bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved vehicle detection systems with double-layer LSTM modules
Authors: Yang Wei-Jong , Liow Wan-Ju , Chen Shao-Fu , Yang Jar-Ferr , Chung Pau-Choo , Mao Songan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe vision-based smart driving technologies for road safety are the popular research topics in computer vision. The precise moving object detection with continuously tracking capability is one of the most important vision-based technologies nowadays. In this paper, we propose an improved object detection system, which combines a typical object detector and long short-term memory (LSTM) modules, to further improve the detection performance for smart driving. First, starting from a selected object detector, we combine all vehicle classes and bypassing low-level features to improve its detection performance. After the spatial association of the detected objects, the outputs of the improved object detector are then fed into the proposed double-layer LSTM (dLSTM) modules to successfully improve the detection performance of the vehicles in various conditions, including the newly-appeared, the detected and the gradually-disappearing vehicles. With stage-by-stage evaluations, the experimental results show that the proposed vehicle detection system with dLSTM modules can precisely detect the vehicles without increasing computations.
Factors associated with patient-reported experiences and outcomes of substance use disorder treatment in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Myers Bronwyn , Koch J. Randy , Johnson Kim , Harker Nadine 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Interventions are needed to improve the quality of South Africa’s substance use disorder (SUD) treatment system. This study aimed to identify factors associated with patient-reported suboptimal access, quality, and outcomes of SUD treatment to guide the design of targeted quality improvement initiatives.

Method
We analysed clinical record and patient survey data routinely collected by SUD services in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. The sample included 1097 treatment episodes, representing 32% of all episodes in 2019. Using multivariate logistic regression, we modelled socio-demographic, substance use and treatment correlates of patient-reported suboptimal access to, quality and outcomes of SUD treatment.

Results
Overall, 37.9% of patients reported substantial difficulties in accessing treatment, 28.8% reported suboptimal quality treatment, and 31.1% reported suboptimal SUD outcomes. The odds of reporting poor access were elevated for patients identifying as Black/African, in residential treatment, with comorbid mental health problems, and longer histories of substance use. Length of substance use, comorbid mental health problems, and prior SUD treatment were associated with greater likelihood of reporting suboptimal quality treatment. Patients with comorbid mental health problems, polysubstance use, who did not complete treatment, and who perceived treatment to be of poor quality were more likely to report suboptimal outcomes.

Conclusion
This study is among the first to use patient-reported experiences and outcome measures to identify targets for SUD treatment improvement. Findings suggest substantial room to improve South African SUD treatment services, with targeted efforts needed to reduce disparities in outcomes for patients of Black/African descent, for those with comorbid mental health problems, and for patients who have chronic substance use difficulties. Interventions to enhance the relevance, appropriateness, and acceptability of SUD services for these patient sub-groups are needed to improve system performance.
Factors associated to neurocognitive impairment in older adults living with HIV
Authors: Gutierrez-San-Juan Júlia , Arrieta-Aldea Itziar , Arnau-Barrés Isabel , García-Escobar Greta , Lerma-Chipirraz Elisabet , Pérez-García Paula , Marcos Agustin , Blasco-Hernando Fabiola , Gonzalez-Mena Alicia , Cañas Esperanza , Knobel Hernando , Güerri-Fernández Robert 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective
The HIV infection is a chronic disease that causes neurocognitive impairment (NI) and has been related with early development of frailty. We aimed to study the main risk factors for neurocognitive disorders and frailty in HIV older adults.

Materials and methods
Cross-sectional study with 40 HIV individuals older than 65 years under antiretroviral therapy in Hospital del Mar (Barcelona) recruited between November 2019 and October 2020. Data has been obtained through clinical scores and a blood sample to evaluate NI and frailty and has been analyzed with non-parametric tests and a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results
Among the 40 patients admitted for the study, 14 (35%) had positive screening for NI. We found that HIV individuals with nadir CD4+ T-cell count lower than 350 cells/mm3 had 39.7 more risk for NI (95% CI 2.49–632.10; p = 0.009). Those with a lower education level had 22.78 more risk for neurocognitive disorders (95% CI 2.13–242.71; p = 0.01) and suffering any comorbidity with a punctuation ≥ 1 in the Charlson Comorbidity index had an increased risk of 18.26 of developing NI and frailty (95% CI 1.30–256.33; p = 0.031), among them diabetes was significantly more frequent in NI.

Conclusion
We observed that the main risk factors for a positive NI screening in HIV older adults were low education level, a nadir CD4+ T-cell count < 350 cells/mm3 and the presence of any comorbidity, highlighting diabetes among them.
Understanding the drivers of food security among agriculture-based households in Gurué District, Central Mozambique
Authors: Matavel Custodio , Hoffmann Harry , Rybak Constance , Steinke Jonathan , Sieber Stefan , Müller Klaus 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of food insecurity in Mozambique is alarming, despite progress made during the 2010s. Several studies apply different proxy indicators of food security (FS) to assess the FS situation. However, these studies overlook the factors affecting FS, using only a single data point that results in an incomplete picture of FS. Food security is expected to fluctuate, being better and worse than what studies suggest. Using a sample of 296 households to assess FS, key drivers conditioning households’ capacity to achieve FS in Gurué District, Central Mozambique, are identified. Data were collected in the pre-harvest period and during the harvest period to capture relevant interseasonal variation of FS. Household FS is assessed using three standard indicators: Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), Household Food Consumption Score (HFCS), and Months of Adequate Household Food Provisioning (MAHFP).

Results
Each household was classified into a specific FS status depending on the indicator applied. Generally, most households were classified as being severely or moderately food insecure during the pre-harvest season, while during the harvest season, medium and high levels of FS predominated. Nevertheless, varying outcomes were found depending on the indicator used to assess FS. MAHFP and HDDS are more related to the consumption of farm-sourced food, while HFCS responds more strongly to purchased food. Gender and age of the household head, geographic location, size and quality of land, staples production (especially cassava), livestock and crop diversity, as well as cash crops had a statistically significant effect on FS indicators.

Conclusions
The study concludes that the decision whether farmers should rely on staple foods production for increasing their FS status or specialize on cash crops production to generate income and buy food depends on the indicator used to assess FS, since each indicator captures a specific domain of food security. Thus, one central recommendation derived from our results is that policy makers should promote a balance between market-oriented agriculture and subsistence production to achieve FS.
Novel humanized monoclonal antibodies for targeting hypoxic human tumors via two distinct extracellular domains of carbonic anhydrase IX
Authors: Zatovicova Miriam , Kajanova Ivana , Barathova Monika , Takacova Martina , Labudova Martina , Csaderova Lucia , Jelenska Lenka , Svastova Eliska , Pastorekova Silvia , Harris Adrian L. , Pastorek Jaromir 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is often the main factor in the cancer progression. Moreover, low levels of oxygen in tumor tissue may signal that the first- or second-line therapy will not be successful. This knowledge triggers the inevitable search for different kinds of treatment that will successfully cure aggressive tumors. Due to its exclusive expression on cancer cells, carbonic anhydrase IX belongs to the group of the most precise targets in hypoxic tumors. CA IX possesses several exceptional qualities that predetermine its crucial role in targeted therapy. Its expression on the cell membrane makes it an easily accessible target, while its absence in healthy corresponding tissues makes the treatment practically harmless. The presence of CA IX in solid tumors causes an acidic environment that may lead to the failure of standard therapy.

Methods
Parental mouse hybridomas (IV/18 and VII/20) were humanized to antibodies which were subsequently named CA9hu-1 and CA9hu-2. From each hybridoma, we obtained 25 clones. Each clone was tested for antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) activity, affinity, extracellular pH measurement, multicellular aggregation analysis, and real-time monitoring of invasion with the xCELLigence system.

Results
Based on the results from in vivo experiments, we have selected mouse monoclonal antibodies VII/20 and IV/18. The first one is directed at the conformational epitope of the catalytic domain, internalizes after binding to the antigen, and halts tumor growth while blocking extracellular acidification. The second targets the sequential epitope of the proteo-glycan domain, does not internalize, and is able to block the attachment of cancer cells to the matrix preventing metastasis formation. In vitro experiments prove that humanized versions of the parental murine antibodies, CA9hu-1 and CA9hu-2, have preserved these characteristics. They can reverse the failure of standard therapy as a result of an acidic environment by modulating the TME, and both are able to induce an immune response and have high affinity, as well as ADCC and CDC activity.

Conclusion
CA9hu-1 and CA9hu-2 are the very first humanized antibodies against CA IX that are likely to become suitable therapies for hypoxic tumors. These antibodies can be applied in the treatment therapy of primary tumors and suppression of metastases formation.
Clinical and antibody characteristics reveal diverse signatures of severe and non-severe SARS-CoV-2 patients
Authors: Wang Hongye , Yan Dongshan , Li Ya , Gong Yanfei , Mai Yulin , Li Bingxiang , Zhu Xiaoyong , Wan Xinrui , Xie Liyun , Jiang HuaKe , Zhang Min , Sun Ming , Yao Yufeng , Zhu Yongzhang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 pandemic continues, clarifying signatures in clinical characters and antibody responses between severe and non-severe COVID-19 cases would benefit the prognosis and treatment.

Methods
In this study, 119 serum samples from 37 severe or non-severe COVID-19 patients from the First People's Hospital of Yueyang were collected between January 25 and February 18 2020. The clinical features, antibody responses targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) and its different domains, SARS-CoV-2-specific Ig isotypes, IgG subclasses, ACE2 competitive antibodies, binding titers with FcγIIa and FcγIIb receptors, and 14 cytokines were comprehensively investigated. The differences between severe and non-severe groups were analyzed using Mann–Whitney U test or Fisher’s exact test.

Results
Severe group including 9 patients represented lower lymphocyte count, higher neutrophil count, higher level of LDH, total bile acid (TBA) (P < 1 × 10–4), r-glutaminase (P = 0.011), adenosine deaminase (P < 1 × 10–4), procalcitonin (P = 0.004), C-reactive protein (P < 1 × 10–4) and D-dimer (P = 0.049) compared to non-severe group (28 patients). Significantly, higher-level Igs targeting S, different S domains (RBD, RBM, NTD, and CTD), FcγRIIa and FcγRIIb binding capability were observed in a severe group than that of a non-severe group, of which IgG1 and IgG3 were the main IgG subclasses. RBD-IgG were strongly correlated with S-IgG both in severe and non-severe group. Additionally, CTD-IgG was strongly correlated with S-IgG in a non-severe group. Positive RBD-ACE2 binding inhibition was strongly associated with high titers of antibody (S-IgG1, S-IgG3, NTD-IgG, RBD-IgA, NTD-IgA, and CTD-IgA) especially RBD-IgG and CTD-IgG in the severe group, while in the non-severe group, S-IgG3, RBD-IgG, NTD-IgG, and NTD-IgM were correlated with ACE2 blocking rate. S-IgG1, NTD-IgM and S-IgM were negatively associated with illness day in a severe group, while S-IgG3, RBD-IgA, CTD-IgA in the severe group (r = 0.363, P = 0.011) and S-IgG1, NTD-IgA, CTD-IgA in the non-severe group were positively associated with illness day. Moreover, GRO-α, IL-6, IL-8, IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-3, MIG, and BAFF were also significantly elevated in the severe group.

Conclusion
Antibody detection provides important clinical information in the COVID-19 process. The different signatures in Ig isotypes, IgG subclasses, antibody specificity between the COVID-19 severe and non-severe group will contribute to future therapeutic and preventive measures development.

Graphical Abstract
Suitability of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) with lime as a soil stabilizer in geotechnical applications
Authors: Pushpakumara B. H. J. , Mendis W. S. W. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSoils containing significant levels of silt or clay generally exhibit unacceptable engineering properties (i.e. low strength, high compressibility and high level of volumetric changes) when exposed to variation in moisture content. Chemical stabilizers such as cement and lime which are currently practiced, are often high-priced and unhygienic in terms of environmental sustainability. The prevailing study intended to explore the potential of the local Rice Husk Ash (RHA) which is an agricultural waste, with lime as a soil stabilizer. This experimental study was conducted on clayey soil with high plasticity. Different mixture proportions of RHA (i.e. 5%, 10%, 20% and 30%) and lime (i.e. 10% and 20%) were used to treat the parent soil. Observations were made for variations in index (i.e. liquid limit, plastic limit, sieve analysis, etc.) and mechanical properties (i.e. compressibility, permeability and shear strength) of treated soils soon and 28 days after mixing. It was found that 10% of RHA and 20% of lime by dry soil weight as the optimum dosage for the treatment. This optimum dosage increases the unconfined compressive strength and internal friction angle by 54.05% and 60.48%, respectively and reduces plasticity index by 56.67% at 28 days after mixing. It could be identified that RHA and lime mixture was capable of improving index and mechanical properties of soil, positively.
Shape-controlled synthesis of zinc nanostructures mediating macromolecules for biomedical applications
Authors: Mousavi Seyyed Mojtaba , Behbudi Gity , Gholami Ahmad , Hashemi Seyyed Alireza , Nejad Zohre Mousavi , Bahrani Sonia , Chiang Wei-Hung , Wei Lai Chin , Omidifar Navid 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Zinc nanostructures (ZnONSs) have attracted much attention due to their morphological, physicochemical, and electrical properties, which were entailed for various biomedical applications such as cancer and diabetes treatment, anti-inflammatory activity, drug delivery. ZnONS play an important role in inducing cellular apoptosis, triggering excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and releasing zinc ions due to their inherent nature and specific shape. Therefore, several new synthetic organometallic method has been developed to prepare ZnO crystalline nanostructures with controlled size and shape. Zinc oxide nanostructures’ crystal size and shape can be controlled by simply changing the physical synthesis condition such as microwave irradiation time, reaction temperature, and TEA concentration at reflux. Physicochemical properties which are determined by the shape and size of ZnO nanostructures, directly affect their biological applications. These nanostructures can decompose the cell membrane and accumulate in the cytoplasm, which leads to apoptosis or cell death. In this study, we reviewed the various synthesis methods which affect the nano shapes of zinc particles, and physicochemical properties of zinc nanostructures that determined the shape of zinc nanomaterials. Also, we mentioned some macromolecules that controlled their physicochemical properties in a green and biological approaches. In addition, we present the recent progress of ZnONSs in the biomedical fields, which will help centralize biomedical fields and assist their future research development.
Evaluation of quality and utility of YouTube vitreoretinal surgical videos
Authors: Lucatto Luiz Filipe Adami , Prazeres Juliana Moura Bastos , Guerra Ricardo Luz Leitão , Arantes Rafael , Barbosa Gabriel Castilho Sandoval , Badaró Emmerson , Lima Luiz H. , Rodrigues Eduardo 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
We evaluated the utility and quality of surgical videos posted on the main retinal YouTube channels by surgeons at different career stages and assessed how well the steps of the vitrectomy videos conformed to the parameters in the Casey Eye Institute Vitrectomy Indices Tool for Skills assessment (CEIVITS) scale.

Methods
Forty-five videos were included from nine retinal YouTube channels posted from 2011 to 2021. For each surgeon, 10 videos were randomized and the utility, quality, and educational content were assessed. For each video, the surgeons also assessed how the validated CEIVITS items were presented in the videos. The surgeons were divided based on years of experience: fellows (0–3 years), young surgeons (4–10 years), and senior surgeons (more than 10 years).

Results
The video image quality was rated as good in 63.52% of evaluations, moderate in 30.37%, and poor in 6.11%. The quality assessment of the videos among the groups did not differ. The fellows rated the use of the videos as educational tools higher (3.99) than the young (3.87) and senior surgeons (3.47) (p  < 0.0002, Kruskal–Wallis test); 34.76% of the fellows reported learning something new from the videos compared with 19.17% of the senior surgeons (p  < 0.05). The CEIVITS scale item that was seen more frequently was related to core vitrectomies (72.29%) and the least represented was about checking infusion lines (80.17%).

Conclusions
Vitreoretinal surgical videos are useful educational tools during all stages of surgeons’ careers, and the evaluation of the quality of the images did not differ significantly among the groups, however, surgeons with expertise shorter than 10 years report significantly greater use of videos than experienced surgeons. Videos posted to the public domain on different social media, most often YouTube, are widespread and unregulated for providing complimentary surgical education. Retinal societies should formulate guidelines and improve the educational value of the surgical videos posted on the Internet.
Trial Registration The Federal University of São Paulo institution’s Research Ethics Committee reviewed and approved this study protocol (Approval Number, 4.726.589).
Health-Related Quality of Life in people with Multiple Sclerosis: How does this Population Compare to Population-based Norms in Different Health Domains?
Authors: Faraclas Erin , Lynn Jeff , Lau Jeffery D. , Merlo Angela 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The purposes of this investigation were to (1) identify the domains of health-related quality of life most impacted in people with RRMS, (2) compare the health-related QOL in people with RRMS to general population norms, and (3) to describe subgroups within the RRMS population that have similar health and wellness needs.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional QOL investigation of adults with RRMS. The SF-36v2 survey and demographic information were collected electronically via Qualtrics. Participants (n = 120) were recruited through social media and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of the United States. One-sample Z-tests were completed for all subscales, and component mean scores to determine if a difference between the sample and population norms existed.

Results
All values of z were statistically significant, p < .01, for all subscale and composite scores. Social function, physical function, and the mental health component scores had the lowest subscale means. A first stage depression screen revealed that 49% of the surveyed population were at risk for depression, compared to 18% in the general population. Further dividing the sample into years since MS diagnosis, the recently diagnosed group had 61% at risk for depression.

Conclusions
Challenges related to the mental health of individuals with RRMS are influencing overall health-related QOL. Early on in the disease course (0–3 years), mental health affected QOL more than physical health. More attention must be given to the nonphysical domains of health to advance the QOL for people with RRMS.
Study of serum neopterin in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autistic spectrum disorder: Fayoum Governorate, Egypt
Authors: Abdel Ghaffar Hadeer Mahmoud Gamal El-Deen , Abdelghaffar Noha Khalifa , Ahmed Hanaa Hanafi , Dawoud Mariam Ehab 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
There is evidence supporting that cellular immunity may play a role in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Neopterin, a pteridine mainly synthesized by activated macrophages, is a marker of inflammation, immune system activation that may be involved in the pathophysiology of both disorders.

Methods
Fifty drug-naïve patients were diagnosed according to DSM-5 (25 with ASD, 25 with ADHD), in addition to 25 healthy volunteers matched in age and gender with the patients were included. The CARS, Conners’ scales used to assess the severity of the disorders, respectively. Serum neopterin level was measured using ELISA technique for all participants.

Results
Statistically nonsignificant difference in mean neopterin level between control and both patients groups with significant negative correlation between neopterin level and younger ages in ASD group were found. Statistically nonsignificant difference also was found between its levels among subtypes of ADHD as well and with the degree of ASD symptoms severity.

Conclusions
There was no statistically significant difference between serum neopterin level in ADHD, ASD patients groups and control group reference.