bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Segmentation of epithelial human type 2 cell images for the indirect immune fluorescence based on modified quantum entropy
Authors: Hanaa Abu-Zinadah , Gamil Abdel Azim 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid, arthritis, and scleroderma are connective tissue diseases (CTD). Autoimmune diseases are generally diagnosed using the antinuclear antibody (ANA) blood test. This test uses indirect immune fluorescence (IIf) image analysis to detect the presence of liquid substance antibodies at intervals the blood, which is responsible for CTDs. Typically human alveolar epithelial cells type 2 (HEp2) are utilized as the substrate for the microscope slides. The various fluorescence antibody patterns on HEp-2 cells permits the differential designation-diagnosis. The segmentation of HEp-2 cells of IIf images is therefore a crucial step in the ANA test. However, not only this task is extremely challenging, but physicians also often have a considerable number of IIf images to examine.In this study, we propose a new methodology for HEp2 segmentation from IIf images by maximum modified quantum entropy. Besides, we have used a new criterion with a flexible representation of the quantum image(FRQI). The proposed methodology determines the optimum threshold based on the quantum entropy measure, by maximizing the measure of class separability for the obtained classes over all the gray levels. We tested the suggested algorithm over all images of the MIVIA HEp 2 image data set.To objectively assess the proposed methodology, segmentation accuracy (SA), Jaccard similarity (JS), the F1-measure,the Matthews correlation coefficient(MCC), and the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) were used to evaluate performance. We have compared the proposed methodology with quantum entropy, Kapur and Otsu algorithms, respectively.The results show that the proposed algorithm is better than quantum entropy and Kapur methods. In addition, it overcomes the limitations of the Otsu method concerning the images which has positive skew histogram.This study can contribute to create a computer-aided decision (CAD) framework for the diagnosis of immune system diseases
Genetic mechanisms and correlated risk factors of antimicrobial-resistant ESKAPEE pathogens isolated in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia
Authors: Ngoi Soo Tein , Chong Chun Wie , Ponnampalavanar Sasheela Sri La Sri , Tang Soo Nee , Idris Nuryana , Abdul Jabar Kartini , Gregory Michael J. , Husain Tupur , Teh Cindy Shuan Ju 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Knowledge on the epidemiology, genotypic and phenotypic features of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) ESKAPEE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp., and Escherichia coli) and their association with hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are limited in Malaysia. Therefore, we evaluated the AMR features and resistance mechanisms of the ESKAPEE pathogens collected in a tertiary hospital located in the capital of Malaysia.

Methods
A total of 378 AMR-ESKAPEE strains were obtained based on convenience sampling over a nine-month study period (2019–2020). All strains were subjected to disk diffusion and broth microdilution assays to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequence analyses were performed to determine the AMR genes profiles of the non-susceptible strains. Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were used to correlate the AMR profiles and clinical data to determine the risk factors associated with HAIs.

Results
High rates of multidrug resistance (MDR) were observed in A. baumannii, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, and S. aureus (69–89%). All organisms except E. coli were frequently associated with HAIs (61–94%). Non-susceptibility to the last-resort drugs vancomycin (in Enterococcus spp. and S. aureus), carbapenems (in A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, and Enterobacteriaceae), and colistin (in Enterobacteriaceae) were observed. Both A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae harbored a wide array of extended-spectrum β-lactamase genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M, blaOXA). Metallo-β-lactamase genes (blaVEB, blaVIM, blaNDM) were detected in carbapenem-resistant strains, at a higher frequency compared to other local reports. We detected two novel mutations in the quinolone-resistant determining region of the gyrA in fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli (Leu-102-Ala; Gly-105-Val). Microbial resistance to ampicillin, methicillin, and cephalosporins was identified as important risk factors associated with HAIs in the hospital.

Conclusion
Overall, our findings may provide valuable insight into the microbial resistance pattern and the risk factors of ESKAPEE-associated HAIs in a tertiary hospital located in central Peninsular Malaysia. The data obtained in this study may contribute to informing better hospital infection control in this region.
Perspectives on eco-water security and sustainable development in the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Xia Jun , Li Zhe , Zeng Sidong , Zou Lei , She Dunxian , Cheng Dandong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe Yangtze River, the largest river in China, has been facing major challenges in massive flooding and eco-environmental health over the past decades. Sustainable socioeconomic development in the Yangtze River Basin depends on water and ecosystem security. This overview addresses eco-water security under the changing environment of the Yangtze River Basin. Looking forward to a healthy Yangtze River in the future, there are still uncertainties regarding how to assess and wisely manage the Yangtze River through a systematic, integrated approach applied to multiple dimensions, water, biodiversity, ecological services, and resilience, for the sustainable development of ecosystems and human beings. The Yangtze Simulator, an integrated river basin model powered by artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary science, is introduced and discussed, and it will serve as a robust tool for good governance of the Yangtze River Basin.
Treating Acute Leukemia During the COVID-19 Pandemic in an Environment With Limited Resources: A Multicenter Experience in Four Latin American Countries
Authors: Demichelis-Gómez Roberta , Alvarado-Ibarra Martha , Vasquez-Chávez Jule , Delgado-López Nancy , Gómez-Cortés Cynthia , Espinosa-Bautista Karla , Cooke-Tapia Ana , Milán-Salvatierra Andrea , Gómez-De León Andrés , Lee-Tsai Yu Ling , Rosales-López Daniel , Cabrera-García Álvaro , Amador-Medina Fabián , Córdoba-Ramírez Alejandra , Murrieta-Álvarez Iván , Solís-Poblano Juan Carlos , Apodaca-Chávez Elia , Rangel-Patiño Juan , Álvarez-Vera José Luis , Arana-Luna Luara , De la Peña-Celaya José Antonio , Espitia-Ríos María Eugenia , Hernández-Ruiz Eleazar , Pérez-Zúñiga Juan Manuel , Peña-López Estefanía , González-Rivera Rosa , García-Leyva María Fernanda , Tejeda-Romero Mónica , Cruz-Rico Jorge , Balderas-Delgado Carolina , Ruíz-Argüelles Guillermo J. , Gómez-Almaguer David 
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic is a colossal challenge for global health; nonetheless, specific subgroups face considerably higher risks for infection and mortality. Among patients with malignant diseases, those with hematologic neoplasms are at a higher risk for poor outcomes. The objective of this study was to register treatment modifications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and their short-term consequences in Latin America. METHODS Multicenter, prospective, observational, cohort study including patients older than 14 years from 14 centers in four countries (Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, and Panama) who had a confirmed diagnosis of acute leukemia, and who were undergoing active treatment since the first COVID-19 case in each country until the cutoff on July 15, 2020. RESULTS We recruited 635 patients. Treatment modifications because of the COVID-19 pandemic were reported in 40.8% of cases. The main reason for such modifications was logistic issues (55.0%) and the most frequent modification was chemotherapy delay (42.0%). A total of 13.1% patients developed COVID-19 disease, with a mortality of 37.7%. Several factors were identified as independently associated with mortality, including a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (odds ratio 2.38 [95% CI, 1.47 to 3.84]; P < .001), while the use of telemedicine was identified as a protective factor (odds ratio 0.36 [95% CI, 0.18 to 0.82]; P = .014). CONCLUSION These results highlight the collateral damage of COVID-19 in oncology patients.
Association of Germline BRCA Pathogenic Variants With Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A Meta-Analysis of Individual Patient-Level Data
Authors: Turan Volkan , Lambertini Matteo , Lee Dong-Yun , Wang Erica , Clatot Florian , Karlan Beth Y. , Demeestere Isabelle , Bang Heejung , Oktay Kutluk 
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE To determine whether germline BRCA (g BRCA) pathogenic variants are associated with decreased ovarian reserve. MATERIALS AND METHODS An individual patient-level data meta-analysis was performed using five data sets on 828 evaluable women who were tested for g BRCA. Of those, 250 carried g BRCA, whereas 578 had tested negative and served as controls. Of the women with g BRCA, four centers studied those affected with breast cancer (n = 161) and one studied unaffected individuals (n = 89). The data were adjusted for the center, age, body mass index, smoking, and oral contraceptive pill use before the final analysis. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in affected women were drawn before presystemic therapy. RESULTS The mean age of women with versus without g BRCA1/2 (34.1 ± 4.9 v 34.3 ± 4.8 years; P = .48) and with g BRCA1 versus g BRCA2 (33.7 ± 4.9 v 34.6 ± 4.8 years; P = .16) was similar. After the adjustments, women with g BRCA1/2 had significantly lower AMH levels compared with controls (23% lower; 95% CI, 4 to 38; P = .02). When the adjusted analysis was limited to affected women (157 with g BRCA v 524 without, after exclusions), the difference persisted (25% lower; 95% CI, 9 to 38; P = .003). The serum AMH levels were lower in women with g BRCA1 (33% lower; 95% CI, 12 to 49; P = .004) but not g BRCA2 compared with controls (7% lower; 95% CI, 31% lower to 26% higher; P = .64). CONCLUSION Young women with g BRCA pathogenic variants, particularly those affected and with g BRCA1, have lower serum AMH levels compared with controls. They may need to be preferentially counseled about the possibility of shortened reproductive lifespan because of diminished ovarian reserve.
Cognitive and Adaptive Functioning in Youth With Retinoblastoma: A Longitudinal Investigation Through 10 Years of Age
Authors: Willard Victoria W. , Qaddoumi Ibrahim , Pan Haitao , Hsu Chia-Wei , Brennan Rachel C. , Wilson Matthew W. , Rodriguez-Galindo Carlos , Goode Kristin , Parris Kendra , Phipps Sean 
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE To describe the trajectory of cognitive and adaptive functioning in pediatric patients with retinoblastoma from diagnosis through age 10. This is an extension of a previous report that discussed findings from diagnosis through age 5. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ninety-eight participants with retinoblastoma completed psychological assessments as part of their enrollment on an institutional treatment protocol, with 73 completing an additional assessment at age 10. Trajectories of adaptive and cognitive functioning were determined, with data analyzed by treatment strata, and patients with 13q- analyzed separately. RESULTS Longitudinal trajectories identified a significant change point in trends at age 5, with functioning declining from diagnosis through age 5 and then increasing from age 5 to age 10. This pattern was observed for all strata for adaptive functioning, but only for enucleation-only patients (strata C low) for cognitive functioning. Cognitive trajectories were also influenced by laterality and enucleation status. At age 10, overall functioning was generally within the average range, although estimated intelligence quotient was significantly below the normative mean for enucleation-only (C low) patients. Patients with 13q- demonstrated very low functioning, but few analyses were significant because of small sample size. CONCLUSION The results generally indicate that previously demonstrated declines in functioning from diagnosis through age 5 improve by age 10. However, these early declines, as well as the continuous difficulties observed in patients treated with enucleation only, suggest the need for early intervention services for young patients with retinoblastoma. Continuous monitoring of the psychological functioning of patients with retinoblastoma, increased awareness of risk factors such as unilateral disease, enucleation, race, and surgery-only treatment plans, and referral to Early Intervention for all patients are indicated.
Life-course Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Relation to Markers of Glucose Homeostasis in Early Adulthood
Authors: Valvi Damaskini , Højlund Kurt , Coull Brent A , Nielsen Flemming , Weihe Pal , Grandjean Philippe 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the prospective associations of life-course perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exposure with glucose homeostasis at adulthood.

Methods
We calculated insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function indices based on 2-h oral glucose tolerance tests at age 28 in 699 Faroese born in 1986–1987. Five major PFASs were measured in cord whole blood and in serum from ages 7, 14, 22, and 28 years. We evaluated the associations with glucose homeostasis measures by PFAS exposures at different ages using multiple informant models fitting generalized estimating equations and by life-course PFAS exposures using structural equation models.

Results
Associations were stronger for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and suggested decreased insulin sensitivity and increased beta-cell function—for example, β (95% CI) for log-insulinogenic index per PFOS doubling = 0.12 (0.02, 0.22) for prenatal exposures, 0.04 (−0.10, 0.19) at age 7, 0.07 (−0.07, 0.21) at age 14, 0.05 (−0.04, 0.15) at age 22, and 0.04 (−0.03, 0.11) at age 28. Associations were consistent across ages (P for age interaction &gt; 0.10 for all PFASs) and sex (P for sex interaction &gt; 0.10 for all PFASs, except perfluorodecanoic acid). The overall life-course PFOS exposure was also associated with altered glucose homeostasis (P = 0.04). Associations for other life-course PFAS exposures were nonsignificant.

Conclusions
Life-course PFAS exposure is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity and increased pancreatic beta-cell function in young adults.
Cardiovascular Neuroendocrinology: Emerging Role for Neurohypophyseal Hormones in Pathophysiology
Authors: Aikins Ato O , Nguyen Dianna H , Paundralingga Obed , Farmer George E , Shimoura Caroline Gusson , Brock Courtney , Cunningham J Thomas 
Published: April 2021

AbstractArginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXY) are released by magnocellular neurosecretory cells that project to the posterior pituitary. While AVP and OXY currently receive more attention for their contributions to affiliative behavior, this mini-review discusses their roles in cardiovascular function broadly defined to include indirect effects that influence cardiovascular function. The traditional view is that neither AVP nor OXY contributes to basal cardiovascular function, although some recent studies suggest that this position might be re-evaluated. More evidence indicates that adaptations and neuroplasticity of AVP and OXY neurons contribute to cardiovascular pathophysiology.
The use of an inhibitor of protein synthesis to investigate the roles of ecdysteroids and sex-determination genes on the expression of the genes encoding theDrosophilayolk proteins
Authors: Bownes Mary , Scott Ann , Blair Mairead 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTThe three yolk-protein genes of Drosophila are normally expressed only in adult female fat bodies and ovaries. 20-hydroxyecdysone can affect the transcription of these genes in males and females, as can mutations in the sex-determining genes tra, tra-2, ix and dsx. We have asked a number of basic questions about how these genes are regulated, using an inhibitor of protein synthesis (cycloheximide), labelling RNA in vivo, a temperature-sensitive sex-determination mutant (tra-2tsl), and 20-hydroxyecdysone. We have found that the yolk-protein genes are continuously transcribed in the fat bodies of adult females and that maintenance of this transcription requires protein synthesis. Hormone induction in males is also inhibited by cycloheximide, suggesting that the products of other genes are essential both for 20-hydroxyecdysone to be able to switch on the genes, and for their continuous transcription in the female fat body. The products of the tra-2 gene are also required for continuous transcription of the yolk-protein genes, suggesting that the pathway inhibited by the cycloheximide is that of the sex-determination hierarchy. 20-hydroxyecdysone can override the sex-determination system and induce yolk protein synthesis in normal males and tra-2ts reared and maintained at the restrictive temperature.
Identification of incomplete coding sequences for steroid sulphatase on the human Y chromosome: evidence for an ancestral pseudoautosomal gene?
Authors: Fraser N. , Ballabio A. , Zollo M. , Persico G. , Craig I. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
A cDNA clone (p422) containing about 200 bp of coding sequences for steroid sulphatase (STS) has been isolated from a λgt11 expression library by antibody screening and has been assigned by mapping with a somatic cell hybrid panel and by in situ hybridization to Xp22.3; a localization coincident with the previously identified locus for STS expression. Although no significant hybridization of this clone to the Y chromosome was observed, p422 has been used to isolate a longer cDNA clone and genomic sequences which do recognize Y-specific restriction fragments. An abbreviated STS gene has been localized to Yqll.2. The coding sequences for the human enzyme shows little homology to sequences in mice.
The role of F-actin in determining the division plane of carrot suspension cells. Drug studies
Authors: Lloyd Clive W. , Traas Jan A. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Following the report that a network of F-actin is associated with the nucleus throughout the division cycle, we have examined the involvement of F-actin in determining the division plane of carrot suspension cells. This was achieved by treating cells with drugs and then staining the unfixed cells with rhodaminyl lysine phallotoxin in detergent extraction buffer.
In interphase, actin cables radiate from the nucleus but at the cortex become more or less transversely arranged in the pattern already known for cortical microtubules. Concentration of the cortical F-actin into a band at preprophase draws most of the nucleus-associated actin into a transvacuolar disc, thereby forming the phragmosome within which mitosis and cytokinesis occur.
In addition to this transversely aligned structure, F-actin is also associated with the spindle poles during mitosis but these filaments tend to align at right angles to the phragmosomal actin. F-actin therefore defines transverse and longitudinal vectors as division approaches. Depolymerization of F-actin with cyto-chalasin D can cause the spindle axis to reorientate such that the pole-pole axis comes to lie, abnormally, parallel with the phragmosome.
The cytokinetic apparatus (the phragmoplast) develops centrifugally within the phragmosome. There has been considerable speculation on the nature of the elements that guide the phragmoplast to the cortical site previously occupied by the preprophase band of microtubules. This study demonstrates that F-actin bridges the leading margin of the outgrowing phragmoplast to the opposing cortex. Radial actin strands therefore provide a ‘memory’ of the predetermined division plane whose perimeter had been marked at preprophase by a band composed of microtubules and F-actin.
This relationship was perturbed with the herbicide, chloroisopropylphenyl carbamate. Preprophase bands of actin appear to form normally in herbicidetreated cells. However, cytokinesis does not occur within this predicted plane since the drug perturbs the mitotic spindle, forming three nuclei which become separated by Y-shaped, actin-containing phragmoplasts. Cytoplasmic actin strands connect the edges of the phragmoplast to the cortex. It is suggested that the irregular distribution of F-actin, which radiates from the herbicide-altered mitotic apparatus, provides alternative paths for outgrowth of the abnormal phragmoplasts.
Caffeine is known to cause failure of cell plate formation. But apart from inducing cytoplasmic ‘starbursts’ of F-actin in interphase cells it does not appear to have any effect on F-actin-containing division structures.
It is concluded that the formation of a transvacuolar phragmosome, spindle alignment and the ‘correct’ outgrowth of a planar cytokinetic apparatus to the predetermined boundary of the division site all involve F-actin.
Concanavalin A receptor ‘tipping’ inTetrahymenaand its relationship to cell adhesion during conjugation
Authors: Wolfe Jason , Feng Sunlian 
Published: April 2021

AbstractShortly after mixing cells of complementary mating types of Tetrahymena, the cells develop the ability to pair, a process inhibited by ConA, and the region joining the cells becomes ringed with ConA receptors. This study examines the arrival of ConA receptors at the conjugation junction by looking at cells in the period between mixing and pairing. By brief incubations with F-ConA at intervals after mixing, it was ascertained that some cells had fluorescent tips as early as 15 min. A kinetic analysis revealed that ‘tipping’ occurs in a manner that appears to be related to subsequent cell pairing. Cytoskeletal frameworks (CFs) were isolated under conditions in which ConA receptors remain attached. Western blot analysis of these structures revealed four major and several minor ConA-binding proteins. However, between mixing and the establishment of over 80 % paired cells, changes occurring in the banding pattern were slight. This indicates that new populations of ConA receptors are not produced to any great extent after mixing. Head-on examination of CFs showed that it was possible to monitor simultaneously the process of tip transformation (widening of the nonciliated area of the tip) and ConA-receptor localization. ConA receptors originate posterior to the tip, begin to occupy the surface of the tip in clusters as the tip widens and eventually coat the transformed tip. Finally, as cells join pairs, the receptors relocate to a ring around the conjugation junction. These data suggest that ConA receptors accumulate at the anterior tips and then concentrate at the edge of the junction. This could provide a mechanism for controlling cell-cell adhesion.
A critical period for formation of secondary myotubes defined by prenatal undernourishment in rats
Authors: Wilson S. J. , Ross J. J. , Harris A. J. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Rats fed a restricted diet during gestation and lactation gave birth to pups with about 60 % the normal birthweight. Maintaining the undernutrition after birth reduced the rate of growth of the pups so that their body weights were only 40 % of control at PN7. Soleus and lumbrical muscles in these animals had reduced numbers of muscle fibres, and quantitative examination of embryonic muscles revealed that this was due solely to a decreased formation of secondary myotubes; the number of primary myotubes remained normal. Undernutrition did not affect the number of motoneurones surviving normal developmental death. Restoration of normal dietary intake on E21, one day before birth, did not correct the deficit in muscle fibre numbers in soleus muscles examined when the animals reached one month of age. Development of the lumbrical muscle lags behind the soleus and unrestricted feeding from E21 onwards allowed a normal number of fibres to develop from this time on, although the initial deficit was never restored. These experiments define a critical period in muscle development during which the potential maximum number of secondary myotubes is determined.