bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nomogram for predicting major depression and suicidal ideation in medical residents: A multi-center cross-sectional study
Authors: E Shaolong , Zhang Yixiao , Ying Tianshu , Bai Song
Published: February 2022

Background: Few studies have addressed major depression and suicidal ideation in medical residents, yet the high incidence rate and low attendance rate highlight suggest the need for a greater focus on mental health. To our knowledge, there is no model for predicting major depression and suicidal ideation in medical residents. Thus, we developed and validated a model for predicting major depression and suicidal ideation in this specific subpopulation of medical professionals.Design: The development cohort included 938 medical residents from six centers between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018. A total of 405 consecutive medical residents from two other centers met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and participated in the validation cohort. Lasso regression was utilized for data dimension reduction and feature selection. Multivariable logistic regression was then used to develop a predictive model. The efficacy of this predictive model was assessed with respect to its clinical usefulness, calibration, and discrimination.Results: We identified four shared predictive factors for both major depression and suicidal ideation: sleep quality, Masrah Burnout Inventory personal accomplishment, Masrah Burnout Inventory depersonalization, and optimism of Psychological Capital. Furthermore, we identified two predictors that affect major depression exclusively: working duration and Masrah Burnout Inventory emotional exhaustion. Of the study participants, 44.90% (603/1343) experienced depressive symptoms, 12.90% (173/1343) experienced major depressive symptoms, and 9.70% (130/1343) experienced suicidal ideation. In the validation cohort, our model showed good discrimination, with an AUROC (Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves) of 0.906 (95% CI: 0.872–0.940) and good calibration (unreliability test, P = 0.836). Decision curve analysis showed that the model was clinically useful.Conclusion: This study provides a reliable nomogram to facilitate the individualized prediction of major depression and suicidal ideation among medical residents, allowing for the early diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders in this specific subpopulation of medical professionals. The findings of our study are conducive to expanding the knowledge of mental disorders and improving the development of public health.
Understanding the Phenomenology of Gambling in the United Kingdom: A Qualitative Study on the Experiences of Gamblers’ Families
Authors: Azemi Ferid , Avdyli Merita , Bytyqi Vilard
Published: February 2022

This study focuses on understanding the experiences of family members of problem gamblers in the United Kingdom and the gambling consequences in their lives. Family members of problem gamblers, even though they suffer from gambling consequences, the impacts of gambling are under-researched. Qualitative research through in-depth interviews was employed. Thematic analysis was used to gain a deeper insight into gambling. Nine female participants were interviewed based on a semi-structured questionnaire. The results of this study indicated that close family members of problem gamblers had suffered not only financial devastation but also harsh psychological and mental health damages. Furthermore, family members suffer from gamblers' abusive and violent behaviors. Addiction was a key factor of gamblers' habit; fear, anxiety, and depression were some of the health issues derived from gambling. Overall, gambling addiction leads to further addiction, crime, and also severe, family-relation sufferings. The study results suggest that the London Gambling Commission and regulating authority should change gambling policy, reduce gambling points, and limit gambling slot machines in food markets and community areas. More support is needed for family members affected by gamblers’ addictive gambling behaviors.
Computational Investigations on Acceptor Substituent Influence of Metal-free Efficient Chromophores for Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Ammasi Arunkumar , Munusamy Anbarasan Ponnusamy , Shkir Mohd
Published: February 2022

In this study, the computational studies of the PO3H2, CONHOH and SO2H (A1-A3) molecules were investigated for optoelectronic applications on the basis of tetrahydroquinoline (C1-1) dye. Besides, a detailed calculation of the molecular structures, energy levels, driving force of injection, regeneration, Non-linear optical (NLO) property, chemical hardness, excitation binding energy, light-harvesting efficiency (LHE), absorption spectra and photovoltaic (PV) parameters were all discussed in details using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) methods. The optoelectronic properties of C1-1 based A1-A3 molecules are originated to be tuned by changing the position of the acceptor. To get a maximum absorption spectrum of C1-1, Becke’s three-parameter and Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP), coulomb-attenuating method-B3LYP (CAM-B3LYP) and Head-Gordon model (ωB97XD) were used for the TD-DFT method. Results reveal that the TD-ɷB97XD and 6-31G(d) combined functionals were provided reliable effects to the C1-1. Therefore, absorption spectra of the A1-A3 dyes were followed by the TD-ɷB97XD/6-31G(d) techniques. The designed A1 (PO3H2) dye displayed a smaller energy gap and red-shifted broadened spectra than the other dyes and C1-1, it can be specified that has better PV properties. In addition, NLO properties of the A1-A3 chromophores were calculated by the polarizability and first-order hyperpolarizability. Consequently, A1 dye has a superior value of the NLO activity. This study will deliver a valuable reference to the upcoming molecular proposal of tetrahydroquinoline dyes for optoelectronic applications.
Spatial distribution of strontium and neodymium isotopes in South America: comments for assistance on provenance research
Authors: Silva Corbiniano , Santos Elaine Alves dos , Dussin Ivo Antonio , Montibeller Cibele Carolina , Heilbron Monica da Costa Pereira Lavalle , Pimentel Luiz Claudio Gomes , Landau Luiz
Published: February 2022

Isotopic methods have become an important tool in the study of natural processes and countless applications have proven valuable in several research areas. Geologically, Strontium and Nd isotopic compositions present variations that reflect changes in the geological sources of these elements due to smaller degrees of isotope fractionation than stable isotopes. All data was obtained from academic journals and has been spatialized in a Geographic Information System (GIS), the analysis of which has subsidized the identification where data is more clustered or dispersed. Understanding the distribution of 87Sr/86Sr e εNd(0) in different regions of South America is crucial so, this paper presents 386 data selected, organized, inventoried and arranged in crystalline shields and in sedimentary basins. The latitudinal variation of the isotopic pairs was studied, and this variation is suggestive and corresponds to the intrinsic environmental variations, such temperature and humidity.
Prehospital Stroke Notification And Endovascular Therapy For Large Vessel Occlusion: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fujiwara Satoru , Kuroda Takehito , Matsuoka Yoshinori , Ohara Nobuyuki , Imamura Hirotoshi , Yamamoto Yosuke , Ariyoshi Koichi , Kohara Nobuo , Kawamoto Michi , Sakai Nobuyuki
Published: February 2022

The impact of prehospital notification by emergency medical services (EMS) on outcomes of endovascular therapy (EVT) for large vessel occlusion (LVO) remains unclear. We therefore explored the association between prehospital notification and clinical outcomes after EVT. In this single-center retrospective study from 2016 through 2020, we identified all LVO patients who received EVT. Based on the EMS’s usage of a prehospital stroke notification system, we categorized patients into two groups, Hotline and Non-hotline. The primary outcome was good neurological outcome at 90 days; other time metrics were also evaluated. Of all 312 LVO patients, the proportion of good neurological outcomes was 94/218 (43.1%) in the Hotline group and 8/34 (23.5%) in the Non-hotline group (adjusted odds ratio 2.86; 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 7.33). Time from hospital arrival to both tissue plasminogen activator and to groin puncture were shorter in the Hotline group (30 (24 to 38) min vs 48(37 to 65) min, p < 0.001; 40 (32 to 54) min vs 76 (50 to 97) min, p < 0.001), respectively. In conclusion, prehospital notification was associated with a reduction in time from hospital arrival to intervention and improved clinical outcomes in LVO patients treated with EVT. Non-standard Abbreviations and AcronymsEVT, endovascular therapy; t-PA, tissue plasminogen activator; LVO, large vessel occlusion; EMS, emergency medical services; mRS, modified Rankin scale; NIHSS, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale; ASPECTS, Alberta stroke program early computed tomography score; TICI, thrombolysis in cerebral infarction.
The geometry of hippocampal CA2 representations enables abstract coding of social familiarity and identity
Authors: Fusi Stefano , Boyle Lara , Posani Lorenzo , Irfan Sarah , Siegelbaum Steven
Published: February 2022

Social recognition memory encompasses two distinct processes: familiarity - the ability to rapidly distinguish a novel from familiar individual - and recollection, the recall of detailed episodic memories of prior encounters with familiar individuals. Although it is clear that the hippocampus is important for different forms of episodic memory, including spatial memory and social recognition memory, whether and how neural activity in this single brain region may be able to encode both social familiarity and social recollection remains unclear. We addressed such questions using microendoscopic calcium imaging from pyramidal neurons in the dorsal CA2 region of the hippocampus (dCA2), an area crucial for social recognition memory that encodes social and spatial information, as mice explored novel and familiar conspecifics. Here we demonstrate that the geometry of dCA2 representations in neural activity space enables social familiarity, social identity, and spatial information to be readily disentangled. Importantly, highly familiar littermates were encoded in higher-dimensional neural representations compared to novel individuals. As a result of this coding strategy, dCA2 neural activity was able to both provide an abstract, low-dimensional representation of social familiarity that could readily distinguish a novel from familiar individual and encode detailed episodic memories associated with familiar individuals.
Randomized Study on the Effectiveness of Nomegestrol Acetate Plus 17β-Estradiol Oral Contraceptive vs Dienogest Oral Pill in Women with Endometriosis‑Associated Chronic Pelvic Pain
Authors: Caruso Salvatore , Cianci Antonio , Sareri Marco Iraci , Panella Marco Marzio , Caruso Giuseppe , Cianci Stefano
Published: February 2022

Background: To evaluate the effects of a combined oral contraceptive containing 1.5mg 17b-estradiol (E2) and 2.5mg nomegestrol acetate (NOMAC) or 2 mg/daily dienogest (DNG) oral progestin on endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and on the quality of life (QoL) and sexual function, by a randomized study design.Methods: The E2/NOMAC group and DNG group included 99 and 98 women, respectively. The levels of CPP were measured by the visual analogic scale (VAS). The QoL scores were investigated by the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Finally, the sexual function was studied using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), while the sexual distress by the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS). The study had 3, 6 and 12-month follow-ups. Results: The intra-group analysis showed an improvement of the VAS score from baseline to the 12-month follow-up in women of both groups (p<0.001). The inter-group comparison showed a similar improvement of CPP (p=0.06). Women on DNG had better SF-36 somatic (p<0.01) and FSFI scores (p<0.006) than women on E2/NOMAC at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Conclusions: The results support the efficacy of both hormonal treatments, even if DNG was more effective than E2/NOMAC in a limited intergroup comparison.The research protocol was approved by the institutional review board of the Ethics Committee of the University Hospital Polyclinic, Catania, Italy, registered n. 109/2017/PO
Rehearsal Simulation to Determine the Size of Device for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Using Patient-Specific 3D-Printed Phantoms Based on CT Images
Authors: Hong Dayeong , Moon Sojin , Cho Youngjin , Oh Il-Young , Chun Eun Ju , Kim Namkug
Published: February 2022

Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion (LAAO) is used to close the entrance of the left atrium with occlusion devices to block the cause of thrombosis. However, selection of the devices size is not easy due to various anatomical changes. The purpose of this study is patient-specific, computed tomography angiography (CTA)-based, three-dimensionally (3D) printed LAAO phantoms were applied pre-procedure to determine the size. Ten patients were enrolled prospectively in March 2019 and December 2020. The cardiac structure appearing in CTA was first segmented, and the left atrium and related structures in the LAAO procedure were modeled. The phantoms were fabricated using two methods of fused deposition modeling (FDM) and stereolithography (SLA) 3D printers with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and flexible resin materials and evaluated by comparing their physical and material properties. The 3D-printed phantoms were directly used to confirm the shape of LAA, and to predict the device size for LAAO. In summary, the shore A hardness of TPU of FDM was about 80–85 shore A, and that of flexible resin of SLA was about 50–70 shore A. The measurement error between the STL model and 3D printing phantoms were 0.45 ± 0.37 mm (Bland-Altman, limits of agreement from − 1.8 to 1.6 mm). At the rehearsal, the estimations of device sizes were the exact same with those in the actual procedures of all 10 patients. In conclusion, simulation with a 3D-printed left atrium phantom could be used to predict the LAAO insertion device size accurately before the procedure.
On the caveats of a multiplex test for SARS-CoV-2 to detect seroconversion after infection or vaccination
Authors: Fernandes-Siqueira Lorena , Abdalla Fabiana , Sousa Bruna , Mebus-Antunes Nathane , Neves-Martins Thais , Almeida Fabio , Ferreira Gustavo , Salmon Didier , Wermelinger Luciana , Poian Andrea Da
Published: February 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, resulted in more than 5 million deaths being one of the biggest challenges the world faces today. Here we present optimizations to all steps of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based test to detect IgG, IgA and IgM against the trimeric spike (S) protein, receptor binding domain (RBD), and N terminal domain of the nucleocapsid (N-NTD) protein of SARS-CoV-2. We discuss how to determine the specific thresholds for antibody positivity and its limitations according to the antigen used. We applied the assay in a cohort of 126 individuals from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, consisting of 23 PCR-positive individuals; and 103 individuals without confirmed diagnosis for SARS-CoV-2 infection. To illustrate the differences in serological responses to vaccinal immunization, we applied the test in 18 individuals of our cohort before and after receive ChAdOx-1 nCoV-19 or CoronaVac vaccines. Taken together, our results show that the test can be customized at different stages depending on its application, enabling the user to analyze different cohorts, saving time, reagents, or samples. It also represents a valuable tool for elucidating the immunological consequences of new viral strains and for monitoring vaccination coverage and the duration of response to different immunization regimens.
Comparison of sampling collection strategies for assessing airborne trichloramine levels in indoor swimming pools
Authors: Ahmadpour Elham , HALLE Stephan , VALOİS Isabelle , Ryan Patrick Eddy , Haddad Sami , Rodriguez Manuel , Tardif Robert , Debia Maximilien
Published: February 2022

Hery’s trichloramine sampling procedure has been widely used to determine trichloramine exposure in indoor swimming pools. This method consists of pumping air at a 1 L/min flow rate for 2 hours through a Teflon prefilter and two quartz fibre filters. Modified Hery methods have been reported using different sampling pump flow rates and types of prefilters. This study aims to evaluate the effects of different cassette assemblies and sampling flow rates on the levels of measured trichloramine. Laboratory tests were performed using a trichloramine production set-up designed for this study. Workplace measurements were carried out in four indoor swimming pools. Different prefiltering strategies were used: no prefilter, glass prefilter or Teflon prefilter in the sampling cassette, and an original separable prefilter cassette is presented in this study. In this new assembly method, the prefilter is placed in a cassette alone and connected with a Tygon tube to the main cassette that has two impregnated fibre filters. Laboratory tests indicated that in the situation of trichloramine concentrations higher than 1 mg/m³, the trichloramine percentage captured on the first filter could pass the value of 75%, which demonstrates the possible loss of material during the sampling. The investigation of the prefilter effect on sampling strategy using different cassette assemblies revealed that using a separable cassette assembly could prevent overestimating the trichloramine levels. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between measured TCA concentrations at different flow rates (from 0.5 L/min to 2 L/min) in swimming pools.
Engaging with rural patients and clinics to develop colorectal cancer screening messaging and outreach using adapted Boot Camp Translation
Authors: Coury Jennifer , Coronado Gloria , Myers Emily , Patzel Mary , Thompson Jamie , Davis Melinda
Published: February 2022

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality are disproportionately high among rural residents and Medicaid enrollees. Mailed fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) can raise screening rates, but rural patients have lower response rates than their urban counterparts. To help address these persistent disparities, we tailored mailed FIT screening messages for rural, Medicaid enrollees using a patient engagement approach called Boot Camp Translation (BCT).
Methods
A modified BCT was conducted with eligible patients (English-speaking and ages 50 to 74) and clinic staff involved in patient outreach, and located in rural areas. To accommodate COVID-related restrictions, BCT was conducted virtually. In four sessions held over two months, participants learned about CRC and considered messaging and outreach. We used rapid turn-around qualitative methods to analyze recordings of the sessions and the detailed field notes.
Results
Thirteen adults agreed to participate in BCT; however, six could not engage due to COVID-related difficulties (4) or other reasons (2). Several key areas emerged that reflected messaging tailored for rural populations, such as being direct about cancer, close clinic-patient connections, and not including family pictures. Other themes were CRC seriousness, test safety and ease, and the low cost of FIT. The recommended outreach approach included a live phone call prior to the mailing, sharing a CRC information sheet, and text or phone reminders a week after the FIT mailing.
Conclusions
We were able to successfully use remote methods to gather rural patient feedback about a mailed FIT outreach program and CRC screening messages. We used this information to adapt mailed FIT materials including introduction (or prompt) letter, a letter to accompany the mailed FIT, phone scripts, and best practices recommendations. By finding themes and modalities that are preferred by a rural population, we hope to inform others working across the country with this hard-to-engage, yet underserved, population.
A Spectrally Efficient Modified Asymmetrically and Symmetrically Clipped Optical (mASCO)-OFDM for IM/DD Systems
Authors: Baig Mohammed Salman , ALRESHEEDI Mohammed Thamer , MAHDI Mohd Adzir , ABAS Ahmad Fauzi
Published: February 2022

A novel spectrally efficient modified asymmetrically and symmetrically clipped optical (mASCO)-OFDM for intensity modulated direct detection (IM/DD) systems is presented. The conventional ASCO-OFDM systems uses two frame to transmit the conventional asymmetrically clipped optical (ACO)-OFDM and symmetrically clipped optical (SCO)-OFDM system. The proposed mASCO-OFDM system replaces the two frame SCO-OFDM by a single frame modified SCO (mSCO)-OFDM. The mSCO-OFDM clips the data only one side of the symmetry and performs an absolute function on the other side of the symmetry. This allows mASCO-OFDM to be 1.333 times more spectral efficient than the conventional ASCO-OFDM. The mASCO-OFDM reduces its receiver’s complexity by estimating and eliminating the clipping noise distortion in time domain. Overall, this system has 43% lower complexity in comparison to ASCO-OFDM system. The mASCO-OFDM shows a better BER performance and a lower Peak Average Power Ratio (PAPR) than ASCO-OFDM. The proposed system also shows better BER performance than ACO-OFDM for the same spectral efficiency.
Semen quality and biochemistry and blood antioxidant status in Mehraban rams supplemented with organic selenium alone or combined with organic chromium during the summer
Authors: farahavar Abbas , Mehranfrooz Amirhosein , Ahmadi Ahmad , Yavari Morteza
Published: February 2022

The effects of organic selenium (Se) alone or combined with organic chromium (Cr) on semen quality and metabolites and blood antioxidant status was evaluated during the summer in rams. Fourteen Mehraban rams (2-4 years, BSC 2.5-3.5, initial body weight 70.14 ­kg) were divided in to four groups (n=4) and two levels of Se (0 and 0.6 mg/ram/day, inactive dry Se-yeast) were tested at two levels of Cr (0 and 1 mg/ram/day, Cr-methionine) in a completely randomized design with 2×2 factorial layout for 60 days. Body weight changes and scrotal circumference (SC) were recorded fortnightly. Semen quality and metabolites, rams libido, spermatozoa motion characteristics, blood ferric reducing ability (FRAP) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured during the experiment. Body weight, dry mater intake and SC were not affected by treatments. Chromium alone increased FRAP, libido and sperm linearity and combined with Se increased spermatozoa viability, membrane integrity and decreased semen glucose and alkaline phosphatase activity (P≤0.05). Main effect of Cr tended to increase EV (P=0.095). Abnormal spermatozoa and TBARS decreased by Cr, Se or by their combination. Selenium alone had higher sperm concentration compared to its combination with Cr (P≤0.05). Average path velocity was numerically higher by Se alone and curvilinear velocity was lower by combined with Cr, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). In conclusion, Cr and Se supplementation of rams during the summer improved semen quality and blood antioxidant status. However, co-supplementation of Cr and Se had no more additional effects on studied parameters.
Global patterns and drivers of C:N:P in marine ecosystems
Authors: Tanioka Tatsuro , Garcia Catherine , Larkin Alyse , Garcia Nathan , Fagan Adam , Martiny Adam
Published: February 2022

The coupling between oceanic carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus (CNP) cycles is a fundamental component of ocean ecosystems. It is now widely recognized that CNP stoichiometry of marine ecosystems is variable through space and time. However, several competing hypotheses have been proposed invoking unique biochemical mechanism and associated environmental drivers to describe the observed patterns. We here quantified the detailed hydrography, plankton genomic diversity, and particulate organic matter to understand the global biogeography of ecosystem CNP stoichiometry across 1370 stations as part of Bio-GO-SHIP. We observed clear latitudinal variability in CNP and show that surface temperature is responsible for much of the stoichiometric variability at high latitudes. Genomic observations allowed us to separate each elemental stress type and revealed that the interaction between nutrient supply rate and N vs. P stress is critical for hemispheric and regional CNP variability. Future climate projections suggest that C:P and N:P ratios will increase at high latitudes, but changes are highly uncertain at low latitudes due to a lack of observations at extreme surface ocean temperature and possible shifts in N vs. P stress. Our observations suggest a systematic regulation of elemental stoichiometry among ocean ecosystems, but future changes are highly uncertain.
Blood flow stagnation after treatment of a giant internal carotid artery aneurysm: a computed fluid dynamics analysis
Authors: Muraoka Shinsuke , Takagi Reiya , Araki Yoshio , Uda Kenji , Sumitomo Masaki , Okamoto Sho , Nishihori Masahiro , Izumi Takashi , Nakamura Masanori , Saito Ryuta
Published: February 2022

Balloon test occlusion (BTO) is an angiographic test to evaluate ischemic tolerance after permanent occlusion of an internal carotid artery (ICA). BTO can simulate ischemia caused by parent artery occlusion and can be used to select a suitable bypass surgery using specific criteria. On the other hand, a postoperative thrombus can form despite proper case selection, optimal radiological evaluation, and an appropriate surgical strategy. Postoperative ischemic complications related to perforating branches are clinically significant. This simulation study aimed to analyze postoperative flow characteristics and elucidate the cause of ischemic complications related to the perforating branch using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). An unexpected postoperative thrombus formation related to the perforating branch occurred after treating a giant aneurysm in the cavernous portion of the ICA in a patient. Three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography was used to acquire flow data and set up the CFD simulation. The flow simulations were performed at various bypass flow rates. The CFD analysis indicated flow stagnation in the ICA only when surgical treatment using a low-flow bypass graft was performed. Thrombus formation may lead to ischemic complications related to the perforating branch, such as the anterior choroidal artery. BTO did not reflect the influence of bypass blood flow. Therefore, recognizing that blood flow stagnation may occur and comprehensively deciding on the surgical strategy by CFD analysis can be helpful to prevent ischemic complications in patients with giant aneurysms.
Directed Evolution of an Efficient and Thermostable PET Depolymerase
Authors: Bell Elizabeth , Smithson Ross , Kilbride Siobhan , Foster Jake , Hardy Florence , Ramachandran Saranarayanan , Tedstone Aleksander , Haigh Sarah , Garforth Arthur , Day Philip , Levy Colin , Shaver Michael , Green Anthony
Published: February 2022

The recent discovery of a hydrolytic enzyme, IsPETase, that can deconstruct poly(ethylene) terephthalate (PET), has sparked great interest in biocatalytic approaches to recycle plastics. Realisation of commercial utility will require the development of robust engineered enzymes that meet the demands of industrial processes. Although rationally engineered variants of PETases have been reported, enzymes that have been experimentally optimised through iterative rounds of directed evolution - the go-to method for engineering industrially useful biocatalysts – have not yet been described. Here, we report the development and implementation of an automated, high-throughput directed evolution platform for engineering polymer degrading enzymes. Evaluation of >13,000 IsPETase variants, applying catalytic activity at elevated temperatures as a primary selection pressure, afforded a HotPETase variant with 21 mutations that has a melting temperature of 82.5°C and can therefore operate near or above the glass transition temperature of PET (60-70°C). HotPETase can depolymerise semi-crystalline PET more rapidly than previously reported PETases and can selectively deconstruct the PET component of a laminated packaging multi-material. Structural characterisation of HotPETase reveals several interesting features that have emerged during evolution to improve thermotolerance and catalytic performance. Our study establishes laboratory evolution as a platform to engineer useful plastic degrading enzymes to underpin biocatalytic plastic recycling processes.
Locked up at home : A cross-sectional study into the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on domestic violence in households with children in Belgium
Authors: Fomenko Elizaveta , De Schrijver Lotte , Vandeviver Christophe , Keygnaert Ines
Published: February 2022

Background: Policymakers worldwide took measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19-virus. While these sanitary measures were necessary to fight the spread of the virus, several experts warned for a significant impact on mental health and a potential increase in domestic violence. To study the impact of the COVID-19 measures in Belgium, and the factors influencing the occurrence of domestic violence, we set up the study on relationships, stress, and aggression. In this study, we evaluate the prevalence of domestic violence victimization during the COVID-19 lockdown in Belgian children aged zero to seventeen years and the associations of the parents’ financial status, relationships, mental health, and previous victimization to the child’s victimization.Methods: A stepwise forward binary logistic regression was used to analyse the association between multiple risk factors of domestic violence and victimization of the respondent’s child. The respondent being an assailant, the respondent’s age, and the age of the children in the household were added as moderators.Results: In this model an association with domestic child abuse was found for the age of the respondent, the household’s size, the presence of children between zero and five years in the household, the perceived stress level of the respondent, and victimization of the respondent during the first wave of the sanitary measures, as well as victimization before the COVID-19 pandemic. None of the interacting effects were found to be significant.Conclusion: It is advisable to make extra efforts to improve well-being when maintaining sanitary measures by providing appropriate assistance and helping households struggling with increased or acute stress to install positive coping strategies - especially in larger households with children between six and 17 years. Besides, our findings draw attention to the clustering of risk of child and adult violence exposure in lockdown situations as well as to the potential cumulative impact of exposure to violence across the lifespan and across generations. It is key to invest in training healthcare workers and staff at schools to screen for and assess risks of domestic violence development and ongoing or past occurrence in order to detect, refer and follow-up on families at risk.
Engulfment and Cell Motility1 Regulate Tumor Cell Behaviors and Predict Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Park Young-Lan , Cho Sung-Bum , Park Sun-Young , Oh Hyung-Hoon , Myung Eun , Im Chan-Muk , Son Seyeong , Kim Seunghee , Cho Seo-Yeon , Chung Min-Woo , Hong Ji-Yun , Kim Ki-Hyun , Myung Dae-Seong , Lee Wan-Sik , Park Daeho , Joo Young-Eun
Published: February 2022

Background: Engulfment and cell motility 1 (ELMO1) plays a crucial role in the process of migration, chemotaxis, and metastasis of tumor cells. ELMO 1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers. However, the distinct function of ELMO1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear. We determined whether ELMO1 affected the oncogenic behavior of CRC cells and investigated its prognostic value in CRC patients. Methods: We investigated the impact of ELMO1 on tumor cell behaviors using small interference RNA in CRC cell lines, including SW480 and DLD1. The expression of ELMO1 was investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in cancer tissues and sera taken from CRC patients. Results: ELMO1 knockdown suppressed tumor cell proliferation in SW480 and DLD1 cells. ELMO1 knockdown-induced apoptosis through up-regulation of caspase-3, -7, and PARP activities and down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 protein. ELMO1 knockdown-induced cell cycle arrest by decreasing cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 2, 4 and 6, and the 25C cell division cycle (CDC25C). ELMO1 knockdown suppressed tumor cell invasion and migration. The expression of E-cadherin was increased, and Vimentin and Claudin 1 decreased with ELMO1 knockdown. The phosphorylation levels of PDK1, Akt, and GSK-3β and were down-regulated by ELMO1 knockdown. The expression of ELMO1 was up-regulated in cancer tissues and sera taken from CRC patients. ELMO1 expression was significantly associated with tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, distant metastases, and poor survival. Conclusions: These results indicate that ELMO1 mediates tumor progression by increasing tumor cell motility and inhibiting apoptosis in human CRC.
Renal recovery and Its Predictors Among Hospitalized Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: A Prospective Study
Authors: Abebe Abinet , Kumela Kabaye , Belay Maekel , Birhan Abdela
Published: February 2022

Background: This study aimed to assess the clinical features, renal recovery, and predictors of AKI among hospitalized patients in Ethiopia.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted involving all adult patients with age >18 years, and met the kidney disease: improving global outcomes criteria for AKI from April to July 2019. The main outcome variable was renal recovery at discharge. The logistic regression model was used to determine predictors of non-recovery from AKI. Statistical significance was considered at a p-value of less than 0.05 on multivariate analysis. Results: Of the 169 patients included in the study over four months, 121 (71.6%) had kidney disease on admission, one-third (33.1%) had stage 3 AKI, nearly half (50.29%) had prerenal AKI, and 32(19%) had exposure to nephrotoxins. Vomiting 31(18.34%), oliguria 42(24%), hematuria 15(25.4%), and proteinuria 26(40.6%) were common presenting features. Of the total study participants, most of them (68%) had complete renal recovery and fifty-four (32%) patients had non-recovery AKI. On multivariable analysis, proteinuria (AOR 6.2, CI 1.25-31.4, p=0.002), AKI stage III (AOR 4.7, CI 1.37-28.6, p=0.019), and nephrotoxin exposure (AOR 5.2, CI 2.1-14.89, p=0.007) were factors significantly associated with non-renal recovery. Conclusions: A higher proportion of patients were found to have non-recovery AKI at hospital discharge. Renal non-recovery was significantly associated with the severity of AKI, nephrotoxic drug use, and proteinuria. Follow-up of serum creatinine and proteinuria, and careful drug use monitoring may help to identify patients with poor prognosis, initiate specific interventions, and improve renal recovery.
Staying connected: assessing the capacity of landscapes to retain biodiversity in a changing climate
Authors: Harwood Tom David , Love Jamie , Drielsma Michael , Brandon Clare , Ferrier Simon
Published: February 2022

Context Management for positive biodiversity outcomes under a changing climate requires a shift of perspective relative to traditional conservation. Here we develop a repeatable indicator for measuring the capacity of landscapes to retain biodiversity under a range of plausible climate futures, as a function of the condition and spatial configuration of native habitat.

Methods The Spatial Resilience Index extends an existing approach to assessing the potential for biodiversity associated with any location in a region to access suitable habitat in the surrounding landscape under climate change, incorporating multiple dispersal rates integrated over time and an optimised spatial structure. Derivation of the indicator is demonstrated for an Australian case study, covering the entire State of New South Wales, drawing on existing spatial datasets and models.

Results Mapping of the Spatial Resilience Index across New South Wales suggests that different regions, and locations within these regions, vary markedly in their expected capacity to retain biodiversity, depending on the direct rate of climate change, the degree of climatic buffering (or reduction of climate velocity) afforded by landscape heterogeneity, and the degree of anthropogenic impacts on the connectedness of habitat in the landscape. The developed approach accounts for the interplay between these processes by treating them within a unified framework.

Conclusions The index highlights areas which can potentially benefit from adaptive management (e.g. habitat restoration) to enhance capacity to retain biodiversity under climate change, and offers an objective means of monitoring any resulting change in this capacity over time.
Effect of a premature luteinizing hormone surge on cumulative live birth rate during a flexible GnRH antagonist protocol: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Xu Yang , Yu Jiao , Wang Xi , Xue Qing , Shang Jing , Yang Xiuli , Shan Xuemin
Published: February 2022

Background: A premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge refers to an endogenous LH peak that occurs before follicle maturation or human chorionic gonadotropin injection in the process of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Previous studies demonstrated that a premature LH surge was associated with a decline in clinical pregnancy rates in fresh embryo transfer cycles. No studies have reported the effect of a premature LH surge on the cumulative pregnancy rate (CPR) and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR). The aim of this study was to explore the effect of a premature LH surge on the CPR and CLBR of patients during a flexible GnRH antagonist protocol.Methods: A total of 428 infertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI were recruited for this retrospective study. Only women who either delivered a live infant or had no remaining frozen embryos after a single stimulation cycle were included in the analysis. During the study period, each patient underwent a flexible GnRH antagonist protocol. Women were divided into two groups according to the presence (Group A) or absence (Group B) of a premature LH surge. The primary outcome measures were the CPR and CLBR per ovarian stimulation cycle. The secondary outcome measures were the number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and implantation rate.Results: Fifty-one women (11.92%) experienced a premature LH surge (Group A), and the other 377 (88.08%) women were assigned to Group B. There was no significant difference between Group A and Group B in the clinical pregnancy rate or live birth rate in the fresh embryo transfer cycle. The primary outcome measures, the CPR and CLBR per ovarian stimulation cycle, were not significantly different between the premature LH surge group and the control group. According to the analysis stratified by ovarian response (normal or high), there were no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes between the groups with and without a premature LH surge.Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that a transient premature LH surge without progesterone elevation had no adverse effect on the CLBR of patients on a flexible GnRH antagonist protocol. Therefore, a transient LH surge should not be an indicator for cycle cancellation.
Reading Speed In School-Age Children With Intermittent Exotropia: Evaluated With International Reading Speed Texts
Authors: Fang Cheng , Wu Yidong , peng Tingting , Wang Chunxiao , Lou Jiangtao , Xu Meiping , Bao Jinhua , Chen Chongling , Yu Xinping
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Reading speed in intermittent exotropia (IXT) children has been minimally examined. We assessed reading speed in school-age children with IXT and determined clinical characteristics of IXT that impacted their reading ability.Methods: A total of 63 school-age (10-16 years) children with intermittent exotropia and a group of 44 age-matched normal children were recruited. All children underwent ophthalmologic and binocular function evaluations. Reading speed was assessed with the International Reading Speed Texts (IReST). We compared reading speed of children with IXT to that of normal counterparts. In addition, the correlation between reading speed and clinical characteristics of IXT (i.e., angle of deviation, binocular function, fusion control) were evaluated.Results: Reading speed in children with IXT (231 ± 51 CPM) was much slower than their normal counterparts (257 ± 33 CPM, p=0.002). For further analysis, we divided the group of IXT patients into slow and non-slow reading groups. The average reading speed in the Slow group was significantly slower than that in the Non-slow group (158±25 CPM vs. 250±37 CPM, p < 0.001). After adjusting for the age and gender, we found a significant correlation between the LogTNO and reading speed in IXT group (r=-0.244, p=0.054). Age, gender and LogTNO were found to be factors associated with reading speed in children with IXT based on a generalized linear model. Conclusion: Our finding suggests that reading speed was slower in school-age children with IXT assessed with the International Reading Speed Texts. When age and gender were adjusted, poor stereo function at near was found to be related with a slower reading speed, and the stereoacuity at near was found to be associated with reading speed in children with IXT.
Role of m6A modification in stromal and immune activation patterns together with response to ICI in melanoma
Authors: Jiang Ziming , Long Junyu , Yang Fan , Zhang Hanlin , Gao Shiqi , Deng Kaige , Zheng Haoran , Liu Xiao , Zhang Lei , Du Shunda , Xu Haifeng , Zheng Yongchang
Published: February 2022

Background
Great progress has been made in understanding the epigenetic regulation of the immune response. However, the influence of RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulation on the tumor microenvironment (TME) of melanoma is still unknown.
Methods
We comprehensively evaluated 790 samples of melanoma based on 21 m6A regulator genes and associated these regulators with infiltration characteristics in the TME. We used the m6A score to assess the m6A modification pattern and response to immunotherapy.
Results
Three distinct m6A modification patterns were identified among 790 melanoma samples, and the patterns correspond to different clinical outcomes. The characteristics of the three modification patterns mainly included three phenotypes: immune inflamed, immune desert and immune excluded. We found that the m6A modification pattern could be applied to assess genetic variations, immune infiltration and prognosis. Based on the m6A score, melanoma patients could be classified into high and low m6A score subgroups. Stromal activation was observed in the high m6A score subgroup, indicating the immune-excluded phenotype. Patients in the low m6A score subgroup had prolonged overall survival and enhanced immune infiltration. Further analysis showed that the low m6A score correlated with a high tumor mutation burden, and better response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, which indicated that the low m6A score subgroup might have therapeutic advantages and better clinical effects.
Conclusion
Our research revealed that m6A modification plays an essential role in shaping TME complexity and diversity of melanoma. Evaluation of m6A modification patterns could provide more information on TME infiltration characteristics and new ideas for immunotherapies.
The Effect Of The Perioperative Waiting Time On Postoperative Survival Of Patients With Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Chen LiangLiang , Hu Junxi , XiaolinWang  , Lu Shichun , Sun Chao , Shu Yusheng
Published: February 2022

Objective Investigate the influence of the perioperative waiting time on postoperative survival of patients with esophageal cancer.Methods We enrolled 299 patients with stageⅠ~Ⅲ esophageal cancer from the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Subei People’s Hospital from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015. The method of multivariate analysis is the COX regression analysis to model the effect of the perioperative waiting time on OS rate. The nonparametric tests (K-W test) and Spearman were used to analyze factors influencing the perioperative waiting time.Results The median duration of the follow-up for patients in this study is 74 months (IQR 69-79 months). The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates of patients with perioperative waiting time less than 10 days were 92.30% vs 77.40% vs 67.20%, respectively. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates were 93.80% vs 67.20% vs 54.70% , with the waiting time more than 10 days. The result showed that Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), clinical stage , lymph node metastasis, operation time and perioperative waiting time were the independent factors for postoperative survival of esophageal cancer patients (P<0.01). Moreover, the rot-map model constructed by risk factors including perioperative waiting time had higher predictive power.Conclusions The perioperative waiting time can affect the survival of patients with esophageal cancer after surgery.
LINC02870 facilitates SNAIL translation to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Authors: Guo Mengya , Zhuang p , Huang Jianing , Shao Xiaowen , Bai Nan , Li Minghe , Niu Minmin , Wei Wen , Sun Li , Li Yongmei , Qiang Zhaoyan
Published: February 2022

Exploring the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis and metastasis could contribute to recognition of novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Herein, we focused on the function and mechanism of LINC02870 in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We first carried out a pan-cancer study for LINC02870 expression and prognosis, and LINC02870 was determined to be a possible oncogene in HCC. The upregulated expressions of LINC02870 were also found in our HCC samples and more prevalence in the HBV-positive HCC tissues. Moreover, overexpression of LINC02870 promoted cell growth, migration, and invasion in HCC cells. Subsequently, binding proteins of LINC02870 were identified by a number of in silico analyses, including correlation analysis, a signaling network analysis, and survival analysis. Intriguingly, the most promising binding protein of LINC02870 was predicted and confirmed as the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 1 (EIF4G1), an important component of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4F (EIF4F) complex to initiate cap-dependent translation. Further investigation presented that LINC02870 increased the translation of SNAIL to induce the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells. Additionally, HCC patients with higher expression levels of LINC02870 and EIF4G1 had a shorter lifespan compared to those with their lower expression levels. Thus, our findings suggested that LINC02870 induced SNAIL translation and correlated with poor prognosis and tumor progression in HBV-related HCC.