bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recognition and segmentation of individual pigs based on Swin Transformer
Authors: Lu Jisheng , Wang Wei , Zhao Kun , Wang Haiyan 
Published: September 2022

AbstractRecognition of individual pigs is critical to the monitoring of pig body size and physiological health status in large‐scale pig farms. In this study, deep learning methods were introduced in the intelligent recognition and segmentation of individual replacement pigs, which can realize the non‐contact surveillance of each pig. Swin Transformer was used for the recognition and segmentation of individual pigs based on the surveillance data, and different models were compared to find the model with the fastest training speed and most accurate results. Finally, a recognition accuracy of 93.0% and segmentation accuracy of 86.9% for individual pigs were achieved with the surveillance video images of pigs based on Swin Transformer. Even in some complex scenarios such as overlapping, occlusion, and deformation, the method still exhibited excellent recognition performance for replacement pigs. Importantly, this method can greatly save labor as well as help intelligent and unmanned pig production and facilitate the modernization of pig industry.
CXCL14‐like immunoreactivity in somatostatin‐producing cells of the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) pancreas
Authors: Suzuki Hirohumi , Yamamoto Toshiharu 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis study examines chemokine CXCL14‐like peptide distribution in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) pancreas using a specific anti‐human CXCL14 antibody. CXCL14‐immunoreactive cells were observed in the pancreatic islet peripheral region. The staining was abolished after pre‐absorbing the antibody with recombinant human CXCL14. CXCL14‐immunoreactive cells were immuno‐positive for somatostatin, but not glucagon and insulin. CXCL14 secreted from somatostatin‐producing cells might participate in insulin secretion modulation together with somatostatin. In addition, CXCL14 might participate in glucose homeostasis in co‐operation with somatostatin and growth hormone.
Individual dynamics of uterine natural killer cells in natural and stimulated cycles monitored using a new endometrial dating method
Authors: Alfer Joachim , Fattahi Amir , Bleisinger Nathalie , Antoniadis Sophia , Krieg Jürgen , Dittrich Ralf , Beckmann Matthias W. , Hartmann Arndt , Popovici Roxana M. , Tremellen Kelton 
Published: September 2022

AbstractProblemIt is important to evaluate the dynamics of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) cycles, given their potential role in implantation and the common usage of HRT cycles with in vitro fertilization (IVF).Method of studyA total of 132 subfertile patients were evaluated during the secretory phase of either natural ovulation (OV) or HRT cycles, with two biopsies taken on approximately days 5 and 10 after ovulation/progesterone administration in a single menstrual cycle. Immunohistochemical Personal Endometrial Maturation Analysis (PEMA) was used to better quantify secretory‐phase endometrial development, in combination with subsequent evaluation of uNK cell density.ResultsuNK cell density increased rapidly from the early to mid‐secretory phase, with mean uNK densities of 113 and 117 per mm2 in first biopsies and 315 and 387 per mm2 in second biopsies for OV and HRT cycles, respectively. After reassessment of endometrial development with PEMA, the first and second biopsies in HRT and OV cycles were histologically dated to developmental ranges between days 15–20 (first biopsy) and days 19–25 (second biopsy).ConclusionSubfertile women showed variable endometrial development in PEMA assessment, with uNK cell density correlating with the dating results. Overall, comparable levels of uNK cell density were observed in OV and HRT cycles. Importantly, uNK cell density depends on the histological maturation stage, with similar low coefficients of determination. This observation suggests that aberrant uNK cell results more likely reflect displaced endometrial maturation, rather than an intrinsic anomaly in uNK cell trafficking.
The predictive value of NKG2C+NK cells and LILRB1+NK cells in recurrent spontaneous abortion
Authors: Hou Yue , Liu Qian , Jin Dazhong , Li Jiapo , Huang Ling , Qiao Chong 
Published: September 2022

AbstractProblemThe maternal‐fetal immune abnormalities can result in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). The role of NKG2C+ and LILRB1+ pNK subsets in predicting pregnancy loss is uncertain.Method of StudyIn this study, we aimed to compare the percentage of CD3−CD56+ NK cells, NKG2C+ NK cells, and LILRB1+ NK cells in peripheral blood between healthy pregnant women (HC group), RSA women followed by normal pregnancy (RSA‐N group) and RSA women followed by abortion (RSA‐A group) in the first trimester via flow cytometry, and explore the prediction value of NKG2C+ and LILRB1+ NK cells for pregnancy loss in RSA via ROC curve. The MFI of NKG2C and LILRB1 of dNK were compared between and HC and RSA‐A groups.ResultsThe percentage of CD3‐CD56+ pNK cells between HC, RSA‐N, and RSA‐A groups shows no significant difference. In peripheral blood, the percentage of NKG2C+ NK cells were significantly increased in the RSA‐A group than HC group and RSA‐N group, and the percentage of LILRB1+ NK cell were significantly decreased in the RSA‐A group. The MFI of NKG2C and LILRB1 of dNK showed a similar trend with peripheral blood between HC and RSA‐A groups. The NKG2C+ and LILRB1+ NK cells were an independent risk factor for predicting pregnancy loss in RSA patients, with an area under the ROC curves (AUC) of .77 and .71 respectively.ConclusionWomen with recurrent spontaneous abortion have abnormal NKG2C+ and LILRB1+ pNK subsets, which could reflect immune abnormalities at the maternal‐fetal interface, and NKG2C+ and LILRB1+ pNK subsets could be a good indicator for the prediction of pregnancy loss.
Do specific maternal sensations experienced in late pregnancy correlate to a breech presenting baby? Evaluation of a simple maternal questionnaire
Authors: Hedditch Anita , Laudat Monique , Ellaway Pauline , Impey Lawrence 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the effectiveness of a structured questionnaire completed at 36 weeks gestation in predicting breech presentation.DesignQuestionnaire‐based study.SettingTertiary NHS Foundation Trust.ParticipantsWomen attending for a universally offered 36‐week fetal growth scan.InterventionCompletion of a previously designed maternal questionnaire detailing sensation of fetal movements during the past week, immediately before a routine growth scan.ResultsBetween September 01, 2018 and September 30, 2019, 2341 questionnaires were handed out and 2053 were returned. Analysis was performed in 1938 (94.4%) completed questionnaires. Recorded presentation was breech in 109 (5.6%), transverse/oblique in 15 (0.8%), and cephalic in 1814 (93.6%). Women “thinking their baby was breech” had a high positive likelihood ratio, at 11.8 (95% CI 7.4–19.1), but poor sensitivity (27.3%). “Feeling kicks low down or near the bladder” was sensitive for non‐cephalic presentation (76.3%) but with poor specificity (48.9%). The questions “kicks low” (“no”) (P = 0.013, aOR 2.18 [1.18–4.04]) and ‘thinks cephalic (“no”)’ (P = 0.001, aOR 0.12 (0.04–0.43) were independent risk factors for a non‐cephalic presentation.ConclusionsThe questions posed in this questionnaire could aid the detection of breech presentation, but do not perform better than published data on palpation. Missing a breech presentation near term through palpation alone is well reported. Combining the concept of palpation to exclude breech presentation and these questions may help focus a clinician and improve both palpation skills and breech detection. As a minimum, a woman who believes her baby is breech should be taken seriously.
[99mTc]Tc‐HYNIC‐EcgDf21: A defensin short analogue with potential application in infection foci imaging
Authors: Terán Mariella , Osorio Jessica , Cardoso Elena , Tejería Emilia , Paolino Andrea , Reyes Ana Laura , Cecchetto Gianna 
Published: September 2022

AbstractOpportunistic infections are a problem of great relevance in public health and the precise detection and localization of infection in the early stages of the disease is of great importance for patient management as well as cost containment. Our proposal seeks to contribute to developing a new agent that meets the needs of diagnosis and follow‐up of fungal and bacterial infections, focused on the design of a radiotracer with the potential for recognition of hidden infection foci. Defensins are plant antimicrobial peptides that not only show activity against plant pathogens but also against human ones. A short analogue of EcgDf1 defensin, EcgDf21d (NH2‐ERFTGGHCRGFRRRCFCTKHC‐COOH), was labelled through the formation of a 99mTc‐HYNIC complex which was assessed for physicochemical and biological behaviour both in vitro and in vivo. The [99mTc]Tc‐HYNIC‐EcgDf21 labelling procedure rendered a single product with remarkably high RCP and stability in the labelling milieu. The Log p value indicated that [99mTc]Tc‐HYNIC‐EcgDf21 has a hydrophilic behaviour, confirmed by the biodistribution profiles. The optimal uptake value was obtained for Candida albicans infection model reaching a lesion/muscle ratio of 3, this correlates with in vitro binding studies, and the lesion can be definitely observed in the scintigraphic images.
Association of low mechano‐energetic efficiency and prognosis in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Sjöstedt Sannia , Wiese Signe , Bendtsen Flemming , Møller Søren 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn cirrhosis, cardiac systolic dysfunction as part of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy affects prognosis. Myocardial mechano‐energetic efficiency (MEE) is an estimate of left ventricular performance. In this study we investigated the relation of MEE to patient characteristics and its impact on survival in patients with cirrhosis.Patients and MethodsWe included 283 patients with cirrhosis of different severity according to the Child−Pugh classifications (A/B/C: 106/87/90). All patients had a liver vein catheterization and a hemodynamic investigation performed including determination of cardiac output (CO), stroke volume and heart rate (HR). These data were used to assess MEE, which was defined as (stroke volume/HR) × 1.666.ResultsEighty‐nine percent of patients had portal hypertension (hepatic venous pressure gradient >5 mmHg) and 80% indications of hyperdynamic circulatory state (increased CO and HR). There was no difference in MEE in Child−Pugh class C patients (2.03) versus Child−Pugh class A (1.98) and B (2.05) patients. In Child−Pugh class C patients, low MEE was associated with a poorer prognosis.ConclusionIn our study, MEE does not seem to be associated with severity of the liver disease, but in patients with advanced disease low MEE is associated with a poorer prognosis. The prognostic impact of MEE should be further investigated.
Quadricuspid aortic valve repair with a modified‐tricuspidization technique
Authors: D'Errico Ramirez Antonio , Squiccimarro Enrico , De Palo Micaela , Acquaviva Tommaso , Milano Aldo Domenico 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionQuadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is an extremely rare developmental abnormality with an incidence of 0.006%. QAV is an incidental finding that in some patients (23%) may determine aortic regurgitation (AR). Altogether 16% of patients indeed require surgery with AR being the most frequent indication.Methods and resultsWe describe a case report of a 46 year‐old female affected by severe aortic regurgitation due to QAV successfully treated with a modified‐tricuspidization technique associated with cusp extension, prolapsing commissure suturing, and sub‐commissural annuloplasty.DiscussionQAV repair represents an attractive perspective to overcome the drawbacks of either mechanical or biological prosthesis.
Mild behavioral impairment as a potential marker of predementia risk states in motor neuron diseases
Authors: Ferraro Pilar M. , Gervino Ester , De Maria Emiliano , Meo Giuseppe , Ponzano Marta , Pardini Matteo , Signori Alessio , Schenone Angelo , Roccatagliata Luca , Caponnetto Claudia 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeMild behavioral impairment (MBI) has been increasingly regarded as the neurobehavioral axis of predementia risk states, but a specific investigation of its detection as a potential marker of prodromal dementia in motor neuron diseases (MNDs) is still lacking. The aims of our study were therefore to explore MBI in MNDs both at onset and over the disease course, and to evaluate its relationship with baseline and longitudinal cognitive features.MethodsSixty MND patients with cognitive/behavioral, mood, and motor examinations were recruited and followed longitudinally for up to 15 months. Associations between baseline MBI symptoms and clinical features were tested using the Spearman correlation coefficient. Based on longitudinal data, relative deltas of variation for each cognitive measure were generated, and linear regression models were then used to evaluate the role of baseline MBI symptoms in predicting longitudinal rates of cognitive decline.ResultsAt disease onset, the most impaired MBI domain was affective/emotional dysregulation, followed by impulse dyscontrol, apathy, and social inappropriateness. Greater MBI symptoms correlated with more severe baseline motor, cognitive/behavioral, and mood disturbances (p values from <0.001 to 0.05). Longitudinally, the greatest decline was observed in the affective/emotional dysregulation domain, followed by impulse dyscontrol, apathy, and social inappropriateness. Greater MBI symptoms at onset were significant predictors of more severe longitudinal cognitive decline in both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)‐specific and ALS‐nonspecific functions (p values from <0.001 to 0.03).ConclusionsMBI represents a valuable clinical marker of incident cognitive decline in MNDs, and its evaluation has good potential for detecting dementia in its preclinical/prodromal phase.
Genetic variation inNFE2L2is associated with outcome following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Gaastra Ben , Duncan Poppy , Bakker Mark K. , Hostettler Isabel C. , Alg Varinder S. , Houlden Henry , Ruigrok Ynte M. , Galea Ian , Tapper Will , Werring David , Bulters Diederik 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeNuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2; encoded by theNFE2L2gene) has been implicated in outcome following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) through its activity as a regulator of inflammation, oxidative injury and blood breakdown product clearance. The aim of this study was to identify whether genetic variation inNFE2L2is associated with clinical outcome following aSAH.MethodsTen tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) inNFE2L2were genotyped and tested for association with dichotomized clinical outcome, assessed by the modified Rankin scale, in both a discovery and a validation cohort.In silicofunctional analysis was performed using a range of bioinformatic tools.ResultsOne SNP, rs10183914, was significantly associated with outcome following aSAH in both the discovery (n = 1007) and validation cohorts (n = 466). The risk of poor outcome was estimated to be 1.33‐fold (95% confidence interval 1.12–1.58) higher in individuals with the T allele of rs10183914 (pmeta‐analysis = 0.001).In silicofunctional analysis identified rs10183914 as a potentially regulatory variant with effects on transcription factor binding in addition to alternative splicing with the T allele, associated with a significant reduction in theNFE2L2intron excision ratio (psQTL = 1.3 × 10−7).ConclusionsTheNFE2L2SNP, rs10183914, is significantly associated with outcome following aSAH. This is consistent with a clinically relevant pathophysiological role for oxidative and inflammatory brain injury due to blood and its breakdown products in aSAH. Furthermore, our findings support NRF2 as a potential therapeutic target following aSAH and other forms of intracranial haemorrhage.
Cryoglobulinaemia in a Thoroughbred gelding with multicentric lymphoma
Authors: Kreutzfeldt Nicole , Browne Nimet 
Published: September 2022

SummaryA 17‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding was presented to the hospital with epistaxis, multiple alopecic skin lesions, firm swelling in the masseter region and acute cellulitis of the right hind distal limb. Epistaxis originated from ulcerative lesions within the nasal passages and nasopharynx. Histopathology results of a skin biopsy revealed necrotising dermatitis. Initial laboratory evaluation included severe leucocytosis with marked hyperproteinaemia and adequate coagulation times. A cryoprecipitate was noted in a refrigerated blood sample in the absence of lipemia. Serum protein electrophoresis yielded inconsistent results depending on sample preparation, suggestive of the presence of cryoglobulins. Evaluation of an uncentrifuged sample revealed a gammopathy, with a peak in the beta 2 globulin fraction. Treatment for vasculitis and dermatitis resulted in little clinical improvement, and the gelding was euthanised. Necropsy revealed multicentric lymphoma with a tropism for perivascular spaces and skeletal muscles.
The beneficial impact of metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease on lenvatinib treatment in patients with non‐viral hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shimose Shigeo , Hiraoka Atsushi , Casadei‐Gardini Andrea , Tsutsumi Tsubasa , Nakano Dan , Iwamoto Hideki , Tada Fujimasa , Rimini Margherita , Tanaka Masatoshi , Torimura Takuji , Suga Hideya , Ohama Hideko , Burgio Valentina , Niizeki Takashi , Moriyama Etsuko , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Shirono Tomotake , Noda Yu , Kamachi Naoki , Nakano Masahito , Kuromatsu Ryoko , Koga Hironori , Kawaguchi Takumi 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAimLenvatinib is used to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is becoming a major etiology of HCC. We aimed to evaluate the impact of MAFLD on the efficacy of lenvatinib.MethodsWe enrolled 320 patients with HCC who were treated with lenvatinib. All patients were classified into the MAFLD (n = 155) and non‐MAFLD (n = 165) groups. Independent factors for overall survival (OS) were analyzed. In the stratification analysis, HCC was categorized as non‐viral (n = 115) or viral HCC (n = 205).ResultsThe OS rate was significantly higher in the MAFLD group than in the non‐MAFLD group (median 21.1 vs. 15.1 months, p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that, in addition to albumin‐bilirubin grade and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, MAFLD was identified as an independent factor for OS (HR 0.722, 95% CI 0.539–0.966, p = 0.028). In the stratification analysis, the OS rate was significantly higher in the MAFLD group than in the non‐MAFLD group among patients with non‐viral HCC (median 21.1 vs. 15.1 months, p = 0.002), but not in patients with viral HCC. Furthermore, MAFLD was an independent negative risk factor for OS in patients with non‐viral HCC (HR 0.506, 95% CI 0.297–0.864, P < 0.01). However, MAFLD was not an independent factor for OS in patients with viral HCC.ConclusionsMAFLD was a beneficial factor for survival in patients with HCC treated with lenvatinib. Moreover, the better OS of the MAFLD group was more pronounced in patients with non‐viral HCC. Lenvatinib may be a suitable agent for patients with non‐viral HCC and MAFLD.
Preparation and properties of wear‐resistant carbonized‐ceramic composite coating on pure aluminum surface
Authors: Shao Zhonglei , Chen Lu , Lu Hailin , Fan Fulin 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn this paper, a new composite coating was prepared on the surface of pure aluminum (Al) by combining the micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) technology with the polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) carbonization technology. The composite coating and the single MAO coating were observed by a scanning electron microscope, and an energy‐dispersive spectrometer, finding that the single MAO coating surface with volcano‐like pores and microcracks, was covered by the carbonized layer of the composite coating where the overall coating thickness was around 19.5 µm, including 17.5 µm of inner MAO coating. The material properties of the composite coating were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The wear resistance of the composite coating was tested under dry friction conditions, finding that the wear width on the composite coating surface was 909.6 µm only, which was around 55.7%, 50.4%, and 58.2% of those for pure Al substrate, single carbonized coating, and single MAO coating, respectively. Then the comprehensive wear resistance of the composite coating was explored under different sliding speeds and lubrication mediums. Finally, the wear‐resisting mechanism of the composite coating was discussed, concluding that the composite coating could effectively reduce adhesive wear and abrasive wear of the Al substrate.
The effects of assessment design on academic dishonesty, learner engagement, and certification rates in MOOCs
Authors: Alexandron Giora , Wiltrout Mary Ellen , Berg Aviram , Gershon Sa'ar Karp , Ruipérez‐Valiente José A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundMassive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have touted the idea of democratizing education, but soon enough, this utopian idea collided with the reality of finding sustainable business models. In addition, the promise of harnessing interactive and social web technologies to promote meaningful learning was only partially successful. And finally, studies demonstrated that many learners exploit the anonymity and feedback to earn certificates unethically. Thus, establishing MOOC pedagogical models that balance open access, meaningful learning, and trustworthy assessment remains a challenge that is crucial for the field to achieve its goals.ObjectivesThis study analysed the influence of an MOOC assessment model, denoted the Competency Exam (CE), on learner engagement, the level of cheating, and certification rates. At its core, this model separates learning from for‐credit assessment, and it was introduced by the MITx Biology course team in 2016.MethodsWe applied a learning analytics methodology to the clickstream data of the verified learners (N = 559) from four consecutive runs of an Introductory Biology MOOC offered through edX. The analysis used novel algorithms for measuring the level of cheating and learner engagement, which were developed in the previous studies.Results and ConclusionsOn the positive side, the CE model reduced cheating and did not reduce learner engagement with the main learning materials – videos and formative assessment items. On the negative side, it led to procrastination, and certification rates were lower.ImplicationsFirst, the results shed light on the fundamental connection between incentive design and learner behaviour. Second, the CE provides MOOC designers with an ‘analytically verified’ model to reduce cheating without compromising on open access. Third, our methodology provides a novel means for measuring cheating and learner engagement in MOOCs.