bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatic tumors diagnosis system based on fuzzy c-means using computed tomography images
Authors: Al-Saeed Yasmeen , Gab-Allah Wael , Elmogy Mohammed 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Liver cancer due to hepatic tumors is one of the primary mortality causes globally. Detecting and diagnosing such tumors can be very tricky in reducing death rates. Segmenting liver tumors from computed tomography (CT) images is a very tricky and challenging task due to many factors such as fuzziness of the liver intensities range, liver pixels intensities values intersection with the neighboring abdomen organs, noise imposed by CT scanner, and variance in tumors and appearances. This paper introduces a Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) system based on some of the Fuzzy C-means (FCM) method variations to detect liver tumors on CT images. Furthermore, one of the main objectives of this paper is to diagnose and label detected liver tumors, either benign or malignant. Methods: Multi-scale Fuzzy C-Means (MSFCM) is used as the liver segmentation method, and its output is the liver segmented out of the abdomen CT image. In order to achieve high-quality liver tumors segmentation, the segmentation is done using two FCM algorithms; Gaussian Kernelized Fuzzy C-Means (GKFCM) and Fast Generalized Fuzzy C-Means (FGFCM), respectively. The diagnosis is achieved by extracting features from segmented tumors and passing them to the support vector machines (SVM) classifier.Results: To evaluate the overall performance of the proposed CAD system, the system was implemented using CT images from three liver benchmark datasets with a total of 250 subjects. The used datasets are MICCAI-Sliver07, LiTS17 and 3Dircadb. Different performance metrics were calculated, such as accuracy (ACC), sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), and dice similarity score (DSC). The proposed system achieved reasonable performance results with an average ACC, SEN, SPE, and DSC of 96.62%, 95.84%,94.20%, and 95.21%, respectively. Conclusions: The proposed system was able to differentiate benign and malignant tumors with reasonable accuracy. The resulted accuracy resulted from our CAD system features such as noise robustness, detail persevering, and being a fully-automatic system with no need for user interaction. The experimental results showed the applicability of the proposed system using different liver datasets.
A feasibility randomised controlled trial with an embedded qualitative evaluation of perinatal emotional skills groups for women with borderline personality disorder: Protocol for the EASE study
Authors: Moran Paul , Bick Debra , Biddle Lucy , Borries Belina , Kandiyali Rebecca , Rigby Janice , Seume Penny , Sadhnani Vaneeta , Smith Nadine , Swales Michaela 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
BackgroundBorderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder characterised by emotional instability, impaired interpersonal functioning and an increased risk of suicide. There is no clear evidence about how best to help women with BPD during the perinatal period. Perinatal Emotional Skills Groups (ESGs) consist of twelve group sessions, focussing on core skills in emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance and mindfulness and how these skills can best be utilised during the perinatal period. Prior observational research has shown that perinatal ESGs may help women with BPD. We set out to test the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial to investigate the clinical effectiveness of perinatal ESGs.MethodsA two-arm, parallel-group, feasibility randomized controlled trial of Perinatal ESGs in addition to Treatment as Usual (TAU) versus TAU for women aged over 18 years, who are likely to have a diagnosis of BPD and are either pregnant or are within 12 months of having a live birth. We will exclude women who have a co-existing organic, psychotic mental disorder or substance use dependence syndrome; those with cognitive or language difficulties that would preclude them from consenting or participating in study procedures; those judged to pose an acute risk to their baby and those requiring admission to a mother and baby unit. After consenting to participation and completing screening assessments, eligible individuals will be randomly allocated, on a 1:1 ratio, to either ESGs + TAU or to TAU. Randomization will be stratified according to recruitment centre.Feasibility outcomes will be the proportion of participants: (1) consenting; (2) completing baseline measures and randomised; (3) completing the intervention and (4) completing follow-up assessments. All study participants will complete a battery of self-report measures at 2- and 4-months post randomisation. A nested qualitative study will examine participants’ and therapists’ experiences of the trial and the intervention. DiscussionEvidence is lacking about how to help women with BPD during the perinatal period. Perinatal ESGs are a promising intervention and if they prove to be an effective adjunct to usual care, a large population of vulnerable women and their children could experience substantial health gains. Trial registrationISRCTN80470632
Differences in gut microbiota and its metabolic function among different fasting plasma glucose groups in Mongolian population of China
Authors: Liu Yanchao , Wang Mingxiao , Li Wuyun-tana , Gao Yumin , Li Hailing , Cao Ning , Hao Wenli , Zhao Lingyan 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background Many studies reported the association between gut microbiota and type 2 diabetes(T2D)，but it is still unclear which bacterial genus plays a key role and how the metabolic function of gut microbiota changes in the occurrence and development of T2D. Besides, there is insufficient evidence on the association between gut microbiota and T2D in Mongolian population. This study identified the main bacterial genus influencing the occurrence and development of T2D in Mongolian population, and analyzed the changes of metabolic function of gut microbiota. The association between dietary factors and the relative abundance of main bacterial genus or its metabolic function was also studied.Methods Dietary surveys and gut microbiota analyses were performed on 24 Mongolian volunteers that were divided into T2D (6 cases), PRET2D ( 6 cases) and Control group (12 cases) according to the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) values. The relative abundance and metabolic function of gut microbiota from fecal samples of the volunteers were measured by metagenomic analysis. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the association between dietary factors, and the relative abundance of the main bacterial genus or its metabolic function.Results This study found that the relative abundance of gut microbiota and its metabolic function differed significantly across groups, and clostridium genus may be one of the key bacterial genus affecting the occurrence and development of T2D. First, the relative abundance of clostridium genus was significantly different among the three groups. Second, PRET2D or T2D group had a higher relative abundance of metabolic enzymes of most of the gut microbiota than Control group. Third, there was a strong correlation between the relative abundance of clostridium genus and that of many metabolic enzymes, which may be produced by the clostridium genus. Last, carotene intake was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of clostridium genus but positively correlated with tagaturonate reductase of clostridium genus, which catalyzed interconversions of pentose and glucuronate.Conclusions The clostridium genus of gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of T2D, and it can be a potential biomarker for T2D in Mongolian population. Meanwhile, the metabolic function of gut microbiota has changed during the early stage of T2D, and the changes of the metabolic function of carbohydrate, amino acid, lipid or energy of clostridium genus may play a critical role. In addition, the carotene intake may affect the reproduction and metabolic function of clostridium genus.
The Associations between Exposure to PM2.5 Air Pollution and Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease in Yantai, China
Authors: Chen Haotian , Zhao Yang , Wang Maobo , Wang Guangcheng , Liu Junyan , Liu Haiyun , Yang Baoshun , Shan Haifeng , Wang Luyang , Shi Yukun , Li Hongyu , Han Chunlei 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated that atmospheric particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is closely related to cardiovascular disease. But few studies investigated the association between short-term exposure to PM2.5 and cardiovascular diseases incidence. Therefore, this study aims to examine the short-term effects of PM2.5 on the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Daily air pollutant concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO and O3 and meteorological data were collected. Daily counts of cardiovascular diseases incidence were obtained from the Disease Control and Prevention Center of Yantai city from 1 January, 2014 to 31 December, 2019. Combination of Poisson-distribution generalized linear model (GLM) and distributed lag linear model (DLM) were used to examine the association between a daily variation of PM2.5 and cardiovascular disease incidence, and calculate the relative risk (RR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the cardiovascular disease incidence lag effects(lag0-10 day(s)) after adjusting for the effects of temperature and relative humidity and controlling long-term trends and day of week effects. Stratified analysis was performed to examine whether associations varied across age, sex and disease subgroups. Every 10 µg/m3 increase of PM2.5 was associated with 0.147% (95%CI: 0.008-0.286) increase of cardiovascular disease incidence, and the largest effect on cardiovascular disease incidence was found at a lag of 2 days for PM2.5. The stratified analysis showed higher effects risk in females, residents (aged 60-75 years) and acute myocardial infarction group (p-value for difference < 0.05). This study indicates that short-term exposure to PM2.5 may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease incidence and highlight the necessity for a higher air quality standard in Yantai, China. Environment protective measures and efforts to reduce exposure to PM2.5 should be strengthened, especially for the female and the elderly population.
Analysis of C9orf72 repeat expansions in Georgian patients with ALS
Authors: Kekenadze Mariam , Rocca Clarissa , Kaiyrzhanov Rauan , Nagy Sara , Kvirkvelia Nana , Vashadze Shorena , Kvaratskhelia Eka , Beridze Maia , Houlden Henry 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUNDAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the upper and lower motor neurons. Several genetic risk factors have been identified in the past decade with a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene being the most significant. However, the presence of c9orf72 repeat expansion has not been examined in the Transcaucasian region, therefore we aimed to analyze its frequency in Georgian patients with ALS.MethodsWe included 47 self-reported Georgian patients with ALS from different parts of the country, fulfilling the Gold Coast criteria. To investigate the presence of an expanded GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat in the non-coding region of the C9orf72 gene, we performed Repeat-Primed PCR. Results45 sporadic and 2 familial ALS cases were identified. Patients were aged 26 to 84 years with a mean age of 58.3 years at disease onset. Bulbar onset was observed in 21.3%, upper limb onset in 38.3%, and lower limb onset in 40.4% of the patients. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) fulfilling the Strong criteria was diagnosed in 6 patients (12.7%). C9orf72 repeat expansion could not be detected in any of the cases using RP-PCR. ConclusionsOur results indicate that c9orf72 hexanucleotide expansion does not belong to the genetic risk factors of ALS in Georgian patients. Further genetic studies in a bigger study population are needed to reveal the genetic causes of ALS in the Transcaucasian population. As part of this research, Whole Exome Sequencing testing will be performed for identifying other gene mutations that might contribute to developing ALS in those patients.
Realization of Tunable Plasticity in Porous Synaptic Memristors for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Huang Anping , Gao Qin , Huang Jiangshun , Ji Yuhang , Gao Juan , Wang Mei , Xiao Zhisong , Zhu Ying , Chu Paul 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Brain-inspired neuromorphic computing is a promising way to implement artificial intelligence to overcome the issues of independent information processing and storage. An artificial synaptic device with tunable plasticity can perform learning and memorization by adjusting the weight of the synapse. In this work, a synaptic memristor composed of porous silicon oxide (PSiOx) incorporated with MoS2 quantum dots (QDs) is fabricated and excitatory paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), post-tetanic potentiation (PTP), learning-forgetting behavior, and spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) are demonstrated. The short/long-term plasticity (SLTP) in biological synapses reveal the possibility of tunable synaptic plasticity with self-regulating functions under a series of excitation frequency between 200 μs and 10 ms. An artificial neural network (ANN) is designed theoretically according to the SLTP characteristic curves of the synapses and the recognition rate is observed to increase from 54.2% to 91.8% by simply adjusting the input frequency. The image recognition accuracy is improved by 6% in the presence of 20% noise at an input frequency of 1 ms. The excellent results and novel strategy reveal an important step for image recognition in next-generation neuromorphic computing systems.
Isolated Rh atoms in dehydrogenation catalysis
Authors: Wittkämper Haiko , Hock Rainer , Weißer Matthias , Dallmann Johannes , Vogel Carola , Raman Narayanan , Tacardi Nicola , Haumann Marco , Wasserscheid Peter , Hsieh Tzung-En , Maisel Sven , Moritz Michael , Wichmann Christoph , Frisch Johannes , Gorgoi Mihaela , Wilks Regan G. , Bär Marcus , Wu Mingjian , Spiecker Erdmann , Görling Andreas , Unruh Tobias , Steinrück Hans-Peter , Papp Christian 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Isolated active sites have great potential to be highly efficient and stable in heterogeneous catalysis, while enabling low costs due to the low transition metal content. Herein, we present results on the synthesis, first catalytic trials, and characterization of the Ga9Rh2 phase and the hitherto not-studied Ga3Rh phase. We used XRD and TEM for structural characterization, and with XPS, EDX we accessed the chemical composition and electronic structure of the intermetallic compounds. In combination with catalytic tests of these phases in the challenging propane dehydrogenation and by DFT calculations, we obtain a comprehensive picture of these novel catalyst materials. Their specific crystallographic structure leads to isolated Rhodium sites, which is proposed to be the decisive factor for the excellent catalytic properties of the systems.
Biomimetic Cultivation of Atrial Tissue Slices: a Novel Platform for In-Vitro Atrial Arrhythmia Studies
Authors: Amesz Jorik H. , Groot Natasja M.S. , Langmuur Sanne J.J. , Rooij Manuela M.M.M. , Tiggeloven Vera P.C. , Bogers Ad J. J. C. , Taverne Yannick J.H.J. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Living myocardial slices (LMS) are beating sections of intact human myocardium that maintain 3D microarchitecture and multicellularity, thereby overcoming most limitations of conventional myocardial cell cultures. We introduce a novel method to produce LMS from human atria and apply pacing modalities to bridge the gap between in-vitro and in-vivo atrial arrhythmia studies. Human atrial biopsies from 14 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were dissected to tissue blocks of ~ 1 cm2 and cut to 300 µm thin LMS with a precision-cutting vibratome. LMS were placed in a biomimetic culture chamber, filled with standard cell culture medium, under diastolic preload (1 mN) and continuous electrical stimulation (1000 ms cycle length (CL)), resulting in 60 beating LMS. Atrial LMS refractory period was determined at 192 ± 26 ms. Fixed rate pacing with a CL of 333 ms was applied as atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) model. This novel state-of-the-art platform for AT research can be used to investigate arrhythmia mechanisms and test novel therapies.
Restoration of functional PAX3 transcriptional factor enhanced neuronal differentiation in PAX3b isoform depleted neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Muralidharan Narenkumar , Murugan Abinayaselvi , Raj Prabhuraj Andiperumal , Jothi Mathivanan 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Reexpressed PAX3 transcription factor frequently found in neuroblastoma is believed to be responsible for their differentiation defects however the underlying mechanism remains unexplored. Here, we have analyzed how PAX3 is involved in neuroblastoma cell differentiation. Specifically, we have analyzed PAX3 expression, its functional status and its correlation with the neuronal marker expression in SH-SY5Y and its parental SK-N-SH cells. We have found that SH-SY5Y cells which expressed more PAX3 showed increased expression of neuronal marker genes (TUBB, MAP2, NEFL, NEUROG2, SYP) than the SK-N-SH cells with low levels of PAX3. The reported PAX3 targets (MET, TGFA and NCAM1) expression is also more in SH-SY5Y than in SK-N-SH cells which indicated PAX3 function. Retinoic acid treatment is unable to induce neuronal differentiation in cells (SK-N-SH) with low PAX3 level/activity. Moreover, ectopic expression of PAX3 in SK-N-SH cells neither induces neuronal marker genes nor its target genes. PAX3 isoform expression analysis revealed the expression of PAX3b isoform that contains only paired domain in SK-N-SH cells whereas in SH-SY5Y cells we could also observe PAX3c isoform that contains all functional domains. Further, PAX3b depletion in SK-N-SH cells is not induced by PAX3 target genes and the cells remain poorly differentiated. Interestingly, ectopic PAX3 expression enhanced neuronal outgrowth along with neuronal marker gene induction in PAX3b-depleted SK-N-SH cells. Collectively, these results showed that the PAX3b isoform may be responsible for the differentiation defect observed in SK-N-SH cells and restoration of functional PAX3 in the absence of PAX3b can induce neurogenesis in these cells.
Taxonomic description and complete genome of Pseudomonas silvicola sp. nov., a candidate biocontrol agent isolated from Cunninghamia laceolata
Authors: Tian Longyan , Zhang Yanfeng , Yang Hua , Zhao Qian , Lian Tao , Qiu Hualong , Zhang Chunhua , Qin Changsheng , Xu Jinzhu 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
We have previously shown the rod-shaped gram-negative T1-3-2T endophytic bacterial strain isolated from the cone of Cunninghamia laceolata to exhibit growth-promoting activity as well as antifungal activity against a range of phytopathogens. To more fully explore the taxonomic position of this strain, 16S rRNA sequences therefrom were used to conduct a phylogenetic analysis, which was then separately repeated using four concatenated partial genes (16S rDNA-gyrB-rpoB-rpoD) and whole-genome data. The results of this analysis revealed strain T1-3-2T to share a high degree of similarity with Pseudomonas eucalypticola, and to be distinct from any known Pseudomonas species. The GC content of the T1-3-2T genome was 61.65%, and the difference between T1-3-2T and P. eucalypticola are larger than 1. The average nucleotide identity blast (ANIb), average nucleotide identity MUMmer (ANIm), and DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) values for T1-3-2T were below the thresholds necessary for species delineation when compared with the closest known related species P. eucalypticola. Morphological, physiological, and biochemical characterization further supported the identity of the T1-3-2T strain a novel Pseudomonas species for which the name Pseudomonas silvicola is proposed. Genomic analyses revealed strain T1-3-2T to contain three circular DNA contigs, including a 7,613,303 bp chromosome and two plasmids (952,764 bp and 84,880 bp). Bioinformatics analyses further offered potential insight into the molecular mechanisms whereby this endophyte can promote plant growth and control disease, revealing encoded genes related to antibiotic and secondary metabolite production, the uptake and biosynthesis of siderophores, and pyoverdine biosynthesis. These genomic data offer a valuable foundation for future efforts to apply the T1-3-2T strain in research contexts.
POSS nanofillers reinforced thermoplastic starch composite films with high mechanical, thermal and antimicrobial activities for food packaging
Authors: Venkatesan Raja , Santhamoorthy Madhappan , Ramkumar Vanaraj , Parveen Asrafali Shakila , Kim Seong-Cheol 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The development of food packaging materials with the required mechanical strength, barrier and antimicrobial activity is still a major challenge. In this study, a simple, environmentally friendly nanocomposite made of corn-starch (CS) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) (0 to 5wt.%) was made using the solution casting method. To increase their structural and thermal stability, POSS was added to CS. Nanocomposites have superior mechanical properties to the neat film. To match the tensile strength, theoretical predictions were applied. Tensile strength increased with POSS loading, rising to 28.1 MPa (CS + 5wt.% POSS) from 7.8 MPa (neat CS). By giving penetrant molecules a winding route, POSS boosted the barrier properties of CS/POSS composites. Furthermore, CS/POSS composites reduced the rates of oxygen and water vapour transmission by 50.0 cc/m2/day and 48.1 g/m2/day, respectively. Composites containing 5 wt.% POSS film showed an increased antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) food-borne pathogenic bacteria. In conclusion, the CS composite with 5 wt.% POSS showed potential as a material to replace synthetic plastics that are not biodegradable in packaging, particularly food sachets. The results imply that CS/POSS composites might be a promising antimicrobial food packaging material.
Confusion Assessment Method Accurately Screens for Hepatic Encephalopathy and Predicts Short-term Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Desai Archita P. , Gandhi Devika , Xu Chenjia , Ghabril Marwan , Nephew Lauren , Patidar Kavish R. , Campbell Noll L. , Chalasani Naga , Boustani Malaz , Orman Eric S. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a subtype of delirium, is common in cirrhosis and associated with poor outcomes. Yet, objective bedside screening tools for HE are lacking. Objective: We examined the relationship between an established screening tool for delirium, Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) and established HE diagnostic tools as well as outcomes. Methods: Prospectively enrolled adults with cirrhosis who completed the CAM-ICU from 6/2014-6/2018 were followed for 90 days. Blinded provider-assigned West Haven Criteria (WHC) and other measures of cognitive function were collected. Logistic regression was used to test associations between CAM-ICU status and outcomes. Mortality prediction by CAM-ICU status was assessed using Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristics curves (AUROC).Results: Of 469 participants, 11% were CAM-ICU(+), 55% were male and 94% were White. Most patients were Childs-Pugh class C (59%). CAM-ICU had excellent agreement with WHC (Kappa=0.79). CAM-ICU(+) participants had similar demographic features to those CAM-ICU(-), but had higher MELD (25 vs. 19, p<0.0001), were more often admitted to the ICU (28% vs. 7%, p<0.0001), and were more likely to be admitted for HE and infection. CAM-ICU(+) participants had higher mortality (inpatient:37% vs. 3%, 30-day:51% vs. 11%, 90-day:63% vs. 23%, p<0.001). CAM-ICU status predicted mortality with AUROC of 0.85, 0.82 and 0.77 for inpatient, 30-day and 90-day mortality, respectively.Conclusions: CAM-ICU has excellent agreement with WHC and identifies a hospitalized cirrhosis cohort with high short-term mortality. Unlike WHC, CAM-ICU can be administered by any team member making it an ideal tool to identify HE.