bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of the 5-HT2A Receptor in Acute Effects of LSD on Empathy and Circulating Oxytocin
Authors: Holze Friederike , Avedisian Isidora , Varghese Nimmy , Eckert Anne , Liechti Matthias E.
Published: July 2021

The psychedelic lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has experienced a revival in research, including clinical trials that evaluate LSD-assisted psychotherapy. LSD induces perceptual alterations and influences emotion processing in ways that may support psychotherapy. Here, we investigated the effects of LSD on emotional empathy and mediating role of the serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine-2A (5-HT2A) receptor by administering 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg LSD alone and 200 µg LSD combined with pretreatment with the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist ketanserin (40 mg) using a placebo-controlled, double-blind, random-order, crossover design in 16 healthy subjects. The Multifaceted Empathy Test (MET) was used to assess the effects of LSD on emotional empathy. Plasma oxytocin levels were also measured. LSD dose-dependently increased implicit and explicit emotional empathy, with the highest 200 µg LSD dose having a significant effect compared with placebo. The 200 µg dose of LSD also moderately increased plasma oxytocin levels compared with placebo. Ketanserin reduced the LSD-induced elevations of oxytocin but not the LSD-induced increases in emotional empathy. These findings confirm that LSD enhances empathy, and this effect may be partially independent of its primary action on 5-HT2A receptors to induce subjective psychedelic effects. In contrast, LSD-induced oxytocin release may depend on 5-HT2A receptor stimulation, which is consistent with the psychedelic effect of LSD. Further studies are needed to investigate whether LSD may also enhance empathy and potentially produce therapeutic effects in patients who have deficits in empathy and impairments in social functioning.
RvD1 Attenuated Susceptibility to Ischemic AKI in Diabetes by Downregulating Nuclear Factor-κ B Signal and Inhibiting Apoptosis
Authors: Li Zheng , Liu Zhiwen , Lu Hengcheng , Dai Wenni , Chen Junxiang , He Liyu
Published: July 2021

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI), when occurring in diabetic kidney disease (DKD), is known to be more severe and difficult to recover from. Inflammation and apoptosis may contribute to the heightened sensitivity of, and non-recovery from, AKI in patients with DKD. Resolvin D1 (RvD1) is a potent lipid mediator which can inhibit the inflammatory response and apoptosis in many diseases. However, it has been reported that the RvD1 levels were decreased in diabetes, which may explain why DKD is more susceptible to AKI.

Methods

For animal experiments, diabetic nephropathy (DN) mice were induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection intraperitoneally. Renal ischemia–reperfusion was used to induce AKI. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine were determined using commercial kits to indicate renal function. Renal apoptosis was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the marker of inflammatory response. Western blot was used to detect the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-related proteins. For clinical study, 12 cases diagnosed with DKD were enrolled in this study, and an equal number of non-diabetic renal disease patients (NDKD) were recruited as a control group. The serum RvD1 in DKD or NDKD patients were detected through an ELISA kit.

Results

In clinical study, we found that the serum RvD1 levels were decreased in DKD patients compared to those in NDKD patients. Decreased serum RvD1 levels were responsible for the susceptibility to ischemic AKI in DKD patients. In animal experiments, both the serum RvD1 and renal ALX levels were downregulated. RvD1 treatment could ameliorate renal function and histological damage after ischemic injury in DN mice. RvD1 treatment also could inhibit the inflammatory response. Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (BOC-2) treatment could deteriorate renal function and histological damage after ischemic injury in non-diabetic mice. RvD1 could inhibit the NF-κB activation and suppress inflammatory response mainly by inhibiting NF-κB signaling.

Conclusion

RvD1 attenuated susceptibility to ischemic AKI in diabetes by downregulating NF-κB signaling and inhibiting apoptosis. Downregulated serum RvD1 levels could be the crucial factor for susceptibility to ischemic AKI in diabetes.
Accuracy of Interpolated Versus In-Vineyard Sensor Climate Data for Heat Accumulation Modelling of Phenology
Authors: Pipan Paula , Hall Andrew , Rogiers Suzy Y. , Holzapfel Bruno P.
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims

In response to global heating, accurate climate data are required to calculate climatic indices for long-term decisions about vineyard management, vineyard site selection, varieties planted and to predict phenological development. The availability of spatially interpolated climate data has the potential to make viticultural climate analyses possible at specific sites without the expense and uncertainty of collecting climate data within vineyards. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy and precision of climatic indices calculated using an on-site climate sensor and an interpolated climate dataset to assess whether the effect of spatial variability in climate at this fine spatial scale significantly affects phonological modelling outcomes.

Methods and Results

Four sites comprising two topographically homogenous vineyards and two topographically diverse vineyards in three wine regions in Victoria (Australia) were studied across four growing seasons. A freely available database of interpolated Australian climate data based on government climate station records (Scientific Information for Land Owners, SILO) provided temperature data for grid cells containing the sites (resolution 0.05° latitude by 0.05° longitude, approximately 5 km × 5 km). In-vineyard data loggers collected temperature data for the same time period. The results indicated that the only significant difference between the two climate data sources was the minimum temperatures in the topographically varied vineyards where night-time thermal layering is likely to occur.

Conclusion

The interpolated climate data closely matched the in-vineyard recorded maximum temperatures in all cases and minimum temperatures for the topographically homogeneous vineyards. However, minimum temperatures were not as accurately predicted by the interpolated data for the topographically complex sites. Therefore, this specific interpolated dataset was a reasonable substitute for in-vineyard collected data only for vineyard sites that are unlikely to experience night-time thermal layering.

Significance of the Study

Access to accurate climate data from a free interpolation service, such as SILO provides a valuable tool tomanage blocks or sections within vineyards more precisely for vineyards that do not have a weather station on site. Care, nevertheless, is required to account for minimum temperature discrepancies in topographically varied vineyards, due to the potential for cool air pooling at night, that may not be reflected in interpolated climate data.
Tomato Cultivars With Variable Tolerances to Water Deficit Differentially Modulate the Composition and Interaction Patterns of Their Rhizosphere Microbial Communities
Authors: Gaete Alexis , Pulgar Rodrigo , Hodar Christian , Maldonado Jonathan , Pavez Leonardo , Zamorano Denisse , Pastenes Claudio , González Mauricio , Franck Nicolás , Mandakovic Dinka
Published: July 2021

Since drought is the leading environmental factor limiting crop productivity, and plants have a significant impact in defining the assembly of plant-specific microbial communities associated with roots, we aimed to determine the effect of thoroughly selected water deficit tolerant and susceptible Solanum lycopersicum cultivars on their rhizosphere microbiome and compared their response with plant-free soil microbial communities. We identified a total of 4,248 bacterial and 276 fungal different operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in soils by massive sequencing. We observed that tomato cultivars significantly affected the alpha and beta diversity of their bacterial rhizosphere communities but not their fungal communities compared with bulk soils (BSs), showing a plant effect exclusively on the bacterial soil community. Also, an increase in alpha diversity in response to water deficit of both bacteria and fungi was observed in the susceptible rhizosphere (SRz) but not in the tolerant rhizosphere (TRz) cultivar, implying a buffering effect of the tolerant cultivar on its rhizosphere microbial communities. Even though water deficit did not affect the microbial diversity of the tolerant cultivar, the interaction network analysis revealed that the TRz microbiota displayed the smallest and least complex soil network in response to water deficit with the least number of connected components, nodes, and edges. This reduction of the TRz network also correlated with a more efficient community, reflected in increased cooperation within kingdoms. Furthermore, we identified some specific bacteria and fungi in the TRz in response to water deficit, which, given that they belong to taxa with known beneficial characteristics for plants, could be contributing to the tolerant phenotype, highlighting the metabolic bidirectionality of the holobiont system. Future assays involving characterization of root exudates and exchange of rhizospheres between drought-tolerant and susceptible cultivars could determine the effect of specific metabolites on the microbiome community and may elucidate their functional contribution to the tolerance of plants to water deficit.
Current Perspective on the Therapeutic Preset for Substance-Assisted Psychotherapy
Authors: Thal Sascha B. , Bright Stephen J. , Sharbanee Jason M. , Wenge Tobias , Skeffington Petra M.
Published: July 2021

The present narrative review is the first in a series of reviews about the appropriate conduct in substance-assisted psychotherapy (SAPT). It outlines a current perspective onpreconditions and theoretical knowledge that have been identified as valuable in the literaturefor appropriate therapeutic conduct in SAPT. In this context, considerations regarding ethics and the spiritual emphasis of the therapeutic approaches are discussed. Further, current methods, models, and concepts of psychological mechanism of action and therapeutic effects of SAPT are summarized, and similarities between models, approaches, and potential mediators for therapeutic effects are outlined. It is argued that a critical assessment of the literature might indicate that the therapeutic effect of SAPT may be mediated by intra- and interpersonal variables within the therapeutic context rather than specific therapeutic modelsper se. The review provides a basis for the development and adaptation of future investigations, therapeutic models, training programs for therapists, and those interested in the therapeutic potential of SAPT. Limitations and future directions for research are discussed.
Comprehensive Assessment of Visual Perceptual Skills in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: DiCriscio Antoinette Sabatino , Smith Jaclyn , Troiani Vanessa
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the current study was to assess meaningful variability in visual-perceptual skills using a standardized assessment of visual perception, the Test of Visual Perceptual Skills (TVPS), across children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition to assessing overall accuracy across subtests of the TVPS, we also assessed response variability at the item-level, and the linear relationship between quantitative measures of ASD symptoms, task performance, and item-level variance. We report a significant linear relationship between ASD features and performance on the TVPS Figure Ground subtest. Additionally, results of an item-level analysis point to a significant relationship between within-task variability on the Figure Ground subtest and quantitative ASD traits, with a less variable response pattern being associated with increased ASD symptoms. Findings presented here suggest variability in perceptual processing across ASD may be influenced by individual differences in trait distribution.
Relationship of Social and Behavioral Characteristics to Suicidality in Community Adolescents With Self-Harm: Considering Contagion and Connection on Social Media
Authors: Seong Eunice , Noh Gahye , Lee Kyung Hwa , Lee Jong-Sun , Kim Sojung , Seo Dong Gi , Yoo Jae Hyun , Hwang Hyunchan , Choi Chi-Hyun , Han Doug Hyun , Hong Soon-Beom , Kim Jae-Won
Published: July 2021

A close link has been established between self-harm and suicide risk in adolescents, and increasing attention is given to social media as possibly involved in this relationship. It is important to identify indicators of suicidality (i.e., suicide ideation or attempt) including aspects related to contagion in online and offline social networks and explore the role of social media in the relationship between social circumstances and suicidality in young adolescents with self-harm. This study explored characteristics of Korean adolescents with a recent history of self-harm and identified how behavioral and social features explain lifetime suicidality with emphasis on the impact of social media. Data came from a nationwide online survey among sixth- to ninth-graders with self-harm during the past 12 months (n = 906). We used χ2 tests of independence to explore potential concomitants of lifetime suicidality and employed a multivariate logistic regression model to examine the relationship between the explanatory variables and suicidality. Sensitivity analyses were performed with lifetime suicide attempt in place of lifetime suicidality. 33.9% (n = 306) and 71.2% (n = 642) reported to have started self-harm by the time they were fourth- and six-graders, respectively; 44.3% (n = 400) reported that they have friends who self-harm. Having endorsed moderate/severe forms and multiple forms of self-harm (OR 5.36, p < 0.001; OR 3.13, p < 0.001), having engaged in self-harm for two years or more (OR 2.42, p = 0.001), having friends who self-harm (OR 1.92, p = 0.013), and having been bullied at school were associated with an increased odds of lifetime suicidality (OR 2.08, p = 0.004). Notably, having posted content about one’s self-harm on social media during the past 12 months was associated with an increased odds of lifetime suicidality (OR 3.15, p < 0.001), whereas having seen related content in the same period was not. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results with lifetime suicide attempt, supporting our findings from the logistic regression. The current study suggests that self-harm may be prevalent from early adolescence in South Korea with assortative gathering. The relationship of vulnerable adolescents’ social circumstances to suicide risk may be compounded by the role of social media. As the role of social media can be linked to both risk (i.e., contagion) and benefit (i.e., social connection and support), pre-existing vulnerabilities alongside SH and what online communication centers on should be a focus of clinical attention.
Improving Criminal Responsibility Determinations Using Structured Professional Judgment
Authors: Acklin Marvin W. , Velasquez Joseph P.
Published: July 2021

Forensic psychologists commonly utilize unstructured clinical judgment in aggregating clinical and forensic information in forming opinions. Unstructured clinical judgment is prone to evaluator bias and suboptimal levels of inter-rater reliability. This article proposes Structured Professional Judgment (SPJ) methods as a potential remedy. Following a review of canonical forensic assessment models, the prevalence of bias in forensic judgments, and inter-rater agreement in criminal responsibility (CR) determinations, this article presents a SPJ model for CR evaluations translated from violence risk assessment methodology. A systematic user-friendly methodology is described, applying procedural checklists, application of a mental state at time of the offense (MSO) model using structured data collection methods, aggregation of empirical evidence guidelines, and post-hoc hypothesis testing using the Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH). A case study describes application of the procedural and CR decision model in a complex homicide case. The model demonstrates the power and efficacy of the application of SPJ to forensic decision-making and is relevant to other types of forensic assessment (e.g., competency to stand trial, post-acquittal release decision-making).
Family Group Conferences as a Shared Decision-Making Strategy in Adults Mental Health Work
Authors: Ramon Shulamit
Published: July 2021

Family Group conferences (FGC) provide a system by which a client and their family reach jointly key intervention decisions, from a number of options proposed by professionals. The system originated in child protection social work.

Conceptually FGC is based on the assumption that the family is potentially a supportive social system for an individual with a variety of difficulties, including mental ill health. Reaching a family network agreement can lead to long term positive outcomes in self-confidence and social relationships. This strategy of shared decision making (SDM) can re-unite the family around the client's needs and wishes. It fits well the strengths based and the recovery-oriented approaches to mental ill health.

Methodologically, this article provides a narrative review of existing empirical research about FGC in the context of adult mental health. In addition, two community case studies consisting of videos of a mother experiencing mental ill health and a daughter are analysed in terms of theirsubjectiveexperience of the FGCs they were involved in, and looks at both the process and the outcomes of FGCs.

Thekey findingsdemonstrate a high level of satisfactionfrom participatingin the FGC meeting, while the evidence pertaining to the outcomes is inconclusive. Only very few systematic review studies, or comparative studies of different approaches to family decision making, exist, and there are no studies which offer cost effectiveness analysis.

Discussion:The observed gap between the satisfaction from the process of FGC by the participants vs. the inconclusive outcomes relates to the implementation phase, in which the decisions made by the family are tested. Evaluating FGC processes and outcomes is complex. A systematic and comprehensive research of the implementation process is missing at this stage.

In conclusion, FGC is a promising strategy of SDM in adult mental health. The research evidence indicates the need for further exploration of its implementation process, evaluative methodology and methods.
Cognitive Biases in Blood-Injection-Injury Phobia: A Review
Authors: Abado Elinor , Aue Tatjana , Okon-Singer Hadas
Published: July 2021

Blood-injection-injury (BII) phobia can lead to avoidance of crucial medical procedures and to detrimental health consequences, even among health workers. Yet unlike other specific phobias, BII phobia has been understudied. Specifically, while cognitive biases have been extensively investigated in other anxiety disorders, little is known about the same biases in BII phobia. The current article reviews cognitive biases in BII phobia and suggest future directions for further study and treatment. The reviewed biases include attention, expectancy, memory, perception, and interpretation biases. The investigation of these biases is highly relevant, as cognitive biases have been found to interact with anxiety symptoms. Results showed that attention, expectancy, and memory biases are involved in BII phobia, while no studies were found on interpretation nor perception biases. Mixed results were found for attention bias, as different studies found different components of attention bias, while others found no attention bias at all. Similarly, some studies found a-priori/a-posteriori expectancy biases, while other studies found only one type of bias. A better understanding of the cognitive particularities of BII phobia may lead to better treatments and ultimately reduce avoidance of needles and blood-related situations, thereby enabling individuals with BII phobia to undergo potentially life-saving medical procedures.
Abnormal Degree Centrality in White Matter Hyperintensities: A Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Du Baogen , Cao Shanshan , Liu Yuanyuan , Wei Qiang , Zhang Jun , Chen Chen , Wang Xiaojing , Mo Yuting , Nie Jiajia , Qiu Bensheng , Hu Panpan , Wang Kai
Published: July 2021

Background: White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are a common occurrence with aging and are associated with cognitive impairment. However, the neurobiological mechanisms of WMHs remain poorly understood. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a prominent tool that helps in non-invasive examinations and is increasingly used to diagnose neuropsychiatric diseases. Degree centrality (DC) is a common and reliable index in fMRI, which counts the number of direct connections for a given voxel in a network and reflects the functional connectivity within brain networks. We explored the underlying mechanism of cognitive impairment in WMHs from the perspective of DC.

Methods: A total of 104 patients with WMHs and 37 matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in the current study. All participants underwent individual and overall cognitive function tests and resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI). WMHs were divided into three groups (39 mild WMHs, 37 moderate WMHs, and 28 severe WMHs) according to their Fazekas scores, and the abnormal DC values in the WMHs and HCs groups were analyzed.

Results: There was a significant difference in the right inferior frontal orbital gyrus and left superior parietal gyrus between the WMHs and HCs groups. The functional connectivity between the right inferior frontal orbital gyrus and left inferior temporal gyrus, left superior parietal gyrus, and left parietal inferior gyrus was also different in the WMHs group.

Conclusion: The change in DC value may be one of the underlying mechanisms of cognitive impairment in individuals with WMHs, which provides us with a new approach to delaying cognitive impairment in WMHs.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Mental Health Symptoms and Suicidal Behavior Among University Students in Wuhan, China During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Xu Yingying , Su Sizhen , Jiang Zhendong , Guo Suihuai , Lu Qingdong , Liu Lin , Zhao Yimiao , Wu Ping , Que Jianyu , Shi Le , Deng Jiahui , Meng Shiqiu , Yan Wei , Sun Yankun , Yuan Kai , Lin Xiao , Sun Siwei , Ravindran Arun V. , Chen Sijing , Wing Yun Kwok , Tang Xiangdong , Ran Maosheng , Lu Yu , Shi Jie , Huang Guofu , Bao Yanping , Lu Lin
Published: July 2021

Background: University students who are exposed to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could be mentally distressed. We aimed to evaluate the pattern and risk factors of mental health and suicidal behavior among students who experienced long-term school closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This large-sample, cross-sectional, online survey was conducted from June 29, 2020, to July 18, 2020. Eleven thousand two hundred fifty four participants were recruited from 30 universities located in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal behavior was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Insomnia Severity Index, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5, and questions about suicidal ideation and attempts, respectively. Logistic regression was used to explore risk factors for mental health problems and suicidal behavior.

Results: The prevalence of mental health problems was 41.5% for depressive symptoms, 32.6% for anxiety symptoms, 35.0% for insomnia symptoms, 8.5% for PTSD symptoms, and 2.0% for suicidal behavior. Participants with high stress during the pandemic were at higher risk of symptoms of depression [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.43–1.95, p < 0.01), anxiety (adjusted OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.63–2.23, p < 0.01), insomnia (adjusted OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.44–1.87, p < 0.01), PTSD (adjusted OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.38–2.11, p < 0.01) and suicidal behavior (adjusted OR = 3.51, 95% CI = 2.28–5.40, p < 0.01). Distant relationship with parents, changes in lifestyle and alcohol use during the pandemic were associated with higher risk of mental health symptoms and suicidal behavior, whereas regular physical exercise reduced the risk of mental health problems.

Conclusions: The psychological symptoms and suicidal behavior were relatively high among students who attended university in Wuhan, China after 6 months of the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Comprehensive mental health services and suicide prevention strategies are essential for university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Epidemiology, Biodiversity, and Technological Trajectories in the Brazilian Amazon: From Malaria to COVID-19
Authors: Codeço Claudia T. , Dal'Asta Ana P. , Rorato Ana C. , Lana Raquel M. , Neves Tatiana C. , Andreazzi Cecilia S. , Barbosa Milton , Escada Maria I. S. , Fernandes Danilo A. , Rodrigues Danuzia L. , Reis Izabel C. , Silva-Nunes Monica , Gontijo Alexandre B. , Coelho Flavio C. , Monteiro Antonio M. V.
Published: July 2021

The Amazon biome is under severe threat due to increasing deforestation rates and loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services while sustaining a high burden of neglected tropical diseases. Approximately two thirds of this biome are located within Brazilian territory. There, socio-economic and environmental landscape transformations are linked to the regional agrarian economy dynamics, which has developed into six techno-productive trajectories (TTs). These TTs are the product of the historical interaction between Peasant and Farmer and Rancher practices, technologies and rationalities. This article investigates the distribution of the dominant Brazilian Amazon TTs and their association with environmental degradation and vulnerability to neglected tropical diseases. The goal is to provide a framework for the joint debate of the local economic, environmental and health dimensions. We calculated the dominant TT for each municipality in 2017. Peasant trajectories (TT1, TT2, and TT3) are dominant in ca. fifty percent of the Amazon territory, mostly concentrated in areas covered by continuous forest where malaria is an important morbidity and mortality cause. Cattle raising trajectories are associated with higher deforestation rates. Meanwhile, Farmer and Rancher economies are becoming dominant trajectories, comprising large scale cattle and grain production. These trajectories are associated with rapid biodiversity loss and a high prevalence of neglected tropical diseases, such as leishmaniasis,Aedes-borne diseases and Chagas disease. Overall, these results defy simplistic views that the dominant development trajectory for the Amazon will optimize economic, health and environmental indicators. This approach lays the groundwork for a more integrated narrative consistent with the economic history of the Brazilian Amazon.
Cellular Viability of Partial Heart Transplant Grafts in Cold Storage
Authors: Kwon Jennie H. , Hill Morgan Ashley , Gerry Brielle , Morningstar Jordan , Kavarana Minoo N. , Nadig Satish N. , Rajab Taufiek Konrad
Published: July 2021

Congenital heart defects are the most common types of birth defects in humans. Children with congenital heart defects frequently require heart valve replacement with an implant. Unfortunately, conventional heart valve implants do not grow. Therefore, these children are committed to serial re-operations for successively larger implant exchanges. Partial heart transplantation is a new and innovative approach to deliver growing heart valve implants. However, the transplant biology of partial heart transplant grafts remains unexplored. This is a critical barrier for clinical translation. Therefore, we investigated the cellular viability of partial heart transplants in cold storage. Histology and immunohistochemistry revealed no morphological differences in heart valves after 6, 24, or 48 h of cold storage. Moreover, immunohistochemistry showed that the marker for apoptosis activated caspase 3 and the marker for cell division Ki67 remained unchanged after 48 h of cold storage. Finally, quantification of fluorescing resorufin showed no statistically significant decrease in cellular metabolic activity in heart valves after 48 h of cold storage. We conclude that partial heart transplants remain viable after 48 h of cold storage. These findings represent the first step toward translating partial heart transplantation from the bench to the bedside because they have direct clinical implications for the procurement logistics of this new type of transplant.
Extended High Order Algorithms for Equations under the Same Set of Conditions
Authors: Argyros Ioannis K. , Sharma Debasis , Argyros Christopher I. , Parhi Sanjaya Kumar , Sunanda Shanta Kumari , Argyros Michael I.
Published: July 2021

A variety of strategies are used to construct algorithms for solving equations. However, higher order derivatives are usually assumed to calculate the convergence order. More importantly, bounds on error and uniqueness regions for the solution are also not derived. Therefore, the benefits of these algorithms are limited. We simply use the first derivative to tackle all these issues and study the ball analysis for two sixth order algorithms under the same set of conditions. In addition, we present a calculable ball comparison between these algorithms. In this manner, we enhance the utility of these algorithms. Our idea is very general. That is why it can also be used to extend other algorithms as well in the same way.
Modular Capsules with Assembly and Separation Mechanism: Proof of Concept
Authors: Li Zhenyu , Hoang Manh Cuong , Kim Chang-Sei , Choi Eunpyo , Bang Doyeon , Park Jong-Oh , Kang Byungjeon
Published: July 2021

As wireless capsule endoscope (WCE) technology has advanced, various studies were published on WCEs with functional modules for the diagnosis and treatment of problems in the digestive system. However, when additional functional modules are added the physical size of the WCEs will increase, making them more difficult for patients to comfortably swallow. Moreover, there are limitations when it comes to adding multi-functional modules to the WCEs due to the size of the digestive tract itself. This article introduces a controllable modular capsule endoscope driven by an electromagnetic actuation (EMA) system. The modular capsules are divided into a driving capsule and a functional capsule. Capsules with different functions are swallowed in sequence and then recombination, transportation and separation functions are carried out under the control of the EMA system while in the stomach, this approach solves the size limitation issues faced by multi-functional capsule endoscopes. The recombination and separation functions make use of a characteristic of soft magnetic materials so that their magnetization direction can be changed easily. These functions are made possible by the addition of a soft magnet to the capsule together with the precise control of magnetic fields provided by the EMA system.
Managing Open School Units Amid COVID-19 Pandemic through the Experiences of Greek Principals. Implications for Current and Future Policies in Public Education
Authors: Spyropoulou Eleftheria , Koutroukis Theodore
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of primary and secondary Greek school principals, regarding the management of their school units at the beginning of the school year 2020–2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative study of 57 principals was undertaken, in order to explore the following questions: (a) What were the difficulties and obstacles that principals faced during the management of the school unit from the beginning of the school year? (b) What factors helped them to manage these difficulties? Written answers were analyzed using thematic analysis. Several key findings emerged, indicating that, in general, the principals had to respond to an unprecedented crisis context, under tremendous pressure, with limited resources. They faced a variety of difficulties, both on a personal level and in the context of their professional role. They also encountered difficulties above their role, which had to do with the general impact of the extended sanitary crisis on the emotional state and perceptions of the members of the school community. The results of the research have implications for the policy that is applied in schools in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Profit Efficiency of Rice Farms in Wet-Season Lowlands in Champhone District, Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR
Authors: Khounthikoumane Sengphachan , Chang Jae Bong , Lee Yoonsuk
Published: July 2021

This study analyzed factors affecting profit efficiency of rice farms in wet-season lowlands in the Champhone District of Savannakhet Province in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic based on a farmer’s decision to maximize profits. The profit efficiency approach has an advantage in that it provides insights into both inputs and outputs. To analyze profit efficiency, the stochastic production frontier model with assumptions about the time period and types of inputs was applied in the study. The study found similar results to previous studies related to efficiency measurements using a stochastic frontier analysis. Rice production and selling prices have positive signs with respect to the rate of return; however, costs of labor, seed, irrigation, fertilizers, and maintenance have negative signs with respect to the rate of revenue. However, the results from the inefficiency model showed the different role of education. The previous studies found that education level did not play an important role in improving rice productivity in Laos, however, the present study found that education level played a significant role in increasing profits.
Reducing the Evaporative Demand Improves Photosynthesis and Water Use Efficiency of Indoor Cultivated Lettuce
Authors: Amitrano Chiara , Rouphael Youssef , Pannico Antonio , De Pascale Stefania , De Micco Veronica
Published: July 2021

Currently, climate change is affecting considerably the availability of freshwater for agriculture, increasing the need for the optimization of crop water use efficiency. Attempts to use VPD (vapor pressure deficit) modulation to reduce water consumption have been made. However, the effects of VPD on leaf stomatal and hydraulic traits, and on possible tradeoffs between photosynthetic carbon gain and transpiration, are rarely reported. We analyzed photosynthesis (gas-exchange, photochemistry) stomatal and hydraulic-related traits of green (G) and red (R) butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown under low and high VPD (LV, HV) in a controlled environment. Our results showed that plants developed a higher number of small stomata under LV, allowing better regulation over opening/closing mechanisms and thus increasing net photosynthesis by 18%. LV plants also achieved better performance of the photosystem II and a more efficient water use (increments in ΦPSII and iWUE by 3% and 49%), resulting in enhanced plant growth and reduced need for irrigation. Significant differences between G and R plants were limited to a few traits, and the physiological response under the two VPDs did not show cultivar-specific response. We discuss the role of VPD management as necessary to maximize crop water use by harmonizing photosynthesis and transpiration.
Joint Modeling of Genetics and Field Variation in Plant Breeding Trials Using Relationship and Different Spatial Methods: A Simulation Study of Accuracy and Bias
Authors: Borges da Silva Éder David , Xavier Alencar , Faria Marcos Ventura
Published: July 2021

Modelling field spatial patterns is standard practice for the analysis of plant breeding. Jointly fitting the genetic relationship among individuals and spatial information enables better separability between the variance due to genetics and field variation. This study aims to quantify the accuracy and bias of estimative parameters using different approaches. We contrasted three settings for the genetic term: no relationship (I), pedigree relationship (A), and genomic relationship (G); and a set of approaches for the spatial variation: no-spatial (NS), moving average covariate (MA), row-column adjustment (RC), autoregressive AR1 × AR1 (AR), spatial stochastic partial differential equations, or SPDE (SD), nearest neighbor graph (NG), and Gaussian kernel (GK). Simulations were set to represent soybean field trials at F2:4 generation. Heritability was sampled from a uniform distribution U(0,1). The simulated residual-to-spatial ratio between residual variance and spatial variance (Ve:Vs) ranged from 9:1 to 1:9. Experimental settings were conducted under an augmented block design with the systematic distribution of checks accounting for 10% of the plots. Relationship information had a substantial impact on the accuracy of the genetic values (G > A > I) and contributed to the accuracy of spatial effects (30.63–42.27% improvement). Spatial models were ranked based on an improvement to the accuracy of estimative of genetic effects as SD ≥ GK ≥ AR ≥ NG ≥ MA > RC ≥ NS, and to the accuracy of estimative of spatial effects as GK ≥ SD ≥ NG > AR ≥ MA > RC. Estimates of genetic and spatial variance were generally biased downwards, whereas residual variances were biased upwards. The advent of relationship information reduced the bias of all variance components. Spatial methods SD, AR, and GK provided the least biased estimates of spatial and residual variance.
Integrated Management Practices for Establishing Upland Switchgrass Varieties
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Hashemi Masoud , Herbert Stephen J. , Jahanzad Emad , Safari-Katesari Hadi , Battaglia Martin , Zandvakili Omid Reza , Sadeghpour Amir
Published: July 2021

Establishment of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is challenging, and failure in establishment may expose growers to considerable economic risk. The objectives of this research were to (i) evaluate whether management practices are variety-specific for the establishment of switchgrass and (ii) assess the effectiveness of cover crops as preceding crops on ‘Shawnee’ switchgrass establishment. Therefore, two studies were conducted at the University of Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station in Deerfield, MA, USA, in the 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 growing seasons. In Experiment 1, cover crop treatments (fallow, oat (Avena sativa L.) and rye (Secale cereale L.)) were the main plots, the two seeding methods (no-till drill and a cultipacker seeder (Brillion)) were the sub-plots, and the two varieties (‘Cave-in-Rock’ (CIR) and Shawnee)) were the sub-sub-plots. The second study was conducted using Shawnee switchgrass and involved the three cover crop treatments used in Experiment 1 using a cultipacker seeder with seed firming prior to planting but not afterwards (consistent in both experiments). The results indicated that a combination of oat and no-till resulted in higher tiller density (493%), lower weed biomass (77%), increased switchgrass biomass (SGB) (283%) and SGB to weed biomass (WB) ratio. Compared with Shawnee, CIR planted into a winter-killed oat residue had higher tiller density (93%), lower weed biomass (18%), higher switchgrass yield (128%) and thus a greater SGB:WB ratio (507%). Trends of switchgrass response to management practices, however, were similar between the two varieties, indicating that seed quality rather than management practices could influence switchgrass’s response to management practices. In Experiment 2, Shawnee tiller density was suppressed by rye as the preceding crop, possibly due to late termination of rye. Shawnee switchgrass yields were below 1000 kg ha−1 under all management practices; thus, harvesting should happen in the year following establishment. Future research should focus on comparing no-till drilling with cultipacker seeder with rolling not only before but after seeding to increase seed–soil contact.
COVID-19 Diagnosis from Chest CT Scans: A Weakly Supervised CNN-LSTM Approach
Authors: Kara Mustafa , Öztürk Zeynep , Akpek Sergin , Turupcu Ayşegül
Published: July 2021

Advancements in deep learning and availability of medical imaging data have led to the use of CNN-based architectures in disease diagnostic assisted systems. In spite of the abundant use of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-based tests in COVID-19 diagnosis, CT images offer an applicable supplement with their high sensitivity rates. Here, we study the classification of COVID-19 pneumonia and non-COVID-19 pneumonia in chest CT scans using efficient deep learning methods to be readily implemented by any hospital. We report our deep network framework design that encompasses Convolutional Neural Networks and bidirectional Long Short Term Memory architectures. Our study achieved high specificity (COVID-19 pneumonia: 98.3%, non-COVID-19 pneumonia: 96.2% Healthy: 89.3%) and high sensitivity (COVID-19 pneumonia: 84.0%, non-COVID-19 pneumonia: 93.9% Healthy: 94.9%) in classifying COVID-19 pneumonia, non-COVID-19 pneumonia and healthy patients. Next, we provide visual explanations for the Convolutional Neural Network predictions with gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM). The results provided a model explainability by showing that Ground Glass Opacities, indicators of COVID-19 pneumonia disease, were captured by our convolutional neural network. Finally, we have implemented our approach in three hospitals proving its compatibility and efficiency.
Application of Creep Feed and Phytase Super-Dosing as Tools to Support Digestive Adaption and Feed Efficiency in Piglets at Weaning
Authors: Lee Sophie A. , Febery Erica , Wilcock Pete , Bedford Michael R.
Published: July 2021

A total of 64 piglets were used in a 35-day study to evaluate whether creep feeding piglets on the sow or super-dosing phytase to piglets post-weaning can be used as a tool to reduce stress and support adaption to weaning. Treatments consisted of creep or no creep feed being offered pre-weaning and with or without phytase supplementation at 2000 FTU/kg post-weaning. Blood samples were collected from eight piglets per treatment on days 0 (weaning), 7 and 21 post-weaning to determine plasma cortisol and myo-inositol concentrations. Four piglets per treatment (n = 16) were administered Heidelberg pH capsules 1 week prior to weaning, on the day of weaning, as well as 7 days and 21 days post-weaning, with readings monitored over a 3 h period. In the first week post-weaning, creep-fed piglets had higher daily gains (0.23 vs. 0.14 kg/d, p < 0.05) and a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR, 0.99 vs. 1.35, p < 0.01), compared to non-creep-fed pigs. At 21 days post-weaning, irrespective of creep feed, phytase supplementation reduced FCR (1.10 vs. 1.18, p = 0.05) of piglets. Average real-time stomach pH was lower in creep-fed piglets at 1 week prior to weaning (pH 3.2 vs. 4.6, p < 0.001) and on day of weaning (pH 3.1 vs. 3.7, p < 0.01). Following weaning, phytase reduced average stomach pH of piglets at days 7 (pH 2.6 vs. 3.3, p < 0.001) and 21 (pH 2.2 vs. 2.6, p < 0.01). Both cortisol and myo-inositol concentrations in plasma decreased with age; however, cortisol levels were unaffected by either treatment. Plasma myo-inositol concentrations were higher in creep-fed piglets at day of weaning (p < 0.05) and with phytase super-dosing on day 21 (p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that both creep feeding and phytase super-dosing are useful practices to encourage better adaption to weaning and support piglet performance. This response was not related to reduced stress in piglets, as determined by cortisol levels, but instead appears to relate to improved gastric conditions for digestion, phytate degradation and myo-inositol provision in piglets.
A High-Throughput Metabolic Microarray Assay Reveals Antibacterial Effects of Black and Red Raspberries and Blackberries against Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Goodman Candace , Lyon Katrina N. , Scotto Aitana , Smith Cyra , Sebrell Thomas A. , Gentry Andrew B. , Bala Ganesh , Stoner Gary D. , Bimczok Diane
Published: July 2021

Helicobacter pylori infection is commonly treated with a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors. However, since H. pylori is becoming increasingly resistant to standard antibiotic regimens, novel treatment strategies are needed. Previous studies have demonstrated that black and red berries may have antibacterial properties. Therefore, we analyzed the antibacterial effects of black and red raspberries and blackberries on H. pylori. Freeze-dried powders and organic extracts from black and red raspberries and blackberries were prepared, and high-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure the concentrations of anthocyanins, which are considered the major active ingredients. To monitor antibiotic effects of the berry preparations on H. pylori, a high-throughput metabolic growth assay based on the Biolog system was developed and validated with the antibiotic metronidazole. Biocompatibility was analyzed using human gastric organoids. All berry preparations tested had significant bactericidal effects in vitro, with MIC90 values ranging from 0.49 to 4.17%. Antimicrobial activity was higher for extracts than powders and appeared to be independent of the anthocyanin concentration. Importantly, human gastric epithelial cell viability was not negatively impacted by black raspberry extract applied at the concentration required for complete bacterial growth inhibition. Our data suggest that black and red raspberry and blackberry extracts may have potential applications in the treatment and prevention of H. pylori infection but differ widely in their MICs. Moreover, we demonstrate that the Biolog metabolic assay is suitable for high-throughput antimicrobial susceptibility screening of H. pylori.
Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Canine Isolates from a Multicentric Study in Romania
Authors: Dégi János , Moțco Oana-Alexandra , Dégi Diana Maria , Suici Tiana , Mareș Mihai , Imre Kalman , Cristina Romeo Teodor
Published: July 2021

Treating infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is increasingly difficult due to high antibiotic resistance, materialized through the presence of multiple resistance strains, as well as due to rapid development of resistance throughout treatment. The present survey was conducted to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogens in two University Veterinary hospitals from different geographical regions of Romania (i.e., Southwest Timișoara county and Northeast Iași county) involved in superficial canine infections. A total of 142 swab specimens were collected from dogs with superficial infections (superficial skin infections, otitis externa, and perianal abscess) to assess the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, based on phenotypic and molecular characterization. According to their confirmed morphological and molecular features, 58 samples (40.84%; 58/142) were positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (according to their confirmed morphological and molecular features). Antibiotic susceptibility testing for 12 antibiotics was conducted using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Drug resistance was observed in the case of all tested antibiotics. The susceptibility rate of P. aeruginosa strains that were tested in this study was in the following order: ceftazidime (53.44%; 31/58), followed by aztreonam (51.72%; 30/58), amikacin (44.82%; 26/58), azithromycin (41.37%; 24/58), gentamicin (37.93%; 22/58), cefepime (36.20%; 21/58), meropenem (25.86%; 13/58), piperacillin-tazobactam (25.86%; 13/58), imipenem (22.41%; 13/158), ciprofloxacin (17.24%; 10/58), tobramycin (8.62; 5/58), and polymyxin B (1.72; 1/58). The results highlight the importance of antibiotic susceptibility testing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from dogs with superficial infections to use an adequate treatment plan to manage the skin condition and other pathologies (otitis externa and perianal abscesses).