Plant-based diet indices and their interaction with ambient air pollution on the ovarian cancer survival: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Ambient air pollution might serve as a prognostic factor for ovarian cancer (OC) survival, yet the relationships between plant-based diet indices (PDIs) and OC survival remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the associations of comprehensive air pollution and PDIs with OC survival and explored the effects of air pollution-diet interactions. METHODS: The present study encompassed 658 patients diagnosed with OC. The overall plant-based diet index (PDI), the healthful PDI (hPDI), and the unhealthful PDI (uPDI) were evaluated by a self-reported validated food frequency questionnaire. In addition, an air pollution score (APS) was formulated by summing the concentrations of particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). The potential interactions of APS with PDIs in relation to overall survival (OS) were assessed on both multiplicative and additive scales. RESULTS: Throughout a median follow-up of 37.60 (interquartile: 24.77-50.70) months, 123 deaths were confirmed. Comparing to the lowest tertiles, highest uPDI was associated with lower OS of OC (HR = 2.06, 95 % CI = 1.30, 3.28; P-trend < 0.01), whereas no significant associations were found between either overall PDI or hPDI and OC survival. Higher APS (HR for per interquartile range = 1.27, 95 % CI = 1.01, 1.60) was significantly associated with worse OC survival, and the association was exacerbated by adherence to uPDI. Notably, an additive interaction was identified between combined air pollution and uPDI (P < 0.005 for high APS and high uPDI). We also found that adherence to overall PDI aggravated associations of air pollution with OC survival (P-interaction = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Joint exposure to various ambient air pollutants was significantly associated with lower survival among patients with OC, particularly for those who predominantly consumed unhealthy plant-based foods.

[The effect of erbium laser pretreatment on bond strength between dentin and enamel and microleakage at the edge of CAD/CAM glass ionomer cement restorations for repairing tooth defects].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of erbium laser pretreatment on the bond strength of dentin and enamel,as well as microleakage at the edge of tooth defects repaired with computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM) glass-ceramic restorations for repairing dental defects. METHODS: A total of 62 fresh, nondecayed, nondiscoloration and noncracked wisdom teeth were collected from the Oral Surgery Clinic between January 2020 and January 2023. According to different pretreatment methods, they were randomly divided into two groups, erbium laser group and phosphoric acid group, with 31 teeth in each group. Each group was further divided into two subsets for bond strength testing (16 teeth) and microleakage testing (15 teeth).The shear bond strength between enamel and dentin of both groups was compared, as well as the degree and distribution of microleakage.Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 17.0 software package. RESULTS: The shear bond strength between enamel and dentin of the erbium laser group was significantly higher than that of the phosphoric acid group (P＜0.05); the degree and distribution of microleakage at the lateral walls and gumline of the erbium laser group were significantly lower than those of the phosphoric acid group (P＜0.05). The scores of microleakage at the lateral walls of the erbium laser group mainly concentrated in grade 1 and 2, whereas those of the phosphoric acid group mainly concentrated in grade 2. There was significant difference in the distribution of lateral wall microleakage scores between the two groups (P＜0.05). The scores of microleakage at the gumline of the erbium laser group mainly concentrated in grade 1 and 2, whereas those of the phosphoric acid group mainly concentrated in grade 2 and 3. There was significant difference in the distribution of gumline microleakage scores between the two groups (P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Erbium laser pretreatment can improve bonding strength between glass ionomer cement and dentin and enamel, reduce microleakage at the edge of CAD/CAM glass ionomer cement restorations, and enhance marginal fit.

The relationship between influenza vaccine hesitancy and vaccine literacy among youth and adults in China.

Objectives: The present study aimed to assess influenza vaccine hesitancy and vaccine literacy levels among youth and adults in China, as well as the association between them. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in Mainland China. Participants' total vaccine literacy and three sub-dimension vaccine literacy (knowledge literacy, competence literacy, and decision-making literacy) were assessed by a validated vaccine literacy scale. Having received influenza vaccination in the past three years or intending to accept it in next influenza season indicates less influenza vaccine hesitancy. Results: Among 997 participants, a sub-optimal vaccine literacy was observed, with a mean score of 66.83 ± 10.27. Regression models 1-4 revealed that participants with middle (aOR: 1.431, P=0.039, 95% CI: 1.018~2.010) or high (aOR: 1.651, P=0.006, 95% CI: 1.157~2.354) total vaccine literacy, as well as those with high competence literacy (aOR: 1.533, P=0.017, 95% CI: 1.079~2.180), or high decision-making literacy (aOR: 1.822, P=0.001, 95% CI: 1.261~2.632) were more likely to have been vaccinated against influenza at least once in past three years. However, those with a high knowledge literacy were associated with a lower influenza vaccine rate (aOR: 0.676, P=0.046, 95% CI: 0.460~0.994). Regression models 5-8 revealed that participants with middle (aOR: 1.661, P=0.008, 95% CI: 1.142~2.414) or high total vaccine literacy (aOR: 2.645, P=0.000, 95% CI: 1.774~3.942), as well as those with middle (aOR: 1.703, P=0.005, 95% CI: 1.177~2.464) or high competence literacy (aOR: 2.346, P=0.000, 95% CI: 1.159~3.461), or high decision-making literacy (aOR: 2.294, P=0.000, 95% CI: 1.531~3.436) were more likely to express the willingness to receive the influenza vaccine in the next influenza season. Conclusion: The participants' influenza vaccine hesitancy was negatively associated with their total vaccine literacy levels and two of the three sub-dimensions: competence literacy and decision-making literacy. Knowledge literacy suggested a positive or no relationship with influenza vaccine hesitancy.

High social capital facilitates the alleviation of psychological distress in breast cancer patients: Insights from a cross-sectional study in Anhui Province, China.

Differences in social capital have been shown to impact psychological distress in cancer patients, but few studies have examined the relationship between social capital and the distress thermometer (DT) in breast cancer patients who have undergone modified radical surgery. To fill this research gap, our study aimed to investigate the association between social capital and the DT among breast cancer patients who underwent modified radical surgery in Anhui Province, China. This cross-sectional study used multi-stage stratified random sampling. Data on demographic characteristics, eight dimensions of social capital, and the DT were collected using a questionnaire. Logistic regression models were subsequently utilized to assess the relationship between social capital and DT, adjusting for confounding factors. A total of 253 participants were included in the final analysis. Results indicated that individuals with higher levels of social capital, including participation in the local community (OR = 3.437; 95% CI: 1.734-6.814), social agency or proactivity in a social context (OR = 69.700; 95% CI: 20.142-241.195), feelings of trust and safety (OR = 26.287; 95% CI: 7.646-90.374), neighborhood connections (OR = 7.022; 95% CI: 3.020-16.236), family and friend connections (OR = 59.315; 95% CI: 17.182-204.760), tolerance of diversity (OR = 9.785; 95% CI: 4.736-20.216), value of life (OR = 65.142; 95% CI: 19.994-212.242), and work connections (OR = 31.842; 95% CI: 12.612-80.397), had higher odds of reporting poor DT scores compared to those with lower levels of social capital. These findings indicate an association between social capital and DT scores in breast cancer patients who have undergone modified radical surgery, suggesting that social capital may play a crucial role in alleviating psychological distress within this community.

Laparoscopic Surgery for Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare condition, for which laparoscopic surgery was successfully performed safely and with long-term efficacy. METHODS: This single center retrospective clinical study comprised 66 patients with SMAS, surgically treated between January 2010 and January 2020, who were allocated to three different surgical groups according to their medical history and symptoms (Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy, n = 35; Gastrojejunostomy, n = 16; Duodenojejunostomy plus gastrojejunostomy, n = 15). Patient demographics, surgical data and postoperative outcomes were retrieved from the medical records. RESULTS: All operations were successfully completed laparoscopically, and with a median follow-up of 65 months, the overall symptom score was significantly reduced from 32 to 8 (p < 0.0001) and the BMI was increased from 17.2 kg/m2 to 21.8 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: When conservative measures failed in the treatment of SMAS, laparoscopic surgery proved to be a safe and effective method. The specific surgical technique was selected according to the history and symptoms of each individual patient. To our knowledge, this study represents the largest number of laparoscopic procedures at a single center for the treatment of superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

Atomically Precise Ternary Cluster: Polyoxometalate Cluster Sandwiched by Gold Clusters Protected by N-Heterocyclic Carbenes.

Coinage metal (Au, Ag, Cu) cluster and polyoxometalate (POM) cluster represent two types of subnanometer "artificial atoms" with significant potential in catalysis, sensing, and nanomedicine. While composite clusters combining Ag/Cu clusters with POM have achieved considerable success, the assembly of gold clusters with POM is still lagging. Herein, we first designedly synthesized two cluster structural units: an Au3O cluster stabilized by diverse N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands and an amine-terminated POM linker. The subsequent reaction involved amine substitution in the POM linker for the central O atom in the Au3O cluster, resulting in the first ternary composite cluster - a POM cluster sandwiched by two Au clusters protected by NHCs. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction and other characteristic methods characterized their atomically precise structures. Furthermore, altering the NHC ligands decreased the number of gold atoms in the sandwich structures, accompanying the different protonated degrees of amine ligand in the terminal end of the POM linker. These composite clusters showed excellent performances in catalytic H2O2 conversion through the synergistic effect between gold clusters and POM clusters. This work opens a new avenue to functional composite metal clusters and would promote their enhanced catalysis applications through intercluster synergistic interactions within composite systems.

Living environment, service quality satisfaction and depression among Chinese older adults in elderly caring social organizations.

BACKGROUND: Older adults living in elderly caring social organizations (SOs) are prone to suffer from depression. Many studies have found correlations between environmental and quality-of-life factors and depression; however, evidence from elderly caring SOs is rare, particularly in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among service recipients in elderly caring SOs in Anhui and Chongqing, China. Data on demographic and health-related characteristics, living environment factors, and service quality satisfaction factors in 2171 older adults were used for analysis. The binary logistic regression model was conducted to estimate the association between living environment and service quality satisfaction factors and depression. RESULTS: Our results indicated that living environment factors in terms of exposure to suitable temperature and humidity (OR = 0.655; 95 % CI: 0.446, 0.963), green coverage >30 % (OR = 0.432; 95 % CI: 0.337, 0.553) were associated with lower odds of developing depression. Also, an opposite relationship was found in the noise factor (OR = 1.985; 95 % CI: 1.395, 2.823). Higher satisfaction with admission and discharge services, dietary services, entertainment services, and psychological support services were also found to be associated with a lower risk of depression. LIMITATIONS: A cross-sectional design precluded determining whether living environment, service quality satisfaction, and depression are causally related. Measurement of living environment factors and service quality satisfaction factors needs to be further clarified comprehensively. CONCLUSIONS: Enhancing the living environment and the quality of the services provided to seniors in the elderly caring SOs is conducive to the reduction of the likelihood of depression.

Association between sleep quality and living environment among Chinese older persons: a cross-sectional study.

Sleep quality significantly affects the quality of life of older persons. Therefore, this study explored the relationship between sleep quality and living environment of older persons in China to provide a theoretical basis for therapies to alleviate sleep disorders in older persons. A total of 6211 subjects > 60 years of age in Anhui Province, China, were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and a self-reported questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that living alone (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.09-1.46) and living in a rural area (OR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.06-1.34) were significantly associated with a high incidence of sleep disorders in older persons. Living near a park or foot paths suitable for exercise or walking was significantly associated with a lower incidence of sleep disorders in older persons (OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.77-0.96). Individual factors such as female sex (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.14-1.48) and depression (OR = 2.80, 95% CI 2.47-3.19) were also associated with sleep quality in older persons. These data indicate a correlation exists between living environment and sleep quality.

Harm from others' drinking among young adults in Taiwan: Predictors and deteriorating quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of different forms of harm from others' drinking (HFOD), predictors and the relationship with multi-dimensional quality of life among young adults in an emerging alcohol market in Asia-Taiwan. METHODS: Data were extracted from a 2018 household survey with national representativeness on substance use experiences. The analytic sample comprised 4901 participants aged 18-34. Eight items were used to measure HFOD experiences. Five-dimensional quality of life was assessed by the EQ-5D-5L. Multivariable regressions with complex survey analyses were performed to estimate the prevalence and risk association. RESULTS: Almost 4.2% of young adults experienced any form of HFOD; psychological harm occurred more prevalently than physical harm (3.7% and 1.5%, respectively). Those aged 25-29 and 30-34 had a two- to three-fold risk of HFOD compared with those aged 18-24. Both non-drunk drinking and drunk drinking were associated with an increased risk of psychological HFOD (adjusted odds ratio 2.36 and 5.89, respectively), whereas the risk of physical HFOD was related only to drunk drinking (adjusted odds ratio 7.8). Psychological HFOD victimisation emerged as the strongest predictor for deteriorated quality of life (adjusted b -0.14; 95% confidence interval -0.24, -0.04), especially in the dimensions of pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. Among HFOD victims, only 33% sought help. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The HFOD among young adults, commonly exhibited in psychological form, was linked with deteriorated quality of life; nonetheless, young HFOD victims are under-recognised. When devising interventions for alcohol harm, developmental perspectives should be integrated into policies implemented in healthcare and community settings.

Safety and Immunogenicity of mRNA-1010, an Investigational Seasonal Influenza Vaccine, in Healthy Adults: Final Results From a Phase 1/2 Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal influenza remains a global public health concern. A messenger RNA (mRNA)-based quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine, mRNA-1010, was investigated in a 3-part, first-in-human, phase 1/2 clinical trial. METHODS: In Parts 1-3 of this stratified, observer-blind study, adults aged ≥18 years old were randomly assigned to receive a single dose (6.25 µg to 200 µg) of mRNA-1010 or placebo (Part 1) or an active comparator (Afluria; Parts 2-3). Primary study objectives were assessment of safety, reactogenicity, and humoral immunogenicity of mRNA-1010, placebo (Part 1), or active comparator (Parts 2-3). Exploratory endpoints included assessment of cellular immunogenicity (Part 1) and antigenic breadth against vaccine heterologous (A/H3N2) strains (Parts 1-2). RESULTS: In all study parts, solicited adverse reactions were reported more frequently for mRNA-1010 than placebo or Afluria and most were grade 1 or 2 in severity. No vaccine-related serious adverse events or deaths were reported. In Parts 1-2, a single dose of mRNA-1010 (25 µg to 200 µg) elicited robust Day 29 hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titers that persisted through 6 months. In Part 3, lower doses of mRNA-1010 (6.25 µg to 25 µg) elicited Day 29 HAI titers that were higher or comparable to Afluria for influenza A strains. Compared with Afluria, mRNA-1010 (50 µg) elicited broader A/H3N2 antibody responses (Part 2). mRNA-1010 induced greater T-cell responses than placebo at Day 8 that were sustained or stronger at Day 29 (Part 1). CONCLUSIONS: Data support the continued development of mRNA-1010 as a seasonal influenza vaccine. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04956575 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04956575).

Revealing the enhancement effect of social capital on the individual performance of core members in elderly caring organizations: A study from Anhui, China.

Aging is a challenge to global development. This challenge is particularly significant for China because it has the largest elderly population worldwide. The proportion of aging population continues to increase, and solely relying on government efforts to meet the needs of the elderly is inadequate. Hence, involvement of social organizations in elderly care services is needed. Their core members exhibit higher sense of responsibility and identification with the organization than regular members, thus profoundly affecting organizational development. Based on the Social Capital Theory, this study employed a multistage stratified random sampling method to examine the social capital stock of elderly social organizations and their core members across six cities in Anhui Province, China. Chi-square tests analyzed the relationship between the core members' demographic factors and individual performance. Independent-sample t-tests assessed the relationship between social capital and individual performance. Finally, binary logistic regression models determined the factors influencing the individual performance of core members. Social networks within core members' social capital and the internal social capital of elderly caring social organizations (ESOs) affect the individual performance of core members. Therefore, organizations should provide more training opportunities for core members to expand their networks. Cultivating a shared language and vision as components of social capital can enhance organizational cohesion and operational stability.

Social support, psychological capital, multidimensional job burnout, and turnover intention of primary medical staff: a path analysis drawing on conservation of resources theory.

BACKGROUND: Job burnout is a prevalent and emerging challenge in the primary medical system, causing mass turnover, especially of primary medical staff. Little attention has been paid to the different dimensions of job burnout (emotional exhaustion, personality disintegration, and reduced sense of achievement), which may hinder efforts to tackle high turnover intention among primary medical staff. From the perspective of conservation of resources theory, social support and psychological capital are basic resources with potential to diminish job burnout and thus lower turnover intention. However, there is insufficient research evidence on the relationships between social support, psychological capital, and the three dimensions of job burnout within the primary medical system. OBJECTIVES: Focusing on primary medical staff, this study conducts a path analysis to examine the correlations between two types of resources (social support and psychological capital) and the three dimensions of job burnout, and to test the impact of the latter on turnover intention. Based on the results, effective management strategies to improve the work stability of primary medical staff are proposed. METHODS: Multi-stage cluster random sampling was used to select participants in Anhui Province, China. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire containing measures of the main variables and demographic questions. In total, 1132 valid questionnaires were returned by primary medical staff. Structural equation modeling was used for path analysis of the data. RESULTS: Social support was negatively associated with emotional exhaustion (ß = - 0.088, P = 0.020), personality disintegration (ß = - 0.235, P < 0.001), and reduced sense of achievement (ß = - 0.075, P = 0.040). Moreover, psychological capital was negatively associated with emotional exhaustion (ß = - 0.079, P = 0.030), personality disintegration (ß = - 0.156, P < 0.001), and reduced sense of achievement (ß = - 0.432, P < 0.001). All three dimensions of job burnout positively affected turnover intention (emotional exhaustion: ß = 0.246, P < 0.001; personality disintegration: ß = 0.076, P = 0.040; reduced sense of achievement: ß = 0.119, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the importance of social support and psychological capital for diminishing the three dimensions of job burnout for primary medical staff and, in turn, lowering their turnover intention. Accordingly, to alleviate job burnout and improve staff retention, material and psychological supports from leaders, colleagues, family, relatives, and friends are essential, as are measures to improve the psychological energy of primary medical staff.

Structural basis and synergism of ATP and Na+ activation in bacterial K+ uptake system KtrAB.

The K+ uptake system KtrAB is essential for bacterial survival in low K+ environments. The activity of KtrAB is regulated by nucleotides and Na+. Previous studies proposed a putative gating mechanism of KtrB regulated by KtrA upon binding to ATP or ADP. However, how Na+ activates KtrAB and the Na+ binding site remain unknown. Here we present the cryo-EM structures of ATP- and ADP-bound KtrAB from Bacillus subtilis (BsKtrAB) both solved at 2.8 Å. A cryo-EM density at the intra-dimer interface of ATP-KtrA was identified as Na+, as supported by X-ray crystallography and ICP-MS. Thermostability assays and functional studies demonstrated that Na+ binding stabilizes the ATP-bound BsKtrAB complex and enhances its K+ flux activity. Comparing ATP- and ADP-BsKtrAB structures suggests that BsKtrB Arg417 and Phe91 serve as a channel gate. The synergism of ATP and Na+ in activating BsKtrAB is likely applicable to Na+-activated K+ channels in central nervous system.

Exploring the Role of Traditional Chopstick Culture and Interpersonal Communication in Health Campaign-Targeted Behavior.

Traditional chopstick culture is widely recognized as a vital factor associated with health behavior. After the outbreak of COVID-19 in China, the Gongkuai campaign aims to change long-held traditions of communal eating habits. Little is known about the effect of individuals' perception of traditional chopstick culture and other factors on Gongkuai campaign-targeted goal. This study investigates how social-environmental and cognitive factors motivate individuals to use serving chopsticks (the Chinese Gongkuai campaign-targeted goal) and how such effects are moderated by traditional chopstick culture. Data was collected using a nationwide online survey and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings revealed that campaign-generated interpersonal communication positively affects individual cognitive factors. Furthermore, cognitive factors promote behavioral intentions to use serving chopsticks. While traditional chopstick culture does not directly influence an intention to use serving chopsticks, it plays a different role in the relationships between three cognitive factors and serving chopsticks use intention. Based on the results, policy implications about how to motivate individuals to use serving chopsticks are discussed.

The role of Ca2+ signalling and InsP3R in the pathogenesis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: In order to contribute new insights for future prevention and treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), and to promote positive pregnancy outcomes, we evaluated serum Ca2+ levels and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) expression in the liver tissue of a rat ICP model. METHODS: After establishing the model by injection of oestradiol benzoate and progesterone into pregnant rats, animals were divided into normal control (n = 5) and ICP model groups (n = 5). The expression of InsP3R protein in the liver, and serum levels of Ca2+, glycocholic acid and bile acid were detected. RESULTS: InsP3R mRNA and protein were significantly lower in the ICP model group compared to the normal group, as determined by qPCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results revealed significantly higher levels of glycocholic acid and bile acid in the ICP model group compared to the normal group, while Ca2+ levels were significantly lower. The levers of Ca2+ were significantly and negatively correlated with the levels of glycocholic acid. The observed decrease in Ca2+ was associated with an increase in total bile acids, but there was no significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that the expression of InsP3R and serum Ca2+ levels was significantly decreased in the liver tissue of ICP model rats. Additionally, Ca2+ levels were found to be negatively correlated with the level of glycocholic acid.

This study investigated the relationship between serum Ca²⁺ levels, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) expression and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) in a rat model. The results indicated a significant decrease in InsP3R expression and Ca²⁺ in the disease group compared to the control group, alongside elevated levels of glycocholic acid and bile acid. The levels of Ca²⁺ exhibited a negative correlation with the levels of glycocholic acid. These findings indicated that the decrease of InsP3R expression and Ca²⁺ levels may be related to the pathogenesis of ICP. The study provides further insight into the treatment of this disease.

Visual-motor integration in children with unilateral cerebral palsy: application of the computer-aided measure of visual-motor integration.

BACKGROUND: Children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) are encouraged to participate in the regular school curriculum. However, even when using the less-affected hand for handwriting, children with UCP still experience handwriting difficulties. Visual-motor integration (VMI) is a predictor of handwriting quality. Investigating VMI in children with UCP is important but still lacking. Conventional paper-based VMI assessments is subjective and use all-or-nothing scoring procedures, which may compromise the fidelity of VMI assessments. Moreover, identifying important shapes that are predictive of VMI performance might benefit clinical decision-making because different geometric shapes represent different developmental stepping stones of VMI. Therefore, a new computer-aided measure of VMI (the CAM-VMI) was developed to investigate VMI performance in children with UCP and to identify shapes important for predicting their VMI performance. METHODS: Twenty-eight children with UCP and 28 typically-developing (TD) children were recruited. All participants were instructed to complete the CAM-VMI and Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery-VMI). The test items of the CAM-VMI consisted of nine simple geometric shapes related to writing readiness. Two scores of the CAM-VMI, namely, Error and Effort, were obtained by image registration technique. The performances on the Beery-VMI and the CAM-VMI of children with UCP and TD children were compared by independent t-test. A series of stepwise regression analyses were used to identify shapes important for predicting VMI performance in children with UCP. RESULTS: Significant group differences were found in both the CAM-VMI and the Beery-VMI results. Furthermore, Error was identified as a significant aspect for predicting VMI performance in children with UCP. Specifically, the square item was the only significant predictor of VMI performance in children with UCP. CONCLUSIONS: This study was a large-scale study that provided direct evidence of impaired VMI in school-aged children with UCP. Even when using the less-affected hand, children with UCP could not copy the geometric shapes as well as TD children did. The copied products of children with UCP demonstrated poor constructional accuracy and inappropriate alignment. Furthermore, the predictive model suggested that the constructional accuracy of a copied square is an important predictor of VMI performance in children with UCP.

Activated hedgehog gene pattern correlates with dismal clinical outcome and tumor microenvironment heterogeneity in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway is linked to the initiation and development of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its impact on clinical outcomes and the HCC microenvironment remains unclear. Methods: We performed comprehensive analyses of Hedgehog pathway genes in a large cohort of HCC patients. Specifically, we utilized univariate Cox regression analysis to identify Hedgehog genes linked to overall survival, and the LASSO algorithm was used to construct a Hedgehog-related gene pattern. We subsequently examined the correlation between the Hedgehog pattern and the HCC microenvironment employing the CIBERSORT and ssGSEA algorithms. Furthermore, Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithm and the anti-PD-L1 treatment dataset (IMvigor210) are used to evaluate the clinical response of the Hedgehog pattern in predicting immune checkpoint inhibitors. Results: We found that the Hedgehog activation score (HHAS), a prognostic score based on 11 Hedgehog genes, was significantly associated with HCC patient survival. Patients exhibiting high HHAS experienced markedly reduced survival rates compared to those with low HHAS, and HHAS emerged as an independent prognostic factor for HCC. Functional enrichment analysis unveiled the association of the HHAS phenotype with functions related to the immune system, and further investigation demonstrated that HCC patients exhibiting low HHAS displayed elevated levels of anti-tumor immune activation in CD8+ T cells, while high HHAS were linked to immune escape phenotypes and increased infiltration of immune suppressive cells. In addition, in the Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) cohort of IMvigor210, patients with higher HHAS had worse ICI treatment outcomes and shortened survival time, indicating that the HHAS is a useful indicator for predicting patient response to immunotherapy. Conclusions: In summary, our study offers valuable insights for advancing research on Hedgehog and its impact on tumor immunity, which provides an opportunity to optimize prognosis and immune therapy for HCC.

Quantum entanglement and interference at 3 µm.

Given the important advantages of the mid-infrared optical range (2.5 to 25 µm) for biomedical sensing, optical communications, and molecular spectroscopy, extending quantum information technology to this region is highly attractive. However, the development of mid-infrared quantum information technology is still in its infancy. Here, we report on the generation of a time-energy entangled photon pair in the mid-infrared wavelength band. By using frequency upconversion detection technology, we observe the two-photon Hong-Ou-Mandel interference and demonstrate the time-energy entanglement between twin photons at 3082 nm via the Franson-type interferometer, verifying the indistinguishability and nonlocality of the photons. This work is very promising for future applications of optical quantum technology in the mid-infrared band, which will bring more opportunities in the fields of quantum communication, precision sensing, and imaging.