bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Malaria-VisAnalytics: A Tool for Visual Exploratory Analysis of Brazilian Public Malaria Data
Authors: Sironi Alberto Pietro , Bertoldo Juracy , Barreto Marcos Ennes , Simpaio Vanderson , Coimbra Danilo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Data integration and visualization techniques have been widely used in scientific research to allow the exploitation of large volumes of data and support highly complex or long-lasting research questions. Integration allows data from different sources to be aggregated into a single database comprising variables of interest for different types of studies. Visualization allows large and complex data sets to be manipulated and interpreted in a more intuitive way.Methods: In this paper, we present how integration and visualization techniques were applied in a malaria surveillance ecosystem to build an integrated database comprising notifications, deaths, vector control andclimate data. This database is accessed through Malaria-VisAnalytics, a visual mining platform for descriptive and predictive analytics supporting decision and policy making by governmental and health agents.Results: Our experimental and validation results so far have proved that the visual exploration and interaction mechanisms allow effective surveillance for rapid action in suspected outbreaks, as well support a set of different research questions over integrated malaria electronic health records.Conclusion: At last, it can be easily extended with new functionalities and data sources to accommodate more complex scenarios.
Facilitators and Barriers to Clinical Pathway Uptake and Utilization among Primary Care Providers in Saskatchewan – A Qualitative Study
Authors: Groot Gary , Ollegasagrem Shaliny , Khakpour Mahasti , Panahi Adel , Goodridge Donna , Lloyd Joshua , Kinsman Leigh , Rotter Thomas , Tymchak Zane 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Clinical Pathways (CPWs) are multidisciplinary, evidence based, complex interventions designed to standardize patient care. In Saskatchewan, development, implementation, and evaluation of seven provincial CPWs (Hip & Knee, Spine, Pelvic Floor, Prostate Assessment, Fertility Care, Lower Extremity Wound Care, and Acute Stroke) present significant challenges, leading to lower uptake and utilization. This study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to CPW uptake and utilization by Family Physicians in Saskatchewan. Methods: A qualitative interpretive approach was used consisting of eight one-on-one key informant (KI) interviews and five focus groups (FG) in identifying the facilitators and barriers to CPWs. KIs had been involved in the design and implementation of CPWs. FGs were held with 30 Family Physicians in two urban and two rural Saskatchewan cities. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Inductive, thematic analysis of the interviews based on the Theoretical Domain Framework (TDF) for behavioral changes was used to identify facilitators and barriers to CPW uptake and utilization by Family Physicians.Results: KI interviews informed the FG interview guide. From 5 FG discussions, 51 themes emerged and were mapped under 14 TDF domains. Family Physicians notably emphasized the barriers for utilizing CPWs. Major barriers were: system-level (knowledge & communication, social/professional identity, Family Physician engagement and education); objective clarification (goals, belief about consequences of implementing CPW) and technical and resource related (administrative, access to local specialists, enforcement and incentives). The most prominent barrier was lack of systematic CPW promotion and inconsistencies in communication between: organization to practitioner; organization to organization; and practitioner to practitioner. Facilitators were recognized to mitigate barriers and ranged from need for optimized and integrated IT services (i.e. Electronic Medical Records), to optimism towards CPW usage and patient outcomes. Conclusions: Informed by data from KIs and FGs, this exploratory study identified specific improvements required to promote uptake of CPWs based on perceived facilitators and barriers. Recommendations are provided to enhance uptake among FPs. These initial findings will inform the creation of a theory-based, province -wide survey instrument to further evaluate CPWs.
Diagnostic Performance of Quantitative Coronary Artery Disease Assessment Using Computed Tomography in Patients with Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Implantation
Authors: Malebranche Daniel , Hoffner Maximilian K.M. , Huber Adrian T. , Cicovic Aleksandar , Spano Giancarlo , Bernhard Benedikt , Bartkowiak Joanna , Okuno Taishi , Lanz Jonas , Räber Lorenz , Praz Fabien , Stortecky Stefan , Windecker Stephan , Pilgrim Thomas , Gräni Christoph 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a cornerstone in the pre- transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) assessment. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of CTA and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) for CAD evaluation compared to invasive coronary angiography in a cohort of TAVI patients. Methods: In consecutive TAVI patients, CAD was assessment by quantitative analysis in CTA. a) Patients with non-evaluable segments were classified as obstructive CAD. b) In patients with non-evaluable segments a CACS cut-off of 100 was applied for obstructive CAD. The reference standard was quantitative invasive coronary angiography (QCA,i.e.≥50% stenosis). Results: 100 consecutive patients were retrospectively included, age was 82.3±6.5years and 30% of patients had CAD. On a per-patient analysis CTA showed a sensitivity of 100% (95%CI: 88.4-100.0), specificity of 11.4% (95%CI: 5.1-21.3), PPV of 32.6% (95%CI: 30.8-34.5), NPV of 100% and diagnostic accuracy of 38% (95%CI: 28.5-48.3) for obstructive CAD. When applying a combined CTA/CACS approach, the sensitivity and NPV remained at 100% and obstructive CAD could be ruled out in 20% of the TAVI patients, versus 8% using CTA alone. Conclusion: Quantitative combined CTA/CACS assessment from routinely acquired pre-TAVI investigation showed good diagnostic performance to rule-out obstructive CAD and may constitute a valuable strategy to streamline diagnostic workup in selected patients undergoing TAVI.
Identification of Potential Carboxylic Acid-Containing Drug Candidate to Design Novel Competitive NDM Inhibitors: An In-Silico Approach Comprising Combined Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Vasudevan Karthick , Basu Soumya , Arumugam Amala , Naha Aniket , Ramaiah Sudha , Anbarasu Anand , Veeraraghavan Balaji 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) producing bacteria especially the ones with New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) and its variants can potentially hydrolyse all the major β-lactam antibiotics, ultimately escalating anti-microbial resistance world-wide. There is a dearth of approved inhibitors to combat NDM and other MBLs producing bacteria. Hence we focussed to find novel inhibitor(s) in-silico which can potentially suppress the activity of NDM/MBLs. A total of 2400 compounds were virtually screened to identify a promising carboxylic acid-containing compound (CID-53986787) analogous to NDM antagonist Captopril. Our lead compound can bind adjacent to the active site zinc ions (Zn1 and Zn2) in all highly resistant NDM variants. CID-53986787 possesses ~ 5–8% higher binding affinity than Captopril, exhibiting molecular interactions with crucial residues that can destabilize the hydrolytic activity of NDM. CID-53986787 was virtually evaluated to ascertain its safe pharmacological/toxicity profile. Molecular dynamics simulation studies further elucidated its stable interaction with the target protein (NDM-1).
Radiomics analysis improves 18FDG PET/CT-based risk stratification of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules
Authors: Giovanella Luca , Milan Lisa , Piccardo Arnoldo , Bottoni Gianluca , Cuzzocrea Marco , Paone Gaetano , Ceriani Luca 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose
As ~ 25% of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules harbour malignancy, diagnostic lobectomy is still performed in many cases. 18FDG PET/CT rules out malignancy in visually negative nodules; however, none of the currently available interpretation criteria differentiates malignant from benign 18FDG-avid nodules. We evaluated the ability of PET metrics and radiomics features (RFs) to predict final diagnosis of 18FDG-avid cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules.
Methods
78 patients were retrospectively included. After volumetric segmentation of each thyroid lesion, 4 PET metrics and 107 RFs were extracted. A logistic regression was performed including thyroid stimulating hormone, PET metrics and RFs to assess their predictive performance. A linear combination of the resulting parameters generated a radiomics score (RS) that was matched with cytology classes (Bethesda III and IV) and compared with final diagnosis.
Results
Two RFs (shape_Sphericity and glcm_Autocorrelation) differentiated malignant from benign lesions. A predictive model integrating RS and cytology classes effectively stratified the risk of malignancy. The prevalence of thyroid cancer increased from 5–37% and 79% in accordance with the number (score 0, 1 or 2, respectively) of positive biomarkers.
Conclusion
Our multiparametric model may be useful for reducing the number of diagnostic lobectomies with advantages in terms of costs and quality of life for patients.
Effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients with different germline BRCA1/2 mutational status: A retrospective study
Authors: Fu Mengdi , Jin Chengjuan , Chen Jingying , Feng Shuai , Nie Lekai , Zhang Yang , Peng Jin , Wang Xia , Bu Hualei , Kong Beihua 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) against primary debulking surgery (PDS) has a differential effect on prognosis due to Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes (BRCA)1/2 mutations has not been confirmed by current studies.
Methods
All patients included in this retrospective study were admitted to Qilu Hospital of Shandong University between January 2009 and June 2020, and germline BRCA1/2 mutation were tested. Patients in stage IIIB, IIIC, and IV, re-staged by International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2014, were selected for analysis. All patients with NAC received 1–3 cycles of platinum-containing (carboplatin, cisplatin, or nedaplatin) chemotherapy. Patients who received maintenance therapy after chemotherapy were not eligible for this study. All relevant medical records were collected.
Results
A total of 308 patients were enrolled in the study, including 108 patients with BRCA1/2 mutations (BRCAmut), and 200 patients with BRCA1/2 wild-type (BRCAwt). In the two groups, 36 BRCAmut patients (33.3%) and 59 BRCAwt patients (29.5%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The progression-free survival (PFS) of BRCAmut patients was significantly reduced after NAC (median: 15.0 vs. 19.0 months, HR = 0.59; p = 0.03); however, there was no statistical difference in overall survival (OS) (median: 75.1 vs. 68.5 months, HR = 0.90; p = 0.72). Whether BRCAwt patients received NAC had no significant effect on PFS (median: 13.5 vs. 14.6 months, HR = 1.02; p = 0.90) or OS (median: 54.0 vs. 56.4 months, HR = 1.23; p = 0.34). Multivariate analyses showed that the independent predictors of prolonged survival were PDS (p = 0.003), the absence of residual tumor after surgery (p = 0.010), and FIGO III stage (p = 0.011).
Conclusions
For advanced-stage ovarian cancer patients treated with NAC followed by IDS, PFS and OS were not significantly affected in BRCAwt patients. In BRCAmut patients, NAC-IDS resulted in a shortened PFS, but had no further effect on overall survival.
Confrontment and Solution to Gonadotropin Resistance and Low Oocyte Retrieval in in Vitro Fertilization for Type I BPES: a Case Series With Review of Literature
Authors: Yu Yiqi , Ji Mengxia , Xu Weihai , Zhang Ling , Qi Ming , Shu Jing 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: FOXL2 mutations in human cause Blepharophimosis, ptosis, and epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES). While type II BPES solely features eyelid abnormality, type I BPES involves not only eyelid but also ovary, leading to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and female infertility. Current mainstream reproductive option for type I BPES is embryo or oocyte donation. Attempts on assisted reproductive technology (ART) aiming biological parenthood in this population were sparse and mostly unsuccessful.Case presentation: Two Chinese type I BPES patients with low anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and elevated follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) presented with primary infertility in their early 30s. Genetic studies confirmed two heterozygous duplication mutations that were never reported previously in East Asian populations. They received in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and both exhibited resistance to gonadotropin and difficulty in retrieving oocytes in repeated cycles. Doubled to quadrupled total gonadotropin doses were required to awaken follicular response. Patient 1 delivered a baby girl with the same eyelid phenotype and patient 2 had ongoing live intrauterine pregnancy at the time of manuscript submission.Conclusions: This is the second reported live birth of biological offspring in type I BPES patients, and first success using IVF techniques. It confirmed that ART is difficult but feasible in type I BPES. It further alerts clinicians and genetic counsellors to type female BPES patients with caution in view of the precious and potentially narrowed reproductive window.
Association Between Basal Platelet Count and All-cause Mortality in Critically Ill Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure: a Secondary Analysis From the eICU Collaborative Research Database
Authors: Xiao Chuan , Qin Zuoan , Xiao Jingjing , Cheng Yumei , Li Qing , Li Wei , He Tianhui , Li Shuwen , Gao Daixiu , Feng Shen 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: There is limited evidence on the correlation between platelet counts and all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF). The aim was to evaluate whether platelet count was associated with all-cause mortality in critical patients with ARF by using the eICU Collaborative Research Database.Methods: Using a retrospective multicenter cohort dataset, data of 26961 patients with ARF in ICU between 2014 and 2015 were collected. The independent variable was log2 basal platelet count, and the dependent variables were all-cause mortality in hospital and in ICU. Covariates included demographic data, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) IV score, supportive treatment, and comorbidities.Results: In fully adjusted model, log2 basal platelet count was negatively associated with all-cause mortality both in hospital [ RR:0.87, 95% CI: 0.84 - 0.91] or in ICU [RR: 0.87, 95% CI:0.83, 0.92]. By nonlinearity test, the relationship between log2 basal platelet count and all-cause mortality in hospital and in ICU were nonlinear. The inflection point we got was 6.83 and 6.86 (after inverse log2 logarithmic conversion, the platelet count are 114×109/L and 116×109/L). There was no a correlation between blood platelets and all-cause mortality in hospital on the right side of the inflection point, (RR:0.96, 95% CI: 0.88-1.03) and in ICU (RR:0.97, 95% CI: 0.91-1.04).Conclusions: For patients with ARF in ICU, platelet count was negatively associated with all-cause mortality in hospital and in ICU when platelet count is less than 114 ×109/L and 116 ×109/L respectively, but when the platelet count was higher, we failed to observe a correlation between them. The safe ranges of platelet count we detected were 78×109/L -145×109/L and 89×109/L -147×109/L respectively.
Dynamics in brain activation and behaviour in acute and repeated social defensive motivated behaviour
Authors: de Almeida Alisson Pinto , Baldo Marcus Vinícius Chrysóstomo , Motta Simone Cristina 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In nature, confrontations between conspecifics are recurrent and related, in general, to the lack of resources such as food and territory. In this sense, adequate defence against a conspecific aggressor is essential for the individual’s survival and the group integrity. However, repeated social defeat is a significant stressor, promoting several behavioural changes, including on social defence per se. But what would be the neural basis of these behavioural changes? To explore some hypotheses about this, we investigated the effects of repeated social stress on neural circuits underlying the motivated behaviour social defence in male mice. The hypothalamus is an essential centre of these circuits. Different hypothalamic structures receive information about the conspecific from the medial amygdala and the bed nucleus of the terminal stria. Furthermore, the hypothalamus can receive environmental information via the septo-hippocampal-hypothalamic circuit. Both information is processed by the dorsal premammillary nucleus (PMD) and the ventrolateral portion of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, which communicate with the periaqueductal grey, an important downstream site for behavioural emission. During our analysis, we observed that animals re-exposed three times to the aggressor spent more time in passive defence during their last exposure than in their first one. These animals also present a smaller mobilization of areas related to the processing of conspecific cues. In contrast, we did not observe changes in the PMD mobilization. Therefore, our data indicate that the balance between the activity of circuits related to conspecific processing and the PMD determines the pattern of social defence behaviour. Changes in this balance may be the basis of the adaptations in social defence after repeated social defeat.
Complex Scene Understanding and Recognition Based on the Explainable Machine Learning in AI Models
Authors: Wu Bin , Fan Yuhong , Chen Yeh-Cheng , Zhang Tao 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Information fusion is an important part of numerous neural network systems and other machine learning models. However, there exist some problems about fusion in scene understanding and recognition of complex environment, such as difficulty in feature extraction, small sample size and interpretability of the model. Deep reinforcement learning can combine the perception ability of deep learning with the decision-making ability of reinforcement learning to learn control strategies directly from high-dimensional original data. However, It faces these challenges, such as low optimization efficiency, poor generality of network model, small labeled samples, explainable decisions for users without a strong background on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Therefore, at the level of application and theoretical research, this paper aims to solve the above problems,the main contributions include: (1)optimize the feature representation methods based on spatial-temporal feature of the behavior characteristics in the scene, deep metric learning between adjacent layers and cross-layer learning theory, and then propose a lightweight reinforcement learning network model to solve these problems of the complexity of the model to be explained, the difficulty of extracting feature and the difficulty of tuning parameter; (2)construct the self-paced learning strategy of the deep reinforcement learning model, introduce transfer learning mechanism in the optimization process, and solve the problem of low optimization efficiency and small labeled samples; (3)design the behavior recognition framework of the multi-perspective deep knowledge transfer learning model, construct a explainable behavior descriptor, and solve the problems of poor network generality and weak 1explanation of network. Our research is of great theoretical and practical significance in the fields of artificial intelligence and public security.
An Effective Nonlocal Means Image Denoising Framework Based On Nonsubsampled Shearlet Transform
Authors: Goyal Bhawna , Dogra Ayush , Sangaiah Arun Kumar 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Image denoising is a fundamental task in computer vision and image processing system with an aim of estimating the original image by eliminating the noise and artifact from the noise-corrupted version of the image. In this study, a nonlocal means (NLM) algorithm with NSST (non-subsampled shearlet transform) has been designed to surface a computationally simple image denoising algorithm. There are three steps in our process; First, NSST is employed to decompose source image into coarser and finer layers. The number of decomposition level of NSST is set to two, resulting in one low frequency coefficient (coarser layer) and four high frequency coefficients (finer layers). The two levels of decomposition are used in order to preserve memory, reduce processing time, and reduce the influence of noise and misregistration errors. The finer layers are then processed using NLM algorithm, while the coarser layer is left as it is. The NL-Means algorithm reduces noise in finer layers while maintaining the sharpness of strong edges, such as the image silhouette. When compared to noisy images, this filter also smoothes textured regions, resulting in retaining more information. To obtain a final denoised image, inverse NSST is performed to the coarser layer and the NL-means filtered finer layers. The robustness of our method has been tested on the different multisensor and medical image dataset with diverse levels of noise. In the context of both subjective assessment and objective measurement, our method outperforms numerous other existing denoising algorithms notably in terms of retaining fine image structures. It is also clearly exhibited that the proposed method is computationally more effective as compared to other prevailing algorithms.
Topology Optimization and Lightweight Design of Stamping Dies for Forming Automobile Panels
Authors: Su Ting , He Tao , Yang Renqi , Li Maojun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The accurate prediction of deformation and stress distribution on the stamping die components is critical to guarantee structure reliability and lightweight design. This work aims to propose a new method based on numerical simulation for predicting die structural behaviors and reducing total weight. The sheet metal forming simulation was firstly conducted to obtain the accurate forming contact force during stamping process. The linear static structural analysis with different load cases was then performed to investigate the deformation and stress distribution on die structure. Topology optimization was employed to realize lightweight design while ensuring structural safety. Redesign process for die structures was conducted according to both manufacturing techniques and initial optimized results to guarantee the manufacturability of new structures. The proposed methodology has several advantages of decreasing model scale, precluding intricate contact condition settings as well as time-saving. A long beam stamping die used for forming automobile panels was selected to validate the proposed methodology, and around 18% weight reduction was achieved.