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BackgroundThe COVID-19 epidemic may elevate mental distress and depressive symptoms in various populations in China. ObjectiveThis study investigates the levels of depression and mental distress due to COVID-19, and the associations between cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial factors, and depression and mental distress due to COVID-19 among university students in China. MethodsA large-scale online cross-sectional study (16 cities in 13 provinces) was conducted among university students from February 1 to 10, 2020, in China; 23,863 valid questionnaires were returned. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to assess depression. Structural equation modeling was performed to test mediation and suppression effects. ResultsOf the 23,863 participants, 47.1% (n=11,235) reported high or very high levels of one or more types of mental distress due to COVID-19; 39.1% (n=9326) showed mild to severe depression. Mental distress due to COVID-19 was positively associated with depression. All but one factor (perceived infection risks, perceived chance of controlling the epidemic, staying at home, contacted people from Wuhan, and perceived discrimination) were significantly associated with mental distress due to COVID-19 and depression. Mental distress due to COVID-19 partially mediated and suppressed the associations between some of the studied factors and depression (effect size of 6.0%-79.5%). ConclusionsBoth mental distress due to COVID-19 and depression were prevalent among university students in China; the former may have increased the prevalence of the latter. The studied cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial factors related to COVID-19 may directly or indirectly (via mental distress due to COVID-19) affect depression. Interventions to modify such factors may reduce mental distress and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Globally, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused severe and multi-dimensional resource losses among individuals. The Conservation of Resource (COR) theory postulates that resource loss generates related stress responses. It can suitably be applied to understand the pandemic's encompassing adverse consequences. Yet, no assessment tool exists. This study hence developed and validated the COR Scale for COVID-19 (CORS-COVID-19) to facilitate relevant research. The five hypothesized domains included losses in financial resource, family resource, future control, fun, and social resource. A population-based random telephone survey interviewed 300 Chinese adults in the general population in Hong Kong, China during April 3-10, 2020. The levels of different types of resource losses were high (especially for loss in fun). The 5-factor structure identified by factor analysis matches with the five hypothesized dimensions. Its psychometric properties are acceptable, including good internal consistency, content validity (the correlations between the items and their respective subscales were stronger than that between the items and the other four subscales), concurrent validity (significant correlations between the scale/subscale scores and both emotional distress due to COVID-19 and satisfaction with living in Hong Kong), and convergent validity (significant correlations between specific subscales and corresponding external variables). Relatively high floor effects were detected in some subscales. The scale, which is the first of the types to assess resource losses during a pandemic, can provide theory-based understandings/assessment about the negative impacts of COVID-19. It also facilitates warranted comparisons across countries and time periods in future studies., Author(s): Yanqiu Yu [sup.1] , Joseph T.F. Lau [sup.1] , Mason M.C. Lau [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.10784.3a, 0000 0004 1937 0482, Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School [...]

This study investigated the sex-specific prevalence of smoking (past 30 days) and the associations with height among university/college students. 25,405 (11,579/14,826 males/females) college students in Xi'an China. A cross-sectional, self-administered survey. The male and female prevalence of smoking (past 30 days) was 32.9% and 7.4%, respectively. The prevalence of smoking of the male height groups ranged from 29.8% to 36.9%; only the ≥188 cm height group showed significantly higher prevalence than the reference group (i.e., 173–177cm; 33.0%). The female prevalence of smoking was 4.0–8.2% in the ≤170cm groups and increased to 12.3% in the 171–175 cm group and 36.1% in the ≥176 cm group, while it was 6.5% for the reference group (161–165 cm). This exploratory study firstly revealed the significantly higher prevalence of smoking among the "tallest" height groups, especially among females. Future studies are warranted to confirm such findings and explore related mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), vascular calcification (VC) is common and is associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality. Shh, one ligand for Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, participates in osteogenesis and several cardiovascular diseases. However, it remains unclear whether Shh is implicated in the development of VC. Methods Inorganic phosphorus 2.6 mM was used to induce vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) calcification. Mice were fed with adenine diet supplement with 1.2% phosphorus to induce VC. Results Shh was decreased in VSMCs exposed to inorganic phosphorus, calcified arteries in mice fed with an adenine diet, as well as radial arteries from patients with CKD presenting VC. Overexpression of Shh inhibited VSMCs ostosteoblastic differentiation and calcification, whereas its silencing accelerated these processes. Likewise, mice treated with smoothened agonist (SAG; Hh signaling agonist) showed alleviated VC, and mice treated with cyclopamine (CPN; Hh signaling antagonist) exhibited severe VC. Additionally, overexpression of Gli2 significantly reversed the pro-calcification effect of Shh silencing on VSMCs, suggesting that Shh inhibited VC via Gli2. Mechanistically, Gli2 interacted with Runx2 and promoted its ubiquitin proteasomal degradation, therefore protecting against VC. Of interest, the pro-degradation effect of Gli2 on Runx2 was independent of Smurf1 and Cullin4B. Conclusions Our study provided deeper insight to the pathogenesis of VC, and Shh might be a novel potential target for VC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient and rapid synthesis of transition metal-based hydroxides with tailored microstructures has emerged as a promising approach to fabricate high-performance electrode materials for energy storage devices. However, many conventional synthesis methods are cumbersome, expensive and time-consuming, and the microstructures of electrode materials are usually uncontrollable. Herein, we propose a fast and cost-effective approach to electrochemically in situ grow NiFeCo-based ternary hydroxides (NiFeCo-THs) with layered nanosheet structures on pretreated nickel foam (NF). The in situ grown NiFeCo-THs were in direct contact with the NF to form a monolithic electrode as NiFeCo/NF. By engineering the ion exchange process for controlling the ionic ratio, the monolithic Ni1(Fe/Co = 1/1)0.5/NF electrode was fabricated and found to show the optimum electrochemical behavior with a specific capacitance of 2.32 C cm−2 at 2 mA cm−2 as a result of its characteristic microstructures. Furthermore, a hybrid supercapacitor was constructed utilizing the monolithic Ni1(Fe/Co = 1/1)0.5/NF electrode and activated carbon as the cathode and anode, respectively, and it was found to have an energy density of 81.1 μW h cm−2 at a power density of 808.8 μW cm−2. After 5000 cycles, 84.0% of the initial capacitance of the hybrid supercapacitor was maintained, and the monolithic Ni1(Fe/Co = 1/1)0.5/NF electrode still retained the arrayed nanosheet structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preexisting structures that developed in the basement and subsalt strata play a key role in the salt structural deformation in the Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin. The characteristics of preexisting structures and their controls on the salt structure are investigated via the latest three‐dimensional seismic data and numerical modelling. The results show that the preexisting structures that developed in the Kuqa Depression mainly consist of basement faults, palaeouplifts, subsalt slopes and early passive salt diapirs. Basement faults are mainly distributed in the Kelasu and Qiulitag structural belts and control the position of development and deformation style of the Miocene compressive salt structure. The differences in styles and reactivation degrees of basement faults lead to great diversity in the salt structure. The palaeouplifts mainly include the Wensu, western Qiulitag, Xinhe and Yaha‐Luntai palaeouplifts. The original sedimentary range and later deformation space of the salt layer are limited by the palaeouplift, resulting in strong salt thrusting in the Awate sag in the western part of the Kuqa Depression. The heterogeneous spatial distribution of the palaeouplift promoted the development of regional strike‐slip transform belts. Subsalt slopes are located mainly on the northern edge of the western Qiulitag low uplift and block the southward flow of the salt, causing the salt to form salt domes; the size of these domes is closely related to the subsalt slope. Early passive salt diapirs mainly developed in the Quele and Bozidun areas of the western Kuqa Depression, and they were preferentially active during the compression period, inducing the formation of a piercement salt nappe. Numerical modelling revealed that the preexisting structure strongly controlled the stress–strain distribution during the deformation of the salt structure. The spatial distribution heterogeneity of the basement structure is an important factor in the structural zonation along the north–south strike and segmentation along the west–east strike in the Kuqa Depression, as well as an important inducer of the piercement salt structure.Different salt structural deformation models controlled by preexisting structures in the Kuqa Depression. (a) In the Wensu segment, the sedimentary range and deformation space of the salt layer are restricted, resulting in the strong thrust of the subsalt faults and piercement of the salt. (b) In the Quele segment, progradational sedimentary load induces a passive salt diapir. Influenced by the blocking of the steep subsalt slope and the reactivation of the preexisting salt diapir, a piercement salt wall was formed on the right edge of subsalt slope. (c) In the Dabei segment, a salt dome was formed at the northern edge of the western Qiulitag palaeouplift due to the blocking of the steep subsalt slope. (d) In the Keshen segment, the subsalt slope and preexisting salt diapir are not developed, and finally, two salt domes are formed at the top of the basement faults in the Kelasu and Qiulitag structural belts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early attainment of high COVID-19 vaccination rates can minimize avoidable hospitalizations/deaths. The fifth wave COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong caused >9000 deaths, and most of them were unvaccinated older people. This study hence investigated determinants of taking the first dose vaccination at a later phase (Phase 3: during the fifth wave outbreak, i.e., February–July 2022) versus two earlier phases (Phase 1: first six months since vaccine rollout, i.e., February–July 2021; Phase 2: six months prior to the outbreak, i.e., August 2021–January 2022) via a random telephone survey among 386 ever-vaccinated Hong Kong older people aged ≥60 (June/July 2022). A total of 27.7%, 51.1%, and 21.3% took the first dose at Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3, respectively. Unfavorable perceptions related to COVID-19/vaccination, exposure to conflicting/counter-information about the suitability of older people's vaccination from various sources, unsupportive family influences prior to the outbreak, and depressive symptoms were significantly associated with taking the first dose at Phase 3 instead of Phase 1 and Phase 2. To speed up COVID-19 vaccination and avoid unnecessary deaths, the government and health professionals should rectify misinformation, provide clear/consistent information for older people and their family members, and focus on those having depressive symptoms at an earlier stage of the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widely distributed Eocene mafic microgranular enclaves in the Lhasa Terrane of southern Tibet carry important information regarding crust–mantle interactions in collisional zones. Here, we report geochronological and geochemical data of granitoids and mafic enclaves from Quxu in the southern Lhasa Terrane. Zircon LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb dating indicates that the Quxu granitoids and enclaves were synchronously emplaced at ca. 50 Ma. The granitoids are medium‐ to high‐K calc‐alkaline, metaluminous (A/CNK = 0.82–0.90) and have high Al2O3 (14.48–16.57 wt%) and low MgO (2.81–2.99 wt%). The mafic enclaves (SiO2 = 50.55–54.57 wt%) have 5.12–5.37 wt% MgO and an Mg# of 49–51, with weakly negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.85–0.91). The Quxu granitoids and enclaves have similar zircon Hf isotopic compositions, with εHf(t) values ranging from +7.62 to +13.32. A comprehensive study of the data available for coeval rocks from the Gangdese Batholith indicates that the Quxu granitoids were derived from partial melting of the lower crust, while the parental magmas of the mafic enclaves were most likely derived from lithospheric mantle beneath southern Tibet. The Quxu granitoids are interpreted as the result of mixing between the lower crust‐derived melts and lithospheric mantle‐derived mafic melts, which are likely the magmatic response to the breakoff of the Neo‐Tethyan Oceanic slab at about 50 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a critical component of many remote sensing satellites and model validation, pixel-scale surface quantitative parameters are often affected by scale effects in the acquisition process, resulting in deviations in the accuracy of image scale parameters. Consequently, various successive scale conversion methods have been proposed to correct the errors caused by scale effects. In this study, we propose ResTransformer, a deep learning model for scale conversion of surface reflectance using UAV images, which fully extracts and fuses the features of UAV images in the sample area and sample points and establishes a high-dimensional nonlinear spatial correlation between sample points and sample area in the target sample area, so that the scale conversion of surface reflectance at the pixel-scale can be completed quickly and accurately. We collected and created a dataset of 500k samples to verify the accuracy and robustness of the model with other traditional scale conversion methods. The results show that the ResTransformer deep learning model works best, providing average MRE, average MRSE, and correlation coefficient R values of 0.6440%, 0.7460, and 0.99911, respectively, and the baseline improvements compared with the Simple Average method are 92.48%, 92.45%, and 16.59%, respectively. The ResTransformer model also shows the highest robustness and universality and can adapt to surface pixel-scale conversion scenarios with different sizes, heterogeneous sample areas, and arbitrary sampling methods. This method provides a promising, highly accurate, and robust method for converting pixel-scale surface reflectance scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promotion of COVID-19 vaccination requires understanding its determinants, an important one of which is outcome expectancy. However, reliable and valid measurement tools are absent. This study thus developed and validated an Outcome Expectancy Scale for COVID-19 Vaccination (OES-COVID-19). An inductive approach was used for scale development; content validity of the items was then assessed by an independent evaluation expert panel. Iteratively, 17 scale items were created and validated in a population-based telephone survey conducted among 500 adults of the general population in Hong Kong, China, from August to September 2021. Using half of the sample (n = 249), exploratory factor analyses identified four factors of the OES-COVID-19, including (a) positive contribution to society, (b) functional benefits, (c) protective effect, and (d) negative impacts. Confirmatory factor analysis of these factors conducted on the second subsample (n = 251) was satisfactory. The OES-COVID-19 showed good psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency, absence of floor/ceiling effects, and concurrent validity. The newly created and validated OES-COVID-19 is deemed suitable for application. It may advance future studies related to COVID-19 vaccination behavior and intention, and potentially allows for comparisons across studies. Further validation with modifications across countries, populations, and phase of the pandemic are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated an under-researched topic regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination behavior among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) and the associations of this with general and MSM-specific perceptions grounded in the health belief model (HBM) and the theory of planned behaviors (TPB). A total of 400 Chinese MSM were recruited from multiple sources (site recruitment, online recruitment, and peer referral) in Hong Kong from July to October 2021, who then participated in a structured telephone interview. Of all the participants, the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination (i.e., taking at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination) was 78.3%. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that, after adjusting for background factors, (1) the general and MSM-specific HBM variables of perceived benefits and self-efficacy were positively associated with COVID-19 vaccination behavior; (2) the items or scale of general/MSM-specific perceived barriers and social norms were negatively associated with COVID-19 vaccination behavior; (3) the general perceived severity and MSM-specific perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and cue to action were not significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccination behavior. The findings suggest that the HBM and social norm construct of the TPB only partially explained the participant's COVID-19 vaccination behavior. Health promotion may need to focus more on modifying perceptions related to COVID-19 vaccination rather than COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The present study investigated the association between resilience, stigma, life satisfaction and the intention to receive a COVID‐19 vaccination among Chinese HCWs. It also explored the mediating role of stigma and life satisfaction on the association between resilience and intention to receive a COVID‐19 vaccination. Design: An anonymous cross‐sectional survey. Methods: 1733 HCWs from five hospitals in four provinces of mainland China completed a cross‐sectional online survey in October and November 2020. Results: Among the HCWs, the rate of intention to receive a COVID‐19 vaccination was 73.1%. Results from structural equation modelling showed that resilience was associated both directly, and indirectly with greater intent to receive a COVID‐19 vaccination through two pathways: first by increasing life satisfaction, and second by reducing stigma and increasing life satisfaction. Conclusion: Promoting the resilience of HCWs has the potential to increase the COVID‐19 vaccination uptake rate among HCWs in China. Impact: This study tested the relationship between several psychological factors and the COVID‐19 vaccination intention of HCWs in China, finding that resilience played a significant role in improving COVID‐19 vaccination intention rates by reducing stigma and increasing life satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases (e.g., SARS) had increased the uptake of influenza vaccination (IV). It is uncertain whether such was also true for COVID-19. This study hence investigated prevalence of IV behavior/intention prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated cognitive factors. A self-administered, online, and anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted among 6,922 university students of five provinces in China during November 1–28, 2020 (response rate: 72.3%). Of all the participants, 35.1% self-reported behavioral intention of IV (next 12 months), while 62.9% reported an increased intention of IV due to COVID-19. However, only 4.7% and 2.9% had taken up IV during the 12-month period prior to the outbreak (1/2019–12/2019) and during the COVID-19 outbreak (1–11/2020), respectively. Adjusted for the background factors, the multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that in general the COVID-19 related perceptions (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and perceived chance of having another wave of COVID-19 outbreak) were significantly and positively associated the IV behavior (during the COVID-19 outbreak) and intention of IV uptake in the next 12 months. The COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced actual behavior and intention of IV uptake among university students during the pandemic. Efforts are warranted to reduce the intention-behavior gap of IV uptake; modification of perceived susceptibility and perceived severity regarding COVID-19 may help. Future longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study and explore other factors affecting IV uptake during the COVID-19 period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Restriction of gathering size in all public areas is a newly and commonly exercised governmental social distancing policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its effectiveness depends on the general public's compliance. This study applied the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) to investigate determinants (i.e., perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived response efficacy, and perceived self-efficacy) of compliance with the social distancing policy of banning gathering of >4 people in all public areas (BG4PA) in the Hong Kong general adult population. Methods: 300 participants were interviewed through a population-based telephone survey during April 21–28, 2020. Results: The compliance rate of BG4PA was high (78%). Adjusted for the background factors, multiple linear regression analysis found that perceived response efficacy and perceived self-efficacy were significantly and positively associated with compliance with BG4PA (p<0.05), while the associations between perceived severity/perceived susceptibility and compliance were of marginal significance (0.05

Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety (infection events) between rituximab (RTX), tacrolimus (TAC), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and cyclophosphamide (CYC) as induction therapies in lupus nephritis (LN). Methods: Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, were searched from inception up to December 9, 2021. Bayesian network meta-analysis was used to combine the direct and indirect evidence of different drugs for LN patients. The pooled relative effects were shown using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% credible intervals (CrIs). Results: Nineteen studies (1,566 patients) met the inclusion criteria and were selected in the present study. The network meta-analysis reported that no statistically significant differences were found in partial remission (PR) and infection among the four drugs. RTX showed a significantly higher complete remission (CR) than MMF (OR = 2.60, 95% CrI = 1.00–7.10) and seemed to be more effective than CYC (OR = 4.20, 95% CrI = 1.70–14.00). MMF had a better CR than CYC (OR = 1.60, 95% CrI = 1.00–3.20). TAC presented a better overall response than CYC (OR = 3.70, 95% CrI = 1.20–12.00). Regarding CR and overall response, the maximum surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values were 96.94% for RTX and 80.15% for TAC. The maximum SUCRA value of infection reaction was 74.98% for RTX and the minimum value was 30.17% for TAC, respectively. Conclusions: RTX and TAC were the most effective drugs for induction remission in LN. Among the four drugs, TAC had the lowest probability of infection, and RTX showed the highest probability of experiencing an infection. This meta-analysis could not conclude about other adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, pure SnO2 and Ni-doped SnO2 nanorods were synthesized through a one-step template-free hydrothermal method and then used to detect isopropanol. Sensors fabricated with the Ni-doped SnO2 nanocomposites showed the best gas sensing performance when the Ni doping amount was 1.5 mol.%. The response reached 250 at 225 °C, which was approximately 8.3 times higher than that of the pure SnO2 nanorods. The limit of detection for isopropanol was as low as 10 ppb at the optimum working temperature. In addition, it also displayed good selectivity and excellent reproducibility. It is believed that the enhanced isopropanol sensing behavior benefit from the increased oxygen defects and larger specific surface area by Ni doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the associations between the three psychological needs (autonomy, competence and relatedness) derived from the Self‐determination Theory and well‐being [health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and subjective well‐being (SWB)] among older people in Hong Kong SAR, China. A cross‐sectional study was conducted from May to August 2018 in Hong Kong. A total of 230 participants aged 60‐year‐old or above were recruited from eight community service centres. Results from adjusted regression analysis showed that, among the three psychological needs, competence and relatedness were positively associated with SWB, while relatedness was positively associated with physical health domain of HRQOL. The three psychological needs had no significant associations with mental health domain of HRQOL. Interventions to improve HRQOL and SWB should promote older people's sense of competence and relatedness. Longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify the causal relationships and look at other physical, mental and social health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]