bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction Analysis of SHMT1/2 Gene Variants with HCC in Chinese Patients
Authors: Sun Yao-Hui , Gao Jie , Shi Cheng-Cheng , Liu Xu-Dong , Zhang Feng , Shi Xiao-Yi , Wang Yun , He Yu-Ting , Guo Wen-Zhi , Zhang Shui-Jun
Published: December 2022

Background: Metabolic reprogramming caused by SHMT1/2, as key enzymes in one-carbon metabolism, has been considered to play a critical role in occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SHMT1/2 genes and susceptibility of HCC remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between four candidate SNPs in SHMT1/2 and risk of HCC in Chinese population.
Materials and methods: A case-control study including 514 HCC patients and 234 controls was performed to determine associations between SNPs of SHMT1/2 and HCC risk,isolated via mass spectrometry.
Results: Our data revealed that SHMT2 rs2229717 was significantly associated with HCC risk when compared to healthy controls under multiple genetic models (Allele T: odds ratio (OR) = 0.73, P=0.023; Dominant Model: OR = 0.72, P=0.044). When our cohort was stratified by sex, male subjects with the T allele and TT genotype for rs2229717 exhibited a decreased risk for HCC risk (OR=0.67, 95%CI=0.50-0.91; OR=0.43, 95%CI=0.18-0.99). In addition, after age stratification was executed, the results showed that both the T allele and the GT genotype for rs2229717 were less common in HCC patients under 50 years old.
Conclusion: These data indicate that rs2229717is a predisposing factor for HCC and may affect the occurrence of HCC in various age or sex subgroups, suggesting that SHMT2 rs2229717may be as a useful predictive or diagnostic tool for HCC in some populations.
Validation of a modified South African triage scale in a high-resource setting: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Markussen Dagfinn Lunde , Brevik Heidi Synnøve , Bjørneklett Rune Oskar , Engan Mette
Published: December 2022

Background

Triage systems are widely used in emergency departments, but are not always validated. The South African Triage Scale (SATS) has mainly been studied in resource-limited settings. The aim of this study was to determine the validity of a modified version of SATS for the general population of patients admitted to an ED at a tertiary hospital in a high-income country. Secondary objective was to study triage performance according to age and patient categories.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting to the Emergency department of Haukeland University Hospital in Norway during a four-year period. We used short-term mortality, ICU admission, and the need for immediate surgery and other interventions as the primary endpoints.

Results

A total of 162,034 Emergency Department visits were included in the analysis. The negative predictive value of a low triage level to exclude severe illness was 99.1 % (95% confidence interval: 99.0-99.2 %). The level of over-triage, defined as the proportion of patients assigned to high triage level who were not admitted to hospital, was 4.1 % (3.9-4.2%). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed an area under the ROC for the detection severe illness of 0.874 (95% confidence interval: 0.870-0.879) for all patients and 0.856 (0.837-0.875), 0.884 (0.878-0.890) and 0.869 (0.862-0.876) for children, adults and the elderly respectively.

Conclusion

We found that the modified SATS had a good sensitivity to identify short-term mortality, ICU admission, and the need for rapid surgery and other interventions. The sensitivity was higher in adults than in children and higher in medical patients than in surgical patients. Over- and under-triage were acceptable.
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase overexpression enhances an aggressive phenotypic characteristics of endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Yokoi Ako , Nakamura Yusaku , Hashimura Miki , Oguri Yasuko , Matsumoto Toshihide , Nakagawa Mayu , Ishibashi Yu , Ito Takashi , Ohhigata Kensuke , Harada Youhei , Fukagawa Naomi , Saegusa Makoto
Published: December 2022

Background
Although anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) overexpression is overexpressed in several primary solid tumor types, its role in endometrial carcinoma (Em Ca) remains unclear.
Methods
We evaluated expression of ALK and its related molecules in clinical samples consisting of 168 Em Ca tissues. We also used Em Ca cell lines to evaluate the functional role of ALK.
Results
Cytoplasmic ALK immunoreactivity in the absence of chromosomal rearrangement was positively correlated with ALK mRNA expression, and was significantly higher in Grade (G) 3 Em Ca than in G1 or G2 tumors. ALK immunoreactivity was also significantly associated with expression of cancer stem cell (CSC)-related molecules (cytoplasmic CD133, ALDH1, Sox2) and neuroendocrine markers (CD56 and synaptophysin). Although the proliferative index was significantly higher in ALK-positive Em Ca when compared to ALK- negative malignancies, there was no association between ALK expression and other clinicopathological factors in this disease. In Em Ca cell lines, full-length ALK overexpression increased proliferation, decreased susceptibility to apoptosis, enhanced cancer stem cell features, and accelerated cell mobility, whereas these phenotypes were abrogated in ALK-knockdown cells. Finally, tumors with either wild-type ALK or high ALK mRNA expression were associated with a poorer prognosis when compared to Em Ca with either mutant ALK or low ALK mRNA expression.
Conclusion
Full-length ALK overexpression occurs in a subset of Em Ca, particularly in G3 tumors, and contributes to establishment and maintenance of aggressive phenotypic characteristics through modulation of several biological processes.
Richness of Nigrospora spp. (Apiosporaceae) in Manihot esculenta Cranz in Brazil and the description of three new species
Authors: Brito Amanda Cupertino de Queiroz , de Mello Juliana Ferreira , Souza Ana Elisa de Almeida , Nascimento Sandy dos Santos , de Souza-Motta Cristina Maria , Machado Alexandre Reis
Published: December 2022

Manihot esculenta Crantz, commonly known as cassava, is an important staple food in developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Despite its relevance, few studies in search of endophytic fungi have been carried out on this plant. Nigrospora spp. has a widespread range of hosts and can be found as saprobes, endophytes, and pathogens. Nigrospora has already been isolated from cassava plants in previous studies. However, its identification was made only at the genus level. In this study, healthy cassava stems were collected in the northeast region of Brazil from where specimens of this genus were obtained. The isolates were identified based on morphological features and phylogenetic analyses of internal transcriber space (ITS), part of the translation elongation factor 1 alpha (TEF1- α), and β-tubulin fragment (TUB2) genic regions. As a result, we report two new geographic occurrences of N. pyriformis, and N. vesicularifera, four new records N. hainanensis, N. lacticolonia, N. pyriformis, and N. vesicularifera associated with cassava, and the description of three new species named N. endophytica, N. manihoticola and N. pernambucoensis.
Separating the impacts of climate variability and human activities on the discharge and component of streamflow in Taoer River Basin, China
Authors: Li Mingqian , Gu Hongbiao , Wang He , Wang Ying , Chi Baoming
Published: December 2022

Climate variability and human activity are the two driving forces that alter the hydrological cycle and spatiotemporal distribution of water resources. Quantitative separation of the two drivers is crucial for regional water resource management. Relevant studies focus mainly on the quantitative attribution of streamflow changes but overlook the impact of changing environments on hydrological processes and the hydrological regime (or streamflow component). Using the Taoer River Basin (TRB) as an example, this study analyzed the impacts of climate variability and human activities on streamflow discharge in various periods and the resulting hydrological alterations. First, through the Mann–Kendall test and cumulative anomaly method, combined with the construction of the reservoir, historical streamflow data were divided into four periods (baseline period and altered periods 1, 2, and 3). Based on the proposed basic identification framework, four assessment methods (the hydrological sensitivity method, distributed hydrological model, linear regression model, and runoff restoring computation) were used, and relatively consistent estimates of streamflow attribution were obtained. Climate variability was the driving factor for streamflow changes, and the relative contributions in altered periods 1, 2, and 3 were 81% (50.34 mm), 68% (13.37 mm), and 53% (-19.23 mm), respectively, and always accompanied by changes in hydrological regimes. Climate variability and reservoir construction have different impacts on the hydrological regime at different periods, and reservoir regulation’s effect on the hydrological regime depends on climatic conditions. We further discuss the necessity of breakpoint selection and period division in the attribution of streamflow changes, and analyze the applicability of different methods with current ideas for improvement. This study not only has practical significance for water resource planning and adaptive policy formulation in the TRB but also provides a reference for similar studies.
Air pollutant removal by urban vegetation: A meta-analysis of gaps in research and environmental management
Authors: Xian Chaofan , Gong Cheng , Wu Tong , Liu Jingru , Ouyang Zhiyun
Published: December 2022

Air pollutant removal by urban vegetation is a type of nature-based solution (NbS), and has received growing attention by researchers and decision-makers across the world. However, the effectiveness of botanical pollutant removal in cities requires more synthesis to inform urban planning and management. In this study, we quantified the effectiveness of the removal of typical air pollutants – particle matter (PM), nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3) – by synthesizing global field-measurement studies based on a Bayesian meta-regression approach. The results revealed that urban vegetation can mitigate the growth of air pollutant concentrations, with reduction rates of 16.5～26.7% for PM, 13.9～36.2% for NOx, and 20.5%～47.8% for SO2. However, they failed to significantly mitigate ground-level O3, corresponding to an increase of 5.1～25.9%. The variability in effect sizes was mainly influenced by the distance to nearest highway, ambient concentration, relative humidity and green coverage. To link the above effects of botanical pollutant removal to environmental management, a brief questionnaire was then conducted in one of case-study cities (Shenzhen, China) to investigate environmental managers’ views on the removal effect of urban vegetation. The feedbacks showed that most respondents supposed positive impacts of urban vegetation on all four air pollutants, which was at odds with our findings with respect to O3. Finally, concerning the case study of Shenzhen, some suggestions were proposed to improve the nature-based solutions (NbS) for air pollution mitigation, highlighting the important role of urban vegetation for public health in global cities.
Transition-Metal-Free Hydrosulfonylation of 1,3-Dienes with Sulfinic Acids: Efficient Approach to Branched Allylic Sulfones
Authors: Chang Xiaoqiang , Chen Xingyu , Zhang Shuaichen , Lu Sixian , Zhao Yifan , Zhang Dong , Yang Lan , Ma Yue , Sun Peng
Published: December 2022

Branched allylic sulfones are privileged scaffolds widely distributed in bioactive molecules, and organic functional materials. Some methods for the synthesis of allyl sulfones have been developed, such as Tsuji-Prost reaction, hydrosulfonylation and radical addition reactions. Despite these advances, the transition-metal-free hydrosulfonylation of unactive 1,3-diene leading to branched allylic sulfones has rarely explored. Herein, a boron-catalysed highly regioselective hydrosulfonylation of 1,3-diene with sulfinic acid has been explored to construct a broad scope of branched allylic sulfones. The reactions proceed smoothly without the help of transition-metal-catalyst. Abundant structural motifs have also been obtained through simple transformation from the generated allylic sulfone products. Compared with the previous methods, this protocol exhibited advantages as following: 1) readily available starting material without pre-treatment; 2) under the catalysis of inexpensive boron trifluoride etherate, avoidance of transition-metal-catalyst; 3) simple operation and easy scale-up, and does not require dry conditions, an inert atmosphere or a water scavenger; 4) excellent atom economy and regioselectivity.
Analysis of the pollution reduction effect of green taxation under ESG concept
Authors: Zhang Qihang , Zhang Yalian , Liao Qianxi , Guo Xin
Published: December 2022

Given the global ecological environment deteriorating, the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) concept advocates that economic growth and environmental protection must go hand in hand. Green taxes, in particular, are critical to economic development as they serve as a key lever for the government in regulating the national economy and improving environmental quality. This paper aims to examine the pollution reduction effect of green taxation in China. We constructed fixed effect models using provincial panel data from 2012 to 2017 to empirically examine the effect of green taxation - including environment protection tax, consumption tax, resource tax and vehicle purchase tax - on pollution emissions. The findings show that environmental protection tax has a significant inhibitory effect on exhaust gas emissions but a poor inhibitory effect on wastewater and industrial solid waste emissions. Other green taxes - consumption tax, resource tax, and vehicle purchase tax - do not have an ideal inhibitory effect on pollution emissions. The paper concludes with policy recommendations organized around improving the environmental protection tax, actively promoting the ESG concept, and optimizing the top-level design of the green tax system.
High-precision multi-sub-envelope zero-order pole-bias-compensation white-light interferometric topography measurement method
Authors: Yao Dong , Liang HanGang , Tian Dapeng , Yan Chunhui , Meng Lingtong , Shen Honghai , Yang Mingyu , Guo Xu , Wang Yukun , Yuan Ye , Cheng Yanping , Jiang Chunming
Published: December 2022

The mZPBC white-light topography measurement method is proposed. In contrast with other methods, this algorithm has a real physical model and directly solves the accurate topography information in spatial domain. We obtain the mathematical expression of this method in theory, verify the noise suppression effect by simulation, and perform the actual measurement experiment to verify the accuracy and efficiency.
Women’s knowledge and attitudes to the menopause: a comparison of women over 40 who were in the perimenopause, post menopause and those not in the peri or post menopause
Authors: Tariq Bisma , Phillips Samantha , Biswakarma Rina , Talaulikar Vikram , Harper Joyce
Published: December 2022

Objectives: To evaluate women’s knowledge and attitudes towards the menopause by comparing three groups of women: perimenopause, post menopause and those women not in either the peri or post menopause (other).
Methods: A 35 question online survey was advertised on social media to evaluate women’s attitudes and knowledge of the menopause. Three groups of women were compared: perimenopause, post menopause and those women not in either the peri or post menopause (other).
Results: Most women were completely uninformed or only had some knowledge of the menopause before the age of 40. Most women thought that the menopause should be taught at school, but over 80% had received no menopause education at school themselves. The most popular sources of menopause information were independent websites and friends. Perimenopausal women were significantly more likely than postmenopausal women to use online resources for menopause information. The perimenopausal and postmenopausal groups had more positive attitudes towards the menopause than the other group. 57.5% of postmenopausal women found the menopause difficult or very difficult. Most women were happy about no longer menstruating, although some expressed sadness regarding fertility loss.
Conclusions: Most women had limited knowledge and negative attitudes towards the menopause, leaving them unprepared to cope with the physical and psychological changes associated with this stage of life. Improved menopause education is required to improve quality of life during the menopausal transition and a most positive narrative of life postmenopause.
Reinforcement learning for automated conceptual design of advanced energy and chemical systems
Authors: Wang Dewei , Bao Jie , Zamarripa-Perez Miguel , Paul Brandon , Chen Yunxiang , Gao Peiyuan , Ma Tong , Noring Alexander , Iyengar Arun , Schwartz Daniel , Eggleton Erica , He Qizhi , Liu Andrew , Marina Olga , Koeppel Brian , Xu Zhijie
Published: December 2022

Computer-aided process engineering and conceptual design in energy and chemical engineering has played a critical role for decades. Conventional computer-aided process and systems design generally starts with process flowsheets that have been developed through experience, which often relies heavily on subject matter expertise. These widely applied approaches require significant human effort, either providing the initially drafted flowsheet, alternative connections, or a set of well-defined heuristics. These requirements make the system design highly reliant on the engineer’s experiences and expertise. In this study, a novel reinforcement learning (RL) based automated system for conceptual design is introduced and demonstrated. The RL approach provides a generic tool for identifying process configurations and significantly decreases the dependence on human intelligence for energy and chemical systems conceptual design. An artificial intelligence agent performs the conceptual design by automatically deciding which process-units are necessary for the desired system, picking the process-units from the candidate process-units pool, connecting them together, and optimizing the operation of the system for the user-defined system performance targets. The AI agent automatically interacts with a physics-based system-level modeling and simulation toolset, the Institute for the Design of Advanced Energy System Integrated Platform, to guarantee the system design is physically consistent.
The antimicrobial activity of cethromycin against Staphylococcus aureus and its relationship with MLST, erm genes and MLSB phenotypes
Authors: Hu Yuechen , Ouyang Lili , Li Duoyun , Deng Xiangbin , Xu Hongbo , Yu Zhijian , Fang Yeqing , Zheng Jinxin , Chen Zhong , Zhang Haigang
Published: December 2022

Background
This study aims to explore the antibacterial activity of cethromycin against Staphylococcus aureus, and its relationship with multilocus sequence typing (MLST), erm genes and macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB) phenotypes of S. aureus.
Results
The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of cethromycin against 245 S. aureus clinical isolates ranged from 0.03125 to ≥ 8mg/L, with the resistance rate of 38.8% in 121 methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and 37.1%in 124 methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA).This study also found that cethromycin had strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus, with the MIC ≤ 0.5 mg/L in 55.4% of MRSA and 60.5% of MSSA, respectively. The main MLSTs of 121 MRSA were ST239 and ST59, and the resistance rate of ST239 isolates to cethromycin was higher than that in ST59 isolates. The top five MLSTs of 124 MSSA were ST7, ST59, ST398, ST88 and ST120, but there was no difference in the resistance of MSSA to cethromycin between these STs. The resistance of ermA isolates to cethromycin was higher than that of ermB or ermC isolates in MRSA, but the resistance of ermB or ermC isolates to cethromycin was higher than that of ermA isolates in MSSA.The resistance of constitutive MLSB (cMLSB) phenotype isolates to cethromycin was higher than that of inducible MLSB (iMLSB) phenotype isolates in MRSA or MSSA. The ermA,ermB and ermC genes was mainly found in ST239, ST59and ST1 isolates in MRSA, respectively. Among the MSSA, the ermC gene was more detected in ST7, ST88 and ST120 isolates, but more ermB genes were detected in ST59 and ST398 isolates. The cMLSB phenotype was more common in ST239 and ST59 isolates of MRSA, and was more frequently detected in ST59, ST398, and ST120 isolates of MSSA.
Conclusion
Cethromycin had strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus. The resistance of MRSA to cethromycin may had some clonal aggregation in ST239. The resistance rate of S. aureus carrying various erm genes or MLSB phenotypes to cethromycin was different.
Work and health during the COVID-19 crisis among Dutch workers and jobseekers with (partial) work disabilities: A mixed methods study
Authors: de Visser Mara , Anema Johannes R. , Huysmans Maaike A. , de Graaf-Zijl Marloes
Published: December 2022

Background: The consequences of restrictive measures during the COVID-19 outbreak have potentially been enormous, especially for those in a vulnerable position in the labour market. This study aims to describe the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on work status, working conditions, and health among people with (partial) work disabilities—with and in search of work—during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands.
Methods: A mixed methods design was used, combining a cross-sectional online survey and ten semi-structured interviews with people with a (partial) work disability. The quantitative data included responses to job-related questions, self-reported health, and demographics. The qualitative data consisted of participants’ perceptions about work, vocational rehabilitation, and health. We used descriptive statistics to summarize the responses, conducted logistic and linear regression and integrated our qualitative findings with the quantitative findings, aiming at complementarity.
Results: Five hundred and eighty-four participants (response rate 30.2%) completed the online survey. The majority of participants experienced no change in work status: 39 percent remained employed, 45 percent remained unemployed, six percent of respondents lost their job, and ten percent became employed during the COVID-19 crisis. In general, the results showed a deterioration in self-rated health during the COVID-19 outbreak, both for participants at work and in search of work. Participants who lost their job during the COVID-19 crisis reported the highest deterioration in self-rated health. Interview findings revealed that loneliness and social isolation were persistent during the COVID-19 crisis, especially among those in search of work. Additionally, employed participants identified a safe work environment and the possibility to work at the office as important factors for overall health.
Conclusions: The vast majority of study participants (84.2%) experienced no change in work status during the COVID-19 crisis. Nonetheless, people at work and in search of work encountered barriers to maintaining or (re)gaining employment. People with a (partial) work disability who lost their job during the crisis appeared to be most affected in terms of health. Employment and health protections could be strengthened for persons with WD to better prepare them for the next crisis.
Construction of chiral through-space luminophores via symmetry breaking triggered by sequenced chlorination
Authors: Xie Yufeng , Liu Huaying , Li Zhong-Liang , Zhang Xin , Song Lijuan , Zhou Kang , Yuan Feng , You Hengzhi , Zhao Engui , He Zikai
Published: December 2022

The construction of molecular chirality is crucial for exploring novel luminophores with chiroptical properties. Classic asymmetric synthesis of chiral center or axial is not powerful enough on through-space architecture. Accessible methodologies for breaking molecular symmetry could be promising but remain less investigated. Herein, we report a novel methodology for constructing chiral through-space luminophores via simple chlorination on bridged carbazole motifs. The chlorination breaks the molecular symmetry and thus results in molecular chirality by eliminating the mirror plane or rotating axis. Interestingly, continuous multiple chlorinations can rebuild and break the symmetry of the skeleton in succession. Several chiral and achiral isomeric analogues are synthesized and characterized with impressive chiroptical properties. Results of chiral HPLC, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, kinetic racemization, and chiroptical property investigation demonstrate the effectiveness of our rational design strategy. It provides a feasible methodology for exploring novel chiral luminescent materials based on versatile though-space skeletons.
Treatment of supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma with advance technologies: Observational prospective evaluation of oncological outcomes, functional outcomes, quality of life and cost-effectiveness (SUPRA-QoL)
Authors: Hassid Samantha , Krug Bruno , Deheneffe Stéphanie , Daisne Jean-François , Delahaut Gilles , Lawson Georges , Crott Ralph , Vorst Sébastien Van der
Published: December 2022

Background:
Over the past decade, therapeutic options in head and neck supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma have constantly evolved. The classical total laryngectomy has been partially replaced by alternative organ- and function-sparing techniques with the same prognosis but less morbidity, such as Radiotherapy, Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM) and Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS). Up to now, a prospective comparison of these innovant techniques has not been conducted.
Methods/Design:
We will conduct an original international multicentric prospective nonrandomized clinical trial to compare the efficacy between these treatments (Arm 1: Radiotherapy +/- chemotherapy; Arm 2: TLM and Arm 3: TORS) with 4 classes of outcomes: quality of life (QoL), oncological outcomes, functional outcomes and economic resources. The population will include cT1-T2 /cN0-N1/M0 supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma. The primary outcome is a Clinical Dysphagia QoL evaluation assessed by the MD Anderson Dysphagia questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include others QoL evaluation, oncological and functional measures and cost parameters. The sample size needs to reach 36 patients per arm (total 108).
Discussion:
In the current literature, no prospective head-to-head trials are available to compare objectively these different treatments. With the increase of highly efficient treatments and the increase of oncological survival, it is imperative also to develop management strategies that optimize QoL and functional results. We will conduct this innovate prospective trial in order to obtain objective data in these two main issues.
Trial Registration: NCT05611515 posted on 10/11/2022 (clinicaltrial.fgov)
Bulimia symptoms and anger and aggression among adolescents
Authors: Koposov Roman , Stickley Andrew , Sukhodolsky Denis , Ruchkin Vladislav
Published: December 2022

Background
Previous research has indicated that anger and aggression may be elevated in adolescents with a bulimia nervosa (BN) diagnosis. However, as yet, little is known about whether bulimia symptoms are linked to anger and aggression or if these associations exist in adolescents in the general population. To address this deficit this study aimed to explore the associations between a clinical level of bulimia symptoms (CLBS) and anger, anger rumination and aggression in community-based adolescents, and determine whether gender is important in this context.
Methods
This study was conducted on a representative sample of youth from northwestern Russia (N = 2613, age 13–17 years old, 59.5% female) using self-report scales. A proxy variable for a CLBS was created using the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale. Aggression, anger and anger rumination were assessed by the Trait Anger Scale of the State Trait Anger Expression Inventory, the Anger Rumination Scale, and scales created to assess physically and verbally aggressive behavior. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to examine the associations between the study variables.
Results
A CLBS was more prevalent in girls than in boys (13.4% vs 3.5%). The association with anger and aggression was stronger in both genders with a CLBS, compared to those adolescents without a CLBS. In the CLBS group, boys as compared to girls scored higher on verbal and physical aggression, anger rumination and social aggression. In both the CLBS and Non-CLBS group higher anger and aggression scores were associated with increasing age.
Conclusions
Findings suggest that aggression and anger rumination are elevated in adolescents with BN symptoms, and that the associations between anger, aggression and BN symptoms may be stronger in boys. As previous research has indicated that the presence of aggressive behaviors may affect the prognosis of BN and complicate management of the disorder, clinician screening for these behaviors in adolescents with BN symptoms may facilitate the provision of more effective treatment, especially among boys.
Barriers and facilitators of exercise behavior for frail elderly in nursing homes: protocol for a qualitative study in China
Authors: Sunzi Kejimu , Li Yadi , Zhou Xin , Liang Ruichen , Lei Cheng
Published: December 2022

Background
Exercise is significant for the elderly to improve their poor health outcomes. It can delay weakness, enhance the quality of muscle and body balance, and prevent adverse events. But the factors that hinder or promote exercise among frail nursing home residents are unclear. Few studies have investigated the exercise-related experiences and coping strategies of the frail elderly, and it is necessary to understand the overall situation among the elderly further. Therefore, this study aims to obtain information about the impact of exercise-related barriers and facilitators on the daily life of frail older adults and how they cope with this condition.
Methods/Design:
Qualitative research design uses a phenomenological framework. Older adults participating in the study will be invited to describe their life experiences with exercise-related barriers and facilitators, the impact on their daily lives, and the strategies they use to cope with the condition. This study will use purposeful sampling to ensure that the sample provides informative cases representative of frail older adults with exercise-related barriers and facilitators. Face-to-face, personal and semi-structured interviews will be conducted in nursing homes in Sichuan, China. A trained qualitative person will conduct interviews. Transcripts will be analyzed using NVivo10 qualitative software, and themes will be synthesized to highlight the critical issues raised by the frail elderly about the exercise process.
Discussion
Understanding the awareness of frail older adults on exercise management care will help improve the existing health services in this area. This research data will be used in future research to develop a validated survey, which can be used by medical staff working in nursing homes to understand and strengthen the health service provision of the frail elderly.
FLI1 regulates radiotherapy resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma through TIE1-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Enni , Huang Jiajia , Wu Jiawei , Chen Miao , Ouyang Puyun , Wang Xiaonan , Shi Dingbo , Liu Zhiqiao , Zhu Wancui , Sun Haohui , Yang Shanshan , Zhang Baoyu , Deng Wuguo , Qiu Huijuan , xie fangyun
Published: December 2022

Radiotherapy resistance is the main cause of treatment failure in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which leads to poor prognosis. It is urgent to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying radiotherapy resistance. Here we identified FLI1 as a potential radiosensitivity regulator which was dramatically overexpressed in the patients with progressive disease (PD) to radiotherapy compared to those with complete response (CR). We examined the effect of FLI1 on cell survival, apoptosis and γ-H2AX expression in NPC cells after radiation, and found that FLI1 induced radiotherapy resistance and enhanced the ability of DNA damage repair in NPC cells. We also confirmed the role of FLI1 in regulating radiotherapy resistance in vivo using the nude mouse NPC xenograft model. Moreover, we demonstrated that FLI1 upregulated the transcription of TIE1 by binding to its promoter. The rescue experiment further confirmed that FLI1 activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by upregulating TIE1, thereby affecting radiotherapy sensitivity of NPC cells. Furthermore, we showed that NPC patients with high levels of FLI1 and TIE1 were correlated with poor prognosis. Together, our study has revealed that FLI1 regulates radiotherapy resistance of NPC through TIE1-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, suggesting that targeting the FLI1/TIE1 signaling pathway could be a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy in NPC.
A Prospective Cross-sectional Study to Evaluate retina developing via OCTA based on school students in Qamdo, Tibet, China
Authors: Sun Kexin , Xiang Yongguo , Zhang Tong , Yi Shenglan , Xia Jiuyi , Yang Xin , Zheng Shijie , Ji Yan , Hu Ke , Wan Wenjuan
Published: December 2022

Aims

To estimate the microstructure in different ages school students using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in Qamdo.

Design

A prospective cross-sectional, school-based research.

Methods

This study includes 347 normal students from 9 schools in 4 different areas in Qamdo. Macular region 3×3 area and macular cube 512×128 showed details in macular by OCTA images. Using ETDRS Vessel Flow Density module measure Central vascular plexus density (CVD), Inner vascular plexus density (IVD), Full vascular plexus density (FVD) or the size of foveal avascular zone (FAZ). These differences were compared among various ages, sexes and living environments.

Result

The mean FAZ area in all eyes was 0.29 ± 0.13 mm2. The Mean Foveal Thickness in the macular cube (MFT) was 239.81 ± 19.13 µm. It did not show a significant relationship between FAZ areas and sex (p = 0.011), age (p = 0.1736) or others (MFT, altitude). Compared with girls, boys had a lager MFT (p < 0.001). Among the different age groups, MFT (p < 0.001) and FVD (p < 0.001), IVD (p < 0.001) increased with age.

Conclusion

OCT-A can use to evaluate macular perfusion in children. Our data bridge the gap between structural OCT and perfusion density in children in high altitude. Even though not a longitudinal study, it also provides us some information about retina developing in teenagers OCTA’s clinical implications.
Metagenomic analysis reveals specific BTEX degrading microorganisms of a bacterial consortium
Authors: Wu Hui-jun , Du Xian-yuan , Wu Wen-jing , Zheng Jin , Song Jia-yu , Xie Jia-cai
Published: December 2022

Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination is of environmental and public health concerns due to its toxic components. Bioremediation utilizes microbial organisms to metabolism and remove these contaminants. The aim of this study was to enrich a microbial community and examine its potential to degrade petroleum hydrocarbon. Through successive enrichment, we obtained a bacterial consortium using crude oil as sole carbon source. The 16S rRNA gene analysis illustrated the structural characteristics of this community. Metagenomic analysis revealed the specific microbial organisms involved in the degradation of cyclohexane and all the six BTEX components, with a demonstration of the versatile metabolic pathways involved in these reactions. Results showed that our consortium contained the full range of CDSs that could potentially degrade cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, and (o-, m-, p-) xylene completely. Interestingly, a single taxon that possessed all the genes involved in either the activation or the central intermediates degrading pathway was not detected, except for the Novosphingobium which contained all the genes involved in the upper degradation pathway of benzene, indicating the synergistic interactions between different bacterial genera during the hydrocarbon degradation.
Green Capital and Green Jobs:
What Does Transition to Green Economy Look Like?
Authors: Shayegh Soheil , Roshan Elnaz
Published: December 2022

Transition to green economy is urgently needed in order to reach the climate targets by the end of this century. We investigate the optimal pathways for transitioning of the global economy from one dominated by the fossil-fueled (brown) sector to one dominated by the zero-emission (green) sector. We consider three transition regimes: a "Linear" regime with a constant growth rate of the green sector, a "Delayed" regime composed of a much lower early growth rate until 2050 followed by a higher growth rate afterwards, and a "Fast" regime composed of a much higher early growth rate until 2050 followed by a slower growth rate afterwards. Our results indicate that the labor market is more sensitive to the pace of transition than the capital market. We also find that slow green growth under the "Delayed" regime induces higher rates of abatement in the brown sector which are amplified by early R&D investment in green capital productivity. Finally, we show that rapid transition to green economy requires substantial upfront investment in renewable energy infrastructure and human capital development which in turn, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 60% in 2050 compared to the "Delayed" regime.
Uncovering hidden spin polarization of energy bands in antiferromagnets
Authors: Yuan Lin-Ding , Zhang Xiuwen , Acosta Carlos Mera , Zunger Alex
Published: December 2022

Many textbook physical effects in crystals are enabled by some specific symmetries. In contrast to such ‘apparent effects’, ‘hidden effect X’ refers to the general condition where the nominal global system symmetry would disallow the effect X, whereas the symmetry of local sectors within the crystal would enable effect X. Known examples include the hidden Rashba and/or hidden Dresselhaus spin polarization that require spin orbit coupling, but (unlike the apparent Rashba and Dresselhaus counterparts) can exist even in inversion-symmetric non-magnetic crystals. Here we point out that the spin splitting effect that does not require spin-orbit coupling (SOC) can have a hidden spin polarization counterpart in antiferromagnets. We show that such hidden, SOC-independent effects reflect intrinsic properties of the perfect crystal rather than an effect due to imperfections, opening the possibility for experimental realization, and offering a potential way to switch antiferromagnetic ordering.
The Burnout Process Among Hungarian Teachers analysed in a cross-sectional study: The Burnout Process Questionnaire
Authors: Szigeti Réka , Balázs Noémi , Urbán Róbert
Published: December 2022

Background
Studies have focused more on the outcome than on the process of burnout. However, different teachers at different stages of the process may be present at the same time, which the current methods do not capture. We aimed to develop a new measurement tool for the burnout process among teachers based on grounded theory.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study we tested the Burnout Process Questionnaire on a convenience sample of teachers (n = 618, 83.9% women; mean age 44.52 years). We used confirmatory factor analyses to test our measurement model. We examined the concurrent validity with the burnout factors the Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire includes. We tested construct validity with depression, overcommitment, demographic characteristics and work-related factors.
Results
The confirmatory factor analyses supported our measurement model with seven primary factors (need to prove oneself, overload of tasks, neglecting one’s needs, conflict between values, interpersonal conflicts, passivity, and emotional drain) and three second-order factors (excessive effort, conflict, and total depletion). The covariates in the Maslach Burnout Inventory showed that emotional exhaustion had a strong relationship with the first- and second-order factors. Overcommitment showed a stronger relationship with factors at the beginning whereas depression showed a stronger relationship with factors at the end of the process. Demographic characteristics and work-related factors did not show strong associations.
Conclusions
The Burnout Process Questionnaire is a promising measurement tool with good convergent validity. It adds a new dimension to the measurement of burnout. The process approach to measuring burnout among teachers can guide future research and tailored prevention programs.
Association of preoperative serum CA72-4 with prognosis in stage I-III colorectal cancer patients and its interaction with preoperative CEA: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yanli Li , Pang Xiaolin , Li Zhao , Chen Yaxue , Liu Lizhu , You Ruimin , Zhang Yin , Liu Mengmei , Yang Guangjun , Li Zhenhui , Pu Hongjiang
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Whether preoperative serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 72-4 is an independent predictor of outcome and whether has an interaction between CA72-4 and the impact of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) on colorectal cancer (CRC) patients' risk of recurrence is still unknown.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with pathologically confirmed stage I-III colorectal adenocarcinoma who received direct radical resection at 2 hospitals from 2008 to 2017 were collected. According to the levels of CEA and CA72-4 before operation, the patients were divided into 4 groups: Group A with normal CEA and CA72-4 levels preoperatively (CEA≤5.0 ng/mL,CA72-4≤6.9 U/mL, n=952) ;Group B had normal preoperative CEA but high CA72-4 levels (CEA≤5.0 ng/mL,CA72-4>6.9 U/mL, n=217) ；Group C had elevated preoperative CEA but normal CA72-4 (CEA>5.0 ng/mL,≤6.9 U/mL, n=574) ；Group D had both elevated preoperative CEA and CA72-4 (CEA>5.0 ng/mL, CA72-4>6.9 U/mL, n=182). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and a COX regression model was used to estimate the correlation between preoperative CA72-4 and overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).
Results: A total of 3,651 patients (52.7%) are included in this study. Median age (IQR) : 60.0 (50.0, 68.0) years; Mean body mass index (BMI) (SD) : 22.718(3.256) kg/m2. Compared with normal CA 72-4 (≤6.9 U/mL, n=3252), patients with increased CA 72-4 (>6.9U/mL, n=399) had higher OS(HR:1.4;95% CI, 1.07-1.83; P = 0.0072). In Cox multivariate analysis, increased preoperative CEA and CA72-4 were associated with shorter RFS(HR:1.69;95% CI, 1.23- 2.32; P = 0.001) and OS (HR, 2.92;95% CI, 2.14-3.98; P< 0.001). However, patients with normal preoperative CEA, no matter if CA72-4 is increased or normal, were not associated with RFS and OS shortening, while patients with high CEA but normal CA72-4 were only associated with OS(HR:1.82;95% CI, 1.42-2.33; P <0.001).
Conclusion: CA72-4 is an independent predictor of outcome for patients with elevated preoperative CEA. The influence of preoperative CA72-4 level on prognosis is different under different CEA stratification. It is necessary to combine CA72-4 with CEA to predict the prognosis of patients.
Fish Species Classification from Underwater Images using Large-Scale Dataset via Deep Learning
Authors: Kumar Siddharth , Anand Abhineet , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: December 2022

Many natural science investigations, including fishery assessment, marine environment assessment, and environmental research, depend on the classification of underwater fish species from apprehended images in habitats. But due to noisy captured images, existing models faced lots of issues during recognition of fish species from the underwater images and to solvu such kind of problem, need to develop a high-performance fish recognition model, although it can be challenging due to the chaotic nature of underwater imagery. In directive to train Deep Neural Network (DNN) in precise manner to develop a Fish Species Classification (FSC) model from noisy large-scale underwater captured images, this research article introduces an inimitable deep learning framework called Optimized DNN. The underwater environment is very fascinating and challenging and many research groups are currently working together to unravel the facts of underwater imaging and mapping. The proposed FSC model is use for fish detection based on the segmentation approach and DNN-based identification in complex underwater environments. To simulate and validate the proposed FSC model, publicly available Fish4Knowledge (Fish Detection) benchmark dataset is used and experimental results show that the FSC model performance is far better in terms of Average Precision (AP = 92.26%), Average Recall (AR = 87.45%), Average F-measure (AF = 89.74%) and Average Accuracy (AA = 93.86%). The composite FSC network model increases the usage of distinctive info and the output of distinctive info for the discovered object.
Evaluation of retinal microvasculature in exotropia with abnormal binocular vision by optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Chen Chunwen , Zhu Qin , Ma Chun-Hui , Yao Jing-Yan
Published: December 2022

Background: To explore the retinal microvasculature in large angle concomitant exotropia patients with abnormal binocular vision using quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) analysis.
Methods: OCTA images of 52 healthy and 100 strabismic eyes were analyzed to quantify the retinal thickness (RT), superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ). Paired t-tests were performed comparing differences in the two groups, dominant and deviated eyes in exotropia group, respectively.
Results: The mean angle of deviation at the distance was 79.38 [± 25.64] (prism diopters, PD). The temporal SCP in exotropia group was significantly higher than that of control group in deviated eyes (p = 0.020). Nasal vessel density in exotropia group was lower than that of control group in the SCP in deviated eyes (p = 0.037). There were significantly differences in the DCP in deviated eyes between exotropia group and control group (Fovea: p = 0.007; Temporal: p = 0.014; Nasal: p = 0.028; Inferior: p = 0.013). Dominant eyes had significantly greater nasal RT and temporal SCP than deviated eyes (p = 0.023 and p = 0.043).
Conclusions:The study found that OCTA reveals subnormal, superficial, and deep macular capillary density in large angle exotropia patients with abnormal binocularity and may be related to retinal suppression. Changes in macular microvasculature may offer valuable insights in the development of strabismus. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical relevance of this finding.
Trial registration: This trial is registered as ChiCTR2100052577 at www.Chictr.org.cn .