bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatotoxicity of the Major Anthraquinones Derived From Polygoni Multiflori Radix Based on Bile Acid Homeostasis
Authors: Kang Li , Li Dan , Jiang Xin , Zhang Yao , Pan Minhong , Hu Yixin , Si Luqin , Zhang Yongjun , Huang Jiangeng
Published: May 2022

Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR), the dried root of Polygonum Multiflorum Thunb., has been widely used as traditional Chinese medicines in clinical practice for centuries. However, the frequently reported hepatotoxic adverse effects hindered its safe use in clinical practice. This study aims to explore the hepatotoxic effect of PMR extract and the major PMR derived anthraquinones including emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion in mice and the underlying mechanisms based on bile acid homeostasis. After consecutively treating the ICR mice with PMR extract or individual anthraquinones for 14 or 28 days, the liver function was evaluated by measuring serum enzymes levels and liver histological examination. The compositions of bile acids (BAs) in the bile, liver, and plasma were measured by LC-MS/MS, followed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares Discriminate Analysis (PLS-DA). Additionally, gene and protein expressions of BA efflux transporters, bile salt export pump (Bsep) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2), were examined to investigate the underlying mechanisms. After 14-day administration, mild inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver was observed in the physcion- and PMR-treated groups, while it was found in all the treated groups after 28-day treatment. Physcion and PMR extract induced hepatic BA accumulation after 14-day treatment, but such accumulation was attenuated after 28-day treatment. Based on the PLS-DA results, physcion- and PMR-treated groups were partially overlapping and both groups showed a clear separation with the control group in the mouse liver. The expression of Bsep and Mrp2 in the physcion- and PMR-treated mouse liver was decreased after 14-day treatment, while the downregulation was abrogated after 28-day treatment. Our study, for the first time, demonstrated that both PMR extract and tested anthraquinones could alter the disposition of either the total or individual BAs in the mouse bile, liver, and plasma via regulating the BA efflux transporters and induce liver injury, which provide a theoretical basis for the quality control and safe use of PMR in practice.
Clinical Implementation of DPYD Pharmacogenetic Testing to Prevent Early-Onset Fluoropyrimidine-Related Toxicity in Cancer Patients in Switzerland
Authors: Begré Ursina B. M. , Jörger Markus , Aebi Stefan , Amstutz Ursula , Largiadèr Carlo R.
Published: May 2022

The implementation of pharmacogenetic testing into clinical practice has been a slow process so far. Here, we review the implementation of pre-treatment testing of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase gene (DPYD) risk variants to prevent early-onset fluoropyrimidine (FP)-related toxicity in cancer patients in Switzerland based on data of a large Swiss diagnostic center. In January 2017, the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health introduced the reimbursement of DPYD testing by the compulsory health insurance in Switzerland based on evidence for the clinical relevance of DPYD-risk variants and the cost-effectiveness of pre-treatment testing, and on the availability of international guidelines. However, we did not observe a strong increase in DPYD testing at our diagnostic center from 2017 to 2019. Only a low number of DPYD-testing requests (28–42 per year), concerning mostly retrospective investigations of suspected FP-toxicity, were received. In contrast, we observed a 14-fold increase in DPYD testing together with a strong shift from retrospective to pre-treatment test requests upon the release of recommendations for DPYD testing prior to FP-treatment in April 2020 by the European Medicines Agency. This increase was mainly driven by three geographic regions of Switzerland, where partner institutions of previous research collaborations regarding FP-related toxicity are located and who acted as early-adopting institutions of DPYD testing. Our data suggest the important role of early adopters as accelerators of clinical implementation of pharmacogenetic testing by introducing these policies to their working environment and educating health workers from their own and nearby institutions.
Lamb Wave Propagation Control Based on Modified GSL
Authors: Yang Huagen , Feng Kan , Li Rong , Yan Jing
Published: May 2022

As a new kind of elastic materials, elastic wave metasurface has great research significance in the field of elastic wave regulation. However, most of the researches on elastic wave metasurface are guided by traditional Generalized Snell’s Law (GSL), and the effect of higher order diffraction waves caused by structural periodicity is not considered. Under the action of higher order diffraction wave, the incident wave will produce more complex transmission phenomenon when passing through the metasurface, and the angle of transmission does not conform to GSL in some cases. In order to verify whether the modified GSL theory considering the higher-order diffraction term is still applicable to the regulation of solid elastic waves, this paper designs a helical metasurface based on the elastic wave theory of plate-beam structure, which is composed of helical lines of different lengths, and uses this structure to explain the complex transmission phenomenon of elastic wave metasurface. Finally, the asymmetric transmission, modal separation and waveguide of Lamb waves in thin plates are realized by combining the theory with structural design, which proves that the structure has great application potential in ultrasonic detection and other fields.
High-Resolution 3D Heart Models of Cardiomyocyte Subpopulations in Cleared Murine Heart
Authors: Ren Huiying , Pu Zhaoli , Sun Tianyi , Chen Tangting , Liu Leiying , Liu Zhu , O’Shea Christopher , Pavlovic Davor , Tan Xiaoqiu , Lei Ming
Published: May 2022

Biological tissues are naturally three-dimensional (3D) opaque structures, which poses a major challenge for the deep imaging of spatial distribution and localization of specific cell types in organs in biomedical research. Here we present a 3D heart imaging reconstruction approach by combining an improved heart tissue-clearing technique with high-resolution light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM). We have conducted a three-dimensional and multi-scale volumetric imaging of the ultra-thin planes of murine hearts for up to 2,000 images per heart in x-, y-, and z three directions. High-resolution 3D volume heart models were constructed in real-time by the Zeiss Zen program. By using such an approach, we investigated detailed three-dimensional spatial distributions of two specific cardiomyocyte populations including HCN4 expressing pacemaker cells and Pnmt+ cell-derived cardiomyocytes by using reporter mouse lines Hcn4DreER/tdTomato and PnmtCre/ChR2−tdTomato. HCN4 is distributed throughout right atrial nodal regions (i.e., sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes) and the superior-inferior vena cava axis, while Pnmt+ cell-derived cardiomyocytes show distinct ventral, left heart, and dorsal side distribution pattern. Our further electrophysiological analysis indicates that Pnmt + cell-derived cardiomyocytes rich left ventricular (LV) base is more susceptible to ventricular arrhythmia under adrenergic stress than left ventricular apex or right ventricle regions. Thus, our 3D heart imaging reconstruction approach provides a new solution for studying the geometrical, topological, and physiological characteristics of specific cell types in organs.
Synchronizing Nitrogen Fertilization and Planting Date to Improve Resource Use Efficiency, Productivity, and Profitability of Upland Rice
Authors: Hussain Tajamul , Gollany Hero T. , Hussain Nurda , Ahmed Mukhtar , Tahir Muhammad , Duangpan Saowapa
Published: May 2022

Synchronizing nitrogen (N) fertilization with planting date (PD) could enhance resource use efficiency and profitability of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) production in Thailand. The objective of the study was to assess upland rice responses to four N fertilization rates (NFRs) and three planting dates. Field experiments were conducted during two growing seasons under four NFRs, no N applied (N0), 30 (N30), 60 (N60), and 90 kg N ha−1 (N90), and NFR were applied at the initiation of tillering and panicle emergence stages. The planting dates selected were early (PD1), intermedium (PD2), and late planting (PD3) between September and December of each season. The NFRs and planting dates had a significant influence on N uptake, N use efficiency (NUE), crop water productivity, yield and yield attributes, and profitability of upland rice production. A linear relationship among NFRs, agronomic traits of upland rice, N uptake, and crop water productivity was observed, and a significant seasonal effect was indicated. Fertilization at N90 under PD2 enhanced yields, yield attributes, and grain yields, as well as crop water productivity by 56 and 105% during the second and first seasons, respectively. Grain N, total N, and straw N were increased by 159, 159, and 160%, and by 90, 114, and 153%, during the first and second seasons, respectively. Enhanced N efficiencies, including agronomic efficiency, recovery efficiency, partial factor productivity, and N harvest index, at varying NFRs were observed under PD2 during both seasons. Highly significant (p < 0.001) and positive associations were observed among agronomic attributes, N uptake, NUE, and crop water productivity of upland rice in correlation assessment. Profitability from grain yields was observed with N fertilization and N90 resulted in maximum profit under all the PDs. However, the highest marginal benefit-cost ratio was observed at N60 under PD2 during both seasons. The results suggest that the NFR of 90 kg N ha−1 and planting at the end of September or start of October would enhance resource use efficiency and productivity, and maximize profitability. Furthermore, long–term field investigations with a range of NFRs and adopting forecasting measures to adjust the planting date for upland rice are recommended.
Authoritarianism and Mass Political Preferences in Times of COVID-19: The 2020 New Zealand General Election
Authors: Vowles Jack
Published: May 2022

The adoption of restrictive policies to contain the spread of COVID-19 has led many to fear the authoritarian implications of excessive government powers over compliant publics. One of the strongest government responses took place in New Zealand, followed only a few months later by the landslide election victory of the Labour Party, the dominant party in the pre-election coalition. This article tests a claim that authoritarian dispositions were mobilized into an authoritarian electoral response. It finds no evidence of a significant shift toward authoritarianism. Authoritarianism did not increase in the mass public and liberals were more likely than authoritarians to approve of the government response and to move toward a vote for the Labour Party, a tendency most apparent among liberals on the right. To the small extent that some disposed toward authoritarianism did move toward the government, they tended to be on the left and/or have higher than average trust in politicians.
Systematic Literature Review: Professional Situation of Gifted Adults
Authors: Schlegler Maren
Published: May 2022

A person's intelligence level positively influences his or her professional success. Gifted and highly intelligent individuals should therefore be successful in their careers. However, previous findings on the occupational situation of gifted adults are mainly known from popular scientific sources in the fields of coaching and self-help groups and confirm prevailing stereotypes that gifted people have difficulties at work. Reliable studies are scarce. This systematic literature review examines 40 studies with a total of 22 job-related variables. Results are shown in general for (a) the employment situation and more specific for the occupational aspects (b) career, (c) personality and behavior, (d) satisfaction, (e) organization, and (f) influence of giftedness on the profession. Moreover, possible differences between female and male gifted individuals and gifted and non-gifted individuals are analyzed. Based on these findings, implications for practice as well as further research are discussed.
A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence on Art Therapy With Traumatized Refugee Children and Youth
Authors: Annous Nadia , Al-Hroub Anies , El Zein Farah
Published: May 2022

The current global refugee crisis revealed that refugee children, youth, and adults are uniquely vulnerable to traumatic events. Yet, there are only a few studies available that report robust systematic data on art therapy interventions with mental health in recent refugee populations. The purpose of the study is to synthesize and evaluate (a) the available research evidence on the use of art therapy in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) levels in refugees, and (b) the quality of empirical evidence for each of the reviewed studies. The authors adopted the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) evidence-based practice (EBP) standards and quality indicators to evaluate the methodological soundness of the reviewed studies and the evidence-based classification of art therapy as a treatment intervention. We systematically searched electronic databases of pertinent review articles for the period from 2010 to 2020 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Systematic searches identified 70 research articles but yielded eight eligible journals as per the inclusion criteria. Results indicated that, though considered a promising treatment approach, art therapy is presently classified as an intervention that falls under the category of practice with insufficient evidence. The findings suggest the need for further methodologically sound experimental studies to strengthen the evidence behind art therapy as an intervention to reduce PTSD symptoms in refugees around the world.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Strategies of Teachers and Students in Financial Colleges and Universities Under the Direction of Food Security
Authors: Haojie Guan
Published: May 2022

This study aims to better promote the innovation and entrepreneurship of teachers and students in finance and economics colleges and universities in terms of food security. Based on the relevant theories such as food security, innovation and entrepreneurship, the questionnaire was used to investigate the issues related to food security of teachers and students in colleges and universities. Next, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) analysis method was introduced to evaluate the safety metrics of the response subsystem. Finally, Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring technology was applied to grain growth and sales. The research results show that college teachers and students have a disjointed cognition of food security as important talents in innovation and entrepreneurship. After the TOPSIS analysis method is used to study, when college teachers and students choose to start a business in food security, they must pay attention to the changes in economic factors. The IoT monitoring technology is applied to grain growth and sales, and the monitoring technology of the IoT could reduce the mortality rate of corn seedlings to 3.59%. The mortality rate of seedlings is much higher than that of farmers relying on their own experience to grow corn. Therefore, this has great reference significance for the innovation and entrepreneurship development of college teachers and students in food security at this stage.
Chinese Youths’ Physical Activity and Flourishing During COVID-19: The Mediating Role of Meaning in Life and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Zhou Jun , Huo Yongquan
Published: May 2022

Physical activity has wide-ranging consequences for people’s physical, mental, and social health. Although the beneficial effects of physical activity on well-being were widely studied, how it promotes well-being remained unclear. The present study utilized the measure of physical activity rating scale (PARS-3), flourishing scale (FS), Chinese- meaning in life questionnaire (C-MLQ), and general self-efficacy scale (GSES) to examine the connection between physical activity and flourishing and the multiple mediation effects of meaning and self-efficacy with 827 Chinese undergraduates. The results indicated that (a) physical activity positively predicted flourishing; (b) meaning in life and self-efficacy played mediating roles in physical activity and flourishing, separately and jointly. Our findings revealed the mechanism of physical activity fostering flourishing, thereby providing an empirical basis for promoting health and flourishing, especially during COVID-19.
The Relationship Between Ethical Leadership and Employee Job Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Media Richness and Perceived Organizational Transparency
Authors: Guo Kaimeng
Published: May 2022

Ethical leadership (EL) is a vital component driving firms’ practice, significantly affecting employee satisfaction (ES). The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between EL and employee job satisfaction. Moreover, the study investigates the mediating effect of media richness (MR), perceived organizational transparency (OT) on EL, and ES. In addition, the study used a convenient sampling technique for collecting the data from 276 employees working in the service sector of Macau. Essentially, questionnaires had used as the fundamental tool guiding the data collection method. The findings indicate a positive and significant relationship between EL, ES, MR, and perceived OT. The MR and perceived OT have significant mediating effects between EL and ES. The study is beneficial for the service sector of Macau to plan the strategies for their employees in terms of organizational sustainability and success. The study is also helpful for the government to understand EL and for the researcher to search the new aspects of EL in organizations for future research direction.
Breaking Into Language in a New Modality: The Role of Input and Individual Differences in Recognising Signs
Authors: Hofweber Julia Elisabeth , Aumonier Lizzy , Janke Vikki , Gullberg Marianne , Marshall Chloe
Published: May 2022

A key challenge when learning language in naturalistic circumstances is to extract linguistic information from a continuous stream of speech. This study investigates the predictors of such implicit learning among adults exposed to a new language in a new modality (a sign language). Sign-naïve participants (N = 93; British English speakers) were shown a 4-min weather forecast in Swedish Sign Language. Subsequently, we tested their ability to recognise 22 target sign forms that had been viewed in the forecast, amongst 44 distractor signs that had not been viewed. The target items differed in their occurrence frequency in the forecast and in their degree of iconicity. The results revealed that both frequency and iconicity facilitated recognition of target signs cumulatively. The adult mechanism for language learning thus operates similarly on sign and spoken languages as regards frequency, but also exploits modality-salient properties, for example iconicity for sign languages. Individual differences in cognitive skills and language learning background did not predict recognition. The properties of the input thus influenced adults’ language learning abilities at first exposure more than individual differences.
The Toxicity Potential of Antidepressants and Antipsychotics in Relation to Other Medication and Alcohol: A Naturalistic and Retrospective Study
Authors: Swoboda Marleen M. M. , Bartova Lucie , Dremel Marlene , Rabl Ulrich , Laggner Anton , Frey Richard
Published: May 2022

QT interval prolongation and ventricular tachyarrhythmia are potential adverse effects of antidepressant (AD) and antipsychotic- (AP) agents, especially when overdosed. Since AD and AP agents are often prescribed to patients suffering from suicidal intentions, it is essential to estimate these risks in the context of intoxications. This retrospective and naturalistic one-year registry study included 105 patients treated for oral intoxication at the University Department of Emergency Medicine in Vienna, Austria. AD/AP intoxications were present in 26 patients, while in the control group (n = 79) non-AD/AP drugs (n = 54) and exclusively alcohol (n = 25) were the toxic agents. QT intervals, the necessity of intubation, the extent of conscious state, and the subsequent discharge management were compared. The mean age was 34.94 ± 14.6 years, 62 patients (59%) were female. There were no significant between-group differences regarding QT prolongation >470 ms using Bazett’s correction (p = 0.178), or >440 ms using Fridericia’s correction (p = 0.760). No significant group differences concerning the need for intubation were observed (p = 0.747). The AD/AP and the control group did not significantly differ regarding Glasgow Coma Scale scores (p = 0.439). Patients with AD/AP intoxication were significantly more often transferred to the psychiatric department, while discharge to home was more likely in the control group (p = 0.002). These results suggest that the risk of a potentially life-threatening outcome in cases of intoxication with AD/AP is not substantially higher than in other easily available toxic agents, in line with the advantageous risk/benefit ratio of newer ADs and APs.
Can Daytime Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Treatment Change the Sleep Electroencephalogram Complexity of REM Sleep in Depressed Patients? A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Zhe , Zhao Xueli , Feng Lingfang , Zhao Yu , Pan Wen , Liu Ying , Yin Ming , Yue Yan , Fang Xiaojia , Liu Guorui , Gao Shigeng , Zhang Xiaobin , Huang Norden Eh , Du Xiangdong , Chen Rui
Published: May 2022

Study Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of daytime transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) in patients with depression.

Methods

The study was a double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial. A total of 37 patients diagnosed with a major depression were recruited; 19 patients (13 females and 6 males mean age 44.79 ± 15.25 years) received tDCS active stimulation and 18 patients (9 females and 9 males; mean age 43.61 ± 11.89 years) received sham stimulation. Ten sessions of daytime tDCS were administered with the anode over F3 and the cathode over F4. Each session delivered a 2 mA current for 30 min per 10 working days. Hamilton-24 and Montgomery scales were used to assess the severity of depression, and polysomnography (PSG) was used to assess sleep structure and EEG complexity. Eight intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) were computed from each EEG signal in a channel. The sample entropy of the cumulative sum of the IMFs were computed to acquire high-dimensional multi-scale complexity information of EEG signals.

Results

The complexity of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) EEG signals significantly decreased intrinsic multi-scale entropy (iMSE) (1.732 ± 0.057 vs. 1.605 ± 0.046, P = 0.0004 in the case of the C4 channel, IMF 1:4 and scale 7) after tDCS active stimulation. The complexity of the REM EEG signals significantly increased iMSE (1.464 ± 0.101 vs. 1.611 ± 0.085, P = 0.001 for C4 channel, IMF 1:4 and scale 7) after tDCS sham stimulation. There was no significant difference in the Hamilton-24 (P = 0.988), Montgomery scale score (P = 0.726), and sleep structure (N1% P = 0.383; N2% P = 0.716; N3% P = 0.772) between the two groups after treatment.

Conclusion

Daytime tDCS changed the complexity of sleep in the REM stage, and presented as decreased intrinsic multi-scale entropy, while no changes in sleep structure occurred. This finding indicated that daytime tDCS may be an effective method to improve sleep quality in depressed patients. Trial registration This trial has been registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov (protocol ID: TCHIRB-10409114, in progress).
A Mixed Methods Study Examining Citizenship Among Youth With Mental Health Challenges
Authors: Jordan Gerald , Burke Laura , Bailey Julia , Kreidstein Sof , Iftikhar Myera , Plamondon Lauren , Young Courtney , Davidson Larry , Rowe Michael , Bellamy Chyrell , Abdel-Baki Amal , Iyer Srividya N.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Multiple stakeholders have recently called for greater research on the barriers to citizenship and community belonging faced by people with mental health challenges. Citizenship has been defined as a person’s access to the rights, roles, responsibilities, resources and relationships that help people feel a sense of belonging. Factors that may impact citizenship include financial precarity; intersecting forms of marginalization and oppression (e.g., racism); and the mental health care people receive. Research has yet to examine experiences of citizenship among youth with mental health challenges. To address this gap, this study will examine how youth experience citizenship; predictors of citizenship; how citizenship shapes recovery; and the degree to which youth are receiving citizenship-oriented care.

Methods

The research objectives will be evaluated using a multiphase mixed methods research design. Quantitative data will be collected cross-sectionally using validated self-report questionnaires. Qualitative data will be collected using a hermeneutic phenomenological method using semi-structured interviews and focus groups.

Analyses

Multiple stepwise regression analyses will be used to determine predictors of citizenship and if of citizenship predict recovery. Pearson correlations will be computed to determine the relationship between participants’ perceived desire for, and receipt of citizenship-oriented care. Phenomenological analysis will be used to analyze qualitative data. Findings will then be mixed using a weaving method in the final paper discussion section.

Conclusion

Findings from this study may support the development of citizenship-oriented healthcare in Canada.
Chronic Treatment With Psilocybin Decreases Changes in Body Weight in a Rodent Model of Obesity
Authors: Huang Joyce , Pham Michelle , Panenka William J. , Honer William G. , Barr Alasdair M.
Published: May 2022

Background

There are currently relatively few effective pharmacological treatments for obesity, and existing ones may be associated with limiting side-effects. In the search for novel anti-obesity agents, drugs that modify central serotonergic systems have historically proven to be effective in promoting weight loss. Psilocin, which is rapidly metabolized from psilocybin, is an agonist at multiple serotonin receptors. In the present study we assessed the effects of psilocybin and a positive control (metformin) on changes in body weight in a rat model of obesity.

Methods

Five groups of adult male rats were pre-conditioned with a cafeteria diet until obese (>600 g) and then treated with either psilocybin (0.1, 1, or 5 mg/kg, i.p.), metformin (300 mg/kg, p.o.) or vehicle control. Treatments were for 27 consecutive weekdays, and body weights and high calorie food intake were recorded daily. Fasting glucose levels were recorded after 11 days of treatment. At the end of treatment rats completed a glucose tolerance test, and multiple fat pads were dissected out to assess adiposity.

Results

The medium dose psilocybin group had to be terminated from the study prematurely. Both the low and high dose psilocybin groups caused a significant decrease in changes in body weight compared to controls. The metformin group produced a greater decrease in change in body weight than either psilocybin groups or controls. Both high dose psilocybin and metformin decreased consumption of the high calorie diet, and exhibited decreased central adiposity.

Conclusion

Psilocybin demonstrated modest but significant effects on weight gain. Further study is recommended.
Informative and Reliable Tract Segmentation for Preoperative Planning
Authors: Lucena Oeslle , Borges Pedro , Cardoso Jorge , Ashkan Keyoumars , Sparks Rachel , Ourselin Sebastien
Published: May 2022

Identifying white matter (WM) tracts to locate eloquent areas for preoperative surgical planning is a challenging task. Manual WM tract annotations are often used but they are time-consuming, suffer from inter- and intra-rater variability, and noise intrinsic to diffusion MRI may make manual interpretation difficult. As a result, in clinical practice direct electrical stimulation is necessary to precisely locate WM tracts during surgery. A measure of WM tract segmentation unreliability could be important to guide surgical planning and operations. In this study, we use deep learning to perform reliable tract segmentation in combination with uncertainty quantification to measure segmentation unreliability. We use a 3D U-Net to segment white matter tracts. We then estimate model and data uncertainty using test time dropout and test time augmentation, respectively. We use a volume-based calibration approach to compute representative predicted probabilities from the estimated uncertainties. In our findings, we obtain a Dice of ≈0.82 which is comparable to the state-of-the-art for multi-label segmentation and Hausdorff distance <10mm. We demonstrate a high positive correlation between volume variance and segmentation errors, which indicates a good measure of reliability for tract segmentation ad uncertainty estimation. Finally, we show that calibrated predicted volumes are more likely to encompass the ground truth segmentation volume than uncalibrated predicted volumes. This study is a step toward more informed and reliable WM tract segmentation for clinical decision-making.
In Search of Ambiguity: A Three-Stage Workflow Design to Clarify Annotation Guidelines for Crowd Workers
Authors: Pradhan Vivek Krishna , Schaekermann Mike , Lease Matthew
Published: May 2022

We propose a novel three-stage FIND-RESOLVE-LABEL workflow for crowdsourced annotation to reduce ambiguity in task instructions and, thus, improve annotation quality. Stage 1 (FIND) asks the crowd to find examples whose correct label seems ambiguous given task instructions. Workers are also asked to provide a short tag that describes the ambiguous concept embodied by the specific instance found. We compare collaborative vs. non-collaborative designs for this stage. In Stage 2 (RESOLVE), the requester selects one or more of these ambiguous examples to label (resolving ambiguity). The new label(s) are automatically injected back into task instructions in order to improve clarity. Finally, in Stage 3 (LABEL), workers perform the actual annotation using the revised guidelines with clarifying examples. We compare three designs using these examples: examples only, tags only, or both. We report image labeling experiments over six task designs using Amazon's Mechanical Turk. Results show improved annotation accuracy and further insights regarding effective design for crowdsourced annotation tasks.
Constructing Equity Investment Strategies Using Analyst Reports and Regime Switching Models
Authors: Taguchi Rei , Watanabe Hikaru , Sakaji Hiroki , Izumi Kiyoshi , Hiramatsu Kenji
Published: May 2022

This study demonstrates whether analysts' sentiments toward individual stocks are useful for stock investment strategies. This is achieved by using natural language processing to create a polarity index from textual information in analyst reports. In this study, we performed time series forecasting for the created polarity index using deep learning, and clustered the forecasted values by volatility using a regime switching model. In addition, we constructed a portfolio from stock data and rebalanced it at each change point of the regime. Consequently, the investment strategy proposed in this study outperforms the benchmark portfolio in terms of returns. This suggests that the polarity index is useful for constructing stock investment strategies.
Risk Factors of Bone Nonfusion After Spinal Tuberculosis Debridement Bone Graft Fusion and Internal Fixation
Authors: Wei Zihan , Zhang Ying , Yang Sizhen , Ye Jiawen , Hu Xu , Li Tian , Chu Tongwei
Published: May 2022

Objective

To retrospectively analyze bone graft nonfusion risk factors in spinal tuberculosis patients after lesion debridement, bone graft fusion and internal fixation.

Methods

The clinical data of 131 patients who underwent spinal tuberculosis debridement, bone graft fusion and internal fixation in our hospital from March 2015 to March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to bone fusion after the operation; there were 37 patients in the nonfusion group and 94 in the fusion group. The basic information and follow-up data of the patients were collected to evaluate the risk factors for bone graft nonfusion 1 year after surgery.

Results

The severity of osteoporosis in the nonfusion group was significantly greater than that in the fusion group (p < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of continuous multisegment status, disease duration, intraoperative surgical methods and whether patients received standardized drug treatment for 12 months after surgery (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that long disease duration, posterior approach, and degree of osteoporosis were risk factors for postoperative bone graft nonfusion (OR > 1,p < 0.05), while standard drug treatment for 1 year after surgery was a protective factor (OR < 1,p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Spinal tuberculosis patients who had a long disease course, who underwent simple posterior debridement, or who had severe osteoporosis had a higher risk of bone graft nonfusion after surgery. Tuberculosis treatment is beneficial for the osseous fusion of the postoperative bone graft area.
Effects of Intranasal and Oral Bordetella bronchiseptica Vaccination on the Behavioral and Olfactory Capabilities of Detection Dogs
Authors: Collins Amanda , Bear Rachel A. , Mallikarjun Amritha , Kane Sarah A. , Essler Jennifer L. , Kaynaroglu Patricia , Feuer Rebecca , Smith Jordan G. , Otto Cynthia M.
Published: May 2022

The bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica is responsible for serious respiratory disease in dogs, most often associated with ‘kennel cough’ (canine infectious tracheobronchitis). It is recommended that dogs are vaccinated against the bacterium every 6–12 months, either by oral or intranasal administration. Any impairment of dogs' olfactory capabilities due to medical treatments may impact their efficiency and accuracy in their jobs. This study examined (1) the effect of intranasal and oral vaccines on the olfactory capabilities of detection dogs; as well as (1) effects of the vaccines on canine behavior. Dogs that were vaccinated initially with the oral and 28 days later with intranasal B. bronchiseptica were generally slower to find the target odor than the dogs that were assigned intranasal then oral vaccine. This result prompted a second between-subjects study to further investigate any impact of intranasal administration of the B. bronchiseptica vaccine on the olfactory capabilities of dogs. The intranasal vaccine was of particular interest due to its prevalent use and potential for nasal inflammation leading to decreased olfactory capabilities. Neither odor threshold nor time spent searching for odor were affected by the intranasal vaccine. Behavioral analyses showed that behaviors associated with the dogs' positive and negative motivation affected their time spent finding the target odor; this suggests that behavior should be considered in future studies of olfactory performance.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Risk of Stillbirth, Perinatal and Neonatal Mortality in Immigrant Women
Authors: Behboudi-Gandevani Samira , Bidhendi-Yarandi Razieh , Panahi Mohammad Hossein , Mardani Abbas , Gåre Kymre Ingjerd , Paal Piret , Vaismoradi Mojtaba
Published: May 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the risk of stillbirth, perinatal and neonatal mortality in immigrant women compared to native-origin women in host countries.

Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was conducted. Relevant studies were identified using a thorough literature search and their quality was appraised. The analysis of heterogeneous data was carried out using the random effects model and publication bias was assessed using the Harbord-test. Also, the pooled odds ratio of events was calculated through the DerSimonian and Laird, and inverse variance methods.

Results: In the search process 45 studies were retrieved consisting of 8,419,435 immigrant women and 40,113,869 native-origin women. The risk of stillbirth (Pooled OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.22–1.50), perinatal mortality (Pooled OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.35–1.68), and neonatal mortality (Pooled OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.00–1.19) in the immigrant women were significantly higher than the native-origin women in host countries. According to the sensitivity analyses, all results were highly consistent with the main data analysis results.

Conclusion: The immigrant women compared to the native-origin women had the higher risks of stillbirth, perinatal and neonatal mortality. Healthcare providers and policy makers should improve the provision of maternal and neonatal healthcare for the immigrant population.
Incidence and Outcomes of Early Cancers After Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Krishnan A. , Wong G. , Teixeira-Pinto A. , Lim W. H.
Published: May 2022

Graphical Abstract
The Utility of Pre- and Post-Transplant Oral Glucose Tolerance Tests: Identifying Kidney Transplant Recipients With or at Risk of New Onset Diabetes After Transplant
Authors: Singer Julian , Aouad Leyla J. , Wyburn Kate , Gracey David M. , Ying Tracey , Chadban Steven J.
Published: May 2022

Graphical Abstract
The Main Thing is to be Alive—Exploring Patients’ Experiences With Weight Gain After Liver Transplantation: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Beckmann Sonja , Künzler-Heule Patrizia , Kabut Kajetan , Mauthner Oliver
Published: May 2022

Graphical Abstract
Normothermic Regional Perfusion and Hypothermic Oxygenated Machine Perfusion for Livers Donated After Controlled Circulatory Death With Prolonged Warm Ischemia Time: A Matched Comparison With Livers From Brain-Dead Donors
Authors: Patrono Damiano , Zanierato Marinella , Vergano Marco , Magaton Chiara , Diale Enrico , Rizza Giorgia , Catalano Silvia , Mirabella Stefano , Cocchis Donatella , Potenza Raffaele , Livigni Sergio , Balagna Roberto , Romagnoli Renato
Published: May 2022

Graphical Abstract
Dynamic Performance Analysis and Design of Vortex Array Grippers
Authors: Peng Huan-Sen , Liu Chen-Yen , Chen Chieh-Li
Published: May 2022

In this study, the performance of a vortex array gripper was numerically investigated based on the pressure distribution on the surface of a gripped object and the resulting suction force. An analysis of the suction force generated by a single-vortex gripper was performed to determine the geometric parameters for providing a good suction force and subsequently, for the vortex array gripper configuration. Array grippers consisting of two- and four-vortex grippers were studied. For dual-vortex grippers, the generated suction forces of various inlet air configurations with different vortex gripper distances are illustrated. The pros and cons of all types of air supply and the influence of positive pressure formed by outlet airflow interaction were examined. The analysis of quad-vortex grippers also revealed that the suction force could be increased by reducing the outlet flow interaction between the grippers using the placement of exhaust vents. Thus, the installation of array grippers can be arranged in a more compact form to increase the total suction force per unit operation area with uniformity.
Aerodynamic Uncertainty Quantification for Tiltrotor Aircraft
Authors: Yuan Ye , Thomson Douglas , Anderson David
Published: May 2022

The tiltrotor has unique flight dynamics due to the aerodynamic interference characteristics. Multiple aerodynamics calculation approaches, such as the CFD method, are utilised to characterise this feature. The calculation process is usually time-consuming, and the obtained results are generally varied from each other. Thus, the uncertainty quantification (UQ) method will be utilised in this research to identify the aerodynamic inaccuracy effect on the handling qualities of the tiltrotor aircraft. The study aims to quantify the influence of the aerodynamic interference on the tiltrotor flight dynamics in different flight states, such as forward speeds and nacelle tilting angles, which can guide the flight dynamics modelling simplification to improve the simulation efficiency. Therefore, uncertainty identification and full factorial numerical integration (FFNI) methods are introduced to scale these aerodynamic uncertainties. The eigenvalue and bandwidth and phase delay requirements are presented as the failure criteria. The UQ calculation indicates that the uncertainties of the aerodynamic calculation significantly affect the handling quality ratings in two flight ranges: the helicopter mode and the conversion and aeroplane modes with higher forward speed (close to the conversion envelope). Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the mechanism behind these influences. The results demonstrate that aerodynamics affect the pitching attitude, the pitching damping, and the velocity and incidence stability derivatives. However, the effects of the velocity stability and the incidence stability are the reason causing the handling qualities’ degradation in the helicopter mode and high-speed mode, respectively.
Seed Coating with Trichoderma harzianum T-22 of Italian Durum Wheat Increases Protection against Fusarium culmorum-Induced Crown Rot
Authors: Vitti Antonella , Bevilacqua Vincenzo , Logozzo Giuseppina , Bochicchio Rocco , Amato Mariana , Nuzzaci Maria
Published: May 2022

Changes in root organization and colonization could be relevant for wheat’s (Triticum durum Desf.) response to F. culmorum-induced crown rot disease (FCR). We investigated the biocontrol and biostimulant efficiency of seeds coated with T. harzianum T-22 (T-22) of four tetraploid wheat seedlings (ancient Saragolle Lucana and modern Creso, Simeto, and Ciclope). In an in vitro experiment, T-22 repressed F. culmorum mycelium growth by over 50% due to the probable combination of competition for nutrients, mycoparasitism, and antibiosis. The seed germination rate was not significantly affected by T-22 while the F. culmorum-induced decrease in emergence was attenuated in the presence of T-22. Ultimately, an improvement in growth was observed by comparing treated and control seedlings at 21 days after sowing. Inoculation with T-22 resulted in Saragolle Lucana seedlings being 4.69 cm higher while Ciclope and Simeto had main roots that were 9.96 and 8.13 cm longer than the control, respectively. Treated and infected Simeto seedlings were 3.75 cm higher and had roots that were 14.45 cm longer than the control, with little contemporary dense coiling colonization by T-22, like Saragolle Lucana. Seed coating induced the best performance regarding seedling growth and the ability to control the pathogen in Simeto (disease severity reduction rate (DDR) of 20%). The pathogenicity of F. culmorum was reduced in all four durum wheats, although it was highly susceptible to FCR. Ciclope, studied for the first time, showed a decrease in disease incidence from 100 ± 0.00% to 56.67 ± 9.13% and a 30% DDR. The seed coating influenced the seedlings’ response to FCR due to T-22’s different colonization actions. This study provides new explanations for the diverse responses of ancient and modern tetraploid wheat to F. culmorum mediated by T-22 inoculation via seed coating.
Physiological Fitness Associated to ACCase Target-Site Resistance Enhances Growth and Reproduction in Phalaris brachystachys
Authors: Golmohammadzadeh Sajedeh , Gherekhloo Javid , Osuna María Dolores , Ghaderi-Far Farshid , Kamkar Behnam , Alcántara-de la Cruz Ricardo , De Prado Rafael
Published: May 2022

Short-spike canarygrass (Phalaris brachystachys (Link.)) from Iranian wheat fields has developed resistance to acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors due to a target-site mutation (Ile-1781-Thr). Target-site resistance mutations may confer pleiotropic effects in weeds. In this paper, the possible effect of the Ile-1781-Thr mutation on the ecological fitness during life cycles in P. brachystachys plants was investigated. ACCase genes of P. brachystachys populations resistant (R) and susceptible (S) to ACCase inhibitors were sequenced and the vegetative growth and reproductive characteristics of the plants were assessed. In the final growth stage (217 days after planting—DAP), R sub-population plants were 30 cm taller than the S plants. Additionally, the R sub-population produced up to 12 leaves and 2.8 tillers more per plant, and accumulated double the dry weight (2850 g m−2) compared to the S sub-population. The leaf area index (LAI) of the R sub-population was 1.1 times higher than that of the S sub-population. In addition, the net assimilation rate (NAR) and plant growth rate (PGR) between 114 and 182 DAP of the R sub-population were 0.11 and 13 g m−2 d−1 higher than the S sub-population, but the relative growth rate (RGR) was similar between R and S sub-populations. The number of spikes (6 vs. 3.8), the spike length (8.4 vs. 5.5), and number of seeds per plant (1276 vs. 751 seed plant−1) of the R sub-population were higher than the S ones, but the weight (3.25 g) and size (11.6 mm2) of 1000 seeds were similar between populations. The R sub-population of P. brachystachys exhibited higher plant growth and reproductive parameters than the S one, which may increase the frequency of resistance in the population in the absence of adequate weed-control methods.
Genetic Characterization and Agronomic Evaluation of Drought Tolerance in Ten Egyptian Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars
Authors: Emam Mohamed A. , Abd EL-Mageed Amal M. , Niedbała Gniewko , Sabrey Samah A. , Fouad Ahmed S. , Kapiel Tarek , Piekutowska Magdalena , Mahmoud Soad A.
Published: May 2022

This investigation was carried out for genetic characterization and determination of drought tolerance of ten Egyptian cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), namely Misr 1, Misr 2, Gemmiza 9, Gemmiza 10, Gemmiza 11, Gemmiza 12, Shandawel 1, Giza 168, Giza 171, and Sids 14. These cultivars were grown in two winter seasons: 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 at the experimental farm Fac. of Agric., Suez Canal Univ., Ismailia, Egypt, under two watering regimes: normal (100%) and stress (50% FC) conditions. Six agronomic traits and five tolerance indices, namely stress tolerance (TOL), mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), yield stability index (YSI), and drought susceptibility index (DSI), were used to evaluate the impact of drought stress. The results reflected Giza 171, Misr 2, and Giza 168 as precious germplasm for breeding of high-yielding drought-tolerant wheat. A highly significant positive correlation was recorded between yield under normal and stress conditions on the one hand and each of MP and GMP on the other hand. In addition, YSI appeared engaged in a highly significant positive correlation with yield under drought conditions only. TOL and DSI appeared insignificantly correlated with yield. Therefore, MP and GMP were reflected as the first runners among indices suitable to distinguish the high-yielding cultivars under drought conditions. At the molecular level, five primers of Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers were able to resolve and characterize the studied cultivars, which reflected SCoT as a potent gene-targeting molecular marker, able to characterize and resolve genetic diversity in wheat at the cultivar level using few primers. Therefore, SCoT is a time-efficient molecular marker, and it can efficiently replace indices in characterization of drought-tolerant genotypes with a high confidence level and reasonable cost.