julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Negami: An Augmented Reality App for the Treatment of Spatial Neglect After Stroke
2023-01-11

Background A widely applied and effective rehabilitation method for patients experiencing spatial neglect after a stroke is “visual exploration training.” Patients improve their ipsilesional bias of attention and orientation by training exploration movements and search strategies toward the contralesional side of space. In this context, gamification can have a positive influence on motivation for treatment and thus on the success of treatment. In contrast to virtual reality applications, treatment enhancements through augmented reality (AR) have not yet been investigated, although they offer some advantages over virtual reality. Objective This study aimed to develop an AR-based app (Negami) for the treatment of spatial neglect that combines visual exploration training with active, contralesionally oriented rotation of the eyes, head, and trunk. Methods The app inserts a virtual element (origami bird) into the real space surrounding the patient, which the patient explores with the camera of a tablet. Subjective reports from healthy elderly participants (n=10) and patients with spatial neglect after stroke (n=10) who trained with the new Negami app were analyzed. Usability, side effects, and game experience were assessed by various questionnaires. Results Training at the highest defined difficulty level was perceived as differently challenging but not as frustrating by the group of healthy elderly participants. The app was rated with high usability, hardly any side effects, high motivation, and entertainment. The group of patients with spatial neglect after stroke consistently evaluated the app positively on the dimensions of motivation, satisfaction, and fun. Conclusions The Negami app represents a promising extension by adding AR to traditional exploration training for spatial neglect. Through participants’ natural interaction with the physical surrounding environment during playful tasks, side effects as symptoms of cybersickness are minimized and patients’ motivation appeared to markedly increase. The use of AR in cognitive rehabilitation programs and the treatment of spatial neglect seems promising and should receive further investigation.
Uncertainty, Evidence, and the Integration of Machine Learning into Medical Practice
2023-01-11

Abstract In light of recent advances in machine learning for medical applications, the automation of medical diagnostics is imminent. That said, before machine learning algorithms find their way into clinical practice, various problems at the epistemic level need to be overcome. In this paper, we discuss different sources of uncertainty arising for clinicians trying to evaluate the trustworthiness of algorithmic evidence when making diagnostic judgments. Thereby, we examine many of the limitations of current machine learning algorithms (with deep learning in particular) and highlight their relevance for medical diagnostics. Among the problems we inspect are the theoretical foundations of deep learning (which are not yet adequately understood), the opacity of algorithmic decisions, and the vulnerabilities of machine learning models, as well as concerns regarding the quality of medical data used to train the models. Building on this, we discuss different desiderata for an uncertainty amelioration strategy that ensures that the integration of machine learning into clinical settings proves to be medically beneficial in a meaningful way.
Comparability of C-Peptide Measurements – Current Status and Clinical Relevance
2023-01-11

Abstract C-peptide is an increasingly used and established marker for beta cell function by assessing endogenous insulin secretion. Accurate and comparable C-peptide measurements are needed in clinical practice and research studies. For example, to calculate HOMA-indices, the C-peptide/glucose ratio, and the classification of recently published novel subgroups of diabetes and prediabetes have used C-peptide measurements. Although the process for standardization of C-peptide measurements is advanced, its full implementation is still missing; therefore, the current status of the comparability of C-peptide measurements using different immunoassays is unclear. Here we compared five widely used C-peptide immunoassays on different analyzers (Abbott ALINITY i, DiaSorin Liaison XL, Roche Cobas e411, Siemens Healthineers ADVIA Centaur XPT, and Immulite 2000 XPi) using serum samples covering the clinically relevant C-peptide concentration range. Although all investigated immunoassays are traceable to the international reference reagent for C-peptide (NIBSC code: 84/510), results of C-peptide measurements showed significant differences between analyzers in the entire concentration range, especially with increasing C-peptide concentrations. The mean bias was largest (36.6%) between results of the immunoassays by Roche and Siemens Healthineers (ADVIA Centaur XPT), and both assays revealed large discrepancies compared to immunoassays by Abbott, DiaSorin, and Siemens Healthineers (Immulite 2000 XPi). In contrast, the three latter assays showed similar C-peptide results (mean bias: 2.3% to 4.2%). Consequently, C-peptide discrepancies might affect clinical diagnosis and the interpretation of study results. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement and finalize the standardization process of C-peptide measurements to improve patient care and the comparability of research studies.
Shear Wave Elastography in Bruxism—Not Yet Ready for Clinical Routine
2023-01-11

Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) is an emerging modality for the estimation of stiffness, but it has not been studied in relation to common disorders with altered stiffness, such as bruxism, which affects almost one-third of adults. Because this condition could lead to an increased stiffness of masticatory muscles, we investigated SWE in bruxism according to a proof-of-principle and feasibility study with 10 patients with known bruxism and an age- and gender-matched control group. SWE of the left and right masseter muscles was estimated under three conditions: relaxed jaw, 50% of the subjective maximal bite force, and maximal jaw opening. Rejecting the null hypothesis, SWE was significantly increased during relaxed jaw (bruxism 1.92 m/s ± 0.44; controls 1.66 m/s ± 0.24), whereas for maximal mouth opening, the result was vice versa increased with 2.89 m/s ± 0.93 for bruxism patients compared with 3.53 m/s ± 0.95 in the healthy control, which could be due to limited jaw movement in chronic bruxism patients (bruxism 4.46 m/s ± 1.17; controls 5.23 m/s ± 0.43). We show that SWE in bruxism is feasible and could be of potential use for diagnostics and monitoring, though we also highlight important limitations and necessary methodological considerations for future studies.
Timing of organogenesis underscores the evolution of neonatal life histories and powered flight in bats
2023-01-11

Bats have undergone one of the most drastic limb innovations in vertebrate history, associated with the evolution of powered flight. Knowledge of the genetic basis of limb organogenesis in bats has increased but little has been documented regarding the differences between limb organogenesis in bats and that of other vertebrates. We conducted embryological comparisons of the timelines of limb organogenesis in 24 bat species and 72 non-bat amniotes. In bats, the time invested for forelimb organogenesis has been considerably extended and the appearance timing of the forelimb ridge has been significantly accelerated, whereas the timing of the finger and first appearance of the claw development has been delayed, facilitating the enlargement of the manus. Furthermore, we discovered that bats initiate the development of their hindlimbs earlier than their forelimbs compared with other placentals. Bat neonates are known to be able to cling continuously with their well-developed foot to the maternal bodies or habitat substrates soon after birth. We suggest that this unique life history of neonates, which possibly coevolved with powered flight, has driven the accelerated development of the hindlimb and precocious foot.
Untangling the Intertwined: Metallic to Semiconducting Phase Transition of Colloidal MoS2 Nanoplatelets and Nanosheets
2023-01-11

2D semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are highly promising materials for future spin- and valleytronic applications and exhibit an ultrafast response to external (optical) stimuli which is essential for optoelectronics. Colloidal nanochemistry on the other hand is an emerging alternative for the synthesis of 2D TMDC nanosheet (NS) ensembles, allowing for the control of the reaction via tunable precursor and ligand chemistry. Up to now, wet-chemical colloidal syntheses yielded intertwined/agglomerated NSs with a large lateral size. Here, we show a synthesis method for 2D mono- and bilayer MoS2 nanoplatelets with a particularly small lateral size (NPLs, 7.4 nm ± 2.2 nm) and MoS2 NSs (22 nm ± 9 nm) as a reference by adjusting the molybdenum precursor concentration in the reaction. We find that in colloidal 2D MoS2 syntheses initially a mixture of the stable semiconducting and the metastable metallic crystal phase is formed. 2D MoS2 NPLs and NSs then both undergo a full transformation to the semiconducting crystal phase by the end of the reaction, which we quantify by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Phase pure semiconducting MoS2 NPLs with a lateral size approaching the MoS2 exciton Bohr radius exhibit strong additional lateral confinement, leading to a drastically shortened decay of the B exciton which is characterized by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. Our findings represent an important step for utilizing colloidal TMDCs, for example small MoS2 NPLs represent an excellent starting point for the growth of heterostructures for future colloidal photonics.
Performance evaluation of automated white matter hyperintensity segmentation algorithms in a multicenter cohort on cognitive impairment and dementia
2023-01-12

Background White matter hyperintensities (WMH), a biomarker of small vessel disease, are often found in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and their advanced detection and quantification can be beneficial for research and clinical applications. To investigate WMH in large-scale multicenter studies on cognitive impairment and AD, appropriate automated WMH segmentation algorithms are required. This study aimed to compare the performance of segmentation tools and provide information on their application in multicenter research. Methods We used a pseudo-randomly selected dataset ( n = 50) from the DZNE-multicenter observational Longitudinal Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Study (DELCODE) that included 3D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images from participants across the cognitive continuum. Performances of top-rated algorithms for automated WMH segmentation [Brain Intensity Abnormality Classification Algorithm (BIANCA), lesion segmentation toolbox (LST), lesion growth algorithm (LGA), LST lesion prediction algorithm (LPA), pgs, and sysu_media] were compared to manual reference segmentation (RS). Results Across tools, segmentation performance was moderate for global WMH volume and number of detected lesions. After retraining on a DELCODE subset, the deep learning algorithm sysu_media showed the highest performances with an average Dice’s coefficient of 0.702 (±0.109 SD) for volume and a mean F1-score of 0.642 (±0.109 SD) for the number of lesions. The intra-class correlation was excellent for all algorithms (&amp;gt;0.9) but BIANCA (0.835). Performance improved with high WMH burden and varied across brain regions. Conclusion To conclude, the deep learning algorithm, when retrained, performed well in the multicenter context. Nevertheless, the performance was close to traditional methods. We provide methodological recommendations for future studies using automated WMH segmentation to quantify and assess WMH along the continuum of cognitive impairment and AD dementia.
Isolation and Characterization of the Arapaima gigas Growth Hormone (ag-GH) cDNA and Three-Dimensional Modeling of This Hormone in Comparison with the Human Hormone (hGH)
2023-01-12

In a previous work, the common gonadotrophic hormone α-subunit (ag-GTHα), the ag-FSH β- and ag-LH β-subunit cDNAs, were isolated and characterized by our research group from A. gigas pituitaries, while a preliminary synthesis of ag-FSH was also carried out in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. In the present work, the cDNA sequence encoding the ag-growth hormone (ag-GH) has also been isolated from the same giant Arapaimidae Amazonian fish. The ag-GH consists of 208 amino acids with a putative 23 amino acid signal peptide and a 185 amino acid mature peptide. The highest identity, based on the amino acid sequences, was found with the Elopiformes (82.0%), followed by Anguilliformes (79.7%) and Acipenseriformes (74.5%). The identity with the corresponding human GH (hGH) amino acid sequence is remarkable (44.8%), and the two disulfide bonds present in both sequences were perfectly conserved. Three-dimensional (3D) models of ag-GH, in comparison with hGH, were generated using the threading modeling method followed by molecular dynamics. Our simulations suggest that the two proteins have similar structural properties without major conformational changes under the simulated conditions, even though they are separated from each other by a &gt;100 Myr evolutionary period (1 Myr = 1 million years). The sequence found will be used for the biotechnological synthesis of ag-GH while the ag-GH cDNA obtained will be utilized for preliminary Gene Therapy studies.
Recognition of Pep-13/25 MAMPs of Phytophthora localizes to an RLK locus in Solanum microdontum
2023-01-12

Pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) in plants is mediated by cell surface-localized pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) upon perception of microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMPs). MAMPs are conserved molecules across microbe species, or even kingdoms, and PRRs can confer broad-spectrum disease resistance. Pep-13/25 are well-characterized MAMPs in Phytophthora species, which are renowned devastating oomycete pathogens of potato and other plants, and for which genetic resistance is highly wanted. Pep-13/25 are derived from a 42 kDa transglutaminase GP42, but their cognate PRR has remained unknown. Here, we genetically mapped a novel surface immune receptor that recognizes Pep-25. By using effectoromics screening, we characterized the recognition spectrum of Pep-13/25 in diverse Solanaceae species. Response to Pep-13/25 was predominantly found in potato and related wild tuber-bearing Solanum species. Bulk-segregant RNA sequencing (BSR-Seq) and genetic mapping the response to Pep-25 led to a 0.081 cM region on the top of chromosome 3 in the wild potato species Solanum microdontum subsp. gigantophyllum . Some BAC clones in this region were isolated and sequenced, and we found the Pep-25 receptor locates in a complex receptor-like kinase ( RLK ) locus. This study is an important step toward the identification of the Pep-13/25 receptor, which can potentially lead to broad application in potato and various other hosts of Phytophthora species
Pleiotropic Devitalization of Renal Cancer Cells by Non-Invasive Physical Plasma: Characterization of Molecular and Cellular Efficacy
2023-01-12

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the third most common urological tumor and has an extremely poor prognosis after metastasis has occurred. Therapeutic options are highly restricted, primarily due to resistance to classical chemotherapeutics. The development of new, innovative therapeutic procedures is thus of great urgency. In the present study, the influence of non-invasive physical plasma (NIPP) on malignant and non-malignant renal cells is characterized. The biological efficacy of NIPP has been demonstrated in malignant renal cell lines (786-O, Caki-1) and non-malignant primary human renal epithelial cells (HREpC). The cell responses that were experimentally examined were cell growth (cell number determination, calculation of growth rate and doubling time), cell motility (scratch assay, invasiveness assay), membrane integrity (uptake of fluorescent dye, ATP release), and induction of apoptosis (TUNEL assay, caspase-3/7 assay, comet assay). A single NIPP treatment of the malignant cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, invasiveness, and metastasis. This treatment has been attributed to the disruption of membrane functionality and the induction of apoptotic mechanisms. Comparison of NIPP sensitivity of malignant 786-O and Caki-1 cells with non-malignant HREpC cells showed significant differences. Our results suggest that renal cancer cells are significantly more sensitive to NIPP than non-malignant renal cells. Treatment with NIPP could represent a promising innovative option for the therapy of RCC and might supplement established treatment procedures. Of high clinical relevance would be the chemo-sensitizing properties of NIPP, which could potentially allow a combination of NIPP treatment with low-dose chemotherapy.
A Meditation Based Cognitive Therapy (HMBCT) for Primary Insomnia: A treatment feasibility pilot study
2023-01-12

Abstract Previous evidence suggests a critical need for alternative therapies which are cost-effective and can add to the list of well-established treatments for insomnia. This pilot study evaluates a novel therapy for treating insomnia. It comprises a randomized controlled trial with two groups. Prior to Simple randomization, the participants are included/excluded based on research diagnostic criteria (RDC) for insomnia (Edinger et al., 2004) by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Participants (belonging to Hindu, Muslim and Christian faiths) were assigned to either the therapy group (Hare Krishna Mantra Based Cognitive Therapy: HMBCT) or non-therapy group (control with relaxing music) (other conventional aspects of CBT: Stimulus Control, Sleep Restriction, Sleep Hygiene etc. being common to both the groups) for a 6 weeks treatment procedure (6-sessions were conducted in 6 weeks, each on an average of 45-minute duration in the evening and in addition, the participants who underwent sleep quality behavioral measures, sleep logs and Polysomnography recording were asked to practice therapy in the evening of the day of sleep recording). For a week, before and after the 6 weeks duration, no treatment is provided. HMBCT produced significant improvements in sleep quality measures, like ESS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) (a reduction of 61% post treatment) and ISI (Insomnia Severity Index) (a reduction of 80% post treatment) scores. The participants abstained from taking any sleep-inducing medication during this study. We conclude that the addition of mantra chanting to CBT may add to the improvement of sleep quality.
Application of the NCCN-distress thermometer in pediatric patients during autologous and allogeneic HSCT and relationship to blood parameters of the stress axis
2023-01-12

Abstract Purpose Hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT) are extremely stressful procedures for pediatric patients. The activation of the Hypothalamic pituitary adrenocortical axis (HPA) can influence the immune system negatively and therefore the overall outcome. A screening instrument should be established to detect elevated stress levels. Methods In this prospective study, a distress thermometer with attached problem list was used in 40 pediatric patients and their parents. The patients were aged 10 to 18 years and received a HSCT. Furthermore, the patients' cortisol, thyroid stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine and Thyroxine levels were measured regularly during the inpatient stay. Results After admission to the hospital, the stress levels of the pediatric patients and their parents increased and reached their maximum on the day of HSCT. The overall stress values of the parents were higher than those of the children, with a significant difference on the day of HSCT. The mean cortisol values of the pediatric patients also increased after admission, reaching significant elevated levels above the upper norm limit one week after HSCT and on discharge day. While the pediatric patients experienced mainly exhaustion, especially on the day of transplantation, their parents mainly felt worry and anxiety. Interestingly, the rate of worry among children increased in the posttransplant period and reached its maximum on the day of discharge. Conclusions These results confirm the need for early and continuous psycho-oncological intervention with the pediatric patients and their parents, especially up to the day of HSCT.
Silent recognition of flagellins from human gut commensal bacteria by Toll-like receptor 5
2023-01-13

Flagellin, the protein subunit of the bacterial flagellum, stimulates the innate immune receptor Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) after pattern recognition or evades TLR5 through lack of recognition. This binary response fails to explain the weak agonism of flagellins from commensal bacteria, raising the question of how TLR5 response is tuned. Here, we screened abundant flagellins present in metagenomes from human gut for both TLR5 recognition and activation and uncovered a class of flagellin-TLR5 interaction termed silent recognition. Silent flagellins were weak TLR5 agonists despite pattern recognition. Receptor activity was tuned by a TLR5-flagellin interaction distal to the site of pattern recognition that was present in Salmonella flagellin but absent in silent flagellins. This interaction enabled flagellin binding to preformed TLR5 dimers and increased TLR5 signaling by several orders of magnitude. Silent recognition by TLR5 occurred in human organoids and mice, and silent flagellin proteins were present in human stool. These flagellins were produced primarily by the abundant gut bacteria Lachnospiraceae and were enriched in nonindustrialized populations. Our findings provide a mechanism for the innate immune system to tolerate commensal-derived flagellins while remaining vigilant to the presence of flagellins produced by pathogens.
Low dose pediatric chest computed tomography on a photon counting detector system – initial clinical experience
2023-01-13

Abstract Background With the clinical release of a photon counting detector-based computed tomography (CT) system, the potential benefits of this new technology need to be evaluated clinically. Literature concerning this new generation of detector is sparse, especially in the field of pediatric radiology. Therefore, this study outlines our initial experience with ultra-low dose chest CT imaging on the new photon counting CT system. Materials and methods A pediatric phantom (1-year old, CIRS ATOM phantom, model 704 [CIRS-computerized imaging reference system, Norfolk, VA]) was scanned at different dose levels and different image quality levels to define a protocol for clinical examinations. Next, 20 consecutive pediatric non-contrast ultra-low dose chest CT examinations were evaluated for radiation dose and diagnostic image quality using a 4-point Likert-scale—1 = excellent, 4 = bad image quality—by two radiologists in a consensus reading. This retrospective analysis was approved by the local research ethics committee. Results Chest CT examinations performed at ultra-low radiation dose (effective dose 0.19 ± 0.07 mSv; size-specific dose estimate 0.45 ± 0.14 mGy) in pediatric patients ages (2.6 ± 1.8 years) show good to excellent image quality for lung structures (1.4 ± 0.4) and moderate image quality for soft tissue structures (2.8 ± 0.2). Conclusion Pediatric ultra-low dose chest CT examinations are feasible with the new generation photon counting detector-based CT system. The benefits of this technology must be evaluated for pediatric patients from the outset.