Standard Partial Regression Coefficients Research Articles

Association of liver multi-parameter quantitative metrics determined by dual-layer spectral detector computed tomography (SDCT) with coronary plaque scores.

Hepatic steatosis is closely related to the occurrence and development of coronary plaques. Spectral detector computed tomography (SDCT) can provide more precise multiparameter quantitative parameters for hepatic steatosis. Hence, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore the effect of quantitative liver metrics measured using SDCT on the extent and severity of coronary plaques. In patients who underwent upper abdomen unenhanced SDCT and coronary computed tomography angiography, plaque extent and severity were assessed using segmental involvement score (SIS) and segmental stenosis score (SSS). Liver fat quantification was evaluated by polychromatic and virtual mono-energetic images at 40 and 70 kev, spectral attenuation curve slope, and effective atomic number (CT40 keV, CT70 kev, λHU, and Zeff, respectively). A logistic regression model evaluated the factors influencing high SIS and SSS. Enrolled patients (n=644) were divided into groups: low SIS (<5) (n=451), high SIS (≥5) (n=193), low SSS (<5) (n=461), and high SSS (≥5) (n=183). Zeff was more closely correlated with SIS (standard partial regression coefficient =-0.422, P<0.001) and SSS (standard partial regression coefficient =-0.346, P<0.001). Zeff was divided into four groups using interquartile intervals. Compared with the patients in the lowest quartile, those in the second [odds ratio (OR) =2.116, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.134-3.949, P=0.018], third (OR =2.832, 95% CI: 1.461-5.491, P=0.002), and fourth (OR =3.584, 95% CI: 1.857-6.918, P<0.001) quartiles showed higher risk for high SIS. And correspondingly, the second (OR =1.933, 95% CI: 1.040-3.592, P=0.037), third (OR =2.900, 95% CI: 1.499-5.609, P=0.002), and fourth (OR =3.368, 95% CI: 1.743-6.510, P<0.001) quartiles showed higher risk for high SSS, especially in those who were <60 years old, male and had visceral adipose tissue/subcutaneous adipose tissue <1.18. The SDCT-Zeff was an independent factor associated with high SIS and SSS. The quantification of liver fat may be useful for evaluating the risk and prognosis of coronary atherosclerosis.

Image analysis traits of multiple muscles and intermuscular/subcutaneous fat influence Japanese Black beef carcass price and genetic parameters.

The purposes of this study were to investigate the relationship between carcass unit price per 1 kg (UP) and multiple muscles and intermuscular fat (IF)/subcutaneous fat of beef carcasses using image analysis of cross-section images for Wagyu beef cattle in Japan, and to estimate their genetic parameters. The carcasses used in this study were 1,807 Japanese Black (Wagyu) cattle (1,216 steers and 591 heifers). An analysis of variance was conducted with UP as the dependent variable and market date, age in months, sex, and image analysis traits (IAT) as fixed effects, and standard partial regression coefficients were calculated for each IAT on UP. Also, the heritability of each IAT that affected UP and genetic correlation among IAT vs carcass grading traits were estimated. Not only IAT related to carcass grading traits, M. trapezius dorsi, M. latissimus dorsi, and IF traits were significant differences in UP (p<0.05). The heritability of IAT associated with UP was estimated at 0.38 to 0.85. The genetic correlations between the area and thickness of M. trapezius dorsi and M. latissimus dorsi vs rib eye area (REA) were estimated to be moderately positive (0.53 to 0.66), while the genetic correlations between the IF area percentage vs carcass weight, REA, and yield score were estimated to be negative (-0.40, -0.56, and -0.34). UP was influenced by various traits, including M. trapezius dorsi, M. latissimus dorsi, and IF traits, as well as image analysis associated with carcass grading traits. Since these IAT associated with UP had hereditary and desirable genetic correlations with carcass grading traits, these traits were also important for genetic improvement.

Improved climate time series forecasts by machine learning and statistical models coupled with signature method: A case study with El Niño

The different phases of ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation) directly influence the occurrence of natural disasters and global warming. To limit the socio-economic impact, it is essential to develop simple and fast numerical models that can predict these different cycles. Here, we aimed to improve the predictive performance and extracting relevant information from climatic events by applying the signature method to time series models. After transforming the data using this signature method, we performed a comparative analysis of the statistical and machine learning models. In addition, we used PDP (Partial Dependence Plot) and SPRC (Standard Partial Regression Coefficient) to better understand the interactions between different climate indices.Our results showed that the best predictive performance was obtained when we use the signature method with the LSTM (R2 = 0.74) and Lasso (R2 = 0.79) models. Two complementary methods were used to highlight the influence of the following climate indices on ENSO cycle changes: NINO3, NINO3.4 and NPI (North Pacific Index). These methodologies also enabled us to determine the switchover thresholds, and order temporal variations. With this first application of the signature method to this type of time series, we obtained accurate forecasts on a 6-month scale with reduced computation time. This suggests that our methodology can be applied to many other fields of research that use multivariate time-series analyses.

Association of COVID-19 information media, providers, and content with vaccine uptake among Tokyo residents

To elucidate appropriate ways to induce behavior that prevents the spread of infection, we examined the association between COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19-related information after more than 85% of the population had been vaccinated. Nonprobability quota sampling was used to recruit 2000 Tokyo residents as participants. The association between previous vaccine uptake and how much people thought they were affected by each of nine media, seven providers, and four content types of information was assessed using an online survey form. Subjective influence was assessed, and order logistic regression analyses were performed. We further calculated standardized partial regression coefficients for the independent variables. The results showed that while people did not think they were strongly affected by any COVID-19 information, significant positive associations between 9 of 20 variables, and significant negative associations between 7 of 20 variables were observed with vaccine uptake. The regression analysis involving the interaction terms between independent variables and sex showed a significant association between vaccine uptake and only daily conversation. Simple slope analysis showed a stronger positive association for females than for males. Regression analysis with interaction terms between each independent variable and age showed a significant association between vaccine uptake and print newspapers, social networking services, prefectural governors, family/relatives, accessibility, side effects, and supply visibility. Simple slope analysis also showed that the positive association between the subjective influence of newspapers and vaccine uptake was observed only for older people (≥69 years), and that of prefectural governors was more significant for older than younger people (≤32 years). In contrast, the trustworthy information provided by family/relatives was positively associated with vaccine uptake only for younger people. These results suggest that careful consideration must be given to the differences in age and sex to provide appropriate information that motivates Tokyo residents to receive vaccination during COVID-19 pandemic.

Circulating extracellular vesicles are associated with pathophysiological condition including metabolic syndrome-related dysmetabolism in children and adolescents with obesity.

Obesity of children and adolescents (OCA) is often accompanied by metabolic syndrome (MetS), which often leads to adult obesity and subsequent complications, yet the entire pathophysiological response is not fully understood. The number and composition of circulating extracellular vesicles (EV) reflect overall patient condition; therefore, we investigated the pathophysiological condition of OCA, including MetS-associated dysmetabolism, using circulating EVs. In total, 107 children and adolescents with or without obesity (boys, n = 69; girls, n = 38; median age, 10years) were enrolled. Circulating EV number and EV protein composition were assessed via flow cytometry and liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, relative body weight (standardized partial regression coefficient (SPRC) 0.469, P = 0.012) and serum triglyceride level (SPRC 0.548, P < 0.001) were detected as independent parameters correlating with circulating EV number. Proteomic analysis identified 31 upregulated and 45 downregulated EV proteins in OCA. Gene ontology analysis revealed upregulated proteins to be involved in various biological processes, including intracellular protein transport, protein folding, stress response, leukocyte activation, innate immune response, and platelet degranulation, which can modulate lipid and glucose metabolism, skeletal and cardiac muscle development, inflammation, immune response, carcinogenesis, and cancer progression. Notably, several identified EV proteins are involved in neuro-development, neurotransmitter release, and neuro-protective agents in OCA. Circulating EVs were derived from adipocytes, hepatocytes, B cell lymphocytes, and neurons. Circulating EV number is significantly associated with MetS-related dysmetabolism and the EV protein cargo carries a special "signature" that reflects the alteration of various biological processes under the pathophysiological condition of OCA. KEY MESSAGES: Circulating EV number correlates with physical and laboratory parameters for obesity in children and adolescents. Relative body weight and triglyceride are independent factors for increased circulating EVs. EV composition is significantly changed in obesity of children and adolescents. Identified EV composition changes associated with obesity and involves in metabolism, immune response, and cancer progression. Circulating EVs are partially derived from adipocyte, hepatocytes, B cells, and neurons.

Impact Analysis of Compression Parameters and Fracture of Gummy Candy Using the Mastication Process Simulator

Masticatory devices are expected to elucidate the relationship between changes in physical properties of food during mastication and masticatory parameters. This study analyzed the relationship between the progression of gummy candy fracture and some parameters that can be controlled by a novel mastication process simulator named “ORAL-MAPS”. Three commercial gummy candies were selected as test materials. The gummy candies were processed under the following 18 conditions: compression force (200, 400, and 600 N), compression frequency (30 and 60 cycles/min), and number of compressions (20, 40, and 60 cycles). Thereafter, the mean volume of the bolus particles was calculated utilizing a 3-dimensional shape measuring machine and used as an indicator of fracture progression. The result of multiple regression analysis with the logarithm of mean particle volume as the objective variable and device parameters as the explanatory variables showed that the number and frequency of compressions markedly affected the fracture of all gummy candies, whereas compression force exerted a smaller effect than these. Therefore, the standardized partial regression coefficient could be used to evaluate the characteristics of the gummy candies.

Lower-level predictors and behavioral correlates of maximal aerobic capacity and sprint speed among individual lizards.

The standard paradigm of organismal biology views lower-level traits (e.g. aspects of physiology) as determining organismal performance ability (e.g. maximal sprint speed), which in turn constrains behavior (e.g. social interactions). However, few studies have simultaneously examined all three levels of organization. We used focal observations to record movement behaviors and push-up displays in the field for adult male Sceloporus occidentalis lizards during the breeding season. We then captured animals, measured aspects of their physiology, morphology and performance, and counted ectoparasites and endoparasites as potential predictors of sprint speed and maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2,max). Field behaviors were statistically repeatable, but not strongly so. Sprint speed and V̇O2,max were repeatable using residuals from regressions on body mass (speed: r=0.70; V̇O2,max: r=0.88). Both calf [standardized partial regression (path) coefficient B=0.53] and thigh [B=-0.37] muscle mass (as residuals from regressions on body mass) were significant predictors of sprint speed; hemoglobin concentration (B=0.42) was a predictor of V̇O2,max. In turn, V̇O2,max predicted the maximum number of four-legged push-ups per bout (B=0.39). In path analysis, log likelihood ratio tests indicated no direct paths from lower-level traits to behavior, supporting the idea that morphology, in the broad sense, only affects behavior indirectly through measures of performance. Our results show that inter-individual variation in field behaviors can be related to performance ability, which in turn reflect differences in morphology and physiology, although not parasite load. Given the low repeatability of field behaviors, some of the relationships between behavior and performance may be stronger than suggested by our results.

Abstract 12416: Factors Associated With Somatic Symptoms Perception in Patients With Heart Failure

Introduction: Since symptoms as perceived by patients are subjective experiences, it is important to understand from the patient's perspective the symptoms that they perceive as distressing or unpleasant. Investigating the reality of such symptoms as perceived by heart failure (HF) patients and related factors will help to construct effective nursing interventions for symptom relief in HF patients. Aim: To clarify the factors related to the symptoms using the Heart Failure Somatic Perception Scale (HFSPS) of HF as perceived by HF patients. Methods: The study population consisted of outpatients with HF who were assessed for symptoms as perceived by HF patients by the HFSPS, as well as self-care behaviors and depression by a questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses were applied to the factors associated with the perception of HF symptoms for each HFSPS subscale. Results: A total of 315 patients (mean age 73 years, 72% male) were included. The mean score of HFSPS total was 11.7±12.3, and the scores of each subscale of the HFSPS were dyspnea (3.3±4.8), chest discomfort (1.3±1.7), early subtle (5.3±4.9) and edema (1.8±2.6). HFSPS total score was associated with severity of HF (standard partial regression coefficient (β) = 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62~5.51, p=0.014), depression (β = 0.28, CI=0.46~1.04, p&lt;0.01), self-care maintenance (β=-0.27, CI=-0.31~-0.12, p&lt;0.01), and symptom perception (β=0.20, CI=0.05~0.20, p&lt;0.01). Dyspnea indicated severity of HF (β=0.18, CI=0.35~2.38, p&lt;0.01), depression (β=0.28, CI=0.18~0.40, p&lt;0.01), self-care maintenance (β=-0.15, CI=0.08~0.01, p&lt;0.01), chest discomfort indicated self-care maintenance (β=-0.24, CI=-0.04~-0.01, p&lt;0.01), symptom perception (β=0.27, CI=0.01~0.03, p&lt;0.01), depression (β=0.34, CI=0.25~0.48, p&lt;0.01) for early subtle, self-care maintenance (β=- 0.27, CI=-0.13~-0.05, p&lt;0.01), symptom perception (β=0.18, CI=0.01~0.07, p&lt;0.01), and depression (β=0.12, CI=0.01~0.14, p=0.03) were shown for edema. Conclusion: Assessing symptoms as perceived by the HF patient is expected to help the health care provider understand the patient's perceived symptoms and provide comprehensive treatment and care that is appropriate to the patient's characteristics.

Effectiveness of intraoperative optical coherence tomography on vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

We sought to verify the effect of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) on vitrectomy for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Retrospective study. We reviewed 178 eyes with PDR treated with 25-gauge vitrectomy by a single surgeon between April 2013 and December 2017. In total, 98 eyes of 77 patients with PDR (mean age, 52.5 ± 11.7 years) treated with vitrectomy using iOCT (iOCT group) and 80 eyes of 60 patients with PDR (mean age, 53.1 ± 10.9 years) treated without iOCT (non-iOCT group) were included in the study. To determine the effects of combining vitrectomy with iOCT, a comparison was made of patients treated with this combination and patients treated with vitrectomy without iOCT. The effects of these treatments were assessed on the basis of intraoperative complications, reoperation ratios, postoperative complications, operation times, and postoperative visual acuity. The operation time was significantly reduced for the iOCT group (72.9 ± 23.9min) when compared with the non-iOCT group (91.3 ± 31.2min) (P = .001). The incidences of intraoperative complications, reoperation, and postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (P = .542, 0.258, and 0.860 respectively). Six months after surgery, the postoperative visual acuity did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (P = .508). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the operation time was significantly correlated with iOCT (beta [standard partial regression coefficient] = - 0.28, P < .001), the fibrovascular proliferative membrane (beta = 0.17, P = .009), cataract surgery (beta = 0.22, P = .016), preoperative retinal photocoagulation (beta = - 0.14, P = .021), intraoperative complications (beta = 0.16, P = .023), and posterior vitreous detachment (beta = - 0.14, P = .04). Use of iOCT reduced the operation time without affecting the incidence rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications, reoperation ratios, or postoperative visual acuities in patients who underwent vitreous surgery for PDR.

Changes in the physical fitness of elderly people in the COVID-19 pandemic: An examination using performance tests

This study aimed to ascertain the physical-fitness trends among community-dwelling older adults using performance testing. The results of the evaluation conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic were compared to data from the pre-pandemic period. A total of 240 community-dwelling older adults who participated in a health checkup program from 2016-2020 underwent the following tests: grip strength (upper limb muscle), single-leg balance with eyes open (static balance), sit-and-reach test (flexibility), timed up-and-go test (TUG, functional mobility), 5 meter habitual walk (walking ability), and hand working with pegboard (hand dexterity). Linear mixed effect models were applied to the hierarchical dataset: repeated data (Level 1), pre-pandemic (2016-2019), pandemic (2019-2020) (Level 2), and individuals (Level 3). Fixed effects and interactions were estimated for the survey year (Level 1), and between the survey year and pre- and post-pandemic (Level 2), with the range of decline set measured in terms of its standardized partial regression coefficient, "B," from 2019-2020. The items for which significant cross-level interactions were identified. In males, the following items showed significant cross-level interactions: sit and reach test (B=-2.56, 95% CI: -4.45--0.66 cm), TUG (+0.39, 0.21-0.56 sec) and 5 meter habitual walk (+0.15, 0.04-0.27 sec). In females items except single-leg balance with eyes open showed significant cross-level interactions: grip strength (-0.58, -1.11--0.05 kg), sit-and-reach test (-3.53, -5.11--1.95 cm), TUG (+0.15, 0.03-0.27 sec), for 5 meter habitual walk (+0.14, 0.04-0.24 sec), and hand working with pegboard (+0.89, 0.28-1.51 sec). In both males and females, a significant deterioration in flexibility and mobility movement ability was observed in 2019-2020. In addition, upper limb muscle strength and hand dexterity movement deteriorated in females.

A Retrospective Study on the Relationship Between Cognitive Function and Social Function in Patients With Schizophrenia.

BackgroundSocial dysfunction is associated with decreased activity, employment difficulties, and poor prognosis in patients with schizophrenia. Cognitive functions, such as attention and processing speed, have been implicated in the social functions of schizophrenia patients; however, the relationship between cognitive functions and social functions remains unclear. Thus, understanding the factors that influence social functioning can aid the development of therapeutic strategies for schizophrenia. Herein, we retrospectively analyzed factors that influence social functioning in patients with schizophrenia.MethodsPatient background, intelligence quotient (IQ) scores, Japanese version of the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS-J) scores, the dose of antipsychotic drugs, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores, and the factors influencing each subscale of the Japanese version of the Social Functioning Scale (SFS-J) were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. The Bonferroni correction was applied to evaluate the correlation between each factor in the univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, independent variables were selected using a stepwise method. In each model, considering the sample size, the maximum number of variables extracted using the stepwise method was set to three. We then calculated the standard partial regression coefficient (standard β) between the SFS-J subscale scores and each factor.ResultsData from 36 patients were analyzed. The average age, illness duration, and total length of hospitalization were 57.8 years, 34.8 years, and 196.7 months, respectively. Of the seven significant correlations with the SFS-J subscale in the univariate analysis, only three were significant in the multivariate analysis model. According to the multivariable model, BACS-J verbal fluency positively correlated with SFS-J withdrawal, interpersonal communication, and employment/occupation. Moreover, BACS-J token motor and educational history were positively correlated with SFS-J recreation and SFS-J employment/occupation, respectively. PANSS scores, IQ scores, and doses of antipsychotic drugs did not show clear associations with SFS-J scores.ConclusionsIn conclusion, there were significant correlations between BACS-J subscale scores for cognitive functioning and SFS-J subscale scores for social functioning in patients with schizophrenia.

Association between bile area in the duodenal bulb and abdominal symptoms: Quantitative analysis using blue laser imaging.

Bile acids are strongly associated with the pathogenesis of functional gastrointestinal diseases. In recent years, blue laser imaging (BLI) endoscopy has emerged as a novel image-enhanced endoscopic method, which illustrates bile as a reddish hue. The present study investigated the factors that affect the area of bile in duodenal bulbs using BLI. For this purpose, patients (356 cases) who underwent upper endoscopy with BLI between April, 2017 and December, 2019, and completed patient background and symptom questionnaires [Constipation Scoring System (CSS), Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) and Frequency Scale for Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (FSSG)], were retrospectively investigated. Each BLI bile score was calculated as a percentage of bile area in a field of view in the duodenal bulb using a KS400 image analysis system, and the association with abdominal symptoms was examined using multiple regression analysis. The patient characteristics included the following: Age (in years), 69.9±11.3; male/female ratio, 146/210; body mass index, 23.0±3.8; reflux esophagitis (M/A/B/C), 143/19/3/3; atrophic gastritis (C-0/C1-3/O1-3), 132/100/124; proton pump inhibitor potassium competitive acid blocker/aspirin/ursodeoxycholic acid/gall bladder stones/cholecystectomy, 105/27/18/43/18; BLI bile score, 7.10 (±14.34); CSS score, 3.55 (±3.80); BSFS score, 3.91 (±1.02); and FSSG score, 4.80 (±5.76). Correlation coefficients (P<0.05) for the BLI bile score were found for cholecystectomy (Rho=0.137) and aspirin use (Rho=0.118). In multiple regression analysis, independent predictors of the BLI bile score were cholecystectomy [standardized partial regression coefficient (β)=0.169, P=0.001] and the BSFS score (β=0.107, P=0.042). On the whole, the present study demonstrates that the duodenal bile area in BLI upper endoscopy is associated with cholecystectomy and fecal characteristics.

Imaging Characteristics for Predicting Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy With Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy.

ObjectivesPatients with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) show various clinical symptoms, including migraine, recurrent stroke, and cognitive impairment. We investigated the associations between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of small vessel disease and neuropsychological tests and identified the MRI characteristics for predicting cognitive impairment in patients with CADASIL.MethodsSubjects included 60 CADASIL patients diagnosed with genetic tests and registered in the Japanese CADASIL REDCap database between June 2016 and December 2020. Patient information including clinical data, modified Rankin Scale (mRS); MRI findings of small vessel disease including periventricular and deep white matter lesions (WML), lacunar infarcts, and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs); and neuropsychological tests, including the Japanese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J), and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), were evaluated.ResultsData from 44 CADASIL patients were eligible for this study, compared between patients with and without dementia. Regarding the neuroimaging findings, the Fazekas score of periventricular and deep WML was higher in patients with dementia (periventricular, p = 0.003; deep, p = 0.009). The number of lacunar infarcts was higher in patients with dementia (p = 0.001). The standardized partial regression coefficient (SPRC) in MoCA-J was 0.826 (95% CI, 0.723–0.942; p = 0.005) for the number of CMBs. The SPRC in MMSE was 0.826 (95% CI, 0.719–0.949; p = 0.007) for the number of CMBs. The SPRC for FAB decreased significantly to 0.728 (95% CI, 0.551–0.960; p = 0.024) for the number of lacunar infarcts. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for dementia showed that in the number of lacunar infarcts, a cut-off score of 5.5 showed 90.9% sensitivity and 61.1% specificity. For the number of CMBs, a cut-off score of 18.5 showed 45.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity.ConclusionThe characteristic MRI findings were that CADASIL patients with dementia had severe WML, both periventricular and deep, and a larger number of lacunar infarcts than those without dementia. The risk of dementia may be associated with ≥ 6 lacunar infarcts, ≥19 CMBs, or a Fazekas scale score of 3 in periventricular and deep WML.

Land use intensification affects the relative importance of climate variation and active land degradation: Convergence of six regions around the world

AbstractWe explored the relative importance of climate oscillations and human‐driven disturbances on the change in vegetation biomass in agroecosystems, and whether it is associated with land use. Our main contribution is a quantitative treatment of these factors in equivalent terms, i.e. not assuming any of them to be principal. The study was carried out in the drylands of the Iberian Peninsula, NW Maghreb, Palestinian West Bank, Mozambique, China and NE Brazil, using satellite time‐series and the corresponding climate fields, at ten‐year observation periods with spatial and temporal resolutions of 1000 m (250 m in Palestine) and one year, respectively. For each region, we separated the relative weights of climate and time by fitting multiple‐stepwise regressions to a vegetation index as the dependent variable, and annual aridity (Aridity) and year number (Time) as predictors. The relative strength of the resulting standard partial regression coefficients was then compared by the Wilcoxon signed ranks test, and their combined associations with land uses were determined using Chi‐square tests. Some points of convergence are as follows: (1) The relative weights of Aridity and Time depend on particular regional conditions and can be determined. (2) Such weights are associated with land use intensification, such that if vegetation increases over Time, Aridity increases its relative importance with intensification; if vegetation is degrading, Aridity is always more important than Time. (3) Aridity is an indicator of vulnerability to climate warming. Resilience can be improved by reducing land use intensification. 4. Vulnerability may worsen under constant climate if agriculture is intensified. These patterns enhance an integrated understanding of Sustainable Development Goals Indicator 15.3.1, particularly its land cover and productivity trend components.

Effects of temperature and oxygen on 137Cs desorption from bottom sediment of a dam lake

The temperature and oxygen environment play important roles in the desorption of 137Cs from freshwater lake sediment to lake water. In this study, 12 quarterly surveys were performed to measure the dissolved 137Cs concentration in surface and bottom lake water, the vertical distribution of water temperature, and the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration at the upstream, midstream, and downstream sites of the Yokokawa Dam Lake in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Higher concentrations of dissolved 137Cs were detected in the bottom water than in the surface water, especially in the summer and midstream lake regions at depths of 8–21 m owing to higher temperatures, which activated the bacterial decomposition of organic matter, and anaerobization, which enhanced the NH4+ in the pore water and 137Cs desorption from mineral particles. To compare the effects of anaerobization and increasing temperature on 137Cs desorption from sediment particles, intact sediment core samples were collected from the lake midstream and incubated for 1–14 days in a chamber under three controlled temperature and oxygen environment conditions: aerobic +10 °C; anaerobic +10 °C; and anaerobic +20 °C. The vertical distribution of 137Cs in the sediment pore water showed a similar profile as NH4+ and K+, and both the increased temperature and reduced DO concentration enhanced the 137Cs desorption. A comparison of the standard partial regression coefficients of temperature and DO concentration in the multiple regression equation for the 137Cs concentration in pore water shows that the reduction of DO from saturation to zero at the water–sediment interface accelerated the desorption of 137Cs more strongly than did the temperature rise from 10 to 20 °C. The experimental results show a nearly inverse proportional relationship between NH4+ and the distribution coefficients of 137Cs after thermodynamic correction, except in the surface layer. These findings indicate that the 137Cs concentration in pore water can be explained by the temperature-dependent chemical distribution between the solid–aqueous phase and its equilibrium with NH4+.

Effect of Carbazochrome Sodium Sulfonate in Addition to Tranexamic Acid in Bleeding Trauma Patients.

Background: It is important to evaluate the effects of drugs considered to control hemorrhage. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to reduce the risk of death in bleeding trauma patients. Carbazochrome sodium sulfonate (CSS) is often used in combination with TXA; however, it is unknown whether CSS additionally improves the control of bleeding in trauma patients.Methods: The aim of this study was to examine whether CSS reduces blood transfusion and death in addition to TXA by improving the control of bleeding. We retrospectively analyzed medical records of trauma patients from 2011 to 2019. We included patients aged ≥16 years, with significant hemorrhage, and who received TXA within eight hours from injury as per CRASH-2 (Clinical Randomisation of an Antifibrinolytic in Significant Haemorrhage) study. The primary outcome was the total amount of red blood cells (RBC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and platelet concentrate (PC) received within the first 24 hours from injury. Secondary outcomes were death in hospital within four weeks after injury, vascular occlusive events, and treatment.Results: During this retrospective evaluation period, 5764 admissions with trauma were registered. A total of 326 cases met the selection criteria: 259 cases who received CSS in addition to TXA (CSS group; n=259) and 67 cases who received only TXA (no-CSS group; n=67). The mortality rate was 6% in the no-CSS group and 15.1% in the CSS group. There was no significant difference in mortality and vascular occlusive events between the two groups. We performed multiple regression analyses, with the amount of blood transfusion for each type as explanatory variables. The administration of CSS was an independent factor for the reduction of RBC transfusion (standard partial regression coefficient −0.1, 95% CI [−3.1 to −0.1], p=0.04), but not for transfusion of FFP or PC. We also performed multiple logistic regression analysis, with death as an explanatory variable. CSS was not an independent factor for any cause of death.Conclusion: CSS decreased RBC transfusion in trauma patients, without increasing the risk of vascular occlusion. However, CSS did not decrease mortality. This study can contribute to managing bleeding with trauma, but further research aimed at clarifying the effect of CSS is needed.

Prediction of Age-Adjusted Mortality From Stroke in Japanese Prefectures: Ecological Study Using Search Engine Queries.

BackgroundStroke is a major cause of death and the need for nursing care in Japan, with large regional disparities.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to clarify the association between stroke-related information retrieval behavior and age-adjusted mortality in each prefecture in Japan.MethodsAge-adjusted mortality from stroke and aging rates were obtained from publicly available Japanese government statistics. A total of 9476 abstracts of Japanese articles related to symptoms and signs of stroke were identified in Ichushi-Web, a Japanese web-based database of biomedical articles, and 100 highly frequent words (hereafter referred to as the Stroke 100) were extracted. Using data from 2014 to 2019, a random forest analysis was carried out using the age-adjusted mortality from stroke in 47 prefectures as the outcome variable and the standardized retrieval numbers of the Stroke 100 words in the log data of Yahoo! JAPAN Search as predictive variables. Regression analysis was performed using a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with the number of standardized searches for Stroke 100 words with high importance scores in the random forest model as the predictive variable. In the GLMM, the aging rate and data year were used as control variables, and the random slope of data year and random intercept were calculated by prefecture.ResultsThe mean age-adjusted mortality from stroke was 28.07 (SD 4.55) deaths per 100,000 for all prefectures in all data years. The accuracy score of the random forest analysis was 89.94%, the average error was 2.79 degrees, and the mean squared error was 13.57 degrees. The following 9 variables with high importance scores in the random forest analysis were selected as predictive variables for the regression analysis: male, age, hospitalization, enforcement, progress, stroke, abnormal, use, and change. As a result of the regression analysis with GLMM, the standardized partial regression coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals showed that the following internet search terms were significantly associated with age-adjusted mortality from stroke: male (β=−5.83, 95% CI −8.67 to −3.29), age (β=−5.83, 95% CI −8.67 to −3.29), hospitalization (β=−5.83, 95% CI −8.67 to −3.29), and abnormal (β=3.83, 95% CI 1.14 to 6.56).ConclusionsStroke-related search behavior was associated with age-adjusted mortality from stroke in each prefecture in Japan. Query terms that were strongly associated with age-adjusted mortality rates of stroke suggested the possibility that individual characteristics, such as sex and age, have an impact on stroke-associated mortality and that it is important to receive medical care early after stroke onset. Further studies on the criteria and timing of alerting are needed by monitoring information-seeking behavior to identify queries that are strongly associated with stroke mortality.

Maximum gait speed and lumbar spinal mobility can affect quality of life in elderly women with lumbar kyphosis

BackgroundThe site and angle of kyphosis are important factors that affect quality of life (QOL). Lumbar kyphosis, rather than thoracic kyphosis, is reported to affect the QOL in patients with kyphosis. Increased angle of kyphosis in elderly people is associated with a decline in motor and physical functions, and also correlates with reduced QOL. Investigation of how physical performance affects their QOL would be helpful in developing an effective physical therapy program for elderly patients with kyphosis. The aims of the current study were to evaluate the physical performance including back muscle strength, spinal range of motion, and walking ability in elderly patients with lumbar kyphosis, and to examine its association with back pain-specific QOL. MethodsThe design of this study is a cross-sectional study in a single hospital. A total of 51 elderly women aged 65 years or older diagnosed with kyphosis were enrolled in the study. The items evaluated were back pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), back-pain specific QOL (the Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]), maximum gait speed, thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, sacral inclination, spinal inclination, trunk extension/flexion range of motion (ROM), thoracic spinal ROM, lumbar spinal ROM, and back muscle strength. Data were analyzed using bivariate analyses and multivariate regression analyses. ResultsSignificant positive correlations were observed between ODI and VAS (rs=0.506) or spinal inclination (rs=0.626). Significant negative correlations were observed between ODI and maximum gait speed (rs=-0.664), lumbar lordosis angle, (rs=-0.553), trunk extension ROM (rs=-0.571), lumbar spinal ROM (rs=-0.651), or back muscle strength (rs=-0.521). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that maximum gait speed (standard partial regression coefficient; b=0.484) and lumbar spinal ROM (b=0.463) had a significant impact on ODI. The results of analysis of variance were significant with R2 of 0.622. ConclusionsThe current study demonstrated that maximum gait speed and lumbar spinal ROM influenced back-pain specific QOL in the elderly women with lumbar kyphosis. Maximum gait speed and lumbar spinal ROM should be evaluated thoroughly to effectively perform non-operative treatment in elderly people with lumbar kyphosis.

Relationship between the bone density estimated by cone-beam computed tomography and the primary stability of dental implants

It enables more accurate three-dimensional evaluation of anatomic structures and directly measures the bone density. The density of the bone is usually expressed in Hounsfield units (HU)1 which is a parameter that provide the most important details about the available bone. A total of 18 fresh femoral heads of swine were taken for the study. The adjacent soft tissues have been removed completely and the surfaces of the bone blocks were made flat using a carbide bur. The thickness of each block was cross-checked using precision vernier calipers and maintained at more than 10 mm. Using the ISQ values as the independent variable, the standardized partial regression coefficients of the thickness of the cortical bone, the voxel value, and the length of the implant were 0.328, 0.306, and 0.422 respectively, all of them are significant variables. It has been observed that there was a correlation between the thickness of the cortical bone or the voxel values obtained from the CBCT scanning images prior to the implant placement and the implant stabilities.

Surgical Outcomes of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment with Different Peripheral Vitreous-Shaving Procedures.

PurposeTo compare the surgical outcomes of vitreous surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) after two different peripheral vitreous-shaving techniques are performed.MethodsWe reviewed 269 eyes with RRD that were treated with a 25-gauge vitrectomy by a single surgeon between June 2015 and May 2020. The exclusion criteria for the proposed air tamponade selection were as follows: more than two weeks since RRD onset, giant retinal tears, a history of complications following cataract surgery, high myopia, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy classified as grade C or higher. We examined the differences in the therapeutic effect between shaving under slit lamp microscope illumination (group A) and shaving under a wide-angle viewing system (group B).ResultsA total of 269 eyes were included in this study, with 146 eyes in group A and 123 eyes in group B. The primary anatomical success rates did not differ between group A (97.3%; 142/146 eyes) and group B (97.6%; 120/123 eyes; P = 0.102). However, the surgical time was significantly longer in group A (60.2 ± 17.1 min) than that in group B (46.9 ± 12.6 min) (P < 0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that surgical time was significantly correlated with using the wide-angle noncontact viewing system for vitreous shaving (adjusted R2 = 0.248; beta [standard partial regression coefficient] = −0.447, P < 0.001), the number of retinal breaks (beta = 0.182, P = 0.001), and the quadrant of retinal detachment (beta = 0.205, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe surgical outcomes were similar regardless of the shaving procedure performed, and the surgical time was shortened by using the wide-angle noncontact viewing system for vitreous shaving.