Hydrazine-Assisted Synthesis, Structures, Photoelectricity, and Photocatalysis of Ternary Mercury-Tellurostannate Hybrids with Transition-Metal Complexes.

Tellurostannates are traditionally prepared by multistep reactions using the tellurides SnTe, SnTe2, K4SnTe4, or A6SnTe6 (A = K, Rb, or Cs) as precursors, which are usually prepared by the molten reaction of alkali metals Sn and Te under harsh synthetic conditions. Differently, ternary Hg-tellurostannate hybrids [Mn(en)3]HgSnTe3(Te2) (1) (en = ethylenediamine), [Mn(dien)2]HgSnTe3(Te2) (2), and [Fe(dien)2]HgSnTe3(Te2) (3) (dien = diethylenetriamine) were synthesized by one-pot reactions using Sn and Te powders as starting materials in the presence of hydrazine under mild solvothermal conditions. In 1, HgTe3 and SnTe4 units are joined via Te-sharing to form a 1-D polymeric chain [HgSnTe3(Te2)]n2n-, while the [HgSnTe3(Te2)]n2n- chains in 2 and 3 are composed of HgTe4 and SnTe4 units. The common feature of the [HgSnTe3(Te2)2-]n chains in 1-3 is that they are constructed by both the telluride anion Te2- and the polytelluride anion Te22-. 1-3 exhibited strong photocurrent responses with current densities of 5.26, 3.38, and 3.94 µA cm-2, respectively. They showed effective photocatalytic activities for methylene blue degradation with degradation ratios in the range of 85.3-94.6% after light irradiation for 80 min. Investigation of the photocatalytic mechanism showed that •O2- radicals and h+ holes were the main active substances in the photodegradation.

Influencing factors of humanistic care ability and its dimensions among mental health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In psychiatric services, humanistic care ability significantly affects the quality of the therapeutic relationship and thus affects the therapeutic outcomes for patients. Mental health workers may be confronted with more obstacles in humanistic care during the COVID-19 pandemic wherethe authors aimed to explore the capacity level of humanistic care among mental health workers and its potential influencing factors. METHOD(S): An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 262 mental health workers working in Chongqing, China, from December 2020 to January 2021. Data were collected by the Caring Ability Inventory (CAI), the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-24), the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised, and the Short Scale for Chinese (EPQ-RSC). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of humanistic care ability. RESULTS: Mental health workers' humanistic care ability is at a low level, with a score of 186.47 ± 21.34. Psychological capital is positively associated with humanistic care ability (ß[95%CI] = 0.41 [0.46-0.77], p < 0.001), and its two dimensions (cognition: ß[95%CI] = 0.51 [0.30-0.47], p < 0.001; patience: ß[95%CI] = 0.48 [0.17-0.28], p < 0.001). Psychoticism is negatively associated with humanistic care ability (ß[95%CI] = -0.28 [-5.18 - -2.51], p < 0.001) and its three dimensions (cognition: ß[95%CI] = -0.12 [-1.57 - -0.17], p < 0.05; courage: ß[95%CI] = -0.17 [-1.7 - -0.32], p < 0.01; patience: ß[95%CI] = -0.19 [-1.33 - -0.36], p < 0.01). Extroversion is positively associated with humanistic care ability (ß[95%CI] = 0.19 [0.69-2.08], p < 0.001), and its two dimensions (cognition: ß[95%CI] = 0.19 [0.32-1.05], p < 0.001; courage: ß[95%CI] = 0.27 [0.5-1.23], p < 0.001). Neuroticism is negatively associated with humanistic care ability (ß[95%CI] = -0.13[-1.37 - -0.19], p < 0.01) and its one dimension (courage: ß[95%CI] = -0.25 [-0.98 - -0.35], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION(S): The research has found that the humanistic care ability of mental health workers is at a low level, and the psychological capital and personality traits are significant factors influencing the humanistic care ability and its sub-dimensions. Interventions to improve the psychological capital of mental health workers or to promote the change of personality traits they want are recommended, thereby to promote humanistic practice.

Gender Differences in Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, and Quality of Life in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Multicenter, Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are more often female, but gender differences in psychological distress in patients with HFpEF have not been determined. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare anxiety, depression, insomnia, and quality of life (QoL) between women and men with HFpEF. METHODS: A total of 263 consecutive hospitalized patients with HFpEF were enrolled in a multicenter study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), insomnia was assessed by the Insomnia Severity Index and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and QoL was assessed by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. RESULTS: Women accounted for 59% and men accounted for 41% of the patients with HFpEF. Women and men had similar New York Heart Association functional class and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels. Between women and men with HFpEF, similar depression prevalence (HADS-D: 4.9 ± 3.7 vs 4.1 ± 3.6, P = .222), insomnia severity (Insomnia Severity Index: 9.3 ± 6.4 vs 8.0 ± 6.5, P = .120), and QoL (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire: 46.6 ± 12.6 vs 47.6 ± 12.7, P = .738) were found when adjusting for potential confounders. Women had more severe anxiety (HADS-Anxiety: 2.4 ± 2.9 vs 1.6 ± 2.3, P = .025) and worse sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: 9.9 ± 4.6 vs 8.7 ± 4.5, P = .046) compared with men after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: There were no gender differences in depression, insomnia, and QoL in patients with HFpEF when adjusting for confounders. Women with HFpEF suffered more severe anxiety and sleep quality than men after adjustment. Thus, it is recommended that psychological distress in patients with HFpEF be assessed in clinical practice, and gender differences taken into consideration.

Downregulation of lncRNA XIST Represses Tumor Growth and Boosts Radiosensitivity of Neuroblastoma via Modulation of the miR-375/L1CAM Axis.

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a heterogeneous tumor that is common in infants and young children. Long non-coding RNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) is implicated in NB advancement. Nevertheless, the role and regulatory mechanism by which XIST in NB are not fully elucidated. Expression levels of XIST, microRNA-375-5p (miR-375), and L1 cell adhesion molecular (L1CAM) were examined through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The cell cycle progression, proliferation, and colony formation of NB cells were determined with flow cytometry, 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), or cell colony formation assays. Cell apoptotic rate was detected with flow cytometry assay. The relationship between XIST or L1CAM and miR-375 was verified via dual-luciferase reporter assay. The level of L1CAM protein was examined through western blotting. The role of XIST in vivo was confirmed through xenograft assay. XIST and L1CAM were upregulated while miR-375 was downregulated in NB tissues and cells. XIST depletion repressed tumor growth in vivo and elevated radiosensitivity, arrested cell cycle progression, and impeded proliferation of NB cells in vitro. Mechanistically, XIST modulated L1CAM expression through competitively binding to miR-375. Furthermore, miR-375 inhibitor recovered XIST inhibition-mediated effects on the radiosensitivity and malignant behaviors of NB cells. Also, L1CAM overexpression reversed the effects of miR-375 enhancement on the cell cycle progression, proliferation, and radiosensitivity of NB cells. XIST downregulation repressed tumor growth and boosted radiosensitivity of NB via modulating the miR-375/L1CAM axis, indicating that XIST was a promising target for NB treatment.

BI-RRT*: An improved path planning algorithm for secure and trustworthy mobile robots systems.

The optimal RRT in elliptic space sampling (Informed-RRT*) is an extension of RRT that provides asymptotic optimality, however, it experiences gradual progress and close to obstacles. In the paper, we propose a novel path planning algorithm guided bidirectional Informed-RRT* (BI-RRT*), that introduces extension range, dual-direction exploration, and refinement in trajectory design. The growth range refers to maintaining an additional area from the obstacle to enhance the dependability of the path through preventing impacts. Bidirectional search is a search strategy using both start and target points for a initial solution. Smoothing improves path robustness by using cubic spline. Furthermore, simulation tests for the BI-RRT* algorithm are executed, and the efficacy of the suggested algorithm is confirmed through its application in a robot operating system (ROS). Simulations and experimental tests verify that the proposed algorithm improves the path planning capability. We emphasize the importance of safety, privacy, and reliability in the deployment of AI systems. Our algorithm ensures that the planned paths maintain a safe distance from obstacles, reducing the risk of collisions. Additionally, we prioritize privacy by adhering to data protection regulations and implementing secure communication protocols within the AI system. Moreover, we have applied rigorous testing and validation processes to enhance the reliability of our algorithm, ensuring consistent and accurate path planning outcomes.

Prevalence of burnout and mental health problems among medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the burnout and mental health of medical staff. This meta-analysis aims to provide additional (and updated) evidence related to burnout and mental health problems among medical staff using a broader data pool. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang data and three preprint databases (SSRN, bioRxiv and medRxiv) were searched from 1 January 2020 to 17 May 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included observational studies investigating the prevalence of burnout and mental health problems among medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, including cross-sectional study, cohort study and case-control study. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two independent reviewers used a self-designed form to extract the primary data. The Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of selected studies. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed by I2 statistic. A random-effects model was used to pool the prevalence. Subgroup analysis was performed to explore between-group differences. RESULTS: 250 studies were included, with a sample of 292 230 participants from 46 countries. The pooled prevalence of burnout, anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and somatic symptoms was 43.6% (95% CI 36.3% to 51.2%), 37.1% (95% CI 34.7% to 39.7%), 37.6% (95% CI 35.0% to 40.4%), 43.7% (95% CI 39.1% to 48.5%), 41.3% (95% CI 35.1% to 47.9%), 30.6% (95% CI 23.6% to 38.5%) and 25.0% (95% CI 16.7% to 35.6%), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression and insomnia in frontline workers than in non-frontline workers, and a higher prevalence of anxiety in females than males. Mild cases accounted for the most significant proportion of the outcomes except for stress. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that identifying the risks of burnout and mental health problems and adopting preventive interventions are priorities for policymakers and medical staff to avoid long-term occupational, health and social impacts. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021254425.

Influencing factors of burnout and its dimensions among mental health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIM: To examine the demographic and work characteristics of mental health workers associated with burnout during the COVID-19 epidemic and to examine the relationship between burnout and humanistic care ability. DESIGN: Online cross-sectional design. METHODS: 270 mental health workers in Chongqing, China, were recruited via WeChat from 1 to 31 December 2020. Online self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Data were analyzed by t-tests and one-way analyses of variance, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health workers had a high prevalence of burnout and a low level of humanistic care ability. Work factors including profession, work shift, work pressure, work-family conflict, practice environment satisfaction, salary satisfaction, and humanistic care ability were significantly associated with burnout and its subdimension.

The link between self-uncertainty and conspicuous consumption: Tolerance of uncertainty as a moderator.

This study, based on self-affirmation theory, aims to investigate the impact of self-uncertainty on individual consumption behavior. Self-uncertainty was categorized into moral, cognitive, and interpersonal self-uncertainty, and different types of self-uncertainty were manipulated through four experiments, including a moral dilemma, a recall paradigm, and a picture quiz task written by E-Prime software to examine the effects of different types of self-uncertainty on conspicuous consumption and their possible boundary conditions. Our results show that moral, cognitive, and interpersonal self-uncertainty contribute to a stronger tendency to engage in conspicuous consumption. Our results also suggest that tolerance of uncertainty moderates the effect of self-uncertainty on conspicuous consumption, meaning that subjects with a high tolerance of uncertainty are less inclined to engage in conspicuous consumption than those with a low tolerance of uncertainty, even if they have high self-uncertainty. This study may provide an explanation for conspicuous consumption behavior, further validating the theory of compensatory consumption. Additionally, the results from this study also provide a reference for understanding people's decision-making behavior in an uncertain social context and can provide new guidance to control irrational consumption behavior.

Online bioinformatics teaching practice: Comparison of popular docking programs using SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD-ACE2 complex as a benchmark.

In this information era, there is an urgent need for tighter integration of bioinformatics and experimental biology. The enormous amount of data generated by biological experiments calls for extensive computational analysis. Many bioinformatics textbooks at present mainly focus on theories, which hinders the vigorous development of scientific research. As a result, most students are simply familiar with the bioinformatics theories but lack the opportunity to put them into practice. Here, we present our bioinformatics docking project conducted during the self-isolation period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Five students used the RBD-ACE2 complex as a benchmark to conduct a systematic comparison of several open-source online molecular docking programs. The virus surface spike protein mediates the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into human cells by binding to its receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), through its receptor-binding domain (RBD). Through docking and comparing predicted structures to the crystal structure, students gained the opportunity to practice different bioinformatics tools independently and conduct research collaboratively. It opens a window for students to reach out to the state-of-the-art bioinformatics techniques and to keep up with the research trends. The online workshop has also proven to be an innovative method for bioinformatics teaching. We hope our work can inspire other educators to develop strategies to expose undergraduate students to modern bioinformatics and turn every temporary difficulty into a possible learning opportunity.

A method for mechanized hybrid rice seed production using female sterile rice.

BACKGROUND: The breeding and large-scale adoption of hybrid rice is an important achievement in modern agriculture. Mechanized seed production is urgently needed for widespread adoption of hybrid rice because it can compensate for the shortage of manual labor to meet the growing food demands in China. RESULTS: Here, we report the development of a mechanized hybrid rice seed production method using a female sterile rice. In this method, three closely linked gene expression cassettes were introduced into female sterile rice. The three expression cassettes are: 1) a rice female fertility gene expression cassette; 2) a pollen-lethal gene expression cassette; and 3) a red fluorescence protein gene expression cassette. During the self-fertilization process of a heterozygous transgenic rice plant, pollen grains carrying the transgene die off and cannot participate in fertilization; pollen grains not carrying a transgene can normally fertilize the female gamete, leading to fructification. By means of fluorescence-assisted sorting, homogeneous female sterile rice seeds are sorted out from other seeds carrying the transgene and are used for mechanized hybrid rice seed production; heterozygous seeds carrying the transgene can then be used in the multiplication of female sterile rice. CONCLUSIONS: This technology solves the difficulty of multiplying female-sterile rice, allows for mechanized production of hybrid rice seed, and will prove especially valuable in systems using a mixed-planting, mixed-harvesting approach. Moreover, it uses transgenic technology that has not yet been employed in a seed production process in which the output is non-transgenic seeds.