bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying brain state transition cost via Schrödinger Bridge
Authors: Kawakita Genji , Kamiya Shunsuke , Sasai Shuntaro , Kitazono Jun , Oizumi Masafumi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Quantifying brain state transition cost is a fundamental problem in systems neuroscience. Previous studies utilized network control theory to measure the cost by considering a neural system as a deterministic dynamical system. However, this approach does not capture the stochasticity of neural systems, which is important for accurately quantifying brain state transition cost. Here, we propose a novel framework based on optimal control in stochastic systems. In our framework, we quantify the transition cost as the Kullback-Leibler divergence from an uncontrolled transition path to the optimally controlled path, which is known as Schrödinger Bridge. To test its utility, we applied this framework to functional magnetic resonance imaging data from the Human Connectome Project and computed the brain state transition cost in cognitive tasks. We demonstrate correspondence between brain state transition cost and the difficulty of tasks. The results suggest that our framework provides a general theoretical tool for investigating cognitive functions from the viewpoint of transition cost.
Super‐resolution Reconstruction MRI Application in Fetal Neck Masses and Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome
Authors: Mufti Nada , Ebner Michael , Patel Premal , Aertsen Michael , Gaunt Trevor , Humphries Paul D. , Bredaki Fonteini Emmananouella , Hewitt Richard , Butler Colin , Sokolska Magdalena , Kendall Giles S. , Atkinson David , Vercauteren Tom , Ourselin Sebastien , Pandya Pranav P. , Deprest Jan , Melbourne Andrew , David Anna L. 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveReliable airway patency diagnosis in fetal tracheolaryngeal obstruction is crucial to select and plan ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) surgery. We compared the clinical utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) super‐resolution reconstruction (SRR) of the trachea, which can mitigate unpredictable fetal motion effects, with standard 2‐dimensional (2D) MRI for airway patency diagnosis and assessment of fetal neck mass anatomy.Study DesignA single‐center case series of 7 consecutive singleton pregnancies with complex upper airway obstruction (2013‐2019).SettingA tertiary fetal medicine unit performing EXIT surgery.MethodsMRI SRR of the trachea was performed involving rigid motion correction of acquired 2D MRI slices combined with robust outlier detection to reconstruct an isotropic high‐resolution volume. SRR, 2D MRI, and paired data were blindly assessed by 3 radiologists in 3 experimental rounds.ResultsAirway patency was correctly diagnosed in 4 of 7 cases (57%) with 2D MRI as compared with 2 of 7 cases (29%) with SRR alone or paired 2D MRI and SRR. Radiologists were more confident (P =. 026) in airway patency diagnosis when using 2D MRI than SRR. Anatomic clarity was higher with SRR (P =. 027) or paired data (P =. 041) in comparison with 2D MRI alone. Radiologists detected further anatomic details by using paired images versus 2D MRI alone (P <. 001). Cognitive load, as assessed by the NASA Task Load Index, was increased with paired or SRR data in comparison with 2D MRI.ConclusionThe addition of SRR to 2D MRI does not increase fetal airway patency diagnostic accuracy but does provide improved anatomic information, which may benefit surgical planning of EXIT procedures.
Genome-wide analysis of valine-glutamine motif-containing proteins related to abiotic stress response in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Shan Nan , Xiang Zijin , Sun Jingyu , Zhu Qianglong , Xiao Yao , Wang Putao , Chen Xin , Zhou Qinghong , Gan Zengyu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is one of the most important economic crops and is susceptible to various abiotic stresses. The valine-glutamine (VQ) motif-containing proteins are plant-specific proteins with a conserved “FxxhVQxhTG” amino acid sequence that regulates plant growth and development. However, little is known about the function of VQ proteins in cucumber.

Results
In this study, a total of 32 CsVQ proteins from cucumber were confirmed and characterized using comprehensive genome-wide analysis, and they all contain a conserved motif with 10 variations. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that these CsVQ proteins were classified into nine groups by comparing the CsVQ proteins with those of Arabidopsis thaliana, melon and rice. CsVQ genes were distributed on seven chromosomes. Most of these genes were predicted to be localized in the nucleus. In addition, cis-elements in response to different stresses and hormones were observed in the promoters of the CsVQ genes. A network of CsVQ proteins interacting with WRKY transcription factors (CsWRKYs) was proposed. Moreover, the transcripts of CsVQ gene were spatio-temporal specific and were induced by abiotic adversities. CsVQ4, CsVQ6, CsVQ16–2, CsVQ19, CsVQ24, CsVQ30, CsVQ32, CsVQ33, and CsVQ34 were expressed in the range of organs and tissues at higher levels and could respond to multiple hormones and different stresses, indicating that these genes were involved in the response to stimuli.

Conclusions
Together, our results reveal novel VQ resistance gene resources, and provide critical information on CsVQ genes and their encoded proteins, which supplies important genetic basis for VQ resistance breeding of cucumber plants.
Inspection plan for COVID-19 patients for Weibull distribution using repetitive sampling under indeterminacy
Authors: Rao G. Srinivasa , Aslam Muhammad 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
This research work is elaborated investigation of COVID-19 data for Weibull distribution under indeterminacy using time truncated repetitive sampling plan. The proposed design parameters like sample size, acceptance sample number and rejection sample number are obtained for known indeterminacy parameter.

Methods
The plan parameters and corresponding tables are developed for specified indeterminacy parametric values. The conclusion from the outcome of the proposed design is that when indeterminacy values increase the average sample number (ASN) reduces.

Results
The proposed repetitive sampling plan methodology application is given using COVID-19 data belong to Italy. The efficiency of the proposed sampling plan is compared with the existing sampling plans.

Conclusions
Using the tables and COVID-19 data illustration, it is concluded that the proposed plan required a smaller sample size as examined with the available sampling plans in the literature.
Bayesian additional evidence for decision making under small sample uncertainty
Authors: Sondhi Arjun , Segal Brian , Snider Jeremy , Humblet Olivier , McCusker Margaret 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Statistical inference based on small datasets, commonly found in precision oncology, is subject to low power and high uncertainty. In these settings, drawing strong conclusions about future research utility is difficult when using standard inferential measures. It is therefore important to better quantify the uncertainty associated with both significant and non-significant results based on small sample sizes.

Methods
We developed a new method, Bayesian Additional Evidence (BAE), that determines (1) how much additional supportive evidence is needed for a non-significant result to reach Bayesian posterior credibility, or (2) how much additional opposing evidence is needed to render a significant result non-credible. Although based in Bayesian analysis, a prior distribution is not needed; instead, the tipping point output is compared to reasonable effect ranges to draw conclusions. We demonstrate our approach in a comparative effectiveness analysis comparing two treatments in a real world biomarker-defined cohort, and provide guidelines for how to apply BAE in practice.

Results
Our initial comparative effectiveness analysis results in a hazard ratio of 0.31 with 95% confidence interval (0.09, 1.1). Applying BAE to this result yields a tipping point of 0.54; thus, an observed hazard ratio of 0.54 or smaller in a replication study would result in posterior credibility for the treatment association. Given that effect sizes in this range are not extreme, and that supportive evidence exists from a similar published study, we conclude that this problem is worthy of further research.

Conclusions
Our proposed method provides a useful framework for interpreting analytic results from small datasets. This can assist researchers in deciding how to interpret and continue their investigations based on an initial analysis that has high uncertainty. Although we illustrated its use in estimating parameters based on time-to-event outcomes, BAE easily applies to any normally-distributed estimator, such as those used for analyzing binary or continuous outcomes.
Physicians’ knowledge, attitude, and prescribing behavior regarding stress ulcer prophylaxis in China: a multi-center study
Authors: Xing Xiao Xuan , Zhu Chen , Chu Yan Qi , Bai Xiang Rong , Wang Ke , Zhang Si Tao , Yan Su Ying 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundPerioperative patients are at risk of developing stress ulcers (SU), which can cause clinically important bleeding. Stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) is widely applied to the patients in Intensive care unit (ICU) as well as the general ward, so it may lead to overmedication. However, there have been no surveys regarding SUP knowledge or prescribing habits.ObjectiveOur study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and prescribing behavior of the surgeons toward perioperative patients regarding SUP and determined factors associated with low knowledge and high level of prescribing behaviors.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional survey using questionnaires, randomly sampling 1266 surgeons on their current SUP practices.ResultsProton pump inhibitors for SUP were used the most (94%); 43% used lansoprazole. Guideline awareness was inconsistent; the most familiar guideline was the National Medical Journal of China, and 46% were unaware of any guidelines. The predictors of low knowledge score regarding SUP in multivariable analysis were the hospital grade (p = 0.000), the type of hospital (p = 0.044), attendance at continuing education programs (p = 0.037), the awareness of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for SUP (p = 0.000). Twenty-one percent of physicians were high prescribers. High prescribing behavior was associated with hospital grade(p = 0.000), education level(p = 0.010) and attendance at continuing education programs (p = 0.000).ConclusionWe found that most surgeons used SUP, primarily proton pump inhibitors. However, surgeons knew little about the SUP guidelines, which may lead to insufficient SUP knowledge and overmedication. In addition, hospital grade, the type of hospital and attendance at continuing education programs may also affect the low knowledge of SUP. Hospital grade, education level and attendance at continuing education programs may affect high prescribing behavior.
A process evaluation of a peer education project to improve mental health literacy in secondary school students: study protocol
Authors: Widnall Emily , Dodd Steve , Simmonds Ruth , Bohan Helen , Russell Abigail , Limmer Mark , Kidger Judi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Emotional disorders in young people are increasing but studies have found that this age group do not always recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in themselves or others. The Mental Health Foundation’s school-based Peer Education Project (PEP) has the potential to improve young people’s understanding of their own mental health at a critical developmental stage (early adolescence) using a peer teaching method. This study is a process evaluation to understand: the mechanisms through which PEP might improve young people’s mental health literacy, any challenges with delivery, how the project can be embedded within wider school life and how it can be improved to be of most benefit to the widest number of young people. We will also validate a bespoke mental health literacy questionnaire, and test the feasibility of using it to measure outcomes in preparation for a future study evaluating effectiveness.

Methods
All schools recruited to the study will receive the PEP intervention. The process evaluation will be informed by realist evaluation approaches to build understanding regarding key mechanisms of change and the impact of different school contexts. The evaluation will test and revise an existing intervention logic model which has been developed in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation. Process evaluation data will be collected from newly recruited schools (n = 4) as well as current PEP user schools (n = 2) including training and lesson delivery observations, staff interviews and student focus groups. Baseline and follow-up data will be collected in all newly recruited intervention schools (n = 4) from all students in Year 7/8 (who receive the PEP) and recruited peer educators in Year 12 via a self-report survey.

Discussion
This study will enable us to refine the logic model underpinning the peer education project and identify areas of the intervention that can be improved. Findings will also inform the design of a future effectiveness study which will test out the extent to which PEP improves mental health literacy.
Utilisation of community care services and self-rated health among elderly population in China: a survey-based analysis with propensity score matching method
Authors: Yang Liu , Wang Lijian , Di Xiaodong , Dai Xiuliang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundElderly care and elderly health are the enormous challenges in such an aging society as China. Community care services have been developing rapidly in recent years in China as an increasingly mainstream care resource to promote elderly health. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between using community care services and self-rated health among Chinese elderly.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2019 and 612 elderly people from China’s Shaanxi province were enrolled. The binary logistic regression was first employed to explore the association between community care services utilisation and elderly health. Given the potential selection bias issue, the propensity score matching method was hired to generate comparable samples between participants who used these services and participants who didn’t, and further examine the health benefits of using four types of services.ResultsThe results of the binary logistic regression showed that the use of community care services predicted a better health status of elderly individuals. Overall, the results of the propensity score matching method showed the similar results. Specifically, with the nearest neighbors matching algorithm, using daily care services was significantly associated with a 0.246 increase in the self-rated health of the elderly (T = 1.83). For medical care services, the mean of self-rated health of elderly individuals who used these services was 3.542, significantly higher than those who didn’t (T = 2.15). For spiritual comfort services, elderly individuals using these services showed a significant increase by 0.280 in the self-rated health (T = 1.82). For social and recreational services, the result of the nearest neighbor matching method was not statistically significant, while the results of kernel matching method and the mahalanobis matching method showed a significant increase in the self-rated health among elderly individuals using these services (T = 2.03, T = 2.03, respectively). All the estimated results passed the Rosenbaum bounds analysis and were not sensitive to hidden bias.ConclusionsUsing community care services improved the self-rated health of the elderly. More effective measures may be implemented to increase access to care resources for senior citizens, and further improve their health status.
Weight-bearing MRI with a knee flexion angle of 20°: a study on additional MRI investigation modalities to support a more accurate understanding of patellofemoral instability
Authors: Leiprecht J. , Mauch F. , Huth J. , Ambros L. P. , Best R. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Diagnosing patellofemoral instability disorders correctly, weight-bearing MRI (WB-MRI) has become an option. Aiming for a best possible accuracy in displaying potentially underlying causes, the named MRI modalities were sporadically even investigated in different knee flexion angles. However, despite confirmed MRI-outcome-differences between WB-MRI and non-WB-MRI, none of the described MRI modalities have so far established themselves. Mainly this is due to an unfeasibility in daily clinical routine in regard to time and economic aspects. Thus, we intended to evaluate an additional but reduced patellofemoral MR-imaging solely in a relevant 20° of knee flexion under WB- and non-WB-MRI conditions.

Methods
Seventy-three subjects with and without patellofemoral instability were investigated under supine as well as under WB-MRI conditions in a 20° of knee flexion angle. Patellofemoral risk indices in the sagittal plane (Insall-Salvati-Index, Caton-Deschamps-Index, Patellotrochlear Index) and the axial plane (Patella tilt of Fulkerson and Sasaki) were detected and compared between the different MRI conditions. Significance, reliability and Cohen’s effect size was calculated.

Results
Nearly all assessed indices showed significant differences between patients and controls in the different MRI positions. Comparing pairwise, all measured indices failed to show significant differences between the two MRI positions. However, patella tilt angles of the patient group showed an elevation from supine to WB-MRI (14.00 ± 7.54° to 15.97 ± 9.10° and 16.34 ± 7.84° to 18.54 ± 9.43°). Here, Cohen’s d showed small to medium effects between supine and WB-MRI.

Conclusion
In comparison to standard MRI in supine position, axial risk indices seem to be accentuated under WB-MRI and a knee flexion angle of 20°. In particular, symptomatic cases with inconspicuous conventional MRI imaging, additional MRI imaging only in the axial plane in a 20° of knee flexion could be beneficious and useful in clinical daily routine.
The effects of virtual reality training on clinical indices and brain mapping of women with patellofemoral pain: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ebrahimi Naghmeh , Rojhani-Shirazi Zahra , Yoosefinejad Amin Kordi , Nami Mohammad 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Virtual reality training (VRT) is a new method for the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal impairments. However, the clinical and central effects of VRT have not been investigated in patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP). To comprehensively assess the effects of VRT on clinical indices and brain function, we used a randomized clinical trial based on clinical and brain mapping assessment.

Methods
Twenty-six women with PFP for more than 6 months were randomly allocated to 2 groups: intervention and control. The intervention consisted of lifestyle education + 8 weeks VRT, in 24 sessions each lasting 40 min of training, whereas the control group just received lifestyle education. The balance was the primary outcome and was measured by the modified star excursion balance test. Secondary outcomes included pain, function, quality of life, and brain function which were assessed by visual analogue scale, step down test and Kujala questionnaire, SF-36, and EEG, respectively. Pre-intervention, post-intervention and follow-up (1 month after the end of the intervention) measurements were taken for all outcome measures except EEG, which was evaluated only at pre-intervention and post-intervention). Analyses of variance was used to compare the clinical outcomes between the two groups. The independent t-test also was used for between group EEG analyses.

Results
Balance score (P < 0.001), function (P < 0.001), and quality of life (P = 0.001) improved significantly at post-intervention and 1 month follow-up in the VRT group compared with the control group. VRT group showed a significantly decreased pain score (P = 0.004). Alpha (P < 0.05) and theta (P = 0.01) power activity also increased in the brain of the VRT group.

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that long term VRT was capable of improving both clinical impairments and brain function in patients with PFP. Therefore, therapists and clinicians can use this method as a more holistic approach in the rehabilitation of PFP.

Trial registration
IRCT, IRCT20090831002391N40. Registered 23 / 10 / 2019.
Risk factors for surgical site infections following open versus laparoscopic colectomies: a cohort study
Authors: Hoffman Tomer , Shitrit Pnina , Chowers Michal 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common healthcare-associated infections. Evaluating risk factors for SSIs among patients undergoing laparoscopic and open colorectal resections can aid in selecting appropriate candidates for each modality.

Methods
A cohort of all consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal resections during 2008–2017 in a single center was analyzed. SSIs were prospectively assessed by infection control personnel. Patient data were collected from electronic medical records. Risk factors for SSIs were compared between patients who underwent laparoscopic and open surgeries. A multivariate analysis was performed for significant variables.

Results
During the study period, 865 patients underwent elective colorectal resection: 596 laparoscopic and 269 open surgeries. Mean age was 68.2 ± 15.1 years, weight 72.5 ± 18.3 kg and 441 (51%) were men. The most common indication for surgery was malignancy, in 767 patients (88.7%) with inflammatory bowel diseases and diverticulitis following (4.5% and 3.9%, respectively). Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery were younger, had fewer comorbidities, shorter pre-operative hospitalizations, lower risk index scores, and lower rates of SSI, compared with open surgery. Independent risk factors for SSI following laparoscopic surgery were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [odds ratio (OR) 2.655 95% CI (1.267, 5.565)], risk index ≥ 2 [OR 2.079, 95% CI (1.041,4.153)] and conversion of laparoscopic to open surgery [OR 2.056 95%CI (1.212, 3.486)]. Independent risk factors for SSI following open surgery were immunosuppression [OR 3.378 95% CI (1.071, 10.655)], chronic kidney disease [OR 2.643 95% CI (1.008, 6.933)], and need for a second dose of prophylactic antibiotics [OR 2.519 95%CI (1.074, 5.905)].

Conclusions
Risk factors for SSIs differ between laparoscopic and open colorectal resections. Knowledge of specific risk factors may inform patient selection for these modalities.