bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on body area network of smart clothing for physiological monitoring
Authors: Lei Shen , Xiangfang Ren , Jianbin Wu , Han Chen , Jianyong Ouyang
Published: February 2022

With the popularity of the concept of big health and the important role of wearable devices in medical health, users pay more attention to the collection and acquisition of physiological data, but wearable devices attached to human users are independent, and the degree of data sharing is low. Improving the data sharing, accuracy, and reliability of wearable device monitoring is a problem that the article needs to study and solve. Specifically, the researcher summarizes the characteristics of the physiological monitoring smart clothing, and the basic physiological data parameters of human body, and analyzes the collection of three basic signals of electrocardiogram, body temperature, and human movement. This article summarizes the requirements and key technologies of body area network transmission of smart clothing, and studies the body area network node design, energy consumption optimization mode, and network architecture of physiological monitoring smart clothing. At the same time, based on the previous research, the multi-interaction process of smart clothing is formed, and then the standard evaluation system of smart clothing body domain network for evaluation is proposed. The results show that the optimized structure of the body area network of smart clothing proposed by the researchers is efficient, convenient, and mobile, and meets the characteristics of safety, reliability, low power consumption, and portability of smart clothing, especially in the field of physiological monitoring. The standard evaluation system of smart clothing body area network provides a practice-oriented theoretical reference for the current research of smart clothing body area network.
Interactive communication with clustering collaboration for wireless powered communication networks
Authors: Yuan Lina , Chen Huajun , Gong Jing
Published: February 2022

In this article, we propose a novel wireless powered communication network, which is composed of two multiple antennas hybrid access points and a series of distributed wireless devices. The two hybrid access points transmit downlink wireless energy to the wireless devices and receive uplink wireless messages from the wireless devices; meanwhile, the information of wireless devices nearer to their corresponding hybrid access point should be transmitted to the faraway hybrid access point. To improve the throughput performance of some wireless devices away from their corresponding hybrid access point, we propose a clustering-collaboration interactive communication protocol with multiple antennas by Time Division Multiple Access, where two of the distributed wireless devices are selected as cluster heads to help relay information of other cluster members, which can efficiently improve some faraway wireless devices’ throughput performance. However, its performance is also constrained by cluster heads’ high-energy consumption. To solve this energy imbalance problem, multi-antenna energy beamforming technology is exploited for the hybrid access points, which distributes more transmission power to the cluster heads to balance all the wireless devices’ energy consumption. In particular, we obtain the proposed system’s throughput performance through the multi-antenna cluster-based collaboration, and verify through simulations that this scheme can effectively enhance user unfairness and improve the throughput performance.
Dynamic optimization of intersatellite link assignment based on reinforcement learning
Authors: Ren Weiwu , Zhu Jialin , Qi Hui , Cong Ligang , Di Xiaoqiang
Published: February 2022

Intersatellite links can reduce the dependence of satellite communication systems on ground networks, reduce the number of ground gateways, and reduce the complexity and investment of ground networks, which are important future trends in satellite development. Intersatellite links are dynamic over time, and different intersatellite topologies have a great impact on satellite network performance. To improve the overall performance of satellite networks, a satellite link assignment optimization algorithm based on reinforcement learning is proposed in this article. Different from the swarm intelligence method in principle, this algorithm models the combinatorial optimization problem of links as the optimal sequence decision problem of a series of link selection actions. Realistic constraints such as intersatellite visibility, network connectivity, and number of antenna beams are regarded as fully observable environmental factors. The agent selects the link according to the decision, and the selection action utility affects the next selection decision. After a finite number of iterations, the optimal link assignment scheme with minimum link delay is achieved. The simulation results show that in 8 or 12 satellite network systems, compared with the original topology, the topology calculated by this method has better network delay and smaller delay variance.
Product control and a study of the structural change process during the recycling of lithium-ion batteries based on the carbothermic reduction method
Authors: She XueFeng , Zhu Kewei , Wang JingSong , Xue QingGuo
Published: February 2022

Carbothermal reduction to recover lithium-ion batteries is an environmentally friendly recycling method. This work provides a theoretical analysis of the thermodynamics and an experimental verification process for the carbon thermal reduction recovery of lithium cobaltate (LiCoO2), as well as an explanation of the microstructural changes. The reaction conditions are controlled to obtain the ideal recovery product. A thermodynamic graph of the possible reaction between LiCoO2 and graphite (C) and the reduction of cobalt oxide (CoO, Co2O3, Co3O4) by carbon monoxide (CO) is obtained by thermodynamic analysis. The feasibility of the carbothermic reduction reaction of LiCoO2 at high temperature is studied under standard atmospheric pressure. By controlling the reaction temperature (800 °C) and the ratio of the reactants (LiCoO2/C = 4:5), the reduction products cobalt monoxide (CoO) and lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) are obtained, and the recovery rates are 89% and 84%, respectively. From the perspective of the crystal structure, the reduction process of LiCoO2 is analyzed. The Li-O bond in the LiCoO2 crystal structure is destroyed by CO, which promotes destruction of the Li-O octahedral structure and the formation of a Co-O octahedron. The Li-O octahedron is transformed into a tetrahedral structure in Li2O, and Li2O then reacts with CO2 to form Li2CO3; the Co-O octahedrons combine to form a CoO crystal structure. When the temperature continues to rise, CoO is reduced to Co. The carbothermic reduction recovery method does not require any additional hazardous chemicals and can avoid secondary pollution during the recovery process. This research provides theoretical support for the industrial recycling of lithium-ion batteries.
Spin coating method deposited nickel oxide thin films with various film thicknesses
Authors: Abdelghani Lakel , Said Lakel , Said Benramache , Okba Belahssen
Published: February 2022

The objective of this research is to study the influence of film thickness on the optical and electrical properties of prepared NiO thin films. Nickel oxide thin films have been prepared on the glass substrates by a spin coating technique using nickel nitrate hexahydrate (Ni(NO3)2.6H2O) as a source of materials. The coating process was repeated 11, 13, 15, and 17 layer times to obtain a good NiO thin film. The optical and electrical characterizations were observed to be dependent on each film thickness. The smaller layers have a high optical transmission (over 88%) in the visible range. The bandgap energy was found to be in the range of 3.94–4.06 eV depending on the film thickness. The lowest value of Urbach energy was 0.182 eV. The electrical measurements are investigated by the four-point method; the results show that good electrical conductivity was found for the sample with a thickness around 171 nm.
The synthesis and oxidation desulfurization performance of Ti-modified hierarchical cheese-like ZSM-5 zeolite
Authors: Wang Ying , Du Fei , Wang Chunyan , Zhao Jiaqiang , Sun Haizhu , Sun Chuanyin
Published: February 2022

High-performance hierarchical cheese-like C-ZSM-5 nanocrystals are successfully prepared by acid–base treatment and are evaluated for oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene. The acid–base treatment can generate a large number of Si-OH bonds and an open-mesoporous structure, which is conducive for the dispersion of TiO2 and also for the transport of dibenzothiophene and its oxidation products simultaneously. The catalytic results indicate that the hierarchical cheese-like C-ZSM-5 nanocrystals are highly active catalysts for the oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene due to open mesoporosity. Complete conversion was obtained within 80 min at 338 K. The excellent performance is due to the large number of active framework sites and open mesopores generated by post-processing.
Diagnostic challenges in cerebral tuberculoma presenting with seizures in pregnancy
Authors: Sujithra Devi R , Priya Sathiya , Kumari Manoranjitha , Ramkumar G. , Jinkala SreeRekha , Maurya Dilip Kumar , Keepanasseril Anish
Published: February 2022

Tuberculoma is an uncommon presentation of tuberculosis and is found in regions with a high prevalence of tuberculosis. This is rarely diagnosed during pregnancy. The presentation can mimic other etiologies such as eclampsia or cerebral venous sinus thrombosis so the diagnosis can be challenging, particularly when presenting with seizures in pregnancy. Described here is a woman in her first pregnancy who presented with seizures mimicking eclampsia and was suspected to have a brain tumour on neuroimaging. She was diagnosed to have a intracerebral tuberculoma on histopathological examination following surgical decompression after delivery.
Ultrasonographic optic nerve sheath diameter as a noninvasive marker for intracranial hypotension
Authors: Wang Li-juan , Zhang Ying , Li Cong , Liu Ying , Dong Ya-nan , Cui Li , Xing Ying-qi
Published: February 2022

Background:

Invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) can result in complications, pain, or even aggravate intracranial hypotension (IH) or headache in patients with IH.

Objective:

To investigate whether ultrasonographic measurements of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) could serve as a noninvasive IH marker.

Methods:

Ultrasonographic ONSD was measured prior to lumbar puncture (LP) and ONSD measurements compared to LP’s opening pressure. We analyzed correlations between ONSD and ICP and determined the optimal ONSD cut-off point for IH. According to their LP on admission, patients were divided into three groups: IH group, normal ICP group, and elevated ICP group. Correlations between ONSD and ICP were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to determine the optimal cut-off point for IH.

Results:

In total, 136 subjects (75 men, 55.1% men) were included, and 1088 ONSDs were measured. The ONSD of the IH group (2.96 ± 0.15 mm) was significantly lower than that of the normal (3.59 ± 0.33 mm) and elevated ICP groups (4.90 ± 0.42 mm, p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in ONSD within all groups ( p < 0.001), and the differences between the two groups were also statistically significant. ONSD and ICP values were strongly correlated, with an r = 0.952 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.924–0.969; p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, waistline, and head circumference, ONSD was positively associated with ICP. ROC curve analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.990 (95% CI: 0.975–1.000). The ONSD cut-off point for identifying decreased opening pressure on LP was 3.15 mm, with 98.3% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity.

Conclusions:

Ultrasonographic ONSD may be a noninvasive, valuable, and easy-to-perform bedside technology for evaluating IH.
Assessment, Interaction and the Transmission Process of Twin deficit Hypothesis: Fresh Evidence from India
Authors: Nautiyal Neeraj , Belwal Shweta , Belwal Rakesh
Published: February 2022

In light of the persistent and coinciding internal and external imbalances, there remains an argument that worsening balance of payment (BoP) is the result of higher fiscal imbalance. However, no concrete consensus either theoretical or empirical exists, particularly in the context of India, and, therefore, this phenomenon of the twin deficit hypothesis becomes more of an empirical question. This study makes a timely and fresh revisit, especially in the backdrop of the fiscal expansions, to curb the recent recessionary situation that is engulfing the economy. To this end, an econometric exercise is undertaken on a quarterly data of financial year over 2000–2019. This work also extends the analysis with three reference variables, namely gross domestic product (GDP), private investment to GDP, real effective exchange rate together with the data for three dummy years to capture the impact of their specific occurrence in a particular year. The transmission mechanism describes how the budget deficit transcends and affects external sector variables. Empirical findings suggest a strong positive association between the budget deficit and current account deficit (CAD), which reinforces the validity of Mundell–Fleming and Keynesian theories. The effect of different exogenous variables explicitly indicates a simultaneous action on multiple fronts to improve the twin account balance.
Development and Preliminary Evaluation of an Education Program for Primary Care Teams on Discussing Firearms Storage Safety with Veterans
Authors: Dobscha Steven K , Clark Khaya D , Karras Elizabeth , Simonetti Joseph A , Newell Summer , Kenyon Emily A , Elliott Victoria , Boster Jennie , Gerrity Martha
Published: February 2022

Background

Reducing access to lethal means is one of the few empirically supported approaches for lowering suicide rates, and safe firearms storage practices have been associated with reduced risk of death by suicide. Although there is substantial opportunity for primary care to assist in addressing lethal means with veterans, approaches to intervention and educating staff are not well documented. We sought to 1) describe development of an education program for primary care teams to help them discuss firearms storage safety (FSS) with veterans during primary care visits; and 2) conduct a preliminary evaluation of the pilot education program.

Methods

We used an iterative process involving veterans and primary care staff stakeholders to develop program content, format, and supplemental materials. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze data from focus groups and individual interviews. Following piloting of the program with 71 staff members in two primary care clinics, we analyzed pre- and post-training participant surveys of program satisfaction and attitudes comfort related to firearms safety discussions.

Results

During the development phase, 68 veterans and 107 staff members participated in four veteran focus groups and four primary care focus groups, respectively, and/or individual interviews. The program that was developed, “‘ Just in Case’: Discussing means safety with veterans at elevated risk for suicide,” addresses knowledge and skills learning objectives, and includes video demonstrations and skills practice. Survey data obtained just prior to the pilot training sessions showed low self-reported rates of discussing firearms safety with veterans who may be at elevated risk for suicide. Immediate post-training data showed generally high satisfaction with the program and significant improvements in participant self-reported ratings of the importance of, and comfort with FSS.

Conclusions

This interactive knowledge and skill-based means safety curriculum shows promise as a means for educating primary care staff to deliver messaging about firearms safety to veterans. Additional research is needed to refine and evaluate impacts of this or similar training programs on clinician and veteran behaviors over time.
Early Domestication History of Asian Rice Revealed by Mutations and Genome-Wide Analysis of Gene Genealogies
Authors: Lu Yingqing , Xu Yunzhang , Li Nan
Published: February 2022

Background

Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.) has been a model plant but its cultivation history is inadequately understood, and its origin still under debate. Several enigmas remain, including how this annual crop shifted its growth habit from its perennial ancestor, O. rufipogon, why genetic divergence between indica and japonica appears older than the history of human domestication, and why some domestication genes do not show signals of introgression between subgroups. Addressing these issues may benefit both basic research and rice breeding.

Results

Gene genealogy-based mutation (GGM) analysis shows that history of Asian rice is divided into two phases (Phase I and II) of about equal lengths. Mutations occurred earlier than the partition of indica and japonica to Os genome mark Phase-I period. We diagnosed 91 such mutations among 101 genes sampled across 12 chromosomes of Asian rice and its wild relatives. Positive selection, detected more at 5′ regions than at coding regions of some of the genes, involved 22 loci (e.g., An-1, SH4, Rc, Hd3a, GL3.2, OsMYB3, OsDFR, and OsMYB15), which affected traits from easy harvesting, grain color, flowering time, productivity, to likely taste and tolerance. Phase-I mutations of OsMYB3, OsHd3a and OsDFR were experimentally tested and all caused enhanced functions of the genes in vivo. Phase-II period features separate cultivations, lineage-specific selection, and expanded domestication to more genes. Further genomic analysis, along with phenotypic comparisons, indicates that O. sativa is hybrid progeny of O. rufipogon and O. nivara, inherited slightly more genes of O. rufipogon. Congruently, modern alleles of the sampled genes are approximately 6% ancient, 38% uni-specific, 40% bi-specific (mixed), and 15% new after accumulating significant mutations. Results of sequencing surveys across modern cultivars/landraces indicate locus-specific usages of various alleles while confirming the associated mutations.

Conclusions

Asian rice was initially domesticated as one crop and later separate selection mediated by human resulted in its major subgroups. This history and the hybrid origin well explain previous puzzles. Positive selection, particularly in 5′ regions, was the major force underlying trait domestication. Locus-specific domestication can be characterized and the result may facilitate breeders in developing better rice varieties in future.
Transcriptome analysis and differential gene expression profiling of wucai (Brassica campestris L.) in response to cold stress
Authors: Wang Chenggang , Zhang Mengyun , Zhou Jiajie , Gao Xun , Zhu Shidong , Yuan Lingyun , Hou Xilin , Liu Tongkun , Chen Guohu , Tang Xiaoyan , Shan Guolei , Hou Jinfeng
Published: February 2022

Background

Wucai suffers from low temperature during the growth period, resulting in a decline in yield and poor quality. But the molecular mechanisms of cold tolerance in wucai are still unclear.

Results

According to the phenotypes and physiological indexes, we screened out the cold-tolerant genotype “W18” (named CT) and cold-sensitive genotype “Sw-1” (named CS) in six wucai genotypes. We performed transcriptomic analysis using seedling leaves after 24 h of cold treatment. A total of 3536 and 3887 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the low temperature (LT) and control (NT) comparative transcriptome in CT and CS, respectively, with 1690 DEGs specific to CT. The gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that the response to cadmium ion (GO:0,046,686), response to jasmonic acid (GO:0,009,753), and response to wounding (GO:0,009,611) were enriched in CT (LT vs NT). The DEGs were enriched in starch and sucrose metabolism and glutathione metabolism in both groups, and α-linolenic acid metabolism was enriched only in CT (LT vs NT). DEGs in these processes, including glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), 13S lipoxygenase (LOX), and jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ), as well as transcription factors (TFs), such as the ethylene-responsive transcription factor 53 (ERF53), basic helix-loop-helix 92 (bHLH92), WRKY53, and WRKY54.We hypothesize that these genes play important roles in the response to cold stress in this species.

Conclusions

Our data for wucai is consistent with previous studies that suggest starch and sucrose metabolism increased the content of osmotic substances, and the glutathione metabolism pathway enhance the active oxygen scavenging. These two pathways may participated in response to cold stress. In addition, the activation of α-linolenic acid metabolism may promote the synthesis of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), which might also play a role in the cold tolerance of wucai.
Human herpesvirus 6 infection as a trigger of multiple sclerosis: an update of recent literature
Authors: Voumvourakis K. I. , Fragkou P.C. , Kitsos D. K. , Foska K. , Chondrogianni M. , Tsiodras S.
Published: February 2022

Background

This is an update on the existing evidence regarding a relationship between infection with human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and multiple sclerosis (MS) in order to contribute on the attempt to define the nature and strength of that relationship.

Results

Study quality was assessed using the criteria proposed by Moore and Wolfson and by the classification criteria used by the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination. Studies were categorized both by experimental technique and by quality (high [A], intermediate [B], and low [C]) as determined by the Moore and Wolfson criteria. Overall, 27 (90%) of 30 studies, 18 (86%) of which were classified as A quality, reached a statistically significant result. According to the Canadian Task Force classification, all studies were categorized as evidence of qualityII-1. Limitations of the available experimental techniques and perspectives for future research are discussed.

Conclusions

The current review continues to emphasize the need for further, objective, evidence-based examination of the relationship between HHV-6 infection and multiple sclerosis.
Association of preconception dysmenorrhea with obstetric complications: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Murata Tsuyoshi , Endo Yuta , Fukuda Toma , Kyozuka Hyo , Yasuda Shun , Yamaguchi Akiko , Sato Akiko , Ogata Yuka , Shinoki Kosei , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Yasumura Seiji , Hashimoto Koichi , Nishigori Hidekazu , Fujimori Keiya ,   The Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) Group, Kamijima Michihiro , Yamazaki Shin , Ohya Yukihiro , Kishi Reiko , Yaegashi Nobuo , Hashimoto Koichi , Mori Chisato , Ito Shuichi , Yamagata Zentaro , Inadera Hidekuni , Nakayama Takeo , Iso Hiroyasu , Shima Masayuki , Kurozawa Youichi , Suganuma Narufumi , Kusuhara Koichi , Katoh Takahiko
Published: February 2022

Background

The association of maternal preconception dysmenorrhea, especially primary dysmenorrhea, with obstetric complications has not been clearly described. Therefore, we evaluated the association of preconception dysmenorrhea with obstetric complications while accounting for the presence of pelvic pathologies.

Methods

We analyzed the data of women with singleton live births at and after 22 weeks of gestation enrolled in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, a nationwide birth cohort study, between 2011 and 2014. Participants with psychological disorders were excluded. Preconception dysmenorrhea, identified in the medical record transcripts, was categorized into mild dysmenorrhea (MD) and severe dysmenorrhea (SD). Furthermore, excluding those who had pelvic pathologies via self-reported questionnaires (endometriosis, adenomyosis, and uterine myomas) with MD and SD, preconception dysmenorrhea was categorized into mild primary dysmenorrhea (MPD) and severe primary dysmenorrhea (SPD), respectively. Using multiple logistic regression, adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for obstetric complications, including preterm birth (PTB) before 37 weeks and 34 weeks, small-for-gestational-age infants, preterm premature rupture of membrane, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, were calculated (considering confounders) in women with (1) MD or SD and (2) MPD or SPD. Women without preconception dysmenorrhea were used as a reference.

Results

A total of 80,242 participants were analyzed. In women with SD, the aOR for PTB before 37 weeks was 1.38 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10, 1.72). In women with SPD, the aOR for PTB before 37 weeks was 1.32 (95% CI 1.02, 1.71). There was no association between women with MD or MPD and obstetric complications.

Conclusions

SD and SPD are significantly associated with an increased incidence of PTB before 37 weeks. Care providers should provide proper counseling regarding the association between preconception dysmenorrhea and obstetric complications. Optimal management of pregnant women with preconception dysmenorrhea to reduce the incidence of PTB should be elucidated in further studies, with detailed clinical data of pelvic pathologies.
Prospective observational study of the efficacy of oral uracil and tegafur plus leucovorin for stage II colon cancer with risk factors for recurrence using propensity score matching (JFMC46-1201)
Authors: Sadahiro Sotaro , Sakamoto Kazuhiro , Tsuchiya Takashi , Takahashi Takao , Ohge Hiroki , Sato Toshihiko , Kondo Ken , Ogata Yutaka , Baba Hideo , Itabashi Michio , Ikeda Masataka , Hamada Madoka , Maeda Kiyoshi , Masuko Hiroyuki , Takahashi Keiichi , Sakamoto Junichi , Kusano Mitsuo , Hyodo Ichinosuke , Taguri Masataka , Morita Satoshi
Published: February 2022

Background

The efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy for high-risk stage II colon cancer (CC) has not been well established. We compared the effects of surgery with and without oral uracil and tegafur plus leucovorin (UFT/LV) in patients with high-risk stage II CC, adjusting for potential risk factors.

Methods

We enrolled patients with histologically confirmed stage II colon adenocarcinoma with at least one of the following conditions: T4 disease, perforation/penetration, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma/mucinous carcinoma, or < 12 dissected lymph nodes. Patients chose to be non-randomized or randomized to undergo surgery alone (NR-Group S or R-Group S) or surgery followed by 6 months of UFT/LV (NR-Group U or R-Group U). The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS) after adjusting for previously reported risk factors using propensity score matching (1:2) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) in the non-randomized arm.

Results

Overall, 1,902 (98%) and 36 (2%) patients were enrolled in the non-randomized and randomized arms, respectively. There were too few patients in the randomized arm and these were therefore excluded from the analysis. Of the 1,902 patients, 402 in NR-Group S and 804 in NR-Group U were propensity score-matched. The 3-year DFS rate (95% confidence interval) was significantly higher in NR-Group U (80.9% [77.9%–83.4%]) than in NR-Group S (74.0% [69.3%–78.0%]) (hazard ratio, 0.64 [0.50–0.83]; P = 0.0006). The 3-year overall survival rate was not significantly different between NR-Group S and NR-Group U. Significantly higher 3-year DFS (P = 0.0013) and overall survival (P = 0.0315) rates were observed in NR-Group U compared with NR-Group S using IPTW.

Conclusions

Adjuvant chemotherapy with UFT/LV showed a significant survival benefit over surgery alone in patients with high-risk stage II CC characterized by at least one of the following conditions: T4 disease, perforation/penetration, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma/mucinous carcinoma, or < 12 dissected lymph nodes.

Trial registration

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials: jRCTs031180155 (date of registration: 25/02/2019) (UMIN Clinical Trials Registry: UMIN000007783, date of registration: 18/04/2012).
The role of migration in mental healthcare: treatment satisfaction and utilization
Authors: Gaigl Gabriele , Täumer Esther , Allgöwer Andreas , Becker Thomas , Breilmann Johanna , Falkai Peter , Gühne Uta , Kilian Reinhold , Riedel-Heller Steffi G. , Ajayi Klemens , Baumgärtner Jessica , Brieger Peter , Frasch Karel , Heres Stephan , Jäger Markus , Küthmann Andreas , Putzhammer Albert , Schneeweiß Bertram , Schwarz Michael , Kösters Markus , Hasan Alkomiet
Published: February 2022

Migration rates increase globally and require an adaption of national mental health services to the needs of persons with migration background. Therefore, we aimed to identify differences between persons with and without migratory background regarding (1) treatment satisfaction, (2) needed and received mental healthcare and (3) utilization of mental healthcare.

In the context of a cross-sectional multicenter study, inpatients and day hospital patients of psychiatric settings in Southern Germany with severe affective and non-affective psychoses were included. Patients’ satisfaction with and their use of mental healthcare services were assessed by VSSS-54 and CSSRI-EU; patients’ needs were measured via CAN-EU.

In total, 387 participants (migratory background: n = 72; 19%) provided sufficient responses for analyses. Migrant patients were more satisfied with the overall treatment in the past year compared to non-migrant patients. No differences between both groups were identified in met and unmet treatment needs and use of supply services (psychiatric, psychotherapeutic, and psychosocial treatment).

Despite a comparable degree of met and unmet treatment needs and mental health service use among migrants and non-migrants, patients with migration background showed higher overall treatment satisfaction compared to non-migrants. The role of sociocultural and migrant-related factors may explain our findings.
Predicting depression among rural and urban disabled elderly in China using a random forest classifier
Authors: Xin Yu , Ren Xiaohui
Published: February 2022

With global aging, the number of elderly with physical disabilities is also increasing. Compared with the ordinary elderly, the elderly who lose their independence are more likely to have the symptoms of depression. Reducing depression may help to alleviate the disability process of those who find themselves in the disabled stages. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the predictive effects of demographic characteristics, health behavior, health status, family relations, social relations, and subjective attitude on depression in rural and urban disabled elderly to improve early depression symptom recognition.

A total of 1460 older adults aged 60 and disabled were selected from China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). Depression was assessed according to The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). This paper used the random forest classifier to predict the depression of the disabled elderly from six aspects: demographic characteristics, health status, health behavior, family relationship, and social relationship. The prediction model was established based on 70% of the training set and 30% of the test set. The depression rate of rural disabled elderly was 57.67%, and that of urban disabled elderly was 44.59%. The mean values of the 10-k cross-validated results were 0.71 in rural areas and 0.70 in urban areas. AUC:0.71, specificity: 65.3%, sensitivity: 80.6% for rural disabled elderly with depression; AUC:0.78, specificity: 78.1%, sensitivity: 64.2% for urban disabled elderly with depression, respectively. There are apparent differences in the top ten predictors between rural and urban disabled elderly. The common predictors were self-rated health, changing in perceived health, disease or accidence experience within the past 2 weeks, life satisfaction, trusting people, BMI, and having trust in the future. Non-common predictors were chronic diseases, neighborly relations, total medical expenses within 1 year, community emotion, sleep duration, and family per capita income. Using random forest data to predict the depression of the disabled elderly may lead to early detection of depression.
Gender differences in the relationship between informal caregiving and subjective health: the mediating role of health promoting behaviors
Authors: Kim Aeri , Woo Kyungmi
Published: February 2022

Background

In most of developed societies, the prevalence of informal care is on the rise due to rapid population ageing. This study investigates longitudinal associations between informal caregiving and health among caregivers and potential gender differences in this relationship. Moreover, drawing on the Health Promotion Model, this study examines the mediating role of health promoting behaviors in the link between informal caregiving and caregiver’s health.

Methods

Seven waves of a large-scale (N = 9,608), a nationally representative longitudinal study of middle- and old-aged adults in Korea between 2006 and 2018, were used. To address the possibility of omitted variable bias, this study employed ordinary least squares models with lagged dependent variables (OLS-LDV) as well as fixed effects (FE) models. Univariate Sobel-Goodman mediation tests were used.

Results

Findings from OLS-LDV models showed that transition into informal caregiving is negatively associated with health satisfaction and self-rated health. FE results also suggest that our results are robust to controlling for unobserved heterogeneity. In the model where informal caregiving is interacted with gender, we found that these associations were largely driven by women caregivers. Results from Sobel-Goodman tests revealed that a decrease in regular exercise partially explains the observed association between informal caregiving and subjective health outcomes (11% for health satisfaction and 8% for self-rated health).

Conclusions

Although informal caregiving can be a rewarding role, it poses a threat to caregiver’s subjective health. Findings of this hold important implications and provide evidence in support of a gender-conscious approach to improve the health and well-being of informal caregivers.
Geographic disparities and predictors of COVID-19 hospitalization risks in the St. Louis Area, Missouri (USA)
Authors: Igoe Morganne , Das Praachi , Lenhart Suzanne , Lloyd Alun L. , Luong Lan , Tian Dajun , Lanzas Cristina , Odoi Agricola
Published: February 2022

Background

There is evidence of geographic disparities in COVID-19 hospitalization risks that, if identified, could guide control efforts. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate Zip Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA)-level geographic disparities and identify predictors of COVID-19 hospitalization risks in the St. Louis area.

Methods

Hospitalization data for COVID-19 and several chronic diseases were obtained from the Missouri Hospital Association. ZCTA-level data on socioeconomic and demographic factors were obtained from the American Community Survey. Geographic disparities in distribution of COVID-19 age-adjusted hospitalization risks, socioeconomic and demographic factors as well as chronic disease risks were investigated using choropleth maps. Predictors of ZCTA-level COVID-19 hospitalization risks were investigated using global negative binomial and local geographically weighted negative binomial models.

Results

COVID-19 hospitalization risks were significantly higher in ZCTAs with high diabetes hospitalization risks (p < 0.0001), COVID-19 risks (p < 0.0001), black population (p = 0.0416), and populations with some college education (p = 0.0005). The associations between COVID-19 hospitalization risks and the first three predictors varied by geographic location.

Conclusions

There is evidence of geographic disparities in COVID-19 hospitalization risks that are driven by differences in socioeconomic, demographic and health-related factors. The impacts of these factors vary by geographical location implying that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach may not be appropriate for management and control. Using both global and local models leads to a better understanding of geographic disparities. These findings are useful for informing health planning to identify geographic areas likely to have high numbers of individuals needing hospitalization as well as guiding vaccination efforts.
Talonavicular joint mobilization and foot core strengthening in patellofemoral pain syndrome: a single-blind, three-armed randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Hyun-Joong , Cho Juchul , Lee Seungwon
Published: February 2022

Background

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is defined as pain around the patella while performing activities such as squats, running, and climbing steps. One of the inherent risk factors for PFPS is an excessively pronated foot posture. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of foot intervention, talonavicular joint mobilization (TJM) and foot core strengthening (FCS), on PFPS.

Methods

Forty-eight patients with PFPS (mean age, 21.96 ± 2.34 years; BMI, 22.77 ± 2.95 kg/m2) were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to three groups, and received 12 sessions of TJM, FCS, and blended intervention at university laboratory for 4 weeks. The primary outcomes were pain while the secondary outcomes were lower extremity function, valgus knee, foot posture, and muscle activity ratio measured at baseline, after 12 sessions, and at the 4-week follow-up.

Results

The two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant interactions in all groups (p < 0.05). TJM reduced pain more than the FCS at post-test (mean difference, − 0.938; 95% Confidence interval [CI], − 1.664 to − 0.211; p < 0.05), and blended intervention improved lower extremity function (mean difference, 6.250; 95% CI, 1.265 to 11.235; p < 0.05) and valgus knee (mean difference, − 11.019; 95% CI, − 17.007 to − 5.031; p < 0.05) more than the TJM at 4 weeks follow-up. TJM was more effective in post-test (mean difference, − 1.250; 95% CI, − 2.195 to − 0.305; p < 0.05), and TJM (mean difference, − 1.563; 95% CI, − 2.640 to − 0.485; p < 0.05) and blended intervention (mean difference, − 1.500; 95% CI, − 2.578 to − 0.422; p < 0.05) were more effective in foot posture than the FCS in 4 weeks follow-up. Blended intervention displayed greater improvement in muscle activity than the TJM (mean difference, 0.284; 95% CI, 0.069 to 0.500; p < 0.05) and the FCS (mean difference, 0.265; 95% CI, 0.050 to 0.481; p < 0.05) at 4 weeks follow-up.

Conclusions

Our study is a novel approach to the potential impact of foot interventions on patellofemoral pain. Foot intervention including TJM and FCS is effective for pain control and function improvement in individuals with PFPS.

Trial registration

KCT0003176, 16/08/2018 (retrospectively registered).
Identification and molecular characterization of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis isolated from milk in cattle in Azerbaijan
Authors: Aliyev Jeyhun , Alakbarova Mahnur , Garayusifova Aytan , Omarov Asaf , Aliyeva Saida , Fretin David , Godfroid Jacques
Published: February 2022

Background

Azerbaijan currently ranks thirteenth in global incidence of human brucellosis, with an estimated annual incidence through 2000 at over 50 cases per million. Brucella melitensis has been isolated from patients and is thought to have been acquired through contact with small ruminants or as a foodborne infection. To reduce the burden of human brucellosis, the Azerbaijani government began in 2002, a nationwide vaccination control campaign in small ruminants. There is serological evidence of bovine brucellosis (presumably due to Brucella abortus) in Azerbaijan, but no prevalence estimates were available when this study started in March 2017. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify Brucella spp. from cow milk in the Ganja region, where brucellosis takes a heavy toll on humans and livestock.

Results

Blood and milk samples were collected from cows (n = 1075) in early lactation (up to 90-days) in farms that had a history of previous positive serological results and abortions. Twenty-two out of 57 milk samples collected from seropositive cows, showed growth on Farrell’s media, when incubated with 5% CO2. Eight additional milk samples showed growth in the absence of CO2. The classical biotyping classified them as Brucella abortus (22) and Brucella melitensis (8). RT-PCR confirmed that strains belonged to the genus Brucella. MLVA profiles were obtained for DNA extracted from two B. abortus and six B. melitensis strains. While the B. abortus genetic profile was described in the MLVA database, matching the profile of B. abortus strains isolated in East Europe, Central Asia and China, we found a new genotype for the B. melitensis strains isolated in Azerbaijan, clustering with strains belonging to the American clade, rarely identified in the region.

Conclusion

Despite the implementation of the vaccination program in small ruminants, our results suggest that spill-over events of B. melitensis from small ruminants to cattle have occurred. However, cattle are likely to be primarily infected with B. abortus, which warranted the implementation of a bovine brucellosis program. Such a program started in fall 2017. In the Ganja region, cattle should be considered as a potential source of B. abortus and B. melitensis for humans.
Exosomes derived from M2 type tumor-associated macrophages promote osimertinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer through MSTRG.292666.16-miR-6836-5p-MAPK8IP3 axis
Authors: Wan Xiaoying , Xie Boxiong , Sun Hui , Gu Weiqing , Wang Chunyan , Deng Qinfang , Zhou Songwen
Published: February 2022

Background

Osimertinib resistance limits the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor-(EGFR)-mutated non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The mechanisms of osimertinib resistance need to be elucidated to determine alternative treatment strategies. This study explores the role of M2 type tumor-associated macrophage (TAM)-derived exosomal MSTRG.292666.16 in osimertinib resistance, and its related competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism.

Methods

M2 type TAMs were induced with 200 ng/mL phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, 20 ng/mL IL-4 and IL-13, and M2 type macrophage markers were measured by RT-qPCR. Next, the exosomes were isolated and characterized. Tumor formation in nude mice was conducted using H1975 cells under different treatment conditions. Small RNA sequencing was performed on exosomes derived from sensitive and resistant plasma, and ceRNA networks were constructed. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to observe the localization of MSTRG.292666.16, and a ceRNA network (MSTRG.292666.16-miR-6836-5p-MAPK8IP3) was selected for further validation.

Results

M2 type TAMs, and M2 type TAM-derived exosomes were successfully induced and isolated. Nude mice results showed that M2 type TAM-derived exosomes and MSTRG.292666.16 overexpression significantly increased tumor volume after administration of osimertinib for 4 weeks. M2 type TAMs were found in the resistant plasma, and MSTRG.292666.16 localized in the cytoplasm of H1975 cells. In addition, the genes in the ceRNA networks were significantly enriched in eight GO terms and seven KEGG pathways, including the MAPK signaling pathway. Subsequently, the levels of MSTRG.292666.16 and MAPK8IP3 significantly increased in both resistant plasma-derived exosomes and M2 type TAM-derived exosomes, while miR-6836-5p levels were significantly reduced. Finally, MSTRG.292666.16, miR-6836-5p, and MAPK8IP3 were part of the same network.

Conclusions

M2 type TAM-derived exosomes promoted osimertinib resistance in NSCLC by regulating the MSTRG.292666.16/miR-6386-5p/MAPK8IP3 axis.
Reproducibility and relative validity of a food frequency questionnaire for a diet-related study in a rural Chinese population
Authors: Liu Xudong , Li Haiyi , Zhao Yue , Li Jun , Zhang Jianfeng , Ma Liya , Li Lin , Lin Sihao , Lao Xiang Qian , Zhao Wenjing
Published: February 2022

Background

This study aimed to assess the reproducibility and validity of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) developed for diet-related studies in a rural population.

Methods

One hundred fifty-four healthy residents were interviewed with a 76-item FFQ at baseline (FFQ1) and 1 month later (FFQ2) to assess reproducibility, and required to complete two three-day dietary recalls (DRs) between two FFQs to determine the validity by comparing DRs with FFQ1.

Results

Crude Spearman correlation coefficients between FFQ1 and FFQ2 ranged from 0.58 to 0.92 and energy-adjusted coefficients ranged from 0.62 to 0.92; weighted kappa statistic covered a spectrum from 0.45 to 0.81, depicting moderate to good agreements. For validity, there were moderate to strong associations (0.40–0.68) in most nutrients and food between FFQ1 and DRs; weighted kappa statistic demonstrated fair to moderate agreements for nutrients and food (0.21–0.49).

Conclusions

The results suggest that the FFQ has reasonably reproducibility and validity in measuring most nutrients and food intake, and it can be used to explore the dietary habits in studying the diet-disease relationship in Chinese rural populations.
Proteomics technologies for cancer liquid biopsies
Authors: Ding Zhiyong , Wang Nan , Ji Ning , Chen Zhe-Sheng
Published: February 2022

Alterations in DNAs could not reveal what happened in proteins. The accumulated alterations of DNAs would change the manifestation of proteins. Therefore, as is the case in cancer liquid biopsies, deep proteome profiling will likely provide invaluable and clinically relevant information in real-time throughout all stages of cancer progression. However, due to the great complexity of proteomes in liquid biopsy samples and the limitations of proteomic technologies compared to high-plex sequencing technologies, proteomic discoveries have yet lagged behind their counterpart, genomic technologies. Therefore, novel protein technologies are in urgent demand to fulfill the goals set out for biomarker discovery in cancer liquid biopsies.

Notably, conventional and innovative technologies are being rapidly developed for proteomic analysis in cancer liquid biopsies. These advances have greatly facilitated early detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of cancer evolution, adapted or adopted in response to therapeutic interventions. In this paper, we review the high-plex proteomics technologies that are capable of measuring at least hundreds of proteins simultaneously from liquid biopsy samples, ranging from traditional technologies based on mass spectrometry (MS) and antibody/antigen arrays to innovative technologies based on aptamer, proximity extension assay (PEA), and reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA).