bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CT-based radiomics with various classifiers for histological differentiation of parotid gland tumors
Authors: Lu Yang , Liu Haifeng , Liu Qi , Wang Siqi , Zhu Zuhui , Qiu Jianguo , Xing Wei
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study assessed whether radiomics features could stratify parotid gland tumours accurately based on only noncontrast CT images and validated the best classifier of different radiomics models.

Methods

In this single-centre study, we retrospectively recruited 249 patients with a diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma (PA), Warthin tumour (WT), basal cell adenoma (BCA) or malignant parotid gland tumours (MPGTs) from June 2020 to August 2022. Each patient was randomly classified into training and testing cohorts at a ratio of 7:3, and then, pairwise comparisons in different parotid tumour groups were performed. CT images were transferred to 3D-Slicer software and the region of interest was manually drawn for feature extraction. Feature selection methods were performed using the intraclass correlation coefficient, t test and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. Five common classifiers, namely, random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), logistic regression (LR), K-nearest neighbours (KNN) and general Bayesian network (Gnb), were selected to build different radiomics models. The receiver operating characteristic curve, area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and F-1 score were used to assess the prediction performances of these models. The calibration of the model was calculated by the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. DeLong’s test was utilized for comparing the AUCs.

Results

The radiomics model based on the RF, SVM, Gnb, LR, LR and RF classifiers obtained the highest AUC in differentiating PA from MPGTs, WT from MPGTs, BCA from MPGTs, PA from WT, PA from BCA, and WT from BCA, respectively. Accordingly, the AUC and the accuracy of the model for each classifier were 0.834 and 0.71, 0.893 and 0.79, 0.844 and 0.79, 0.902 and 0.88, 0.602 and 0.68, and 0.861 and 0.94, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that noncontrast CT-based radiomics could stratify refined pathological types of parotid tumours well but could not sufficiently differentiate PA from BCA. Different classifiers had the best diagnostic performance for different parotid tumours. Our study findings add to the current knowledge on the differential diagnosis of parotid tumours.
Comparison of first-line treatment with bendamustine plus rituximab versus R-CHOP for patients with follicular lymphoma grade 3A: Results of a retrospective study from the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi
Authors: Margiotta-Casaluci Gloria , Bigliardi Sara , Cocito Federica , Meli Erika , Petrucci Luigi , Nicolosi Maura , Annibali Ombretta , Boccomini Carola , Bozzoli Valentina , Castellino Alessia , Cattina Federica , Cenfra Natalia , Ciavarella Sabino , Kovalchuk Sofya , Rotondo Francesco , Fama Angelo , Olivieri Jacopo , Zaja Francesco
Published: March 2023

In the setting of follicular lymphoma (FL), frontline therapy with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (R-CHOP) has represented for many years the standard of care for patients with symptomatic advanced disease. More recently, the combination of bendamustine plus rituximab (R-B) has emerged as an alternative therapeutic option. We present a retrospective, multicenter, observational study aimed at comparing outcomes and toxicities observed in 145 patients diagnosed with grade 3A FL treated with a first line therapy in 15 Italian Fondazione Italiana Linfomi centers between the 1st of January 2014 and the 30th of May 2018. Seventy patients were treated with R-B and 75 with R-CHOP. In the R-B group, the median age at the time of diagnosis was 67 years compared with 59 years in the R-CHOP group. Patients in R-B group achieved a similar overall response rate (96% vs. 99%) and a better complete remission rate (87% vs. 80%, p=0.035) compared with patients in R-CHOP group. Progression free survival (PFS) was similar between individual treated with R-CHOP and R-B (48- month PFS 77.7% vs. 76.6% respectively, p=0.745). The overall survival was significantly longer with R-CHOP treatment (HR=0.16; 95% IC, 0.04-0.74; p=0.007); however, no statistical significant difference was observed after adjustment for age. With the limitations of the study design, our results suggest that both R-B and R-CHOP seem to be valid first-line treatment options in FL3A.
Development and validation of a CECT-based radiomics model for predicting IL1B expression and prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xie Yang , Wang Min , Xia Haibin , Sun Huifang , Yuan Yi , Jia Jun , Chen Liangwen
Published: March 2023

Introduction

It is necessary to explore a noninvasive method to stratify head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)’s prognosis and to seek new indicators for individualized precision treatment. As a vital inflammatory cytokine, IL1B might drive a new tumor subtype that could be reflected in overall survival (OS) and predicted using the radiomics method.

Methods

A total of 139 patients with RNA-Seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and matched CECT data from The Cancer Image Archive (TCIA) were included in the analysis. The prognostic value of IL1B expression in patients with HNSCC was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, Cox regression analysis and subgroup analysis. Furthermore, the molecular function of IL1B on HNSCC was explored using function enrichment and immunocytes infiltration analyses. Radiomic features were extracted with PyRadiomics and processed using max-relevance minredundancy, recursive feature elimination, and gradient boosting machine algorithm to construct aradiomics model for predicting IL1B expression. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, precision recall (PR) curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curve were used to examine the performance of the model.

Results

Increased IL1B expression in patients with HNSCC indicated a poor prognosis (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.56, P = 0.003) and was harmful in patients who underwent radiotherapy (HR = 1.87, P = 0.007) or chemotherapy (HR = 2.514, P < 0.001). Shape_Sphericity, glszm_SmallAreaEmphasis, and firstorder_Kurtosis were included in the radiomics model (AUC: training cohort, 0.861; validation cohort, 0.703). The calibration curves, PR curves and DCA showed good diagnostic effect of the model. The rad-score was close related to IL1B (P = 4.490*10-9), and shared the same corelated trend to EMT-related genes with IL1B. A higher rad-score was associated with worse overall survival (P = 0.041).

Discussion

The CECT-based radiomics model provides preoperative IL1B expression predictionand offers non-invasive instructions for the prognosis and individualized treatment of patients withHNSCC.
New approaches to screening and management of neonatal hypoglycemia based on improved understanding of the molecular mechanism of hypoglycemia
Authors: Stanley Charles A. , Thornton Paul S. , De Leon Diva D.
Published: March 2023

For the past 70 years, controversy about hypoglycemia in newborn infants has focused on a numerical “definition of neonatal hypoglycemia”, without regard to its mechanism. This ignores the purpose of screening newborns for hypoglycemia, which is to identify those with pathological forms of hypoglycemia and to prevent hypoglycemic brain injury. Recent clinical and basic research indicates that the three major forms of neonatal hypoglycemia are caused by hyperinsulinism (recognizing also that other rare hormonal or metabolic conditions may also present during this time frame). These include transitional hypoglycemia, which affects all normal newborns in the first few days after birth; perinatal stress-induced hypoglycemia in high-risk newborns, which afflicts ∼1 in 1,200 newborns; and genetic forms of congenital hyperinsulinism which afflict ∼1 in 10,000–40,000 newborns. (1) Transitional hyperinsulinism in normal newborns reflects persistence of the low glucose threshold for insulin secretion during fetal life into the first few postnatal days. Recent data indicate that the underlying mechanism is decreased trafficking of ATP-sensitive potassium channels to the beta-cell plasma membrane, likely a result of the hypoxemic state of fetal life. (2) Perinatal stress-induced hyperinsulinism in high-risk infants appears to reflect an exaggeration of this normal low fetal glucose threshold for insulin release due to more severe and prolonged exposure to perinatal hypoxemia. (3) Genetic hyperinsulinism, in contrast, reflects permanent genetic defects in various steps controlling beta-cell insulin release, such as inactivating mutations of the KATP-channel genes. The purpose of this report is to review our current knowledge of these three major forms of neonatal hyperinsulinism as a foundation for the diagnosis and management of hypoglycemia in newborn infants. This includes selection of appropriate interventions based on underlying disease mechanism; combined monitoring of both plasma glucose and ketone levels to improve screening for infants with persistent forms of hypoglycemia; and ultimately to ensure that infants at risk of persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia are recognized prior to discharge from the nursery.
Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis rats treated with cryptotanshinone
Authors: He Xiangjun , Zhong Zhi , Wang Quan , Jia Zhenmao , Lu Jing , Chen Jianwen , Liu Peiqing
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Cryptotanshinone(CTS), a compound derived from the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been linked to various of diseases, particularly pulmonary fibrosis. In the current study, we investigated the benefit of CTS on Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats induced by bleomycin (BLM) and established high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) methods to compare pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution in subsequent normal and modulated SD rats.

Methods: The therapeutic effect of CTS on BLM-induced SD rats was evaluated using histopathology, lung function and hydroxyproline content measurement, revealing that CTS significantly improved SD rats induced by BLM. Additionally, a simple, rapid, sensitive and specific HPLC-MS/MS method was developed to determine the pharmacokinetics of various components in rat plasma.

Results: Pharmacokinetic studies indicated that CTS was slowly absorbed by oral administration and had low bioavailability and a slow clearance rate. The elimination of pulmonary fibrosis in 28-day rats was slowed down, and the area under the curve was increased compared to the control group. Long-term oral administration of CTS did not accumulate in vivo, but the clearance was slowed down, and the steady-state blood concentration was increased. The tissue distribution study revealed that CTS exposure in the lungs and liver.

Discussion: The lung CTS exposure was significantly higher in the model group than in the control group, suggesting that the pathological changes of pulmonary fibrosis were conducive to the lung exposure of CTS and served as the target organ of CTS.
Time-fractional generalized fifth-order KdV equation: Lie symmetry analysis and conservation laws
Authors: Wang Zhenli , Sun Liangji , Hua Rui , Su Lingde , Zhang Lihua
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to apply the Lie group analysis method to the time-fractional order generalized fifth-order KdV (TFF-KdV) equation. We examine applying symmetry analysis to the TFF-KdV equation with the Riemann–Liouville (R–L) derivative, employing the G′/G-expansion approach to yield trigonometric, hyperbolic, and rational function solutions with arbitrary constants. The discovered solutions are unique and have never been studied previously. For solving non-linear fractional partial differential equations, we find that the G′/G-expansion approach is highly effective. Finally, conservation laws for the equation are well-built with a full derivation based on the Noether theorem.
Research on emotional polarization mechanism of knowledge community from the perspective of social network structure —An empirical study on ‘Zhihu’ question and answer learning community
Authors: Li Wenzhu , Chen Jiangfei , Ma Hongjing , Feng Xin
Published: March 2023

Information overload and cocoon effect make the phenomenon of emotional polarization easily appear in online knowledge community. The mechanism of emotional polarization of users in knowledge community is analyzed, so as to reveal the formation rule of users’ emotional polarization in knowledge community and summarize the intervention measures, provide a theoretical basis for further effective control of polarized emotions of knowledge community users. Starting from the theory of social network structure, based on the PAD emotional model, starting from the dimensions of Pleasure, Arousal and Dominance, focusing on the degree of user centrality, an index framework of emotional polarization is constructed around three behavioral patterns of information retrieval, information selection and information interaction. SOR model is used to dynamically explore the polarization mechanism under this framework. The results show that the heterogeneity of social network structure has an effect on participants’ emotional perception and information behavior. The polarization of Pleasure has a positive effect on user centrality, and the polarization of Arousal and Dominance have a negative effect. User centrality positively affects their information selection and interaction behavior, but has no significant effect on retrieval behavior. The emotional polarization in the process of community knowledge sharing is decomposed from different perspectives, and the polarization mechanism is shared by combining social network structure and information behavior. From the perspective of application, this is conducive to promoting knowledge sharing, communication learning and information value chain remodeling, and also provides a kind of insightful analysis paradigm for this field.
Roadmap for an imaging and modelling paediatric study in rural NZ
Authors: Kumar Haribalan , Green Robby , Cornfeld Daniel M. , Condron Paul , Emsden Taylor , Elsayed Ayah , Zhao Debbie , Gilbert Kat , Nash Martyn P. , Clark Alys R. , Tawhai Merryn H. , Burrowes Kelly , Murphy Rinki , Tayebi Maryam , McGeown Josh , Kwon Eryn , Shim Vickie , Wang Alan , Choisne Julie , Carman Laura , Besier Thor , Handsfield Geoffrey , Babarenda Gamage Thiranja Prasad , Shen Jiantao , Maso Talou Gonzalo , Safaei Soroush , Maller Jerome J. , Taylor Davidson , Potter Leigh , Holdsworth Samantha J. , Wilson Graham A.
Published: March 2023

Our study methodology is motivated from three disparate needs: one, imaging studies have existed in silo and study organs but not across organ systems; two, there are gaps in our understanding of paediatric structure and function; three, lack of representative data in New Zealand. Our research aims to address these issues in part, through the combination of magnetic resonance imaging, advanced image processing algorithms and computational modelling. Our study demonstrated the need to take an organ-system approach and scan multiple organs on the same child. We have pilot tested an imaging protocol to be minimally disruptive to the children and demonstrated state-of-the-art image processing and personalized computational models using the imaging data. Our imaging protocol spans brain, lungs, heart, muscle, bones, abdominal and vascular systems. Our initial set of results demonstrated child-specific measurements on one dataset. This work is novel and interesting as we have run multiple computational physiology workflows to generate personalized computational models. Our proposed work is the first step towards achieving the integration of imaging and modelling improving our understanding of the human body in paediatric health and disease.
Potential biomarkers for late-onset and term preeclampsia: A scoping review
Authors: Han Luhao , Holland Olivia J. , Da Silva Costa Fabricio , Perkins Anthony V.
Published: March 2023

Preeclampsia is a progressive, multisystem pregnancy disorder. According to the time of onset or delivery, preeclampsia has been subclassified into early-onset (<34 weeks) and late-onset (≥34 weeks), or preterm (<37 weeks) and term (≥37 weeks). Preterm preeclampsia can be effectively predicted at 11–13 weeks well before onset, and its incidence can be reduced by preventively using low-dose aspirin. However, late-onset and term preeclampsia are more prevalent than early forms and still lack effective predictive and preventive measures. This scoping review aims to systematically identify the evidence of predictive biomarkers reported in late-onset and term preeclampsia. This study was conducted based on the guidance of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was used to guide the study. The following databases were searched for related studies: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest. Search terms contain “preeclampsia,” “late-onset,” “term,” “biomarker,” or “marker,” and other synonyms combined as appropriate using the Boolean operators “AND” and “OR.” The search was restricted to articles published in English from 2012 to August 2022. Publications were selected if study participants were pregnant women and biomarkers were detected in maternal blood or urine samples before late-onset or term preeclampsia diagnosis. The search retrieved 4,257 records, of which 125 studies were included in the final assessment. The results demonstrate that no single molecular biomarker presents sufficient clinical sensitivity and specificity for screening late-onset and term preeclampsia. Multivariable models combining maternal risk factors with biochemical and/or biophysical markers generate higher detection rates, but they need more effective biomarkers and validation data for clinical utility. This review proposes that further research into novel biomarkers for late-onset and term preeclampsia is warranted and important to find strategies to predict this complication. Other critical factors to help identify candidate markers should be considered, such as a consensus on defining preeclampsia subtypes, optimal testing time, and sample types.
Exogenous zinc mitigates salinity stress by stimulating proline metabolism in proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)
Authors: Mushtaq Naveed Ul , Alghamdi Khalid M. , Saleem Seerat , Tahir Inayatullah , Bahieldin Ahmad , Henrissat Bernard , Alghamdi Mohammed Khalid , Rehman Reiaz Ul , Hakeem Khalid Rehman
Published: March 2023

Salinity is one of the most concerning ecological restrictions influencing plant growth, which poses a devastating threat to global agriculture. Surplus quantities of ROS generated under stress conditions have negative effects on plants’ growth and survival by damaging cellular components, including nucleic acids, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates. However, low levels of ROS are also necessary because of their role as signalling molecules in various development-related pathways. Plants possess sophisticated antioxidant systems for scavenging as well as regulating ROS levels to protect cells from damage. Proline is one such crucial non-enzymatic osmolyte of antioxidant machinery that functions in the reduction of stress. There has been extensive research on improving the tolerance, effectiveness, and protection of plants against stress, and to date, various substances have been used to mitigate the adverse effects of salt. In the present study Zinc (Zn) was applied to elucidate its effect on proline metabolism and stress-responsive mechanisms in proso millet. The results of our study indicate the negative impact on growth and development with increasing treatments of NaCl. However, the low doses of exogenous Zn proved beneficial in mitigating the effects of NaCl by improving morphological and biochemical features. In salt-treated plants, the low doses of Zn (1 mg/L, 2 mg/L) rescued the negative impact of salt (150mM) as evidenced by increase in shoot length (SL) by 7.26% and 25.5%, root length (RL) by 21.84% and 39.07% and membrane stability index (MSI) by 132.57% and 151.58% respectively.The proline content improved at all concentrations with maximum increase of 66.65% at 2 mg/L Zn. Similarly, the low doses of Zn also rescued the salt induced stress at 200mM NaCl. The enzymes related to proline biosynthesis were also improved at lower doses of Zn. In salt treated plants (150mM), Zn (1 mg/L, 2 mg/L) increased the activity of P5CS by 19.344% and 21%. The P5CR and OAT activities were also improved with maximum increase of 21.66% and 21.84% at 2 mg/L Zn respectively. Similarly, the low doses of Zn also increased the activities of P5CS, P5CR and OAT at 200mM NaCl. Whereas P5CDH enzyme activity showed a decrease of 82.5% at 2mg/L Zn+150mM NaCl and 56.7% at 2mg/L Zn+200 mM NaCl. These results strongly imply the modulatory role of Zn in maintaining of proline pool during NaCl stress.
Quantitative trait loci associated with amino acid concentration and in vitro protein digestibility in pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Zhou Junsheng , Wan Zhongyang , Gali Krishna Kishore , Jha Ambuj Bhushan , Nickerson Michael T. , House James D. , Tar’an Bunyamin , Warkentin Thomas D.
Published: March 2023

With the expanding interest in plant-based proteins in the food industry, increasing emphasis is being placed on breeding for protein concentration and quality. Two protein quality traits i.e., amino acid profile and protein digestibility, were assessed in replicated, multi-location field trials from 2019 to 2021 in pea recombinant inbred line population PR-25. This RIL population was targeted specifically for the research of protein related traits and its parents, CDC Amarillo and CDC Limerick, had distinct variations in the concentration of several amino acids. Amino acid profile was determined using near infrared reflectance analysis, and protein digestibility was through an in vitro method. Several essential amino acids were selected for QTL analysis, including lysine, one of the most abundant essential amino acids in pea, and methionine, cysteine, and tryptophan, the limiting amino acids in pea. Based on phenotypic data of amino acid profiles and in vitro protein digestibility of PR-25 harvested in seven location-years, three QTLs were associated with methionine + cysteine concentration, among which, one was located on chromosome 2 (R2 = 17%, indicates this QTL explained 17% phenotypic variation of methionine + cysteine concentration within PR-25), and two were located on chromosome 5 (R2 = 11% and 16%). Four QTLs were associated with tryptophan concentration and are located on chromosome 1 (R2 = 9%), chromosome 3 (R2 = 9%), and chromosome 5 (R2 = 8% and 13%). Three QTLs were associated with lysine concentration, among which, one was located on chromosome 3 (R2 = 10%), the other two were located on chromosome 4 (R2 = 15% and 21%). Two QTLs were associated with in vitro protein digestibility, one each located on chromosomes 1 (R2 = 11%) and 2 (R2 = 10%). QTLs associated with in vitro protein digestibility, and methionine + cysteine concentration on chromosome 2 were identified to be co-localized with known QTL for total seed protein concentration in PR-25. QTLs associated with tryptophan and methionine + cysteine concentration co-localized on chromosome 5. The identification of QTLs associated with pea seed quality is an important step towards marker-assisted selection of breeding lines with improved nutritional quality, which will further boost the competitiveness of pea in plant-based protein markets.
The regulation of plant cell wall organisation under salt stress
Authors: Dabravolski Siarhei A. , Isayenkov Stanislav V.
Published: March 2023

Plant cell wall biosynthesis is a complex and tightly regulated process. The composition and the structure of the cell wall should have a certain level of plasticity to ensure dynamic changes upon encountering environmental stresses or to fulfil the demand of the rapidly growing cells. The status of the cell wall is constantly monitored to facilitate optimal growth through the activation of appropriate stress response mechanisms. Salt stress can severely damage plant cell walls and disrupt the normal growth and development of plants, greatly reducing productivity and yield. Plants respond to salt stress and cope with the resulting damage by altering the synthesis and deposition of the main cell wall components to prevent water loss and decrease the transport of surplus ions into the plant. Such cell wall modifications affect biosynthesis and deposition of the main cell wall components: cellulose, pectins, hemicelluloses, lignin, and suberin. In this review, we highlight the roles of cell wall components in salt stress tolerance and the regulatory mechanisms underlying their maintenance under salt stress conditions.
Algal polysaccharides–Selenium nanoparticles regulate the uptake and distribution of selenium in rice plants
Authors: Yang Chunmei , Wang Chaoxin , Khan Zaid , Duan Songpo , Li Zhiming , Shen Hong
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element required for proper human and animal health.

Methods

In this paper, we investigated the uptake and distribution characteristics of a new Se fertilizer, which comprises algal polysaccharides–selenium nanoparticles (APS-SeNPs), in rice plants in both hydroponic and pot experiments.

Results

The results from the hydroponic experiments revealed that the rice root uptake of APS-SeNPs fitted the Michaelis–Menten equation, with a Vmax of 13.54 μg g−1 root dry weight (DW) per hour, which was 7.69 and 2.23 times those of selenite and selenate treatments, respectively. The root uptake of APS-SeNPs was inhibited by AgNO3 (64.81%–79.09%) and carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP; 19.83%–29.03%), indicating that the uptake of APS-SeNPs by rice roots is mainly via aquaporins and is also affected by metabolic activity. Moreover, sulfur deficiency caused rice roots to absorb more APS-SeNPs, but treatment with APS-SeNPs increased the expression of the sulfate transporter OsSULTR1;2 in the roots, suggesting that OsSULTR1;2 is probably involved in the uptake of APS-SeNPs. The application of APS-SeNPs significantly increased the Se content in rice plants and the apparent Se uptake efficiency compared with selenate and selenite treatments. Most of the Se in the roots of rice plants was distributed in the cell wall, while it was primarily located in the cytosol in the shoots when treated with APS-SeNPs. The results from the pot experiments indicated that the application of Se enhanced the Se content of each rice tissue. It is worth noting that the Se content in brown rice under APS-SeNP treatment was higher than that under selenite or selenate treatment and was mainly concentrated in the embryo end, with the Se in organic form.

Discussion

Our findings provide important insights into the uptake mechanism and the distribution of APS-SeNPs in rice plants.
Insights into the impacts of autotoxic allelochemicals from rhizosphere of Atractylodes lancea on soil microenvironments
Authors: Wang Meng , Deng Juan , Duan Gonghao , Chen Lei , Huang Xiao , Wang Wenjie , Gong Ling , Zhang Yan , Yu Kun , Guo Lanping
Published: March 2023

Atractylodes lancea suffers from continuous cropping obstacles that have become a major constraint in its cultivation, but there is still little information on the autotoxic allelochemicals and their interaction with soil microorganisms. In this study, we firstly identified the autotoxic allelochemicals from rhizosphere of A. lancea and determined their autotoxicity. Third-year continuous A. lancea cropping soils, i.e., rhizospheric soil and bulk soil, compared with control soil and one-year natural fallow soil were used to determine soil biochemical properties and microbial community. Eight allelochemicals from A. lancea roots were detected and exhibited significant autotoxicity effects on seed germination and seedling growth of A. lancea with the highest content of dibutyl phthalate in rhizospheric soil and lowest IC50 value of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol inhibiting seed germination. The contents of soil nutrients and organic matter, pH value, and enzyme activity were altered between different soils, and the parameters of fallow soil were close to those of the unplanted soil. The PCoA analysis indicated that the community composition of both bacteria and fungi were differed significantly among the soil samples. Continuous cropping decreased OTUs numbers of bacterial and fungal communities, and natural fallow restored them. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Actinobacteria decreased, and that of Acidobacteria and Ascomycota increased after three years cultivation. The LEfSe analysis identified 115 and 49 biomarkers for bacterial and fungal communities, respectively. The results suggested that natural fallow restored the structure of soil microbial community. Overall, our results revealed that autotoxic allelochemicals caused the variations of soil microenvironments and resulted in replantation problem of A. lancea, and natural fallow alleviated the soil deterioration by remodeling the rhizospheric microbial community and restoring soil biochemical properties. These findings provide important insights and clues for solving the continuous cropping problems and guiding the management of sustainable farmland.
Factors influencing the behavioral intention to use contactless financial services in the banking industry: An application and extension of UTAUT model
Authors: Chen Lu , Jia Jing , Wu Chengzhen
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Contactless financial services are an innovative exploration of the banking industry to integrate digital technology. This study further modified the UTAUT model based on the theories of trust, perceived risk, and perceived advantage and constructed a conceptual model to examine the influencing factors of the behavior of using contactless financial services. The purpose of this paper is to figure out factors influencing users’ behavior intention of contactless financial services, in order to promote use behavior, and boost the further development of contactless financial services.

Methods

The model was validated using the data collected through questionnaires. The structural equation modelling (SEM) method was used to validate the research model. We analyzed the generated hypotheses by using AMOS version 23.0. In this study first analyzed the measurement model to test the reliability and validity of the instrument, and then analyzed the structural model to test our research hypotheses.

Results

The results reveal that trust and perceived risk are important factors that affect the behavioral intention of contactless financial services; users perceive that contactless financial services have advantages over traditional offline channel, their intention to use contactless financial services will be increased; social influence also has a positive impact on behavioral intention.

Discussion

This paper not only provides a theoretical understanding of contactless financial services use behavior but also offers practical insights to government legislative branches and app developers. By providing personalized services and refining the policies and regulations in the digital environment to promote the development of contactless financial services.
Multi-ethnic computational thinking and cultural respect in unmanned aerial vehicle-assisted culturally responsive teaching
Authors: Lai Ying-Hsun
Published: March 2023

Introduction

As education systems worldwide begin to accept and implement computational thinking, the educators of both elementary and higher education are considering the cultivation of students’ computational thinking abilities. It is hoped that students effectively analyze and deconstruct all kinds of complex issues with computational thinking, and seek computer-executable ways to solve real-world problems. Through the integration of program education, students can learn and develop the abilities to practically apply their theoretical learning in information technology education. With the promotion of the concept of multicultural education, an increasing number of educational arenas are gradually introducing the concept of multicultural education to inculcate in students respect for different ethnic cultures via multicultural integration.

Methods

In this study, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology was used to introduce culturally responsive teaching. The objective was to build a UAV-assisted culturally responsive teaching environment for multi-ethnic students that is based on their different thinking mechanisms formed by their respective cultures and living environments. Multi-ethnic students can attempt to solve problems employing computational thinking that is implemented when programing to control UAV. With the influence of culturally responsive teaching, the UAV-assisted learning strategies helped students and teachers of multi-ethnic groups understand different cultures and learn through mutual aid and cooperation.

Results and Discussion

This study discussed the computational thinking abilities via different dimensions: logical thinking, programming ability, and cultural respect. The results showed that the introduction of UAV-assisted culturally responsive teaching method benefits not only indigenous students. For Han Chinese students as well, owing to the influence of cultural understanding, their overall learning effectiveness and cultural respect will be strengthened. Thus, this method improves the learning effectiveness in programming of multi-ethnic students, as well as of students with weaker prior programming ability. The method can also enhance the cognition and comprehension of different cultures in multicultural education.
Informal STEM learning: Examples from everyday spatial behaviors
Authors: Yang Yingying , Conde Santiago Sonia , Lasc Daria , Hershkovich Arielle , Grove Lauren
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Extensive research has shown a close relationship between spatial abilities and success in STEM disciplines because many STEM problems often require students to reason about spatial information. Everyday spatial behaviors may predate and facilitate the development of spatial skills. Therefore, the current study examined children’s everyday spatial behaviors and their associations with broader child development outcomes and individual differences.

Methods

Based on previous research, we developed an everyday spatial behaviors questionnaire for children (ESBQC). A total of 174 parents and their children aged 4–9 years old participated. In ESBQC, parents rated how much difficulty their children experience with different spatial behaviors, such as putting together a puzzle, retracing a route, or hitting a moving ball.

Results

Factor analysis revealed 8 components in ESBQC. The internal reliabilities were relatively high. ESBQC was positively correlated with age but not with sex. Furthermore, ESBQC predicted sense of direction, even after considering age and bias associated with parent reports.

Discussion

Our questionnaire may provide a useful tool for parents and other stakeholders to better understand everyday spatial behaviors and encourage interest and competence in spatial skills, ultimately promoting STEM learning in informal, everyday settings.
Case report: Methylphenidate improved chronic pain in an adult patient with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Zain Ekachaeryanti , Sugimoto Atsunori , Egawa Jun , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Chronic pain remains a health problem that is difficult to treat adequately. Its unknown cause and complex comorbidity with other illnesses, including mental disorders, amplify the severity of symptoms, which consequently decreases the quality of life of patients long term. In our clinical practice, we coincidentally found evidence that methylphenidate (MPH) effectively managed chronic pain in an adult patient with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The effectiveness of MPH in the treatment of ADHD is well-established; however, its utility in treating pain remains unclear.

Case presentation

We present a rare case of a 43-year-old male patient with 15 years of chronic idiopathic pain symptoms that did not adequately respond to standard pain management, such as acetaminophen, non-opioid analgesics, and muscle relaxers. Pain also persisted after treatments with antidepressants and an epidural block. Furthermore, symptoms worsened following several sessions of modified electroconvulsive therapy. After a thorough assessment at our child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinic, we confirmed a diagnosis of adult ADHD with a predominantly inattentive type. Considering this newly established diagnosis, we prescribed osmotic-release oral system (OROS) methylphenidate. Within 1 month of treatment at a dose of 18 mg/day of OROS-MPH, the patient’s chronic pain unexpectedly improved dramatically, and the patient no longer experienced pain symptoms. The dosage of OROS-MPH was titrated monthly, reaching 72 mg/day as a maintenance dose, and ADHD symptoms improved after 4 months of treatment. The patient was followed up regularly for 7 years during his OROS-MPH treatment. No adverse effects were reported, including stimulant addiction. He was stable overall and functioned well in his daily activities. His pain never recurred.

Conclusion

This case report suggests that MPH may be potentially effective in treating chronic pain. Further studies are needed to confirm whether MPH improved chronic pain simultaneously with or separately from the improvement in ADHD. Moreover, elucidating the anatomical sites and molecular pharmacological mechanisms related to the action of MPH in pain modulation and perception is essential. Such sites include the descending dopaminergic pain pathway and higher cortical areas. Furthering our understanding may reinforce the justification for treating chronic pain using MPH.
Does the implementation of pay-for-performance indicators improve the quality of healthcare? First results in France
Authors: Sanchez Marc-Antoine , Sanchez Stéphane , Bouazzi Leila , Peillard Louise , Ohl-Hurtaud Aline , Quantin Catherine
Published: March 2023

Background

Pay-for-performance (P4P) models are intended to promote quality of care in both hospitals and primary care settings. They are considered as a means of changing medical practices, particularly in primary care.

Objectives

The first objective of this study was to assess how performance indicators changed over time, measured through “Remuneration on Public Health Objectives” (ROSP) scores, between 2017 and 2020 in a large French region (Grand Est region), and to compare this evolution in the rural vs. urban areas of the region. The second objective was to focus on the area with the least improvement in ROSP scores and to investigate whether the scores and the available sociodemographic characteristics of the area were associated.

Methods

First, we measured the evolution over time of P4P indicators (i.e., ROSP scores) obtained from the regional health insurance system, for GP practices in the Grand Est region between 2017 and 2020. We then compared the scores between the Aube Department and the rest of the region (urban areas). To address the second objective, we focused on the area found to have the least improvement in indicators to investigate whether there was a relationship between ROSP score and sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

More than 40,000 scores were collected. We observed an overall improvement in scores over the study period. The urban area (Grand Est region minus the Aube) scored better than the rural area (Aube) for chronic disease management [median 0.91 (0.84–0.95) vs. 0.90(0.79–0.94), p < 0.001] and prevention [median 0.36 (0.22–0.45) vs. 0.33 (0.17–0.43), p < 0.001], but not for efficiency, where the rural area (Aube) performed better [median 0.67(0.56–0.74) vs. 0.69 (0.57–0.75 in the rest of the Grand Est region, p = 0.004]. In the rural area, we found no significant association between ROSP scores and sociodemographic characteristics, except for extreme rurality in some sub-areas.

Conclusions

At the regional level, the overall improvement in scores observed between 2017 and 2020 suggests that the implementation of ROSP indicators have improved the quality of care, particularly in urban areas. These results also suggest that efforts should be focused on rural areas, which already had the lowest scores at the start of the P4P program.
Extreme (and non-extreme) punishments in sender-receiver games with judicial error: An experimental investigation
Authors: Fong Meng-Jhang , Wang Joseph Tao-yi
Published: March 2023

In many real world situations, decision-makers have the opportunity to punish informed senders for their biased recommendations, while lie-detection is far from perfect. Hence, we conduct an experiment which incorporates ex post punishment and monitoring uncertainty into the discrete sender-receiver game first introduced by Crawford and Sobel, where a knowledgeable sender sends a cheap-talk message to a receiver who determines a policy action. After taking this action, the receiver observes a noisy signal of the true state and can impose a costly punishment on the sender. We vary the strength of punishment from mild (nominal), strong (deterrent) to extreme (potential of losing everything), and vary receiver's signal uncertainty when punishment is extreme. We find that receivers punish less as the strength of punishment increases, which suggests people care more about wrongly punishing innocent senders harsher than not being able to hand liars harsher punishments they deserve. More importantly, the opportunity of punishment encourages receivers to follow senders more and thus improves overall information transmission and utilization, even though senders need not exaggerate less.
Theorizing is for everybody: Advancing the process of theorizing in implementation science
Authors: Meza Rosemary D. , Moreland James C. , Pullmann Michael D. , Klasnja Predrag , Lewis Cara C. , Weiner Bryan J.
Published: March 2023

There has been a call to shift from treating theories as static products to engaging in a process of theorizing that develops, modifies, and advances implementation theory through the accumulation of knowledge. Stimulating theoretical advances is necessary to improve our understanding of the causal processes that influence implementation and to enhance the value of existing theory. We argue that a primary reason that existing theory has lacked iteration and evolution is that the process for theorizing is obscure and daunting. We present recommendations for advancing the process of theorizing in implementation science to draw more people in the process of developing and advancing theory.
Isolation and cultivation as well as in situ identification of MSCs from equine dental pulp and periodontal ligament
Authors: Heilen Laura Beate , Roßgardt Jessica , Dern-Wieloch Jutta , Vogelsberg Jörg , Staszyk Carsten
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The lifelong eruption places a great demand on the dental pulp and periodontal ligament (PDL) of horse teeth. Cells within the pulp and PDL seem to play a key role during this remodeling.

Methods

In this study, we isolated and cultivated MSCs (medicinal signaling cells) from dental pulp, PDL and retrobulbar fat of four horses. Subsequently, we analyzed them by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry to determine and compare their characteristics. In addition, we localized these cells within the tissue structure via immunohistochemistry of histological sections. For these analyses, several surface markers were applied.

Results

The described method illustrates a feasible approach to isolate and cultivate MSCs from equine dental pulp and PDL. In the flow cytometry a vast majority of cultivated cells were positive for CD90 and CD40 and negative for CD11a/18, CD45, CD105 and MHCII suggesting that these cells feature characteristics of MSCs. Immunohistochemistry of histological pulp and PDL sections showed the localization of CD90 positive cells especially in the perivascular region and the subodontoblastic layer.

Discussion

Our findings indicate that the isolation and cultivation of MSCs from equine dental pulp and PDL is feasible although an elaborate and complicated harvesting protocol is required. MSCs isolated from dental pulp and PDL are regarded as candidates for new therapeutical approaches in equine dental medicine like regeneration of periodontal lesions, enhancement of periodontal re-attachment after dental replantation and stimulation of pulp-obliteration and apexification in combination with endodontic therapies.
Influenza Vaccination Behaviour of Healthcare Workers in Switzerland: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lang Phung , Wu Charlotte Tsu-Shin , Le-Nguyen Anna Florence , Czock Astrid
Published: March 2023

Objectives:As no data are available regarding the influenza vaccination status of Swiss healthcare workers (HCW) in the ambulatory setting, this study aims to investigate their influenza vaccination behaviours.

Methods:We conducted an online survey using a four-item, semi-structured questionnaire to assess HCWs influenza vaccination coverage and behaviour. Associations between influenza vaccination status, age and language as well as recommendation behaviour and reasons for vaccination were assessed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses.

Results:Of the 1057 completed questionnaires, 425 (40.2%) HCW were vaccinated and 632 (59.8%) not. 78.1% of the physicians and 47.3% pharmacists were vaccinated, compared to only 29.1% of the nurses, 24.3% pharmacy technicians and 13.0% medical practice assistants (MPA). There was a significant association between influenza vaccination status and HCW profession, age, language and how often an influenza vaccination recommendation was made.

Conclusion:Demographic factors seem to influence HCWs’ attitudes towards influenza vaccination, which in turn affects the prospect of them recommending the influenza vaccination. Diverse strategies might be necessary to encourage HCW to get vaccinated and hence, promote influenza vaccination.
A Machine Learning Study of High Robustness Quantum Walk Search Algorithm with Qudit Householder Coins
Authors: Tonchev Hristo , Danev Petar
Published: March 2023

In this work, the quantum random walk search algorithm with a walk coin constructed by generalized Householder reflection and phase multiplier has been studied. The coin register is one qudit with an arbitrary dimension. Monte Carlo simulations, in combination with supervised machine learning, are used to find walk coins that make the quantum algorithm more robust to deviations in the coin’s parameters. This is achieved by introducing functional dependence between these parameters. The functions that give the best performance of the algorithm are studied in detail by numerical statistical methods. A thorough comparison between our modification and an algorithm, with coins made using only Householder reflection, shows significant advantages of the former. By applying a deep neural network, we make a prediction for the parameters of an optimal coin with an arbitrary size and estimate the algorithm’s stability for such a coin.