bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral Zinc Supplementation Decreases the Risk of HCC Development in Patients With HCV Eradicated by DAA
Authors: Hosui Atsushi , Tanimoto Takashi , Okahara Toru , Ashida Munehiro , Ohnishi Kohsaku , Wakahara Yuhei , Kusumoto Yukihiro , Yamaguchi Toshio , Sueyoshi Yuka , Hirao Motohiro , Yamada Takuya , Hiramatsu Naoki 
Published: August 2021

We have reported that the plasma zinc concentration gradually decreases with the progression of fibrosis and is related to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the zinc concentration on HCC development (study 1) and the relationship between zinc intake and HCC development (study 2) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradicated by direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). A total of 599 sustained virological response (SVR) patients treated with DAAs without a history of HCC were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Eighty patients received supplemental zinc (Zn treatment group), and 519 patients did not receive zinc (no Zn treatment group). In study 1, the cumulative incidence rate of HCC was compared between the Zn treatment group and the no Zn treatment group. In study 2, the risk factors for HCC development were examined in the no Zn treatment group. In study 1, in the Zn treatment group, HCC did not develop during follow‐up, and the cumulative risk of HCC was significantly lower in the Zn treatment group than in the no Zn treatment group (P = 0.048). In study 2, the 1‐year and 3‐year cumulative incidence rates of HCC were 1.8% and 5.6%, respectively. The risk factors for HCC identified by multivariate analysis were male sex, cirrhosis, low platelet count before treatment, and low serum zinc concentration 12 weeks after the end of DAA therapy. Conclusion: The Zn concentration is related to HCC development in patients with HCV eradicated by DAA therapy. Oral zinc supplementation is recommended as a means of suppressing HCC development in patients who have achieved SVR.
A hybrid framework for brain tissue segmentation in magnetic resonance images
Authors: Li Chao , Sun Jun , Liu Li , Palade Vasile 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHaving a robust image segmentation strategy is very important in magnetic resonance image (MRI) processing for an effective and early disease detection and diagnosis. Since MRI can present tissues of interest in both morphological and functional images, various segmentation techniques have been employed for this. The algorithms based on Markov random field (MRF) have shown strong abilities in dealing with noisy image segmentation compared to other methods. In this article, inspired by the random drift particle swarm optimization (RDPSO) algorithm, we propose a novel hybrid framework based on a combination of the RDPSO with the hidden MRF model and the expectation–maximization algorithm (HMRF‐EM), to be used for MRI segmentation in real‐time environments. The proposed hybrid framework is compared with the standalone HMRF‐EM method, two other MRF‐based stochastic relaxation algorithms, and two widely used brain tissue segmentation toolboxes on both simulated and real MRI datasets. The experimental results prove that the proposed hybrid framework can obtain better segmentation results than most of its competitors and has faster convergence speed than the compared stochastic optimization algorithms.
Economic impact of the most drastic lockdown during COVID‐19 pandemic—The experience of Hubei, China
Authors: Ke Xiao , Hsiao Cheng 
Published: August 2021

SummaryThis paper uses a panel data approach to assess the evolution of economic consequences of the drastic lockdown policy in the epicenter of COVID‐19—the Hubei Province of China during worldwide curbs on economic activity. We find that the drastic 76‐day COVID‐19 lockdown policy brought huge negative impacts on Hubei's economy. In 2020:q1, the lockdown quarter, the treatment effect on GDP was about 37% of the counterfactual. However, the drastic lockdown also brought the spread of COVID‐19 under control in little more than two months. After the government lifted the lockdown in early April, the economy quickly recovered with the exception of passenger transportation sector which rebounded not as quickly as the rest of the general economy.
Associations between MMPI‐3 scale scores and the DSM‐5 personality disorders
Authors: Brown Tiffany A. , Sellbom Martin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe current study examined associations between Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐3 (MMPI‐3) scales and self‐reported DSM‐5 Section II personality disorder (PD) symptoms. A priori hypotheses were generated for which MMPI‐3 scales would be most highly associated with each PD.MethodsWe used a large sample (n = 489) of university students, who completed the MMPI‐3 and two established self‐report measures of personality disorders.ResultsThe results were generally consistent with theoretical expectations and previous research utilizing the MMPI‐2‐RF. Specifically, most hypothesized MMPI‐3 scales exhibited meaningful associations with relevant PD variables, although there were some notable exceptions. The regression models revealed significant predictors for each PD which were generally consistent with expectations and previous research.ConclusionsOverall, the MMPI‐3 appears well situated to cover a range of DSM‐5 Section II PD‐related psychopathology, and three of the new MMPI‐3 scales appear to have added utility for assessing personality pathology.
Plasma extracellular vesicles released after severe burn injury modulate macrophage phenotype and function
Authors: Willis Micah L , Mahung Cressida , Wallet Shannon M , Barnett Alexandra , Cairns Bruce A , Coleman Leon G , Maile Robert 
Published: August 2021

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as key regulators of immune function across multiple diseases. Severe burn injury is a devastating trauma with significant immune dysfunction that results in an ∼12% mortality rate due to sepsis-induced organ failure, pneumonia, and other infections. Severe burn causes a biphasic immune response: an early (0–72 h) hyper-inflammatory state, with release of damage-associated molecular pattern molecules, such as high-mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1), and proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β), followed by an immunosuppressive state (1–2+ wk post injury), associated with increased susceptibility to life-threatening infections. We have reported that early after severe burn injury HMGB1 and IL-1β are enriched in plasma EVs. Here we tested the impact of EVs isolated after burn injury on phenotypic and functional consequences in vivo and in vitro using adoptive transfers of EV. EVs isolated early from mice that underwent a 20% total body surface area burn injury (burn EVs) caused similar hallmark cytokine responses in naïve mice to those seen in burned mice. Burn EVs transferred to RAW264.7 macrophages caused similar functional (i.e., cytokine secretion) and immune gene expression changes seen with their associated phase of post-burn immune dysfunction. Burn EVs isolated early (24 h) induced MCP-1, IL-12p70, and IFNγ, whereas EVs isolated later blunted RAW proinflammatory responses to bacterial endotoxin (LPS). We also describe significantly increased HMGB1 cargo in burn EVs purified days 1 to 7 after injury. Thus, burn EVs cause immune outcomes in naïve mice and macrophages similar to findings after severe burn injury, suggesting EVs promote post-burn immune dysfunction.
Rational Design of Thermoresponsive Microgel Templates with Polydopamine Surface Coating for Microtissue Applications
Authors: Stengelin Elena , Nzigou Mombo Brice , Mondeshki Mihail , Beltramo Guillermo L. , Lange Martin A. , Schmidt Patrick , Frerichs Hajo , Wegner Seraphine V. , Seiffert Sebastian 
Published: August 2021

AbstractFunctional microgels provide a versatile basis for synthetic in vitro platforms as alternatives to animal experiments. The tuning of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of synthetic microgels can be achieved by blending suitable polymers and formulating them such to reflect the heterogenous and complex nature of biological tissues. Based on this premise, this paper introduces the development of volume‐switchable core–shell microgels as 3D templates to enable cell growth for microtissue applications, using a systematic approach to tune the microgel properties based on a deep conceptual and practical understanding. Microscopic microgel design, such as the tailoring of the microgel size and spherical shape, is achieved by droplet‐based microfluidics, while on a nanoscopic scale, a thermoresponsive polymer basis, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), is used to provide the microgel volume switchability. Since PNIPAAm has only limited cell‐growth promoting properties, the cell adhesion on the microgel is further improved by surface modification with polydopamine, which only slightly affects the microgel properties, thereby simplifying the system. To further tune the microgel thermoresponsiveness, different amounts of N‐hydroxyethylacrylamide are incorporated into the PNIPAAm network. In a final step, cell growth on the microgel surface is investigated, both at a single microgel platform and in spheroidal cell structures.
The long‐term corrosion performance and adhesion properties of 7B04 aluminum alloy/anodic film/epoxy primer system in acidic NaCl solution
Authors: Zhang Yangguang , Chen Yueliang , Zhang Yong , Bian Guixue 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe deterioration process and corrosion protective effect of 7B04 aluminum alloy/anodic film/epoxy primer system in acidic NaCl solution for 3024 h were investigated by optical/electron microscopes, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning Kelvin probe (SKP), and pull‐off adhesion test. The results showed that the protective system of anodic film and epoxy primer can protect aluminum alloy from pitting corrosion after immersion for 2352 h. According to the response characteristics of EIS and SKP, different stages of the failure process could be identified. During the first 100 h of immersion, the water transport in the coating followed Fickian law, and the water diffusion coefficient was 2.03 × 10−11 cm2/s, which demonstrated that the coating has good impermeability. Anodizing and coating treatment improved the open circuit potential and impedance of 7B04 aluminum alloy and made the distribution of Volta potential more uniform. The decreasing rate of wet adhesion strength was first fast and then slow, which was similar to the variation rule of coating resistance. The anodic film enhanced the adhesion between epoxy primer and substrate so that the failure nature of the adhesion test was mainly the cohesive failure of the epoxy primer.
New gap results on n‐dimensional static manifolds
Authors: Freitas Allan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this note, we obtain new classification results for static and V‐static manifolds under pinching conditions of two different kinds. Firstly, we prove a classification result in higher dimensions assuming a condition of nonnegative Ricci curvature. This extends some recently obtained gap results on the traceless Ricci tensor. Furthermore, we employ the construction of an Einstein manifold associated to a static manifold in order to obtain a classification result in higher dimensions under a pinching condition on the boundary area.
Cosets of normal subgroups and powers of conjugacy classes
Authors: Beltrán Antonio , Felipe María José 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLet G be a finite group and let be the conjugacy class of an element x of G. In this paper, it is proved that if N is a normal subgroup of G such that the coset is the union of K and (the conjugacy class of the inverse of x), then N and the subgroup are solvable. As an application, we prove that if there exists a natural number such that , then is solvable.
Increasing brand awareness: Memory for short audio ads
Authors: Johnson Vinith , Zhu Zhen , Anguera Roger , Bollinger Jacob , Eccles Jonathan , Hardtke David , Breza Maria , Zanto Theodore P. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAs digital streaming media matures, consumers and publishers have become interested in short duration ads (i.e., <10 s). However, previous research on memory retention for short‐duration ad content utilized video or audio–video experiences where attention is directed toward the ad. Therefore, it is unclear whether this study is relevant to audio‐only content, and it is unknown if similar memory retention may be achieved when attention is not directed toward the ad (i.e., incidental memory). To study the incidental memory of short audio ads, participants were recruited to play a driving game while listening to music with periodic ad breaks (pods). Each pod contained a 2, 4, and 8‐s ad. Results showed each ad duration was able to leave an impression on both recall and recognition memory. Whereas the duration of the ad generally did not affect incidental memory, ads placed first or last in a pod were remembered best. Together, the data indicates that audio ads less than 10‐s are a viable option to raise awareness for brand name, product name and company location. Moreover, these results indicate audio ads may leave an impression even when the listener is engaged in other tasks, such as driving or playing a video game.
Braak's Unfinished Hypothesis: A Clinicopathological Case Report of α‐Synuclein Peripheral Neuropathy Preceding Parkinsonism by 20 Years
Authors: Donlon Eoghan , Lynch Rionagh , Murphy Olwen C. , Farrell Michael , Noel Jaques , Keogan Mary , O'Connell Martin , Lynch Timothy 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundα‐synuclein aggregates in the form of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites are the pathological hallmark of Parkinson disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Autopsy studies suggest that α‐synuclein aggregates appear in localized areas of the central nervous system before spreading in a sequential pattern from the brainstem to the cerebral cortex, known as the Braak hypothesis. Increased prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in PD is recognized, with multiple hypothesized mechanisms including α‐synuclein deposition.MethodWe describe a patient who developed a peripheral sensory neuropathy at age 60, which progressed insidiously over the following decade.ResultsDuring the patient's eighth decade, the patient developed a fluctuant cognitive disturbance with hallucinations before becoming overtly parkinsonian at age 78 years leading to a diagnosis of DLB. At this point, histology slides from a sural nerve biopsy taken at age 72 were re‐evaluated and immunohistochemistry demonstrated α‐synuclein deposition.ConclusionThis case provides important in vivo clinical correlation for the Braak hypothesis, extending its scope beyond idiopathic PD. A growing body of evidence supports the α‐synuclein spreading hypothesis that posits the pathologic process begins in the peripheral nerves and spreads trans‐synaptically to the CNS in an ascending pattern.
A novel de novo HDAC8 missense mutation causing Cornelia de Lange syndrome
Authors: Mio Catia , Passon Nadia , Fogolari Federico , Cesario Claudia , Novelli Antonio , Pittini Carla , Damante Giuseppe 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundCornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare and clinically variable syndrome characterized by growth impairment, multi‐organ anomalies, and a typical set of facial dysmorphisms. Here we describe a 2‐year‐old female child harboring a novel de novo missense variant in HDAC8, whose phenotypical score, according to the recent consensus on CdLS clinical diagnostic criteria, allowed the diagnosis of a non‐classic CdLS.MethodsClinical exome sequencing was performed on the trio, identifying a de novo heterozygous variant in HDAC8 (NM_018486; c. 356C>G p.Thr119Arg). Molecular modeling was performed to evaluate putative functional consequence of the HDAC8 protein.ResultsThe variant HDAC8 c.356C>G is classified as pathogenic following the ACMG (American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics)/AMP (Association for Molecular Pathology) guidelines. By molecular modeling, we confirmed the deleterious effect of this variant, since the amino acid change compromises the conformational flexibility of the HDAC8 loop required for optimal catalytic function.ConclusionWe described a novel Thr119Arg mutation in HDAC8 in a patient displaying the major phenotypic traits of the CdLS. Our results suggest that a modest change outside an active site is capable of triggering global structural changes that propagate through the protein scaffold to the catalytic site, creating de facto haploinsufficiency.
Automated delineation of head and neck organs at risk using synthetic MRI‐aided mask scoring regional convolutional neural network
Authors: Dai Xianjin , Lei Yang , Wang Tonghe , Zhou Jun , Roper Justin , McDonald Mark , Beitler Jonathan J. , Curran Walter J. , Liu Tian , Yang Xiaofeng 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeAuto‐segmentation algorithms offer a potential solution to eliminate the labor‐intensive, time‐consuming, and observer‐dependent manual delineation of organs‐at‐risk (OARs) in radiotherapy treatment planning. This study aimed to develop a deep learning‐based automated OAR delineation method to tackle the current challenges remaining in achieving reliable expert performance with the state‐of‐the‐art auto‐delineation algorithms.MethodsThe accuracy of OAR delineation is expected to be improved by utilizing the complementary contrasts provided by computed tomography (CT) (bony‐structure contrast) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (soft‐tissue contrast). Given CT images, synthetic MR images were firstly generated by a pre‐trained cycle‐consistent generative adversarial network. The features of CT and synthetic MRI were then extracted and combined for the final delineation of organs using mask scoring regional convolutional neural network. Both in‐house and public datasets containing CT scans from head‐and‐neck (HN) cancer patients were adopted to quantitatively evaluate the performance of the proposed method against current state‐of‐the‐art algorithms in metrics including Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), 95th percentile Hausdorff distance (HD95), mean surface distance (MSD), and residual mean square distance (RMS).ResultsAcross all of 18 OARs in our in‐house dataset, the proposed method achieved an average DSC, HD95, MSD, and RMS of 0.77 (0.58–0.90), 2.90 mm (1.32–7.63 mm), 0.89 mm (0.42–1.85 mm), and 1.44 mm (0.71–3.15 mm), respectively, outperforming the current state‐of‐the‐art algorithms by 6%, 16%, 25%, and 36%, respectively. On public datasets, for all nine OARs, an average DSC of 0.86 (0.73–0.97) were achieved, 6% better than the competing methods.ConclusionWe demonstrated the feasibility of a synthetic MRI‐aided deep learning framework for automated delineation of OARs in HN radiotherapy treatment planning. The proposed method could be adopted into routine HN cancer radiotherapy treatment planning to rapidly contour OARs with high accuracy.
Managing occupational doses with smartphones in interventional radiology
Authors: Sánchez Roberto M. , Fernández Daniel , Vañó Eliseo , Fernández José M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeThis study presents a prototype smartphone application for occupational dosimetry in interventional practices based on electronic personal dosimeters to assist in dose monitoring.MethodsThe prototype receives and records information from the occupational dose report containing the cumulative dose of electronic personal dosimeters worn over the apron at chest level and electronic area dosimeters located on C‐arms (reference dosimeters), for each fluoroscopy‐guided procedure. Using their smartphones, personnel involved in interventional practices can review and compare their occupational records with an investigation level, the dose limits, and their department colleagues (anonymously). The ratio between Hp(10) measured by the personal and the reference dosimeters at the C‐arm is presented as an indicator of consistent use of suspended operator shield. Some general results extracted from the first months of use are presented.ResultsThe reference dosimeter located at the C‐arm (without lead protection and acting as an ambient dosimeter) recorded in one of the laboratories 217 mSv during 308 procedures over 5 months, showing an indication of the radiation risk present in an interventional laboratory. The ratio between the personal cumulative dose and the dose at a reference C‐arm dosimeter ranged from 0.2% to 1.67% (a factor of 8.5) for different interventionalists. These differences suggest different protection habits among interventional operators, as well as a target for dose reduction.ConclusionsWith this system, professionals have easy access to their occupational dosimetry records (including information on the workload) in the setting of their interventional departments, to thereby actively engage in the protection process.
Patient satisfaction and savings, and clinical outcomes of televisits in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at an urban academic center
Authors: Shin Christina , Allen Ariel Z. , Zhu Denzel , Tellechea Laura , Watts Kara L. , Abraham Nitya E. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate patient satisfaction and savings, and compare visit outcomes based on chief complaint (CC) of women presenting for a televisit to a female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) clinic at an urban academic center.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of women completing a televisit with an FPMRS specialist at our institution from June 19, 2020 to July 17, 2020 was conducted. A telephone questionnaire was administered to patients to assess satisfaction and savings (travel costs/time avoided). Electronic medical records were reviewed to collect patient demographics and comorbidities, CC, and televisit outcomes (e.g., face‐to‐face (F2F) exam scheduled, orders placed). Logistic regression was used to analyze predictors of satisfaction and need for F2F follow‐up.ResultsOne hundred eighty‐seven of 290 (64.5%) women called completed the survey, of whom 168 (89.8%) were satisfied with their televisit. Eighty‐eight (48.1%) saved at least an hour and 54 (28.9%) saved more than $25 on transportation. There were no significant associations between patient characteristics, CC, or televisit outcomes and satisfaction. Ninety‐nine (52.9%) televisits resulted in F2F follow‐up, with CC of prolapse (odds ratio [OR] = 4.2 (1.7–10.3); p = 0.002), new patient (OR = 2.2 (1.2–4.2); p = 0.01), and Hispanic ethnicity (OR = 3.9 (1.2–13.6); p=.03) as significant predictors.ConclusionMost patients were satisfied with FPMRS televisits at our urban academic center. Televisits resulted in patient travel time and cost savings. Women presenting with prolapse and for new patient visits would likely benefit from initial F2F visits instead of televisits. Televisits are an important mode of health care and in some cases can replace F2F visits.
Insulin delivery devices 100 years on
Authors: Sharp Patrick , Ives Emma 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe extraction of insulin from the pancreas and its subsequent use in the treatment of diabetes presented a new set of problems. Of these, insulin delivery is perhaps so obvious that it does not get the attention it deserves. Syringes dedicated to the delivery of insulin made minor progress for the first 60 years but the development of the pen injector from the 1980s onward has been fertile ground for innovation. Near field connectivity in various forms continues to push the boundaries. In the background, there is slow progress on development of non‐injectable delivery modalities. Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons.