bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic cigarettes use and ‘dual-use’ among the youth in 75 countries- Estimates from Global Youth Tobacco Surveys (2014-2019)
Authors: Sreeramare Chandrashekhar T , Acharya Kiran , Manoharan Anusha
Published: August 2022

Background We report the country-level prevalence of awareness about and electronic cigarette use, and ‘dual use’ and its associations with age, sex, and country income,e and e-cigarette regulatory status. Methods We analyzed the most recent Global Youth Tobacco Surveys done on nationally representative samples of school-going youth aged 13–15 years in 75 countries. The weighted prevalence of ‘awareness’ (heard about e-cigarettes), ‘ever use’ (even tried a few puffs), ‘current use’ (during the last 30 days), and ‘dual-use’ (e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking during the last 30 days) were estimated. Results Awareness was > 80% in 13 countries mostly from Europe, Poland being the highest at 95.8% (95% CI94.8- 96.6). In seven countries, 30–50% of the youth had ever used an e-cigarette, Italy was the highest at 55.1% (95%CI 51 − 3,58.9). In 30 countries, current e-cigarette use was > 10%, highest of 35.1% (95%CI 32.4–38.0) in Guam. Awareness and use were highest in the European region (74.6% and 34.5%) and HIC (83.6% and 39.4%). Youth from HIC and countries having restrictive e-cigarette regulations had 1.1 times (aOR 1.03, 95% CI 1.03, 1.24) and 1.8 times (aOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.63, 2.01) higher odds of being current e-cigarette users. Youth in countries with the most restrictive e-cigarette regulations had 0.6 times lower odds of being current e-cigarette users (aOR 0.64, 95% CI 0.56, 0.72). Conclusion Awareness and e-cigarette use varied by sex, country income level, and region. Continued global surveillance of youth e-cigarette use to assist in the formulation of e-cigarette regulatory policy. Implications Awareness and use of e-cigarettes including dual-use were higher among boys, in countries in Europe and America regions, and those with higher income and restrictive policies, whereas lower in most restrictive policies. Higher awareness strongly correlated with a trial and current use of e-cigarettes. E-cigarette marketing should be restricted, and continued surveillance of e-cigarette use is needed. Most restrictive policies such as the ban on e-cigarettes appear to reduce e-cigarette use among the youth.
Community Belonging and Flourishing in Youth: The role of Positive Coping and Racial and Ethnic Identity
Authors: Kerai Salima , Karim Mohammad Ehsanul , Oberle Eva
Published: August 2022

Objectives
Community belonging, and positive coping are two distinct protective factors contributing to positive mental health in youth. It is currently unknown whether these two factors shape youth mental health independently or whether community belonging shapes youth mental health through an indirect pathway of positive coping. To address this gap, we evaluated the mediating role of positive coping skills in the relationship between community belonging and positive mental health in youth. We further explored if the mediation pathway through positive coping skills differs between youth who self-identify as White versus those who do not.
Methods
We analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of 5,338 Canadian youth (15–29 years old; 47.5% female). We performed a mediation analysis using a counterfactual approach adjusting for national survey design and key demographic, lifestyle and health-related factors.
Results
We found that positive coping skills mediated the relationship between community belonging and positive mental health in Canadian youth (effect mediated was 13.9%; 95% CI 6.1–23.8%). Furthermore, compared to youth identifying as White, those who did not have a higher likelihood of flourishing more directly from experiencing a stronger sense of belonging than indirectly through positive coping skills.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that part of the association between community belonging, and mental health can be explained through enhanced positive coping skills in youth. The strength of the pathway differs by youths' racial and ethnic backgrounds. Thus, community connectedness and positive coping - understood as protective mechanisms - can be targeted for mental health promotion in youths.
Baseline Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra Cycle Threshold provides a good estimate of bacterial load and has added value as a predictor of smear positivity in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Martin-Higuera MC. , Rivas Gonzalo , Rolo Marta , Muñoz-Gallego Irene , Lopez-Roa Paula
Published: August 2022

Traditionally, smear microscopy has been used as to estimate bacillary burden in order to assess infectiousness in tuberculosis patients. Xpert Ultra has the potential to replace smear. However, there are scarce data available to support its use as a quantitative marker. This study assessed the correlation between CT (with and without normalization), smear, culture time-to-positivity (TTP), and clinical factors in patients with Xpert ultra positive sputum during a four-year period. A cut off CT value for smear positivity was also determined. Two hundred and four samples were included. Strong correlation between both Xpert Ultra CT values (raw and normalized) and smear grade was obtained (r = 0.78 and − 0.79, respectively). The association between CT and TTP was weaker than smear (r = 0.50) but strong correlation (-0.70) between TTP and normalized- CT (N- CT) was observed. A cut off N- CT value of 5.2 was found to best predict smear positivity. Only cavitation and cough were significantly related to a higher bacillary burden. Our study suggests that Xpert Ultra N-Ct correlates well with smear and TTP, and demonstrates the added value of N-Ct as a predictor of positive smear status.
Clinical and cone-beam CT analysis of the effectiveness of anterior repositioning splint therapy in the management of temporomandibular joint click in different age groups
Authors: Li Chuanjie , Zhang Qingbin
Published: August 2022

Background:Joint click is a typical symptom for TMD and can be treated by anterior repositioning splint (ARS) therapy. However, the effect of treatment in different age groups has not been evaluated. To analysis of the effectiveness of ARS therapy in the management of TMJ click in different age groups based on the results of clinical and CBCT examination.Methods:Patients with TMJ click admitted to TMJ Diagnosis and Treatment Center in 2021 were included in this study. They divided into 2 groups according to ages: ≤22Y and >22Y. Clinical features included click severity, symptom duration and CBCT imaging characteristics (condylar position and condylar ratio) were analyzed.Results:169 patients with 338TMJs were studied in this study. The mean age of paitents was 18.78±2.8 in the ≤22Y group (78 patients) and 30.53±10.6 in the >22Y group (91 patients). Sex distribution, CSV, ratio of CSV=1, ratio of CSV=2, symptom duration showed no statistical differences between the two groups. Before ARS treatment, there was no significant difference in AJS, PJS and condylar ratio, but the proportion of posteriorly positioned condyle in ≤22Y group (72, 46.2%) was significantly smaller than that in the >22Y group (100, 54.9%). After ARS treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in AJS, PJS, condylar ratio and condylar position, but the change of condylar ratio in ≤22Y group (0.03±0.10) was significantly higher than that in >22Y group (-0.02±0.11). The positive results (39.7%) in ≤22Y group were greater than >22Y group (17.9%). The time required for CSV=0 in ≤22Y group (2.03±1.14) was significantly shorter than that in >22Y group (2.66±1.41). In the first and second months of follow-up, the ratio for CSV=0 (46.1%, 65.8%) in ≤22Y group was significantly higher than that in >22Y group (22.5%, 50.0%).Conclusions:ARS is more effective in joint clicking treatment in the group ≤22Y. Although AJS, PJS, condylar ratio and condylar position did not change significantly after ARS treatment, the rate of positive results in condylar position was higher in the ≤22Y group.Trial registration:This study was retrospectively registered On 28/03/2022 and endorsed by the Ethics committee (LCYJ2022014).
Near-frictionless ion transport from rigid nanoconfinement by triazine framework membranes
Authors: Yang Zhengjin , Zuo Peipei , Ye Chunchun , Jiao Zhongren , Luo Jian , Fang Junkai , Schubert Ulrich , McKeown Neil , Liu Tianbiao , Xu Tongwen
Published: August 2022

Many separation, purification processes and electrochemical technologies such as water electrolysers1,2, fuel cells3,4, redox flow battery5,6 and ion-capture electrodialysis7 hinge on the development of low-resistance and high-selectivity ion-transport membranes (SIMs). The transport of ions through SIMs depends on the overall energy barrier which are imposed by the collective interplay of pore architecture and pore-analytes interaction8,9. However, it remains challenging to design efficient, scalable and low-cost SIMs with low-energy-barrier ion channels. Here we pursue a strategy to approach the diffusion limit of ions in water for large-area free-standing synthetic membranes using covalently bonded polymer frameworks with rigidity-confined ion channels. The near-frictionless ion flow is synergistically fulfilled by robust micropore confinement and multi-interaction between ion and membrane, which afford, for instance, a Na+ diffusion coefficient of is 1.18×10-9 square meter per second, close to the value in pure water at infinite dilution and an area-specific membrane resistance as low as 0.17 Ohm square centimeter. We demonstrate the great efficacy of membranes in fast-charging aqueous organic redox flow batteries that deliver both high energy efficiency and high capacity utilization at extremely high current densities (up to 500 milliampere per square centimeter), while avoiding crossover-induced capacity decay. This membrane design concept may be broadly applicable to membranes for a wide range of electrochemical devices and for precise molecular separation.
EGCG promotes Aβ clearance of microglia through blockage of the HDAC6-PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling axis followed by autophagy activation
Authors: Hong Honghai , Mo Yousheng , Chen Yan , Li Dongli , Liao Yanfang , Fang Jiansong , Zhang Zongtao , Shao Ling , Lai Yiyi , Fu Xiaomei , Wang Qi , Xia Yong , Fang Shuhuan
Published: August 2022

Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterised with signature pathological lesions of extracellular senile plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles comprising amyloid beta (Aβ) protein and hyperphosphorylated tau protein, respectively. Microglia, the major players of innate immune cells in the brain, can cleave Aβ via phagocytosis and autophagy. Methods To examine the effects of EGCG on the cognitive deficit of APP/PS1 mice, behavioural tests such as open-field test and Y-maze were performed and hippocampus tissues were collected for Immunofluorescence assay after EGCG treatment. We estimated expression levels of various related proteins by western blot to evaluate the role of EGCG in AD progression. To investigate whether EGCG protects SH-SY5Y cells following microglial cell-mediated clearance of Aβ1−42,we performed a co-culture experiment with SH-SY5Y cells and N9 microglia. Results Our results demonstrate that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major green tea phytochemical, could improve the learning and memory abilities of AD mice, erase Aβ deposition, and promote microglial proliferation. The EGCG-induced Aβ clearance by microglia is mediated through the blockade of the histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and the subsequent activation of autophagy. EGCG protects neuronal cells from Aβ1−42-mediated toxicity through the clearance of Aβ by microglia. Conclusion Our work describes an EGCG-HDAC6-PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling axis that influences microglial autophagy, and suggests that the therapeutic targeting of this axis could enhance the cognitive function in AD by Aβ clearance.
Prediction of the left ventricular ejection fraction by machine learning algorithms based on heart rate variability parameters in patients with ischemic heart disease
Authors: Tian Xiaochen , Lu Ping , Tao Han , Li Jing , Cai Qian , Liu Guozhen , Kang Lianghuan , Yang Min , Liu Yanjun , Lu Qinghua
Published: August 2022

Background
The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and prediction of ischemic heart disease (IHD). Current techniques to measure LVEF have led to some complications and are relatively expensive despite the high accuracy. Heart rate variability (HRV) is an alternative for the assessment of cardiac function and its related parameters are easily to be derived from electrocardiography.
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the corresponding relationship between LVEF and HRV in patients with IHD via prediction models developed by machine learning techniques and compare the accuracy of these models.
Methods
In this retrospective real-world study, patients with IHD admitted to Jinan 4th People’s hospital between January 2019 and December 2020 were randomly selected and divided into a derivation cohort and a validation cohort in a 7:3 ratio. LVEF were measured by color Doppler echocardiography while HRV-related parameters were derived from a 24h Holter electrocardiography recordings. Patient clinical features and HRV parameters were identified and used in the subsequent modelling process. Logistic regression, naïve Bayes, decision tree, gradient boosting, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoosting) and random forests were respectively applied to estimate the correlation between HRV and LVEF. Model performances were evaluated by the coefficient R2 (the closer the result is to 1, the better) and the accuracy (a precise prediction was defined as the accuracy ≥ 90%).
Results
A total of 179 patients were included in this study with 125 (mean age 67.03 ± 16.12, male 72 [53.7%]) in the derivation cohort and 54 (mean age 62.51 ± 12.97, male 19 [48.7%]) in the validation cohort. Six variables including sex, age, SDNN, SDANN, rMSSD and pNN50 were found to be correlated with LVEF. Gradient boosting and random forests outperformed other machine learning models, showing the best prediction performance (> 90%) in the prediction of both LVEF percentage (%) and LVEF stratifications (< 40%, 40–50%, > 50%). These six indicators showed different contributions in different algorithms with sex as the least important indicator.
Conclusion
Gradient boosting and random forests machine learning models based on HRV- and patient characteristics-related parameters provided a new method in predicting LVEF in patients with IHD, which showed a potential in the diagnosis of IHD.
First case of VIM-1-producing Leclercia adecarboxylata in Oman: A case report and literature review
Authors: Shuhoumi Mohammed Al , Mhrooqi Abdulrahman Al , Rashdi Azza Al , Jardani Amina Al
Published: August 2022

Leclercia adecarboxylata is a recently acknowledged emerging pathogen. It is a member of the Enterobacterals family, formerly thought to be a member of the genus Escherichia. Isolation was reported from various animal and environmental specimens. However, it rarely causes infection in humans, and the true frequency is unknown or underestimated. Leclercia adecarboxylata showed an ascending resistance grade from pan-sensitive to Carbapenem-resistant due to its ability to produce and harbour hydrolyzing enzymes that challenge daily clinical practices. In our report, the isolate was misidentified as Citrobacter koseri by API E and Pantoea species by Vitek 2 but confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS and 16S ribosomal RNA analysis as Leclercia adecarboxylata. Conventional PCR revealed the presence of two populations of resistance genes, VIM-1 and OXA-48. Herein, a report of the first emergence of Leclercia adecarboxylata producing VIM-1 in a clinical sample of a 63-year-old non-immunocompromised female with acute intracerebral haemorrhage.
Gender Related Trends in Ophthalmology: Professional Career
and Personal Life Performance
Authors: Barequet Irina , Rosenblatt Amir , Fogler Michal , Pedut-Kloizman Tamar , Gaton Dan , Loewenstein Anat , Habot-Wilner Zohar
Published: August 2022

Background Gender-diversity trends in ophthalmology in Israel have not been studied despite a high proportion of female ophthalmologists. Our purpose was to evaluate gender-related trends of ophthalmology professional career and personal life performance in early and advanced careers in Israel.Methods A survey based on a nation-wide voluntary anonymous web questionnaire was distributed to the members of the Israeli Ophthalmological Society. The questionnaire included questions referring to professional career and personal life performance. Gender differences were analyzed. Results Out of 252 respondents, 116 (46%) were women, with a mean age of 47.97+-11.3 and 53.18+-12.4 (P=0.01) years, respectively. Marital status, post-residency fellowship performance or duration, an additional academic degree, academic appointments, and managerial positions were similar between genders. Fellowship predominance of males was found in cornea/cataract/refractive and of females in strabismus, pediatric ophthalmology, and neuro-ophthalmology (P<0.01, P=0.032, respectively). Men had significantly more publications and appointments in peer review journals and work hours (P=0.04 and P=0.02, P =0.027, respectively). Both genders responded similarly regarding work satisfaction, combination between family life and work. More women felt inequity during and post-residency in clinical (P =0.011, P=0.001, respectively) and surgical work (P=0.001, P=0.035, respectively). More women experienced inappropriate remarks from patients and sexual harassment (P=0.001, P<0.001, respectively), and supported the need for affirmative action (P<0.0001). Conclusions Several gender disparities were found among ophthalmologists in Israel, including subspecialties distributions, publications, appointments in peer review journals, working hour, work inequity sense, harassment events and support the need for affirmative action.
The Mental health related barriers and benefits to EXercise (MEX) scale
Authors: Connolly Madeleine , Bowden Stephen C. , Pascoe Michaela C. , Dam Nicholas T. Van
Published: August 2022

Background: Physical exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, the most common mental health disorders globally. Despite the benefits of exercise in anxiety and depression, the symptoms of these disorders may directly contribute to a lack of engagement with exercise. However, mental health-related barriers and benefits to exercise engagement have not been addressed in quantitative research. We introduce the development and psychometric validation of the Mental health-related barriers and benefits to EXercise (MEX) scale. Results: Two datasets were collected and split into three samples (sample 1 n = 492; sample 2 n = 302; sample 3 n = 303) for scale refinement and validation with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. We identified a 30-item, two-factor model comprising 15 barrier and 15 benefit items. Overall model fit was excellent for an item-level scale across the three samples (CFI = 0.935 to 0.951; RMSEA = 0.037 to 0.039). Internal consistency was also excellent across the three samples (α = 0.900 to 0.951). The barriers subscale was positively correlated with symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress, and negatively correlated with measures of physical activity and exercise engagement. The benefits subscale was negatively correlated with symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress, and positively correlated with measures of physical activity and exercise engagement. Conclusion: The MEX is a novel, psychometrically robust scale, which is appropriate for research and for clinical use to ascertain individual and/or group level mental health-related barriers and benefits to exercise.
Biocidal properties of Chitosan-encapsulated ternary titanium dioxide-nickel oxide-copper oxide hybrid nanomaterials were prepared via a facile one-pot precipitation process
Authors: Vishnuvardhanaraj Govindaraj , Bharathidasan Ganesan , Tamilvedan Dhanapal , Karthikeyan Chandrasekaran
Published: August 2022

Chitosan-encapsulated ternary titanium dioxide-nickel oxide-copper oxide (CTNC) hybrid nanomaterials (HNM) were synthesis via a facile one-pot precipitation method. The synthesized Chitosan-titanium dioxide-nickel oxide-copper oxide was characterized by XRD, UV, FTIR, DLS, FESEM, EDAX, and PL tested against G- (gram-negative) bacterial strain such asK. pneumonia,S. dysenteriae,E. coli,P. Vulgaris,P. aeruginosa, andV. cholerae, employed by the well method. The CTNC hybrid nanomaterials exhibit a more substantial antibacterial effect against gram-negative bacteria. The MDA-MB-231 cell-line, with an IC50concentration value of 9.8 g/mL was chosen to test CTNC hybrid nanomaterials' anticancer properties against human breast cancer cell lines. The toxicity studies of fibroblast L929 cells showed that the CTNC hybrid nanomaterials were less harmful to the healthy cells. As a result, the CTNC hybrid nanomaterials can be used for biomedical and industrial applications to improve human health conditions.
circPLIN2 promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression by binding IGF2BP proteins and miR-199a-3p
Authors: Zhao Bin , Huang Cong , Pan Jie , Hu Hao , Liu Xiaojuan , Zhang Kaoyuan , Zhou Fenli , Shi Xin , Wu Jun , Yu Bo , Chen Xiaofan , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2022

Recent evidence has indicated that circular RNAs (circRNAs), as a novel type of regulatory RNA, play important roles in the development and progression of various cancers. However, the potential regulatory roles and molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain largely unclear. Herein, we explored the expression profiles of circRNAs in 10 paired samples of RCC (including cancer tissues and surrounding tissues) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE124453 and GSE108735. We initially identified hsa_circ_0086457, designated circPLIN2, which was derived from exons 4 to 5 of the PLIN2 gene. circPLIN2 was significantly upregulated in ccRCC cells and tissues, and its overexpression was correlated with higher clinical stage and worse prognosis in ccRCC patients. We observed that circPLIN2 was preferentially located in the cytoplasm and had more stability than its linear counterpart PLIN2. Moreover, gain- and loss-of-function assays demonstrated that elevated circPLIN2 promoted ccRCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and ccRCC tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, circPLIN2 not only enhanced the mRNA stability of c-Myc and MARCKSL1 by binding to the KH domains of IGF2BP proteins but also competitively sponged miR-199a-3p to abolish the repressive effect of miR-199a-3p on ZEB1, which ultimately resulted in tumorigenesis and progression of ccRCC. Collectively, our results suggest that circPLIN2 may serve as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker as well as a potential therapeutic target for ccRCC patients.
Neoadjuvant Checkpoint Blockade in Combination with Chemotherapy in Patients with Tripe-Negative Breast Cancer: Exploratory Analysis of Real-World, Multicenter Data
Authors: Deng Heran , Wang Liying , Wang Na , Zhang Kejin , Zhao Yanxia , Qiu Pengfei , Qi Xiaowei , Zhang Danhua , Xu Fei , Liu Jieqiong
Published: August 2022

Purpose
Histological subtypes of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients have an unfavorable outcome. Many randomized controlled trials have showed that neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy can enhance the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate and/or long-term survival of TNBC. However, no real-world studies focusing on neoadjuvant checkpoint blockade in TNBC have been reported thus far.
Methods
A total of 63 early TNBC patients who were treated with pembrolizumab or camrelizumab in combination with chemotherapy between November 2019 and December 2021 at 7 institutions were included. The primary endpoint was pCR1 defined as ypT0/Tis and ypN0. Secondary endpoints included pCR2 defined as ypT0/Tis, overall response rate (ORR), disease-free survival (DFS), drug-related adverse events (AEs) and biomarkers.
Results
The percent of patients with pCR1 in this current study was 36.7%, and 47.6% of patients achieved a pCR2. The ORR was 82.5%. The median DFS of 33 patients with non-pCR was 20.7 months (95% CI 16.3 months-not reached). There was a significant difference in DFS between the patients who achieved a pCR and those with non-pCR tumors after neoadjuvant therapy (HR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.10–0.79; P = 0.038). The most common AEs were nausea (63.4%), fatigue (42.7%), leucopenia (30.0%) and elevated transaminase (11.7%).
Conclusion
Neoadjuvant checkpoint blockade in combination with chemotherapy may achieve a meaningful pCR and DFS, especially in high-risk TNBC patients. However, the pCR in this real-world research was slightly lower than those in clinical trials.
Epidemiology of Newcastle Disease in Village Chicken in Melokoza District, Gofa Zone, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Betela Yohannis , Hailegebreal Gizachew , Shiferaw Dessie
Published: August 2022

Poultry production contributes significantly to the livelihoods of Ethiopian farmers and the national economy, although it is hampered by different factors, including infectious diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to May 2020 in Melokoza District, Gofa Zone, Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to estimate the seroprevalence of Newcastle disease in unvaccinated chickens and to identify the risk factors associated with the disease. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select chickens from individual chicken owners. A total of 405 blood samples were collected and submitted to the national veterinary institute in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. Hemaglutination inhibition test was performed to detect antibodies from the collected chickens’ serum. Both univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed by using the STATA statistical software package. The test result showed that the overall seroprevalence was 68.8% (95% CI: 64%, 73%). The highest seroprevalence of 86% (58/67) was recorded in Gazar kebele (lowland), whereas the lowest seroprevalence of 45% (32/71) was recorded in Maizelo (highland). Sex, age, altitude and management practice risk factors showed significant associations (p ˂ 0.05) with the disease prevalence. In conclusion, this study emphasized the prevailing higher prevalence of Newcastle disease in free-scavenging chickens. Regular vaccination for Newcastle disease is therefore recommended. Further studies are warranted to better understand the circulating strain and its economic effect on backyard poultry production in the study area.
Validation of reference genes for the normalization of the RT- qPCR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of septic patients
Authors: Song Ruoyu , He Shijun , Wu Yongbing , Chen Wanxin , Zhu Yaxi , Chen Huan , Wang Qianlu , Wang Shouman , Xiao Lan , Tan Sichuang , Tan Sipin
Published: August 2022

Objective To screen and validate reference genes suitable for gene mRNA expression study in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) between septic patients and healthy controls (HC). Methods Total RNA in PBMCs was extracted and RT-qPCR was used to determine the mRNA expression profiles of 9 candidate genes, including ACTB, B2M, GAPDH, GUSB, HPRT1, PGK1, RPL13A, SDHA and YWHAZ. The genes expression stabilities were assessed by both geNorm and NormFinder software. Results YWHAZ was the most stable gene among the 9 candidate genes evaluated by both geNorm and NormFinder in mixed and sepsis groups. The most stable gene combination in mixed group analyzed by geNorm was the combination of GAPDH, PKG1 and YWHAZ, while that in sepsis group was the combination of ACTB, PKG1 and YWHAZ. Conclusion Some commonly used stably expressed reference genes might be up-regulated or down-regulated in septic patients compared with healthy people. Of all nine genes studied, YWHAZ was found to be the best reference gene for studying the PBMC gene expression in septic patients. The best reference gene combination for septic patients’ investigation was ACTB, PKG1 and YWHAZ. We provide an important data for selecting the most stable reference genes to standardize RT-qPCR data, gene expression verification of sepsis and future gene function exploration.
Awareness and needs of smoking cessation services for female emotional laborers, parcel delivery workers, transportation workers, and construction workers in Korea
Authors: Lee Dahyeon , Lee Kang-Sook , Kim Haena , Lee Yeonwoo , Lee Mi‑Ji , Lee Hyun Kyung , Myong Jun-Pyo , Kim Hyekyeong , Lee Jakyoung
Published: August 2022

Background
With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and consequent COVID-19 blues striking the world, cigarette sales rose by 5.4% in 2020 compared to the previous year. Female emotional labor, parcel delivery, transportation, and construction workers are vulnerable classes for smoking compared to office workers. Although South Korea has implemented various smoking cessation clinics, quitlines, and smoking cessation services, these occupations have poor access to these services. This study evaluated smoking related characteristics and awareness, as well as needs for smoking cessation services, among female emotional laborers, parcel delivery workers, transportation workers, and construction workers.
Methods
A total of 819 female emotional laborers, parcel delivery workers, transportation workers, and construction workers aged 19 years and above were recruited nationwide. After excluding participants with missing data, 808 were included in the final analysis. Participants’ age, marital status, weekly work hours, job stress, age at cigarette smoking initiation, average daily smoking, types of tobacco products, smokers among close people, attempts to quit smoking, plans to quit smoking, awareness of smoking cessation services, and needs for smoking cessation services were surveyed.
Results
Compared with parcel delivery workers, attempts to quit smoking were significantly higher among female emotional laborers (OR = 11.18, CI = 6.32–19.79), transportation workers (OR = 2.52, CI = 1.42–4.47), and construction workers (OR = 1.78, CI = 1.17–2.73), and plans to quit smoking were also significantly higher among female emotional laborers (OR = 5.43, CI = 3.57–8.26), transportation workers (OR = 3.42, CI = 2.14–5.46), and construction workers (OR = 2.27, CI = 1.52–3.40). Prior utilization of smoking cessation services was also higher among female emotional laborers (OR = 8.81, CI = 5.60–13.86), transportation workers (OR = 3.92, CI = 2.40–6.40), and construction workers (OR = 1.40, CI = 0.95–2.05). Awareness of smoking cessation services was significantly lower among construction workers (OR = 0.40, CI = 0.18–0.91) compared to parcel delivery workers.
Conclusions
Visiting smoking cessation programs and mobile applications to help quit smoking are needed for parcel delivery workers, and their work environment should also be improved. Smoking cessation services should be promoted at work sites, and smoking related education should be provided and promoted among managers.
Splenic artery ligation ameliorates postoperation liver function in HCC who underwent hepatectomy
Authors: Wang Dong , Long Guo , Fang TongDi , Zhou LeDu
Published: August 2022

Background: Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is one of the leading causes of death in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCCs). Our reaserch aim to analyze the hepatectomy combined with splenic artery ligation on postoperation liver function recovery in HCCs. We hypothesized that the hepatectomy combined with splenic artery ligation can accelerated postoperative recovery without increasing the risk of surgery.Methods：75 HCC patients were included in our study, 62 patients underwent liver resection (LR), 13 patients underwent hepatectomy combined with splenic artery ligation group (HSAL). We compared the liver function and complications in LR and HSAL group post operatation. Results：There were no statistically significant differences in sex and other parameters pre-operative between LR and HSAL group. There were statistically significant differences between two groups in the ALT, bilirubin, PT on the 3-day, and the bilirubin, PT on the 5-day postoperation (P<0.05). The complications and mortality between the two groups had no differences. Our findings indicated that HSAL promotes liver function recovery and is safe and reliable for HCCs. Interestingly, we found that patients are more likely to occurs PHLF who had spleen volume over 639 cm3, and spleen volume is a factor to select patients who are suitable for HSAL. Conclusions：We conclude that HSLA can significantly promote postoperative liver function recovery and reduce the risk of PHLF who had excessive spleen volume.
Adipose transplantation improves olfactory function and neurogenesis via PKCα-involved lipid metabolism in Seipin Knockout mice
Authors: Yang Jing , Yang Na , Zhao Huifang , Qiao Yan , Li Yanqiu , Wang Chunfang , Lim Kah-Leong , Zhang Chengwu , Yang Wulin , Lu Li
Published: August 2022

Lipodystrophy-associated Metabolic Disorders caused by Seipin deficiency lead to not only severe lipodystrophy but also neurological disorders. However, the underlying mechanism of Seipin deficiency-induced neuropathy is not well elucidated and the possible restorative strategy needs to be explored. In the present study, we investigated the systemic lipid metabolic abnormalities of Seipin knockout (KO) mice and their effect on adult neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and olfactory function. It was found that KO mice presented an ectopic accumulation of lipid in the lateral ventricle, accompanied by decreased neurogenesis in adult SVZ, diminished new neuron formation in the olfactory bulb, and impaired olfactory-related memory. Transcriptome analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SVZ tissues of adult KO mice were significantly enriched in biological processes related to lipid metabolism. Mass spectrometry imaging showed that the levels of glycerophospholipid, diglyceride and ceramide were significantly increased. In the restorative study, we found that subcutaneous adipose tissue transplantation (AT) rescued the abnormality of peripheral metabolism in KO mice and ameliorated the ectopic lipid accumulation in SVZ, concomitant with restoration of the SVZ neurogenesis and olfactory function. Mechanistically, PKCα was the potential mediator of lipid dysregulation-induced phenotypes. In the brain tissue of KO mice, PKCα was upregulated, which could be mimicked by the administration of DG analogue (Dic8) into cultured neural stem cells (NSCs). Dic8 impaired proliferation and differentiation NSCs, whereas it could be recovered by PKCα inhibitor. Overall, this study demonstrates that Seipin deficiency leads to systemic lipid metabolism disorder, which impairs neurogenesis and olfactory memory. Adipose transplantation restores lipid metabolic homeostasis and neurogenesis via PKCα involved pathway. The present study paves a novel way to treat lipid metabolic dysregulation-induced neurological disorders.
Impact of mean sea-level rise on the long-term evolution of a mega-nourishment
Authors: Ribas Francesca , Portos-Amill Laura , Falqués Albert , Arriaga Jaime , Marcos Marta , Ruessink Gerben
Published: August 2022

Mean sea-level rise (MSLR) will induce shoreline recession, increasing the stress on coastal systems of high socio-economic and environmental values. Localized mega-nourishments are meant to alleviate erosion problems by diffusing alongshore over decades and thus feeding adjacent beaches. The 21-st century morphological evolution of the Delfland coast, where the Sand Engine mega-nourishment was built in 2011, was simulated with the Q2Dmorfo model to assess the Sand Engine capacity to protect the area against the effects of MSLR. The calibrated and validated model was forced with historical wave and sea-level data and MSLR projections until 2100 corresponding to different Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Results show that the Sand Engine diffusive trend will continue in forthcoming decades, with the feeding effect to adjacent beaches being less noticeable from 2050 onward. Superimposed to this alongshore diffusion, MSLR causes the shoreline to recede because of both passive-flooding and a net offshore sediment transport produced by wave reshaping and gravity. The existing feeding asymmetry enforces more sediment transport to the NE than to the SW, causing the former to remain stable whilst the SW shoreline retreats significantly, especially from 2050 onward. Sediment from the Sand Engine does not reach the beaches located more than $6$~km to the SW, with a strong shoreline and profile recession in that area, as well as dune erosion. The uncertainties in the results are dominated by those related to the free model parameters up to 2050 whilst uncertainties in MSLR projections prevail from 2050 to 2100.
Volume of Fluid Simulations of Heat Transfer in Liquid-Liquid Segmented Flows in Microfluidic channel
Authors: Bashir Shazia , Shaukat Saad , Inc Mustafa , Bashir Muhammad , Maqbool Ayesha , Iqbal Muhammad Sajid , Afzal Farkhanda
Published: August 2022

This study presents the investigations on the effect of heat transfer on droplet formation in T-type microfluidic channel. Mineral oil acts as a continuous phase, and water acts as a dispersed phase. The Volume of Fluid model is used to investigate the formation of droplets of water in oil in the microchannel. The physical properties of both fluids change with an increase in temperature of dispersed phase, of which the dominant properties are viscosities of fluids and interfacial tension. The parameters such as droplet diameter, distance between two consecutive droplets and detachment time were studied with respect to temperature in the range of 300 K to 325 K. These properties are also studied at different flow rate ratios 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5. The distance between two consecutive droplets was found to decrease with the increase in temperature due to the rapid motion of droplets in the temperature zone. The droplet detachment time also decreases, due to the decrease in interfacial forces which hold the droplets in the dispersed phase. The droplet diameter decreases initially with the increase in temperature, but it was observed that after 320 K the diameter of the droplet increases due to the coalescence of two consecutive droplets downstream in the microchannel. This temperature is reported as a limiting condition for thermally controlled water-in-oil microemulsions.
A Pan-Cancer Analysis of SRD5A1, a Potential New Carcinogenic Indicator Related to Immune Infiltration and Prognosis of UCEC
Authors: Xie Li-Hua , Zhang Yan-hui , Xu Ye , Hu Fen , Zheng Chen-hua , Wu Cheng , Xu Jiabao
Published: August 2022

Background: Steroid 5-Alpha-reductase type I (SRD5A1) converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and regulates sex hormone levels, which facilitates tumor incidence or progression. However, the molecular mechanism behind SRD5A1's role in pan-cancer remains unknown. Methods: RNA-seq data from TCGA and the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database were used to examine SRD5A1 expression. String, HPA, GEPIA2, TIMER2, and cBioportal database were used to explore the protein and immune cell infiltration information of SRD5A1. The R package “ClusterProfiler” was used to conduct KEGG and GO enrichment analyses, and CancerSEA was used to investigate the functional heterogeneity of cancer cells. Results:SRD5A1 expression was differentially and higher predicted worse survival status in most tumor samples. Increased expression of SRD5A1 was detrimental to the clinical prognoses of cancer patients, especially UCEC. SRD5A1 expression was closely correlated with T cell infiltration and immune checkpoints. There were significant correlations between SRD5A1 expression and tumor mutation burden (TMB) or microsatellite instability (MSI)in several cancers. High SRD5A1 levels were associated with the infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and Th2 subsets of CD4+ T cells in most cancers. Enrichment analyses revealed that SRD5A1 participated in Transcription Androgen Receptor nuclear signaling and Metabolism. Finally, we validated pan-cancer SRD5A1 expression, and its impacts on immune infiltrate in UCEC.Conclusion:Our results suggest that SRD5A1 may contribute to the immune infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. SRD5A1 might synergize with other immune checkpoints serve as a carcinogenic indicator related to prognosis in pan-cancer, especially UCEC, and shed new light on therapeutics of cancers for clinicians.
Timing and controlling D3+ formation from bimolecular reaction in a D2-D2 dimer
Authors: Lin Kang , Zhou Lianrong , Jiang Zhejun , Qiang Junjie , Jiang Wenyu , Zhang Wenbin , Lu Peifen , Dorner Reinhard , Wu Jian
Published: August 2022

The light-driven formation of trihydrogen cation has been attracting considerable attention in multidisciplinary frontiers due to its vital role in interstellar chemistry. To understand the formation dynamics, most previous studies are focused on creating H3+/D3+ from unimolecular reactions of various organic molecules. Here, we observe and characterize the ultrafast formation dynamics of D3+ from bimolecular reaction starting from a D2-D2 dimer by performing pump-probe experiments using ultrashort laser pulses. We then control the emission direction of D3+ in the bimolecular reaction using a tailored two-color femtosecond laser field. The underlying control mechanism is in line with what is known from the light-control of electron localization in the bond breaking of single molecules. Our results pave the way towards the real-time visualization and coherent control of the light-induced bimolecular reactions with unprecedented precision.
Nonlethal effects of predation: Presence of insectivorous birds affects the behaviour and level of stress in insects
Authors: Kollross Jan , Jancuchova-Laskova Jitka , Kleckova Irena , Freiberga Inga , Kodrik Dalibor , Sam Katerina
Published: August 2022

Insect exposure to their predators can affect individuals and community processes, through direct consumption or nonlethal effects. However, the links between behavioural and physiological responses and stimuli needed for the development of fear are not clear. We subjected the desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) to three nonlethal treatments, using the great tits(Parus major)as a potential predator. The treatments involved: (1)bird- presence of a great tit and its calls, (2)call- great tit calls only, (3)control- without any treatment. In the first behavioural laboratory experiment, locusts were offered food and shelter in an open space. The duration of hiding and feeding indicated fear responses. In the second laboratory experiment with the same three treatments, levels of the adipokinetic hormone (AKH) were evaluated in the central nervous system (CNS) and haemolymph. In the third experiment in an outdoor aviary, birds were further away from locusts before we measured physiological response. In the first experiment, the locusts were hiding for significantly longer and feeding for a shorter time during bird treatment than during the call or control treatments. The proximity of birds to locusts in the laboratory experiment elicited a significant increase in the AKH levels in the CNS and haemolymph as compared to the call/control treatments. The outdoor experiment confirmed the results for levels of AKH in CNS but not haemolymph. The proximity of predators, but not only their call, affected both behavioural and physiological responses of locusts.
Novel magnetic excitations beyond the single- and double-magnons
Authors: Elnaggar Hebatalla , Nag Abhishek , Haverkort Maurits , Zhou Ke-Jin , de Groot Frank
Published: August 2022

Conventional wisdom suggests that one photon that carries one unit of angular momentum can change the spin angular momentum of a magnetic system with one unit (ΔMs = ±1) at most. This would imply that a two-photon scattering process can manipulate the spin angular momentum of the magnetic system with a maximum of two units. Here we examine the fundamental limit of the photon-driven transport of angular momentum by studying the magnon spectrum of α-Fe2O3 using resonant inelastic x-ray scattering. We discovered a cascade of higher-rank magnons carrying double, triple, quadruple, and quintuple the spin angular momentum of a single-magnon. Guided by theoretical calculations, we reveal how a two-photons scattering process can create exotic higher-rank magnons and the relevance of these quasiparticles for magnon-based applications.
Factors influencing patients' intention to use hospital information system in the old-new transition period: A case study of Hospital Examination Reservation System
Authors: Wang Qi , Ma Yingjie , Mao Jian , Song Jingyan , Xiao Mingzhao , Zhao Qinghua , Yuan Fang , Wang Haoding , Hu Lei
Published: August 2022

Objective
This study established a theoretical model to analyze the factors influencing patients’ intention to use a new Hospital Information System (HIS) and provide suggestions for hospital administrator: A case study of Hospital Examination Reservation System(HERS).
Background
The successful application of the new HIS could not only optimize the hospital examination process, but also improve the overall utilization rate of hospital examination equipment, and it could also improve patient satisfaction. But the key is how to successfully help the new HIS to transition.
Method
The target population of this study was patients who had used the HERS, and the questionnaire was filled through the Sojump. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.
Results
Habit was the main positive factor influencing the behavioral intention of using HERS (β = 0.539, P < 0.001), followed by patient innovation (β = 0.252, P < 0.001), effort expectancy (β = 0.209, P < 0.001), facilitating conditions (β = 0.192, P < 0.001), and perceived privacy exposure have a significantly negative effect on behavioral intention (β=-0.126, P < 0.001). The above five variables explained 65.4% of the variation in behavioral intention.
Conclusion
In order to operate the new system better, hospitals could cultivate patients' HERS usage habits. Patients value the recommendations from doctors and innovative patients, and care about the privacy and the ease of operation, so hospitals could Invite patients with high innovation to recommend HERS to others and arrange staffs to guide and help the use of this system. And it is also important of training doctors.
Oral health disparities among geriatric population according to sexual difference in South Korea: A Nationwide population- based study
Authors: Park Hyang-Ah , Shin Soon-Hee , Ryu Jae-In
Published: August 2022

The proportion aged 60 years or older in the world's population is expected to double by 2050. In general, they have many complex diseases and poor oral health status. Oral health is one of the important health indicators of elderly people and it is affected by diverse factors, such as socioeconomic status. In this study, gender was considered as an associated factor that is closely related to edentulism. The sexual difference might be more influential within the geriatric population because of lower economic and educational backgrounds in that stage. Edentulism was significantly higher among elderly females than males, when combined with the education level. The lower the level of education, the higher the prevalence of edentulism as much as 24~28 times, especially in female (P=0.002). These findings suggest a more complex relationship between oral health, socioeconomic status, and gender.