bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated noninvasive epithelial cell counting in phase contrast microscopy images with automated parameter selection
Authors: FLIGHT R. , LANDINI G. , STYLES I.B. , SHELTON R.M. , MILWARD M.R. , COOPER P.R. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryCell counting is commonly used to determine proliferation rates in cell cultures and for adherent cells it is often a ‘destructive’ process requiring disruption of the cell monolayer resulting in the inability to follow cell growth longitudinally. This process is time consuming and utilises significant resource. In this study a relatively inexpensive, rapid and widely applicable phase contrast microscopy‐based technique has been developed that emulates the contrast changes taking place when bright field microscope images of epithelial cell cultures are defocused. Processing of the resulting images produces an image that can be segmented using a global threshold; the number of cells is then deduced from the number of segmented regions and these cell counts can be used to generate growth curves. The parameters of this method were tuned using the discrete mereotopological relations between ground truth and processed images. Cell count accuracy was improved using linear discriminant analysis to identify spurious noise regions for removal.The proposed cell counting technique was validated by comparing the results with a manual count of cells in images, and subsequently applied to generate growth curves for oral keratinocyte cultures supplemented with a range of concentrations of foetal calf serum. The approach developed has broad applicability and utility for researchers with standard laboratory imaging equipment.
Disaster Nursing Development in China and Other Countries: A Bibliometric Study
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Yun , Zhu Ling‐Ling , Sheng Yu , Li Xiu‐Hua , Xu Xiao‐Hua , Wang Qing‐Yan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPurposeChina is a country with frequent disasters, and nurses play indispensable roles in the disaster process. The Chinese disaster nursing specialty developed with several deficiencies. This study aimed to identify the limitations in the development of disaster nursing in China and to provide a reference for the future by comparing relevant studies between China and other countries.DesignA systematic literature review was conducted in English and Chinese databases to identify disaster nursing articles published from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2016.MethodsThis study followed the systematic literature collection tactic and bibliometric method. Basic information such as country, number of publications, and discussed disaster types were described through frequency distributions. Article themes were extracted and divided into the four phases of the International Council of Nurses Framework of Disaster Nursing Competencies.Findings1,384 articles were included in the analysis, containing 781 written in Chinese and 603 written in English (with 56 of them written by Chinese researchers). The number of Chinese disaster nursing articles and other publications increased sharply between 2007 and 2009 but dropped significantly afterwards, while the total number of articles in other countries fluctuated, with a general upward trend. Compared to other countries, there were fewer research methods used and less focus on disaster prevention and preparedness in China, an imbalanced focus on disaster types, and a lack of focus on prevention, preparedness, and recovery phases.ConclusionsIn China, there is a lack of stable development of disaster nursing research, a lack of study types, and less focus on disaster prevention, preparedness, and recovery. Varied study methods and an increased focus on disaster prevention and preparedness are required in the future.Clinical RelevanceThis study analyzed the deficiencies in Chinese disaster nursing, which led to recommendations and proposed directions for future studies and a clinical focus in this field, in compliance with the United Nations guidelines for disaster management.
Three cases of clear‐cell adenocarcinoma arising from endometrioma during hormonal treatments
Authors: Yoshino Osamu , Minamisaka Takashi , Ono Yosuke , Tsuda Sayaka , Samejima Azusa , Shima Tomoko , Nakashima Akitoshi , Koga Kaori , Osuga Yutaka , Saito Shigeru 
Published: July 2018

AbstractEndometrioma is known to be an occurrence site of ovarian cancer, but there is no evidence on how to reduce the risk of canceration. Here, we report three cases of ovarian cancer arising from endometrioma during hormone therapies of GnRH analogue and tamoxifen, low‐dose estrogen‐progestin (LEP) and dienogest. In all cases, each hormonal treatment was effective in shrinking the size of the endometrioma. During hormonal treatments, solid parts inside endometrioma were observed, which was followed by surgery. The histology of the solid parts was clear‐cell adenocarcinoma in all cases. An immunohistochemistry study demonstrated that the estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) were positive in the endometriosis part but negative in the cancer part, while the human EGF receptor (HER) 2 was negative or very weak in the benign part and positive in the malignant part in all three cases. Even though hormonal treatments seem to be effective to regulate endometrioma, careful observation is needed to follow‐up patients with endometrioma.
Adjunctive laser‐stimulated stem‐cells therapy to primary reperfusion in acute myocardial infarction in humans: Safety and feasibility study
Authors: Elbaz‐Greener Gabby , Sud Maneesh , Tzuman Oran , Leitman Marina , Vered Zvi , Ben‐Dov Nissan , Oron Uri , Blatt Alex 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundLow‐level laser therapy (LLLT) has photobiostimulatory effects on stem cells and may offer cardioprotection. This cell‐based therapy may compliment primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).ObjectiveIn this randomized control trial, our primary objective was to determine the safety and feasibility of LLLT application to the bone marrow in patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI.MethodsWe randomly assigned patients undergoing PPCI to LLLT or non‐laser therapy (NLT). In the LLLT group, 100 s of laser therapy was applied to the tibia bone prior to PPCI, as well as 24 and 72 h post‐PPCI. In the control group, the power source was turned off. The primary outcome was the difference in door‐to‐balloon (D2B) time, and additional outcomes included differences in circulating cell counts, cardiac enzymes, and left‐ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at pre‐specified intervals post‐PPCI.ResultsTwenty‐four patients were randomized to LLLT (N = 12) or NLT (N = 12). No adverse effects of the treatment were detected. The D2B time was not significantly different between the groups (41 ± 8 vs 48 ± 1 min; P = 0.73). Creatinine Phosphokinase area under the curve, was lower after LLLT (22 ± 10) compared to NLT (49 ± 12), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.08). Troponin‐T was significantly lower after LLLT (2.7 ± 1.4 ng/mL) in comparison to NLT (5.2 ± 1.8 ng/mL. P < 0.05). At 9 months, LVEF improved in both groups without a significant difference between LLLT (55 ± 9%) and NLT (52 ± 9%; P = 0.90).ConclusionLLLT is a safe and feasible adjunctive cell‐based therapy to PPCI that may benefit ischemic myocardium.
Use of the NESMA Filter to Improve Myelin Water Fraction Mapping with Brain MRI
Authors: Bouhrara Mustapha , Reiter David A. , Maring Michael C. , Bonny Jean‐Marie , Spencer Richard G. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEMyelin water fraction (MWF) mapping permits direct visualization of myelination patterns in the developing brain and in pathology. MWF is conventionally measured through multiexponential T2 analysis which is very sensitive to noise, leading to inaccuracies in derived MWF estimates. Although noise reduction filters may be applied during postprocessing, conventional filtering can introduce bias and obscure small structures and edges. Advanced nonblurring filters, while effective, exhibit a high level of complexity and the requirement for supervised implementation for optimal performance. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the ability of the recently introduced nonlocal estimation of multispectral magnitudes (NESMA) filter to greatly improve the determination of MWF parameter estimates from gradient and spin echo (GRASE) imaging data.METHODSWe evaluated the performance of the NESMA filter for MWF mapping from clinical GRASE imaging data of the human brain, and compared the results to those calculated from unfiltered images. Numerical and in vivo analyses of the brains of three subjects, representing different ages, were conducted.RESULTSOur results demonstrated the potential of the NESMA filter to permit high‐quality in vivo MWF mapping. Indeed, NESMA permits substantial reduction of random variation in derived MWF estimates while preserving accuracy and detail.CONCLUSIONSIn vivo estimation of MWF in the human brain from GRASE imaging data was markedly improved through use of the NESMA filter. The use of NESMA may contribute to the goal of high‐quality MWF mapping in clinically feasible imaging times.
Clinical presentation of patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea and self‐reported physician‐diagnosed asthma in the ESADA cohort
Authors: Bonsignore Maria R. , Pepin Jean‐Louis , Anttalainen Ulla , Schiza Sophia E. , Basoglu Ozen K. , Pataka Athanasia , Steiropoulos Paschalis , Dogas Zoran , Grote Ludger , Hedner Jan , McNicholas Walter T. , Marrone Oreste ,   on behalf of the ESADA Study Group
Published: July 2018

SummaryObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and asthma are often associated and several studies suggest a bidirectional relationship between asthma and OSA. This study analyzed the characteristics of patients with suspected OSA from the European Sleep Apnea Database according to presence/absence of physician‐diagnosed asthma. Cross‐sectional data in 16,236 patients (29.1% female) referred for suspected OSA were analyzed according to occurrence of physician‐diagnosed asthma for anthropometrics, OSA severity and sleepiness. Sleep structure was assessed in patients studied by polysomnography (i.e. 48% of the sample). The prevalence of physician‐diagnosed asthma in the entire cohort was 4.8% (7.9% in women, 3.7% in men, p < 0.0001), and decreased from subjects without OSA to patients with mild–moderate and severe OSA (p = 0.02). Obesity was highly prevalent in asthmatic women, whereas BMI distribution was similar in men with and without physician‐diagnosed asthma. Distribution of OSA severity was similar in patients with and without physician‐diagnosed asthma, and unaffected by treatment for asthma or gastroesophageal reflux. Asthma was associated with poor sleep quality and sleepiness. Physician‐diagnosed asthma was less common in a sleep clinic population than expected from the results of studies in the general population. Obesity appears as the major factor raising suspicion of OSA in asthmatic women, whereas complaints of poor sleep quality were the likely reason for referral in asthmatic men.
Mortality, liver transplantation and hepatic complications in patients with treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B treated with entecavir vs tenofovir
Authors: Kim Byung Gyu , Park Neung Hwa , Lee Seung Bum , Lee Hojune , Lee Byung Uk , Park Jae Ho , Jung Seok Won , Jeong In Du , Bang Sung‐Jo , Shin Jung Woo 
Published: July 2018

SummaryFew studies have directly compared the long‐term clinical outcomes of entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). This study aimed to compare the risk of mortality, liver transplantation and hepatic complications including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatic decompensation between these drugs in treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We performed a longitudinal observational analysis of data from 1325 consecutive adult CHB patients with a cumulative adherence of ≥80% to treatment with ETV (n = 721) or TDF (n = 604) at a tertiary referral hospital in Ulsan, Korea, from 1 January 2007 through 31 April 2017. Among the patients, 708 were analysed using propensity score matching with a ratio of 1:1. In the follow‐up period of up to 5 years, five patients (0.4%) died, three patients (0.2%) underwent liver transplantation (LT) and 54 patients (4.1%) developed HCC. Hepatic decompensation occurred in 24 (1.8%) patients. ETV therapy did not significantly differ from TDF therapy regarding the risk of liver‐related death or LT (HR 0.96; 95% CI, 0.23‐4.07; log‐rank P = 0.955), HCC (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.72‐2.56; log‐rank P = 0.340) and hepatic decompensation (HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 0.67‐4.00; log‐rank P = 0.276). In the 708 propensity‐matched pairs, ETV and TDF were also not significantly different with respect to the risk of mortality, LT and hepatic complications. In this longitudinal observational study of 1325 patients with CHB, ETV and TDF therapies were not significantly different regarding the risk of mortality, HCC, LT and hepatic decompensation.
The Dingle Dell meteorite: A Halloween treat from the Main Belt
Authors: Devillepoix Hadrien A. R. , Sansom Eleanor K. , Bland Philip A. , Towner Martin C. , Cupák Martin , Howie Robert M. , Jansen‐Sturgeon Trent , Cox Morgan A. , Hartig Benjamin A. D. , Benedix Gretchen K. , Paxman Jonathan P. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe describe the fall of the Dingle Dell (L/LL 5) meteorite near Morawa in Western Australia on October 31, 2016. The fireball was observed by six observatories of the Desert Fireball Network (DFN), a continental‐scale facility optimized to recover meteorites and calculate their pre‐entry orbits. The 30 cm meteoroid entered at 15.44 km s−1, followed a moderately steep trajectory of 51° to the horizon from 81 km down to 19 km altitude, where the luminous flight ended at a speed of 3.2 km s−1. Deceleration data indicated one large fragment had made it to the ground. The four person search team recovered a 1.15 kg meteorite within 130 m of the predicted fall line, after 8 h of searching, 6 days after the fall. Dingle Dell is the fourth meteorite recovered by the DFN in Australia, but the first before any rain had contaminated the sample. By numerical integration over 1 Ma, we show that Dingle Dell was most likely ejected from the Main Belt by the 3:1 mean motion resonance with Jupiter, with only a marginal chance that it came from the ν6 resonance. This makes the connection of Dingle Dell to the Flora family (currently thought to be the origin of LL chondrites) unlikely.
Exploring the Intersection Between Teachers’ Beliefs and Research Findings in Pronunciation Instruction
Authors: NAGLE CHARLES , SACHS REBECCA , ZÁRATE–SÁNDEZ GERMÁN 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study explored teachers’ beliefs about pronunciation instruction in Spanish as a second language (L2). An online survey was used to collect data from 100 participants, grouped into 4 categories based on their previous training in principles and methods of pronunciation instruction. This article reports results from 15 survey items which covered participants’ beliefs regarding 6 major themes: the importance of pronunciation, how pronunciation develops, when to teach it, what to teach, how to teach, and who can teach. Although the results revealed several areas where more methods‐related coursework meant greater alignment between Spanish teachers’ beliefs and findings of L2 pronunciation research, there were other topics on which instructors with more training were likely to express beliefs contrasting with the state of the art. For instance, respondents with more coursework tended to accord more value to pronunciation instruction, to set more pronunciation‐related goals for language instruction, and to reject delaying a focus on pronunciation. Unexpectedly, however, some seemed to uphold the native speaker model, suggesting that teacher training and professional development programs may need to emphasize research‐informed practices and the importance of pedagogical expertise over nativelike pronunciation.
Do bednets including piperonyl butoxide offer additional protection against populations of Anopheles gambiae s.l. that are highly resistant to pyrethroids? An experimental hut evaluation in Burkina Fasov
Authors: Toe K. H. , Müller P. , Badolo A. , Traore A. , Sagnon N. , Dabiré R. K. , Ranson H. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMalaria control is dependent on the use of longlasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) containing pyrethroids. A new generation of LLINs containing both pyrethroids and the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) has been developed in response to increasing pyrethroid resistance in African malaria vectors, but questions remain about the performance of these nets in areas where levels of pyrethroid resistance are very high. This study was conducted in two settings in southwest Burkina Faso, Vallée du Kou 5 and Tengrela, where Anopheles gambiae s.l. (Diptera: Culicidae) mortality rates in World Health Organization (WHO) discriminating dose assays were < 14% for permethrin and < 33% for deltamethrin. When mosquitoes were pre‐exposed to PBO in WHO tube assays, mortality rates increased substantially but full susceptibility was not restored. Molecular characterization revealed high levels of kdr alleles and elevated levels of P450s previously implicated in pyrethroid resistance. In cone bioassays and experimental huts, PBO LLINs outperformed the pyrethroid‐only equivalents from the same manufacturers. Blood feeding rates were 1.6–2.2‐fold lower and mortality rates were 1.69–1.78‐fold greater in huts with PBO LLINs vs. non‐PBO LLINs. This study indicates that PBO LLINs provide greater personal and community‐level protection than standard LLINs against highly pyrethroid‐resistant mosquito populations.
Sexual behaviour and extra‐genital colonisation in women treated for recurrent Candida vulvo‐vaginitis
Authors: Grinceviciene Svitrigaile , Ruban Kateryna , Bellen Gert , Donders Gilbert G. G. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryObjectiveThis study analyses a relation between sexual habits and the presence of Candida in extra‐genital locations as well as a potential effect on therapy response.Material and MethodsCandida cultures were obtained from mouth, nose, anus, urine and perineum of 117 women enrolled in a RVVC treatment trial (ReCiDiF). Sexual behaviour and carriage rates of extra‐genital Candida of women responding well to treatment were compared to that of non‐responders.ResultsMost respondents were heterosexual. All but one practiced vaginal sex. Regular receptive oral sex was not related to multiple site colonisation with Candida (OR = 1.27; CI95% 0.36‐4.48), nor to non‐response to therapy (OR = 1.3; CI 95% 0.41‐4.73). Also, masturbation was not related to response to therapy (OR 0.8; CI95% 0.31‐1.84), nor was anal sex (OR = 0.54; CI95% 0.11‐2.72).ConclusionNeither oral nor casual anal sex, nor masturbation can be held responsible for the association of the multiple site/anal colonisation with Candida and inferior response to fluconazole maintenance therapy. Changing sexual behaviour during fluconazole maintenance treatment for RVVC in otherwise healthy women should not be advocated. Also, treatment of asymptomatic sexual partners of women with RVVC is not recommended.
Survival of children and young adults with skin cancer: Analysis of a population‐based Florida cancer registry: 1981‐2013
Authors: Dunn Erin C. , Moore Kevin J. , Miao Feng , Kirsner Robert S. , Koru‐Sengul Tulay 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesAlthough pediatric and young adult skin cancer is uncommon, recent epidemiologic studies have shown pediatric melanoma to be on the rise in the United States. Using a population‐based cancer registry, this study examined skin cancer burden and survival disparities in children and young adults.MethodsLinked data from the Florida Cancer Data System and U.S. Census were analyzed to elucidate skin cancer burden distribution and survival disparities in 1543 Florida children (0‐9 years), adolescents (10‐19 years), and young adults (20‐24 years). These disparities were assessed according to sociodemographic groups such as sex, race, ethnicity, and neighborhood level socioeconomic status. A multivariable Cox regression model adjusted for sociodemographic, clinical, and tumor characteristics was used to predict survival.ResultsBoys had a slightly greater burden of skin cancer among children (50.9%), whereas girls had the greatest burden for adolescents (54.5%) and young adults (60%). Survival differed between white, black, and other races; 1‐year survival was 91.5% for whites and 77.9% for blacks. Average 3‐ and 5‐year survival was comparable for blacks and whites. “Other” race had a 1‐ and 3‐year survival of 96.2%.ConclusionBecause skin cancer is on the rise, it is important to elucidate the burden and determinants associated with survival outcomes to identify high‐risk pediatric and young adult populations. Understanding these factors in the Florida pediatric population may provide a base for future endeavors to create culturally competent cancer prevention programs through screening, health promotion, and literacy.
Aggressive melanoma in an infant with congenital melanocytic nevus syndrome and multiple, NRAS and BRAF mutation‐negative nodules
Authors: de la Rosa Carrillo Daniel , Vindenes Harald , Kinsler Veronica A. , Rønnestad Arild , Ringstad Geir , Müller Lil‐Sofie Ording , Tafjord Svetlana , Tønseth Kim A. , Kvamme Bjørn , Clausen Ole Petter Fraas 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe report the case of a newborn boy with multinodular NRAS and BRAF mutation‐negative congenital melanocytic nevi and cerebral lesions compatible with congenital intraparenchymal melanosis. Histopathology from skin lesions showed atypical nodular melanocytic proliferation with marked melanocytic atypia and a large number of mitoses and apoptosis, indicating aggressive proliferation. The child developed several new subcutaneous tumors and multiple internal lesions, which were confirmed to be metastases, and died at 5 months of age. This case may represent an infantile melanoma developing from a giant congenital melanocytic nevus or a congenital melanoma.
Economically viable aquaponics? Identifying the gap between potential and current uncertainties
Authors: Greenfeld Asael , Becker Nir , McIlwain Jennifer , Fotedar Ravi , Bornman Janet F. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAquaponics, which integrates hydroponic farming and aquaculture, has the potential for sustainably producing high‐quality food, but has yet to achieve commercial success. In recent years, however, commercial‐scale aquaponics has received considerable attention from the scientific community, with the current literature covering many aspects of aquaponic production. We reviewed this literature and classified the specific areas covered by each paper and its contribution to either cost reduction or benefit enhancement. The literature regarding the economic benefits of aquaponics was summarised, and despite contradicting views of current profitability, there is a consensus that (i) larger systems are economically superior to smaller ones; (ii) profitability is sensitive to retail prices; and (iii) commercial aquaponics are more profitable through improved business plans. This review provides a quantitative scientific analysis of the bioeconomics and potential of commercial aquaponics, useful for both researchers and practitioners. We argue for greater focus on three understudied aspects that could each be a ‘game changer’ for commercial aquaponics. These include the following: (i) grower considerations such as financial planning and risk management that affect potential growers’ initial engagement in aquaponics; (ii) consumer perception of aquaponic products including the willingness to pay more for its added value; and (iii) the economic value of the environmental benefits of aquaponic systems and ways to internalise them for profit. Further study of each of these aspects, along with the ongoing improvement of production systems, will support the establishment of large‐scale aquaponics as an economically sustainable industry.