bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repeatability and reproducibility study of radiomic features on a phantom and human cohort
Authors: Jha A. K. , Mithun S. , Jaiswar V. , Sherkhane U. B. , Purandare N. C. , Prabhash K. , Rangarajan V. , Dekker A. , Wee L. , Traverso A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe repeatability and reproducibility of radiomic features extracted from CT scans need to be investigated to evaluate the temporal stability of imaging features with respect to a controlled scenario (test–retest), as well as their dependence on acquisition parameters such as slice thickness, or tube current. Only robust and stable features should be used in prognostication/prediction models to improve generalizability across multiple institutions. In this study, we investigated the repeatability and reproducibility of radiomic features with respect to three different scanners, variable slice thickness, tube current, and use of intravenous (IV) contrast medium, combining phantom studies and human subjects with non-small cell lung cancer. In all, half of the radiomic features showed good repeatability (ICC > 0.9) independent of scanner model. Within acquisition protocols, changes in slice thickness was associated with poorer reproducibility compared to the use of IV contrast. Broad feature classes exhibit different behaviors, with only few features appearing to be the most stable. 108 features presented both good repeatability and reproducibility in all the experiments, most of them being wavelet and Laplacian of Gaussian features.
Microbiota entrapped in recently-formed ice: Paradana Ice Cave, Slovenia
Authors: Mulec Janez , Oarga-Mulec Andreea , Holko Ladislav , Pašić Lejla , Kopitar Andreja Nataša , Eleršek Tina , Mihevc Andrej 
Published: January 2021

AbstractParadana is one of the biggest ice caves in Slovenia, with an estimated ice volume of 8,000 m3. Reflecting climatological conditions, the cave ice undergoes repeated freeze-thaw cycles and regular yearly deposition of fresh ice. Three distinct ice block samples, collected from the frozen lake in May 2016, were analysed to obtain data on ice physicochemical properties and the composition of associated microbiota. Isotopic composition of the ice samples (18O,2H) and a local meteoric water line (LMWL) constructed for monthly precipitation at Postojna were used to estimate the isotopic composition of the water that formed the ice, which had high values of deuterium excess and low concentrations of chloride, sulphate and nitrate. The values of total organic carbon (1.93–3.95 mg/l) within the ice blocks fall within the range of those measured in karst streams. Total cell count in the ice was high and the proportion of cell viability increased along the depth gradient and ranged from 4.67 × 104to 1.52 × 105cells/ml and from 51.0 to 85.4%, respectively. Proteobacteria represented the core of the cave-ice microbiome (55.9–79.1%), and probably play an essential role in this ecosystem. Actinobacteria was the second most abundant phylum (12.0–31.4%), followed in abundance by Bacteroidetes (2.8–4.3%). Ice phylotypes recorded amounted to 442 genera, but only 43 genera had abundances greater than 0.5%. Most abundant werePseudomonas, a well-known ice dweller, andLysobacter, which previously was not reported in this context. Finally, two xanthophytes,Chloridella glacialisandEllipsoidion perminimum, known from polar environments, were cultured from the ice. This indicates that the abundance and ecological role of phototrophs in such environments might be greater than previously deduced.
Distinct profiles of size-fractionated iron-binding ligands between the eastern and western subarctic Pacific
Authors: Kondo Yoshiko , Bamba Rise , Obata Hajime , Nishioka Jun , Takeda Shigenobu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIron (Fe) is well known as a limiting factor to control primary productivity especially in high-nutrient and low chlorophyll area such as the subarctic Pacific. The solubility of Fe is believed to be controlled by its complexation with natural organic ligands, while the distribution of organic ligands is poorly understood. Here, we report that dissolved (< 0.2 µm) organic ligands were unevenly distributed between the western and eastern stations in the subarctic Pacific. The concentration of dissolved organic ligands around the lower part of subarctic Pacific intermediate water was higher in the western station, suggesting that Fe complexation with these organic ligands supports a lateral transport within the water mass. However, a more detailed size-fractionated treatment indicated no significant difference in the soluble (< 1000 kDa) ligands’ distribution between the western and eastern stations. These results suggest that organic and inorganic colloid formations are potentially essential for Fe transport mechanisms in the subarctic Pacific.
Early detection of diabetic retinopathy based on deep learning and ultra-wide-field fundus images
Authors: Oh Kangrok , Kang Hae Min , Leem Dawoon , Lee Hyungyu , Seo Kyoung Yul , Yoon Sangchul 
Published: January 2021

AbstractVisually impaired and blind people due to diabetic retinopathy were 2.6 million in 2015 and estimated to be 3.2 million in 2020 globally. Though the incidence of diabetic retinopathy is expected to decrease for high-income countries, detection and treatment of it in the early stages are crucial for low-income and middle-income countries. Due to the recent advancement of deep learning technologies, researchers showed that automated screening and grading of diabetic retinopathy are efficient in saving time and workforce. However, most automatic systems utilize conventional fundus photography, despite ultra-wide-field fundus photography provides up to 82% of the retinal surface. In this study, we present a diabetic retinopathy detection system based on ultra-wide-field fundus photography and deep learning. In experiments, we show that the use of early treatment diabetic retinopathy study 7-standard field image extracted from ultra-wide-field fundus photography outperforms that of the optic disc and macula centered image in a statistical sense.
Neonicotinoids disrupt memory, circadian behaviour and sleep
Authors: Tasman Kiah , Hidalgo Sergio , Zhu Bangfu , Rands Sean A. , Hodge James J. L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGlobally, neonicotinoids are the most used insecticides, despite their well-documented sub-lethal effects on beneficial insects. Neonicotinoids are nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists. Memory, circadian rhythmicity and sleep are essential for efficient foraging and pollination and require nicotinic acetylcholine receptor signalling. The effect of field-relevant concentrations of the European Union-banned neonicotinoids: imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam and thiacloprid were tested on Drosophila memory, circadian rhythms and sleep. Field-relevant concentrations of imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam disrupted learning, behavioural rhythmicity and sleep whilst thiacloprid exposure only affected sleep. Exposure to imidacloprid and clothianidin prevented the day/night remodelling and accumulation of pigment dispersing factor (PDF) neuropeptide in the dorsal terminals of clock neurons. Knockdown of the neonicotinoid susceptible Dα1 and Dβ2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits in the mushroom bodies or clock neurons recapitulated the neonicotinoid like deficits in memory or sleep/circadian behaviour respectively. Disruption of learning, circadian rhythmicity and sleep are likely to have far-reaching detrimental effects on beneficial insects in the field.
Effects of deep neuromuscular block with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum on respiratory mechanics and biotrauma in a steep Trendelenburg position
Authors: Kim Ji Eun , Min Sang Kee , Ha Eunji , Lee Dongchul , Kim Jong Yeop , Kwak Hyun Jeong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe hypothesized that deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (PP) would improve respiratory mechanics and reduce biotrauma compared to moderate NMB with high-pressure PP in a steep Trendelenburg position. Seventy-four women undergoing robotic gynecologic surgery were randomly assigned to two equal groups. Moderate NMB group was maintained with a train of four count of 1–2 and PP at 12 mmHg. Deep NMB group was maintained with a post-tetanic count of 1–2 and PP at 8 mmHg. Inflammatory cytokines were measured at baseline, at the end of PP, and 24 h after surgery. Interleukin-6 increased significantly from baseline at the end of PP and 24 h after the surgery in moderate NMB group but not in deep NMB group (Pgroup*time = 0.036). The peak inspiratory, driving, and mean airway pressures were significantly higher in moderate NMB group than in deep NMB group at 15 min and 60 min after PP (Pgroup*time = 0.002, 0.003, and 0.048, respectively). In conclusion, deep NMB with low-pressure PP significantly suppressed the increase in interleukin-6 developed after PP, by significantly improving the respiratory mechanics compared to moderate NMB with high-pressure PP during robotic surgery.
Origin and evolutionary history of domestic chickens inferred from a large population study of Thai red junglefowl and indigenous chickens
Authors: Hata Ayano , Nunome Mitsuo , Suwanasopee Thanathip , Duengkae Prateep , Chaiwatana Soontorn , Chamchumroon Wiyada , Suzuki Takayuki , Koonawootrittriron Skorn , Matsuda Yoichi , Srikulnath Kornsorn 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to elucidate the origin of domestic chickens and their evolutionary history over the course of their domestication. We conducted a large-scale genetic study using mitochondrial DNA D-loop sequences and 28 microsatellite DNA markers to investigate the diversity of 298 wild progenitor red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) across two subspecies (G. g. gallusandG. g. spadiceus) from 12 populations and 138 chickens from 10 chicken breeds indigenous to Thailand. Twenty-nine D-loop sequence haplotypes were newly identified: 14 and 17 for Thai indigenous chickens and red junglefowl, respectively. Bayesian clustering analysis with microsatellite markers also revealed high genetic diversity in the red junglefowl populations. These results suggest that the ancestral populations of Thai indigenous chickens were large, and that a part of the red junglefowl population gene pool was not involved in the domestication process. In addition, some haplogroups that are distributed in other countries of Southeast Asia were not observed in either the red junglefowls or the indigenous chickens examined in the present study, suggesting that chicken domestication occurred independently across multiple regions in Southeast Asia.
Comparative in vitro study of the cleaning efficacy of AirFloss ultra and I-Prox Sulcus brushes in an orthodontic phantom model
Authors: Boes Hanna , Brüstle Sören , Danesh Gholamreza , Zimmer Stefan , Bizhang Mozhgan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPreventing biofilm-related risks such as gingivitis and white spot lesions during orthodontic treatments is very challenging. The cleaning efficiencies of AirFloss Ultra and I-Prox P sulcus brushes were evaluated using an orthodontic phantom model. After attaching brackets onto black-coated maxillary KaVo teeth, a plaque substitute was applied. The evaluated tooth surfaces were divided into two areas. Cleaning was performed with an AirFloss Ultra with two (A-2) or four (A-4) sprays or an I-Prox P for two (I-2) or four (I-4) seconds. Images before and after cleaning were digitally subtracted, and the percentage of fully cleaned surfaces was determined (Adobe Photoshop CS5, ImageJ). Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and post hoc tests with Bonferroni correction (SPSS 25, p < 0.05). The mean values of total cleaning efficacy were 26.87% for I-2, 43.73% for I-4, 34.93%, for A-2 and 56.78% for A-4. The efficacy was significantly higher for A-4 than for A-2, I-4, and I-2. There were significant differences between the four groups. Repeated cleaning led to an improved result. Within the study limitations, the AirFloss Ultra with four sprays proved to be more efficient than the sulcus brush I-Prox P for cleaning.
The relationship between exacerbated diabetic peripheral neuropathy and metformin treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hashem Manal Mohammed , Esmael Ahmed , Nassar Abdelfattah Kasem , El-Sherif Mohammed 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMetformin-treated diabetics (MTD) showed a decrease in cobalamin, a rise in homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid, leading to accentuated diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). This study aimed to determine whether or not metformin is a risk factor for DPN. We compared MTD to non-metformin-treated diabetics (NMTD) clinically using the Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS), laboratory (methylmalonic acid, cobalamin, and homocysteine), and electrophysiological studies. Median homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels in MTD vs. NMTD were 15.3 vs. 9.6 µmol/l; P < 0.001 and 0.25 vs. 0.13 µmol/l; P = 0.02, respectively with high statistical significance in MTD. There was a significantly lower plasma level of cobalamin in MTD than NMTD. Spearman’s correlation showed a significant negative correlation between cobalamin and increased dose of metformin and a significant positive correlation between TCSS and increased dose of metformin. Logistic regression analysis showed that MTD had significantly longer metformin use duration, higher metformin dose > 2 g, higher TCSS, lower plasma cobalamin, and significant higher homocysteine. Diabetics treated with metformin for prolonged duration and higher doses were associated with lower cobalamin and more severe DPN.
Evaluation on reprogramed biological processes in transgenic maize varieties using transcriptomics and metabolomics
Authors: Fu Wei , Zhu Pengyu , Qu Mingnan , Zhi Wang , Zhang Yongjiang , Li Feiwu , Zhu Shuifang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGenetic engineering (GM) has great potential to improve maize productivity, but rises some concerns on unintended effects, and equivalent as their comparators. There are some limitations through targeted analysis to detect the UE in genetically modified organisms in many previous studies. We here reported a case-study on the effects of introducing herbicides and insect resistance (HIR) gene cassette on molecular profiling (transcripts and metabolites) in a popular maize variety Zhengdan958 (ZD958) in China. We found that introducing HIR gene cassette bring a limited numbers of differential abundant genes (DAGs) or differential abundant metabolites (DAMs) between transgenic events and non-transgenic control. In contrast, averaged 10 times more DAGs and DAMs were observed when performed comparison under different growing environments in three different ecological regions of China than the numbers induced by gene effects. Major biological pathways relating to stress response or signaling transduction could explain somehow the effects of growing environments. We further compared two transgenic events mediated ZD958 (GM-ZD958) with either transgenic parent GM-Z58, and other genetic background nonGM-Z58, nonGM-ZD958, and Chang7-2. We found that the numbers of DAGs and DAMs between GM-ZD958 and its one parent maize variety, Z58 or GM-Z58 is equivalent, but not Chang7-2. These findings suggest that greater effects due to different genetic background on altered molecular profiling than gene modification itself. This study provides a case evidence indicating marginal effects of gene pleiotropic effects, and environmental effects should be emphasized.
Cancer cell enrichment on a centrifugal microfluidic platform using hydrodynamic and magnetophoretic techniques
Authors: Shamloo Amir , Naghdloo Amin , Besanjideh Mohsen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIsolation of rare cancer cells is one of the important and valuable stages of cancer research. Regarding the rarity of cancer cells in blood samples, it is important to invent an efficient separation device for cell enrichment. In this study, two centrifugal microfluidic devices were designed and fabricated for the isolation of rare cancer cells. The first design (passive plan) employs a contraction–expansion array (CEA) microchannel which is connected to a bifurcation region. This device is able to isolate the target cells through inertial effects and bifurcation law. The second design (hybrid plan) also utilizes a CEA microchannel, but instead of using the bifurcation region, it is reinforced by a stack of two permanent magnets to capture the magnetically labeled target cells at the end of the microchannel. These designs were optimized by numerical simulations and tested experimentally for isolation of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells from the population of mouse fibroblast L929 cells. In order to use the hybrid design, magnetite nanoparticles were attached to the MCF-7 cells through specific Ep-CAM antibodies, and two permanent magnets of 0.34 T were utilized at the downstream of the CEA microchannel. These devices were tested at different disk rotational speeds and it was found that the passive design can isolate MCF-7 cells with a recovery rate of 76% for the rotational speed of 2100 rpm while its hybrid counterpart is able to separate the target cells with a recovery rate of 85% for the rotational speed of 1200 rpm. Although the hybrid design of separator has a better separation efficiency and higher purity, the passive one has no need for a time-consuming process of cell labeling, occupies less space on the disk, and does not impose additional costs and complexity.
Precious metals recovery from aqueous solutions using a new adsorbent material
Authors: Grad Oana , Ciopec Mihaela , Negrea Adina , Duțeanu Narcis , Vlase Gabriela , Negrea Petru , Dumitrescu Camelia , Vlase Titus , Vodă Raluca 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPlatinum group metals (PGMs) palladium, platinum, and ruthenium represent the key materials for automotive exhaust gas treatment. Since there are no adequate alternatives, the importance of these metals for the automotive industry is steadily rising. The high value of PGMs in spent catalysts justifies their recycling. Therefore, it is really important to recovery platinum group metals from aqueous solutions. Of the many PGMs recovery procedures, adsorption is a process with a good efficiency, but an important role is played by the adsorbent material used into the process. In order to improve the adsorption properties of materials were developed new methods for chemical modification of the solid supports, through functionalization with different extractants. In present paper a new adsorbent material (Chitosan-DB18C6) was used for PGMs recovery. The new adsorbent material was produced by impregnating Chitosan with dibenzo-18-crown-6-ether using Solvent Impregnated Resin (SIR) method. The crown ethers were chosen as extractant due to their known ability to bind metallic ions, whether they are symmetrically or unsymmetrically substituted. In order to determine the PGMs recovery efficiency for new prepared adsorbent material the equilibrium and kinetic studies were performed. Also, to study the PGMs adsorption mechanism the experimental data were modelled using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second order kinetic models. Experimental data were fitted with three equilibrium isotherm models: Langmuir, Freundlich and Sips. The results proved that new adsorbent material (Chitosan-DB18C6) is an efficient adsorbent for PGMs recovery from aqueous solutions.
Development and external validation of a novel multihematoma fuzzy sign on computed tomography for predicting traumatic intraparenchymal hematoma expansion
Authors: Sheng Jiangtao , Yang Jinhua , Cai Shirong , Zhuang Dongzhou , Li Tian , Chen Xiaoxuan , Wang Gefei , Dai Jianping , Ding Faxiu , Tian Lu , Zheng Fengqing , Tian Fei , Huang Mindong , Li Kangsheng , Chen Weiqiang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAcute traumatic intraparenchymal hematoma (tICH) expansion is a devastating neurological complication that is associated with poor outcome after cerebral contusion. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel noncontrast computed tomography (CT) (NCCT) multihematoma fuzzy sign to predict acute tICH expansion. In this multicenter, prospective cohort study, multihematoma fuzzy signs on baseline CT were found in 212 (43.89%) of total 482 patients. Patients with the multihematoma fuzzy sign had a higher frequency of tICH expansion than those without (90.79% (138) vs. 46.71% (71)). The presence of multihematoma fuzzy sign was associated with increased risk for acute tICH expansion in entire cohort (odds ratio [OR]: 16.15; 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.85–29.47; P < 0.001) and in the cohort after propensity-score matching (OR: 9.37; 95% CI 4.52–19.43; P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated a better discriminative ability of the presence of multihematoma fuzzy sign for acute tICH expansion (AUC = 0.79; 95% CI 0.76–0.83), as was also observed in an external validation cohort (AUC = 0.76; 95% CI 0.67–0.84). The novel NCCT marker of multihematoma fuzzy sign could be easily identified on baseline CT and is an easy-to-use predictive tool for tICH expansion in the early stage of cerebral contusion.
A retrospective clinical analysis of pediatric paragonimiasis in a Chinese children’s hospital from 2011 to 2019
Authors: Qian Manning , Li Fei , Zhang Yuhan , Qiao Zhongwei , Shi Yingyan , Shen Jun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDiagnosis of pediatric paragonimiasis is difficult because of its non-specific clinical manifestations. We retrospectively reviewed the records of pediatric paragonimiasis in Children’s Hospital of Fudan University from January 2011 to May 2019. The confirmed diagnosis of paragonimiasis was based on positive anti-parasite serological tests from the local Center for Disease Control (CDC). A total of 11 patients (mean age: 7.7 ± 3.1, male–female ratio: 7:4) diagnosed as paragonimiasis were included. 81.8% were from endemic areas such as Sichuan and Yunnan, and 36% had a clear history of raw crab or crayfish consumption. The characteristic clinical features of pediatric paragonimiasis were eosinophilia (100%), pleural effusion (81.8%), hepatomegaly (54.5%), ascites (54.5%), and subcutaneous nodules (45.5%). Misdiagnosed with other diseases including tuberculosis (18.2%), pneumonia (9.1%), intracranial space-occupying lesions (9.1%) and brain abcess (9.1%) led to rehospitalization and prolonged hospitalization. For treatment, a 3-day course of 150 mg/kg praziquantel (PZQ) didn’t show ideal treatment effectivity and 63.6% needed more than one course of PZQ, while triclabendazole in a total dose of 10 mg/kg had a better efficacy to stubborn manifestations. This study indicated that pediatric paragonimiasis was often misdiagnosed, and the treatment with a 3-day course of 150 mg/kg PZQ had a high rate of failure.