Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of a computer simulator to investigate optimised tube voltage for chest imaging of average patients with a digital radiography (DR) imaging system.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate via computer simulation a proposed improvement to clinical practice by deriving an optimised tube voltage (kVp) range for digital radiography (DR) chest imaging. METHODS A digitally reconstructed radiograph algorithm was used which was capable of simulating DR chest radiographs containing clinically relevant anatomy. Five experienced image evaluators graded clinical image criteria, i.e., overall quality, rib, lung, hilar, spine, diaphragm and lung nodule in images of 20 patients at tube voltages across the diagnostic energy range. These criteria were scored against corresponding images of the same patient reconstructed at a specific reference kVp. Evaluators were blinded to kVp. Evaluator score for each criterion was modelled with a linear mixed effects (LME) algorithm and compared with the score for the reference image. RESULTS Score was dependent on tube voltage and image criteria in a statistically significant manner for both. Overall quality, hilar, diaphragm and spine criteria performed poorly at low and high tube voltages, peaking at 80-100 kVp. Lung and lung nodule demonstrated little variation. Rib demonstrated superiority at low kVp. CONCLUSIONS A virtual clinical trial has been performed with simulated chest DR images. Results indicate mid-range tube voltages of 80-100 kVp are optimum for average adults. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE There are currently no specific recommendations for optimised tube voltage parameters for DR chest imaging. This study, validated with images containing realistic anatomical noise, has investigated and recommended an optimal tube voltage range.
The Changbai Alpine Shrub Tundra Will Be Replaced by Herbaceous Tundra under Global Climate Change

Significant replacement of shrub species by herbaceous species has been observed in the Changbai alpine tundra zone, China, since the 1990s. This study used plot surveys to analyze variations in the spatial distribution of dominant plants and to ascertain the changing mechanisms of dominant species in the alpine tundra zone. We found that the two previously dominant shrubs, Rhododendron chrysanthum and Vaccinium uliginosum, differed markedly in their distribution characteristics. The former had the highest abundance and the lowest coefficient of variation, skewness, and kurtosis, and the latter showed the opposite results, while the six herb species invaded had intermediate values. R. chrysanthum still had a relatively uniform distribution, while the herbaceous species and V. uliginosum had a patch distribution deviating from the normal distribution in the tundra zone. Micro-topography and slope grade had stronger effects on the spatial distribution of the eight plant species than elevation. Herbs tended to easily replace the shrubs on a semi-sunny slope aspect, steep slope, and depression. Overall, the dominance of dwarf shrubs declined, while the herbaceous species have encroached and expanded on the alpine tundra zone and have become co-dominant plant species. Our results suggest that various micro-topographic factors associated with variations in climatic and edaphic conditions determine the spatial distribution of plants in the alpine tundra zone. Future climate warming may cause decreased snow thickness, increased growing season length, and drought stress, which may further promote replacement of the shrubs by herbs, which shows retrogressive vegetation successions in the Changbai alpine tundra zone. Further studies need to focus on the physio-ecological mechanisms underlying the vegetation change and species replacement in the alpine tundra area under global climate change.
Recovery of thermophilic Campylobacter by three sampling methods from river sites in Northeast Georgia, USA, and their antimicrobial resistance genes

Sixteen sites in the watershed of the South Fork of the Broad River (SFBR) in Northeastern Georgia, USA, were sampled in two seasons to detect Campylobacter. Sites were classified as mostly influenced by forest, pasture, wastewater pollution control plants (WPC) or mixed use. Sampling was repeated in the late spring and late fall for 2 years for a total of 126 samples. Free‐catch water and sediment grab samples were taken at each site; Moore’s swabs were placed for up to 3 days at most sites. A total of 56 isolates of thermophilic Campylobacter were recovered. Thirteen samplings were positive by two or three methods, and 26 samplings were positive by only one method; once by Moore’s swab only and 25 times by free‐catch water only. Campylobacter was detected at 58% of cattle pasture sites, 30% of forested sites and 81% of WPC sites. Twenty‐one of the isolates carried antimicrobial resistance genes, mostly blaOXA‐61. Free‐catch water samples were more efficient than Moore’s swabs or sediment samples for recovery of Campylobacter, which was more likely to be detected in streams near cattle pastures and human communities than in forested land.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of an Alternant Poly(fluorene–oxadiazole). Synthesis, Properties, and White Light-Emitting Devices

An alternant poly(dihexyl fluorene-co diphenyl oxadiazole) has been synthetized by microwave-assisted oxidative polymerization. The structure has been confirmed by 1H-NMR and FTIR spectroscopies. Gel permeation chromatography indicated high molecular weight and low polydispersity index. DFT calculations suggested a complete separation of HOMO and LUMO orbitals, which were located on fluorene and oxadiazole moiety, respectively. X-ray diffraction, polarized light microscopy, and atomic force microscopy indicated the polymer tendency to stack into a layered morphology with a more compact structure for the films prepared by spin coating. Furthermore, UV-vis and photoluminescence spectroscopies indicated the formation of H-aggregates which played a key role in photoluminescence quenching in solid state. Nevertheless, the good charge mobility gained due to the orbital overlapping in H-aggregates led to excellent electroluminescence, which enabled the development of white OLED devices with outstanding stability.
Current Opioid Prescribing Patterns after Microdirect Laryngoscopy

Background: The prevalence of opioid abuse has become epidemic in the United States. Microdirect laryngoscopy (MDL) is a common otolaryngological procedure, yet prescribing practices for opioids following this operation are not well characterized. Objective: To characterize current opioid-prescribing patterns among otolaryngologists performing MDL. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of otolaryngologists at a national laryngology meeting. Results: Fifty-eight of 205 physician registrants (response rate 28%) completed the survey. Fifty-nine percent of respondents were fellowship-trained in laryngology. Respondents performed an average of 13.3 MDLs per month. Thirty-four percent of surgeons prescribe opioids for over two-thirds of their MDLs, while only 7% of surgeons never prescribe opioids. Eighty-eight percent of surgeons prescribed a combination opioid and acetaminophen compound, hydrocodone being the most common opioid component. Many surgeons prescribe non-opioid analgesics as well, with 70% and 84% of surgeons recommending acetaminophen and ibuprofen after MDL respectively. When opioids were prescribed, patient preference, difficult exposure and history of opioid use were the most influential patient factors. Concerns of opioid abuse, the physician role in the opioid crisis, and literature about postoperative non-opioid analgesia were also underlying themes in influencing opioid prescription patterns after MDL. Conclusions: In this study, over 90% of practicing physicians surveyed are prescribing opioids after MDL, though many are also prescribing non-opioid analgesia as well. Further studies should be completed to investigate the needs of patients following MDL in order to allow physicians to selectively and appropriately prescribe opioid analgesia postoperatively.
Toxicological Assessment of ITER-Like Tungsten Nanoparticles Using an In Vitro 3D Human Airway Epithelium Model

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is an international project aimed at the production of carbon-free energy through the use of thermonuclear fusion. During ITER operation, in case of a loss-of-vacuum-accident, tungsten nanoparticles (W-NPs) could potentially be released into the environment and induce occupational exposure via inhalation. W-NPs toxicity was evaluated on MucilAir™, a 3D in vitro cell model of the human airway epithelium. MucilAir™ was exposed for 24 h to metallic ITER-like milled W-NPs, tungstate (WO42−) and tungsten carbide cobalt particles alloy (WC-Co). Cytotoxicity and its reversibility were assessed using a kinetic mode up to 28 days after exposure. Epithelial tightness, metabolic activity and interleukin-8 release were also evaluated. Electron microscopy was performed to determine any morphological modification, while mass spectrometry allowed the quantification of W-NPs internalization and of W transfer through the MucilAir™. Our results underlined a decrease in barrier integrity, no effect on metabolic activity or cell viability and a transient increase in IL-8 secretion after exposure to ITER-like milled W-NPs. These effects were associated with W-transfer through the epithelium, but not with intracellular accumulation. We have shown that, under our experimental conditions, ITER-like milled W-NPs have a minor impact on the MucilAir™ in vitro model.
Computational models and neural nets: Fantastic models—Where to find them and how to identify them

As anyone with an interest in the works of JK Rowling knows nifflers like shiny treasure and go to extreme lengths to find it. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) physicians are similar in their wish to find deposits of atherosclerosis but are far less accomplished at it. Atherosclerosis is a cryptic disease starting in the vascular wall and only later manifesting within the artery lumen with long‐term conse‐ quences in the form of plaque rupture or erosion (type 1 lesions) but also vasospasm through secondary endothelial dysfunction (type 2 disease). 2 Detecting atherosclerosis is possible using imaging either thorough the detection of early lesions on ultrasound or in the vessel wall (intima‐media thickness) and late‐stage calcified plaques (coro‐ nary artery calcium). 3 The most sophisticated approach is to image atheroma in the wall either in large arteries by magnetic resonance imaging or in coronary arteries by intravascular ultrasound on an‐ giography. Further developments now include three‐dimensional imaging techniques applying computerised image reconstruction techniques. However, all of these direct approaches are limited in their ap‐ plication by the expense and size of the machinery required and the logistics of managing patient flows to central sites. Instead a cheaper and easier approach is pursued by all health systems. The availability of large epidemiological databases and cohort studies now extending in some cases to up to three generations (Framingham) 4 means that high‐risk individuals can be identified easily from common param‐ eters. These studies maintain assay standardisation which may not apply to electronic health records (
Progression of hearing loss and choice of hearing aids by patients in their 60s, 70s, and 80s and older: experience in the Japanese super-aged era

Abstract Background: Demographic data of patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in super-aged societies are still limited. Aims/objectives: To report audiometric statistics of SNHL and hearing aid (HA) use in patients in their 60s, 70s, and 80s and older during the super-aged era. Material and methods: Medical charts and audiograms of 2064 older patients with SNHL who visited a Japanese University Hospital in 2007–2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Among 270 patients referred to the HA service unit (HASU), the percentage of final decisions to continue using HAs was calculated. Results: The average pure tone thresholds on initial visit to the clinic were 56.9, 60.6, 69.4, and 82.4 dB HL in patients in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, respectively. The rates of progression were 0.25, 0.87, 1.19, and 1.37 dB/year in patients in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s, respectively. The percentage of patients in HASU who chose to use HAs did not differ among the 60s (59.3%), 70s (51.2%), and 80s and older (58.2%). Conclusions and significance: The clinical picture of patients with SNHL in their 70s and 80s differs because progression accelerates exponentially through these ages. HAs can be recommended to older adult patients in all the age groups.
Assessment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia: validity and reliability of the Lebanese version of the neuropsychiatric inventory questionnaire

Abstract This study aims to examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic version of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) that evaluates neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with dementia. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 136 Lebanese demented patients aged 63–98 years. NPI-Q was completed by the patients’ primary caregiver and standard NPI was administered through personal interview by an experienced research assistant to the same caregiver. The internal consistencies of the Arabic NPI-Q total and distress scale were 0.680 and 0.684 respectively. One week test-retest reliability of the total NPI-Q and distress scores were 0.991 and 0.988 respectively (p-value <0.0001 for both). The NPI-Q correlated significantly with the standard NPI in individual and total symptom scores as well as caregiver distress scores. Exploratory factor analysis extracted five factors that explained 64.7% of variances. The prevalence of analogous symptoms reported on the NPI and NPI-Q differed on average by 3% while moderate or severe symptom ratings differed on average by 1%. The Arabic version of the NPI-Q showed evidence of good psychometric properties indicating that it is a suitable tool for the routine assessment of neuropsychiatric symptoms for Lebanese patients with dementia in clinical settings.
Striatal responsiveness to reward under threat‐of‐shock and working memory load: A preliminary study

Reward and stress are important determinants of motivated behaviors. Striatal regions play a crucial role in both motivation and hedonic processes. So far, little is known on how cognitive effort interacts with stress to modulate reward processes. This study examines how cognitive effort (load) interacts with an unpredictable acute stressor (threat‐of‐shock) to modulate motivational and hedonic processes in healthy adults.
Clinical outcomes of patients with bilateral anterior disc displacement without reduction and erosive change of the temporomandibular joint after performance of unilateral arthrocentesis and stabilization splint therapy.

BACKGROUND The efficacy of a combination treatment of arthrocentesis and stabilization splint for patients with bilateral anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWoR) and erosive change of the TMJ remains controversial. OBJECTIVES To evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with ADDWoR and erosive change of the TMJ after performance of unilateral arthrocentesis and stabilization splint therapy. METHODS A retrospective study of 44 patients (37 females, 7 males, mean age of 34 years) with bilateral ADDWoR and erosive change of the TMJ were included in this study. Their clinical outcomes before and after arthrocentesis and stabilization splint therapy were compared. Evaluation criteria were as follows: 1) Maximal mouth opening (MMO); 2) Right and left maximal lateral movement (RLM, LLM) and maximal protrusive movement (PM); 3) Visual analog scale (VAS) pain score during MMO, RLM, LLM, and PM; and 4) VAS pain score during palpation of masticatory muscles. Wilcoxon signed rank test, Mc Nemar test, and paired t-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Differences in VAS pain score between arthrocentesis and non-arthrocentesis sites were not statistically significant except MMO and LLM (p < 0.05) after 6 months. Differences in mean VAS pain scores for all variables between before arthrocentesis and 6 months follow-up in the arthrocentesis site were statistically significant. (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Unilateral arthrocentesis on more symptomatic TMJ and subsequent stabilization splint therapy was highly successful for pain and achievement of normal range of mandibular movements in patients with both ADDWoR and bony change.
Mulberry RGS negatively regulates salt stress response and tolerance

ABSTRACT Regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) protein, the best-characterized accelerating GTPase protein in plants, regulates G-protein signaling and plays important role in abiotic stress tolerance. However, the detailed molecular mechanism of RGS involved in G-protein signaling mediated abiotic stress responses remains unclear. In this study, a mulberry (Morus alba L.) RGS gene (MaRGS) was transformed into tobacco, and the ectopic expression of MaRGS in tobacco decreased the tolerance to salt stress. The transgenic tobacco plants had lower proline content, higher malonaldehyde and H2O2 contents than wild type plants under salt stress condition. Meanwhile, MaRGS overexpression in mulberry seedlings enhances the sensitivity to salt stress and RNAi-silenced expression of MaRGS improves the salt stress response and tolerance. These results suggested that MaRGS negatively regulates salt stress tolerance. Further analysis suggested that D-glucose and autophagy may involve in the response of RGS to salt stress. This study revealed the role of MaRGS in salt stress tolerance and provides a proposed model for RGS regulates G-protein signaling in response to salt stress.
Why Cohen’s Kappa should be avoided as performance measure in classification

We show that Cohen’s Kappa and Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC), both extended and contrasted measures of performance in multi-class classification, are correlated in most situations, albeit can differ in others. Indeed, although in the symmetric case both match, we consider different unbalanced situations in which Kappa exhibits an undesired behaviour, i.e. a worse classifier gets higher Kappa score, differing qualitatively from that of MCC. The debate about the incoherence in the behaviour of Kappa revolves around the convenience, or not, of using a relative metric, which makes the interpretation of its values difficult. We extend these concerns by showing that its pitfalls can go even further. Through experimentation, we present a novel approach to this topic. We carry on a comprehensive study that identifies an scenario in which the contradictory behaviour among MCC and Kappa emerges. Specifically, we find out that when there is a decrease to zero of the entropy of the elements out of the diagonal of the confusion matrix associated to a classifier, the discrepancy between Kappa and MCC rise, pointing to an anomalous performance of the former. We believe that this finding disables Kappa to be used in general as a performance measure to compare classifiers.
The Targeting of RNA Polymerase I Transcription Using CX-5461 in Combination with Radiation Enhances Tumour Cell Killing Effects in Human Solid Cancers

An increased rate of cellular proliferation is a hallmark of cancer and may be accompanied by an increase in ribosome biogenesis and dysregulation in rRNA synthesis. In this regard, CX-5461 has been developed as a novel RNA polymerase I inhibitor and is currently in Phase I/II clinical trials for solid and hematological malignancies. In the present study, interactions between CX-5461 and single-dose X-ray exposure were assessed using isobologram analysis using MTS assay and drug-induced cell death was assessed using flow cytometric, confocal microscopy and Western blot analysis. Combination treatments involving CX-5461 and single-dose X-ray exposure highlighted increased effectiveness compared to individual treatment alone in the CaSki cervical cancer line, with marked synergistic interaction occurring within the low-drug (50 nM) and low-dose radiation range (2–6 Gy). Cell lines challenged with CX-5461 demonstrated the presence of DNA damage, induction of apoptosis, autophagy and senescence alongside high percentages of G2/M cell cycle arrest. In addition, we report preferential sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells with BRCA2 mutation to this novel agent. Taken together, CX-5461 displayed a broad spectrum of activity in a panel of solid cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 35 nM to >1 µM. The work described herein identifies the synergistic effects of CX-5461 in combination with X-rays in solid cancers and may also aid in the design of clinical trials involving this novel agent.
Heterogeneous phosphate supply influences maize lateral root proliferation by regulating auxin redistribution.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Roots take up phosphorus (P) as inorganic phosphate (Pi). Enhanced root proliferation in Pi-rich patches enables plants to capture the unevenly distributed Pi, but the underlying control of root proliferation remains largely unknown. Here, the role of auxin in this response was investigated in maize (Zea mays). METHODS A split-root, hydroponics system was employed to investigate root responses to Pi supply, with one (heterogeneous) or both (homogeneous) sides receiving 0 or 500 μM Pi. KEY RESULTS Maize roots proliferated in Pi-rich media, particularly with heterogeneous Pi supply. The 2nd order lateral root (LR) number was three-fold greater in roots of plants receiving a heterogeneous Pi supply than in roots of plants with a homogeneous Pi supply. Root proliferation in a heterogeneous Pi supply was inhibited by the auxin transporter inhibitor 1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA). The proliferation of LR was accompanied by an enhanced auxin response in the apical meristem and vascular tissues at the root tip, as demonstrated by a DR5::RFP marker line. CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that the response of maize root morphology to a heterogeneous Pi supply is modulated by local signals of Pi availability and systemic signals of plant P nutritional status, and is mediated by auxin redistribution.
The Natural Behavior Debate: Two Conceptions of Animal Welfare

ABSTRACT The performance of natural behavior is commonly used as a criterion in the determination of animal welfare. This is still true, despite many authors having demonstrated that it is not a necessary component of welfare – some natural behaviors may decrease welfare, while some unnatural behaviors increase it. Here I analyze why this idea persists, and what effects it may have. I argue that the disagreement underlying this debate on natural behavior is not one about which conditions affect welfare, but a deeper conceptual disagreement about what the state of welfare actually consists of. Those advocating natural behavior typically take a “teleological” view of welfare, in which naturalness is fundamental to welfare, while opponents to the criterion usually take a “subjective” welfare concept, in which welfare consists of the subjective experience of life by the animal. I argue that as natural functioning is neither necessary nor sufficient for understanding welfare, we should move away from the natural behavior criterion to an alternative such as behavioral preferences or enjoyment. This will have effects in the way we understand and measure welfare, and particularly in how we provide for the welfare of animals in a captive setting.