bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corruption and adolescent mental health: Evidence from Chinese junior high school admissions
Authors: Yuan Hongbin , Li Danyang , Yang Feiyan
Published: June 2023

Through preferential treatment by education officials or through bribery, some adolescents can obtain admission to a junior high school. However, It is unclear whether it affects the mental health of adolescents. This study used Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to examine the effects of corruption on adolescent mental health. A total of 17,254 junior high school students sample (11-18 years old; 48.7% girls and 53.1% boys) were used from the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS). 14.1% of adolescents attended a junior high school by corrupt means, corruption had a significantly negative effect on the mental health of these adolescents (ATT = -0.388, p < 0.01), the reasons grounded in the fact that they received more criticisms from teachers (ATT = 0.081, p < 0.01) and wanted to leave their current school (ATT = 0.099, p < 0.01). In general, corruption in the admissions process can have detrimental effects on the mental health of adolescents. This study extends the previous articles on how to improve adolescent mental health and complements the application of cognitive dissonance theory. Findings from this study revealed that anti-corruption in the education sector is necessary, and the institutional design to ensure fair enrolment in basic education will contribute to the mental health of adolescents.
Staphylococcal superantigen-like protein 10 enhances the amyloidogenic biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Rahman Shakilur , Das Amit Kumar
Published: June 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is a highly infectious pathogen that represents a significant burden on the current healthcare system. Bacterial attachment to medical implants and host tissue, and the establishment of a mature biofilm, play an important role in chronic diseases such as endocarditis, osteomyelitis and wound infections. These biofilms decrease bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics and immune defences, making the infections challenging to treatment. S. aureus produces numerous exotoxins that contribute to the pathogenesis of the bacteria. In this study, we have identified a novel function of staphylococcal superantigen-like protein 10 (SSL10) in enhancing the formation of staphylococcal biofilms. Biofilm biomass is significantly increased when SSL10 is added exogenously to bacterial cultures, whereas SSL2 and SSL12 are found to be less active. Exogenously added SSL10 mask the surface charge of the bacterial cells and lowers their zeta potential, leading to the aggregation of the cells. Moreover, the biofilm formation by SSL10 is governed by amyloid aggregation, as evident from spectroscopic and microscopic studies. These findings thereby give the first overview of the SSL-mediated amyloid-based biofilm formation and further drive the future research in identifying potential molecules for developing new antibacterial therapies against Staphylococcus aureus.
Investigating Ovality and Wall-Thinning Behaviors in Free-Form Bending of Thin Pipe Bends with Varying Guider Length and Roller Die Diameter
Authors: Periasamy Govindaraj , CS Arun
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the influence of guider length and roller die diameter on the ovality and thickness reduction of pipe bends formed using the freeform bending method. Finite element simulation is employed to analyze a three-segment pipe bend. The analysis reveals that the beginning of the third bending segment exhibits the highest ovality, which directly correlates with circumferential strain. Optimal values for roller die diameter and guider length are determined for the given geometry, and a spatial bend design is proposed to minimize the percentage of ovality. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the bending process and achieving reduced ovality in pipe bends.
The Classification of the Prostate Cancer based on Transfer Learning Techniques
Authors: Khedr Ola S. , Wahed Mohamed E. , Al-Attar Al-Sayed R. , Abdel-Rehim E. A.
Published: June 2023

The most common cause of mortality worldwide and the most common male cancer is prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society. In the United States, there were 164,690 new instances of prostate cancer and at least 29,430 deaths from the disease in 2018, making up 9.5% of all new cancer cases. This will have a significant socioeconomic impact. Having the ability to determine the aggressiveness risk of confirmed prostate cancer could enhance the choice of proper treatment for individuals. This could lead to better outcomes, especially in terms of prostate cancer specific mortality. Deep learning-based significant prostate cancer classification has attracted a lot of attention because it may one day be used to support therapeutic decision-making. In this research we propose four models for classification the prostate cancer based on transfer learning algorithms (EfficentNet, DenseNet and Xception). We used two datasets for diagnosing prostate cancer. One of them is the standard dataset which consists of six grades of cancers and the other is a personal dataset from laboratory which is new dataset from treated patients at the hospital of Zagazig university. The results are obtained by using the standard dataset is approximately 93.6% accuracy using EfficientNetB7 pretrained model. The results of the created dataset are 97.08%, 97.98%, 98.87% by using EfiicientNet, DenseNet121 and Xception transfer learning models respectively. The results were compared with the state of arts, and it outperform all of them and also the model can be used in applications.
The dynamic Epstein-Barr virus-related serological monitor on a large-scale population-based screening cohort: a ten-year prospective follow-up study
Authors: Xiong Lei , Lian Shifeng , Du Yun , Yu Xia , Wu Biaohua , Li Fugui , Zhan Jiyun , Liang Xuejun , Ji Mingfang
Published: June 2023

Background:
Previous large-scale screening studies have shown that Epstein-Barr virus antibodies (EBV) can facilitate early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the screening interval in population-based NPC screening remains unclear.
Methods:
We analyzed two previously selected EBV antibodies in plasma specimens to screen participants who participated in the NPC screening assessment in Xiaolan Town, Zhongshan City from August 2009 to September 2010. At the initial screening results, participants were divided into three groups according to the prediction formula calculated by their antibody levels (serological high-, medium- and low-groups). Participants at medium- and high-risk in initial screening were scheduled to be followed up with serological testing annually in the following 3 years, afterwards, participants can decide to continue screening or not. Participants were followed up annually through the Cancer Registry of Zhongshan City. NPC cases were confirmed by histology.
Results:
Among 16712 total subjects, 56 NPC cases were identified. In high-risk group, 83.8% of NPC were detected at initial screening and in first year of follow-up. All patients in high-risk group with persistent high-risk before diagnosis. 90% of subjects with NPC in medium-risk group rise to the Serological high risk before diagnosis. Among 16658 non-NPC subjects, the percentage of high, medium, and low risk subjects in each group fluctuated around (54.8%, 26.4%, 18.8%), (28.2%, 38.4%, 33.4%), and (8.6%, 17.9%, 73.5%), respectively, during the 10-year follow-up.
Conclusion:
NPC cases are mainly diagnosed at the first screening serologic in high risk, the persistent high-risk and medium to high serologic risk objective. Six years of follow-up is appropriate for individuals with persistent high serologic risk and for individuals with medium to high serologic risk.
FOXD1 promotes proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting SNAI1
Authors: Wu Zheng , Liu Minghui , Zhu Hui , Guo Shenghu , Zhang Yuehua , Wang Zhiyu
Published: June 2023

The transcription factor forkhead box D1 (FOXD1) is an important member of the FOX family, which is widely expressed in human embryonic cells and is thought to regulate organogenesis. It has been shown that FOXD1 could affect proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of various tumors and its deletion and overexpression in organisms will undoubtedly have important influence on the change of cell fate and the occurrence of tumors. However, the underlying functions and molecular mechanisms of FOXD1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have not been fully clarified. According to the present study, the expression levels and functional roles of FOXD1 were investigated, and its prognostic value and molecular mechanisms in tumorigenesis and progression of ESCC were clarified. The expression level of FOXD1 was significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines, and correlated with TNM stage, pathological differentiation, depth of invasion, and LN metastasis. Moreover, FOXD1 promoted cells migration and invasion as well as participated in TGF-β1 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Furthermore, a positive correlation between FOXD1 and SNAI1 was explored in ESCC. FOXD1 could directly bind to promoter regions of SNAI1 gene, leading to transcriptional promotion of SNAI1 in human esophageal cancer cells. Taken together, FOXD1 may play a tumor activator role in ESCC and may be applied as a new therapeutic target and prognostic marker for ESCC.
Enhanced terahertz phonon polariton in lithium niobate wafer
Authors: Li Yutong , Zhang Baolong , Li Yifei , Wu Xiaojun , Xu Xitan , Lu Yao , Wu Qiang , Wang Xuan , Lei Hongyi , Ma Jinglong , Liao Guoqian
Published: June 2023

Terahertz (THz) phonon polariton, a fundamental quasi-particle that couples phonon and electromagnetic fields in THz frequencies, is present in diverse materials, imparting multifarious functionalities to comprehend THz electromagnetic wave-matter interactions while enabling diverse THz optoelectronic devices and integrated systems. Despite the potential of THz phonon polariton, its proliferation is hampered by the absence of strong-field THz sources and highly sensitive electromagnetic spectra detection tools in the THz region. In this study, we showcase the efficient generation and amplification of THz phonon polaritons in lithium niobate wafers via optical-to-THz phase matching employing tilted pulsefront technique. The THz phonon polariton is imaged using spatiotemporal phase contrast imaging, with lateral pumping and phase matching allowing for the extension of the effective interaction length in lithium niobate wafers exceeding several millimeters. The observed THz phonon polariton in lithium niobate using tilted pulsefront phase matching unlocks new nonlinear THz optics possibilities. We envision that it may lead to potential applications in on-chip THz photonic devices and systems based on lithium niobate materials and its integrated heterostructures.
Seismically-induced landslide hazard mapping of Aba region, Sichuan Province for future seismic scenarios using LR modelling and probabilistic seismic hazard analysis
Authors: Shao Xiaoyi , Ma Siyuan , Xu Chong , Cheng Jia , Xu Xiwei
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this work is to carry out seismic-induced landslide hazard mapping for future seismic scenarios of Aba region. 9 earthquake events that occurred in Aba prefecture of Sichuan province and neighboring areas are selected, which include a total of 251260 landslide records. We used 13 influencing factors including elevation, slope, aspect, relief, topographic wetness index (TWI), topographic position index (TPI), ground motion, distance to active faults, vegetation coverage, distance to roads, lithology, and annual rainfall to establish the LR modelling. Based on the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA), the distribution of predicted seismic motion under four earthquake scenarios are calculated including frequent earthquake, basis earthquake, rare earthquake and very rare earthquake. Using the PGA distribution of the four scenarios as input data, we calculated the occurrence probability of coseismic landslides in the entire Aba area under the action of different ground motions. The result shows that the high-hazard areas are mainly concentrated in the Longmenshan fault zone, and the southern area of Kangding is also a potential high-hazard area for landsliding. Meanwhile, as the probability of exceedance decreases, the probability of corresponding earthquake landslides and the area of high-hazard region also significantly increase. Especially, the Pengguan complex rock mass in the southwest of the Longmenshan fault zone is the potential high-hazard area for coseismic landslides.
Association between Body Mass Index and Outcomes after Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Nationwide Inpatient Database Study in Japan
Authors: Karakawa Ryo , Konishi Takaaki , Yoshimatsu Hidehiko , Hashimoto Yohei , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yano Tomoyuki , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: June 2023

Background
Although autologous reconstruction following breast cancer surgery is common, little is known about the association between preoperative body mass index (BMI) and short-term surgical outcomes. This study investigated the association between BMI and short-term surgical outcomes in autologous breast reconstruction using a nationwide Japanese inpatient database.
Methods
We retrospectively identified female patients with breast cancer who underwent breast reconstruction using a pedicled flap or free flap from July 2010 to March 2020. Multivariable regression analyses and restricted cubic spline analyses were conducted to investigate the associations between BMI and short-term outcomes with adjustment for demographic and clinical backgrounds.
Results
Of the 13,734 eligible patients, 7.1% and 22.2% had a BMI of < 18.5 kg/m2 and > 25 kg/m2, respectively. Compared with BMI of 18.5–21.9 kg/m2, overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥ 30.0 kg/m2) were significantly associated with higher occurrences of takebacks (odds ratio, 1.74 [95% confidence interval, 1.28–2.38] and 2.89 [1.88–4.43], respectively) and overall complications (1.37 [1.20–1.57] and 1.77 [1.42–2.20], respectively). In the restricted cubic spline analyses, BMI showed J-shaped associations with takebacks, overall complications, local complications, and wound dehiscence. BMI also demonstrated linear associations with postoperative surgical site infection, duration of anesthesia, duration of drainage, length of stay, and hospitalization costs.
Conclusion
In autologous breast reconstruction following breast cancer surgery, a higher BMI was associated with takebacks, morbidity, a longer hospital stay, and higher total costs, whereas a lower BMI was associated with fewer surgical site infections, a shorter hospital stay, and lower total costs.
Development and validation the uterine fibroid symptom and quality of life short-form: based on classical test theory and modern test theory
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhang Jiayuan , Zhang Ruoyi , Chen Jiaojiao , Xu Fan , Shi Qiuling
Published: June 2023

Objectives
Previous research has shown that the self-consciousness and sexual function domain of the uterine fibroid symptom and quality of life (UFS-QoL) questionnaire exhibited poor adaptability and clinical applicability. In light of this, our objective was to develop a shorter version of the UFS-QoL questionnaire, while ensuring its reliability, validity, and clinical applicability, in order to enhance routine clinical assessments.
Methods
A secondary analysis was conducted on a prospective cohort study involving 20 Chinese hospitals and 2,411 Chinese women with fibroids. We employed both classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT) to select two items for each UFS-QoL subscale. In cases where inconsistencies arose from these two methods, we utilized responsiveness to identify items with a higher ability to detect change in clinical therapy. The short-form scale was evaluated for dimensionality, internal consistency reliability, and criterion and known-group validity through factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, Spearman correlations, and independent samples t-tests. To assess the ability to detect change, we compared pre-treatment and post-treatment (6 and 12 months) scores using effect size and standardized response mean.
Results
Considering the poor adaptability and clinical applicability, we made the decision to remove the self-consciousness subscale and retain only one item from the sexual functioning subscale. As a result, we administered and validated the 11-item short-form version of UFS-QoL (UFS-QoL-11). UFS-QoL-11 exhibited a strong correlation with UFS-QoL in each subscale, with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.7 (all P < 0.001). Exploratory factor analysis identified three subscales (symptom severity, concern, and daily life interference) with eigenvalues > 1 for UFS-QoL-11. The test items accounted for 64.46% of the total variance, slightly higher than the parent scale score of 63.60%. UFS-QoL-11 demonstrated excellent internal consistency and reliability across all subscales (> 0.7), representing a slight improvement compared to the full UFS-QoL. Furthermore, UFS-QoL-11 exhibited sensitivity in detecting varying levels of current health status, particularly at 6 and 12 months post-surgery. The responsiveness of UFS-QoL-11 was comparable to that of UFS-QoL, with all effect sizes > 0.5, demonstrating a strong ability to detect changes.
Conclusion
UFS-QoL-11 performs as well as the original version, while reducing the administrative burden by 70%. We firmly believe that the implementation of the newly developed UFS-QoL-11 has the potential to facilitate widespread, accurate, timely, and sensitive monitoring in both clinical and research settings.
Real time expression and in silico characterization of pea genes involved in salt and water-deficit stress
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Ahmad Rafiq , Shahzad Muhammad , Rehman Saad Ur , Sajjad Yasar , Hassan Amjad , Shah Mohammad Maroof , Afroz Amber , Khan Sabaz Ali
Published: June 2023

Background
To tolerate salt and water-deficit stress, the plant adapts to the adverse environment by regulating its metabolism and expressing certain stress-induced metabolic pathways. This research analyzed the relative expression of four pea genes (proC, PAL1, SOD, and POX) in three pea varieties (Climax, Green grass, and Meteor) under different levels of salt and water-deficit stress.
Methods and Results
Results from RT-qPCR analysis showed increased expression of proC, PAL1, and POX genes, while SOD gene expression decreased under both stresses. Climax exhibited superior stress tolerance with elevated expression of proC and PAL1, while Meteor showed better tolerance through increased POX expression. Phylogenetic analysis revealed common ancestry with other species like chickpea, red clover, mung bean, and barrel clover, suggesting about the cross relationship among these plant species. Conserved domain analysis of respective proteins revealed that these proteins contain PLNO 2688, PLN02457, Cu-Zn Superoxide dismutase, and secretory peroxidase conserved domains. Furthermore, protein family classification indicated that the oxidation-reduction process is the most common chemical process involved in these stresses given to peas which validate the relationship of these proteins.
Conclusions
Salt and water-deficit stresses trigger distinct metabolic pathways, leading to the upregulation of specific genes and the synthesis of corresponding proteins. These findings further emphasize the conservation of stress-tolerance-related genes and proteins across various plant species. This knowledge enhances our understanding of plant adaptation to stress and offers opportunities for developing strategies to improve stress resilience in crops, thereby addressing global food security challenges.
Will the arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest China become wetter Under Stabilized 1.5°C and 2.0°C Warming Futures?
Authors: Zhang Mi , Wang Shuyu , Wang Shuangshuang
Published: June 2023

Future dry-wet changes of Northwest China and their mechanisms remain controversial. Therefore, this work projected seasonal and annual dry-wet conditions in the arid (AD) and semi-arid (SA) regions by analyzing the variation of water availability, which is defined as precipitation minus evaporation. It was based on future climate change under 1.5/2.0°C stabilized warming scenarios (1.5s/2.0s) obtained using downscaled simulations from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The results showed that, the water availability in AD increased by 1.09 and 1.24 mm/month under 1.5s and 2.0s, respectively, while in SA, the increase was lower than in AD and even decreased in summer. The results of changes in moisture transport indicated a decrease in moisture supply to SA in summer, mainly related to moisture outflow from its southern boundary. The moisture budget analysis further demonstrated that, the increase of water availability in AD was mainly due to the enhanced contribution of the thermodynamic term caused by warming, which further increased by 8% with an additional warming of 0.5°C. Whereas the decrease in summer SA was from a negative contribution of the nonlinear term, which may be related to changes in the East Asian summer monsoon. This work linked future hydrological cycle processes with thermodynamical and dynamical processes in northwest China, providing an important basis for changes in the water cycle.
Interactive effects of multiple seed dispersers on plant fitness: An empirical study of the Japanese walnut and two rodent species
Authors: Okawa Ryunosuke , Saitoh Takashi , Noda Takashi
Published: June 2023

The effects of seed dispersers on plant fitness (seed dispersal effectiveness, SDE) have been evaluated based on the number (quantity) and recruitment probability (quality) of dispersed seeds. Although seeds of most zoochore species are dispersed by two or more animal species, which may interact with each other, SDE has been studied assuming a one-plant and one-animal species system. We compared the SDE of Japanese walnut (Juglans ailantifolia) between squirrel-only and squirrel-mouse sites in natural forests of Hokkaido, Japan, and found that the SDE from red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris), considered a primary seed disperser, was altered by an alternative seed disperser species, the Japanese wood mouse (Apodemus speciosus). Seed removal rates at the squirrel-mouse site were significantly higher than those at the squirrel-only site, and both dispersed seeds and seedlings were less aggregated with the strongly repulsive relationship with adult conspecific trees at the squirrel-mouse site. Seedlings established themselves at a location with fewer medium-sized trees (< 10 cm DBH) at the squirrel-mouse site. These results suggest that the interactive effect of the rodent species affects the SDE of the Japanese walnut.
Comprehensive characterization of the neurogenic and neuroprotective action of a novel TrkB agonist using mouse and human stem cell models of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Authors: Charou Despoina , Rogdakis Thanasis , Latorrata Alessia , Valcarcel Maria , Papadogiannis Vasileios , Athanasiou Christina , Tsengenes Alexandros , Papadopoulou Maria Anna , Lypitkas Dimitrios , Lavigne Matthieu D. , Katsila Theodora , Wade Rebecca C. , Cader M. Zameel , Calogeropoulou Theodora , Gravanis Achille , Charalampopoulos Ioannis
Published: June 2023

Background Neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation in the mammalian brain decreases to minimal levels postnatally. Nevertheless, neurogenic niches persist in the adult cortex and hippocampus in rodents, primates and humans, with adult NSC differentiation sharing key regulatory mechanisms with development. Adult neurogenesis impairments have been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) pathology. Addressing these impairments by using neurotrophic factors is a promising new avenue for therapeutic intervention based on neurogenesis. However, this possibility has been hindered by technical difficulties of using in-vivo models to conduct screens, including working with scarce NSCs in the adult brain and differences between human and mouse models or ethical limitations.Methods Here, we use a combination of mouse and human stem cell models for comprehensive in-vitro characterization of a novel neurogenic compound, focusing on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathway. The ability of ENT-A011, a steroidal dehydroepiandrosterone derivative, to activate the tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor was tested through western blotting in NIH-3T3 cells and its neurogenic and neuroprotective action were assessed through proliferation, cell death and Amyloid-β (Aβ) toxicity assays in mouse primary adult hippocampal NSCs, mouse embryonic cortical NSCs and neural progenitor cells differentiated from three human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from healthy and AD donors. RNA-seq profiling was used to assess if the compound acts through the same gene network as BDNF in human NPCs.Results ENT-A011 was able to increase proliferation of mouse primary adult hippocampal NSCs and embryonic cortical NSCs, in the absence of EGF/FGF, while reducing Aβ-induced cell death, acting selectively through TrkB activation. The compound was able to increase astrocytic gene markers involved in NSC maintenance, protect hippocampal neurons from Αβ toxicity and prevent synapse loss after Aβ treatment. ENT-A011 successfully induces proliferation and prevents cell death after Aβ toxicity in human NPCs, acting through a core gene network shared with BDNF as shown through RNA-seq.Conclusions Our work characterizes a novel BDNF mimetic with preferable pharmacological properties and neurogenic and neuroprotective actions in Alzheimer’s disease via stem cell-based screening, demonstrating the promise of stem cell systems for short-listing competitive candidates for further testing.
Needs and contents of a customized digital tool for retention in care and medication adherence among pregnant and breast-feeding women living with HIV in Kilimanjaro
Authors: Maro Rehema Anenmose , Ngowi Kennedy , Martin Haikael , Dillip Angel , Masika Lyidia , Mtenga Alan , Mtesha Benson , Boer Marion Sumari-de
Published: June 2023

Background
Retention in care and adherence to medication among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV (PBWLH) are crucial for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. Wide coverage of mobile phones, digital tools, including the use of internet-enabled medication dispensers and short message service (SMS), have been recommended as potential interventions to improve adherence to medication by PBWLH. The main objective of the study was to understand the needs and contents for a customized digital tool for retention in care and medication adherence among PBWLH.
Method
A mixed-methods study was conducted from September 2021 to March 2022 at five health facilities in Kilimanjaro region. Pregnant and breastfeeding women receiving PMTCT services were included in a survey using a semi-structured questionnaire. Among the interviewed, twenty breastfeeding women were purposively selected and enrolled to use an internet-enabled Wisepill medication dispenser for one month. They received different types of SMS reminders for a period of one month and feedback on their adherence patterns was received after one month using adherence graph from the Wisepill digital tool. Later, exit interviews and in-depth interviews were conducted to explore the needs and contents for a future customized digital adherence tool. Descriptive analyses for quantitative data and thematic content analyses for qualitative data were also done.
Results
Among 142 women interviewed, 42(30%) were pregnant and 100 (70%) were breastfeeding. A majority of 136 (95%) had access to mobile phones and used SMS daily, while 90% were interested in receiving reminder messages. Qualitative findings revealed more insights on reminders’ content and educational SMS. Most people preferred neutral SMS which does not contain the word “medication”. Health educational SMS content was preferred to be on breastfeeding, opportunistic diseases, nutrition and entrepreneurship education. Overall, SMSs were regarded helpful to remind clients of medication time and the medication dispenser provided them with privacy and safe storage for their medication.
Conclusions
Findings from this study will help to construct useful content for future digital adherence tools to support the health of pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV.
Novel Disulfidptosis-associated Genetic Signatures to Predict Prognosis in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Song Zheng , Luo Wei , Lv Caihong , Xu Ran , Wang Sihao , He Quanwei , Chang Xiujuan , Yang Yongping
Published: June 2023

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses significant challenges to prognosis prediction due to its heterogeneity and high recurrence rate. Disulfidoptosis, a unique form of cell death dependent on disulfide aggregation in cells overexpressing SLC7A11 under glucose starvation, distinguishes itself from known programmed cell death. However, the prognostic implications of disulfidoptosis-related genes in HCC require further elucidation.
Methods
From public databases, we gathered mRNA expression profiles and corresponding clinical data on HCC patients. Utilizing the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model, a four-gene signature was constructed in the TCGA cohort. Validation was performed from the ICGC and GSE14520 cohorts. According to the risk score, TIMER algorithm was used to analyze the infiltration of immune cells in the microenvironment of HCC. Predicted the sorafenib-therapeutic response was conducted based on the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses was performed to gain insights into the biological functions of the disulfidptosis model-associated genes.
Results
Seven known disulfidoptosis-related genes significantly correlated with overall survival (OS) according to univariate Cox regression analysis (P adj. < 0.05). High-risk patients demonstrated a significantly lower OS than low-risk patients (P = 0.002 in the TCGA and P = 0.004 in the ICGC cohort). The risk scores served as independent predictors of OS in both TCGA and ICGC cohorts, according to multivariate Cox regressions (HR > 1, P < 0.001). Gene signature prediction was further validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Notably, immune cell infiltration and the sorafenib treatment response differed between the two groups. Functional analysis revealed enrichment of mitosis-related pathways.
Conclusion
our study proposes a novel disulfidoptosis-related gene signature with potential clinical utility for prognostic prediction in HCC. For HCC, targeting disulfidoptosis may be a promising therapeutic option.
Medication-free treatment in mental health care: How does it differ from traditional treatment?
Authors: Standal Kari , Solbakken Ole A. , Rugkåsa Jorun , Halvorsen Margrethe S. , Abbass Allan , Wirsching Christopher , Brakstad Ingrid Engeseth , Heiervang Kristin S.
Published: June 2023

Background
Norwegian health authorities have implemented treatment units devoted to medication-free mental health treatment in all health regions to improve people’s freedom of choice. This article examines how medication-free treatment differs from treatment as usual across various central dimensions.
Methods
We used a mixed-methods design that included questionnaire data obtained from a medication-free unit and two comparison units (n 59 + 124), as well as interviews with patients (n 5) and staff (n 8) in the medication-free unit. Participants compared their experiences with the unit to other relevant experiences with mental health care.
Results
Medication-free treatment involved less reliance on medications to become well and more extensive psychosocial treatment that involved a culture of openness, expression of feelings, and focus on individual responsibility and intensive work. The extent of formal examination and overall ratings of help with medications was similar to that in standard treatment. Medication-free treatment was experienced as more demanding. For patients, this could be connected to a stronger sense of purpose and was experienced as helpful but could also be experienced as a type of pressure and lack of understanding. The extent of patient influence for medication-free treatment compared with standard treatment varied on different themes, but the overall measures related to patient influence were similar between medication-free and standard treatment. Patients in medication-free treatment had more freedom to reduce or not use medication. Other changes went in different directions. Patients in medication-free treatment reported greater satisfaction with the treatment, which may be linked to a richer psychosocial treatment package that focuses on patient participation and freedom from pressure to use medication.
Conclusion
The findings provide insights into how a medication-free treatment service might work and show that it can be a viable alternative for people who are not comfortable with the current medication focus of mental health care. Patients react differently to increased demands and clinicians should be reflexive of the dimensions of individualism–relationalism in medication-free treatment services.
Trial registration:
This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT03499080) on 17 April 2018.
Voxel Image of Crystals for High-Throughput Materials Screening: Formation Energy Prediction by a Deep Convolutional Network
Authors: Davariashtiyani Ali , Kadkhodaei Sara
Published: June 2023

Emerging machine-learned models have enabled efficient and accurate prediction of compound formation energy. While the prevalent models rely on graph structures for representing crystalline materials, we introduce an alternative approach using voxel images of crystals. By designing a deep and complex convolutional network, we demonstrate the capability to learn the underlying features of structural and chemical arrangements in inorganic compounds from this visual image representation and map them to the compounds’ formation energy. Our model achieves accurate formation energy prediction by utilizing skip connections in a deep convolutional network and incorporating augmentation of rotated crystal samples during training, performing on par with state-of-the-art methods. By adopting visual images as an alternative representation for crystal compounds and harnessing the capabilities of deep convolutional networks, this study extends the frontier of machine learning for accelerated materials discovery and optimization. In a comprehensive evaluation, we analyze the predicted convex hulls for 3,115 binary systems and introduce error metrics beyond formation energy error. This evaluation offers valuable insights into the impact of formation energy error on the performance of the predicted convex hulls.
Genome-wide identification of the basic leucine zipper transcription factor genes related to starch synthesis in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Ding Jinjin , Chen Xiaolei , Karim Hassan , Carlos Guzmán , Harwood Wendy , Tang Huaping , Dong Huixue , Xu Qiang , Zhang Yazhou , Jiang Yunfeng , Qi Pengfei , Deng Mei , Ma Jian , Pu Zhien , Li Wei , Wang Jirui , Chen Guoyue , Wei Yuming , Zheng Youliang , jiang Qiantao
Published: June 2023

The growth and development of plants are dependent upon the transcription factors. In plants, the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family of transcription factor is known for its largest size and diversity. Using newly available wheat genome data, we compared our identification of 181 Triticum aestivum bZIP (TabZIP) genes to those reported in earlier studies. One gene was characterized, and some duplicate genes and incorrect annotations in previous studies are supplemented and corrected. The 181 bZIP genes identified were divided into 13 known groups and 5 unknown groups by phylogenetic analysis. All of the bZIP genes exhibit a minimum of one bZIP motif in their motif distribution and gene structure. Spatial and temporal expression patterns of bZIP family members during various stages of plant growth vary, as suggested by transcriptome data.
As per the expression data obtained via quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), over 10 TabZIP genes showed similarity with starch synthesis in wheat. In vitro binding activity of TabZIP68 to the promoter of TaWaxy was demonstrated by a dual-luciferase reporter (LUC) assay. Given its potential involvement in starch synthesis, the TabZIP68gene presents itself as a strong candidate for further investigation.
DNA damage repair and ROS manipulation in response to 60Co γ-ray radiation and FcMYB5-mediated flavonoid response mechanisms in axillary buds of Ficus carica L
Authors: Wang Ziran , Chen Ziyu , Li Jinping , Zheng Chuanlin , Bahayiding Wupur , Ma Huiqin
Published: June 2023

Background The irradiation of plant species has been used to induce inheritable genetic variations in cropgermplasms. However, the underlying mechanisms involved remain unclear. In the present study, young shoot cuttings of Ficus carica L. were treated with 100 grays (Gy) of 60Co γ-rays and axillary buds were collected at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 h post-irradiation.
Results RNA-seq analysis revealed 5337, 7135, 4289, 1595 and 2356 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at five time points, respectively. KEGG enrichment revealed the homologous recombination pathway displayed significant differential regulation at 3 and 6 h after irradiation, while pathways for DNA replication, base excision repair and mismatch repair were only significantly enriched at 3 h. taking together the number of 16 retrotransposons found upregulation at 6 h. The results indicated the major routes of early DNA damage repair and the window time of mutation initiation. DEGs of MAPK signaling pathway were significantly enriched at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after irradiation demonstrated the mobilization of kinase signaling cascades in response to cellular stress. The SOD, POD and CAT enzyme activities of fig axillary buds after radiation treatment showed a decreasing and then increasing trend with increasing time, while the MDA and H2O2 contents basically maintained an increasing trend. Enriched DEGs in reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, glutathione-S-transferase and of biosynthetic pathways for phenylpropanoids and flavonoids were detected at all time points, indicating a comprehensive mechanism for eliminating the radiation-induced cellular ROS burst. Among them, a large number of changes in MYB, WARKY and bHLH transcription factor family genes were found within 6 h. of radiation. Luciferase assay and yeast one-hybrid screen revealed that FcMYB5 binds the promoter region of FcCHS in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, suggesting that radiation may promote the functional activation of some transcription factors leading to the accumulation of antioxidant-like secondary metabolites.
Conclusions Our results could help to improve the efficiency of radiation induced mutagenesis, support new traits creation and enable a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying radiation tolerance in different plant materials.
Sildenafil Improves Hemodynamic Changes Caused by Acute Pulmonary Embolism by Inhibiting Rho-kinase Activity
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Wei , Yan Yan , Shi Meng-Jie , Hou Feng , Zhang Rui-Peng
Published: June 2023

Acute right heart failure and/or circulatory shock caused by a dramatic increase in pulmonary vascular resistance are the main causes of death from acute pulmonary embolism (APE), and drug intervention of neurohumoral factor-mediated pulmonary vasoconstriction may reduce APE-induced hemodynamic disturbances and improve prognosis. Sildenafil is a cGMP specific highly selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) and its main mechanism of action is vasodilator effect via cGMP. In our study, the results showed that Rho kinase signaling pathway was activated during APE in rats, and sildenafil intervention inhibited the activation of Rho kinase signaling pathway in APE rats, elucidating the mechanism of sildenafil protection against APE and providing new ideas for the clinical treatment of acute pulmonary thromboembolism.
Genome-based analysis for the biosynthetic potential of Streptomyces sp. FIM 95-F1 producing antifungal antibiotic Scopafungin
Authors: Fei Peng , Wenzhou Zhang , Yangjun Lin , Yuee Zhuang , Ping Lin , Yiwen Zhou , Chengzhi Liu , Zihan Zhuang , Jingyan Xu , Shiqian Wu , Xinxin Huang , Hong Jiang , Yunyang Lian , Youxia Huang , Linlin Chen
Published: June 2023

Background: Marine microbial members of the genus Streptomyces are an excellent source for novel secondary metabolites. However, publicly available complete genome sequences of marine streptomycetes are still limited. Here, 16S rRNA phylogeny analysis and morphological characterization of a marine Streptomyces sp. FIM95-F1 was demonstrated. Meanwhile, the complete genome sequence of this strain was also presented and employed to examine the biosynthetic potential by informatic analysis.
Results: The 16S rRNA phylogeny analysis and morphological characterization revealed that isolated strain FIM95-F1 belonged to the genus of Streptomyces and had the closest genetic relative with S. antimycoticus. To investigate the biosynthesis potential of this strain, a high quality complete genome (9.7 Mb) of Streptomyces sp. FIM95-F1 was obtained with a G + C content of 71.04% and 8236 protein coding genes. The in silico analysis revealed presence of 42 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), the most of which showed similarity with the known and novel BGCs that are responsible for the biosynthesis of previously known and novel bioactive agents of microbial origin. Specifically, the BGC of the antifungal antibiotic scopafungin produced by strain FIM95-F1, named as spf BGC, was characterized. Detailed comparison of the scopafungin BGC with niphimycin BGC has suggested the proposed common pathway for scopafungin biosynthesis and determined the absolute configuration of the stereocenters of scopafungin. One of the interesting outcomes of this study was to discover at least two novel BGCs (Cluster 26 and Cluster 32) present in biosynthetic gene clusters, suggesting that Streptomycessp. FIM95-F1 has the potential to be developed as a producer for novel secondary metabolites production.
Conclusions: This study highlights the biosynthesis potential of strain FIM95-F1 related to the secondary metabolite production using genomic based approach. Our results indicate that Streptomycessp. FIM95-F1 has great potential to produce a variety of potentially valuable known and novel bioactive compounds for drug discovery.
High Rates of International Code Violations: A Cross Sectional Study in one Region of Canada with Low Breastfeeding Rates
Authors: Barry Susan , Buckle Hannah , Newhook Leigh Anne Allwood , Roebothan Barbara , Howell Brittany , Gates Heather , Twells Laurie
Published: June 2023

Background
Exposure to marketing and promotion of commercial milk formula is associated with an increased likelihood of formula-feeding. In 1981, the International Code (IC) of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes was adopted by the 34th World Health Assembly (WHA) to restrict the promotion, marketing and advertising of commercial milk formulas and to protect breastfeeding. The aim of the current study is to examine mothers’ exposure to violations of the IC in a province of Canada with low breastfeeding rates.
Methods
A cross-sectional study of 119 participants completed an online survey including questions on IC violations related to marketing, advertising and promotion of commercial milk formula. Data were collected on type, frequency, and location of violation.
Results
The majority of participants (87.4%, n = 104/119) reported being exposed to at least one IC violation (95% CI 0.82, 0.93). Of the exposed group (n = 104): 94.2% of participants reported receiving coupons or discount codes for the purchase of commercial milk formula; 88.3% reported receiving free samples of commercial milk formula directly from infant formula manufacturers while 78.8% were directly contacted for advertising purposes by infant formula companies via email, text message, mail or phone. Almost one-third (n = 28/104, 27.2%) reported seeing commercial milk formula promotional materials in health care facilities. Doctors’ offices, supermarkets, and pharmacies were the most common place to view branding (79%, 75%, and 71%, respectively).
Conclusion
Most study participants were exposed to marketing of commercial milk formula. The most frequent violations provide evidence infant formula companies target and directly contact new mothers to provide unsolicited promotions and free samples of commercial milk formula.
Fabrication of Natural Fiber Mixed Natural Matrix Composite Infused Indoor Air Purifier with Health Impact Simulation
Authors: prasanthi phani , K Sivaji Babu , M Niranjan Kumar
Published: June 2023

The inhalation of airborne particles can endanger the health of any human being. Natural fiber and natural fiber reinforced with natural matrix material are employed in this work to create an indoor air purifier. Various natural fiber and natural composite combinations are used to purify the interior environment by eliminating particulate matter of various sizes and volatile organic chemicals. An air purifier is created using four distinct natural fibers, including hemp, jute, silk cocoon, and coir fibers, as well as neem and alovera gel as natural filler materials. An air quality-monitoring instrument is used to validate the performance of the designed natural fiber/natural plant-based filler material-equipped air purifier. Particulate matter of various sizes and volatile organic compounds in the indoor environment are detected at various time intervals. The efficacy of the air purifier is afterwards determined in human lungs of various ages utilizing health impact simulation studies. The current product is utilized to effectively purify indoor air by eliminating particulates and volatile organic chemicals.
Identifying Acid Lakes and Associated Rock Exposure in Glacial Retreat Zones in the Peruvian Andes using Landsat 8 Imagery
Authors: Garcia Jorge L. , Huaman Yizet E. , Willems Bram L. , Loayza-Muro Raúl , Moreira-Turcq Patricia , Wadham Jemma L. , Macdonald Moya L. , Bustamante Angel
Published: June 2023

This study presents an empirical method for identifying and monitoring acidic lakes impacted by acid rock drainage (ARD) processes in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru, using Landsat 8 images. ARD poses a threat to water security for downstream populations and has been associated with glacier retreat in various river catchments in the region. Previous research has linked water source acidification to the progressive exposure of the sulphide-rich Chicama Formation (Js-Chic), previously covered by perennial ice. However, traditional identification methods rely on labor-intensive ground-based field campaigns, limiting the scope of studies and hindering future predictions. Upon correlating the Landsat 8-derived pH proxies with the Js-Chic map, a higher Js-Chic exposure was observed near highly acidic lakes. Notably, Js-Chic exposure areas exceeding 60 hectares coincided with highly acidic lakes (pH < 4). We also analyzed glacial retreat in the study basins through a time series of the Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) from 1986 to 2019, finding greater glacial retreat in basins with acidic lakes. We also compared vegetation quality in these basins over the same period using the average Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and observed higher vegetation quality in acidic-lake basins. We then developed a methodology to assess lake acidity based on the spectral signatures of 28 lakes in the Cordillera Blanca. These results suggest that a greater Js-Chic exposure area near a lake may indicate acidity. We applied this methodology on 267 lakes in the Cordillera Blanca and found 60 lakes to be highly acidic with a pH < 4 (22.5%), and 207 lakes (77.5%) with a pH > 4. However, these findings should be supplemented with more complex analyses, as there is currently limited in situ monitoring data on lake pH.