Prediction of body fat increase from food addiction scale in school-aged children and adolescents: A longitudinal cross-lagged study

ObjectiveFood addiction (FA) is associated with a higher body mass index z-score (BMIZ) in children and adolescents; however, whether these two aspects evolve interdependently remains unknown. This study aimed to address this question using a cross-lagged study.MethodsWeight status, including BMIZ, fat content (FC), and visceral fat level (VFL), was determined in 880 children and adolescents (mean age = 14.02 years [range = 8.83–17.52 years]) at two-time points with an interval of 6 months. FA was characterized using the Chinese version of the dimensional Yale Food Addiction Scale for Children 2.0. Furthermore, FC and VFL were measured using direct segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis at each time point.ResultsHigher FA was associated with increased BMIZ, FC, and VFL (P < 0.05). FA at T0 could predict increased FC at T1 (P < 0.05). The characteristics of females, primary students, and living in urban areas may aggravate the adverse effect of FA on weight status over time and age, particularly the increased VFL in participants aged > 14 years.ConclusionChildren and adolescents with a high FA level were at risk for weight gain attributed to increased FC, and the adverse effect could be aggravated with time and age. Novel FA-targeting interventions may help mitigate the risk of getting obesity

Demystifying the Economic Growth and CO₂ Nexus in Fujian’s Key Industries Based on Decoupling and LMDI Model

Faced with peaking carbon emissions and carbon neutrality goals, low-carbon transformation has become an important part of China’s current economic construction. Fujian is one of the provinces with the fastest economic development in China and the core area of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Therefore, its low-carbon economic development path is of great significance to China. This study focused on the key carbon emission industries in Fujian Province, using energy and carbon emission data from industrial sectors in Fujian Province from 2005 to 2019 to establish the Tapio decoupling model. Then, we decomposed the carbon emission drivers of each industry using the LMDI decomposition method, and finally analyzed the decoupling efforts made by each carbon emission driver on the basis of the Tapio decoupling model and LMDI decomposition model. The results showed that (1) carbon emissions in Fujian Province were mainly concentrated in the manufacturing industry and the electricity, heat, gas, water production and supply industries; (2) to date, some industries in Fujian Province have achieved the decoupling of carbon emissions, but the decoupling status was not stable; and (3) both energy structure and energy intensity have facilitated increasing decoupling efforts for carbon emissions. Industrial structure has contributed less to decoupling, and population size has not yet to make an impact on decoupling. Therefore, in the future, Fujian Province should increase expenditure on green technology research and development to improve energy efficiency and gradually use renewable energy to replace fossil energy, continue to adjust the industrial structure, and increase the government’s supervision on corporate carbon emissions

Does varicocele grade predict the postoperative changes of semen parameters following left inguinal micro-varicocelectomy?

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between preoperative grade and postoperative changes of semen parameters following left inguinal varicocelectomy. Methods: This study included 44 patients undergoing left microsurgical inguinal varicocelectomy. Internal spermatic veins were classified as large (4 mm or more in diameter), medium (2–4 mm), or small (2 mm or less). Changes in sperm activity, morphology and count were estimated perioperatively. The introperative findings and semen parameters were compared between varicocele groups of grades 2 and 3. Results: Both sperm motility and count improved significantly postoperatively (from (31.9 ± 16.3)% to (47.3  ± 15.5)%, from (28.1 ± 28.1) × 106/mL to (52.1 ± 74.2) × 106/mL). In varicoceles with grade 2 and 3, significant differences were found in the number of large veins (0.4 ± 0.6 vs. 1.2 ± 0.7, p < 0.001) and ultrasonographic maximum diameters of spermatic vein in supine and standing positions (2.3 ± 0.4 cm vs. 2.8 ± 0.6 cm, 3.1 ± 0.7 cm vs. 3.9 ± 0.7 cm, p = 0.001 and 0.001 respectively). However no difference of changes in sperm motility and count was detected ((16.3  ±  13.5)% vs. (14.4  ±  12.6)%, (30.5 ± 84.4) × 106/mL vs. (12.9 ± 20.6) × 106/mL respectively, p = 0.65 and 0.40 respectively). Conclusion: Preoperative varicocele grade might not predict postoperative semen changes regardless of possible existence of anatomic and ultrasonographic associations

Investigation of anxiety levels of 1637 healthcare workers during the epidemic of COVID-19.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the anxiety levels of healthcare workers and to provide guidance on potential accurate social and psychological interventions for healthcare workers during the epidemic of COVID-19 in Zhejiang Province, China.MethodsHealthcare workers from five hospitals in Zhejiang Province were randomly selected into this study. Zung Self-Assessment Scale for Anxiety (SAS) was used to evaluate the anxiety status of the included 1637 healthcare workers.ResultsThe total anxiety score of healthcare workers in Zhejiang Province was 30.85 ± 6.89. The univariate analysis showed that the anxiety level of healthcare workers was related to gender, education, occupation, physical condition, job risk coefficient, and with family members on the first-line combating COVID-19 (P ConclusionsDuring the epidemic of COVID-19, 1637 healthcare workers generally had an increased tendency to have anxiety. Individualized assessment of the anxiety level of healthcare workers should be provided, and different interventions should be given based on the evaluation results

Magnetic Nanocomposites Through Polyacrylamide Gel Route

Magnetic nanocomposites prepared using a polyacrylamide gel method have been widely investigated recently for applications including high temperature superconductors and solid oxide fuel cells. The polyacrylamide gel method is an effective way to prepare diverse microstructures such as nanoparticles, nanorods and porous monolithic structures, etc. using organic monomers including acrylamide and bis-acrylamide etc. and the appropriate chelating agents. This paper reviews recent development of the polyacrylamide gel technology for synthesis of magnetic nanocomposites, focusing on the following nanostructures: (1) 0D nanoparticles (NPs) dispersed in a hollow spheres matrix; (2) core/shell structure; (3) 2D nanosheets dispersed in a bulk matrix; and (4) 0D nanoparticles (NPs) dispersed in a porous matrix. By appropriately selecting chelating agents/initiators and controlling the unique physicochemical properties of the magnetic nanocomposites, various types of nanocomposites based on nanoparticle, nanorods, nanowires and nanowhiskers can be assembled and synthesized, which are promising for new intriguing applications such as magneto-optic and magneto-electronic applications

Serum NCAM levels and cognitive deficits in first episode schizophrenia patients versus health controls

Background: Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is a glycoprotein and plays an important role in cell-cell adhesion, neural migration, neurite outgrowth, synaptic plasticity and brain development. We investigated the relationship between the serum NCAM concentration and cognitive deficit in first episode drug naïve schizophrenia (FES) patients. Methods: Thirty FES patients and thirty healthy controls were recruited for this study. Psychiatric symptoms were assessed by the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS). Cognitive functions were assessed by measurement and treatment research to improve cognition in schizophrenia (MATRICS) and consensus cognitive battery (MCCB). Serum levels of NCAM were determined by ELISA. Results: Schizophrenia patients had decreased serum NCAM concentrations than controls (−30%, p Conclusions: There were a close relationship between the serum NCAM concentrations and cognitive deficits in FES patients. Since NCAM has an important role in neurodevelopmental processes, these results support the neurodevelopmental dysfunction hypothesis of schizophrenia and suggest that an altered NCAM may be one of the risk factors for schizophrenia including cognitive deficits

High frequency microfluidic performance of LiNbO3 and ZnO surface acoustic wave devices

Rayleigh surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices based on 128° YX LiNbO3 and ZnO/Si substrates with different resonant frequencies from ∼62 MHz to ∼275 MHz were fabricated and characterized. Effects of SAW frequency and power on microfluidic performance (including streaming, pumping, and jetting) were investigated. SAW excitation frequency influenced the SAW attenuation length and hence the acoustic energy absorbed by the liquid. At higher frequencies (e.g., above 100 MHz), the SAW dissipated into liquid decays more rapidly with much shorter decay lengths. Increasing the radio frequency (RF) frequencies of the devices resulted in an increased power threshold for streaming, pumping, and especially jetting, which is attributed to an increased absorption rate of acoustic wave energy. ZnO SAW devices could achieve similar streaming, pumping, and jetting effects as well as frequency effect, although the SAW signals are relatively weaker

RNA-Seq Reveals Protective Mechanisms of Mongolian Medicine Molor-Dabos-4 on Acute Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats

This study aimed to apply transcriptomics to determine how Molor-Dabos-4 (MD-4) protects healthy rats against indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric ulcers and to identify the mechanism behind this protective effect. Rats were pretreated with MD-4 (0.3, 1.5, or 3 g/kg per day) for 21 days before inducing gastric ulcers by oral administration with indomethacin (30 mg/kg). Unulcerated and untreated healthy rats were used as controls. Effects of the treatment were assessed based on the ulcer index, histological and pathological examinations, and indicators of inflammation, which were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Transcriptomic analysis was performed for identifying potential pharmacological mechanisms. Eventually, after identifying potential target genes, the latter were validated by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). After pretreatment with MD-4, gastric ulcers, along with other histopathological features, were reduced. MD-4 significantly (p Srm, Ryr-1, Eno3, Prkag3, and Eef1a2, was consistent with the transcriptome results. MD-4 exerts protective effects against IND-induced gastric ulcers by reducing inflammatory cytokines and pepsin and increasing the expression of SOD levels. Downregulation of Srm, Ryr-1, Eno3, Prkag3, and Eef1a2 genes involved in regulating arginine and proline metabolism, calcium signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, oxytocin signaling pathway, and legionellosis are possibly involved in MD-4-mediated protection against gastric ulcers

Microstructure and thermal cycling behavior of CeO2 coatings deposited by the electron beam physical vapor technique

Excellent thermal shock resistance is required for thermal protection coatings experiencing high/low temperature cycles. In this paper, the pure ceria oxide coatings were deposited by electron beam physical vapor technique at different power densities. The grain orientation, morphology, hardness and thermal cycling oxidation behavior of CeO2 coatings were systematically studied. The deposition power density has remarkable influence on the preferred crystal orientation and morphology of the coatings. The heating–cooling test cycles from 1000 °C to room temperature indicate that the CeO2 coatings with the columnar structure show excellent thermal shock resistance. The hardness of the CeO2 coating varies with thermal cycling

Designing flexible 2D transition metal carbides with strain-controllable lithium storage

Efficient flexible energy storage systems have received tremendous attention due to their enormous potential applications in self-powering portable electronic devices, including roll-up displays, electronic paper, and "smart" garments outfitted with piezoelectric patches to harvest energy from body movement. Unfortunately, the further development of these technologies faces great challenges due to a lack of ideal electrode materials with the right electrochemical behavior and mechanical properties. MXenes, which exhibit outstanding mechanical properties, hydrophilic surfaces, and high conductivities, have been identified as promising electrode material candidates. In this work, taking 2D transition metal carbides (TMCs) as representatives, we systematically explored several influencing factors, including transition metal species, layer thickness, functional group, and strain on their mechanical properties (e.g., stiffness, flexibility, and strength) and their electrochemical properties (e.g., ionic mobility, equilibrium voltage, and theoretical capacity). Considering potential charge-transfer polarization, we employed a charged electrode model to simulate ionic mobility and found that ionic mobility has a unique dependence on the surface atomic configuration influenced by bond length, valence electron number, functional groups, and strain. Under multiaxial loadings, electrical conductivity, high ionic mobility, low equilibrium voltage with good stability, excellent flexibility, and high theoretical capacity indicate that the bare 2D TMCs have potential to be ideal flexible anode materials, whereas the surface functionalization degrades the transport mobility and increases the equilibrium voltage due to bonding between the nonmetals and Li. These results provide valuable insights for experimental explorations of flexible anode candidates based on 2D TMCs