality in similar and different ways? This paper examines Russian and Japanese contributions to the history of sociology by reviewing some of their major concepts and perspectives. On this basis, this paper seeks to probe into the past and present self‐understandings of the two sociological traditions, as well as their potentials for a more active role in global sociological discourse. Both countries have a history of protracted isolation, which has made them more or less invisible in the international sociological community. However, Russian and Japanese sociological traditions exist and are ready to be tapped, even as their production and mobilization of intellectual resources remain strongly embedded in their politics, cultures, and societies. A broader aim of this paper is to enhance mutual understandings and future collaborations between sociologists in Russia and Japan.
Epidural Contrast Volume on Post‐Myelogram Lumbar CT Predicts the Rate of Subsequent Blood Patch Treatment
Authors: Yu Robinson , Kale Hrishikesh , Branstetter Barton F. , Palfey Stacie , Agarwal Vikas 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTBackground and PurposeHeadaches due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage are a well‐known complication of dural puncture. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence and volume of epidural contrast on postmyelogram CTs of the lumbar spine were associated with post‐dural puncture headaches (PDPHs) requiring epidural blood patch (EBP) treatment.MethodsA retrospective case control study of all fluoroscopically guided lumbar myelograms performed over a 5‐year period by a single radiology practitioner assistant was performed. Ten patients who underwent EBP treatment after their myelograms were identified. Forty‐six patients with similar demographics who did not receive blood patches were then selected. CT‐lumbar myelogram images of patients and controls were reviewed. The volume of epidural contrast was then quantified as “severe” or “mild.” Severe epidural contrast was defined as contrast detected in the ventral epidural space, the extra‐foraminal space, or extending greater than or equal to the length of two vertebral bodies from the level of dural puncture.ResultsSome amount of epidural contrast was seen in all patients. However, a severe volume of epidural contrast was associated with increased risk for PDPH requiring an EBP (odds ratio = 37.00; 95% CI = 4.1–330.8, p = 0.0012).ConclusionSevere epidural contrast on postmyelogram CTs of the lumbar spine was associated with an increased risk of PDPH requiring EBP treatment. When present, this finding can alert the proceduralist that the patient may require closer observation and follow up with earlier intervention.
Cortically constrained shape recognition: Automated white matter tract segmentation validated in the pediatric brain
Authors: Jordan Kesshi M. , Lauricella Michael , Licata Abigail E. , Sacco Simone , Asteggiano Carlo , Wang Cheng , Sudarsan Swati P. , Watson Christa , Scheffler Aaron W. , Battistella Giovanni , Miller Zachary A. , Gorno‐Tempini Maria Luisa , Caverzasi Eduardo , Mandelli Maria Luisa 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEManual segmentation of white matter (WM) bundles requires extensive training and is prohibitively labor‐intensive for large‐scale studies. Automated segmentation methods are necessary in order to eliminate operator dependency and to enable reproducible studies. Significant changes in the WM landscape throughout childhood require flexible methods to capture the variance across the span of brain development.METHODSHere, we describe a novel automated segmentation tool called Cortically Constrained Shape Recognition (CCSR), which combines two complementary approaches: (1) anatomical connectivity priors based on FreeSurfer‐derived regions of interest and (2) shape priors based on 3‐dimensional streamline bundle atlases applied using RecoBundles. We tested the performance and repeatability of this approach by comparing volume and diffusion metrics of the main language WM tracts that were both manually and automatically segmented in a pediatric cohort acquired at the UCSF Dyslexia Center (n = 59; 25 females; average age: 11 ± 2; range: 7–14).RESULTSThe CCSR approach showed high agreement with the expert manual segmentations: across all tracts, the spatial overlap between tract volumes showed an average Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) of 0.76, and the fractional anisotropy (FA) on average had a Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) of 0.81. The CCSR's repeatability in a subset of this cohort achieved a DSC of 0.92 on average across all tracts.CONCLUSIONThis novel automated segmentation approach is a promising tool for reproducible large‐scale tractography analyses in pediatric populations and particularly for the quantitative assessment of structural connections underlying various clinical presentations in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Sexual recombination and genetic diversity in Iranian populations of Pyrenophora teres
Authors: Dokhanchi Haleh , Arzanlou Mahdi , Abed‐Ashtiani Farnaz 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPyrenophora teres is an economically important pathogen of barley worldwide causing net blotch diseases. In this study, the frequency and mating‐type alleles's distribution as well as genetic diversity of P. teres were assessed on micro‐spatial scale and also on macro‐geographical scale to find out whether a sexual cycle is possible within its Iranian populations. A multiplex PCR assay was developed for simultaneous identification and recognition of P. teres f. teres and P. teres f. maculata and to screen their mating‐type alleles. 118 isolates of P. teres were procured from barley fields of East Azerbaijan province during 2017–2018. Among 89 isolates of P. teres f. teres examined, 39 isolates were found as MAT1‐1 and 50 isolates were found to be MAT1‐2. Among 29 isolates of P. teres f. maculata examined, 17 isolates were found as MAT1‐1 and 12 isolates were found to be MAT1‐2 with the dominancy belonging to MAT1‐1. Nearly same mating‐type alleles distribution within and between various populations of P. teres f. teres (1:1 ratio; χ2 = 1.36) and P. teres f. maculata (1:1 ratio; χ2 = 0.862) was observed. Genetic diversity assessment of 118 P. teres isolates was carried out through inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analysis and results revealed that there was 70.83% and 63.89% polymorphism among the isolates of P. teres f. teres and P. teres f. maculata, respectively. No relation was observed between the isolates and their mating as well as geographical type. Among collected isolates (89 P. teres f. teres and 29 P. teres f. maculata isolates), the gene diversity was generally similar (h = 0.280 and h = 0.238 for P. teres f. teres and P. teres f. maculata, respectively). Based on our findings and referring to the prior data on the structure of P. teres population, we conclude that in the majority of tested areas, this fungal species might have the potential to undergo regular sexual recombination cycles.
Cross‐sectional case‐control study of the relationships between pharyngeal compliance and heart rate variability indices in childhood obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Bokov Plamen , Mauvais François‐Xavier , Madani Amélia , Matrot Boris , Lecendreux Michel , Delanoë Catherine , Konofal Eric , Gallego Jorge , Delclaux Christophe 
Published: April 2021

SummaryA combination of noradrenergic and antimuscarinic agents reduces the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) via reduced upper airway collapsibility, suggesting that a shift in the sympathovagal balance improves OSA. The objectives of our present case‐control study were to assess heart rate variability (HRV) indices in the stages of sleep in children with and without OSA to evaluate OSA‐induced sleep HRV modifications and to assess whether increased collapsibility measured during wakefulness is associated with reduced sympathetic activity during non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Three groups of 15 children were matched by sex, age,z‐score of body mass index and ethnicity: non‐OSA (obstructive AHI [OAHI] <2 events/hr), mild (OAHI ≥2 to <5 events/hr) or moderate–severe (OAHI ≥5 events/hr) OSA. Pharyngeal compliance was measured during wakefulness using acoustic pharyngometry. HRV indices (time and frequency domain variables) were calculated on 5‐min electrocardiography recordings from polysomnography during wakefulness, NREM and REM sleep in periods free of any event. As compared to children without OSA, those with OSA (n = 30) were characterised by increased compliance and no physiological parasympathetic tone increase in REM sleep. Children with increased pharyngeal compliance (n = 21) had a higher OAHI due to higher AHI in NREM sleep, whereas their sympathetic tone was lower than that of those with normal compliance (n = 24). In conclusion, children with increased pharyngeal compliance exhibit decreased sympathetic tone associated with increased AHI in NREM sleep. Therapeutics directed at sympathovagal balance modifications should be tested in childhood OSA.
Epidemiology estimates of hepatitis D in individuals co‐infected with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus, 2002–2018: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shen Dan‐Ting , Han Pei‐Chun , Ji Dong‐Ze , Chen Hai‐Yan , Cao Wei‐Dong , Goyal Hemant , Xu Hua‐Guo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHepatitis delta virus (HDV) is an obligate satellite of hepatitis B virus (HBV). HIV/HDV co‐infection is associated with a high rate of hepatic decompensation events and death. We aimed to characterize the epidemiology of HDV infection in HIV/HBV co‐infected individuals. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL and Scopus for studies published from 1 Jan 2002 to 7 May 2018 measuring prevalence of HDV among the HIV population. Pooled seroprevalence was calculated with the DerSimonian–Laird random‐effects model. Our search returned 4624 records, 38 of which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These studies included data for 63 cohorts from 18 countries and regions. The overall HDV seroprevalence of HIV‐infected individuals was 1.03% (95% CI 0.43–1.85) in 2002–2018 globally. Moreover, the estimated pooled HDV seroprevalence among the general population was 1.07% (95% CI 0.65–1.59) in 2002–2018, which was not significantly different from the HDV seroprevalence of individuals living with HIV (p = 0.951). The overall HDV seroprevalence of the HBsAg positive population was 12.15% (95% CI 10.22–14.20), p = 0.434 when compared with the corresponding data of HIV/HBV co‐infected individuals. This meta‐analysis suggested that there was no difference between the HDV seroprevalence in HIV‐infected individuals and the general population.
Patient‐reported outcomes of the Treatment and Prevention Study: A real‐world community‐based trial of direct‐acting antivirals for hepatitis C among people who inject drugs
Authors: Goutzamanis Stelliana , Spelman Timothy , Harney Brendan , Dietze Paul , Stoove Mark , Higgs Peter , Thompson Alexander , Doyle Joseph S. , Hellard Margaret 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe impact of hepatitis C cure with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in community settings remains unclear. We aimed to assess changes in PROs over time and whether treatment was associated with sustained improved PROs in a cohort of people who inject drugs. This study is a sub‐analysis of the Treatment and Prevention Study, a nurse‐led trial where people who inject drugs and their injecting partners were recruited in a community setting, in Melbourne, Australia. Three participant groups were characterized: treatment, untreated and non‐viremic (hepatitis C RNA negative at screening). PROs included assessment of health‐related quality of life using the Short Form‐8 (SF‐8) Survey and life satisfaction using Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI). PROs were measured at baseline and every 12 weeks until week 84. Generalized estimating equations were used to measure whether treatment was associated with longitudinal PRO change. A total of 215 participants were included in this analysis. PWI scores were significantly higher at week 12 for both treatment group (p = 0.0309) and non‐viremic group (p = 0.0437) compared to baseline. However, treatment was not associated with longitudinal change in PRO scores. In conclusion, we found DAA treatment did not significantly improve PRO scores compared to those not receiving treatment and without hepatitis C. The measures used in this study may not be sensitive enough to capture the hepatitis C specific improvements in quality of life that treatment affords or factors other than treatment may be influencing quality of life scores in this cohort.
Detection of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean cryptic species on soybean in São Paulo and Paraná States (Brazil) and interaction of cowpea mild mottle virus with whiteflies
Authors: Bello Vinicius Henrique , da Silva Felipe Barreto , Watanabe Luís Fernando Maranho , Vicentin Eduardo , Muller Cristiane , de Freitas Bueno Regiane Cristina Oliveira , Santos Jessica Costa , De Marchi Bruno Rossitto , Nogueira Angélica Maria , Yuki Valdir Atsushi , Marubayashi Julio Massaharu , Pereira Sartori Maria Márcia , Pavan Marcelo Agenor , Ghanim Murad , Krause‐Sakate Renate 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSince the detection of Bemisia tabaci Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) species in Brazil in the early 1990s, this whitefly has been the predominant species and the main viral vector in the country. In this work, whiteflies were collected from commercial soybean fields near and far from greenhouses where Mediterranean (MED) species had previously been detected infesting vegetable crops. Results indicated that MEAM1 was the predominant whitefly species in soybean in most sampling sites, while MED was found colonizing soybean plants in open field conditions alone and/or with MEAM1 in several places. Among the tested insects, MED species was mostly detected harbouring the facultative endosymbiont Hamiltonella. We also detected cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV) infecting soybean plants. Transmission assays demonstrated that MED species was more efficient transmitting CPMMV from beans to beans and from soybean to soybean plants than MEAM1, while MEAM1 was more efficient in transmitting the virus from soybean to bean than MED. Performance assays indicated that adult emergence of both species on CPMMV‐infected soybean plants was higher when compared with the emergence on healthy plants. Moreover, nonviruliferous MED and MEAM1 adults preferred to settle more often on healthy plants, while viruliferous adults settled more often on CPMMV‐infected soybean plants. As MED has already been found in soybean open fields in São Paulo and Paraná States, Brazil, and it is a good vector of CPMMV, we anticipate problems related to whitefly management and to increase in the incidence of the virus in soybean.
The state of Geography in Australian universities
Authors: Head Lesley , Rutherfurd Ian 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe place the state of Australian university Geography in brief historical context and assess the key contemporary challenges. We draw on recent strategic reviews and overviews, and perspectives from the heads of programmes. Geography’s presence and visibility in both STEM and HASS domains is a key source of its attractiveness to students and its cross‐disciplinary strength. Unfortunately, this same STEM/HASS crossover is precisely what makes it chronically vulnerable to institutional restructuring.