bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of maternity waiting homes on perinatal mortality is inconclusive: a critical appraisal of existing evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kurji Jaameeta , Hackett Kristy , Wild Kayli , Lassi Zohra 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives
To assess the appropriateness of the statistical methodology used in a recent meta-analysis investigating the effect of maternity waiting homes (MWHs) on perinatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Results
A recent meta-analysis published in BMC Research Notes used a fixed-effect model to generate an unadjusted summary estimate of the effectiveness of MWHs in reducing perinatal mortality in Africa using ten observational studies (pooled odds ratio 0.15, 95% confidence interval 0.14–0.17). The authors concluded that MWHs reduce perinatal mortality by over 80% and should be incorporated into routine maternal health care services. In the present article, we illustrate that due to the contextual and methodological heterogeneity present in existing studies, the authors’ conclusions about the effectiveness of MWHs in reducing perinatal mortality were likely overstated. Additionally, we argue that because of the selection bias and confounding inherent in observational studies, unadjusted pooled estimates provide little causal evidence for effectiveness. Additional studies with robust designs are required before an appropriately designed meta-analysis can be conducted; until then, the ability to draw causal inferences regarding the effectiveness of MWHs in reducing perinatal mortality is limited.
Distinguishing Adenocarcinomas from Granulomas in the CT scan of the chest: performance degradation evaluation in the automatic segmentation framework
Authors: Tavakoli Mahsa Bank , Orooji Mahdi , Teimouri Mehdi , Shahabifar Ramita 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective
The most common histopathologic malignant and benign nodules are Adenocarcinoma and Granuloma, respectively, which have different standards of care. In this paper, we propose an automatic framework for the diagnosis of the Adenocarcinomas and the Granulomas in the CT scans of the chest from a private dataset. We use the radiomic features of the nodules and the attached vessel tortuosity for the diagnosis. The private dataset includes 22 CTs for each nodule type, i.e., adenocarcinoma and granuloma. The dataset contains the CTs of the non-smoker patients who are between 30 and 60 years old. To automatically segment the delineated nodule area and the attached vessels area, we apply a morphological-based approach. For distinguishing the malignancy of the segmented nodule, two texture features of the nodule, the curvature Mean and the number of the attached vessels are extracted.

Results
We compare our framework with the state-of-the-art feature selection methods for differentiating Adenocarcinomas from Granulomas. These methods employ only the shape features of the nodule, the texture features of the nodule, or the torsion features of the attached vessels along with the radiomic features of the nodule. The accuracy of our framework is improved by considering the four selected features.
Clinical validation of a novel quantitative assay for the detection of MGMT methylation in glioblastoma patients
Authors: Rosas-Alonso Rocio , Colmenarejo-Fernandez Julian , Pernia Olga , Rodriguez-Antolín Carlos , Esteban Isabel , Ghanem Ismael , Sanchez-Cabrero Dario , Losantos-Garcia Itsaso , Palacios-Zambrano Sara , Moreno-Bueno Gema , de Castro Javier , Martinez-Marin Virginia , Ibanez-de-Caceres Inmaculada 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The promoter hypermethylation of the methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase gene is a frequently used biomarker in daily clinical practice as it is associated with a favorable prognosis in glioblastoma patients treated with temozolamide. Due to the absence of adequately standardized techniques, international harmonization of the MGMT methylation biomarker is still an unmet clinical need for the diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma patients.

Results
In this study we carried out a clinical validation of a quantitative assay for MGMT methylation detection by comparing a novel quantitative MSP using double-probe (dp_qMSP) with the conventional MSP in 100 FFPE glioblastoma samples. We performed both technologies and established the best cutoff for the identification of positive-methylated samples using the quantitative data obtained from dp_qMSP. Kaplan–Meier curves and ROC time dependent curves were employed for the comparison of both methodologies.

Conclusions
We obtained similar results using both assays in the same cohort of patients, in terms of progression free survival and overall survival according to Kaplan–Meier curves. In addition, the results of ROC(t) curves showed that dp_qMSP increases the area under curve time-dependent in comparison with MSP for predicting progression free survival and overall survival over time. We concluded that dp_qMSP is an alternative methodology compatible with the results obtained with the conventional MSP. Our assay will improve the therapeutic management of glioblastoma patients, being a more sensitive and competitive alternative methodology that ensures the standardization of the MGMT-biomarker making it reliable and suitable for clinical use.
Hydroxychloride trace minerals have a positive effect on growth performance, carcass quality and impact ileal and cecal microbiota in broiler chickens
Authors: van Kuijk Sandra J. A. , Han Yanming , Garcia-Ruiz Ana Isabel , Rodiles Ana 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The objective was to study the effect of hydroxychloride trace minerals (HTM) on growth performance, carcass quality and gut microbiota of broiler chickens in comparison to sulphate trace minerals (STM). In total 1440 male Ross 308 day-old chicks were divided into 12 replicate pens with 30 birds each per treatment. Four different treatments were tested according to a 2 × 2 factorial study design, where the animals received a three phase diet containing either inorganic Zn from sulphates or Zn from HTM in high (80 mg/kg Zn) or low Zn dosage (20 mg/kg Zn). In all treatments 15 mg/kg Cu was added from the same mineral source as the Zn. Body weight and feed intake were measured on day 0, 10, 27 and 34, while carcass and breast meat yields were measured at the end of the study (day 34). In addition, high-throughput sequencing analysis was performed in digesta samples from ileum and cecum to study the gut microbiome (day 34).

Results
The results showed an improved (P < 0.05) body weight of broiler chickens fed HTM, regardless of Zn level, on day 27, while on day 34 this effect remained as a tendency (P = 0.0542). In the overall study period, birds fed HTM had a higher (P < 0.05) average daily gain and average daily feed intake when compared to birds fed STM. The mineral source did not affect the carcass characteristics, however, feeding 80 mg/kg Zn resulted in a significantly higher (P = 0.0171) breast meat yield, regardless of source. High-throughput sequencing analysis of the microbiota revealed a higher microbial diversity in the ileum and cecum of HTM fed birds compared to STM fed birds. Taxonomical differences were mainly found in the cecum, specifically between the group fed high and low Zn levels from HTM. This correlated with the mineral contents observed in the cecal digesta. Comparing both groups fed 80 mg/kg Zn, the HTM group had more Streptococcaceae, Streptococcus, Clostridia, Weissella and Leuconostocaceae compared to the STM group.

Conclusions
HTM improved growth performance of broiler chickens; and the source and level of Zn modulated the gut microbiota communities in broilers differentially.
Lentinan administration alleviates diarrhea of rotavirus-infected weaned pigs via regulating intestinal immunity
Authors: Fan Xiangqi , Hu Haiyan , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , He Jun , Yu Jie , Luo Junqiu , Eckhardt Erik , Luo Yuheng , Wang Jianping , Yan Hui , Mao Xiangbing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Lentinan (LNT) may regulate many important physiological functions of human and animals. This study aimed to verify whether LNT administration could relieve diarrhea via improving gut immunity in rotavirus (RV)-challenged weaned pigs.

Methods
Twenty-eight weaned pigs were randomly fed 2 diets containing 0 or 84 mg/kg LNT product for 19 d (n = 14). RV infection was executed on d 15. After extracting polysaccharides from LNT product, its major monosaccharides were analyzed. Then, LNT polysaccharide was used to administrate RV-infected IPEC-J2 cells.

Results
Dietary LNT supplementation supported normal function of piglets even when infected with RV, as reflected by reduced growth performance loss and diarrhea prevalence, and maintained gut immunity (P < 0.05). The polysaccharide was isolated from LNT product, which molecular weight was 5303 Da, and major monosaccharides included glucose, arabinose and galactose. In RV-infected IPEC-J2 cells, this polysaccharide significantly increased cell viability (P < 0.05), and significantly increased anti-virus immunity via regulating pattern recognition receptors and host defense peptides (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Those results suggest that LNT administration increases the piglets’ resistance to RV-induced stress, likely by supporting intestinal immunity.
Prolonged activation of cytomegalovirus early gene e1-promoter exclusively in neurons during infection of the developing cerebrum
Authors: Kosugi Isao , Arai Yoshifumi , Baba Satoshi , Kawasaki Hideya , Iwashita Toshihide , Tsutsui Yoshihiro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe brain is the major target of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. It is possible that neuron disorder in the developing brain is a critical factor in the development of neuropsychiatric diseases in later life. Previous studies using mouse model of murine CMV (MCMV) infection demonstrated that the viral early antigen (E1 as a product ofe1gene) persists in the postnatal neurons of the hippocampus (HP) and cerebral cortex (CX) after the disappearance of lytic infection from non-neuronal cells in the periventricular (PV) region. Furthermore, neuron-specific activation of the MCMV-e1-promoter (e1-pro) was found in the cerebrum of transgenic mice carrying thee1-pro-lacZreporter construct. In this study, in order to elucidate the mechanisms ofe1-proactivation in cerebral neurons during actual MCMV infection, we have generated the recombinant MCMV (rMCMV) carrying longe1-pro1373- or shorte1-pro448-EGFP reporter constructs. The length of the former, 1373 nucleotides (nt), is similar to that of transgenic mice. rMCMVs and wild type MCMV did not significantly differed in terms of viral replication or E1 expression. rMCMV-infected mouse embryonic fibroblasts showed lytic infection and activation of both promoters, while virus-infected cerebral neurons in primary neuronal cultures demonstrated the non-lytic and persistent infection as well as the activation ofe1-pro-1373, but not -448. In the rMCMV-infected postnatal cerebrum, lytic infection and the activation of both promoters were found in non-neuronal cells of the PV region until postnatal 8 days (P8), but these disappeared at P12, while the activation ofe1-pro-1373, but not -448 appeared in HP and CX neurons at P8 and were prolonged exclusively in these neurons at P12, with preservation of the neuronal morphology. Therefore,e1-pro-448 is sufficient to activate E1 expression in non-neuronal cells, however, the upstream sequence from nt -449 to -1373 ine1-pro-1373 is supposed to work as an enhancer necessary for the neuron-specific activation ofe1-pro, particularly around the second postnatal week. This unique activation ofe1-proin developing cerebral neurons may be an important factor in the neurodevelopmental disorders induced by congenital CMV infection.
CMIP6 model-based analog forecasting for the seasonal prediction of sea surface temperature in the offshore area of China
Authors: Peng Weiying , Chen Quanliang , Zhou Shijie , Huang Ping 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSeasonal forecasts at lead times of 1–12 months for sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies (SSTAs) in the offshore area of China are a considerable challenge for climate prediction in China. Previous research suggests that a model-based analog forecasting (MAF) method based on the simulations of coupled global climate models provide skillful climate forecasts of tropical Indo-Pacific SSTAs. This MAF method selects the model-simulated cases close to the observed initial state as a model-analog ensemble, and then uses the subsequent evolution of the SSTA to generate the forecasts. In this study, the MAF method is applied to the offshore area of China (0°–45°N, 105°–135°E) based on the simulations of 23 models from phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) for the period 1981–2010. By optimizing the key factors in the MAF method, we suggest that the optimal initial field for the analog criteria should be concentrated in the western North Pacific. The multi-model ensemble of the optimized MAF prediction using these 23 CMIP6 models shows anomaly correlation coefficients exceeding 0.6 at the 3-month lead time, which is much improved relative to previous SST-initialized hindcasts and appears practical for operational forecasting.
Nano-structural effects on Hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticle radiofrequency heating
Authors: Powell Camilah D. , Lounsbury Amanda W. , Fishman Zachary S. , Coonrod Christian L. , Gallagher Miranda J. , Villagran Dino , Zimmerman Julie B. , Pfefferle Lisa D. , Wong Michael S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNano-sized hematite (α-Fe2O3) is not well suited for magnetic heating via an alternating magnetic field (AMF) because it is not superparamagnetic—at its best, it is weakly ferromagnetic. However, manipulating the magnetic properties of nano-sized hematite (i.e., magnetic saturation (Ms), magnetic remanence (Mr), and coercivity (Hc)) can make them useful for nanomedicine (i.e., magnetic hyperthermia) and nanoelectronics (i.e., data storage). Herein we study the effects of size, shape, and crystallinity on hematite nanoparticles to experimentally determine the most crucial variable leading to enhancing the radio frequency (RF) heating properties. We present the synthesis, characterization, and magnetic behavior to determine the structure–property relationship between hematite nano-magnetism and RF heating. Increasing particle shape anisotropy had the largest effect on the specific adsorption rate (SAR) producing SAR values more than 6 × greater than the nanospheres (i.e., 45.6 ± 3 W/g of α-Fe2O3 nanorods vs. 6.89 W/g of α-Fe2O3 nanospheres), indicating α-Fe2O3 nanorods can be useful for magnetic hyperthermia.
Engineering students’ attitudinal beliefs by gender and student division: a methodological comparison of changes over time
Authors: Andrews Madison E. , Patrick Anita D. , Borrego Maura 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundStudents’ attitudinal beliefs related to how they see themselves in STEM have been a focal point of recent research, given their well-documented links to retention and persistence. These beliefs are most often assessed cross-sectionally, and as such, we lack a thorough understanding of how they may fluctuate over time. Using matched survey responses from undergraduate engineering students (n= 278), we evaluate if, and to what extent, students’ engineering attitudinal beliefs (attainment value, utility value, self-efficacy, interest, and identity) change over a 1-year period. Further, we examine whether there are differences based on gender and student division, and then compare results between cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses to illustrate weaknesses in our current understanding of these constructs.ResultsOur study revealed inconsistencies between cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of the same dataset. Cross-sectional analyses indicated a significant difference by student division for engineering utility value and engineering interest, but no significant differences by gender for any variable. However, longitudinal analyses revealed statistically significant decreases in engineering utility value, engineering self-efficacy, and engineering interest for lower division students and significant decreases in engineering attainment value for upper division students over a one-year period. Further, longitudinal analyses revealed a gender gap in engineering self-efficacy for upper division students, where men reported higher means than women.ConclusionsOur analyses make several contributions. First, we explore attitudinal differences by student division not previously documented. Second, by comparing across methodologies, we illustrate that different conclusions can be drawn from the same data. Since the literature around these variables is largely cross-sectional, our understanding of students’ engineering attitudes is limited. Our longitudinal analyses show variation in engineering attitudinal beliefs that are obscured when data is only examined cross-sectionally. These analyses revealed an overall downward trend within students for all beliefs that changed significantly—losses which may foreshadow attrition out of engineering. These findings provide an opportunity to introduce targeted interventions to build engineering utility value, engineering self-efficacy, and engineering interest for student groups whose means were lower than average.
VLBI and GPS inter- and intra-technique combinations on the observation level for evaluation of TRF and EOP
Authors: Diamantidis Periklis-Konstantinos , Kłopotek Grzegorz , Haas Rüdiger 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe study the effects of combination on the observation level (COL) of different space-geodetic techniques and of networks of the same technique and present the corresponding improvement for the determination of station positions and earth orientation parameters. Data from the continuous geodetic very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) campaign CONT17 are used in a batch least-squares (LSQ) estimator. This campaign includes 15 days of observations with two legacy S/X networks, namely Legacy-1 (L1) and Legacy-2 (L2). For this study the VLBI L1 network is used as the base and reference solution. Data from the L1 network are combined first with data from co-located Global Positioning System (GPS) stations by estimating common tropospheric parameters. The derived station positions repeatabilities of the VLBI and GPS networks are evaluated with respect to single-technique solutions. In terms of precision, we find a 25% improvement for the vertical repeatability of the L1 network, and a 10% improvement for the horizontal one. The GPS network also benefits by 20% and 10% in the horizontal and vertical components, respectively. Furthermore, a combined solution using data of the L1 and L2 network is performed by estimating common earth orientation parameters. The combined L1&GPS and L1&L2 solutions are compared to the reference solution by investigating UT1 and polar motion estimates. UT1 is evaluated in terms of mean bias and formal errors with respect to the International Earth Rotation Service (IERS) C04 products which were used as a priori values. The L1&GPS solution has the lowest formal error and mean bias for UT1 with a 30% improvement. The weighted root mean square (WRMS) and weighted mean offset (WMO) differences between the obtained polar motion estimates and the ones derived by the International GNSS Service (IGS) are also compared. We find that the L1&GPS solution gives the lowest WRMS and WMO, exhibiting an average 40% improvement with respect to the reference solution. The presented results highlight the potential of COL for ongoing transition to multi-space geodetic analysis, e.g., Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) with the next-generation VLBI system.
Graphic Abstract
A review of the SCOSTEP’s 5-year scientific program VarSITI—Variability of the Sun and Its Terrestrial Impact
Authors: Shiokawa Kazuo , Georgieva Katya 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe Sun is a variable active-dynamo star, emitting radiation in all wavelengths and solar-wind plasma to the interplanetary space. The Earth is immersed in this radiation and solar wind, showing various responses in geospace and atmosphere. This Sun–Earth connection variates in time scales from milli-seconds to millennia and beyond. The solar activity, which has a ~11-year periodicity, is gradually declining in recent three solar cycles, suggesting a possibility of a grand minimum in near future. VarSITI—variability of the Sun and its terrestrial impact—was the 5-year program of the scientific committee on solar-terrestrial physics (SCOSTEP) in 2014–2018, focusing on this variability of the Sun and its consequences on the Earth. This paper reviews some background of SCOSTEP and its past programs, achievements of the 5-year VarSITI program, and remaining outstanding questions after VarSITI.
Artificial intelligence for reduced dose 18F-FDG PET examinations: a real-world deployment through a standardized framework and business case assessment
Authors: Katsari Katia , Penna Daniele , Arena Vincenzo , Polverari Giulia , Ianniello Annarita , Italiano Domenico , Milani Rolando , Roncacci Alessandro , Illing Rowland O. , Pelosi Ettore 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
To determine whether artificial intelligence (AI) processed PET/CT images of reduced by one-third of 18-F-FDG activity compared to the standard injected dose, were non-inferior to native scans and if so to assess the potential impact of commercialization.

Materials and methods
SubtlePET™ AI was introduced in a PET/CT center in Italy. Eligible patients referred for 18F-FDG PET/CT were prospectively enrolled. Administered 18F-FDG was reduced to two-thirds of standard dose. Patients underwent one low-dose CT and two sequential PET scans; “PET-processed” with reduced dose and standard acquisition time, and “PET-native” with an elapsed time to simulate standard acquisition time and dose. PET-processed images were reconstructed using SubtlePET™. PET-native images were defined as the standard of reference. The datasets were anonymized and independently evaluated in random order by four blinded readers. The evaluation included subjective image quality (IQ) assessment, lesion detectability, and assessment of business benefits.

Results
From February to April 2020, 61 patients were prospectively enrolled. Subjective IQ was not significantly different between datasets (4.62±0.23, p=0.237) for all scanner models, with “almost perfect” inter-reader agreement. There was no significant difference between datasets in lesions’ detectability, target lesion mean SUVmax value, and liver mean SUVmean value (182.75/181.75 [SD:0.71], 9.8/11.4 [SD:1.13], 2.1/1.9 [SD:0.14] respectively). No false-positive lesions were reported in PET-processed examinations. Agreed SubtlePET™ price per examination was 15-20% of FDG savings.

Conclusion
This is the first real-world study to demonstrate the non-inferiority of AI processed 18F-FDG PET/CT examinations obtained with 66% standard dose and a methodology to define the AI solution price.