bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The quality of reporting in cardiac MRI artificial intelligence segmentation studies - a systematic review
Authors: Alabed S , Maiter A , Mahmood A , Daniel S , Salehi M , Jenkins S , Sharkey M , Rakocevic V , Dwivedi K , Asaadi H , Mamalakis M , O'regan D P , Garg P , Van Der Geest R , Swift A J 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): This work was supported by an NIHR AI Award, AI_AWARD01706. This research was also funded in part, by the Wellcome Trust [Grant number 205188/Z/16/Z ].

Background
There has been a rapid increase in the number of Artificial Intelligence (AI) studies of cardiac MRI (CMR) segmentation. AI has huge potential to improve image analysis assessments. However, advancement and clinical translation in this field depend on researchers presenting their work in a transparent and reproducible manner.

Purpose
This systematic review aimed to evaluate the quality of reporting in AI studies involving CMR segmentation.

Methods
MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for AI CMR segmentation studies on 18/11/2021. The flow of study inclusion is shown in Figure 1. Any AI method to segment any cardiac structure on CMR was eligible for inclusion. Each study was assessed for compliance with the Checklist for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging (CLAIM).

Results
70 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Studies were published between 2015 to 2021, with the majority (71%) published in 2020 and 2021. Most studies were performed in Europe (33%), China (27%) and the USA (26%). Short-axis sections were segmented in 70% of studies and most commonly included both ventricles (51%) or the left ventricle alone (30%). 20 different architecture implementations were represented. Figure 2 summarises the most relevant CLAIM domains to AI segmentation. The training sample eligibility criteria, demographics and clinical characteristics were not reported in 47% and 81% of studies, respectively. Ground truth annotations, source of the annotations and annotation tool were absent in 31%, 36% and 51% of studies respectively. Preprocessing steps and software libraries and packages used in training were not included in 27% and 24%. Details on the training approach including the number of models trained and method of selecting the final model were missing in 20% and 17% of the studies. Methods of validation or testing on external data, inter- and intra- rater variability and failure analysis were unreported in 57%, 63% and 74%, respectively.

Conclusion
This systematic review highlights important gaps in the AI literature of CMR studies. We identified key items missing in the dataset description, model development, validation and testing that limit the transparency, reproducibility and hence validity of published AI studies. This review may support closer adherence to established frameworks for reporting standards.
Artificial intelligence with spatial-attention for ventricular volumes and mass assessment in cardiac magnetic resonance images with susceptibility artifacts
Authors: Penso M , Babbaro M , Guglielmo M , Moccia S , Giacari G M , Chiesa M , Maragna R , Rabbat M G , Pepi M , Pontone G 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Segmentation of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images is an essential step for evaluating dimensional and functional ventricular parameters but may limited by noise artefacts, such as the increasing diffusion of implantable devices causing distortion of the magnetic field.

Purpose
The aim of this paper is to investigate the accuracy of a deep learning (DL) approach for automatic segmentation of cardiac structures from CMR images characterized by magnetic susceptibility artifact images.

Methods
A retrospective database of SAX (short axis) cine CMR images obtained from 216 patients using a 1.5 Tesla scanner was used to develop and validate the proposed DL approach, subdividing patients into two subgroups, considering the presence (n=86) or absence (n=130) of a cardiac implantable electronic device. A novel convolutional neural network (CNN) was proposed to extract the left (LV) and right (RV) ventricle endocardium and left ventricle epicardium (LV mass). The proposed network takes advantage from a spatial attention module which introduces an adaptive feature refinement through a spatial weighting strategy to identify salient image regions even in the presence of artifacts. To improve segmentation, especially for images with artifacts, a compounded loss function is introduced. Segmentation results were assessed against manual tracings and commercial CMR analysis software.

Results
Results of correlation and Bland-Altman analyses on images with artifacts were reported for the proposed CNN and the commercial software (CS) in respect to the manual gold standard (GT). Also interobserver variability between O1 and O2 was tested. The proposed method reached higher segmentation accuracy than CS, with performance comparable to expert inter-observer variability (Picture 1). It is possible to appreciate how all the contours were properly depicted using the proposed CNN, with results comparable to the manual tracings. On the opposite, the CS resulted in imprecise segmentations of LV and RV endocardium and LV epicardium in presence of susceptibility artefacts caused by cardiac implantable electronic device affecting images' quality (Picture 2). Furthermore, the automatic approach was at least 100 times faster than manual segmentation in providing cardiac parameters.

Conclusion
The proposed method reached promising performance in cardiac segmentation from CMR images with susceptibility artifacts and alleviates time consuming expert physician contourn segmentation.
Enlightenment and reform in the French Atlantic empire: Véron de Forbonnais, Pierre-Louis de Saintard, and the 1756 debate over the admission of neutral commerce in the Antillean colonies
Authors: Talini Giulio 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This article analyses the political and intellectual debates that took place in the French Empire concerning the admission of neutral commerce to the colonies at the outbreak of the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763). The decision taken by the Minister for the Navy, Machault d’Arnouville, was justified as the only means available to provide the Antilles with essential goods in the face of British naval primacy. Nonetheless, it met with strenuous opposition from the French chambres de commerce, which were reluctant to redistribute power in favour of the colonies. On the other hand, the economist Véron de Forbonnais and the Dominguan planter Pierre-Louis de Saintard strongly supported the minister, albeit for different reasons and goals. Linking questions of colonial dependence and neutrality, their theories disclose new perspectives on the political and intellectual impact of enlightened reform in the French Atlantic empire.
Vaccination Against Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Incident Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a National Cohort of Privately Insured Children
Authors: Kim Catherine , Yin Zhe , Kamdar Neil , Stidham Ryan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundInfection is believed to be a potential trigger for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Whether vaccination against childhood infections including measles, mumps, and rubella may reduce risk of IBD is uncertain.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using de-identified claims data from a national private payer (Optum Clinformatics Data Mart). Eligible infants were born between 2001 and 2018 and were continuously enrolled with medical and pharmacy coverage from birth for at least 2 years (n = 1 365 447). Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination or MMR is administered beginning at 12 months of age. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to compare time with incident disease in children by category of vaccination, after adjustment for sex, birth year, region of country, history of allergy to vaccines, and seizure history.ResultsThe incidence of early pediatric IBD increased between 2001 and 2018. Ten percent (n = 141 230) of infants did not receive MMR, and 90% (n = 1 224 125) received at least 1 dose of MMR. There were 334 cases of IBD, 219 cases of Crohn’s disease, and 164 cases of ulcerative colitis. Children who had received at least 1 dose of MMR had lower risk for IBD than children who did not (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.85). These associations did not change after further adjustment for childhood comorbid conditions, preterm birth, or older siblings affected with IBD. Similar associations were observed for MMR with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, although these did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionMMR is associated with decreased risk for childhood IBD.
Effects of xylanase on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum metabolites, and fecal microbiota in growing pigs fed wheat–soybean meal-based diets
Authors: Cheng Hao , Li Zhiqing , Zhang Fan , Liu Shanghang , Jiang Qian , Chen Jiashun , Tan Bie , Fan Zhiyong , Ma Xiaokang 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This experiment investigated the effects of xylanase on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum metabolites, and fecal microbiota in growing pigs fed wheat–soybean meal-based diets. Seventy-two crossbred pigs (Duroc × [Landrace × Large White]) pigs (body weight of 23.30 ± 1.51 kg) were allotted two treatments with six pens per treatment and six pigs per pen. The diets were a wheat–soybean meal-based diet (Control group) and a wheat–soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 500 U/kg xylanases (XYL group). The experiment was divided into two periods (phase 1: days 1 to 35 and phase 2: days 36 to 70). Xylanase improved G:F during phase 1 and the entire experiment (P &lt; 0.05) and tended to improve G:F during phase 2 (P = 0.09). Compared with the control group, pigs in the XYL group had greater apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and gross energy on days 35 and 70 (P &lt; 0.05) and had greater apparent ileal digestibility of amino acids (histidine, lysine, methionine, and serine) on day 70 (P &lt; 0.05). The fecal microbiota in the XYL group contained greater abundances of g_Terrisporobacter, g_Lactobacillus, g_Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and g_Romboutsia than the Control group on day 70. Xylanase increased the fecal Lactobacillus populations on day 35 (P &lt; 0.05). On days 35 and 70, xylanase reduced the fecal E. coli populations (P &lt; 0.05). Supplementing xylanase to wheat–soybean meal-based diets collectively improved fecal microbiota, and nutrient digestibility, thereby improving growth performance in growing pigs.
First-order logic of change
Authors: Świętorzecka Kordula 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
We present the first-order logic of change, which is an extension of the propositional logic of change $\textsf {LC}\Box $ developed and axiomatized by Świętorzecka and Czermak (2015, Log. et Anal., 232, 511–527). $\textsf {LC}\Box $ has two primitive operators: ${\mathcal {C}}$ to be read it changes whether and $\Box $ for constant unchangeability. It implements the philosophically grounded idea that with the help of the primary concept of change it is possible to define the concept of time. One of the characteristic axioms for ${\mathcal {C}}$ is ${\mathcal {C}} A \to {\mathcal {C}}\neg A$ and one of the primitive rules is $\omega $-rule introducing $\Box $. It turns out that the next operator is definable in $\textsf {LC}\Box $. Logic $\textsf {LC}\Box $ with next is equivalent to certain fragment of $\textsf {LTL}$ extended by the appropriate definition of ${\mathcal {C}}$. Recently, $\textsf {LC}\Box $ has also been modified to the propositional logic of ‘branching’ changes $\textsf {BTC}$ by Łyczak (2022, Log. J. IGPL) and the logic of ‘parallel’ changes $\textsf {LC}\Box $ ↳ by Świętorzecka and Łyczak (2022, Log. Log. Philios.). Extended in an appropriate manner, $\textsf {BTC}$ is equivalent to a certain fragment of logic $\textsf {CTL}$ to which definitions of two kinds of changes have been added. Here we propose an extension of $\textsf {LC}\Box $ to first-order logic in which, again, the only primitive modal operators are ${\mathcal {C}}$ and $\Box $. We interpret our logic in the semantics of histories of changes. We give an axiomatic system $\textsf {LC}\Box Q$ for the considered logic, and we show selected theses about some relationships between ${\mathcal {C}}$, $\Box $ and $\forall $ (in particular, we prove two versions of the Barcan formula). Then we prove the completeness of $\textsf {LC}\Box Q$. Finally, we compare our logic with $\textsf {FOLT}$ and show the relation between $\textsf {LC}\Box Q$ and a certain fragment of the Kröger system $\varSigma $ to which the definition of ${\mathcal {C}}$ was added.
Diversifying the Field of Forestry Through a Graduate Fellowship Program: A Pilot Study on the Expectations of Students of Color
Authors: Arenas Aaron A , Spence Porché L , Nilon Charles H , Leggett Zakiya H 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Overall interest and involvement in forestry is relatively low for students of color compared to other STEM programs. This exploratory study aims to further understand the reasons graduate students of color in a National Needs Fellowship (NNF) program decide to pursue a career in forestry. Initial survey data showed that graduate students of color are motivated by pursuing specific forestry topics in the field while also having differing expectations with regard to career and financial opportunities. The results of this study could provide ideas on opportunities NNF-funded and other programs can take to further support diversity in the field of forestry; however, more research is needed.

Study Implications
Given the results of this pilot study, it is important to note that students of color who accept a graduate fellowship do so with goals of exploring a particular interest in the field of forestry. An assumption also exists that their degrees and experiences in certain graduate fellowship programs will yield long-term benefits, such as employment opportunities and high salaries. However, additional information would be helpful in strengthening the results of this study, which could include increasing the number of participants for more quantitative data or collecting qualitative data to gather additional details and information on the survey responses.
Surgical treatment for kyphotic deformity after anterior cervical fusion with a severely tortuous vertebral artery: a case report
Authors: Noguchi Hiroshi , Koda Masao , Funayama Toru , Takahashi Hiroshi , Miura Kousei , Eto Fumihiko , Shibao Yosuke , Sato Kosuke , Asada Tomoyuki , Yamazaki Masashi 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
We performed salvage surgery on a patient with kyphotic deformity after anterior cervical fusion with a tortuous vertebral artery (VA). A 69-year-old woman had undergone anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion 12 years ago. Her cervical alignment gradually became kyphotic because of bone graft collapse. Ten years after surgery, she experienced severe neck pain, recurrence of myelopathic symptoms and difficulty in keeping her head straight. The patient was diagnosed with rigid cervical kyphosis at C4–6 vertebral levels, with the right tortuous VA invaginating into the C4 vertebral body. We selected a three-stage, anterior–posterior–anterior approach to reduce cervical alignment. The key to a successful surgery in this case was to retract the tortuous VA within the C4 vertebral body, followed by total uncinectomy. Careful preoperative VA evaluation was a decisive factor in surgical planning.
Recurrent urethral stricture with dual lumen managed by a single stage dorsal Onlay buccal mucosal graft Urethroplasty: a case report
Authors: Alkhayal Abdullah , Alrabeeah Khalid , Alsaikhan Bader H , Alathel Abdulaziz , Barayan Fahad R , Alsaghyir Abdullah 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Urethral stricture is defined as any abnormal narrowing throughout the entire length of the male urethra. Anterior urethral stricture is the most common site which accounts for more than 90% of cases in developed countries. One of the possible long-term outcomes of urethral stricture treatment is stricture recurrence. Refractory urethral strictures to initial management present surgical challenges to the reconstructive surgeon. It has been reported in the literature that buccal mucosal grafts in complex anterior urethral strictures have lately become a well-established management modality for bulbar and penile urethral strictures. Here, we are presenting an interesting case of a patient with a dual lumen urethra due to recurrent urethral stricture.
Management of sarcopenia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Torii Mie , Itaya Takahiro , Minamino Hiroto , Katsushima Masao , Fujita Yoshihito , Tanaka Hiroki , Oshima Yohei , Watanabe Ryu , Ito Hiromu , Arai Hidenori , Hashimoto Motomu 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT
This review summarizes the evidence for the management of sarcopenia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in terms of drugs, exercise, and nutrition. Sarcopenia is a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength or physical function. The prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with RA is higher than that in the general population. The treatment and management of sarcopenia in patients with RA are clinically important for long-term prognosis. One of the mechanisms of muscle metabolism is the pro-inflammatory cytokine pathway, which involves tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin-6, and is a common pathway in the pathogenesis of RA. Thus, tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin-6 inhibitors may play a potential role in controlling sarcopenia. In exercise therapy, a combination of moderate resistance and aerobic exercise may be effective in improving muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical function; however, intense exercise may exacerbate the inflammatory response in RA. Regarding nutrition, protein intake is generally considered beneficial, but other nutrients such as vitamin D and carotenoids have also been studied. Overall, there remains a lack of concrete evidence on sarcopenia treatment and management in patients with RA from any perspective; more longitudinal and intervention studies are needed in the future.
Label-free hyperspectral imaging and deep-learning prediction of retinal amyloid β-protein and phosphorylated tau
Authors: Du Xiaoxi , Koronyo Yosef , Mirzaei Nazanin , Yang Chengshuai , Fuchs Dieu-Trang , Black Keith L , Koronyo-Hamaoui Maya , Gao Liang 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major risk for the aging population. The pathological hallmarks of AD—an abnormal deposition of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau (pTau)—have been demonstrated in the retinas of AD patients, including in prodromal patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Aβ pathology, especially the accumulation of the amyloidogenic 42-residue long alloform (Aβ42), is considered an early and specific sign of AD, and together with tauopathy, confirms AD diagnosis. To visualize retinal Aβ and pTau, state-of-the-art methods use fluorescence. However, administering contrast agents complicates the imaging procedure. To address this problem from fundamentals, ex-vivo studies were performed to develop a label-free hyperspectral imaging method to detect the spectral signatures of Aβ42 and pS396-Tau, and predicted their abundance in retinal cross-sections. For the first time, we reported the spectral signature of pTau and demonstrated an accurate prediction of Aβ and pTau distribution powered by deep learning. We expect our finding will lay the groundwork for label-free detection of AD.
Emergency Contraception: Access and Challenges at Times of Uncertainty
Authors: Stein Richard A. , Deverakonda Abhi N. , Katz Adi , Schmidt Elizabeth O. 
Published: August 2022

Background:The UN Commission on Life-Saving Commodities for Women and Children identified emergency contraceptive pills as 1 of the 13 essential underused, low-cost, and high-impact commodities that could save the lives of millions of women and children worldwide. In the US, 2 emergency contraceptive regimens are currently approved, and their most plausible mechanism of action involves delaying and/or inhibiting ovulation.Areas of uncertainty:Abortion and contraception are recognized as essential components of reproductive health care. In the US, in the wake of theDobbs v. Jackson Women's Health OrganizationSupreme Court decision on June 24, 2022, 26 states began to or are expected to severely restrict abortion. It is anticipated that these restrictions will increase the demand for emergency contraception (EC). Several obstacles to EC access have been described, and these include cost, hurdles to over-the-counter purchase, low awareness, myths about their mechanisms of action, widespread misinformation, and barriers that special populations face in accessing them. The politicization of EC is a major factor limiting access. Improving sex education and health literacy, along with eHealth literacy, are important initiatives to improve EC uptake and access.Data Sources:PubMed, The Guttmacher Institute, Society of Family Planning, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the World Health Organization, The United Nations.Therapeutic Advances:A randomized noninferiority trial showed that the 52 mg levonorgestrel intrauterine device was noninferior to the copper intrauterine device when used as an EC method in the first 5 days after unprotected intercourse. This is a promising and highly effective emergency contraceptive option, particularly for overweight and obese patients, and a contraceptive option with a different bleeding profile than the copper intrauterine device.Conclusions:EC represents an important facet of medicine and public health. The 2 medical regimens currently approved in the US are very effective, have virtually no medical contraindications, and novel formulations are actively being investigated to make them more convenient and effective for all patient populations. Barriers to accessing EC, including the widespread presence ofcontraception deserts, threaten to broaden and accentuate the already existing inequities and disparities in society, at a time when they have reached the dimensions of a public health crisis.