bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correction of refractive distortion in whole‐eye optical coherence tomography imaging of the mouse eye
Authors: Tan Jinzhen , Qiu Rui , Ding Xueqing , Dai Cuixia , Meng Jing , Zhao Jingxiu , Ma Fei , Qi Sumin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractOptical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging modality that acquires high‐resolution cross‐sectional images of living tissues and it has become the standard in ophthalmological diagnoses. However, most quantitative morphological measurements are based on the raw OCT images which are distorted by several mechanisms such as the refraction of probe light in the sample and the scan geometries and thus the analysis of the raw OCT images inevitably induced calculation errors. In this paper, based on Fermat's principle and the concept of inverse light tracing, image distortions due to refraction occurred at tissue boundaries in the whole‐eye OCT imaging of mouse by telecentric scanning were corrected. Specially, the mathematical correction models were deducted for each interface, and the high‐precision whole‐eye image was recovered segment by segment. We conducted phantom and in vivo experiments on mouse and human eyes to verify the distortion correction algorithm, and several parameters of the radius of curvature, thickness of tissues and error, were calculated to quantitatively evaluate the images. Experimental results demonstrated that the method can provide accurate and reliable measurements of whole‐eye parameters and thus be a valuable tool for the research and clinical diagnosis.
Hyperthermia‐stimulated tonsil‐mesenchymal stromal cells suppress hematological cancer cells through downregulation of IL‐6
Authors: Yüce Melek , Albayrak Esra 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThere are contradictory reports on the use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in cancer therapy. Variable outcomes have been associated with several factors including cancer pathology, experimental procedure, MSC source tissue, and individual genetic differences. It is also known that MSCs exert their therapeutic effects with various paracrine factors released from these cells. The profiles of the factors released from MSCs are altered by heat shock, hypoxia, oxidative stress, starvation or various agents such as inflammatory cytokines, and their therapeutic potential is affected. In this study, the antitumor potential of conditioned media (CM), which contains paracrine factors, of mild hyperthermia‐stimulated mesenchymal stromal cells derived from lymphoid organ tonsil tissue (T‐MSC) was investigated in comparison with CM obtained from T‐MSCs grew under normal culture conditions. CM was obtained from T‐MSCs that were successfully isolated from palatine tonsil tissue and characterized. The cytotoxic effect of CM on the growth of hematological cancer cell lines at different concentrations (1:1 and 1:2) was demonstrated by methylthiazoldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide analysis. In addition, the apoptotic effect of T‐MSC‐CM treatment was evaluated on the cancer cells using Annexin‐V/PI detection method by flow cytometry. The pro/anti‐apoptotic and cytokine‐related gene expressions were also analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction post T‐MSC‐CM treatment. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the factors released from hyperthermia‐stimulated T‐MSCs induced apoptosis in hematological cancer cell lines in a dose‐dependent manner. Importantly, our results at the transcriptional level support that the factors and cytokines released from hyperthermia‐stimulated T‐MSC may exert antitumoral effects in cancer cells by downregulation of IL‐6 that promotes tumorigenesis. These findings reveal that T‐MSC‐CM can be a powerful cell‐free therapeutical strategy for cancer therapy.
A rapid and label‐free fluorescent sensor for kojic acid based on the inner filter effect
Authors: Hu Peng , Wang Haibo 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAs kojic acid is increasingly used in food and cosmetics, its safety issues have attracted more and more attention. Therefore, a label‐free fluorescent sensor was developed in this study for kojic acid content detection based on the fluorescence internal filtering effect between gold nanoclusters(AuNCs) and kojic acid. In the presence of kojic acid, the fluorescent signal dropped obviously due to the competitive absorption of excitation light of AuNCs. Under the optimized conditions, the sensor exhibits rapid and selective detection of kojic acid, the linear range is 10–1,000 μM (R2 = 0.996) and the detection limit is 5 μM. The recoveries in real samples range from 97.4 to 104.3%. Furthermore, the sensor is low‐cost, convenient, time‐saving, and may hold great potential for future kojic acid detection.
Imaging of placental circulations by 4D sonography with high‐definition flow and spatiotemporal image correlation technology
Authors: Leung Kwok‐Yin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractConventionally, two‐ and three‐ dimensional color Doppler ultrasonography are used to examine the placental vascularization, but there are limitations in the examinations. In this report, spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) volume acquisition in high‐definition flow, displayed in glass‐body mode was used to study the placental vascularization in eight pregnancies. At 20 weeks' gestation, STIC technique allowed visualization of blood flow in the intraplacental branches of the umbilical artery (IPB) and the spiral artery jets in a cardiac cycle. In particular, blood flow from a mega jet penetrating more than half of the placental thickness was demonstrated. Small blood flow from a tertiary order branch of the IPB traversing the placenta and sharply diminishing into the uterine wall was also demonstrated. There were differences in the IPB pattern between normal pregnancies and pregnancies at risk of fetal growth restriction/pre‐eclampsia. There were also differences in the appearance of IPB between 20‐ and 33‐weeks' gestation. The results of this report support that it is feasible to use STIC technology to study the placental vascularization. This novel application of STIC technology can increase the understanding of the complex vascularization.
Ocular manifestations of psoriasis: An inflammatory disease beyond the skin
Authors: Aryanian Zeinab , Shirzadian Azar , Hatami Parvaneh , Roostayi Gholam abbas , Najafi Sadrollah , Goodarzi Azadeh 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder, mainly involves skin.AimsTo evaluate the prevalence of ocular manifestations in Iranian patients with psoriasis, compared to healthy controls.Materials and methodsForty psoriasis patients and 40 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study and underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic assessment.ResultsOnly meibomian gland dysfunction was significantly more common among patients with psoriasis, compared to control group (p value: 0.011). Regarding intraocular pressure (IOP), the mean values for both patients and healthy controls were within the normal range and mean IOP in patients was even lower than normal controls, although this difference was significant only for left eye (p value: 0.049). A strong positive correlation between PASI and tear meniscus height for both right and left eyes (p value: 0.005, r: 0.44 for OD and p value: 0.003, r: 0.46 for OS.) was noted. Meibomian gland dysfunction was also positively correlated with disease duration for right and left palpebras (p: 0.04, r: 0.31 for both).ConclusionPsoriasis can lead to meibomian gland dysfunction, especially in patients with long‐lasting disease. Hence, dermatologists and general practitioners should be vigilant in this regard when visiting psoriasis patients, especially those who have higher PASI values or long‐lasting disease.
The value of leukapheresis for treatment of priapism as presenting feature of chronic myeloid leukemia—Case report and review of literature
Authors: van der Velde Marleen G. A. M. , Tiellemans Sanne M. B. , de Lil Heleen , Nieuwenhuizen Laurens 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPriapism is a rare presenting feature of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in male patients. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and to prevent erectile dysfunction. Several treatment modalities exist, however no standard treatment is recommended. We evaluated literature concerning different treatment approaches and evaluate the value of leukapheresis in treatment of priapism. The literature search resulted in 57 included articles, consisting of 53 studied patients. Patients had a mean age of 25.3 years, average time from onset to presentation at the hospital was 2 days, and mean white blood cell (WBC) count was 344 × 109/L. Most patients (67.9%) were treated with a combined approach (different modalities were radiological, urological, and oncological treatment). Twelve patients, with a mean WBC count of 365 × 109/L, received leukapheresis. Only two of them reported erectile dysfunction after treatment. Priapism is an urological emergency requiring urgent multidisciplinary treatment. We highlight the importance of local urological therapy combined with systemic therapy for CML. Therapeutic leukapheresis should be applied when available and with no other contraindications.
HIV prevention programme with young women who sell sex in Mombasa, Kenya: learnings for scale‐up
Authors: Bhattacharjee Parinita , Musau Abednego , Manguro Griffins , Ongwen Patricia , Mutegi Jane , Kioko Japheth , Lazarus Lisa , Isac Shajy , Musyoki Helgar , Hontelez Jan , Were Daniel 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionIn 2018, the National AIDS and sexually transmitted infection (STI) Control Programme developed a national guidelines to facilitate the inclusion of young women who sell sex (YWSS) in the HIV prevention response in Kenya. Following that, a 1‐year pilot intervention, where a package of structural, behavioural and biomedical services was provided to 1376 cisgender YWSS to address their HIV‐related risk and vulnerability, was implemented.MethodsThrough a mixed‐methods, pre/post study design, we assessed the effectiveness of the pilot, and elucidated implementation lessons learnt. The three data sources used included: (1) monthly routine programme monitoring data collected between October 2019 and September 2020 to assess the reach and coverage; (2) two polling booth surveys, conducted before and after implementation, to determine the effectiveness; and (3) focus group discussions and key informant interviews conducted before and after intervention to assess the feasibility of the intervention. Descriptive analysis was performed to produce proportions and comparative statistics.ResultsDuring the intervention, 1376 YWSS were registered in the programme, 28% were below 19 years of age and 88% of the registered YWSS were active in the last month of intervention. In the survey, respondents reported increases in HIV‐related knowledge (61.7% vs. 90%,p<0.001), ever usage of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (8.5% vs. 32.2%,p< 0.001); current usage of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (5.3% vs. 21.1%,p<0.002); ever testing for HIV (87.2% vs. 95.6%,p<0.04) and any clinic visit (35.1 vs. 61.1,p<0.001). However, increase in harassment by family (11.7% vs. 23.3%,p<0.04) and discrimination at educational institutions (5.3% vs. 14.4%,p<0.04) was also reported. In qualitative assessment, respondents reported early signs of success, and identified missed opportunities and made recommendations for scale‐up.ConclusionsOur intervention successfully rolled out HIV prevention services for YWSS in Mombasa, Kenya, and demonstrated that programming for YWSS is feasible and can effectively be done through YWSS peer‐led combination prevention approaches. However, while reported uptake of treatment and prevention services increased, there was also an increase in reported harassment and discrimination requiring further attention. Lessons learnt from the pilot intervention can inform replication and scale‐up of such interventions in Kenya.
Virological failure and treatment switch after ART initiation among people living with HIV with and without routine viral load monitoring in Asia
Authors: Teeraananchai Sirinya , Law Matthew , Boettiger David , Mata Nicole De La , Gupte Nikhil , Chan Yun‐ting Lawrence , Pham Thach Ngoc , Chaiwarith Romanee , Ly Penh Sun , Chan Yu‐Jiun , Kiertiburanakul Sasisopin , Khusuwan Suwimon , Zhang Fujie , Yunihastuti Evy , Kumarasamy Nagalingeswaran , Pujari Sanjay , Azwa Iskandar , Somia I Ketut Agus , Tanuma Junko , Ditangco Rossana , Choi Jun Yong , Ng Oon Tek , Do Cuong Duy , Gani Yasmin , Ross Jeremy , Jiamsakul Awachana ,   the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD) of IeDEA Asia‐Pacific
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionViral load (VL) testing is still challenging to monitor treatment responses of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV treatment programme in Asia. We assessed the association between routine VL testing and virological failure (VF) and determine factors associated with switching to second‐line regimen.MethodsAmong 21 sites from the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD), people living with HIV (PLHIV) aged ≥18 years initiating ART from 2003 to 2021 were included. We calculated the average number of VL tests per patient per year between the date of ART initiation and the most recent visit. If the median average number of VL tests was ≥ 0.80 per patient per year, the site was classified as a routine VL site. A site with a median < 0.80 was classified into the non‐routine VL sites. VF was defined as VL ≥1000 copies/ml during first‐line therapy. Factors associated with VF were analysed using generalized estimating equations with Poisson distribution.ResultsOf 6277 PLHIV starting ART after 2003, 3030 (48%) were from 11 routine VL testing sites and 3247 (52%) were from 10 non‐routine VL testing sites. The median follow‐up was 9 years (IQR 5–13). The median age was 35 (30–42) years; 68% were male and 5729 (91%) started non‐nucleoside reverse‐transcriptase inhibitor‐based regimen. The median pre‐ART CD4 count in PLHIV from routine VL sites was lower compared to non‐routine VL sites (144 vs. 156 cells/mm3, p <0.001). Overall, 1021 subsequent VF at a rate of 2.15 (95% CI 2.02–2.29) per 100 person‐years (PY). VF was more frequent at non‐routine VL sites (adjusted incidence rate ratio 2.85 [95% CI 2.27–3.59]) compared to routine VL sites. Other factors associated with an increased rate of VF were age <50 years and CD4 count <350 cells/mm3. A total of 817 (13%) patients switched to second‐line regimen at a rate of 1.44 (95% CI 1.35–1.54) per 100 PY. PLHIV at routine VL monitoring sites were at higher risk of switching than those at non‐routine VL sites (adjusted sub‐hazard ratio 1.78 95% CI [1.17–2.71]).ConclusionsPLHIV from non‐routine VL sites had a higher incidence of persistent VF and a low switching regimen rate, reflecting possible under‐utilized VL testing.
Evaluation of a training intervention to improve cancer care in Zimbabwe: Strategies to Improve Kaposi Sarcoma Outcomes (SIKO), a prospective community‐based stepped‐wedge cluster randomized trial
Authors: Sabourin Katherine R. , Borok Margaret , Mawhinney Samantha , Matimba Maxwell , Jaji Francis , Fiorillo Suzanne , Chifamba Dickson D. , Muserere Claudios , Mashiri Busisiwe , Bhodheni Chenjerai , Gambiza Patricia , Mandidewa Rachael , Mutimuri Mercia , Gudza Ivy , Mulvahill Matthew , Moore Camille M. , Kutner Jean S. , Simões Eric A. F. , Campbell Thomas B. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionMost Zimbabweans access medical care through tiered health systems. In 2013, HIV care was decentralized to primary care clinics; while oncology care remained centralized. Most persons in Zimbabwe with Kaposi sarcoma (KS) are diagnosed late in their disease, and the prognosis is poor. Little is known about whether educational interventions could improve KS outcomes in these settings.MethodsInterventions to improve KS detection and management were evaluated at eight Zimbabwe primary care sites (four rural/four urban) that provided HIV care. Interventions included a standardized KS clinical evaluation tool, palliative care integration, standardized treatment and improved consultative services. Interventions were implemented between February 2013 and January 2016 using a randomized stepped‐wedge cluster design. Sites were monitored for KS diagnosis rates and KS outcomes, including early diagnosis (T0 vs. T1 tumour stage), participant retention and mortality. Analyses controlled for within‐clinic correlations.ResultsA total of 1102 persons with suspected KS (96% HIV positive) were enrolled: 47% incident (new diagnosis), 20% prevalent (previous diagnosis) and 33% determined as not KS. Early (T0) diagnosis increased post‐intervention, though not significant statistically (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.48 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.66–3.79], p = 0.37). New KS diagnosis rates increased 103% (95% CI: 11–273%), p = 0.02) post‐intervention; although paired with an increased odds of incorrectly diagnosing KS (aOR = 2.08 [95% CI: 0.33–3.24], p = 0.001). Post‐intervention, non‐significant decreases in 90‐day return rates (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.69 [95% CI: 0.38–1.45], p = 0.21) and survival (aHR = 1.36 [95% CI: 0.85–2.20], p = 0.20) were estimated.ConclusionsKS training interventions at urban and rural Zimbabwe decentralized primary care clinics significantly increased overall and incorrect KS diagnosis rates, but not early KS diagnosis rates, 90‐day return rates or survival.
Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Reproducibility Across 3 T Scanners in a Breast Diffusion Phantom
Authors: Fang Lauren K. , Keenan Kathryn E. , Carl Michael , Ojeda‐Fournier Haydee , Rodríguez‐Soto Ana E. , Rakow‐Penner Rebecca A. 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundTo date, the accuracy and variability of diffusion‐weighted MRI (DW‐MRI) metrics have been reported in a limited number of scanner/protocol/coil combinations.PurposeTo evaluate the reproducibility of DW‐MRI estimates across multiple scanners and DW‐MRI protocols and to assess the effects of using an 8‐channel vs. 16‐channel breast coil in a breast phantom.Study TypeProspective.PhantomBreast phantom containing tubes of water and differing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) concentrations with apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) matching breast tissue.Field Strength/Sequence3 T (three standard and one wide bore), three DW‐MRI single‐shot echo planar imaging protocols of varying acquired spatial resolution.AssessmentAccuracy of estimated ADCs was assessed using percent differences (PD) relative to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy‐derived reference values. Coefficients of variation (CV) were calculated to determine variation across scanners. CVs based on the median standard deviation (CVM) were used to evaluate tube‐specific dispersion using 8‐ or 16‐channel coils at a single scanner. ADCs of PVP‐containing tubes were additionally normalized by the median water tube ADC to account for temperature effects.Statistical TestsTwo‐way repeated measures analysis of variance and post hoc tests were used to evaluate differences in ADC, CV, and CVM across scanners and protocols (α = 0.05).ResultsADCs were within 11% (interquartile range [IQR] 7%) of reference values and significantly improved to 2% (IQR 7%) after normalization to an internal water reference. Normalization significantly reduced interscanner variability of ADC estimates from 7% to 4%. DW‐MRI protocol did not affect ADC accuracy; however, the clinical and higher‐resolution clinical protocols resulted in the greatest (9%) and least (6%) interscanner variability, respectively. The 8‐ and 16‐channel receive coils yielded similar accuracy (PD: 12% vs. 16%) and precision (CVM: 2.7% vs. 2.9%).Data ConclusionNormalization by an internal reference improved interscanner ADC reproducibility. High‐resolution protocols yielded comparably accurate and significantly less variable ADCs compared to a clinical standard protocol.Evidence Level2Technical EfficacyStage 1
MRI: Evaluating the Application of FOCUS‐MUSE Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging in the Pancreas in Comparison With FOCUS, MUSE, and Single‐Shot DWIs
Authors: Bai Yu , Pei Yigang , Liu Weiyin Vivian , Liu Wenguang , Xie Simin , Wang Xiao , Zhong Linhui , Chen Juan , Zhang Lijuan , Masokano Ismail Bilal , Li Wenzheng 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundDiffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) is a useful technique to detect pancreatic lesion. In DWIs, field‐of‐view optimized and constrained undistorted single‐shot (FOCUS) can improve the spatial resolution and multiplexed sensitivity‐encoding (MUSE) can gain a high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). Based on the advantage of FOCUS and MUSE, a new DWI sequence—named FOCUS‐MUSE DWI (FOCUS combined with MUSE)—was developed to delineate the pancreas.PurposeTo investigate the reliability of FOCUS‐MUSE DWI compared to FOCUS, MUSE and single‐shot (SS) DWI via the systematical evaluation of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements, SNR and image quality.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsA total of 33 healthy volunteers and 9 patients with pancreatic lesion.Field Strength/SequenceA 3.0 T scanner. FOCUS‐MUSE DWI, FOCUS DWI, MUSE DWI, SS DWI.AssessmentFor volunteers, ADC and SNR were measured by two readers in the pancreatic head, body, and tail. For all subjects, the diagnostic image quality score was assessed by three other readers on above four DWIs.Statistical TestsPaired‐sample T‐test, intraclass correlation (ICC), Bland–Altman method, Friedman test, Dunn‐Bonferroni post hoc test and kappa coefficient. A significance level of 0.05 was used.ResultsFOCUS‐MUSE DWI had the best intersession repeatability of ADC measurements (head: 59.53, body: 101.64, tail: 42.30) among the four DWIs, and also maintained the significantly highest SNR (reader 1 [head: 19.68 ± 3.23, body: 23.42 ± 5.00, tail: 28.85 ± 4.96], reader 2 [head: 19.93 ± 3.52, body: 23.02 ± 5.69, tail: 29.77 ± 6.33]) except for MUSE DWI. Furthermore, it significantly achieved better image quality in volunteers (median value: 4 score) and 9 patients (most in 4 score).Data ConclusionFOCUS‐MUSE DWI improved the reliability of pancreatic images with the most stable ADC measurement, best image quality score and sufficient SNR among four DWIs.Evidence Level2Technical EfficacyStage 2
Highly sensitive and rapid detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 via a portable CRISPR‐Cas13a‐based lateral flow assay
Authors: Liu Hongbo , Chang Shuailei , Chen Sijia , Du Yue , Wang Hui , Wang Chao , Xiang Ying , Wang Qi , Li Zhenjun , Wang Shengqi , Qiu Shaofu , Song Hongbin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractTo rapidly identify individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and control the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19), there is an urgent need for highly sensitive on‐site virus detection methods. A clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein (Cas)‐based molecular diagnostic method was developed for this purpose. Here, a CRISPR system‐mediated lateral flow assay (LFA) for SARS‐CoV‐2 was established based on multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification, CRISPR‐Cas13a nuclease, and LFA. To improve the limit of detection (LoD), the crispr RNA, amplification primer, and probe were screened, in addition to concentrations of various components in the reaction system. The LoD of CRISPR detection was improved to 0.25 copy/μl in both fluorescence‐ and immunochromatography‐based assays. To enhance the quality control of the CRISPR‐based LFA method, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase was detected as a reference using a triple‐line strip design in a lateral flow strip. In total, 52 COVID‐19‐positive and 101 COVID‐19‐negative clinical samples examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) were tested using the CRISPR immunochromatographic detection technique. Results revealed 100% consistency, indicating the comparable effectiveness of our method to that of RT‐PCR. In conclusion, this approach significantly improves the sensitivity and reliability of CRISPR‐mediated LFA and provides a crucial tool for on‐site detection of SARS‐CoV‐2.