bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors and Influencing Factors in the Thai Population: A Web-Based Survey
Authors: Rojpaisarnkit Kunwadee , Kaewpan Wonpen , Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To identify factors influencing COVID-19 preventive behaviors among the Thai population.

Methods

A cross-sectional web-based survey was used. A total of 6,521 Thai people completed the survey. The multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors that influenced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventive behaviors. The Predisposing, Reinforcing, and Enabling Constructs in Educational Diagnosis and Evaluation (PRECEDE) model was applied to propose factors influencing COVID-19 preventive behaviors.

Results

The factors that mostly influenced COVID-19 prevention behaviors when controlling for the other variables are social support (β = 0.173, p < 0.001) follow by age (β = 0.162, p < 0.001), flu-like symptoms (β = 0.130, p < 0.001), gender (β = −0.084, p < 0.001), perceived risk of exposure (β = 0.035, p < 0.05), lock down policy (β = 0.029, p < 0.05), and residential area (β = −0.027, p < 0.05), respectively. These factors explained 52% of the COVID-19 preventive behaviors in Thai population.

Conclusion

The result of this study was a foundation for further studies on different groups of people to develop different strategies to adopt preventive behaviors to reduce the spread of the COVID-19.
Measurement and Exposure Assessment of Intermediate Frequency Magnetic Fields From Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) Gates in Libraries
Authors: Ikuyo Miwa , Esaki Kaoru , Aimoto Atsuko , Wake Kanako , Yamaguchi-Sekino Sachiko , Kojimahara Noriko , Suzuki Yukihisa , Taki Masao
Published: May 2022

Exposure to magnetic fields from the electronic article surveillance (EAS) gate was evaluated in consideration of the application to epidemiological studies of library workers who are exposed continually to intermediate frequency magnetic fields from the EAS gate. Two types of exposures were investigated. One was transient exposure due to passing through or beside the gate and another was chronic exposure in the room. We measured magnetic fields from five EAS gate models which were commonly used in libraries in Japan. Detailed measurements were performed for two of them in consideration of the phase difference of vector components of magnetic flux density. The polarization of the magnetic field in the gate was investigated with the index of ellipticity. The induced electric field in a human body was numerically calculated for exposures to magnetic fields of the two gate models. The results provide a quantitative understanding of exposures during passing through or by the EAS gate. Magnetic field distribution was measured in a large room for one gate model to quantify the chronic exposure of library workers during the work at the desk. It was found that the magnetic field was distributed as a function of the horizontal distance to the nearest gatepost. The 45-point average value BIEC defined by the IEC standard was suggested to be a useful quantity to characterize the magnitude of the magnetic field from the EAS gate. Exposures to different EAS gates are expected to be compared through this quantity without detailed measurements. These results are expected to provide useful means for exposure assessment of epidemiological studies on the association between the IF-EMF exposure and possible health outcomes.
Investigation and Analysis of Eye Discomfort Caused by Video Display Terminal Use Among Medical Students Studying at High-Altitude Regions
Authors: Liu Bingjie , Jiang Shanshan , Li Zuyou , Wang Yao , Zhou Daijiao , Chen Zhen
Published: May 2022

Objective

To investigate the use of video display terminal (VDT) in high-altitude regions by medical students and the resulted risk factors of eye discomfort.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 686 medical students randomly selected from high-altitude regions, Kunming, Yunnan Province. The prevalence of video display terminal syndrome (VDTs) and related risk factors in medical students were analyzed by instructing students to fill in the eye discomfort symptom questionnaire [Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scale].

Results

There were 686 participants in this study, including 213 males (31.0%) and 473 females (69.0%). The results of questionnaire survey showed that 184 patients (26.8%) didn't have eye discomfort symptoms and 502 patients (73.2%) had eye discomfort symptoms. The comparison of demographic and ocular characteristics of eye discomfort symptoms group and no eye discomfort symptoms group showed that medical students in the group with ocular discomfort symptoms had longer total duration of video terminal use, longer duration of each VDT use, higher total scores of ocular discomfort symptom scores, and a higher percentage of the ocular discomfort severity group, all with statistically significant differences. There was no significant difference in the remaining parameters between the two groups of participants. The results of multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that the relationship between total sleep time, total duration of VDT use and eye discomfort symptom score was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Besides, ordinal logistic regression was applied further to investigate related factors of the severity of eye discomfort. The model demonstrated that total sleep duration and total VDT using duration were significantly associated with the severity of eye discomfort symptom (P < 0.05).The severity of eye discomfort symptom was significantly negatively related to the increased total sleep duration and it was significantly positively related to the increased VDT use duration.

Conclusion

The prevalence of VDTs is high in medical students at high-altitude regions. The longer total duration of daily use of VDT and shorter sleep duration are risk factors associated with VDTs. The severity of eye discomfort symptom was significantly negatively related to the increased total sleep duration and it was significantly positively related to the increased total VDT using duration.
Citizen Coherence and Cultivated Cleanliness: Using Technology-Induced Social Norms to Strengthen Sustainable Household Bonds
Authors: Siepelmeyer Henrik , Otterbring Tobias
Published: May 2022

Social identity and social capital are critical to human well-being and sustainable development. However, existing research on sustainable behavior typically treats these factors merely as taken-for-granted preconditions to environmental protection. This paper argues that they can also be direct outcomes of environment-oriented efforts, thus becoming drivers of sustainable societies. As part of a larger research project on household recycling and waste behavior, the authors assess and compare perceived social identity and social capital of residents in a multi-family residential dwelling in Sweden before (N = 66) and after (N = 18) exposure to a social norm-based intervention delivered through a smartphone app. Reported levels of social identity and social capital were higher after (vs. before) the intervention, both compared to participants' own previous measurement and a control group. Together, the current research offers a novel perspective on technology-enabled social norms. Specifically, such norms may not only create sustainable responses immediately, but may also play a pivotal role in shaping more sustainable communities in the long run. Future studies are needed to elucidate the specific psychological mechanisms driving the observed effects and shed further light on whether, when, and why social norms may foster sustainable responses with a clear social connotation.
Predicting and Decreasing Bladder Tumor Recurrence Following Nephroureterectomy
Authors: Miyagi Hiroko , Di Valerio Elizabeth A. , O’Malley Padraic , Brisbane Wayne G. , Su Li-Ming , Crispen Paul L.
Published: May 2022

Following radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma, bladder tumor recurrence is a common event occurring in up to 22-47% of cases within the first post-operative year. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on predictors of bladder tumor recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy and methods for reducing the risk of bladder tumor recurrence. Risk factors can be classified as modifiable and non-modifiable. Of these, the treating urologist has the greatest potential to decrease bladder tumor recurrence by focusing on treatment specific risk factors. Procedures which may decrease the risk of bladder tumor recurrence include limiting diagnostic ureteroscopy with biopsy to cases with equivocal diagnosis, use of perioperative intravesical chemotherapy, and complete distal ureterectomy with bladder cuff excision. Ongoing studies evaluating the timing and choice of intravesical chemotherapy during/after radical nephroureterectomy may help to further reduce bladder tumor recurrence in the future.
Difference between “Lung Age” and Real Age as a Novel Predictor of Postoperative Complications, Long-Term Survival for Patients with Esophageal Cancer after Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy
Authors: Hong Zhi-Nuan , Weng Kai , Chen Zhen , Peng Kaiming , Kang Mingqiang
Published: May 2022

Background

This study aimed to investigate whether the difference between “lung age” and real age (L–R) could be useful for the prediction of postoperative complications and long-term survival in patients with esophageal cancer followed by minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 625 consecutive patients who had undergone MIE. “Lung age” was determined by the calculation method proposed by the Japanese Respiratory Society. According to L–R, patients were classified into three groups: group A: L–R ≦ 0 (n = 104), group B: 15 > L–R > 0 (n = 199), group C: L–R ≥ 15 (n = 322). Clinicopathological factors, postoperative complications evaluated by comprehensive complications index (CCI), and overall survival were compared between the groups. A CCI value >30 indicated a severe postoperative complication.

Results

Male, smoking status, smoking index, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, lung age, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were associated with group classification. CCI values, postoperative hospital stays, and hospital costs were significantly different among groups. Multivariate analysis indicated that L–R, coronary heart disease, and 3-field lymphadenectomy were significant factors for predicting CCI value >30. Regarding the prediction of CCI value >30, area under the curve value was 0.61(95%: 0.56–0.67), 0.46 (95% CI, 0.40–0.54), and 0.46 (95% CI, 0.40–0.54) for L–R, Fev1, and Fev1%, respectively. Regarding overall survival, there was a significant difference between group A and group B + C (log-rank test: p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Esophageal cancer patients with impaired pulmonary function had a higher risk of severe postoperative complications and poorer prognosis than those with normal pulmonary function. The difference between “lung age” and “real age” seems to be a novel and potential predictor of severe postoperative complications and long-term survival.
GATA3 Predicts the Tumor Microenvironment Phenotypes and Molecular Subtypes for Bladder Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Qixin , Qi Tiezheng , Long Yu , Li Xiaowen , Yao Yiyan , Wu Qi , Zou Anrong , Qthmane Belaydi , Liu Peihua
Published: May 2022

Aims

GATA3 is a key player in antitumor immunology, and continuous studies show that it might be a key biomarker for bladder cancer (BLCA). Thus, we lucubrate the immunological role of GATA3 in BLCA.

Main Methods

We initially used pan-cancer analysis to analyze the expression pattern and immunological function of GATA3 with data gathered from the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas). Then, in the BLCA tumor microenvironment (TME), we comprehensively associated GATA3 with immunomodulators, cancer immune cycles, tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), immune checkpoints, and T-cell inflamed scores(TIS). The role of GATA3 in predicting BLCA molecular subtypes and responsiveness to various treatment regimens was also investigated. We confirmed our findings in an external cohort and the Xiangya-Pingkuang cohort to guarantee the correctness of our study.

Key Findings

GATA3 was preferentially expressed in the TME of numerous malignancies, including BLCA. High GATA3 expression was adversely connected with immunological aspects such as immunomodulators, cancer immune cycles, TIICs, immune checkpoints, and TIS in the BLCA TME. In addition, high GATA3 was more likely to be a luminal subtype, which meant it was less susceptible to cancer immunotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy but more sensitive to targeted treatments.

Significance

GATA3 may aid in the precision treatment for BLCA because it can accurately predict the clinical outcomes and the TME characteristics of BLCA.
Effect Observation of Electro-Acupuncture Anesthesia Combined with General Anesthesia in Elderly Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Tumor Resection
Authors: Xu Jiping , Li Peng , Zheng Liyan , Chen Qiong
Published: May 2022

Objective

To investigate the anesthetic effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) anesthesia combined with general anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing gastrointestinal tumor resection, and to analyze the effects of EA anesthesia on inflammatory factors, stress state and T lymphocyte subsets in elderly patients.

Methods

Total of 118 elderly patients who underwent gastrointestinal tumor resection in our hospital from June 2018 to March 2021 were selected and divided into the control group (59 cases) and the observation group (59 cases) according to the random number method. General anesthesia was adopted in the control group and EA anesthesia combined with general anesthesia was adopted in the observation group. The anesthesia effect, stress state, levels of inflammatory factors, T-lymphocyte subsets and adverse reactions were compared.

Results

The VAS score, agitation score and respiratory normalization time in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). After surgery, the levels of serum Cor, ET, NE and DA in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). At 24 h after surgery, the levels of serum TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). At 24 h after surgery, the levels of CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+//CD8+ in the two groups were lower than those before surgery, and the levels of CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+//CD8+ in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). During the hospitalization, the total incidence rate of adverse reactions after anesthesia in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

EA anesthesia combined with general anesthesia has good anesthesia effect when used for gastrointestinal tumor resection in the elderly. It can stabilize the internal environment of patients, alleviate postoperative stress response and inflammatory response, and regulate the body immune function. Moreover, it has high safety and can significantly reduce the occurrence of postoperative adverse reactions.
Dietary Fiber Supplementation in Gestating Sow Diet Improved Fetal Growth and Placental Development and Function Through Serotonin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Yang , Yang Min , Zhang Lijia , Mao Zhengyu , Lin Yan , Xu Shengyu , Fang Zhengfeng , Che Lianqiang , Feng Bin , Li Jian , Zhuo Yong , Wu De
Published: May 2022

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary fiber (DF) supplementation in gestation diet on fetal growth and placental development and function and explore the possible mechanism of DF improving sow reproductive performance. A total of 16 Large White × Landrace crossbred gilts were randomly allotted to two groups and fed a semi-purified basal diet [non-fiber (NF) group, 0.1% total DF] or a basal diet supplemented with 8.33 g/kg inulin and 200 g/kg cellulose [Fiber (F) group] during the gestation period. On day 106 of gestation, five sows per group were chosen and slaughtered for sample collection. Results showed that DF supplementation during gestation increased the total fetal weight and placental weight on day 106 of gestation; elevated serum serotonin concentration; increased concentrations of serotonin and short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate), as well as tryptophan hydroxylase 1 expression, in colon; elevated serotonin and progesterone concentrations and up-regulated the serotonin transporter, cytochrome P450 11A1, and insulin-like growth factor 2 expressions in the placenta. Besides, the sows in the F group had microbial community structures distinct from those in the NF group. Supplementation of DF in gestation diet increased the Coprococcus 3 abundance that was positively correlated with colonic serotonin concentration, while significantly decreasing the Family XIII AD3011 group abundance which was negatively correlated with colonic serotonin concentration. Above all, DF supplementation in the gestation diet could increase placental serotonin levels by promoting maternal serotonin synthesis in the colon and the transport from the mother to the placenta in sows, and then improve placental development and function, finally promoting fetal growth. Our findings provided insight into the mechanisms of DF improving sow reproductive performance.
Comparative Review of Brucellosis in Small Domestic Ruminants
Authors: Rossetti Carlos Alberto , Maurizio Estefanía , Rossi Ursula Amaranta
Published: May 2022

Brucella melitensis and Brucella ovis are the primary etiological agents of brucellosis in small domestic ruminants. B. melitensis was first isolated in 1887 by David Bruce in Malta Island from spleens of four soldiers, while B. ovis was originally isolated in Australia and New Zealand in early 1950's from ovine abortion and rams epididymitis. Today, both agents are distributed worldwide: B. melitensis remains endemic and associated with an extensive negative impact on the productivity of flocks in -some regions, and B. ovis is still present in most sheep-raising regions in the world. Despite being species of the same bacterial genus, B. melitensis and B. ovis have extensive differences in their cultural and biochemical characteristics (smooth vs. rough colonial phases, serum and CO2 dependence for in vitro growth, carbohydrate metabolism), host preference (female goat and sheep vs. rams), the outcome of infection (abortion vs. epididymitis), and their zoonotic potential. Some of these differences can be explained at the bacterial genomic level, but the role of the host genome in promoting or preventing interaction with pathogens is largely unknown. Diagnostic techniques and measures to prevent and control brucellosis in small ruminants vary, with B. melitensis having more available tools for detection and prevention than B. ovis. This review summarizes and analyzes current available information on: (1) the similarities and differences between these two etiological agents of brucellosis in small ruminants, (2) the outcomes after their interaction with different preferred hosts and current diagnostic methodologies, (3) the prevention and control measures, and (4) alerting animal producers about the disease and raise awareness in the research community for future innovative activities.
Seroprevalence of Feline Heartworm in Spain: Completing the Epidemiological Puzzle of a Neglected Disease in the Cat
Authors: Montoya-Alonso José Alberto , García Rodríguez Sara Nieves , Carretón Elena , Rodríguez Escolar Iván , Costa-Rodríguez Noelia , Matos Jorge Isidoro , Morchón Rodrigo
Published: May 2022

Feline heartworm is a vector-borne zoonotic disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis. It is a cosmopolitan disease that is continuously expanding. Spain is considered an endemic country; however, although there are many published studies in dogs, feline heartworm has been poorly studied in this country. Thus, the objective was to analyze the exposure to D. immitis throughout Spain to complete the epidemiological map in the feline species. For this, 6,588 feline serum samples were analyzed for the presence of D. immitis antigens and antibodies against D. immitis and Wolbachia. The results were analyzed according to sex, age, breed, habitat, origin (owned or shelter cats), presence of clinical signs, use of preventive, location and climatology. The results showed a prevalence of 0.5% and a seroprevalence of 9.4%. The highest antibody seroprevalences were reported in the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands (19.2 and 16%, respectively), as well as in the autonomous communities located on the Mediterranean coast (9.2–11.2%). Seropositive cats were found in both indoor and outdoor cats, and from 6 months of age. Furthermore, only 5.8% of cats received regular prophylactic treatment. The results show that feline dirofilariasis is widely distributed throughout the national territory and corroborate that, where infected dogs are present, there are cats exposed to the parasite. It is necessary to implement efficient awareness and prophylaxis measures to control the incidence and expansion of feline heartworm in Spain.
Navigation Map-Based Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Schneider Howard
Published: May 2022

A biologically inspired cognitive architecture is described which uses navigation maps (i.e., spatial locations of objects) as its main data elements. The navigation maps are also used to represent higher-level concepts as well as to direct operations to perform on other navigation maps. Incoming sensory information is mapped to local sensory navigation maps which then are in turn matched with the closest multisensory maps, and then mapped onto a best-matched multisensory navigation map. Enhancements of the biologically inspired feedback pathways allow the intermediate results of operations performed on the best-matched multisensory navigation map to be fed back, temporarily stored, and re-processed in the next cognitive cycle. This allows the exploration and generation of cause-and-effect behavior. In the re-processing of these intermediate results, navigation maps can, by core analogical mechanisms, lead to other navigation maps which offer an improved solution to many routine problems the architecture is exposed to. Given that the architecture is brain-inspired, analogical processing may also form a key mechanism in the human brain, consistent with psychological evidence. Similarly, for conventional artificial intelligence systems, analogical processing as a core mechanism may possibly allow enhanced performance.
Type 2 Diabetes and Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Possible Therapeutic Options
Authors: Vassalle Cristina , Gaggini Melania
Published: May 2022

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a public health burden associated with high healthcare and societal costs and elevated morbidity and mortality [...]
Parameter Observer Useable for the Condition Monitoring of a Capacitor
Authors: Bărbulescu Corneliu , Căiman Dadiana-Valeria , Dragomir Toma-Leonida
Published: May 2022

Monitoring the condition of electrolytic capacitors in practical applications is a topic that has been and remains the subject of much research. This article is part of research in this area. It develops a parameter observer (PO) and proposes its use for the determination of the equivalent capacity and equivalent serial resistance of electrolytic capacitors. The observer is an integral-open-loop type second-order system, the input of which is the voltage at the capacitor terminals measured during a two-stage capacitor’s discharging process through a variable resistor. The PO estimates the so-called time constant of the discharging circuit for each of the two stages from which values the capacitor’s parameters are calculated. The use of PO is illustrated for determining the output capacitor parameters of a buck DC–DC converter. The experiments were performed with two electrolytic capacitors with the nominal values 100 μF and 470 μF. Compared with other monitoring methods that use observers, the proposed observer is faster in tracking error mitigation, e.g., 10−3 s in comparison with 5·10−3 s or more. The low computational volume of the discrete-time PO allows the prospect of implementation in real time.
Temporal Distribution and Source Apportionment of Composition of Ambient PM2.5 in Urumqi, North-West China
Authors: Li Kejun , Talifu Dilinuer , Gao Bo , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Wang Wei , Abulizi Abulikemu , Wang Xinming , Ding Xiang , Liu Huibin , Zhang Yuanyu
Published: May 2022

In order to identify the pollution characteristics and sources of PM2.5 in Urumqi, fine particulate matter samples were collected from September 2017 to August 2018, and the water-soluble ions (WSIs), organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metal elements were analyzed. The results indicate that the annual mass concentration of PM2.5 in Urumqi was 158.85 ± 15.11 μg/m3, with the highest seasonal average in autumn (180.49 ± 87.22 μg/m3) and the lowest in summer (148.41 ± 52.60 μg/m3). SO42− (13.58 ± 16.4 μg/m3), NO3− (13.46 ± 17.5 μg/m3), and NH4+ (10.88 ± 12.2 μg/m3) were the most abundant WSIs, and the secondary inorganic ions (SNA = SO42− + NO3− + NH4+) accounted for 87.23% of the WSIs. The NO3−/SO42− ratio indicates that the contribution of stationary sources was dominant. The annual concentrations of OC and EC were 12.00 ± 4.4 µg/m3 and 5.00 ± 3.5 µg/m3, respectively, the OC/EC ratios in winter (2.55 ± 0.7), spring (3.43 ± 1.3), and summer (3.22 ± 1.1) were greater than 2, and there was the formation of secondary organic carbon (SOC). The correlation between OC and EC in spring in Urumqi (R2 = 0.53) was low. In the PM2.5, Al and Fe were the most abundant elements. The highest mass concentration season occurred in autumn, with mass concentrations of 15.11 ± 10.1 µg/m3 and 8.33 ± 6.9 µg/m3, respectively. The enrichment factor (EF) shows that most of the metal elements come from natural sources, and the Cd element mainly comes from anthropogenic sources. PAHs with a middle molecular weight were the main ones, and the annual average annual mass concentration of the PAHs was 451.35 ng/m3. The positive matrix factor model (PMF) source analysis shows that there are five main sources of PM2.5 in Urumqi, including crustal minerals, biomass combustion, coal combustion, vehicular transport, and secondary aerosols. The distribution percentages of these different sources were 19.2%, 10.2%, 12.1%, 8.2%, and 50.3%, respectively.
Cognitive Networks Extract Insights on COVID-19 Vaccines from English and Italian Popular Tweets: Anticipation, Logistics, Conspiracy and Loss of Trust
Authors: Stella Massimo , Vitevitch Michael S. , Botta Federico
Published: May 2022

Monitoring social discourse about COVID-19 vaccines is key to understanding how large populations perceive vaccination campaigns. This work reconstructs how popular and trending posts framed semantically and emotionally COVID-19 vaccines on Twitter. We achieve this by merging natural language processing, cognitive network science and AI-based image analysis. We focus on 4765 unique popular tweets in English or Italian about COVID-19 vaccines between December 2020 and March 2021. One popular English tweet contained in our data set was liked around 495,000 times, highlighting how popular tweets could cognitively affect large parts of the population. We investigate both text and multimedia content in tweets and build a cognitive network of syntactic/semantic associations in messages, including emotional cues and pictures. This network representation indicates how online users linked ideas in social discourse and framed vaccines along specific semantic/emotional content. The English semantic frame of “vaccine” was highly polarised between trust/anticipation (towards the vaccine as a scientific asset saving lives) and anger/sadness (mentioning critical issues with dose administering). Semantic associations with “vaccine,” “hoax” and conspiratorial jargon indicated the persistence of conspiracy theories and vaccines in extremely popular English posts. Interestingly, these were absent in Italian messages. Popular tweets with images of people wearing face masks used language that lacked the trust and joy found in tweets showing people with no masks. This difference indicates a negative effect attributed to face-covering in social discourse. Behavioural analysis revealed a tendency for users to share content eliciting joy, sadness and disgust and to like sad messages less. Both patterns indicate an interplay between emotions and content diffusion beyond sentiment. After its suspension in mid-March 2021, “AstraZeneca” was associated with trustful language driven by experts. After the deaths of a small number of vaccinated people in mid-March, popular Italian tweets framed “vaccine” by crucially replacing earlier levels of trust with deep sadness. Our results stress how cognitive networks and innovative multimedia processing open new ways for reconstructing online perceptions about vaccines and trust.
From Ground to Glass: Evaluation of Unique Barley Varieties for Craft Malting, Craft Brewing, and Consumer Sensory
Authors: Craine Evan B. , Bramwell Stephen , Ross Carolyn F. , Murphy Kevin M.
Published: May 2022

Differentiating agricultural products has been adopted as a strategy to improve farm profitability and thereby business sustainability. This study aimed to evaluate unique barley varieties for craft malting and brewing markets to enhance profitability for diversified grain growers in southwestern Washington. Advanced barley breeding lines from Washington State University (WSU) were compared to a control variety (CDC-Copeland) through field trials, experimental and commercial malting conditions, and consumer sensory evaluation. The beers differed only by the genotype-dependent malt. Malting conditions (experimental or commercial) and field replicate influenced five out of the eight malt quality traits measured, while genotype influenced seven out of eight of the traits. Consumers differentiated the beers through ranking, open description, and check all that apply during a central location test. Based on consumer liking, breeding lines 12WA_120.14 or 12WA_120.17 could replace CDC-Copeland in beers. A total of 83% of consumers responded that they would pay more for a beer if it would support local farmers. This value proposition represents an opportunity for consumer purchasing to support producers, who form the foundation of the craft malt and beer value chain and whose economic success will determine the sustainability of small farms in minor growing regions. We provide further evidence for the contributions of barley genotype to beer flavor, while tracing the impact of barley genotype from ground to glass.
An Anaerobic Environment Drives the Harboring of Helicobacter pylori within Candida Yeast Cells
Authors: Sánchez-Alonzo Kimberly , Arellano-Arriagada Luciano , Bernasconi Humberto , Parra-Sepúlveda Cristian , Campos Víctor L. , Silva-Mieres Fabiola , Sáez-Carrillo Katia , Smith Carlos T. , García-Cancino Apolinaria
Published: May 2022

Helicobacter pylori protects itself from stressful environments by forming biofilms, changing its morphology, or invading eukaryotic cells, including yeast cells. There is little knowledge about the environmental factors that influence the endosymbiotic relationship between bacterium and yeasts. Here, we studied if oxygen availability stimulated the growth of H. pylori within Candida and if this was a bacterial- or yeast strain-dependent relationship. Four H. pylori strains and four Candida strains were co-cultured in Brucella broth plus 5% fetal bovine serum, and incubated under microaerobic, anaerobic, or aerobic conditions. Bacteria-like bodies (BLBs) within yeast cells (Y-BLBs) were detected by microscopy. H. pylori was identified by FISH and by PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene of H. pylori from total DNA extracted from Y-BLBs from H. pylori and Candida co-cultures. BLBs viability was confirmed by SYTO-9 fluorescence. Higher Y-BLB percentages were obtained under anaerobic conditions and using H. pylori J99 and C. glabrata combinations. Thus, the H. pylori–Candida endosymbiotic relationship is strain dependent. The FISH and PCR results identified BLBs as intracellular H. pylori. Conclusion: Stressful conditions such as an anaerobic environment significantly increased H. pylori growth within yeast cells, where it remained viable, and the bacterium–yeast endosymbiotic relationship was bacterial strain dependent with a preference for C. glabrata.
Degradation of Hybrid Drug Delivery Carriers with a Mineral Core and a Protein–Tannin Shell under Proteolytic Hydrolases
Authors: Demina Polina A. , Saveleva Mariia S. , Anisimov Roman A. , Prikhozhdenko Ekaterina S. , Voronin Denis V. , Abalymov Anatolii A. , Cherednichenko Kirill A. , Timaeva Olesya I. , Lomova Maria V.
Published: May 2022

Hybrid carriers with the mineral CaCO3/Fe3O4 core and the protein–tannin shell are attractive for drug delivery applications due to reliable coupling of anticancer drugs with protein–tannin complex and the possibility of remote control over drug localization and delivery by the external magnetic field. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms of drug release via enzymatic degradation of a protein–tannin carrier shell triggered by proteolytic hydrolases trypsin and pepsin under physiological conditions. To do this, the carriers were incubated with the enzyme solutions in special buffers to maintain the enzyme activity. The time-lapse spectrophotometric and electron microscopy measurements were carried out to evaluate the degradation of the carriers. It was established that the protein–tannin complex demonstrates the different degradation behavior depending on the enzyme type and buffer medium. The incubation in trypsin solution mostly resulted in the protein shell degradation. The incubation in pepsin solution did not affect the protein component; however, the citric buffer stimulates the degradation of the mineral core. The presented results allow for predicting the degradation pathways of the carriers including the release profile of the loaded cargo under physiological conditions. The viability of 4T1 breast cancer cells with mineral magnetic carriers with protein–tannin shells was investigated, and their movement in the fields of action of the permanent magnet was shown.
The Effect of Task Performance and Partnership on Interpersonal Brain Synchrony during Cooperation
Authors: Zhou Shujin , Zhang Yuxuan , Fu Yiwen , Wu Lingling , Li Xiaodie , Zhu Ningning , Li Dan , Zhang Mingming
Published: May 2022

Interpersonal brain synchrony (IBS) during cooperation has not been systematically investigated. To address this research gap, this study assessed neural synchrony during a cooperative jigsaw puzzle solving task using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-based hyperscanning. IBS was measured for successful and failed tasks in 31 dyads in which the partners were familiar or unknown to each other. No significant difference in IBS was observed between the different types of cooperative partnership; however, stronger IBS within regions of the pars triangularis Broca’s area, right frontopolar cortex, and right temporoparietal junction was observed during task success. These results highlight the effect of better task performance on cooperative IBS for the first time and further extend understanding of the neural basis of cooperation.
Disentangling ERBB Signaling in Breast Cancer Subtypes—A Model-Based Analysis
Authors: Kemmer Svenja , Berdiel-Acer Mireia , Reinz Eileen , Sonntag Johanna , Tarade Nooraldeen , Bernhardt Stephan , Fehling-Kaschek Mirjam , Hasmann Max , Korf Ulrike , Wiemann Stefan , Timmer Jens
Published: May 2022

Targeted therapies have shown striking success in the treatment of cancer over the last years. However, their specific effects on an individual tumor appear to be varying and difficult to predict. Using an integrative modeling approach that combines mechanistic and regression modeling, we gained insights into the response mechanisms of breast cancer cells due to different ligand–drug combinations. The multi-pathway model, capturing ERBB receptor signaling as well as downstream MAPK and PI3K pathways was calibrated on time-resolved data of the luminal breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and T47D across an array of four ligands and five drugs. The same model was then successfully applied to triple negative and HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines, requiring adjustments mostly for the respective receptor compositions within these cell lines. The additional relevance of cell-line-specific mutations in the MAPK and PI3K pathway components was identified via L1 regularization, where the impact of these mutations on pathway activation was uncovered. Finally, we predicted and experimentally validated the proliferation response of cells to drug co-treatments. We developed a unified mathematical model that can describe the ERBB receptor and downstream signaling in response to therapeutic drugs targeting this clinically relevant signaling network in cell line that represent three major subtypes of breast cancer. Our data and model suggest that alterations in this network could render anti-HER therapies relevant beyond the HER2-positive subtype.
Neonatal and Long-Term Prognosis of Monochorionic Diamniotic Pregnancies Complicated by Selective Growth Restriction
Authors: Mercier Jessica , Gremillet Letizia , Netter Antoine , Chau Cécile , Gire Catherine , Tosello Barthélémy
Published: May 2022

Background: There are few data concerning the neonatal and long-term prognosis of monochorionic biamniotic twin pregnancies (MCBA) complicated by selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR). The aim of the study is to assess the neurological outcomes at two years of age of these newborns and compares these outcomes to those of newborns resulting from intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) pregnancies. Methods: The study focuses on a cross-sectional prospective cohort of patients treated between 2012 and 2019 in Marseille, France. The primary endpoint is the overall score of the Ages and Stages questionnaires (ASQ) at two years, which assesses the global neurodevelopment. The secondary endpoint is the assessment of neonatal morbi-mortality for both groups (composite endpoint). Results: In total, 251 patients were included in the analysis: 67 in the sIUGR group and 184 in the IUGR group. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall ASQ score at two years but there was the finest motor skills impairment in the IUGR group. The areas most often impaired were communication and fine motor skills. There were no significant differences between the neonatal morbi-mortality of the two groups (adjusted OR = 0.95, p = 0.9). Conclusions: Newborns from MCBA pregnancies with sIUGR appear to have similar overall neurological development to IUGR. Notably, IUGR seems to have the most moderate neurobehavioral disorder (fine motor) as a consequence of impaired antenatal brain development due to placenta insufficiency leading to chronic hypoxia.
Review of the Rheotanytarsus muscicola Species Group from China (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: Qi Xin , Yao Yuan , Liu Wen-Bin , Yan Chun-Cai , Wang Xin-Hua , Lin Xiao-Long
Published: May 2022

The Rheotanytarsus muscicola species group is generally considered to be a taxonomically difficult group of non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae). In this study, we review the R. muscicola species group based on the adult males from China using morphology and DNA barcodes. Rheotanytarsus ferringtoni Lin & Yao sp. n. is described and figured, and four species (Rheotanytarsus falcipedius Kyerematen, Andersen & Sæther, 2000; Rheotanytarsus fluminis Kawai & Sasa, 1985; Rheotanytarsus illiesi Siebert, 1979; and Rheotanytarsus photophilus Goetghebuer, 1921) new to China are redescribed, figured and discussed. An updated key to known adult males of the R. muscicola species group is presented. Our study shows concordance between morphological species concepts and DNA barcodes.
The Comparison of Three Predictive Indexes to Discriminate Malignant Ovarian Tumors from Benign Ovarian Endometrioma: The Characteristics and Efficacy
Authors: Yamanaka Shoichiro , Kawahara Naoki , Kawaguchi Ryuji , Waki Keita , Maehana Tomoka , Fukui Yosuke , Miyake Ryuta , Yamada Yuki , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Kimura Fuminori
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the prediction efficacy of malignant transformation of ovarian endometrioma (OE) using the Copenhagen Index (CPH-I), the risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA), and the R2 predictive index. This retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Gynecology, Nara Medical University Hospital, from January 2008 to July 2021. A total of 171 patients were included in the study. In the current study, cases were divided into three cohorts: pre-menopausal, post-menopausal, and a combined cohort. Patients with benign ovarian tumor mainly received laparoscopic surgery, and patients with suspected malignant tumors underwent laparotomy. Information from a review chart of the patients’ medical records was collected. In the combined cohort, a multivariate analysis confirmed that the ROMA index, the R2 predictive index, and tumor laterality were extracted as independent factors for predicting malignant tumors (hazard ratio (HR): 222.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 22.27–2215.50, p < 0.001; HR: 9.80, 95% CI: 2.90–33.13, p < 0.001; HR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03–0.75, p = 0.021, respectively). In the pre-menopausal cohort, a multivariate analysis confirmed that the CPH index and the R2 predictive index were extracted as independent factors for predicting malignant tumors (HR: 6.45, 95% CI: 1.47–28.22, p = 0.013; HR: 31.19, 95% CI: 8.48–114.74, p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, the R2 predictive index was only extracted as an independent factor for predicting borderline tumors (HR: 45.00, 95% CI: 7.43–272.52, p < 0.001) in the combined cohort. In pre-menopausal cases or borderline cases, the R2 predictive index is useful; while, in post-menopausal cases, the ROMA index is better than the other indexes.
On Generalized Schürmann Entropy Estimators
Authors: Grassberger Peter
Published: May 2022

We present a new class of estimators of Shannon entropy for severely undersampled discrete distributions. It is based on a generalization of an estimator proposed by T. Schürmann, which itself is a generalization of an estimator proposed by myself.For a special set of parameters, they are completely free of bias and have a finite variance, something which is widely believed to be impossible. We present also detailed numerical tests, where we compare them with other recent estimators and with exact results, and point out a clash with Bayesian estimators for mutual information.
Positive Creativity and the Intentions, Discretion, Problem Finding, and Divergent Thinking That Support It Can Be Encouraged in the Classroom
Authors: Runco Mark A.
Published: May 2022

This article begins by presenting a definition of positive creativity. This definition is based in part on the standard view of creativity, which points to originality and effectiveness. A brief discussion of the distinction between benevolent creativity and malevolent creativity indicates that intentions should also be required of positive creativity. Intentions may seem like difficult things to monitor in the classroom, but several useful methods are described herein. The suggestions that are offered here to support positive creativity involve divergent thinking and decision making. The most novel claim in this article is that positive creativity may involve not just problem solving but also problem finding. A second important claim is that educators must be prepared to take the good with the bad. More specifically, when creativity is encouraged, students are likely to think in truly divergent directions, which means they may offer negative as well as positive ideas. Educators should be prepared for ideas that they themselves do not understand. Practical suggestions are offered, including the recommendation that educators should encourage careful decision-making about what constitutes a worthwhile problem (as well as how to solve such problems in a creative fashion). Quite a few instances of malevolence take the form of pseudo-problems. These must be recognized as such and attention must be directed instead to the significant problems that do plague society, such as the climate crisis, the protection of voting rights, and racial discrimination. Positive creativity is needed now more than ever before.
Infrared Small-Target Detection Using Multiscale Local Average Gray Difference Measure
Authors: Xie Feng , Dong Minzhou , Wang Xiaotian , Yan Jie
Published: May 2022

In infrared (IR) guidance and target tracking systems, dim target intensity and complex background clutter are some of the typical challenges, especially for the accurate detection of small objects. In this article, we propose a novel IR target detection method based on new local contrast measures. First, the local average gray difference measure (LAGDM) is presented to accentuate the difference between a small object and its local background. Then, an LAGDM map is generated to effectively enhance targets and suppress background clutter. Finally, we use an adaptive segmentation method to separate the object from the background. Experimental results on multiple sequences show that the proposed small-target detection method can effectively improve the signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR) of the image, and it exhibits robust performance against cloudy sky, sea sky, and mountain forest backgrounds.
Thermodynamic Study of Solar-Assisted Hybrid Cooling Systems with Consideration of Duration in Heat-Driven Processes
Authors: Peng Zeyu , Li Zeyu , Zeng Junquan , Yu Jianting
Published: May 2022

Solar-assisted hybrid cooling systems are promising for the energy saving of refrigeration systems. In most cases, the solar thermal gain is only able to power the heat-driven process of facilities during part of the working period. Therefore, the reduction of compressor power strongly depends upon the duration of heat-driven processes, which has not been addressed properly. Motivated by such a knowledge gap, the thermodynamic understanding of solar-assisted hybrid cooling systems is deepened through considering the duration in heat-driven processes. Three absorption–compression-integrated cooling cycles were taken as examples. It was found that optimal parameters, e.g., inter-stage pressure and temperature, corresponding to various performance indicators tend to be identical, as the duration of heat-driven processes is taken into account. Furthermore, the optimal parameter for different working conditions was obtained. The dimensionless optimal intermediate temperature of layout with the cascade condensation process varies slightly, e.g., 4%, for different conditions. Moreover, the fall of compressor power in the entire working period was nearly independent upon the intermediate temperature. The paper is favorable for the efficient design and operation of solar-assisted hybrid cooling systems.