bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards a comprehensive approach for characterizing cell activity in low contrast microscopic images
Authors: Baar Stefan , Kuragano Masahiro , Tokuraku Kiyotaka , Watanabe Shinya 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
When studying physical cellular response observed by light microscopy, variations in cell behavior are difficult to quantitatively measure and are often only discussed on a subjective level. Hence, cell properties are described qualitatively based on a researcher’s impressions. In this study, we aim to define a comprehensive approach to estimate the physical cell activity based on migration and morphology based on statistical analysis of a cell population within a predefined field of view and timespan. We present quantitative measurements of the influence of drugs such as cytochalasin D and taxol on human neuroblastoma, SH-SY5Y cell populations. Both chemicals are well known to interact with the cytoskeleton and affect the cell morphology and motility. Being able to compute the physical properties of each cell for a given observation time, requires precise localization of each cell even when in an adhesive state. Also, the risk of confusion through contaminants is desired to be minimized. In relation to the cell detection process, we have developed a customized encoder-decoder based deep learning cell detection and tracking procedure. Further, we discuss the accuracy of our approach to quantify cell activity and its viability in regard to the cell detection accuracy.
Coherent consolidation of trillions of nucleations into a coplanar layer for a mono-atom step-level flat surface
Authors: Ha Taewoo , Seo Yu-Seong , Kim Teun-Teun , Lamichhane Bipin , Kim Young-Hoon , Kim Su Jae , Lee Yousil , Cheon Miyeon , Kim Jong , Park Sang Eon , Sim Kyung Ik , Kim Jae , Kim Yong In , Kim Seon Je , Jeong Hu Young , Lee Young Hee , Kim Seong-Gon , Kim Young-Min , Hwang Jungseek , Jeong Se-Young 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Constructing a mono-atom step-level flat material surface is challenging, especially for thin films, because it is prohibitively difficult for trillions (1012) of clusters nucleated on a 2-inch wafer to coherently merge into a single-orientation thin film. The rough metal surface limits surface–plasmon propagation and acts as a valley for atoms deposited during the growth of the two-dimensional material. Recently, various flat-surface-assisted phenomena have been discovered, including large oxidation resistance of an atomically flat copper (Cu) surface. In this study, we describe in detail the initial growth of Cu(111) thin films with mono-atom step-level flat surfaces. We demonstrated experimentally that the individual deposition of single atoms using atomic sputtering epitaxy induces trillions of islands to coherently merge into a coplanar layer, eventually forming a mono-atom step-level flat surface. Theoretical calculations supported the fact that, when the sputtered particles are single atoms, rapid surface diffusion ensures the formation of highly aligned single-crystal nanodroplets that can be merged into a large domain with a coherent coplanar layer. These findings will open a new avenue in thin-film growth research and represent a watershed in terms of improved efficiency and lifespan of devices in most fields using metal electrodes, as well as metal nanoscience research.
Training for mental health professionals in responding to experienced and anticipated mental health related discrimination (READ-MH): protocol for an international multisite feasibility study
Authors: Henderson Claire , Ouali Uta , Bakolis Ioannis , Berbeche Nada , Bhattarai Kalpana , Brohan Elaine , Cherian Anish , Girma Eshetu , Gronholm Petra C , Gurung Dristy , Hanlon Charlotte , Kallakuri Sudha , Kaur Amanpreet , Ketema Bezawit , Lempp Heidi , Li Jie , Loganathan Santosh , Maulik Pallab , Mendon Gurucharan , Mulatu Tesfahun , Ma Ning , Romeo Renee , Venkatesh Rahul , Zgueb Yosra , Zhang Wu-Fang , Thornicroft Graham 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Mental health and other health professionals working in mental health care may contribute to the experiences of stigma and discrimination among mental health service users, but can also help reduce the impact of stigma on service users. However the few studies of interventions to equip such professionals to be anti-stigma agents those took place in High-Income Countries. This study assesses the feasibility, potential effectiveness and costs of Responding to Experienced and Anticipated Discrimination training for health professionals working in mental health care (READ-MH) across Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Methods: This is an uncontrolled pre-post mixed methods feasibility study of READ-MH training at seven sites across five LMICs (China, Ethiopia, India, Nepal, and Tunisia). Outcome measures: knowledge based on course content; attitudes to working to address the impact of stigma on service users; and skills in responding constructively to service users’ reports of discrimination. The training draws upon the evidence bases for stigma reduction, health advocacy and medical education and is tailored to sites through situational analyses. Its content, delivery methods and intensity were agreed through a consensus exercise with site research teams. READ-MH will be delivered to health professionals working in mental health care immediately after baseline data collection; outcome measures will be collected post-training and three months post-baseline, followed by qualitative data collection. Fidelity will be rated during delivery of READ-MH, and data on training costs will be collected. Quantitative data will be assessed using generalised linear mixed models. Qualitative data will be evaluated by thematic analysis to identify feedback about the training methods and content, including the implementability of the knowledge and skills learned. Pooled and site-specific training costs per trainee and per session will be reported.﻿Conclusions: The training development used a participatory and contextualized approach. Evaluation design strengths include the diversity of settings; the use of mixed methods; the use of a skills-based measure; and knowledge and attitude measures aligned to the target population and training. Limitations are the uncertain generalisability of skills performance to routine care, and the impact of COVID-19 restrictions at several sites limiting qualitative data collection for situational analyses.
Engineered cell differentiation and sexual reproduction in probiotic and mating yeasts
Authors: Jensen Emil , Deichmann Marcus , Ma Xin , Vilandt Rikke , Schiesaro Giovanni , Rojek Marie , Lengger Bettina , Eliasson Line , Vento Justin , Durmusoglu Deniz , Hovmand Sandie , Al'Abri Ibrahim , Zhang Jie , Crook Nathan , Jensen Michael 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) enable cells to sense environmental cues and are indispensable for coordinating vital processes including quorum sensing, proliferation, and sexual reproduction. GPCRs comprise the largest class of cell surface receptors in eukaryotes, and for more than three decades the pheromone-induced mating pathway in baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has served as a model for studying heterologous GPCRs (hGPCRs). Here we report transcriptome profiles following mating pathway activation in native and signalling yeast and use a model-guided approach to correlate gene expression to morphological changes. From this we demonstrate mating between haploid cells armed with hGPCRs and endogenous biosynthesis of their cognate ligands. Furthermore, we devise a ligand-free screening strategy for hGPCR compatibility with the yeast mating pathway and enable signalling in the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. Combined, our findings enable new means to study mating, signalling, and cell-cell communication in a model eukaryote and yeast probiotics.
A personal acquisition time regimen of 68Ga-DOTATATE total-body PET/CT in patients with neuroendocrine tumor (NET): A feasibility study.
Authors: Xiao Jie , Yu Haojun , Sui Xiuli , Liu Guobing , Cao Yanyan , Yanzhao Zhao , Zhang Yiqiu , Hu Pengcheng , Cheng Dengfeng , Shi Hongcheng 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To propose a personal acquisition time regimen of 68Ga-DOTATATE total-body positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) for acceptable and constant image quality of patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).Methods: A development cohort consisting of 19 consecutive patients with full activity (88.7-204.9 MBq/kg) was used to establish the acquisition time regimen. The liver SNR (signal-to-noise ratio, SNRL) was normalized (SNRnorm) by the product of injected activity and acquisition time. Fitting of SNRnorm against body mass (BM) in linear correlation was performed. Subjective assessment of image quality was performed using a 5-point Likert scale to determine the acceptable threshold of SNRL, and an optimized acquisition regimen based on BM was proposed and validated using a cohort of 57 NET patients with half activity (66.9±11.3 MBq, 1.0±0.1 MBq/kg) in a fixed acquisition time regimen.Results: The linear correlation (R2=0.63) between SNRnorm and BM was SNRnorm=-0.01*BM+1.50. The threshold SNRL of acceptable image quality was 11.2. The patient-specific variable acquisition time regimen was then determined as t (min) = 125.4/(injective activity)*(-0.01*BM+1.50)2. Based on the regimen, the average acquisition time for acceptable image quality in the validation cohort was 2.99±0.91 min, ranging from 2.18 to 6.35 min, which was reduced by 36.50%~78.20% compared with the fixed acquisition time of 10 min. Subjective evaluation showed that acceptable image quality could be obtained at 3.00 min in the low-activity group, with an average score of 3.44±0.53 (kappa = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96~0.98). Bland–Altman analysis revealed good agreement between the proposed regimen and the fixed acquisition time cohort.Conclusion: A personal acquisition time regimen was proposed and validated for NET patients for 68Ga-DOTATATE total-body PET/CT imaging. Based on the regimen, the image quality is feasible for a constant level, independent of body mass, with reasonable acquisition time.
Function of bidirectional sensitivity in the otolith organs established by transcription factor Emx2
Authors: Ji Young Rae , Tona Yosuke , Wafa Talah , Christman Matthew , Tourney Edward , Jiang Tao , Ohta Sho , Fitzgerald Tracy , Fritzsch Bernd , Jones Sherri M. , Cullen Kathleen , Wu Doris 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
A conserved line of polarity reversal (LPR) demarcates hair cells into two regions of opposite orientation in the otolith organs of the inner ear. The functional significance of this arrangement is not known. Using gene knockout and conditional knockouts (cKO) mice, we show that the Emx2 encoded transcription factor establishes the LPR and bidirectional sensitivity of the otolith organ by mediating hair bundle orientation in HCs and neuronal selectivity in HCs and supporting cells. In addition to Emx2 cKO, we generated another mouse strain without bidirectional sensitivity in otolith organs, Tmie cKO, in which HCs within the Emx2 expression domain lack mechanotransduction and thus are rendered non-functional. Behavioral analyses of both Emx2 cKO and Tmie cKO mice indicate that the LPR is specifically required for mice to swim comfortably and to traverse a balance beam efficiently, but LPR is not required for mice to stay on a rotating rod.
Homeostasis tissue-like P systems with cell separation
Authors: Luo Yueguo , Guo Ping 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
P systems are distributed, parallel biological computing models. Tissue P systems are an important variant of membrane computing model, where the environment can provide powerful energy support for cells. Hence, the environment plays a critical role. Nevertheless, in actual biological tissues, there exists a peculiar biological phenomenon called "homeostasis"; that is, the internal organisms maintain stable, thereby reducing their dependence on external conditions (i.e., the environment). In this work, considering cell separation, we construct a novel variant to simulate the mechanism of biological homeostasis, called homeostasis tissue-like P systems with cell separation. In this variant, objects in the environment are finite, and certain energy changes occur inside the cells; moreover, an exponential workspace can be obtained with cell separation in feasible time. The computational power of this model is studied by simulating register machines, and the results show that the variant is Turing universal as number computing devices. Furthermore, to explore the computational efficiency of the model, we use the variant to solve a classic NP-complete problem, the SAT problem, obtaining a uniform solution with a rule length of at most 3.
Upregulation of the oxytocin receptor in dorsal root ganglion mediated peripheral analgesia of oxytocin in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain
Authors: Li Lixuan , Li Pupu , Guo Jing , Wu Yifei , Zeng Qian , Li Nan , Huang Xiaoting , He Yongshen , Ai Wen , Sun Wuping , Liu Tao , Xiong Donglin , Xiao Lizu , Zhou Qiming , Wang Zilong , Jiang Changyu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Currently, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain (CIPNP) has no effective treatment. Oxytocin (OXT) and the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) play roles in central analgesia. However, the expression and role of OXTR in the peripheral nervous system in CIPNP remain unclear. Here, we studied the peripheral analgesic profiles of OXTR and related mechanisms in CIPNP pain models.Methods: The chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel (PTX) was used to establish CIPNP. qRT-PCR, fluorescent in situ hybridization, western blotting, and immunocytochemistry were used to observe the properties of OXTR expression in dorsal root ganglion (DRG). The analgesic effects were assessed by the hot plate and the Von Frey tests. The whole-cell patch-clamp was performed to record the effects of the OXTR activation on the excitability of DRG neurons and the excitatory transmissions from the primary afferents to the spinal cord.Results: The expression of OXTR in DRG neurons was boosted significantly after PTX treatment, which is rarely expressed in the vehicle group without sex difference. The activation of OXTR exhibited analgesic effects and decreased the excitability of DRG neurons. Additionally, the OXTR activation impaired the voltage-gated sodium current through the PLC/PKC pathway. Oxytocin also suppressed the excitatory transmission in the spinal dorsal horn and the excitatory inputs from the primary afferents in PTX-treated mice.Conclusions: Paclitaxel upregulates the expression of OXTR in DRG neurons. This upregulation leads to effective analgesic effects of peripheral oxytocin which is mediated by the reduction of the excitability of DRG neurons and the excitatory transmission in the spinal dorsal horn. Our results suggested that OXTR on peripheral sensory neurons can be utilized to relieve CIPNP.
Evaluation of fixation characteristics in amblyopia using microperimetry
Authors: Altinbay Deniz , Sahli Esra , Kiziltunc Pinar Bingol , Atilla Huban 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate fixation characteristics in amblyopia using macular analyzer integrity assessment (MAIA) microperimetry and to investigate the factors affecting fixation stability.Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study enrolled a total of 58 amblyopic patients (8-55 years old). Average threshold macular sensitivity (AT) and fixation characteristics were assessed using the MAIA microperimetry (CenterVue, Padova, Italy). Two Bivariate contour ellipse areas (BCEA) fixation indices (63% and 95% proportional values) and the percentage of fixation points within 1° and 2° from the fovea (P1 and P2) were used to assess fixation stability. Results: AT and fixation stability parameters (P1, P2, BCEA 63%, BCEA 95%) were worse in the amblyopic eyes (p<0.05, for all). There was a positive correlation between BCVA, and AT, and P2, and negative correlations between BCVA, and BCEA 63%, and BCEA 95%. The eccentric fixation was 48% in the amblyopic eyes (25% in anisometropic group, 52% in strabismic group, 69% in combined group) and 32% in the non-amblyopic eye. The preferred fixation eccentricity in amblyopic eyes was significantly greater than the non-amblyopic eyes (p=0.004), and there was a negative correlation between preferred fixation eccentricity and BCVA (p=0.012, r=-.327).Conclusions: Our data showed a decrease in fixation stability, a positive correlation between fixation stability and BCVA, and a negative correlation between preferred fixation eccentricity and BCVA in amblyopic eyes. This result made us think that microperimetric acoustic biofeedback fixation training, which is used to increase fixation stability in low vision rehabilitation, may also be a useful approach in amblyopia.
Acute Myocardial Infarction caused by Kawasaki disease Requires more Intensive Therapy: Insights from the Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases— Diagnosis Procedure Combination
Authors: Anzai Fumiya , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Takeishi Ryohei , Hotsuki Yu , Sato Yu , Sumita Yoko , Nakai Michikazu , Misaka Tomofumi , Takeishi Yasuchika 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Kawasaki disease (KD) induces coronary arteritis which causes subsequent coronary aneurysms, and contributes to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the difference of real-world treatment selection and mortality between AMI-complicated KD and AMI due to typical atherosclerosis (AMI-non KD) is unknown.
Method
The aim of the present study was to reveal the current treatment strategy and prognosis of AMI-complicated KD compared with AMI due to typical atherosclerosis using data from 2012 to 2019 of a nationwide claim database, the Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases - Diagnosis Procedure Combination.
Results
Compared with AMI-non KD (n = 70,227), AMI-complicated KD (n = 73) 1) underwent less percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and more coronary artery bypass grafting, intracoronary thrombolysis or intravenous coronary thrombolysis, 2) underwent stentless PCI using old balloon angioplasty or rotablator, when they underwent PCI, 3) needed in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intensive mechanical therapy such as intra-aortic balloon pump, percutaneous cardiopulmonary support or respirator, whereas presented similar in-hospital mortality.
Conclusions
Compared with AMI-non KD, AMI-complicated KD underwent non-PCI strategy such as bypass surgery or thrombolysis, required intensive therapy with mechanical supports, and presented similar in-hospital mortality. When AMI-complicated KD underwent PCI, stentless PCI using balloon angioplasty or rotablator was more performed compared with AMI-non KD.
Cationic Peptide Carriers enable Long Term Delivery of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 to Suppress Osteoarthritis Induced Matrix Degradation
Authors: Vedadgavami Armin , He Tengfei , Hakim Bill , Bajpayee Ambika G. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) has the potential to be used for osteoarthritis (OA) treatment but has not been evaluated in clinics yet owing to toxicity concerns. It suffers from short intra-joint residence time and a lack of cartilage targeting following its intra-articular administration. Here we synthesize an electrically charged cationic formulation of IGF-1 by using a short-length arginine-rich, hydrophilic cationic peptide carrier (CPC) with a net charge of + 14, designed for rapid and high uptake and retention in both healthy and arthritic cartilage. Methods. IGF-1 was conjugated to CPC by using a site-specific sulfhydryl reaction via a bifunctional linker. Intra-cartilage depth of penetration and retention of CPC-IGF-1 was compared with the unmodified IGF-1. The therapeutic effectiveness of a single dose of CPC-IGF-1 was compared with free IGF-1 in an IL-1α challenged cartilage explant culture OA model. Results. CPC-IGF-1 rapidly penetrated through the full thickness of cartilage creating a drug depot owing to electrostatic interactions with negatively charged aggrecan-glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). CPC-IGF-1 remained bound within the tissue while unmodified IGF-1 cleared out. Treatment with a single dose of CPC-IGF-1 effectively suppressed IL-1α induced GAG loss and nitrite release, and rescued cell metabolism and viability throughout the 16-day culture period, while free IGF at the equivalent dose was not effective. Conclusions. CPC-mediated delivery of IGF-1 can enable its clinical use for OA treatment with only a single dose. CPC is a versatile cationic motif that can be used for intra-cartilage delivery of other similar-sized drugs.
Adherence to Pre-Operative Fasting Guidelines and Associated Factors among Pediatric Surgical Patients in Selected Public Referral Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Yimer Aragaw Hamza , Haddis Lidya , Abrar Meron , Seid Ahmed Muhye 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Fasting before anesthesia is mandatory in children to reduce the complications of regurgitation, vomiting, and aspiration during anesthesia and surgery. Prolonged fasting times have several negative implications in children, because high ﬂuid turnover quickly leads to dehydration, hypotension, metabolic disturbances, and hypoglycemia, resulting in poor anesthetic outcomes.Aims: This study aimed to assess adherence to preoperative fasting guidelines and associated factors among pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery in Addis Ababa public hospitals in Ethiopia in 2020.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Addis Ababa, which selected public hospitals in Ethiopia, in 2020. A total of 279 pediatric patients aged < 17 years scheduled for elective surgery were included in the study. Data analysis was performed using SPSS V.21, and the values of the variables and factors were checked for associations using logistic regression. Statistical significance was determined at P -value of <0.05. The results are presented in text, tables, charts, and graphs.Results: A total of 279 pediatric patients responded to the analysis, with a 98.6% response rate. The majority of the participants (n=251, 89.96%) did not follow the guidelines for preoperative fasting. The mean fasting time for clear liquids was 10 ± 4.03 (2-18 hrs.) for breast milk 7.18 ± 2.26 (3.5-12 hrs.), and for solid foods 13.5 ± 2.76 (8-19 hrs.). The reasons for which the preoperative fasting delay was due to incorrect order were 35.1%, prior case procedures took longer times 34.1%, and changing sequence of schedule was 20.8%. Conclusion: Most children had prolonged fasting. The staff’s instructions and schedules were challenged to follow international fasting guidelines.