Evidence for the Reliability and Validity of the Arabic Version of the Student Risk Screening Scale for Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors (SRSS-IE)

School-based universal screening for behavioral/emotional risk is a necessary first step to providing services in an educational setting for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBDs). Psychometric properties are critical to making decisions about choosing a screening instrument. The purpose of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the student risk screening scale for internalizing and externalizing behaviors (SRSS-IE). Participants included 3145 students and their teachers. Item-level analyses of the current sample supported the retention of all items. The internal consistency of the SRSS items ranged from 0.83 to 0.85. Convergent validity between the SRSS-IE and a well-established screening tool, the strength and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), was found for the total score (r = 0.70). Additionally, the results of this study demonstrate strong social validity, suggesting the SRSS-IE to be a useful and functional screening tool. We conclude that the SRSS-IE is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the level of emotional and behavioral difficulties among elementary students.

Reliability of a computerized system for strabismus screening

AIM:To evaluate the reliability of Photo-Hirschberg screening for global strabismus performed by non-specialized personnel.METHODS:Participants at three sites were enrolled.One person at each site was trained in visual acuity measurement and use of the computerized system.Visual acuity was measured,and strabismus testing was performed using two flash photographs.All data from the three primary observers were sent to an experienced assistant researcher,who was blinded to the primary results,for re-evaluation.The primary and re-evaluation results of the Photo-Hirschberg screenings using weighted kappa for agreement were compared.RESULTS:The study included 181 participants(88 males and 93 females)and the results for primary and re-evaluation screenings were corresponded.Ten participants with contrasting results presented with unclear corneal light reflex.Sensitivity and specificity were 100%[95%confidence interval(CI):29.0%-100%]and 99.4%(95%CI:96.6%-100%),respectively,based on the Agresti test of the primary evaluation,considering the re-evaluated classification as true.CONCLUSION:The computerized system can be used for primary strabismus screening by non-specialized personnel,with 98.8%agreement with specialists.However,it cannot be used as a substitute for professional examination.

Development and validation of a prediction model for early screening of people at high risk for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a serious threat worldwide.Although early screening is suggested to be the most effective method to prevent and control CRC,the current situation of early screening for CRC is still not optimistic.In China,the incidence of CRC in the Yangtze River Delta region is increasing dramatically,but few studies have been conducted.Therefore,it is necessary to develop a simple and efficient early screening model for CRC.AIM To develop and validate an early-screening nomogram model to identify individuals at high risk of CRC.METHODS Data of 64448 participants obtained from Ningbo Hospital,China between 2014 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.The cohort comprised 64448 individuals,of which,530 were excluded due to missing or incorrect data.Of 63918,7607(11.9%)individuals were considered to be high risk for CRC,and 56311(88.1%)were not.The participants were randomly allocated to a training set(44743)or validation set(19175).The discriminatory ability,predictive accuracy,and clinical utility of the model were evaluated by constructing and analyzing receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and calibration curves and by decision curve analysis.Finally,the model was validated internally using a bootstrap resampling technique.RESULTS Seven variables,including demographic,lifestyle,and family history information,were examined.Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that age[odds ratio(OR):1.03,95%confidence interval(CI):1.02-1.03,P<0.001],body mass index(BMI)(OR:1.07,95%CI:1.06-1.08,P<0.001),waist circumference(WC)(OR:1.03,95%CI:1.02-1.03 P<0.001),lifestyle(OR:0.45,95%CI:0.42-0.48,P<0.001),and family history(OR:4.28,95%CI:4.04-4.54,P<0.001)were the most significant predictors of high-risk CRC.Healthy lifestyle was a protective factor,whereas family history was the most significant risk factor.The area under the curve was 0.734(95%CI:0.723-0.745)for the final validation set ROC curve and 0.735(95%CI:0.728-0.742)for the training set ROC curve.The calibration curve demonstrated a high correlation between the CRC high-risk population predicted by the nomogram model and the actual CRC high-risk population.CONCLUSION The early-screening nomogram model for CRC prediction in high-risk populations developed in this study based on age,BMI,WC,lifestyle,and family history exhibited high accuracy.

From the perspective of experimental practice: High-throughput computational screening in photocatalysis

Photocatalysis,a critical strategy for harvesting sunlight to address energy demand and environmental concerns,is underpinned by the discovery of high-performance photocatalysts,thereby how to design photocatalysts is now generating widespread interest in boosting the conversion effi-ciency of solar energy.In the past decade,computational technologies and theoretical simulations have led to a major leap in the development of high-throughput computational screening strategies for novel high-efficiency photocatalysts.In this viewpoint,we started with introducing the challenges of photocatalysis from the view of experimental practice,especially the inefficiency of the traditional“trial and error”method.Sub-sequently,a cross-sectional comparison between experimental and high-throughput computational screening for photocatalysis is presented and discussed in detail.On the basis of the current experimental progress in photocatalysis,we also exemplified the various challenges associated with high-throughput computational screening strategies.Finally,we offered a preferred high-throughput computational screening procedure for pho-tocatalysts from an experimental practice perspective(model construction and screening,standardized experiments,assessment and revision),with the aim of a better correlation of high-throughput simulations and experimental practices,motivating to search for better descriptors.

Universal newborn hearing screening program in Saudi Arabia: Current insight

Newborn hearing screening(NHS) programs are essential to identify hearing loss early in life and to improve outcomes in children. In Saudi Arabia, the national NHS program has been operational since 2016;however, few studies have evaluated its status, and none have covered all provinces across the country. This cross-sectional retrospective study provides an overview of the program's status across all provinces, focusing on screening coverage rates, referral/fail rates, and follow-up procedures. In 2021, 199,034 newborns were screened, with a coverage rate of 92.6% and an overall referral/fail rate of 1.87%. These performance measures provide a foundation for future progress and improvements. This study highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance the program's effectiveness and sustainability.

Enhanced extracellular production of alpha-lactalbumin from Bacillus subtilis through signal peptide and promoter screening

Alpha-lactalbumin(α-LA)is a major whey protein found in breast milk and plays a crucial role in the growth and development of infants.In this study,Bacillus subtilis RIK1285 harboring AprE signal peptide(SP)was selected as the original strain for the production ofα-LA.It was found thatα-LA was identified in the pellet after ultrasonic disruption and centrifugation instead of in the fermentation supernatant.The original strain most likely only producedα-LA intracellular,but not extracellular.To improve the expression and secretion ofα-LA in RIK1285,a library of 173 homologous SPs from the B.subtilis 168 genome was fused with target LALBA gene in the pBE-S vector and expressed extracellularly in RIK1285.SP YjcN was determined to be the best signal peptide.Bands in supernatant were observed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and purified by nickel column to calculate the highest yield signal peptide.In addition,different promoters(P_(aprE),P_(43),and P_(glv))were compared and applied.The results indicated that the strain RIK1285-pBE-P_(glv)-YjcN-LALBA had the highestα-LA yield,reaching 122.04μg/mL.This study demonstrates successful expression and secretion of humanα-LA in B.subtilis and establishes a foundation for simulating breast milk for infant formulas and developing bioengineered milk.

Improving colorectal cancer screening programs

In this editorial we comment on the article by Agatsuma et al published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.They suggest policies for more effective colorectal screening.Screening is the main policy that has led to lower mortality rates in later years among the population that was eligible for screening.Colonoscopy is the gold standard tool for screening and has preventive effects by removing precancerous or early malignant polyps.However,colonoscopy is an invasive process,and fecal tests such as the current hemoglobin immunodetection were developed,followed by endoscopy,as the general tool for population screening,avoiding logistical and economic problems.Even so,participation and adherence rates are low.Different screening options are being developed with the idea that if people could choose between the ones that best suit them,participation in population-based screening programs would increase.Blood tests,such as a recent one that detects cell-free DNA shed by tumors called circulating tumor DNA,showed a similar accuracy rate to stool tests for cancer,but were less sensitive for advanced precancerous lesions.At the time when the crosstalk between the immune system and cancer was being established as a new hallmark of cancer,novel immune system-related biomarkers and information on patients’immune parameters,such as cell counts of different immune populations,were studied for the early detection of colorectal cancer,since they could be effective in asymptomatic people,appearing earlier in the adenoma-carcinoma development compared to the presence of fecal blood.sCD26,for example,detected 80.37%of advanced adenomas.To reach as many eligible people as possible,starting at an earlier age than current programs,the direction could be to apply tests based on blood,urine or salivary fluid to samples taken during routine visits to the primary health system.

Enhancing the Performance of Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes via Synergistic Effect of Defect Passivation and Dielectric Screening

Metal halide perovskites,particularly the quasi-two-dimensional perovskite subclass,have exhibited considerable potential for next-generation electroluminescent materials for lighting and display.Nevertheless,the presence of defects within these perovskites has a substantial influence on the emission efficiency and durability of the devices.In this study,we revealed a synergistic passivation mechanism on perovskite films by using a dual-functional compound of potassium bromide.The dual functional potassium bromide on the one hand can passivate the defects of halide vacancies with bromine anions and,on the other hand,can screen the charged defects at the grain boundaries with potassium cations.This approach effectively reduces the probability of carriers quenching resulting from charged defects capture and consequently enhances the radiative recombination efficiency of perovskite thin films,leading to a significant enhancement of photoluminescence quantum yield to near-unity values(95%).Meanwhile,the potassium bromide treatment promoted the growth of homogeneous and smooth film,facilitating the charge carrier injection in the devices.Consequently,the perovskite light-emitting diodes based on this strategy achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency of~21%and maximum luminance of~60,000 cd m^(-2).This work provides a deeper insight into the passivation mechanism of ionic compound additives in perovskite with the solution method.

Development and validation of a novel questionnaire regarding vision screening among preschool teachers in Malaysia

AIM:To develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of a knowledge,attitude,and practice questionnaire related to vision screening(KAP-VST)among preschool teachers in Malaysia.METHODS:The questionnaire was developed through a literature review and discussions with experts.Content and face validation were conducted by a panel of experts(n=10)and preschool teachers(n=10),respectively.A pilot study was conducted for construct validation(n=161)and test-retest reliability(n=60)of the newly developed questionnaire.RESULTS:Based on the content and face validation,71 items were generated,and 68 items were selected after exploratory factor analysis.The content validity index for items(I-CVI)score ranged from 0.8-1.0,and the content validity index for scale(S-CVI)/Ave was 0.99.Internal consistency was KR^(2)0=0.93 for knowledge,Cronbach’s alpha=0.758 for attitude,and Cronbach’s alpha=0.856 for practice.CONCLUSION:The KAP-VST is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing knowledge,attitude,and practice in relation to vision screening among preschool teachers in Malaysia.

High-throughput screening system of citrus bacterial cankerassociated transcription factors and its application to the regulation of citrus canker resistance

One of the main diseases that adversely impacts the global citrus industry is citrus bacterial canker(CBC),caused by the bacteria Xanthomonas citri subsp.citri(Xcc).Response to CBC is a complex process,with both proteinDNA as well as protein–protein interactions for the regulatory network.To detect such interactions in CBC resistant regulation,a citrus high-throughput screening system with 203 CBC-inducible transcription factors(TFs),were developed.Screening the upstream regulators of target by yeast-one hybrid(Y1H)methods was also performed.A regulatory module of CBC resistance was identified based on this system.One TF(CsDOF5.8)was explored due to its interactions with the 1-kb promoter fragment of CsPrx25,a resistant gene of CBC involved in reactive oxygen species(ROS)homeostasis regulation.Electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA),dual-LUC assays,as well as transient overexpression of CsDOF5.8,further validated the interactions and transcriptional regulation.The CsDOF5.8–CsPrx25 promoter interaction revealed a complex pathway that governs the regulation of CBC resistance via H2O2homeostasis.The high-throughput Y1H/Y2H screening system could be an efficient tool for studying regulatory pathways or network of CBC resistance regulation.In addition,it could highlight the potential of these candidate genes as targets for efforts to breed CBC-resistant citrus varieties.

Screening for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease:Time to discard the emperor’s clothes of normal liver enzymes?

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)is the most prevalent chronic liver condition worldwide.Current liver enzyme-based screening methods have limitations that may missed diagnoses and treatment delays.Regarding Chen et al,the risk of developing MAFLD remains elevated even when alanine aminotransferase levels fall within the normal range.Therefore,there is an urgent need for advanced diagnostic techniques and updated algorithms to enhance the accuracy of MAFLD diagnosis and enable early intervention.This paper proposes two potential screening methods for identifying individuals who may be at risk of developing MAFLD:Lowering these thresholds and promoting the use of noninvasive liver fibrosis scores.

Phosphorylated protein chip combined with artificial intelligence tools for precise drug screening

We have developed a protein array system,named"Phospho-Totum",which reproduces the phosphorylation state of a sample on the array.The protein array contains 1471 proteins from 273 known signaling pathways.According to the activation degrees of tyrosine kinases in the sample,the corresponding groups of substrate proteins on the array are phosphorylated under the same conditions.In addition to measuring the phosphorylation levels of the 1471 substrates,we have developed and performed the artificial intelligence-assisted tools to further characterize the phosphorylation state and estimate pathway activation,tyrosine kinase activation,and a list of kinase inhibitors that produce phosphorylation states similar to that of the sample.The Phospho-Totum system,which seamlessly links and interrogates the measurements and analyses,has the potential to not only elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms in diseases by reproducing the phosphorylation state of samples,but also be useful for drug discovery,particularly for screening targeted kinases for potential drug kinase inhibitors.

Early colorectal cancer screening–no time to lose

In this editorial,we comment on the article entitled“Stage at diagnosis of colorectal cancer through diagnostic route:Who should be screened?”by Agatsuma et al.Colorectal cancer(CRC)is emerging as an important health issue as its incidence continues to rise globally,adversely affecting the quality of life.Although the public has become more aware of CRC prevention,most patients lack screening awareness.Some poor lifestyle practices can lead to CRC and symptoms can appear in the early stages of CRC.However,due to the lack of awareness of the disease,most of the CRC patients are diagnosed already at an advanced stage and have a poor prognosis.

High-throughput computational screening and in vitro evaluation identifies 5-(4-oxo-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-2-yl)-2-[3-(4-oxo-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-2-yl)phenyl]-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione(C3),as a novel EGFR—HER2 dual inhibitor in gastric tumors

Gastric cancers are caused primarily due to the activation and amplification of the EGFR or HER2 kinases resulting in cell proliferation,adhesion,angiogenesis,and metastasis.Conventional therapies are ineffective due to the intra-tumoral heterogeneity and concomitant genetic mutations.Hence,dual inhibition strategies are recommended to increase potency and reduce cytotoxicity.In this study,we have conducted computational high-throughput screening of the ChemBridge library followed by in vitro assays and identified novel selective inhibitors that have a dual impediment of EGFR/HER2 kinase activities.Diversity-based High-throughput Virtual Screening(D-HTVS)was used to screen the whole ChemBridge small molecular library against EGFR and HER2.The atomistic molecular dynamic simulation was conducted to understand the dynamics and stability of the protein-ligand complexes.EGFR/HER2 kinase enzymes,KATOIII,and Snu-5 cells were used for in vitro validations.The atomistic Molecular Dynamics simulations followed by solvent-based Gibbs binding free energy calculation of top molecules,identified compound C3(5-(4-oxo-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-2-yl)-2-[3-(4-oxo-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-2-yl)phenyl]-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione)to have a good affinity for both EGFR and HER2.The predicted compound,C3,was promising with better binding energy,good binding pose,and optimum interactions with the EGFR and HER2 residues.C3 inhibited EGFR and HER2 kinases with IC50 values of 37.24 and 45.83 nM,respectively.The GI50 values of C3 to inhibit KATOIII and Snu-5 cells were 84.76 and 48.26 nM,respectively.Based on these findings,we conclude that the identified compound C3 showed a conceivable dual inhibitory activity on EGFR/HER2 kinase,and therefore can be considered as a plausible lead-like molecule for treating gastric cancers with minimal side effects,though testing in higher models with pharmacokinetic approach is required.

Characterization and screening of cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)germplasm for leafhopper(Amrasca biguttula biguttula(Ishida))resistance

Background Cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)is one of the most significant fibre and cash crops and plays an important role in Indian industrial and agricultural economies.However,over the years quantity and quality have been hampered by the pest leafhopper.Leafhopper alone has been shown to cause yield losses of up to 40%.In this study,screening and evaluation were performed to identify and categorize 100 cotton genotypes along with 5 checks as resistant,moderately resistant,sensitive and highly sensitive to leafhoppers.Results A total of hundred genotypes were evaluated along with five checks for leafhopper resistance.Based on the screening results,a total of 19 genotypes were resistant to leafhoppers,which was on par with the findings of the check KC 3.The contents of total soluble sugar,total soluble protein,and total free amino acids were significantly positively correlated with the mean grade,whereas total phenols content and trichome density were significantly negatively correlated with the susceptibility grade.However,based on screening and biochemical analysis,the genotypes KC 2,JR-23,Samaru-26-T,D 4,TCH 1728,RS 253,and B-61-1862 exhibited high resistance to leafhopper.Conclusion According to the findings of this study,choosing genotypes with high total phenolics content together with high trichome density and low contents of total soluble sugar,total soluble protein,and free amino acids may aid in the development of resistant genotypes.

Colorectal cancer screening:A review of current knowledge and progress in research

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide,being the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.Despite the progress in screening,early diagnosis,and treatment,approximately 20%-25%of CRC patients still present with metastatic disease at the time of their initial diagnosis.Furthermore,the burden of disease is still expected to increase,especially in individuals younger than 50 years old,among whom early-onset CRC incidence has been increasing.Screening and early detection are pivotal to improve CRC-related outcomes.It is well established that CRC screening not only reduces incidence,but also decreases deaths from CRC.Diverse screening strategies have proven effective in decreasing both CRC incidence and mortality,though variations in efficacy have been reported across the literature.However,uncertainties persist regarding the optimal screening method,age intervals and periodicity.Moreover,adherence to CRC screening remains globally low.In recent years,emerging technologies,notably artificial intelligence,and non-invasive biomarkers,have been developed to overcome these barriers.However,controversy exists over the actual impact of some of the new discoveries on CRC-related outcomes and how to effectively integrate them into daily practice.In this review,we aim to cover the current evidence surrounding CRC screening.We will further critically assess novel approaches under investigation,in an effort to differentiate promising inno-vations from mere novelties.

Colon cancer screening:What to choose?

Colorectal cancer is one of the predominant tumors in the world,primarily generated by a progression from polyp to cancer which can last several years,giving a great opportunity to the scientific community for its prevention by screening programs that can be done with invasive and non-invasive tests.In this issue,Lopes et al show us an excellent review of screening,its options,its advantages and disadvantages.

Importance of diet and intestinal microbiota in the prevention of colorectal cancer-colonoscopy early screening diagnosis

Colorectal cancer is a term used to describe colon and rectal cancer,which is the third most common type of cancer.A MEDLINE and PubMed search resulted in the inclusion of manuscripts written in the last 10 years,using keywords relevant to the topic of the manuscript.By analyzing the aim of the searched studies and manuscripts,adequate articles were included that described the stated problem.The frequency of colorectal cancer varies with climate,nutrition,and many other factors,primarily endogenous,hereditary,intestinal microbiome,as well as external factors,such as exposure of the individual to stress,and bad eating habits.Colon cancer and rectal cancer or colorectal cancer in general in the early stages of the disease,may not show symptoms or are barely noticeable.Colorectal cancer symptoms will most often not develop until the disease has progressed to stage 2 or beyond.Regular screening tests for colon or rectal cancer,especially colonoscopy,are recommended as part of a regular checkup for people aged 50 years or younger who are at high risk due to a family history of the disease or other cancers.Diet and colonoscopy as an early screening method play an important role in the prevention of colorectal cancer.

Esophageal cancer screening,early detection and treatment:Current insights and future directions

Esophageal cancer ranks among the most prevalent malignant tumors globally,primarily due to its highly aggressive nature and poor survival rates.According to the 2020 global cancer statistics,there were approximately 604000 new cases of esophageal cancer,resulting in 544000 deaths.The 5-year survival rate hovers around a mere 15%-25%.Notably,distinct variations exist in the risk factors associated with the two primary histological types,influencing their worldwide incidence and distribution.Squamous cell carcinoma displays a high incidence in specific regions,such as certain areas in China,where it meets the cost-effect-iveness criteria for widespread endoscopy-based early diagnosis within the local population.Conversely,adenocarcinoma(EAC)represents the most common histological subtype of esophageal cancer in Europe and the United States.The role of early diagnosis in cases of EAC originating from Barrett's esophagus(BE)remains a subject of controversy.The effectiveness of early detection for EAC,particularly those arising from BE,continues to be a debated topic.The variations in how early-stage esophageal carcinoma is treated in different regions are largely due to the differing rates of early-stage cancer diagnoses.In areas with higher incidences,such as China and Japan,early diagnosis is more common,which has led to the advancement of endoscopic methods as definitive treatments.These techniques have demonstrated remarkable efficacy with minimal complications while preserving esophageal functionality.Early screening,prompt diagnosis,and timely treatment are key strategies that can significantly lower both the occurrence and death rates associated with esophageal cancer.

Consensus on rapid screening for prodromal Alzheimer's disease in China

Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a common cause of dementia,characterised by cerebral amyloid-βdeposition,pathological tau and neurodegeneration.The prodromal stage of AD(pAD)refers to patients with mild cognitive impairment(MCl)and evidence of AD's pathology.At this stage,disease-modifying interventions should be used to prevent the progression to dementia.Given the inherent heterogeneity of MCl,more specific biomarkers are needed to elucidate the underlying AD's pathology.Although the uses of cerebrospinal fluid and positron emission tomography are widely accepted methods for detecting AD's pathology,their clinical applications are limited by their high costs and invasiveness,particularly in low-income areas in China.Therefore,to improve the early detection of Alzheimer's disease(AD)pathology through cost-effective screening methods,a panel of 45neurologists,psychiatrists andgerontologistswas invited to establish a formal consensus on the screening of pAD in China.The supportive evidence and grades of recommendations are based on a systematic literature review andfocus group discussion.National meetings were held to allow participants to review,vote and provide their expert opinions to reach a consensus.A majority(two-thirds)decision was used for questions for which consensus could not be reached.Recommended screening methods are presented in this publication,including neuropsychological assessment,peripheral biomarkers and brain imaging.In addition,a general workflow for Screening pAD in China is established,which will help clinicians identify individuals at high risk and determine therapeutic targets.