Sex Trafficking Awareness Among Adolescents

Sex Trafficking is a growing concern for the United States of America. This research investigation identifies the level of awareness from a group of individuals about 14 to 18 years old, allowing for the improvement of prevention methods for younger populations. The data for this study reported an overall trend in which students had an insufficient understanding for sex trafficking and its occurrences. Student responses contained higher mean scores as the grade levels increased. The data supports the argument that students are not as aware as they may need to be; however, 10th grade students responded either “slightly agree” or “strongly agree” more frequently than the 9th, 11th, and 12th grade students, leading them to have higher averages. This group of students in particular deviated from the trend established by the other grade level; on average, 10th grade students had higher mean scores than the other grade levels. Survey results summarize a lack of awareness that may originate from ineffective, or nonexistent, awareness programs from the students’ middle schools. Individuals should be informed prior to their entrance into high school. The data followed a distribution in which students were becoming progressively more aware through each school year. During the developmental period between the ages of 11 and 15, individuals often seek closer relationships with perceived friends. Sex traffickers often take the form of a close friend, allowing for an an uninformed individual to put their trust in an potential trafficker

Catalytic Oxidation of Chlorobenzene over Mn_<i>x</i>Ce_1–<i>x</i>O₂/HZSM‑5 Catalysts: A Study with Practical Implications

Industrial-use catalysts usually encounter severe deactivation after long-term operation for catalytic oxidation of chlorinate volatile organic compounds (CVOCs), which becomes a “bottleneck” for large-scale application of catalytic combustion technology. In this work, typical acidic solid-supported catalysts of Mn_<i>x</i>Ce_1–<i>x</i>O₂/HZSM-5 were investigated for the catalytic oxidation of chlorobenzene (CB). The activation energy (<i>E</i>_a), Brønsted and Lewis acidities, CB adsorption and activation behaviors, long-term stabilities, and surficial accumulation compounds (after aging) were studied using a range of analytical techniques, including XPS, H₂-TPR, pyridine-IR, DRIFT, and O₂-TP-Ms. Experimental results revealed that the Brønsted/Lewis (B/L) ratio of Mn_<i>x</i>Ce_1–<i>x</i>O₂/HZSM-5 catalysts could be adjusted by ion exchange of H• (in HZSM-5) with Mnⁿ⁺ (where the exchange with Ce⁴⁺ did not distinctly affect the acidity); the long-term aged catalysts could accumulate ca. 14 organic compounds at surface, including highly toxic tetrachloromethane, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, <i>o</i>-dichlorobenzene, etc.; high humid operational environment could ensure a stable performance for Mn_<i>x</i>Ce_1–<i>x</i>O₂/HZSM-5 catalysts; this was due to the effective removal of Cl• and coke accumulations by H₂O washing, and the distinct increase of Lewis acidity by the interaction of H₂O with HZSM-5. This work gives an in-depth view into the CB oxidation over acidic solid-supported catalysts and could provide practical guidelines for the rational design of reliable catalysts for industrial applications

Table1_Establishing a glutamine metabolism-based model for predicting the prognosis of low-grade glioma.xlsx

Background: The natural history of patients with low-grade glioma (LGG) varies widely, but most patients eventually deteriorate, leading to poor prognostic outcomes. We aim to develop biological models that can accurately predict the outcome of LGG prognosis.Methods: Prognostic genes for glutamine metabolism were searched by univariate Cox regression, and molecular typing was constructed. Functional enrichment analysis was done to evaluate potential prognostic-related pathways by analyzing differential genes in different subtypes. Enrichment scores of specific gene sets in different subtypes were measured by gene set enrichment analysis. Different immune infiltration levels among subtypes were calculated using algorithms such as CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE. Gene expression levels of prognostic-related gene signatures of glutamine metabolism phenotypes were used to construct a RiskScore model. Receiver operating characteristic curve, decision curve and calibration curve analyses were used to evaluate the reliability and validity of the risk model. The decision tree model was used to determine the best predictor variable ultimately.Results: We found that C1 had the worst prognosis and the highest level of immune infiltration, among which the highest macrophage infiltration can be found in the M2 stage. Moreover, most of the pathways associated with tumor development, such as MYC_TARGETS_V1 and EPITHELIAL_MESENCHYMAL_TRANSITION, were significantly enriched in C1. The wild-type IDH and MGMT hypermethylation were the most abundant in C1. A five-gene risk model related to glutamine metabolism phenotype was established with good performance in both training and validation datasets. The final decision tree demonstrated the RiskScore model as the most significant predictor of prognostic outcomes in individuals with LGG.Conclusion: The RiskScore model related to glutamine metabolism can be an exceedingly accurate predictor for LGG patients, providing valuable suggestions for personalized treatment.</p

Table2_Establishing a glutamine metabolism-based model for predicting the prognosis of low-grade glioma.xlsx

Background: The natural history of patients with low-grade glioma (LGG) varies widely, but most patients eventually deteriorate, leading to poor prognostic outcomes. We aim to develop biological models that can accurately predict the outcome of LGG prognosis.Methods: Prognostic genes for glutamine metabolism were searched by univariate Cox regression, and molecular typing was constructed. Functional enrichment analysis was done to evaluate potential prognostic-related pathways by analyzing differential genes in different subtypes. Enrichment scores of specific gene sets in different subtypes were measured by gene set enrichment analysis. Different immune infiltration levels among subtypes were calculated using algorithms such as CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE. Gene expression levels of prognostic-related gene signatures of glutamine metabolism phenotypes were used to construct a RiskScore model. Receiver operating characteristic curve, decision curve and calibration curve analyses were used to evaluate the reliability and validity of the risk model. The decision tree model was used to determine the best predictor variable ultimately.Results: We found that C1 had the worst prognosis and the highest level of immune infiltration, among which the highest macrophage infiltration can be found in the M2 stage. Moreover, most of the pathways associated with tumor development, such as MYC_TARGETS_V1 and EPITHELIAL_MESENCHYMAL_TRANSITION, were significantly enriched in C1. The wild-type IDH and MGMT hypermethylation were the most abundant in C1. A five-gene risk model related to glutamine metabolism phenotype was established with good performance in both training and validation datasets. The final decision tree demonstrated the RiskScore model as the most significant predictor of prognostic outcomes in individuals with LGG.Conclusion: The RiskScore model related to glutamine metabolism can be an exceedingly accurate predictor for LGG patients, providing valuable suggestions for personalized treatment.</p

Image_4_Pan-cancer analysis of ASB3 and the potential clinical implications for immune microenvironment of glioblastoma multiforme.tif

BackgroundAnkyrin repeat and SOCS Box containing 3 (ASB3) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase. It has been reported to regulate the progression of some cancers, but no systematic pan-cancer analysis has been conducted to explore its function in prognosis and immune microenvironment.MethodIn this study, mRNA expression data were downloaded from TCGA and GTEx database. Next generation sequencing data from 14 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) samples by neurosurgical resection were used as validation dataset. Multiple bioinformatics methods (ssGSEA, Kaplan-Meier, Cox regression analysis, GSEA and online tools) were applied to explore ASB3 expression, gene activity, prognosis of patients in various cancers, and its correlation with clinical information, immune microenvironment and pertinent signal pathways in GBM. The biological function of ASB3 in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was verified using an animal model.ResultsWe found that ASB3 was aberrant expressed in a variety of tumors, especially in GBM, and significantly correlated with the prognosis of cancer patients. The level of ASB3 was related to the TMB, MSI and immune cell infiltration in some cancer types. ASB3 had a negative association with immune infiltration and TME, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), cancer-associated fibroblasts, immunosuppressors and related signaling pathways in GBM. ASB3 overexpression reduced the proportion of Tregs in TILs. GSEA and PPI analysis also showed negative correlation between ASB3 expression and oncogenetic signaling pathways in GBM.ConclusionA comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of ASB3 showed its potential function as a biomarker of cancer prognosis and effective prediction of immunotherapy response. This study not only enriches the understanding of the biological function of ASB3 in pan-cancer, especially in GBM immunity, but also provides a new reference for the personalized immunotherapy of GBM.</p

Phenolphthalein-Modified Multivalent Vanadium Oxide: Harnessing Oxygen Vacancies and Hydrophobicity for Improved Aqueous Zinc-Ion Battery Performance

Vanadium-based compounds are promising candidates as cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) due to their open crystal structure and high theoretical specific capacity. However, their dissolution problems in aqueous electrolytes lead to severe fast capacity decay, hindering the further development of ZIBs. Herein, a multivalent vanadium oxide (VOH@phph) with phenolphthalein coating was synthesized via a facile strategy under room temperature. The natural hydrophobicity of the coated phenolphthalein reduces direct interaction between the material and water molecules, restraining vanadium dissolution and effectively enhancing the cyclic stability of the material. Moreover, the introduction of phenolphthalein results in increased oxygen vacancies, thereby significantly shortening the diffusion path of Zn2+ ions and consequently improving the rate performance of VOH@phph. Notably, at a current density of 2 A g–1, the battery featuring VOH@phph as the cathode demonstrates a specific capacity of 294.37 mAh g–1 and maintains a retention rate of 96.82% after 1000 cycles

Table_7_Uncovering lupus nephritis-specific genes and the potential of TNFRSF17-targeted immunotherapy: a high-throughput sequencing study.xlsx

IntroductionLupus nephritis (LN) is a severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to identify LN specific-genes and potential therapeutic targets.MethodsWe performed high-throughput transcriptome sequencing on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from LN patients. Healthy individuals and SLE patients without LN were used as controls. To validate the sequencing results, qRT-PCR was performed for 5 upregulated and 5 downregulated genes. Furthermore, the effect of the TNFRSF17-targeting drug IBI379 on patient plasma cells and B cells was evaluated by flow cytometry.ResultsOur analysis identified 1493 and 205 differential genes in the LN group compared to the control and SLE without LN groups respectively, with 70 genes common to both sets, marking them as LN-specific. These LN-specific genes were significantly enriched in the ‘regulation of biological quality’ GO term and the cell cycle pathway. Notably, several genes including TNFRSF17 were significantly overexpressed in the kidneys of both LN patients and NZB/W mice. TNFRSF17 levels correlated positively with urinary protein levels, and negatively with complement C3 and C4 levels in LN patients. The TNFRSF17-targeting drug IBI379 effectively induced apoptosis in patient plasma cells without significantly affecting B cells.DiscussionOur findings suggest that TNFRSF17 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for LN. Moreover, IBI379 is presented as a promising treatment option for LN.</p

Image_4_Uncovering lupus nephritis-specific genes and the potential of TNFRSF17-targeted immunotherapy: a high-throughput sequencing study.jpeg

IntroductionLupus nephritis (LN) is a severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to identify LN specific-genes and potential therapeutic targets.MethodsWe performed high-throughput transcriptome sequencing on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from LN patients. Healthy individuals and SLE patients without LN were used as controls. To validate the sequencing results, qRT-PCR was performed for 5 upregulated and 5 downregulated genes. Furthermore, the effect of the TNFRSF17-targeting drug IBI379 on patient plasma cells and B cells was evaluated by flow cytometry.ResultsOur analysis identified 1493 and 205 differential genes in the LN group compared to the control and SLE without LN groups respectively, with 70 genes common to both sets, marking them as LN-specific. These LN-specific genes were significantly enriched in the ‘regulation of biological quality’ GO term and the cell cycle pathway. Notably, several genes including TNFRSF17 were significantly overexpressed in the kidneys of both LN patients and NZB/W mice. TNFRSF17 levels correlated positively with urinary protein levels, and negatively with complement C3 and C4 levels in LN patients. The TNFRSF17-targeting drug IBI379 effectively induced apoptosis in patient plasma cells without significantly affecting B cells.DiscussionOur findings suggest that TNFRSF17 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for LN. Moreover, IBI379 is presented as a promising treatment option for LN.</p

Association between TYMS Expression and Efficacy of Pemetrexed–Based Chemotherapy in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

<div><p>Background</p><p>The predictive value of thymidylate synthase (TYMS) to sensitivity to pemetrexed-based chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients is controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis of all relevant published data to assess the association of TYMS expression with the clinical outcomes of pemetrexed-based regimen in advanced NSCLC.</p> <p>Patients and Methods</p><p>We conducted an electronic search using using PubMed, Embase, OVID and Cochrane Library databases and manual search. Pooled odds ratio (OR) for the response rate and hazard ratio (HR) for the overall survival and progression free survival were calculated using the software Revman 5.0.</p> <p>Results</p><p>There were 11 studies (<i>n</i>=798) met our criteria for evaluation. Response rate to pemetrexed-based regimen was significantly higher in patients with low/negative TYMS (OR=2.96, 95%CI [1.81, 4.86] <i>P</i><0.0001). Patients with low/negative TYMS who were treated with pemetrexed-based regimen had longer progression free survival (HR 0.50, 95%CI [0.41, 0.61] <i>P</i> <0.00001) and overall survival (HR 0.41, 95%CI [0.22, 0.78] <i>P</i>=0.007) than those with high/positive TYMS.</p> <p>Conclusions</p><p>Low/negative TYMS expression was significantly associated with higher response rate, longer median survival and longer progression free survival for advanced NSCLC patients receiving pemtrexed-based chemotherapy. Hence, TYMS may be a potential predictor of sensitivity to pemtrexed-based chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC. Large scale prospective clinical trials are still warranted.</p> </div

Table_2_Uncovering lupus nephritis-specific genes and the potential of TNFRSF17-targeted immunotherapy: a high-throughput sequencing study.xlsx

IntroductionLupus nephritis (LN) is a severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to identify LN specific-genes and potential therapeutic targets.MethodsWe performed high-throughput transcriptome sequencing on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from LN patients. Healthy individuals and SLE patients without LN were used as controls. To validate the sequencing results, qRT-PCR was performed for 5 upregulated and 5 downregulated genes. Furthermore, the effect of the TNFRSF17-targeting drug IBI379 on patient plasma cells and B cells was evaluated by flow cytometry.ResultsOur analysis identified 1493 and 205 differential genes in the LN group compared to the control and SLE without LN groups respectively, with 70 genes common to both sets, marking them as LN-specific. These LN-specific genes were significantly enriched in the ‘regulation of biological quality’ GO term and the cell cycle pathway. Notably, several genes including TNFRSF17 were significantly overexpressed in the kidneys of both LN patients and NZB/W mice. TNFRSF17 levels correlated positively with urinary protein levels, and negatively with complement C3 and C4 levels in LN patients. The TNFRSF17-targeting drug IBI379 effectively induced apoptosis in patient plasma cells without significantly affecting B cells.DiscussionOur findings suggest that TNFRSF17 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for LN. Moreover, IBI379 is presented as a promising treatment option for LN.</p