Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cip2a induces arginine biosynthesis and promotes tumor progression in non‐small cell lung cancer

Cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (Cip2a) is an oncoprotein, playing important roles in tumor progression. However, the underlying mechanisms by which Cip2a promotes tumor aggressiveness in NSCLC remain to be further investigated. In this study, we found that Cip2a expression is elevated in NSCLC and correlates with poor prognosis. Knockdown of Cip2a significantly reduced the ability of cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that Cip2a promotes tumor progression partly by inducing arginine biosynthesis, and knockdown of Cip2a exhibited a significantly increased sensitivity to arginine deprivation and mTOR inhibition. In addition, we found that p53 mutants in NSCLC cells increased Cip2a expression by inhibiting the activity of wild‐type p53. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of Cip2a in promoting tumor progression and suggest that Cip2a represents a potential therapeutic target for treating NSCLC.
The association of self-efficacy and coping strategies with body mass index is mediated by eating behaviors and dietary intake among young females: A structural-equation modeling approach

Globally, around three billion people are either under- or overweight. Speculating the different roles of psychological factors in body weight between over- and underweight people, it was first hypothesized that whether or not the effects of self-efficacy and coping strategies on body mass index (BMI) is different between these two groups. We secondly predicted that their association is mediated by nutritional factors. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study was conducted to model the impact of self-efficacy and coping strategies on eating behaviors, dietary intake and BMI, using structural equation modeling in two BMI groups: low-to-normal-BMI (LBMI: BMI<21.75 kg/m2) and normal-to-high-BMI (HBMI: 21.75 kg/m2 ≤ BMI). Female participants (N = 250, aged ≥18) were included using convenience sampling method and data of self-efficacy, coping strategies, eating behaviors and dietary intake were collected via questionnaires. The model fit was evaluated and confirmed by fit indices. The analysis revealed in both groups the participants tended to adopt emotion-focused coping strategy (EFCS) more than problem-focused coping strategy (PFCS) (mean score: 61.82 (7.96) vs 49.21 (6.73)). The HBMI group tended to use EFCS more than the LBMI group (P<0.001). In the LBMI group, self-efficacy, PFCS and EFCS had positive effects on BMI. Only the direct effect of self-efficacy (β = 0.314, P<0.001) and the indirect effects of PFCS and EFCS (through increasing unhealthy eating behaviors; β = 0.127, P<0.01, β = 0.095, P<0.05, respectively) were significant. In the HBMI group, self-efficacy had negative effect on BMI (both directly (β = -0.229, P<0.05) and indirectly (β = -0.103, P<0.05) by decreasing unhealthy eating behaviors). PFCS had no effect and EFCS had an indirect, positive effect on BMI (through increasing unhealthy eating behaviors, β = 0.162, P = 0.001). In conclusion, these findings suggest that improving self-efficacy and coping-strategies seems helpful to have a healthy BMI in both BMI groups and further interventions to reduce EFCS should be limited to overweight people.
Are sex differences in self‐estimated intelligence an elusive phenomenon? Exploring the role of working memory, creativity, and other psychological correlates in young and older adults

Although there is research examining the demographic predictors of self‐estimated intelligence (SEI) in young adults, so far SEI in old age is little investigated. This study aims to examine the influence of additional variables such as self‐estimated emotional intelligence (SEEQ), physical attractiveness, health, general optimism, religiousness, and working memory (WM) on SEI both in young and older adults.
Recognition of two-person interaction in multi-view surveillance video via proxemics cues and spatio-temporal interest points

In this paper we propose a novel method to recognize different types of two-person interactions through multi-view surveillance cameras. From the bird-eye view, proxemics cues are exploited to segment the duration of the interaction, while from the lateral view the corresponding interaction intervals are extracted. The classification is achieved by applying a visual bag-of-words approach, which is used to train a liner multi-class SVM classifier. We test our method on the UNITN social interaction dataset. Experimental results show that using the temporal segmentation can improve the classification performance.
Impacts of GlobalConsent, a Web-Based Social Norms Edutainment Program, on Sexually Violent Behavior and Bystander Behavior Among University Men in Vietnam: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Sexual violence against women is prevalent worldwide. Prevention programs that treat men as allies and integrate a bystander framework are emerging in lower income settings, but evidence of their effectiveness is conflicting. Objective This study aimed to test the impact of GlobalConsent on sexually violent behavior and prosocial bystander behavior among university men in Vietnam. Methods We used a double-blind, parallel intervention versus control group design with 1:1 randomization at 2 universities. A total of 793 consenting heterosexual or bisexual men aged 18-24 years who matriculated in September 2019 were enrolled and assigned randomly to GlobalConsent or an attention-control adolescent health education (AHEAD) program. GlobalConsent is an adapted, theory-based, 6-module web-based intervention with diverse behavior change techniques and a locally produced serial drama. AHEAD is a customized, 6-module attention-control program on adolescent health. Both the programs were delivered to computers and smartphones over 12 weeks. Self-reported sexually violent behaviors toward women in the prior 6 months and prosocial bystander behaviors in the prior year were measured at 0, 6, and 12 months. Results More than 92.7% (735/793) of men in both study arms completed at least 1 program module, and >90.2% (715/793) of men completed all 6 modules. At baseline, a notable percentage of men reported any sexually violent behavior (GlobalConsent: 123/396, 31.1%; AHEAD: 103/397, 25.9%) in the prior 6 months. Among men receiving GlobalConsent, the odds of reporting a high level (at least 2 acts) of sexually violent behavior at the endline were 1.3 times the odds at baseline. Among men receiving AHEAD, the corresponding odds ratio was higher at 2.7. The odds of reporting any bystander behavior at endline were 0.7 times the odds at baseline for GlobalConsent, and the corresponding odds ratio for AHEAD was lower at 0.5. Conclusions Compared with a health attention-control condition, GlobalConsent has sustained favorable impacts on sexually violent behavior and prosocial bystander behavior among matriculating university men in Vietnam, who would otherwise face increasing risks of sexually violent behavior. GlobalConsent shows promise for national scale-up and regional adaptations. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04147455; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04147455 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s12889-020-09454-2
Circular solar: Evaluating the profitability of a photovoltaic panel recycling plant

Photovoltaic (PV) panels have a crucial role in coping with the global warming mitigation and the energetic crisis currently affecting the European Community. However, from the circular perspective of end-of-life (EoL) management, there are still big issues to be solved in order to recover materials from this kind of e-wastes. Because of several reasons (e.g. type of embedded materials, illegal shipments, location of manufacturers) EoL businesses do not have the interest in approaching them. This poses a significant environmental concern in terms of their management. This work wants to assess the profitability of a specific PV module recycling plant, by evaluating several market contexts in which multiple scenarios of material price, investment and process costs will be considered. The results for a 3000 tonnes plant show that profitability is not verified in the absence of an avoided landfill cost. Instead, when a value of 200 €/tonnes is applied, the net present value is positive in 35.2% of the scenarios and at 87.6% when a value of 350 €/tonnes is considered. The policy choice of this value requires linking the PV module disposal fee to the circular benefits associated with its recovery.
Identification of thrombin inhibiting antithrombin-III like protein from Punica granatum using in silico approach and in vitro validation of thrombin inhibition activity in crude protein

Abstract Thrombosis is characterized by the formation of clots in the blood vessels. Antithrombin-III deficiency in the blood causes thrombus formation. Supplementing antithrombin-III may serve as anticoagulant therapy. In the present studies, an antithrombin like Protein from Punica granatum has been identified and characterized using in silico approach. Based on sequence homology, an ALPP was selected depending upon its highest binding affinity of −41.28 kcal/mol with thrombin. Thrombin structure complexed with ALPP was docked with TAME using AutoDock Vina. No binding was observed for TAME at Ser195 of thrombin. MD simulation (50 ns) was performed to evaluate the flexibility and stability of docked complexes. In vitro assays with crude protein showed 78% thrombin inhibition at 5 µg and calculated IC50 value was 0.188 µg. The presence of thrombin inhibitors in crude protein was also confirmed by reverse zymography. Thus, it is very likely that the protein identified from P. granatum may act as thrombin inhibitor. Graphical Abstract
In silico design of a multi-epitope vaccine against the spike and the nucleocapsid proteins of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract Computational studies can comprise an effective approach to treating and preventing viral infections. Since 2019, the world has been dealing with the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The most important achievement in this short period of time in the effort to reduce morbidity and mortality was the production of vaccines and effective antiviral drugs. Although the virus has been significantly suppressed, it continues to evolve, spread, and evade the host’s immune system. Recently, researchers have turned to immunoinformatics tools to reduce side effects and save the time and cost of traditional vaccine production methods. In the present study, an attempt has been made to design a multi-epitope vaccine with humoral and cellular immune response stimulation against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 by investigating new mutations in spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. The population coverage of the vaccine was evaluated as appropriate compared to other studies. The results of molecular dynamics simulation and molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) calculations predict the stability and proper interaction of the vaccine with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) as an innate immune receptor. The results of the immune simulation show a significant increase in the coordinated response of IgM and IgG after the third injection of the vaccine. Also, in the continuation of the research, spike proteins from BA.4 and BA.5 lineages were screened by immunoinformatics filters and effective epitopes were suggested for vaccine design. Despite the high precision of computational studies, in-vivo and in-vitro research is needed for final confirmation. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
A Serious Game for Patients With Eating Disorders (Maze Out): Pilot User Experience and Acceptance Study

Background Eating disorders (EDs) are severe mental disorders associated with notable impairments in the quality of life. Despite the severity of the disorders and extensive research in the field, effective treatment for EDs is lacking. Digital interventions are gaining an evidence-based position in mental health, providing new perspectives in psychiatric treatment. Maze Out is a serious game coproduced by patients and therapists that focuses on supporting patients with EDs. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of engaging in and acceptability of Maze Out among patients with EDs and therapists. Methods This study is a qualitative pilot study involving data collected through focus groups and individual interviews and user analytics collected through the game. The participants were recruited from the Odense Mental Health Service of the Region of Southern Denmark. Qualitative interviews analyzed by thematical analysis and interpreted by interpretative phenomenological analysis were used to evaluate the acceptance and experience of Maze Out among patients and therapists. The mobile health evidence reporting and assessment checklist was used to describe the content, context, and technical features of the game in a standardized manner for mobile health apps. Results The participants found Maze Out to be engaging, easy to use, and a good platform for reflecting on their disorder. They primarily used Maze Out as a conversational tool with their close relationships, giving them insights into the experiences and daily life struggles of someone with EDs. Conclusions Maze Out seems to be a promising tool supplementing the current ED treatment. Further research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of the game and its potential to support patients with different types of EDs.
Influence of RNA‐Seq library construction, sampling methods, and tissue harvesting time on gene expression estimation

RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) is popular for measuring gene expression in non‐model organisms, including wild populations. While RNA‐Seq can detect gene expression variation among wild‐caught individuals and yield important insights into biological function, sampling methods can also affect gene expression estimates. We examined the influence of multiple technical variables on estimated gene expression in a non‐model fish, the westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi), using two RNA‐Seq library types: 3′ RNA‐Seq (QuantSeq) and whole mRNA‐Seq (NEB). We evaluated effects of dip netting versus electrofishing, and of harvesting tissue immediately versus 5 min after euthanasia on estimated gene expression in blood, gill, and muscle. We found no significant differences in gene expression between sampling methods or tissue collection times with either library type. When library types were compared using the same blood samples, 58% of genes detected by both NEB and QuantSeq showed significantly different expression between library types, and NEB detected 31% more genes than QuantSeq. Although the two library types recovered different numbers of genes and expression levels, results with NEB and QuantSeq were consistent in that neither library type showed differences in gene expression between sampling methods and tissue harvesting times. Our study suggests that researchers can safely rely on different fish sampling strategies in the field. In addition, while QuantSeq is more cost effective, NEB detects more expressed genes. Therefore, when it is crucial to detect as many genes as possible (especially low expressed genes), when alternative splicing is of interest, or when working with an organism lacking good genomic resources, whole mRNA‐Seq is more powerful.
Estimation of moral distress among nurses: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Moral distress is a common challenge among professional nurses when caring for their patients, especially when they need to make rapid decisions. Therefore, leaving moral distress unconsidered may jeopardize patient quality of care, safety, and satisfaction. Aim To estimate moral distress among nurses. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis conducted systematic search in Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, ISI Web of Knowledge, and PsycInfo up to end of February 2022. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa checklist. Data from included studies were pooled by meta-analysis with random effect model in STATA software version 14. The selected key measure was mean score of moral distress total score with its’ 95% Confidence Interval was reported. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were conducted to identify possible sources of heterogeneity and potentially influencing variables on moral distress. Funnel plots and Begg’s Tests were used to assess publication bias. The Jackknife method was used for sensitivity analysis. Ethical consideration The protocol of this project was registered in the PROSPERO database under decree code of CRD42021267773. Results Eighty-six manuscripts with 19,537 participants from 21 countries were included. The pooled estimated mean score of moral distress was 2.55 on a 0–10 scale [95% Confidence Interval: 2.27–2.84, I2: 98.4%, Tau2:0.94]. Publication bias and small study effect was ruled out. Moral distress significantly decreased in the COVID-19 pandemic versus before. Nurses working in developing countries experienced higher level of moral distress compared to their counterparts in developed countries. Nurses' workplace (e.g., hospital ward) was not linked to severity of moral disturbance. Conclusion The results of the study showed a low level of pooled estimated score for moral distress. Although the score of moral distress was not high, nurses working in developing countries reported higher levels of moral distress than those working in developed countries. Therefore, it is necessary that future studies focus on creating a supportive environment in hospitals and medical centers for nurses to reduce moral distress and improve healthcare.
Convergence in a multi-method study between Rorschach and self-report data of traumatized refugees assessed before and after psychotherapy.

Rorschach and self-report instruments represent methodologically different types of assessment, which together may yield incremental information about the test-taker. There is little evidence on whether and when results from these methods converge. OBJECTIVE To examine possible convergences between Rorschach trauma-related personality variables and self-reported variables. METHOD Before and after psychotherapy 22 traumatized adult refugee patients were assessed with the Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS), symptom checklists of posttraumatic stress, anxiety and depression, and a quality of life questionnaire. Correlational analyses between eight R-PAS variables and 10 self-reported variables were performed. RESULTS The findings showed inconsistent and nonsignificant correlations pretherapy. Posttherapy, however, all R-PAS variables except Complexity correlated positively with symptoms of mental disorder, and negatively with the quality of life variables, as predicted. The R-PAS variables Mutuality of Autonomy-Pathology, Poor Human Representation, Critical Content, and Form Quality-minus%, converged significantly with most of the self-reported variables, with medium to large correlations. CONCLUSION The finding of convergence only after psychotherapy, may tentatively suggest greater self-knowledge and internal consistency through the therapy experience, and increased trust and self-disclosure through the repeated meetings with the researchers. The findings represent a promising contribution to a cumulative validation process of convergence between Rorschach and self-report data.
Incidence and risk factors of cardiovascular mortality in patients with gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma

Background Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are common and fatal. Improved cancer-directed therapies, with thier substantial role in improving cancer-specific survival, may increase non-cancer mortality−including cardiovascular mortality−in these patients. Aim To identify the risk factors of cardiovascular mortality in GI adenocarcinoma patients. Methods Data of GI adenocarcinoma patients were gathered from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. We used Pearson’s chi-square test to assess the relationships between categorical variables. We used the Kaplan-Meyer test in the univariate analysis and Cox regression test for the multivariate analysis. Results Among 556,350 included patients, 275,118 (49.6%) died due to adenocarcinoma, 64,079 (11.5%) died due to cardiovascular causes, and 83,161 (14.9%) died due to other causes. Higher rates of cardiovascular mortality were found in patients ≥ 50 years (HR, 8.476; 95% CI, 7.91–9.083), separated (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.184–1.361) and widowed (HR, 1.867; 95% CI, 1.812–1.924), patients with gastric (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.1–1.265) or colorectal AC (HR, 1.123; 95% CI, 1.053–1.198), and patients not undergone surgery (HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.958–2.126). Lower risk patients include females (HR, 0.729; 95% CI, 0.717–0.742), blacks (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.924–0.978), married (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.749–0.792), divorced (HR, 0.841; 95% CI, 0.807–0.877), patients with pancreatic AC (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.757–0.91), and patients treated with chemotherapy (HR, 0.416; 95% CI, 0.406–0.427). Conclusions Risk factors for cardiovascular mortality in GI adenocarcinoma include advanced age, males, whites, separated and widowed, gastric or colorectal adenocarcinoma, advanced grade or advanced stage of the disease, no chemotherapy, and no surgery. Married and divorced, and patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma have a lower risk.
Blockage of autophagosome-lysosome fusion through SNAP29 O-GlcNAcylation promotes apoptosis via ROS production

ABSTRACT Macroautophagy/autophagy has been shown to exert a dual role in cancer i.e., promoting cell survival or cell death depending on the cellular context and the cancer stage. Therefore, development of potent autophagy modulators, with a clear mechanistic understanding of their target action, has paramount importance in both mechanistic and clinical studies. In the process of exploring the mechanism of action of a previously identified cytotoxic small molecule (SM15) designed to target microtubules and the interaction domain of microtubules and the kinetochore component NDC80/HEC1, we discovered that the molecule acts as a potent autophagy inhibitor. By using several biochemical and cell biology assays we demonstrated that SM15 blocks basal autophagic flux by inhibiting the fusion of correctly formed autophagosomes with lysosomes. SM15-induced autophagic flux blockage promoted apoptosis-mediated cell death associated with ROS production. Interestingly, autophagic flux blockage, apoptosis induction and ROS production were rescued by genetic or pharmacological inhibition of OGT (O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) transferase) or by expressing an O-GlcNAcylation-defective mutant of the SNARE fusion complex component SNAP29, pointing to SNAP29 as the molecular target of SM15 in autophagy. Accordingly, SM15 was found to enhance SNAP29 O-GlcNAcylation and, thereby, inhibit the formation of the SNARE fusion complex. In conclusion, these findings identify a new pathway in autophagy connecting O-GlcNAcylated SNAP29 to autophagic flux blockage and autophagosome accumulation, that, in turn, drives ROS production and apoptotic cell death. Consequently, modulation of SNAP29 activity may represent a new opportunity for therapeutic intervention in cancer and other autophagy-associated diseases.