bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of camera distance and angle on color of diverse skin tone‐based standards in smartphone photos
Authors: Cronin Austin , Tkaczyk Eric R. , Hussain Iftak , Bowden Audrey , Saknite Inga 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAccurate and reproducible color capture is vital in medical photography. Camera distance and angle are particularly important as they are highly variable in a clinical setting. To account for variability in illumination, camera technology, and geometric effects, color standards are often used for color correction. To explore how geometry affects color, we quantified the change in CIELAB color value of a color standard for diverse skin tones at varying smartphone camera distances and angles. Whereas both chromaticity (a* and b*) and lightness (L*) were affected by angle, distance only affected L* (standard error of measurement, SEM > 1 CIELAB unit). Flash usage did not generally reduce distance and angle associated variability. Compared to compressed (JPG) format, raw (DNG) images had decreased median variability across different distances and angles. These findings suggest that in medical photography, inconsistent camera distance and angle can increase variability in photographed skin appearance over time.
Effect of rare earth oxide microparticles on mechanical, corrosion, antibacterial, and hemolytic behavior of Mg‐Hydroxyapatite composite for orthopedic applications – A preliminary in‐vitro study
Authors: Aggarwal Divyanshu , Kumar Vinod , Sharma Siddharth 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe current study focused on developing a multifunctional Mg‐based biodegradable composite that mitigates the trade‐off between strength, antibacterial, and cytotoxicity behavior for orthopedic bone implants. The composite has been reinforced with natural mineral‐based Hydroxyapatite and rare earth oxide (REO): Neodymium oxide. The effect of different concentrations of REO on the mechanical, antibacterial, and corrosion properties was analyzed. The antibacterial properties were assessed against gram‐positive B. Subtilis and gram‐negative E. Coli bacterial pathogens. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the composites was assessed via Hemolysis percentage calculations. In addition, the microstructure characterization was performed via FESEM, XRD, and EDS techniques, and different intermetallic phase formations were recorded. Contact angle measurements were done via the sessile drop method to analyze the impact of rare earth oxide on the surface properties of the synthesized composites and their relationship with bacterial adhesion. The corrosion studies and swelling rates were performed under PBS and DMEM solutions. The composite with the addition of 1.5% REO outperformed the experiments with a compressive strength of 126.4 MPa, and a corrosion rate less than 0.2 mm/yr. The corrosion rates and degree of swelling were seen to be more stable in DMEM solution as compared to PBS. Improved antibacterial rates were observed against both pathogens after the addition of REO along with a hemolysis percentage less than 5% for Mg‐HA‐1.5Nd2O3. The composites showed increased hydrophobicity (>75%) by the addition of 1.5% REO. Hence, it was concluded that REO (Nd2O3) addition to the Mg‐Hydroxyapatite composite is a feasible choice as a biomaterial for bone implant applications.
Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor‐2α Signaling in the Skeletal System
Authors: Mendoza Sarah V , Genetos Damian C , Yellowley Clare E 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTHypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) are oxygen‐dependent heterodimeric transcription factors that mediate molecular responses to reductions in cellular oxygen (hypoxia). HIF signaling involves stable HIF‐β subunits and labile, oxygen‐sensitive HIF‐α subunits. Under hypoxic conditions, the HIF‐α subunit is stabilized, complexes with nucleus‐confined HIF‐β subunit, and transcriptionally regulates hypoxia‐adaptive genes. Transcriptional responses to hypoxia include altered energy metabolism, angiogenesis, erythropoiesis, and cell fate. Three isoforms of HIF‐α—HIF‐1α, HIF‐2α, and HIF‐3α—are found in diverse cell types. HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α serve as transcriptional activators, whereas HIF‐3α restricts HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α. The structure and isoform‐specific functions of HIF‐1α in mediating molecular responses to hypoxia are well established across a wide range of cell and tissue types. The contributions of HIF‐2α to hypoxic adaptation are often unconsidered if not outrightly attributed to HIF‐1α. This review establishes what is currently known about the diverse roles of HIF‐2α in mediating the hypoxic response in skeletal tissues, with specific focus on development and maintenance of skeletal fitness. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Umbilical vein blood flow: State‐of‐the‐art
Authors: Barbieri Moira , Di Martino Daniela Denis , Ferrazzi Enrico Mario , Stampalija Tamara 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPlacental blood supply to the fetus can be measured by evaluating the umbilical vein blood flow. Despite its potential application in healthcare, the umbilical vein blood flow volume is still used only in research setting. One of the reasons is a concern regarding its reproducibility, partly due to technology issues. Nowadays, technology improvements make this evaluation accurate and reproducible. The aim of this review is to refresh basic elements of the physiology of umbilical vein blood flow and its analysis. Its evaluation in normal and abnormal fetal growth is also discussed.
Evaluation of subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with acute‐phase Kawasaki disease by hematological indices, layer‐specific left ventricular longitudinal strain and global myocardial work
Authors: Li Li , Li Guang‐an , Huang Jun 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate subclinical LV systolic dysfunction in aKD patients by hematological indices, global layer‐specific LV longitudinal strain and myocardial work (MW).MethodsForty‐three normal controls and 42 aKD patients were enrolled in the present study. The peak systolic epimyocardial (GLSEpi), middle layer (GLSMid) and endomyocardial (GLSEndo) longitudinal strain, global myocardial work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW) and myocardial work efficiency (GWE) were measured by two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography in apical three‐chamber, four‐chamber, and two‐chamber views.ResultsThe absolute values of GLSEpi, GLSMid, and GLSEndo in aKD patients were significantly lower than those in normal controls (p < .01). The values of GCW and GWE were significantly lower than those of normal controls (p < .05). There were no significant differences among the AUCs of layer‐specific LV GLS and global MW (p > .05). The correlation test showed that layer‐specific LV GLS showed a good correlation with GCW. Multivariable analysis showed that Hb and LVEF were independent factors for GCW.ConclusionIn this research, we found that subclinical LV systolic dysfunction was detected by layer‐specific GLS and MW in aKD patients. GCW has the same diagnostic value as layer‐specific LV GLS. Hb and LVEF are independent factors of LV myocardial function.
Use of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray for urine analysis: A preliminary investigation
Authors: Yacouba Abdourahamane , Bellali Sara , Haddad Gabriel , Mavros Noelle , Fontanini Anthony , Dubourg Grégory , Lagier Jean‐Christophe , Raoult Didier , Bou Khalil Jacques 
Published: February 2023

AbstractScanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) are powerful tools to study the ultrastructure of numerous specimens and to determine their elemental composition, respectively. However, results have not yet been reported on their application to urine samples in routine clinical laboratory practice. Herein we investigate urine sediment by using SEM and EDX to detect and identify different urine components. A total of 206 urine samples from patients with and without urinary tract infections were analyzed using SEM and EDX. Microorganisms, crystals, epithelial cells, leukocytes, and erythrocytes were targeted in urine sediment samples. The identification of urine components was based on their morphology, size, contrast, and elemental composition. SEM‐analysis allowed us to identify and classify microorganisms in urine sediments into the categories of gram‐negative bacilli, cluster cocci, chain cocci, gram‐negative bacilli, gram‐positive bacilli, and yeasts. In addition, various types of epithelial cells such as renal, transitional, and squamous epithelial cells were found. Furthermore, leukocytes and erythrocytes were well identified, with the detection of various morphological forms of erythrocytes, such as dysmorphic and isomorphic erythrocytes. Using SEM–EDX analysis, calcium oxalate was the most frequently‐identified crystal (92.0%), with prominent peaks of C, O, and Ca elements, followed by struvite (6%), with peaks of Mg, P, O, and N. These preliminary data suggest that the two complementary SEM–EDX analyses can be used to detect and identify microorganisms and crystals in urine samples. Further studies are still needed to apply SEM–EDX to urine sediment analysis.

SEM–EDX analyses provided comparative results with the routine results, with accurate identification, high resolution and deep focus compared to the routine urinalysis
SEM‐analysis allowed us to identify and classify microorganisms in urine sediments into the categories of gram‐negative bacilli, cluster cocci, chain cocci, gram‐negative bacilli, gram‐positive bacilli and yeasts.
SEM–EDX analysis enabled the accurate identification of crystals based on both morphology and elemental composition.
Effectiveness and Accuracy of MRI‐Ultrasound Fusion Targeted Biopsy Based on PI‐RADS v2.1 Category in Transition/Peripheral Zone of the Prostate
Authors: Liu Yunyun , Wang Shuai , Xu Guang , Zhou Bangguo , Zhang Ying , Ye Beibei , Xiang Lihua , Zhang Yifeng , Xu Huixiong 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundMRI‐ultrasound fusion targeted biopsy (MRI‐TBx) improves the clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) detection with fewer cores. However, whether systematic biopsy‐guided by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS‐SBx) can be omitted when undergoing MRI‐TBx in transition zone (TZ) and peripheral zone (PZ) remains unclear.PurposeTo assess the performance and effectiveness of MRI‐TBx based on PI‐RADS v2.1 for csPCa diagnosis in TZ and PZ, respectively.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsA total of 309 selected cases (median age 70 years) with 356 lesions who underwent both MRI‐TBx and TRUS‐SBx were enrolled.Field Strength/SequenceA 3.0 T, multiparametric MRI (mp‐MRI) including T2‐weighted turbo‐spin echo imaging (T2WI), diffusion‐weighted spin‐echo echo planar imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI with time‐resolved T1‐weighted imaging (DCE).AssessmentMp‐MRI was assessed by two radiologists using PI‐RADS v2.1. The csPCa detection rates provided by MRI‐TBx, TRUS‐SBx and combined biopsy in TZ and PZ were calculated, respectively.Statistical TestsMcNemar test was used to compare the csPCa detection rates in TZ and PZ, respectively. The frequencies and distribution of all detected prostate cancers by different biopsy methods were also compared. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsAmong 356 lesions in 309 patients, 208 (68 in TZ, 140 in PZ) were pathologically confirmed as csPCa. In TZ, there were significant differences for csPCa detection with PI‐RADS 3 between combined biopsy and TRUS‐SBx (23.5% vs. 15.3%), MRI‐TBx (23.5% vs. 16.3%), respectively. MRI‐TBx detected 23% (19/83) cases missed by TRUS‐SBx in which 68% (13/19) were csPCa. In PZ, there were no statistical differences between MRI‐TBx and combined biopsy with PI‐RADS 3–5 (P = 0.21, 0.25, 0.07, respectively). In 9% (14/152) cases only detected by MRI‐TBx, 86% (12/14) were clinically significant. Five percent (7/152) of cases only detected by TRUS‐SBx were completely nonclinically significant.Data ConclusionMRI‐TBx played a positive role on csPCa diagnosis in TZ, but combined biopsy might be the best choice especially in the subgroup PI‐RADS 3. In PZ, MRI‐TBx had an advantage over TRUS‐SBx for csPCa detection.Evidence Level2.Technical EfficacyStage 2.
High‐Speed T2‐Corrected Multiecho Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for Quantitatively Detecting Skeletal Muscle Fatty Infiltration and Predicting the Loss of Ambulation in Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Xu Ting , Xu Ke , Song Yu , Zhou Ziqi , Fu Hang , Xu Rong , Cai Xiaotang , Guo Yingkun , Ye Pengfei , Xu Huayan 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundHigh‐speed T2‐corrected multiecho MRS (HISTO‐MRS) is emerging as a quantitative modality for detecting muscle fat infiltration (MFF). However, the predictive value of HISTO‐MRS for the loss of ambulation (LoA) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is unknown.PurposeTo determine the feasibility of HISTO‐MRS for assessing MFF in DMD and further identify the predictive value of HISTO‐MRS for the LoA.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsA total of 134 DMD boys (9.20 ± 2.43 years old) and 21 healthy boys (9.25 ± 2.10 years old).Field Strength/SequenceA 3 T, fast spin echo T1‐weighted imaging (T1WI), two‐point‐Dixon gradient echo sequence (2‐pt‐Dixon) and HISTO‐MRS.AssessmentSubjective T1WI fat grades by three radiologists, ROI analysis for MFF on 2 pt‐Dixon (Dixon MFF) and MFF on HISTO‐MRS (HISTO MFF) by two radiologists. Clinical motor function: North Star Ambulatory Assessment, 10‐m run/walk time, Gowers maneuver, and time to four‐stairs climb and descend.Statistical TestsSpearman rank correlation was used to assess the relation of fat filtration assessments and motor ability. Bland–Altman plots was performed to determine the agreement of HISTO MFF and Dixon MFF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed to determine the discriminating ability of above MRI modalities for ambulatory and nonambulatory DMD. Logistic regression was used to identify the predictor of LoA. Variables with P < 0.05 in univariate logistic regression analysis were entered into the multivariate logistic regression model.ResultsHISTO MFF was significantly correlated with Dixon MFF. Bland–Altman plots show good agreement of HISTO MFF and Dixon MFF. ROC curves indicated that HISTO MFF show similar discrimination of LoA for DMD with Dixon MFF but better value than T1WI fat grades. Logistic regression showed that HISTO MFF was an independent predictor for LoA.Data ConclusionHISTO‐MRS is a potential quantitative method for assessing fat infiltration and shows predictive value for LoA in DMD patients.Level of Evidence1.Technical EfficacyStage 5.
Dysbiosis of the stool DNA and RNA virome in Crohn's disease
Authors: Kong Cheng , Liu Guang , Kalady Matthew F. , Jin Tao , Ma Yanlei 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD) relates to gut microbiome dysbiosis. However, less is known about the viral microbiome, consisting of bacteriophages and eukaryotic viruses, in CD. Here, we profiled the stool virome, viral functions, and viral‐bacterial correlations that involved in CD pathogenesis. Metagenomics and metaviromics with novel viral identification and data analysis workflow were performed on stool of non‐CD household controls, CD flare and remission patients. Both bacteriome and DNA/RNA virome alterations were characterized and correlated with disease status. There was a decreased diversity and extreme heterogeneity in both DNA and RNA virome in CD. We observed CD‐specific dysbiosis in virome, particularly the prominent DNA eukaryotic Torque teno virus (TTV), disease‐associated Faecalibacterium phage and Escherichia phage, and RNA tomato diet‐related virus in CD, while some diverse prokaryotic viruses were more abundant in healthy subjects. Compared with the remission, inflammation‐associated eukaryotic TTV and prokaryotic Staphylococcus phages were predominated in the flare, and displayed a link with complications and multiple therapeutic approaches. Multiple viral functions, particularly functions of viral DNA replication, integration and modification as well as the eukaryotic TTV‐related capsid protein, were markedly enriched in CD. Furthermore, the virus–bacteria interactions became more specialized in CD, and the combination of bacteriome and virome composition provided better classification between CD and health. Our study presents a global view of the comprehensive viral component change in the CD patients' gut microbiome, and highlights the great potential of virome biomarkers in pathogenesis and accurate diagnostics of CD risk and disease status.
Interactions between large‐scale and mesoscale processes define long‐term rainfall variability and availability of water resources in Western Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Pousa Raphael , Costa Marcos Heil 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWestern Bahia, a region in Northeast Brazil highly dependent on water availability due to the large concentration of irrigated lands, has been suffering from decreasing precipitation in the last decades. The mean climate of Northeast Brazil and its variability have been linked to teleconnections with the Atlantic and Pacific sea surface temperatures, including the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). This study investigates how large‐scale (AMO) and mesoscale (orographic) interactions are related to precipitation patterns in the region. Time series of precipitation and naturalized flows (corresponding to the flow that would occur in the river section if there were no anthropogenic actions) for the period 1981–2020 are analysed, indicating an average reduction of 11.5% in rainfall since the 1980s. The analyses show a significant (α = 0.05) rainfall reduction in the wettest months, the December and January bimester (DJ). A strong and significant negative correlation between AMO and precipitation (R = −0.62, α = 0.01) indicates a decrease in DJ rainfall when the AMO index is positive. The five rainiest and five driest DJ bimesters between 1981 and 2020 were selected to investigate the changes in atmospheric circulation. In the rainiest years, large‐scale mechanisms interact with the local topography to promote a major convection centre over Western Bahia. The driest years show suppressed convection over the topographic gradient and a change in the convection centre several hundred kilometres to the west. The continued increase in temperatures in the North Atlantic may perpetuate the decline in Western Bahia precipitation, putting pressure on water availability and impacting economic activities in the region.
Lipid strategies to prevent intestinal failure–associated liver disease in neonates: A pilot trial
Authors: Huff Katie A. , Cruse Wendy , Vanderpool Charles 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD) occurs in up to 50% of neonates treated with prolonged parenteral nutrition. Preventative strategies for IFALD include soybean oil lipid emulsion (SOLE) minimization and use of mixed‐oil intravenous lipid emulsions (ILE). We conducted a pilot study prospectively comparing these two ILE strategies in the prevention of IFALD in neonates who required abdominal surgery.MethodsWe randomized eligible neonates to SOLE at 1 g/kg/day (SOLE Min) or mixed‐oil ILE containing fish oil (MOLE) at 3 g/kg/day. These treatment groups were also compared with historic controls who received SOLE at 2–3 g/kg/day (SOLE Historic). We defined IFALD as a direct bilirubin >2 mg/dl on two measurements. Secondary outcomes included laboratory, growth, clinical, and nutrition outcomes.ResultsA total of 24 prospective and 24 historic patients were included. There was no difference in the rate of IFALD. However, there was a difference in the weekly change of direct bilirubin levels (SOLE Historic +0.293 mg/dl/week vs MOLE, P < 0.001; SOLE Min +0.242 mg/dl/week vs MOLE, P < 0.001). The MOLE group also had a lower direct bilirubin at study completion (SOLE Historic, 1.7 ± 1.7 mg/dl; SOLE Min, 1.6 ± 1.4 mg/dl; MOLE, 0.4 ± 0.4 mg/dl; P = 0.002) and received greater total calories (P = 0.008).ConclusionThe rate of IFALD did not differ when comparing ILE strategies in neonates requiring abdominal surgery. However, the MOLE group maintained significantly lower direct bilirubin levels over time while receiving increased calories. This pilot study highlights the need for further randomized controlled trials comparing these ILE strategies.
Association between congenital heart disease and parenteral nutrition–associated liver disease in neonates: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Santharam Yasasvhinie , Nitkin Christopher R. , Rajgarhia Ayan , Oschman Alexandra , Lee Brian , Fischer Ryan , Feldman Keith 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveInfants receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) are at increased risk of PN‐associated liver disease (PNALD), which can lead to hepatic fibrosis. Congenital heart disease (CHD) represents a risk factor for hepatic fibrosis, so this study sought to better understand whether infants with CHD were at elevated risk of PNALD when receiving long‐term PN.Study DesignThis study includes a retrospective cohort of infants at a level IV neonatal intensive care unit from 2010 to 2020 who received long‐term PN during the first 8 weeks of life. A time‐varying Cox survival model was used to model risk of PNALD between infants with and without CHD, adjusted for demographics, surgical intervention, and PN exposure, using a 5000‐iteration bootstrap estimation. Secondary analyses evaluated risk against discrete CHD diagnoses, and sensitivity analysis was performed on the magnitude and quantity of direct bilirubin laboratory measurements making up the PNALD definition.ResultsNeonates with CHD were found to be at higher risk for PNALD during or soon after long‐term PN exposure. A pattern of increasing association strength with increasing bilirubin threshold suggests infants with CHD may also experience higher degrees of injury.ConclusionsThis work offers a step in understanding how diagnoses can be factored into neonate PN prescription. Future work will explore modifications in lipid profiles and timing to mitigate risk in patients with CHD.
Encapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarumELB90 by electrospraying in a double emulsion (W1/O/W2) loaded alginate beads to improve the gastrointestinal survival and thermal stability
Authors: Karakaş Canan Yağmur , Yildirim Rusen Metin , Karadag Ayse 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn the present study, the Lactobacillus plantarum ELB90 was encapsulated in double emulsion (W1/O/W2) loaded alginate beads (emulbeads) by electrospraying and compared with emulsion‐free control beads. The viability of encapsulated and free cells was assessed by exposing them to thermal processing (65 °C for 30 min and 72 °C for 3 min) and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The beads were characterized by optical, scanning electron, fluorescence, and confocal laser scanning microscopy, as well as Fourier transform infrared and gel strength analysis.RESULTSAfter the intestinal stage of digestion, the survival rate of free bacteria was 38% [3.70 log colony‐forming units (CFU) g−1], only increased to 43% and 53% for bare and chitosan‐coated control beads, and it elevated the survival rate to 75% and 84% (8.70 log CFU g−1) for bare and chitosan‐coated emulbeads, respectively. The presence of inulin increased gastrointestinal viability only in uncoated emulbeads. The bacteria loaded in emulbeads retained greater viability (5.90–6.90 log CFU g−1) against thermal treatment, compared to control beads (2.07–4.10 log CFU g−1) and free bacteria (2.57–3.11 log CFU mL−1). Encapsulation of L. plantarum ELB90 only in emulsion‐free beads may not be appropriate for providing thermal stability. Inulin addition and chitosan‐coating of the beads increased the size, and emulbeads presented smoother surfaces compared to emulsion‐free beads.CONCLUSIONThe contribution of a double emulsion into the gel matrix of electrosprayed alginate beads exhibited enhanced protection for probiotic bacteria that could be useful for the development of functional foods. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.