Gender Difference of Unconscious Attentional Bias in High Trait Anxiety Individuals

By combining binocular suppression technique and a probe detection paradigm, we investigated attentional bias to invisible stimuli and its gender difference in both high trait anxiety (HTA) and low trait anxiety (LTA) individuals. As an attentional cue, happy or fearful face pictures were presented to HTAs and LTAs for 800 ms either consciously or unconsciously (through binocular suppression). Participants were asked to judge the orientation of a gabor patch following the face pictures. Their performance was used to measure attentional effect induced by the cue. We found gender differences of attentional effect only in the unconscious condition with HTAs. Female HTAs exhibited difficulty in disengaging attention from the location where fearful faces were presented, while male HTAs showed attentional avoidance of it. Our results suggested that the failure to find attentional avoidance of threatening stimuli in many previous studies might be attributed to consciously presented stimuli and data analysis regardless of participants' gender. These findings also contributed to our understanding of gender difference in anxiety disorder

Cold atmospheric plasma induces apoptosis in human colon and lung cancer cells through modulating mitochondrial pathway

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is an emerging and promising oncotherapy with considerable potential and advantages that traditional treatment modalities lack. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of plasma-inhibited proliferation and plasma-induced apoptosis on human lung cancer and colon cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Piezobrush® PZ2, a handheld CAP unit based on the piezoelectric direct discharge technology, was used to generate and deliver non-thermal plasma. Firstly, CAPPZ2 treatment inhibited the proliferation of HT29 colorectal cancer cells and A549 lung cancer cells using CCK8 assay, caused morphological changes at the cellular and subcellular levels using transmission electron microscopy, and suppressed both types of tumor cell migration and invasion using the Transwell migration and Matrigel invasion assay. Secondly, we confirmed plasma-induced apoptosis in the HT29 and A549 cells using the AO/EB staining coupled with flow cytometry, and verified the production of apoptosis-related proteins, such as cytochrome c, PARP, cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9, Bcl-2 and Bax, using western blotting. Finally, the aforementioned in vitro results were tested in vivo using cell-derived xenograft mouse models, and the anticancer effect was confirmed and attributed to CAP-mediated apoptosis. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the expression of cleaved caspase-9, caspase-3, PARP and Bax were upregulated whereas that of Bcl-2 downregulated after CAP treatment. These findings collectively suggest that the activation of the mitochondrial pathway is involved during CAPPZ2-induced apoptosis of human colon and lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

Current Standards and Recent Advances in Biomarkers of Major Endocrine Tumors

The complexity of endocrine tumor diagnosis stems from its variable symptoms and presentation that may mimic many other disease states, or display asymptomatic properties for a prolonged amount of time. Early and accurate disease identification is needed for better patient prognosis. The key to this may be in using validated biomarkers with enhanced sensitivity and specificity. Several biomarkers are consistently used across various endocrine tumor types, possibly indicating a deeper pathophysiological mechanism behind endocrine cancer genesis and development. For example, carbohydrate antigen (CA) is measured in both pancreatic adenocarcinoma as well as ovarian cancer for diagnosis, surveillance, and risk stratification. The discovery of measuring miRNAs that are highly expressed in malignant tumors is also a novel strategy across multiple endocrine tumor types, and is propelling the future advancement of biomarker development. This review introduces currently utilized biomarkers in some of the commonly known endocrine tumors, including thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, pancreatic, and gonadal carcinoma, as well as future research directions

Development of a fibroblast activation protein-targeted PET/NIR dual-modality probe and its application in head and neck cancer

Purpose: The combination of near-infrared (NIR) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging presents an opportunity to utilize the benefits of dual-modality imaging for tumor visualization. Based on the observation that fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is upregulated in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) infiltrating all solid tumors, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), we developed the novel PET/NIR probe [68Ga]Ga-FAP-2286-ICG. Preclinically, the specificity, biodistribution and diagnostic properties were evaluated.Methods: Cell uptake assays were completed with the U87MG cell to evaluate the specificity of the [68Ga]Ga-FAP-2286-ICG. The tumor-targeting efficiency, biodistribution and optimal imaging time window of the [68Ga]Ga-FAP-2286-ICG were studied in mice bearing U87MG xenografts. HNSCC tumor-bearing mice were used to evaluate the feasibility of [68Ga]Ga-FAP-2286-ICG for tumor localization and guided surgical resection of HNSCC tumors.Results: The in vitro experiments confirmed that [68Ga]Ga-FAP-2286-ICG showed good stability, specific targeting of the probe to FAP, and the durable retention effect in high-expressing FAP tumors U87MG cell. Good imaging properties such as good tumor uptake, high tumor-to-background ratios (5.44 ± 0.74) and specificity, and tumor contouring were confirmed in studies with mice bearing the U87MG xenograft. PET/CT imaging of the probe in head and neck cancer-bearing mice demonstrated specific uptake of the probe in the tumor with a clear background. Fluorescence imaging further validated the value of the probe in guiding surgical resection and achieving precise removal of the tumor and residual lesions.Conclusion: In a preclinical model, these attractive [68Ga]Ga-FAP-2286-ICG PET/NIR imaging acquired in head and neck cancer make it a promising FAP-targeted multimodal probe for clinical translation

Midlatitude Plasma Bubbles Over China and Adjacent Areas During a Magnetic Storm on 8 September 2017

This paper presents observations of postsunset super plasma bubbles over China and adjacent areas during the second main phase of a storm on 8 September 2017. The signatures of the plasma bubbles can be seen or deduced from (1) deep field‐aligned total electron content depletions embedded in regional ionospheric maps derived from dense Global Navigation Satellite System networks, (2) significant equatorial and midlatitudinal plasma bite‐outs in electron density measurements on board Swarm satellites, and (3) enhancements of ionosonde virtual height and scintillation in local evening associated with strong southward interplanetary magnetic field. The bubbles/depletions covered a broad area mainly within 20°–45°N and 80°–110°E with bifurcated structures and persisted for nearly 5 hr (∼13–18 UT). One prominent feature is that the bubbles extended remarkably along the magnetic field lines in the form of depleted flux tubes, reaching up to midlatitude of around 50°N (magnetic latitude: 45.5°N) that maps to an altitude of 6,600 km over the magnetic equator. The maximum upward drift speed of the bubbles over the magnetic equator was about 700 m/s and gradually decreased with altitude and time. The possible triggering mechanism of the plasma bubbles was estimated to be storm time eastward prompt penetration electric field, while the traveling ionospheric disturbance could play a role in facilitating the latitudinal extension of the depletions.Key PointsPostsunset midlatitude plasma bubbles were observed over China and adjacent areas using GNSS TEC, Swarm Ne, and ionosonde dataThe plasma bubbles were triggered by PPEF and TID in equatorial regions and extended along the magnetic field lines to 50°N (45.5 MLAT)Plasma bubbles might reach an altitude of 6,600 km over the magnetic equator with the upper limit of upward drift speed being around 700 m/sPeer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/143723/1/swe20573.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/143723/2/swe20573_am.pd

Job satisfaction and its related factors among emergency department physicians in China

BackgroundJob satisfaction is recognized as an important factor affecting the performance and quality of medical services of emergency department physicians. However, little is known about the status of job satisfaction among emergency department physicians in China. This study aimed to explore the current level of job satisfaction and its associated factors among emergency department physicians in China.MethodsA nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted in China from July to August 2018. A total of 10,457 emergency department physicians completed the questionnaire. The structured online questionnaire collected information on socio-demographic characteristics, work-related factors, work-family conflict, and job satisfaction. Student's t-test or ANOVA were used to compare the job satisfaction scores in different characters. The generalized linear model was used to investigate the related factors of job satisfaction among emergency department physicians.ResultsThe respondents' job satisfaction average score was 12.2 ± 3.6, of which 42.01% were satisfied of which the job. The results showed that emergency department physicians over 41 years old, with a higher income and working in central and western regions were positively associated with job satisfaction. In contrast, bachelor degree and above, fixed posts, long years of service, a high frequency of night shift, perceived shortage of physicians, perceived medical errors, and higher work-family conflict scores were negatively correlated with job satisfaction among emergency department physicians.ConclusionJob satisfaction of emergency department physicians in China is low. It is suggested that hospital administrators could improve the job satisfaction of emergency department physicians by establishing an acceptable shift system, ensuring adequate emergency department staffing, increasing their income appropriately and alleviating work-family conflict

Nutritional Intervention for the Intestinal Development and Health of Weaned Pigs

Weaning imposes simultaneous stress, resulting in reduced feed intake, and growth rate, and increased morbidity and mortality of weaned pigs. Weaning impairs the intestinal integrity, disturbs digestive and absorptive capacity, and increases the intestinal oxidative stress, and susceptibility of diseases in piglets. The improvement of intestinal development and health is critically important for enhancing nutrient digestibility capacity and disease resistance of weaned pigs, therefore, increasing their survival rate at this most vulnerable stage, and overall productive performance during later stages. A healthy gut may include but not limited several important features: a healthy proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells, an integrated gut barrier function, a preferable or balanced gut microbiota, and a well-developed intestinal mucosa immunity. Burgeoning evidence suggested nutritional intervention are one of promising measures to enhance intestinal health of weaned pigs, although the exact protective mechanisms may vary and are still not completely understood. Previous research indicated that functional amino acids, such as arginine, cysteine, glutamine, or glutamate, may enhance intestinal mucosa immunity (i.e., increased sIgA secretion), reduce oxidative damage, stimulate proliferation of enterocytes, and enhance gut barrier function (i.e., enhanced expression of tight junction protein) of weaned pigs. A number of feed additives are marketed to assist in boosting intestinal immunity and regulating gut microbiota, therefore, reducing the negative impacts of weaning, and other environmental challenges on piglets. The promising results have been demonstrated in antimicrobial peptides, clays, direct-fed microbials, micro-minerals, milk components, oligosaccharides, organic acids, phytochemicals, and many other feed additives. This review summarizes our current understanding of nutritional intervention on intestinal health and development of weaned pigs and the importance of mechanistic studies focusing on this research area

Captivity causes taxonomic and functional convergence of gut microbial communities in bats

Background Diet plays a crucial role in sculpting microbial communities. Similar diets appear to drive convergence of gut microbial communities between host species. Captivity usually provides an identical diet and environment to different animal species that normally have similar diets. Whether different species’ microbial gut communities can be homogenized by a uniform diet in captivity remains unclear. Methods In this study, we compared gut microbial communities of three insectivorous bat species (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Vespertilio sinensis, and Hipposideros armiger) in captivity and in the wild using 16S rDNA sequencing. In captivity, R. ferrumequinum and V. sinensis were fed yellow mealworms, while H. armiger was fed giant mealworms to rule out the impact of an identical environment on the species’ gut microbial communities. Results We found that the microbial communities of the bat species we studied clustered by species in the wild, while the microbial communities of R. ferrumequinum and V. sinensis in captivity clustered together. All microbial functions found in captive V. sinensis were shared by R. ferrumequinum. Moreover, the relative abundances of all metabolism related KEGG pathways did not significantly differ between captive R. ferrumequinum and V. sinensis; however, the relative abundance of “Glycan Biosynthesis and Metabolism” differed significantly between wild R. ferrumequinum and V. sinensis. Conclusion Our results suggest that consuming identical diets while in captivity tends to homogenize the gut microbial communities among bat species. This study further highlights the importance of diet in shaping animal gut microbiotas

Psychological symptoms in Chinese nurses may be associated with predisposition to chronic disease: A cross-sectional study of suboptimal health status

© 2020, The Author(s). Background: Suboptimal health status (SHS) is a reversible state between ideal health and illness and it can be effectively reversed by risk prediction, disease prevention, and personalized medicine under the global background of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM) concepts. More and more Chinese nurses have been troubled by psychological symptoms (PS). The correlation between PS and SHS is unclear in nurses. The purpose of current study is to investigate the prevalence of SHS and PS in Chinese nurses and the relationship between SHS and PS along with predisposing factors as well as to discuss the feasibility of improving health status and preventing diseases according to PPPM concepts in Chinese nurses. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the cluster sampling method among 9793 registered nurses in Foshan city, China. SHS was evaluated with the Suboptimal Health Status Questionnaire-25 (SHSQ-25). Meanwhile, the PS of depression and anxiety were evaluated with Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) self-assessment questionnaires. The relationship between PS and SHS in Chinese nurses was subsequently analyzed. Results: Among the 9793 participants, 6107 nurses were included in the final analysis. The prevalence of SHS in the participants was 74.21% (4532/6107) while the symptoms of depression and anxiety were 47.62% (2908/6107) and 24.59% (1502/6107) respectively. The prevalence of SHS in the participants with depression and anxiety was significantly higher than those without the symptoms of depression (83.3% vs 16.7%, P \u3c 0.001) and anxiety (94.2% vs 5.8%, P \u3c 0.0001). The ratio of exercise habit was significantly lower than that of non-exercise habit (68.8% vs 78.4%, P \u3c 0.001) in SHS group. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of SHS and PS in Chinese nurses. PS in Chinese nurses are associated with SHS. Physical exercise is a protective factor for SHS and PS so that the exercise should be strongly recommended as a valuable preventive measure well in the agreement with PPPM philosophy. Along with SDS and SAS, SHSQ-25 should also be highly recommended and applied as a novel predictive/preventive tool for the health measures from the perspectives of PPPM in view of susceptible population and individual screening, the predisposition to chronic disease preventing, personalization of intervention, and the ideal health state restoring