bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration of The Impact of The COVID-19 Pandemic on The Mental Health of Home Health Care Workers in Japan: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey
Authors: Hamano Jun , Tachikawa Hirokazu , Takahashi Sho , Ekoyama Saori , Nagaoka Hiroka , Ozone Sachiko , Masumoto Shoichi , Hosoi Takahiro , Arai Tetsuaki
Published: February 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused home health care workers (home-HCWs) to experience anxiety. Since the mental health of home-HCWs and related factors during the COVID-19 pandemic have not been clarified, we aimed to investigate the status and associated factors of the fear of COVID-19 infection, anxiety, and depression among home-HCWs in Japan. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional web-based anonymous survey of home-HCWs was conducted in August 2021, during the fifth wave of the pandemic in Japan. We surveyed members of facilities that provide home visit services during the COVID-19 pandemic. We measured the Japanese version of the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S-J) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) as objective variables, and the Japanese version of the Assessment of Interprofessional Team Collaboration Scale-II (J-AITCS-II) as an explanatory variable. Results: A total of 328 members of 37 facilities responded to the survey, and we ultimately analyzed 311 participants. The most frequent occupation was nurse (32.8%), followed by doctor (24.8%) and medical office staff (18.0%). The mean score of the FCV-19S-J was 16.5 ± 5.0 (7.0 – 31.0), and the prevalences of definitive anxiety and depression were 7.4% and 15.7%, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the J-AITCS-II teamwork subscale was significantly negatively associated with FCV-19S-J, HADS-anxiety, and HADS-depression (β=-0.171, p= 0.004; β=-0.151, p=0.012; β=-0.225, p<0.001). Medical office staff showed significant positive associations with FCV-19S-J and HADS-depression (β=0.219, p= 0.005; β=0.201, p=0.009), and medical social workers with HADS-anxiety and HADS-depression (β=-0.166, p= 0.011; β=-0.214, p<0.001) compared to doctors. The unmet support need for expert lectures on COVID-19 was significantly positively associated with FCV-19S-J (β=0.131, p= 0.048), and the unmet support need for support systems for psychological stress and emotional exhaustion was significantly positively associated with HADS-anxiety (β=0.141, p= 0.022). Conclusions: Recognizing that different occupations experience different mental health issues, providing learning opportunities about COVID-19 and expert psychological support, and building good teamwork are important for maintaining the mental health of home-HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Active Ageing Profiles among Older Adults in Spain: A Multivariate Analysis Based on SHARE study
Authors: Rojo-Pérez Fermina , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Vicente , Molina-Martínez María Ángeles , Fernández-Mayoralas Gloria , Sánchez-González Diego , Rojo-Abuín José Manuel , Ayala Alba , Rodríguez-Blázquez Carmen , Calderón-Larrañaga Amaia , Ribeiro Oscar , Forjaz Maria João
Published: February 2022

Background. Following the active ageing model based on the Health, Lifelong Learning, Participation and Security pillars, this research has a twofold objective: i) to classify older adults according to active ageing profiles, taking into account the four pillars, and ii) to ascertain the relationship between the profiles and personal and contextual factors, as well as well-being and quality of life in old age.Methods. A study sample of 5,566 Spanish older adults who participated in wave 6 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was included. Data were analysed in different steps applying several statistical analysis (Principal Components; Cluster; Discriminant; Multiple Correspondence; bivariate analysis with Pearson chi-square and ANOVA).Results. Five older adult profiles were obtained (I: with moderate activity; II: quasi-dependents; III: with active ageing-limiting conditions; IV: with diverse and balanced activity; V: with excellent active ageing conditions). The first three profiles were characterised by subjects with a high average age, low educational level, who were retired or housewives, and who perceived a moderate level of loneliness, satisfaction with the social network and quality of life, as well as having a larger family network, but living in small households or alone. In contrast, the latter two profiles showed better personal and contextual conditions, well-being and quality of life.Discussion and Conclusions. The multidimensional approach to active ageing followed in this article has revealed the presence of several older adult profiles, which are confined to groups with better or worse active ageing conditions. In this context, if ageing is a process that reflects the previous way of life, intervention priorities will have to consider actions that promote better conditions during the life cycle.
Prediction Model of Urosepsis in Patients after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy and Pre- and Postoperative White Blood Cell Ratio to Predict Urosepsis Progresses to Septic Shock
Authors: hao xiaodong , Wang Xiaowei , Wei Hongliang , Ding Hao , Zheng Shuo , Wang Lei , Li Zhong , Yin Haijun
Published: February 2022

Background To study the predictors of urosepsis in patients after percutaneous nephrolithotomy and progression of urosepsis to septic shock, and establish the predictive models.Methods A total of 1046 patients were included in the study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to screen independent risk factors for urosepsis after PCNL and urosepsis progresses to septic shock. The normogram prediction models was established according to the related independent risk factors. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to estimate the discrimination, calibration and clinical usefulness of the prediction model, respectively.Results Urosepsis occurred in 86 patients, and 24 of these patients developed septic shock. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed the independent risk factors for urosepsis after PCNL were diabetes, positive urine nitrite levels, staghorn calculi, HU of hydronephrosis>6.0, AGR<1.705, and hs-CRP/Alb>0.065. The pre- and postoperative WBC ratios were independent risk factors for the progression of urosepsis to septic shock. The AUC value for predicting urosepsis risk was 0.891 and that for predicting septic shock risk was 0.982. The P values of the calibration test in the urosepsis cohort and septic shock cohort were 0.946 and 0.714, respectively. DCA of the model in the urosepsis cohort and septic shock cohort showed threshold probabilities of 10–90%.ConclusionThe individualized nomogram prediction models can help improve the early identification of patients who are at higher risk of developing urosepsis after PCNL and progression of urosepsis to septic shock, to avoid further damage.
Modeling clinical and non-clinical determinants of intrapartum stillbirths in singletons in six public hospitals in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana: a case-control study
Authors: Vanotoo Linda , Dwomoh Duah , Laar Amos , Kotoh Agnes , Adanu Richard
Published: February 2022

The Greater Accra Region (GAR) of Ghana records 2000 stillbirths annually and 40 % of them occur intrapartum. An understanding of the contributing factors will facilitate the development of preventive strategies to reduce the huge numbers of intrapartum stillbirths. This study identified determinants of intrapartum stillbirths in GAR. A retrospective 1:2 unmatched case-control study was conducted in six public hospitals in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A multivariable ordinary logistic regression model used to quantify the effect of exposures on intrapartum stillbirth. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve and the Brier scores were used to screen potential risk factors and assess the predictive performance of the regression models. The following maternal factors increased the odds of intrapartum stillbirths: pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) [adjusted Odds Ratio; aOR=3.72, 95% CI:1.71-8.10, p<0.001]; antepartum haemorrhage (APH) [aOR=3.28, 95% CI: 1.33-8.10, p<0.05] and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) [aOR=3.36, 95% CI: 1.20-9.40, p<0.05]. Improved management of PIH, APH, PROM, and preterm delivery will reduce intrapartum stillbirth. Hospitals should improve on the quality of monitoring women during labor. Auditing of intrapartum stillbirths should be mandatory for all hospitals and Ghana Health Service (GHS) should include fetal autopsy in stillbirth auditing to identify other causes of fetal deaths. Interventions to reduce intrapartum stillbirth must combine maternal, fetal, and service delivery factors to make them effective.
Mid- and Long-Term Outcomes of Totally Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer. Prospective Study
Authors: Olmo Juan Carlos Martín del , López Juan Ramón Gómez , Mestanza Cristina López , Cutoli Pilar Concejo , Esteban María Luz Martín
Published: February 2022

Purpose. The laparoscopic approach for gastric carcinoma (GC) is being increasingly implemented. surgeons. Although recent evidence suggests that this surgical approach is associated with improvements in short-term outcomes, mid- and long-term outcomes have not been well studied. This study aimed to evaluate the mid- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) with D1-D2 lymph node dissection for all stages of GC.Methods. A prospective study of GC treated by laparoscopic approach between January 2004 and December 2019 was performed. The demographics, perioperative data, operation details, length of hospital stay, morbid­ity, mortality and pathologic and oncological outcomes were analyzed.Results. A total of 70 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 73 years old. Subtotal gastrectomy was performed in 52 cases (74.3%), and total gastrectomy was performed in 18 cases (25.7%). The median operative time was 270 minutes. The median postoperative stay was 10 days. Morbidity was 35.7%, with a mortality of 7.1%. The disease-free survival (DFS) was 61.2% at three years and 52.3% at five years.Conclusions: LG is a feasible and secure surgical procedure for GC with good mid- and long-term results. Advanced age should not be considered a contraindication for LG.
Identification of Potential Core Genes and Promising Compounds in STEMI Using Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Ding Hong , Liu Shu , Zhu Zi-Wei , Wang Yu-Qin , Li Dan , Zhang Xiao-Wei
Published: February 2022

PurposeThe objective of this research was to reveal the fundamental molecular processes and determine the critical pathways and genes for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction by performing bioinformatics analysis.MethodsThe Gene Expression Omnibus Gene (GEO) database was utilized to acquire the microarray data for GSE60993 and GSE61144. The R package limma was employed for the purpose of identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The DAVID database was retrieved to conduct enrichment analyses for both gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway. STRING was employed to construct a DEG-related protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, which was then visualized in Cytoscape. The modules belonging to the PPI network were analyzed using MCODE. With the aid of Connectivity Map (CMap), we determined potential medications according to the genes that had previously been identified.ResultsA total of 201 downmodulated and 43 upmodulated genes were discovered. The findings from GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses demonstrated a significant correlation between the DEGs and immunological responses, inflammatory responses, and pathways such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interface and Hematopoietic cell lineage. MMP9, PGLYRP1, CAMP, FOLR3, ORM1, QPCT, LRG1, ARG1, CDA and S100A12 were determined as the hub genes in the PPI network according to their extent of connectivity. The hub genes that were identified together with their corresponding transcriptional factors included ELF-1, PAX, PEA3, Pu.1, ZF5, EGR-3, Dp-1, FOXP3, etc.Conclusions The microarray data and bioinformatics analyses conducted in the present research offer a viable option for identifying critical pathways and genes correlated with STEMI.
Sevoflurane concentration for cannulation in developmental disabilities
Authors: Kunihiro Naou , Tsukamoto Masanori , Taura Shiori , Hitosugi Takashi , Yokoyama Takeshi
Published: February 2022

Objective: The goal of this study was to compare the end-tidal sevoflurane concentration and time for intravenous cannulation at induction of anesthesia using sevoflurane with or without nitrous oxide in healthy children and in those with developmental disabilities. Methods: Normal and developmentally disabled children were anesthetized by inhalation of sevoflurane with nitrous oxide or with nitrous oxide-free oxygen, and intravenous cannulae were introduced. The following parameters were recorded for each patient: age, sex, height, weight, BMI, duration of intravenous cannulation, intertidal concentration of sevoflurane at the completion of intravenous cannulation, and use of nitrous oxide. Two-way ANOVA was used for statistical evaluation of the experimental data. All values were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) or number (n). p-values below 0.001 were considered statistically significant (two-way ANOVA). Results: In healthy children, the end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations at the completion of the intravenous cannulation showed a significant difference between when nitrous oxide was used (4.1 ± 0.8 %) and when nitrous oxide was not used (5.1 ± 1.1 %) (p<0.001). Also, in children with developmental disabilities, the end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations at intravenous cannulation showed a significant difference between when nitrous oxide was used (4.2 ± 0.9 %) and when nitrous oxide was not used (4.9 ± 1.3 %) (p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the time required for intravenous cannulation from the start of anesthesia induction in either group. Conclusions：Between the healthy children and the children with developmental disabilities, no significant differences in the end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations at the completion of the intravenous cannulation and the time for the intravenous cannulation from the beginning of anesthetic induction.
Development of the Arabic Health Measures database: A bibliometric analysis of Arabic health related measures
Authors: Albawardi Nada M , Shaikh Quratulain , Alahaideb Wejdan , Alamasi Maryam , Aljasser Doaa , Alrasheed Lama , Alsulaiman Sultanah H , Alghannam Abdullah F
Published: February 2022

Objectives To develop an open access database of Arabic health measures intended for use by researchers and health care providers along with a bibliometric analysis of the measures included in the database.Design A search was conducted up to Dec 31, 2021 in Pubmed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Sage, Springer and Elsevier for published articles or abstracts with key words “Arabic” AND “translation”, “adaptation” OR “validation”. Information on the measure and the methodology used in the study were then entered into a database. An open access platform was developed to allow users to search for measures according to their needs. A bibliometric analysis of the articles and measures was then conducted. Results A total of 894 publications met the inclusion criteria. The articles discussed 716 measures that were developed using participants from at least 38 countries. The number of measures for adults was five-fold greater than for children. Mental health was the most frequent construct assessed (11.5%) followed by “function/disability” measures (10.6%). The majority of measures (54%) required five minutes or less to complete. Approximately 17% of the tools were available directly from the article. Saudi Arabia and Lebanon had the greatest number of publications with 217 (23%) and 114 (12%, respectively). The majority of the publications included reporting of the validation and reliability of the instruments (64% and 56%, respectively).ConclusionThere is a paucity of research on the quantity and quality of Arabic health measures. Similar to previous reviews, we found the number of publications on Arabic measures to be limited in comparison to those in English, however it is encouraging that the number of publications appear to be steadily increasing over the past decade. While we found the majority of publications reported on psychometric testing, we are unable to comment on the quality of the methodology used and further investigation into this area is recommended. As the Arabic Health Measures database will facilitate the search for health instruments that have published data on their development, this will increase their visibility and use in research and clinical settings.
Design Of Eco-Friendly Compositions Herbicide/Amphiphilic Adjuvant Based On Optimized Structure - Activity Profile
Authors: Mirgorodskaya Alla , Sharonova Natalia , Kushnazarova Rushana , Rakhmaeva Adelya , Kuznetsov Denis , Terenzhev Dmitriy , Lenina Oxana , Nikitin Eugeny , Petrov Konstantin , Siniashin Kirill , Zakharova Lucia
Published: February 2022

To enhance the effectiveness of commercial herbicide clopyralid carbamate-containing surfactants have been explored as adjuvants. Based on systematic studies of the phytotoxic effect and wetting ability, functionality of surfactant series with different hydrophobicity was attested in terms of seed germination energy, seed germination, length of roots and seedlings of a number of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants (sweet corn, meadow fescue, watercress, dandelion medicinal). In series of tested compounds, N-[2-(butylcarbamoyl)oxy)ethyl]-N,N-dimethylhexadecanammonium bromide (Ur-16 (Bu)) showed the best performance, which is supported by an optimal combination of indicators of physicochemical and biological activities, namely, high solubilizing ability in relation to clopyralid, providing facilitated transport of pesticide molecules into plant cells, with relatively low intrinsic phytotoxicity and high biodegradability. Vegetation experiments demonstrated that the addition of 0.1 %wt. Ur-16 (Bu) to the clopyralid solution leads to an increase in the effectiveness of herbicide action by almost 20%, when treating the crops of a weed plant dandelion medicinal. This result contributes to the optimization of functionality/human toxicity/biodegradability ratio, thereby reducing the side environmental effect.
A Novel Approach to Develop an Animal Model for Oral Submucous Fibrosis
Authors: Shekatkar Madhura , Kheur Supriya , Sanap Avinash , Undale Vaishali , Kharat Avinash , Bhalchim Vrushali , Dubewar Arati , Bhonde Ramesh
Published: February 2022

Epidemiological data has proved the association of consumption of areca nut with the causation of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). OSMF is a chronic inflammatory disease with the potential for malignant transformation from 7% to 13%. The establishment of animal models makes it easier for researchers to focus on the therapeutic applications to combat this disease further. We developed and compared two areca nut extract (ANE) administration methods in male Swiss albino mice to establish OSMF. We used an invasive intra-buccal injection technique and compared it with a non-invasive oral droplet administration method. The duration of induction was around 12 weeks. Histopathological analysis was performed at regular intervals to assess the establishment of the disease. Our study showed that ANE administration through the oral droplet method was superior in all aspects compared to the intra-buccal injection technique. Through daily dosing, OSMF was established within 12 weeks, as evidenced by histopathological analysis. The non-invasive droplet method could simulate the absorption of areca nut seen in humans. The present study focuses on developing a novel droplet method and its comparison with the intrabuccal injection method of ANE administration to develop OSMF features in Swiss albino mice. Our results suggest that the oral droplet method is an efficient and non-invasive method to administer the ANE to develop OSMF. These findings will aid the inefficient development of OSMF animal models for interventional studies, including screening novel drugs in the reversal of the OSMF.
Quality Of End-Of-Life Care In General Practice – A Pre–Post Comparison Of A Two-Tiered Intervention
Authors: Baal Katharina van , Wiese Birgitt , Müller-Mundt Gabriele , Stiel Stephanie , Schneider Nils , Afshar Kambiz
Published: February 2022

Background: General practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in the provision of end-of-life care (EoLC). The present study aimed at comparing the quality of GPs’ EoLC before and after an intervention involving a clinical decision aid and a public campaign.Methods: The study was part of the larger interventional study ‘Optimal care at the end of life’ (OPAL) (Innovation Fund, Grant No. 01VSF17028). The intervention lasted 12 months and comprised two components: (1) implementation of the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT-DETM) in general practice and (2) a public campaign in two German counties to inform and connect regional health care providers and stakeholders in EoLC. Participating GPs completed the General Practice End of Life Care Index (GP-EoLC-I) pre- (t0) and post- (t1) intervention. The GP-EoLC-I (25 items, score range: 14–40) is a self-assessment questionnaire that measures the quality of GPs’ EoLC. It includes two subscales: practice organisation and clinical practice. Data were analysed descriptively, and a paired t-test was applied for the pre–post comparison.Results: Forty-five GPs (female: 29%, median age: 57 years) from 33 general practices participated in the intervention and took part in the survey at both times of measurement (t0 and t1). The mean GP-EoLC-I score (t0 = 27.9; t1 = 29.8) increased significantly by 1.9 points between t0 and t1 (t(44) = -3.0; p = 0.005). Scores on the practice organisation subscale (t0 = 6.9; t1 = 7.6) remained almost similar (t(44) = -2.0; p = 0.057), whereas those of the clinical practice subscale (t0 = 21.0; t1 = 22.2) changed significantly between t0 and t1 (t(44) = -2.6; p = 0.011). In particular, items regarding the record of care plans, patients’ preferred place of care at the end of life and patients’ preferred place of death, as well as the routine documentation of impending death, changed positively.Conclusions: GPs’ self-assessed quality of EoLC seemed to improve after a regional intervention that involved both the implementation of the SPICT-DETM in daily practice and a public campaign. In particular, improvement related to the domains of care planning and documentation.Trial registration: The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00015108; 22/01/2019).
Experimental super-Heisenberg quantum metrology with
indefinite gate order
Authors: Yin Peng , Zhao Xiaobin , Yang Yuxiang , Guo Yu , Zhang Wen-Hao , Li Gong-Chu , Han Yong-Jian , Liu Bi-Heng , Xu Jin-Shi , Chiribella Giulio , Chen Geng , Li Chuan-Feng , Guo Guangcan
Published: February 2022

The Heisenberg limit, corresponding to a root mean square error vanishing as 1/N with the number N of independent processes probed in an experiment, is widely believed to be an ultimate limit to the precision of quantum metrology.In this work, we experimentally demonstrate a quantum metrology protocol surpassing Heisenberg limit by implementing indefinite (a superposition of) orders of two groups of independent processes. Each process creates a phase space displacement, and the precision to estimate the geometric phase introduced by a total number of 2N processes approaches the super-Heisenberg limit of 1/N2. In our setup, the polarization of a single photon coherently controls the order of displacements on the transverse modes of the radiation field, resulting into indefinite order and allowing us to outperform every setup where the displacements are probed in a definite order. Our experiment features a realization of coherent control over the order in a continuous-variable system, and can be applied to the measurement of various important parameters.
Expression of Ten-Eleven Translocation 1 Gene in Acute Leukemia
Authors: Hamed Hosny B. , Naguib Eman M. , Mosaad Monica B. , Elnaggar Mohamed G.
Published: February 2022

Background:The Ten-Eleven Translocation 1 gene (TET1) is a member of the TET methyl cytosine dioxygenase family of enzymes (TET1, TET2, and TET3). The TET1 has contrasting roles in myeloid and lymphoid transformation being either an oncogene or a tumor suppressor. This work aimed to study the expression level of TET1 gene in acute leukemia patients and its correlation with clinical and pathological criteria of these patients. Patients & methods:This study was conducted on 73 acute leukemia patients. Bone marrow samples were analyzed using Real Time PCR 7500s.Results:There was significant correlation between expression levels of TET 1 gene in acute leukemia patients and their clinical and pathological criteria.Conclusion:It has been found that expression levels of TET1 gene in patients’ samples were higher in in AML, not otherwise specified (NOS), and T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma patients and lower in B lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, NOS patients. Besides, this study showed the significant relation between TET1 gene and the percentage of blast cells in peripheral blood (P.B) and bone marrow (B.M) and generalized lymphadenopathy. These findings revealed the great role of TET1 gene dysregulation in leukemogenesis; also its possible usage as a potential target for treating this form of hematopoietic malignancy.
Morphological Features and Divergence of SARS-CoV 2 and SARS-CoV Virus Using TEM Images
Authors: Taha Bakr Ahmed , Mashhadany Yousif Al , Al-Jubouri Qussay , Zan Mohd Saiful Dzulkefly Bin , Luo Yunhan , Min Li , Arsad Norhana
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global health catastrophe affecting every aspect of human life. In addition, it has weighed heavily on almost all countries, especially those with less advanced healthcare systems. Improving the accuracy of epidemic prediction models is critical to gaining insight into the impact and spread of this deadly disease. The current circumstances require rapid advances in detecting systems such as in vitro, environmental (e.g., surfaces, sanitation, water, etc.), and vaccine development. A computerized tomography (CT) scan and X-ray images have three issues: ground-glass opacities, consolidation, and crazy paving patterns. These issues can be seen alone or in conjunction with one another. In this study, we focus on the highlight following: TEM morphological features for SARS-CoV 2 virus identification, the proposed framework of extraction features for SARS-CoV 2 virus identification, Comparison features between SARS-CoV 2 and SARS-CoV, Envelope diameter, spike length, roundness, circularity, and area size of SARS-CoV 2 is found for both viruses. The results were that the average diameter for SARS-CoV 2 and SARS-CoV was 97 nm and 102 nm, in comparison, and the main length of spike protein was 11.5 nm and 11.2 nm, respectively. Likewise, sequentially, the mean roundness of SARS-CoV 2 and SARS-CoV was 89.90 nm and 91.65 nm. Consequently, these characteristics improve the sensitivity and specificity of tool detection, identifying the age of viruses, life cycles, and disease progression in humans.
Feature Alignment As A Generative Process
Authors: Farias Tiago Souza , Maziero Jonas
Published: February 2022

We introduce feature alignment, a technique for obtaining approximate reversibility in artificial neural networks. By means of feature extraction, we can train a neural network to learn an estimated map for its reverse process from outputs to inputs. Combined with variational autoencoders, we can generate new samples from the same statistics as the training data. Improvements of the results are obtained by using concepts from generative adversarial networks. Finally, we show that the technique can be modified for training neural networks locally, saving computational memory resources. Applying these techniques, we report results for three vision generative tasks: MNIST, CIFAR-10, and celebA.
Human Latent Metrics: Perceptual and Cognitive Response Corresponds to Distance in GAN Latent Space
Authors: Kasahara Shunichi , Ienaga Naoto , Shimizu Kye , Takada Kazuma , Sugimoto Maki
Published: February 2022

Generative adversarial networks (GANs) generate high-dimensional vector spaces (latent spaces) that can interchangeably represent vectors as images. Advancements have extended their ability to computationally generate images indistinguishable from real images such as faces, and more importantly, manipulate images using their inherit vector values in the latent space. This interchangeability of latent vector has the potential to calculate not only distance in the latent space, but also human perceptual and cognitive distance toward images, i.e., how humans perceive and recognize images. However, it is still unclear how the distance in the latent space corresponds to human perception and cognition. Our studies investigated the correspondence between latent vectors and human perception or cognition through psycho-visual experiments that manipulates the latent vectors of face images. In the perception study, a change perception (CP) task was utilized to examine whether participants could perceive visual changes in face images before and after moving an arbitrary distance in the latent space. In the cognition study, a face cognition (FC) task was utilized to examine whether the participants could recognize a face as the same, even after moving an arbitrary distance in the latent space. The results showed that CP and cognition for face images clearly correlates to the distance in the latent space, which can be modeled with a logistic function. We also investigated how the internal layered structure of the latent space correlates to human response by calculating the regression residual error in each layer. As a result, we observed different residual error trends pertaining to CP and FC. Our experiments show that the distance between face images in the latent space corresponds to human perception and cognition for visual changes in face imagery, and additionally indicates that perception and cognition correspond with the latent space differently. By utilizing our methodology, it will be possible to interchangeably convert between the distance in the latent space and the metric of human perception and cognition, potentially leading to image processing that better reflects human perception and cognition.
The Causal Link Between Circular Economy And Economic Growth In EU-25
Authors: Chen Chun-Chih , Pao Hsiao-Tien
Published: February 2022

Actively promoting circular economy (CE) is one of the key means of global sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to analyze the causal relationship between CE and economic growth using data from EU-25 countries from 2010 to 2018. The selected CE indicators included municipal waste recycling rate, CE-related investment, municipal waste generation per capita, circularity rate, and trade in recyclable raw materials. Panel cointegration techniques affirmed the long-term equilibrium relationship between CE indicators and GDP. Panel vector error correction model results confirmed that in terms of short-run causality, an increase in material recycling led to a decrease in waste generation, an increase in waste generation led to an increase in CE-related investment, and economic growth led to circular economy growth, but not vice versa. This implies that encouraging CE-related innovation investments and promoting material recycling to stimulate the secondary raw material market can help achieve zero waste goals. Looking at the long-term causality, the GDP and CE indicators constituted a causal loop, which implies that there is co-evolution between them, although the circular economy is still in its infancy. This co-evolutionary sustainable economic growth can bring welfare to future generations.
Association between glucose-lowering drugs and circulating insulin antibodies induced by exogenous insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhang Peng , Shen Yun , Xu Xiao Hua , Ding Bo , Yan Reng-Na , Wang Hui-Ying , Xie Xiao-Jing , Ma Jian-hua , Hu Yun
Published: February 2022

Aim: Insulin antibodies (IAs) affects blood glucose control in patients using insulin therapy. We aim to investigate the association between different glucose-lowering treatments and IAs in patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM).Methods: In this cross-sectional, retrospective study, patients with T2DM who were using exogenous insulin therapy were included. All the patients had stable antidiabetic therapy in the last 3 months and measured IA levels using the iodine-125 array. Results: A total of 1863 patients were enrolled. There were 902 (48.4%) patients with positive IAs (IA level >5%), and the mean IA level was 11.06 (10.39, 11.72) %. IA level was positively correlated with fasting blood glucose (OR=1.069, p<0.001). The proportion of positive IAs was lowest in patients using glargine only (31.9%) and highest in patients using human insulin only (70.3%), p<0.001. The IA levels in patients using sulfonylureas/glinides (8.3 %), metformin (9.6 %), and DPP-4 inhibitors (8.2 %) were all lower than in patients without these drugs (p all <0.05).Conclusions: IA levels should be measured in patients with long-term insulin therapy. Insulin glargine and the combination of oral glucose-lowering drugs should be considered in IA positive patients.
Immune factors and thyroid function parameters associated with different degrees anemia in patients living with HIV/AIDS in Southwest China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Huang Liling , Xie Bo , Zhang Kai , Xu Yuanlong , Su Lingsong , Lv Yu , Lu Yangjie , Pang Xianwu , Qiu Hong , Li Lanxiang , Wei Xihua , Hu Yanling , Lv Jiannan
Published: February 2022

Background: In the era of HIV/AIDS antiretroviral therapy, the prevalence of anemia in HIV/AIDS is very high, but the factors associated with anemia are not yet clear. In order to actively prevent HIV/AIDS patients from having anemia, we investigated the immune indexes of HIV/AIDS patients complicated with anemia, and discussed the immunological risk factors associated with anemia in HIV/AIDS patients.Methods: We collected demographic information and clinical data about patient living with HIV/AIDS from January 2016 to October 2021 from the hospital information system. Logistic regression models was used to analyze these data to identify factors associated with different anemia.Results: At last, 1131 AIDS patients were enrolled in the study, including men (72.5%) and women (27.5%), and the age was mainly concentrated in >40 years (85.94%). The overall prevalence of anemia in Guangxi was 26.9% (95%CI: 24.2% - 29.6%). The factors for affecting anemia were CD4 + T cell count ≤ 200 cell/ul (aOR: 5.523, 95% CI: 2.217, 13.749), CD4 / CD8 (aOR: 3.827, 95% CI: 1.669, 8.785 ), free thyroxine [FT4] (aOR: 10.612, 95% CI: 2.03, 55.479), globulin (aOR: 1.027, 95% CI: 1.003, 1.052) and thyroid hormone [T4] (aOR: 0.795, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.943).Conclusion: Immune factors and thyroid related hormone were associated with different anemia in patients living with HIV/AIDS. Monitoring these factors timely will be helpful for treatment and improving the quality of life and life expectancy of patients.
Efficiency enhancement of thin film solar cell by implementation of double–absorber and BSF layers: the effect of thickness and carrier concentration
Authors: Ziabari Seyed Ashkan Moghadam , Ziabari Ali Abdolahzadeh , Mousavi S. Javad
Published: February 2022

A Back–Surface Field (BSF) CIGS multilayer solar cell structure is simulated by SCAPS–1D in which, a CZTSSe layer is added between BSF and CIGS layers as a second absorber layer. To achieve the best performance for the proposed structure, the thickness of different layers and the related carrier concentration varied. The 1 µm and 0.5 µm thickness for CZTSSe and CIGS leads to the best performance of the device. The optimum thickness for the rest of layers is also calculated. The effect of the carrier concentration on the performance of the proposed solar cell is also studied. After optimization, a solar cell with a privilege power conversion efficiency of 35.1% was achieved.
Splash, splash. Who’s there? Advantages and limitations of the environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding in assessing megadiverse but poorly known tropical community of fishes
Authors: Abidin Danial Hariz Zainal , Nor Siti Azizah Mohd. , Lavoué Sébastien , Rahim Masazurah A. , Akib Noor Adelyna Mohammed
Published: February 2022

Biodiversity surveys are crucial to monitor the health of threatened aquatic ecosystems, such as tropical estuaries and mangroves. Conventional monitoring methods are intrusive, time-consuming, substantially expensive and frequently only provide rough assessments in complex habitats. Recent advanced molecular methods such as environmental DNA (eDNA) using high-throughput sequencing technology are promising although only few applications in tropical estuarine ecosystems have been reported. In this study, we explore the advantages and limitations of an eDNA metabarcoding survey on the fish community of the Merbok Estuary (Peninsular Malaysia). COI and 12S eDNA metabarcoding assays collectively detected 178 species belonging to 127 genera, 68 families, and 25 orders. This approach captured significantly more species than in any previous traditional surveys, including a few species of conservation importance. However, we highlight three limitations: (1) in the absence of a comprehensive reference database the identities of several species are unresolved; (2) a fraction of previously documented specimen-based diversity was not captured by the current method, may be as a consequence of PCR primer specificity, and (3) the detection of non-resident species; stenohaline freshwater taxa (e.g. cyprinids, channids, osphronemids) and marine coral reef taxa (e.g. some sharks, holocentrids and syngnathids), not known to frequent estuaries, leading to the supposition that their DNA have drifted into the estuary through water movement. The community analysis revealed that fish diversity along the estuary is not homogenous, with the upstream more diverse than further downstream. This may be the consequence of the salinity or pollution gradients. In summary, we demonstrated the practicality of eDNA metabarcoding in assessing fish community and structure within a complex and rich tropical environment within a short sampling period. However, some limitations need to be considered and addressed to fully exploit the efficacy of this approach, in particular the development of a comprehensive reference genetic database.
Circulating miRNAs in extracellular vesicles related to treatment response in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Authors: Sun In O , Bae Yun-Ui , Lee Haekyung , Kim Hyoungnae , Jeon Jin Seok , Noh Hyunjin , Choi Jong-Soo , Doh Kyung-Oh , Kwon Soon Hyo
Published: February 2022

Background: Extracellular vesicle (EV)-microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential biomarkers for various renal diseases. This study attempted to identify the circulating EV-miRNA signature not only for discriminating idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) from idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), but also to predict the treatment response of patients with IMN.Methods: We prospectively enrolled 60 participants, including those with IMN (n = 19) and INS (n=21) and healthy volunteers (HVs; n=20) in this study. Using RNA sequencing, we assessed the serum EV-miRNA profiles of all participants. . To identify the EV-miRNAs predictive of treatment response in IMN, we also analyzed EV-miRNAs among patients with IMN with and without clinical remission.Results: The expression levels of 3 miRNAs differed between IMN patients, INS patients and HVs. In addition, compared to HVs, RNA sequencing revealed differential expression of 77 and 44 EV-miRNAs in patients with IMN without and with remission, respectively. We also identified statistically significant (|fold change ≥ 2, p < 0.05) differences in the expression levels of 23 miRNAs in IMN without remission. Biological pathway analysis of miRNAs in IMN without remission indicated that they are likely involved in various pathways, including renal fibrosis.Conclusion: Our study identified EV-miRNAs associated with IMN as well as those association with therapeutic response. Therefore, these circulating EV-miRNAs may be used as potential markers for the diagnosis and prediction of treatment response in patients with IMN.
Effects of Acupoint Massage, Finger and Handgrip Exercise on Edema and Hand Pain After Transradial Approach for Coronary Procedure
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Bao Zhipeng , Wei Lan , Zhang Zairan , Hu Yanli , Xu Dandan , Xu Dongmei
Published: February 2022

Background
Compressor device works well in stop bleeding for patients after transradial cardiac catheterization, yet brings uncomfortable experiences such as pain and edema. While the existing functional exercise methods do not improve indicated-patients’ comfort experience and the comparative effectiveness of different hand exercise has yet to be established.
Methods
A single-center, randomized clinical trial of adult patients underwent the transradial approach was conducted. Participants were randomized into three groups (Finger exercise group, Acupoint massage group and Handgrip exercise group). Respectively, symptoms of edema and pain were identified as primary outcomes with bleeding and skin temperature secondary outcomes, which were monitored and measured at the first second, fourth and sixth hours after the intervention.
Results
Among the 95 patients (28 in finger exercise group, 34 in acupoint massage and 33 in handgrip exercise), the edema of patients’ middle finger in handgrip exercise was gradually relieved compared with other two groups in the second, fourth and sixth hours after the intervention. More interestingly, the edema of patients’ palm in handgrip exercise was gradually eased in the fourth and sixth hours after the intervention. The pain score of the fourth hours was obviously decreased in the handgrip exercise. However, there was no significant difference in the degree of bleeding and the skin temperature of operative limb.
Conclusions
Compared with finger exercise and acupoint massage, handgrip exercise would promote the blood circulation and relieve the edema of operative limb.
COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Suzuki Hitomi , Akiyama Tomohiro , Ueda Nobuko , Matsumura Satoko , Mori Miki , Namiki Masatoshi , Yamada Norikazu , Tsutsumi Chika , Tozaki Satoshi , Iwamoto Hisayuki , Torii Shun , Okubo Yuichiro , Ishiguro Kiyosuke
Published: February 2022

Patients with cancer are concerned about the effects of the COVID-19 vaccination. We conducted an online survey on the COVID-19 vaccination status and side effects among patients with cancer in Japan between August 8 and 14, 2021. We included 1182 female patients with cancer aged 20–70 years and registered on an online patient website. Of the patients, 944 had breast cancer, 216 had gynecological cancer, 798 were undergoing drug/radiation therapy, and 370 were in follow-up therapy. At the time of the survey, 885 patients had already received at least one dose. Of these, 580 had also received their second dose. The incidence rate of side effects was equivalent to previous reports. In patients with breast cancer, problems such as the onset or worsening of lymphedema or axillary lymphadenopathy metastasis requiring differential diagnosis were encountered following vaccination. A total of 768 patients were concerned about the vaccine at some point, and 726 consulted with their attending physicians about the timing or side effects of the vaccination. Of the 110 patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, 75 adjusted the timing of the vaccination based on their therapy. The cross-analysis revealed that 81% of those who consulted their physician had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination compared with 65% of those who had not consulted their physician. Consulting with a physician about the COVID-19 vaccination was found to alleviate the concerns of patients with cancer and encourage them to get vaccinated.
Multiomics reveals an essential role of long-distance cadmium translocation in regulating plant cadmium resistance and grain cadmium accumulation in allohexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes
Authors: Hua Ying-peng , Chen Jun-fan , Shen Dan-dan , Zhou Ting , Feng Ying-na , Huang Shao-min , Zhou Zheng-fu , Yue Caipeng , Huang Jin-yong
Published: February 2022

Cadmium (Cd) easily enters cereal roots and is translocated to the shoots and grains thus posing risks to human health. Vastness and complexity of the allothexaploid wheat genome is a huge challenge for understanding its Cd resistance and accumulation. Herein, wheat plants of a Cd-resistant genotype (‘ZM1860’) and a Cd-sensitive genotype (‘ZM32’), selected from 442 wheat cultivars, exhibited significantly differential plant Cd resistance. Integrated comparative analyses of morpho-physiological investigation, ionomic and phytohormone profiling, genomic variations, transcriptomic landscapes, and functional analysis was performed to identify the mechanisms underlying differential Cd resistance. Under Cd toxicity, ‘ZM1860’ outperformed than ‘ZM32’ with obvious leaf chlorosis, weaker root architecture, ROS over-accumulation, and disordered phytohormone homeostasis. Ionomics showed that ‘ZM32’ had a higher translocation coefficient of Cd from roots to shoots and accumulated more Cd in grains than ‘ZM1860’. Whole-genome re-sequencing (WGS) and transcriptome sequencing identified numerous DNA variants and differentially expressed genes involved in abiotic stress responses and ion transport. Integrated ionomics, transcriptomics, and functional analyses identified the plasma membrane-localized TaHMA2b-7A as a central Cd exporter regulating differential long-distance Cd translocation in wheat genotypes. WGS- and PCR-based sequence polymorphisms revealed a 25-bp InDel site in the promoter region that might determine the differential gene expression of TaHMA2b-7A with same amino acid sequences in wheat gonotypes. The multi-omics approach used here eased the identification of wheat core transporters involving long-distance Cd translocation, and may provide elite gene resources for the genetic improvement of plant Cd resistance and grain Cd accumulation in wheat and other cereal species.