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In-situ measurement of temperature and alkali metal concentration in municipal solid waste incinerators using flame emission spectroscopy

He X, Lou C, Qiao Y, Lim M

Waste Manag, 2020 Feb 01;102:486-491.
PMID: 31756685 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2019.11.015

In order to address slagging, fouling and high-temperature corrosion problems caused by alkali metals in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), in-situ measurement of alkali metal in MSW incinerators is needed. The paper presents experimental measurements of temperatures and alkali metal concentrations in two MSW incinerators based on Flame Emission Spectroscopy (FES). Through the analysis of spontaneous emission spectra and a calibration procedure, the concentration of gas phase sodium (Na) and potassium (K), temperature and thermal radiation in the incinerator were in-situ measured by a portable spectral system simultaneously. Experimental results showed MSW composition has significant effect on the measured gaseous Na and K. Higher volatile content in MSW may enhance the alkali metal emission. Besides that, the released gaseous Na and K in the two incinerators are correlated with temperature in incinerators. The study provided a low cost and effective solution for in-situ measurement of temperature and alkali metal concentration in MSW incinerators.
Fulltext Digital Students' Satisfaction With and Intention to Use Online Teaching Modes, Role of Big Five Personality Traits

Mustafa S, Qiao Y, Yan X, Anwar A, Hao T, Rana S

Front Psychol, 2022;13:956281.
PMID: 35936293 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.956281

During the COVID-19 pandemic, online teaching modes were found vital to continue students' learning process, but sustainable implementation of online teaching models is an area of concern for policymakers. Psychiatrists are also eager to know students' behavior toward learning and modes of teaching during COVID-19. We have drawn a model based on the big five personality traits to study students' satisfaction with online teaching modes and their adoption intentions toward online teaching modes. We have collected data from 718 bachelor's and master's level students from four different universities. We have applied the SEM-ANN dual-stage approach to test personality traits' influence and ranked them based on their normalized importance. The results revealed that agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness positively influence students' satisfaction with online teaching models, but that extraversion negatively influences their satisfaction. Agreeableness, extraversion, and neuroticism positively impact, but openness negatively influences. Conscientiousness does not affect adoption intention. Furthermore, agreeableness is the most significant, and conscientiousness is the least important factor for students to adopt online teaching modes. The findings of the study have useful perceptiveness for educational policymakers, academics, and psychiatrists.
Silencing of novel TtVtg6-like induced ovarian cell apoptosis in ancient chelicerate Tachypleus tridentatus

Tan K, Waiho K, Tan K, Qiao Y, Lim LS, Yang X, et al.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 2023 Oct 30;679:66-74.
PMID: 37673004 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.08.066

Vitellogenin (Vtg) serves as the precursor of yolk protein and exhibits widespread distribution in tissues, including in the ovary of both vertebrates and invertebrates. Vtg plays a critical role in facilitating oocyte maturation and embryonic development following oviposition. In this study, we have successfully elucidated the complete transcript sequence of TtVtg6-like from an ancient chelicerate Tachypleus tridentatus. The TtVtg6-like transcript encompassed a length of 4887 bp and encoded 1629 amino acids residues. Notably, TtVtg6-like was found to contain 25 exons. Furthermore, the molecular weight and isoelectric point of TtVtg6-like were determined to be 191.6 KDa and 6.73, respectively. Subsequent mRNA expression analysis demonstrated the specific expression of TtVtg6-like in ovary and yellow connective tissue. In addition, TtVtg6-like was located and distributed in both ovary and yellow connective tissue. Intriguingly, employing an siRNA approach to silence TtVtg6-like resulted in a decrease in TtVtg6-like transcription levels. Concomitantly, TtVtg6-like silencing led to increase production of ROS, ultimately resulting in DNA damage and cell apoptosis within the ovarian primary cell. The induction of apoptosis ovarian primary cells due to TtVtg6-like silencing was further corroborated through TUNEL assay and flow cytometry analysis. Overall, our findings underscore the significance of TtVtg6-like in ovarian cell development, revealing its potential association with ovarian cell apoptosis. Consequently, the insights gained from this study contribute to the future exploration of vitellogenesis and ovarian development in T. tridentatus.
Cervical cancer burden, status of implementation and challenges of cervical cancer screening in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries

Zhao S, Huang L, Basu P, Domingo EJ, Supakarapongkul W, Ling WY, et al.

Cancer Lett, 2022 Jan 28;525:22-32.
PMID: 34728309 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.10.036

Multiple barriers impede the transformation of evidence-based research into implementation of cervical cancer screening in ASEAN countries. This review is the first of its kind to show the disease burden of cervical cancer, progress till date to implement screening and corresponding challenges, and propose tailored solutions to promote cervical cancer prevention in ASEAN. In 2020, approximately 69 000 cervical cancer cases and 38 000 deaths happened in ASEAN, and more than 44% and 63% increases on new cases and deaths are expected in 2040. Only four countries have initiated population-based cervical cancer screening programs, but the participation rate is less than 50% in some countries and even lower than 10% in Myanmar and Indonesia. Inequity and unavailability in service delivery, lack of knowledge and awareness, limited follow-up and treatment capacity, and funding sustainability affect successful scale-up of cervical cancer screening most in ASEAN. Implementing HPV detection-based primary screening, appropriate management of screen-positives, enhancing health education, integrating health services can accelerate reduction of cervical cancer burden in ASEAN. Achieving high screening coverage and high treatment compliance will help ASEAN countries remain aligned to cervical cancer elimination strategies.
Investigation of Antioxidant Mechanisms of Novel Peptides Derived from Asian Swamp Eel Hydrolysate in Chemical Systems and AAPH-Induced Human Erythrocytes

Wang X, Chen B, Bhullar KS, Yang H, Luo X, Fu J, et al.

Antioxidants (Basel), 2024 Jul 23;13(8).
PMID: 39199134 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13080888

Sixteen novel antioxidant peptides from Asian swamp eel (ASE) were identified in previous studies. However, their chemical and cellular antioxidant mechanisms remain unclear. Molecular docking of these peptides with ABTS and DPPH radicals revealed the critical role of hydrogen bonding and Pi-Pi stacking hydrophobic interactions between hydrophobic amino acid residues and free radicals. Residues, such as tryptophan, proline, leucine, and valine, played significant roles in these interactions. All these peptides exhibited notable erythrocyte morphoprotective effects in a model of AAPH-induced oxidative damage of human erythrocytes. Erythrocyte hemolysis was reduced primarily through the modulation of both non-enzymatic (GSH/GSSG) and enzymatic antioxidant systems (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) by these peptides. A decrease in levels of MDA, LDH release, and hemoglobin oxidation was observed. Among the peptides, VLYPW demonstrated superior chemical and cellular antioxidant activities, which may be attributed to its higher levels of tyrosine and tryptophan, as well as to its increased hydrophobic amino acid content.
Fulltext Assessing social support impact on depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate students in Shaanxi province during the COVID-19 pandemic of China

Guo K, Zhang X, Bai S, Minhat HS, Nazan AINM, Feng J, et al.

PLoS One, 2021;16(7):e0253891.
PMID: 34297731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253891

Following the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in China, undergraduate students may experience psychological changes. During emergency circumstances, social support is an important factor influencing the mental health condition among undergraduate students in Shaanxi province. This study aims to find the factors associated with mental health symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate students in Shaanxi province during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. A cross-sectional study was conducted from Feb 23 to Mar 7, 2020. A total of 1278 undergraduate students from the universities located in Shaanxi province participated in this study. The mental health symptoms were measured by 12-item Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) instruments. This survey showed that females receive more social support compared to males (t = -5.046, P<0.001); males have higher-level depression symptoms (t = 5.624, P<0.001); males have higher-level anxiety symptoms (t = 6.332, P<0.001), males have higher-level stress symptoms (t = 5.58, P<0.001). This study also found participants who have low social support was negatively correlated with mental health symptoms. In Conclusion, Males and low social support were associated with having the higher level of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among undergraduate students in Shaanxi province during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Therefore, it is suggested that people should supply more social support for undergraduate students in Shaanxi province during COVID-19 pandemic.
Fulltext Secondary Prevention of Cervical Cancer: ASCO Resource-Stratified Guideline Update

Shastri SS, Temin S, Almonte M, Basu P, Campos NG, Gravitt PE, et al.

JCO Glob Oncol, 2022 Sep;8:e2200217.
PMID: 36162041 DOI: 10.1200/GO.22.00217

PURPOSE: To update resource-stratified, evidence-based recommendations on secondary prevention of cervical cancer globally.
METHODS: American Society of Clinical Oncology convened a multidisciplinary, multinational Expert Panel to produce recommendations reflecting four resource-tiered settings. A review of existing guidelines, formal consensus-based process, and modified ADAPTE process to adapt existing guidelines was conducted. Other experts participated in formal consensus.
RESULTS: This guideline update reflects changes in evidence since the previous update. Five existing guidelines were identified and reviewed, and adapted recommendations form the evidence base. Cost-effectiveness analyses provided indirect evidence to inform consensus, which resulted in ≥ 75% agreement.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing is recommended in all resource settings; visual inspection with acetic acid may be used in basic settings. Recommended age ranges and frequencies vary by the following setting: maximal: age 25-65 years, every 5 years; enhanced: age 30-65 years, if two consecutive negative tests at 5-year intervals, then every 10 years; limited: age 30-49 years, every 10 years; basic: age 30-49 years, one to three times per lifetime. For basic settings, visual assessment is used to determine treatment eligibility; in other settings, genotyping with cytology or cytology alone is used to determine treatment. For basic settings, treatment is recommended if abnormal triage results are obtained; in other settings, abnormal triage results followed by colposcopy is recommended. For basic settings, treatment options are thermal ablation or loop electrosurgical excision procedure; for other settings, loop electrosurgical excision procedure or ablation is recommended; with a 12-month follow-up in all settings. Women who are HIV-positive should be screened with HPV testing after diagnosis, twice as many times per lifetime as the general population. Screening is recommended at 6 weeks postpartum in basic settings; in other settings, screening is recommended at 6 months. In basic settings without mass screening, infrastructure for HPV testing, diagnosis, and treatment should be developed.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/resource-stratified-guidelines.
Fulltext Targeting SWI/SNF ATPases in enhancer-addicted prostate cancer

Xiao L, Parolia A, Qiao Y, Bawa P, Eyunni S, Mannan R, et al.

Nature, 2022 Jan;601(7893):434-439.
PMID: 34937944 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04246-z

The switch/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex has a crucial role in chromatin remodelling1 and is altered in over 20% of cancers2,3. Here we developed a proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) degrader of the SWI/SNF ATPase subunits, SMARCA2 and SMARCA4, called AU-15330. Androgen receptor (AR)+ forkhead box A1 (FOXA1)+ prostate cancer cells are exquisitely sensitive to dual SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 degradation relative to normal and other cancer cell lines. SWI/SNF ATPase degradation rapidly compacts cis-regulatory elements bound by transcription factors that drive prostate cancer cell proliferation, namely AR, FOXA1, ERG and MYC, which dislodges them from chromatin, disables their core enhancer circuitry, and abolishes the downstream oncogenic gene programs. SWI/SNF ATPase degradation also disrupts super-enhancer and promoter looping interactions that wire supra-physiologic expression of the AR, FOXA1 and MYC oncogenes themselves. AU-15330 induces potent inhibition of tumour growth in xenograft models of prostate cancer and synergizes with the AR antagonist enzalutamide, even inducing disease remission in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) models without toxicity. Thus, impeding SWI/SNF-mediated enhancer accessibility represents a promising therapeutic approach for enhancer-addicted cancers.