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The most abundant neutral constituent in the exospheric region (i.e., beyond = 500 km altitude) is the atomic hydrogen (H); however, its density distributions predicted by physics-based models have been challenged by satellite-based observations of its far ultraviolet emissions. This discrepancy may impact magnetospheric ions' densities and velocities since numerous chemistry and ion-neutral coupling interactions rely sensitively on the underlying neutral hydrogen population. The Polar Wind Outflow Model a first-principled model for relevant ion species in the high-latitude ionosphere, is employed to investigate the role of neutral H on the ionospheric outflow. Specifically, variability in the outflow of ionospheric H+, He+, N+, and O+ as a response to systematic enhancement and depletion of H number densities were simulated. The altitudedependent ion density and energy partition profiles vary with neutral H density, solar activities, and ion species. These findings suggest that the exosphere plays a crucial role in controlling the production and loss of ions through ionospheric chemistry, as well as the energy contributions by altering ionneutral-electron collisions and the ambipolar electric field to the high-latitude ionospheric outflow. As a result, the escape rates of the ionospheric outflow are directly associated with exospheric distributions. This work potentially helps understand the dominant mechanisms of atmospheric escape, particularly during a hydrogen-rich early Earth's and exoplanet's atmosphere, which is known to play a significant role in understanding the evolution of Earth's atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcription factors (TFs) are crucial pre-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms that can modulate the expression of downstream genes by binding to their promoter regions. DOF (DNA binding with One Finger) proteins are a unique class of TFs with extensive roles in plant growth and development. Our previous research indicated that iron content varies among bamboo leaves of different colors. However, to our knowledge, genes related to iron metabolism pathways in bamboo species have not yet been studied. Therefore, in the current study, we identified iron metabolism related (IMR) genes in bamboo and determined the TFs that significantly influence them. Among these, DOFs were found to have widespread effects and potentially significant impacts on their expression. We identified specific DOF members in Dendrocalamus latiflorus with binding abilities through homology with Arabidopsis DOF proteins, and established connections between some of these members and IMR genes using RNA-seq data. Additionally, molecular docking confirmed the binding interactions between these DlDOFs and the DOF binding sites in the promoter regions of IMR genes. The co-expression relationship between the two gene sets was further validated using q-PCR experiments. This study paves the way for research into iron metabolism pathways in bamboo and lays the foundation for understanding the role of DOF TFs in D. latiflorus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Predatory Imminence Continuum Theory proposes that defensive behaviors depend on the proximity of a threat. While the neural mechanisms underlying this proposal are well studied in animal models, it remains poorly understood in humans. To address this issue, we recorded EEG from 24 (15 female) young adults engaged in a first‐person virtual reality Risk–Reward interaction task. On each trial, participants were placed in a virtual room and presented with either a threat or reward conditioned stimulus (CS) in the same room location (proximal) or different room location (distal). Behaviorally, all participants learned to avoid the threat‐CS, with most using the optimal behavior to actively avoid the proximal threat‐CS (88% accuracy) and passively avoid the distal threat‐CS (69% accuracy). Similarly, participants learned to actively approach the distal reward‐CS (82% accuracy) and to remain passive to the proximal reward‐CS (72% accuracy). At an electrophysiological level, we observed a general increase in theta power (4–8 Hz) over the right posterior channel P8 across all conditions, with the proximal threat‐CS evoking the largest theta response. By contrast, distal cues induced two bursts of gamma (30–60 Hz) power over midline‐parietal channel Pz (200 msec post‐cue) and right frontal channel Fp2 (300 msec post‐cue). Interestingly, the first burst of gamma power was sensitive to the distal threat‐CS and the second burst at channel Fp2 was sensitive to the distal reward‐CS. Together, these findings demonstrate that oscillatory processes differentiate between the spatial proximity information during threat and reward encoding, likely optimizing the selection of the appropriate behavioral response. We demonstrate that gamma and theta oscillatory activity differentiate between real‐life spatial proximity information and actions during threat and reward encoding, providing novel support for the Predatory Imminence Continuum Theory. Such knowledge could have implications for stress‐related disorders that may depend on separable domains of threat dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) is a crucial eco-friendly oxidizer with increasing demand due to its wide range of applications. Activating O 2 with catalysts to generate H 2 O 2 on-site offers a promising alternative to traditional production methods. Here, we design unique crystalline/amorphous heterophase Fe-Mn core–shell chains (ZVI-Mn) for efficient on-site generation of H 2 O 2 and manipulation of subsequent H 2 O 2 activation. The yield of H 2 O 2 on-site produced by ZVI-Mn in water within 5 min was 103.7 mg·L-1, which was much greater than that of zero-valent iron (ZVI) and amorphous Mn (A-Mn) (0 and 42.5 mg·L-1). Raman and density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed that *OOH is the key species involved in the on-site generation of H 2 O 2. Electrochemical tests confirmed the excellent electron-transferring ability, while electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) revealed oxygen vacancy defects in the catalysts, which proved to be conducive to improving the catalytic activity of ZVI-Mn. Additionally, by regulating the pH of aqueous solution, ZVI-Mn can simultaneously achieve efficient on-site generation of H 2 O 2 and in-situ removal of enrofloxacin from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested whether communication neglect (CN) mediated the relationship between caregivers' reports of care receivers' cognitive status and/or problem behavior and thoughts about potential harmful behaviors (PHB) toward their care receiver. It also examined if caregivers' expressed anger and a positive pre-morbid relational history moderated the prediction of CN on PHB. Family caregivers (N = 339) in the U.S. completed the survey via Qualtrics. Results suggested that CN is a meaningful mediator explaining how PHB might occur. Caregiver expressed anger moderated the prediction of CN on PHB/physical abuse. Lastly, caregivers' perceptions of a positive pre-morbid relational history were a potential protective factor against PHB. When caregiver expressed anger was moderate or high, the prediction of CN on PHB/physical abuse was positive, but its strength was reduced as pre-morbid relational history became stronger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four closely related Echinometra species exist in the Indo-Pacific region, but little is known about their population genetics in Taiwan, an area rich in marine biodiversity. Echinometra dominates the Douziping coral reef off Liuqiu Island, where urchin barrens are also present. To understand the relationship between Echinometra species and urchin barrens, we investigated the genetic diversity of Echinometra species in Taiwan by using a nondestructive DNA extraction method on the spines of sea urchins. Mitochondrial DNA results showed that E. sp. C is the dominant species in Taiwan, with relatively high interspecific genetic distance. The E. sp. C is the only species in Douziping, and its population is expanding in accordance with the significantly low R2 value, the significantly negative Fu's Fs values, and mismatch distribution analysis results. Gene flow estimates between the urchin populations in Taiwan and those in the neighbouring waters of Okinawa suggested that the Kuroshio Current could play an important role in Echinometra dispersal. This implies strongly connectivity between these populations. This study reports the first case of E. sp. C-associated urchin barrens in the tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical synthesis of complex oligosaccharides relies on efficient and highly reproducible glycosylation reactions. The outcome of a glycosylation is contingent upon several environmental factors, such as temperature, acidity, the presence of residual moisture, as well as the steric, electronic, and conformational aspects of the reactants. Each glycosylation proceeds rapidly and with a high yield within a rather narrow temperature range. For better control over glycosylations and to ensure fast and reliable reactions, a systematic analysis of 18 glycosyl donors revealed the effect of reagent concentration, water content, protecting groups, and structure of the glycosyl donors on the activation temperature. With these insights, we parametrize the first step of the glycosylation reaction to be executed reliably and efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Staphylococcus aureus secretes a variety of proteins including virulence factors that cause diseases. PrsA, encoded by many Gram-positive bacteria, is a membrane-anchored lipoprotein that functions as a foldase to assist in post-translocational folding and helps maintain the stability of secreted proteins. Our earlier proteomic studies found that PrsA is required for the secretion of protein A, an immunoglobulin-binding protein that contributes to host immune evasion. This study aims to investigate how PrsA influences protein A secretion. Results: We found that in comparison with the parental strain HG001, the prsA-deletion mutant HG001ΔprsA secreted less protein A. Deleting prsA also decreased the stability of exported protein A. Pulldown assays indicated that PrsA interacts with protein A in vivo. The domains in PrsA that interact with protein A are mapped to both the N- and C-terminal regions (NC domains). Additionally, the NC domains are essential for promoting PrsA dimerization. Furthermore, an immunoglobulin-binding assay revealed that, compared to the parental strain HG001, fewer immunoglobulins bound to the surface of the mutant strain HG001ΔprsA. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that PrsA is critical for the folding and secretion of protein A. The information derived from this study provides a better understanding of virulent protein export pathways that are crucial to the pathogenicity of S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the use of waste ceramics tiles and waste diatomite in the synthesis of a novel porous ceramics construction material (WRPC) for moisture retention. Experiments were performed to elucidate the impact of sintering temperature (1000 °C–1200 °C) and the proportion of waste ceramics tiles (0 %–40 %) on mechanical properties and water absorption performance. The crystalline phases and constituent minerals were identified using X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The proportion of waste ceramic material in the mix was positively correlated with volume shrinkage and inversely correlated with porosity. Sintering temperature was positively correlated with density and compressive strength, and negatively correlated with porosity and water absorption capacity. The primary crystal phase in the WRPC was identified as cristobalite, the intensity of which decreased with an increase in the content of material derived from waste ceramics tile. Under high heating temperatures, all of the quartz in the WRPC samples transformed into cristobalite, resulting in good chemical and thermal stability. The WRPC samples exhibited high compressive strength (>3 MPa), high water absorption capacity (>0.15 g/m2), and slow water-releasing behavior (t 1/2 = 4.1−17.3 h). Experiment results confirmed that waste ceramic tiles and waste diatomite could be transformed into construction materials of practical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Whether paternal age associated with offspring's epilepsy risk is a cause of de novo mutation as men age, or just an association due to confounding factors, is still unclear. Methods We performed a population-based, multi-generation and sibling comparison study in Taiwan, which included 2 751 232 singletons born in 2001–17 who were followed until 2020. Of these, 819 371/826 087 with information on paternal/maternal grandparents were selected for multi-generation analyses and 1 748 382 with sibling(s) were selected for sibling comparison. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results In the total cohort, there was an increased risk of epilepsy in individuals with advanced paternal age, e.g. the HR for paternal age ≥50 was1.36 (95% CI: 1.15–1.61) compared with paternal age 25–29, and fathers older than mothers, e.g. the HR for parental age difference ≥15 years was 1.29 (95% CI: 1.16–1.43). When accounting for parental age difference, the association between paternal age and epilepsy in offspring was attenuated (HR for paternal age ≥50 was 1.11, 95% CI: 0.93–1.34). Multi-generation analyses did not support the association of advanced grand-paternal age at childbirth of the parent with offspring's risk of epilepsy. Sibling comparison analyses did not support the association of older paternal age with increased risk of epilepsy (HR was 0.96 for per year increase in paternal age, 95% CI: 0.96–0.97). Conclusions These results do not support the hypothesis that advanced paternal age is associated with epilepsy in offspring. Instead, familial factors may explain the observed paternal age association with the offspring's risk of epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus species are prone to suffer from copper (Cu) toxicity because of improper application of Cu-based agrochemicals. Copper immobilization mediated by pectin methylesterase (PME) in the root cell wall (CW) is effective for Cu detoxification. However, the underlying mechanisms of the structural modification and stress responses of citrus root CW pectin to Cu toxicity have been less discussed. In the present study, seedlings of 'Shatian pummelo' (Citrus grandis L. Osbeck) and 'Xuegan' (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck), which differ in Cu tolerance, were irrigated with nutrient solution containing 0.5 (as control), 100, 300 or 500 μM Cu for 18 weeks in sandy culture or 24 h in hydroponics. At the end of treatments in the 18-week sandy culture, Cu toxicity on CW pectin content, Cu distribution, degree of pectin methylesterification (DPM) and the PME enzyme activity were discussed. At the genome-wide level, PME gene family was identified from the two citrus species, and qRT-PCR array of citrus PMEs under control and 300 μM Cu stress for 18 weeks were performed to screen the Cu-responsive PME genes. Moreover, the candidate genes that responded to Cu toxicity were further examined within 24 h. The results showed that Cu toxicity increased the root CW pectin content. The root CW pectin under Cu toxicity was remodeled by upregulation of the expression of the Cu-responsive PME genes followed by increasing PME activity, which mainly promoted low methylesterased pectin level and the Cu content on root CW pectin. Compared with C. sinensis , C. grandis root CW had a lower DPM and higher Cu content on the Cu-stressed root CW pectin, contributing to its higher Cu tolerance. Our present study provided theoretical evidence for root CW pectin remodeling in response to Cu toxicity of citrus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oncogenic fusion protein EWS::FLI1 is an attractive therapeutic target in Ewing sarcoma (ES). Mithramycin A (MithA) is a potent and specific inhibitor of EWS::FLI1 that can selectively radiosensitize ES cells through transcriptional inhibition of DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. Here, we evaluate temporal changes in cell cycle progression and apoptosis in ES cells treated with MithA and/or ionizing radiation (RTx), testing the hypothesis that combining MithA with ionizing radiation would synergistically impair cell cycle progression and enhance apoptotic elimination to a greater extent than either agent alone. Four EWS::FLI1+ ES cell lines TC-71, RD-ES, SK-ES-1, and A673, and one EWS::ERG cell line (CHLA-25) were exposed to 10nM MithA or vehicle and followed 24 h later by exposure to 2 Gy x-radiation or sham irradiation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity was evaluated by cytometric assay, and assay of antioxidant gene expression by RT-qPCR. Cell cycle changes were evaluated by flow cytometry of nuclei stained with propidium iodide. Apoptosis was assessed by cytometric assessment of Caspase-3/7 activity and by immunoblotting of PARP-1 cleavage. Radiosensitization was evaluated by clonogenic survival assay. Proliferation (EdU) and apoptosis (TUNEL) were evaluated in SK-ES-1 xenograft tumors following pretreatment with 1 mg/kg MithA, followed 24 h later by a single 4 Gy fraction of x-radiation. MithA-treated cells showed reduced levels of ROS, and were associated with increased expression of antioxidant genes SOD1, SOD2, and CAT. It nonetheless induced persistent G0/G1 arrest and a progressive increase of the sub-G1 fraction, suggesting apoptotic degeneration. In vitro assays of Caspase-3/7 activity and immunoblotting of Caspase-3/7 dependent cleavage of PARP-1 indicated that apoptosis began as early as 24 h after MithA exposure, reducing clonogenic survival. Tumors from xenograft mice treated with either radiation alone, or in combination with MithA showed a significant reduction of tumor cell proliferation, while apoptosis was significantly increased in the group receiving the combination of MithA and RTx. Taken together, our data show that the anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects of MithA are the prominent components of radiosensitization of EWS::FLI1+ ES, rather than the result of acutely enhanced ROS levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Puzzles are mental exercises that enhance cognitive function. Functional cognition is critical for older adults to be able to engage in activities of daily living (ADL) and is linked to positive aging. This paper reports participation by Hispanic older adults in puzzle working and explores the relationship between the reported need for assistance with ADL and puzzles participation. Survey findings from 156 older adults reveal that puzzle working not only provides an opportunity to exercise their mind to solve cognitive challenges, but also elicits emotional and social benefits. The reported need for assistance with ADL is not a statistically significant predictor of participation in puzzle working, indicating that regardless of the level of assistance senior adults need for ADL, they can participate in puzzle working. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus peels are rich in bioactive compounds such as vitamin C and extraction of vitamin C is a good strategy for citrus peel recycling. It is essential to evaluate the levels of vitamin C in citrus peels before reuse. In this study, a near-infrared (NIR)-based method was proposed to quantify the vitamin C content of citrus peels in a rapid way. The spectra of 249 citrus peels in the 912–1667 nm range were acquired, preprocessed, and then related to measured vitamin C values using the linear partial least squares (PLS) algorithm, indicating that normalization correction (NC) was more suitable for spectral preprocessing and NC-PLS model built with full NC spectra (375 wavelengths) showed a better performance in predicting vitamin C. To accelerate the predictive process, wavelength selection was conducted, and 15 optimal wavelengths were finally selected from NC spectra using the stepwise regression (SR) method, to predict vitamin C using the multiple linear regression (MLR) algorithm. The results showed that SR-NC-MLR model had the best predictive ability with correlation coefficients (rP) of 0.949 and root mean square error (RMSEP) of 14.814 mg/100 mg in prediction set, comparable to the NC-PLS model in predicting vitamin C. External validation was implemented using 40 independent citrus peels samples to validate the suitability of the SR-NC-MLR model, obtaining a good correlation (R2 = 0.9558) between predicted and measured vitamin C contents. In conclusion, it was reasonable and feasible to achieve the rapid estimation of vitamin C in citrus peels using NIR spectra coupled with MLR algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, TiNb 2 O 7 (TNO) was prepared by a simple solvothermal method and subsequently high temperature sintering process as anode materials for Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The surface morphology and oxygen vacancies of as-prepared TNO were investigated by using different sintering temperatures from 700oC to 1000 °C, namely TNO-700, TNO-800, TNO-900 and TNO-1000, respectively. The crystal structure, surface morphology as well as pore size distribution and oxygen vacancy content of a series of TNO anodes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), surface area and pore analyzer (N 2 adsorption/desorption isotherms), electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer (EPR) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), respectively. The condition-optimized TNO-800 electrode exhibited brilliant rate capability and the highest reversible capacity which resulted from the micro-spherical structure and enough oxygen vacancies in terms of 246 mAh/g after 250 cycles and 248 mAh/g at 20C, respectively. The XPS analysis proved that samples in lower sintered temperatures had more oxygen vacancies from Ti/Nb peak shifting and integrated area ratio of the main peak to the shoulder peak in the O 1s spectrum. In addition, they also exhibited a stronger EFP signal than that of other samples at g = 1.99 which means the signal of paramagnetic oxygen vacancies. These results indicated that the porous structure and high specific surface area, as well as the existence of oxygen vacancies, play important roles in the electrochemical performance of TNO anode materials for LIBs. Hence, it is an effective manner to enhance the Li-ion storage applications for anode materials from this research. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been growing interest in the social-emotional development of children. However, the social-emotional development of children in Asia remains a knowledge gap. This systematic review identifies and summarizes existing studies on children's social-emotional development in Asia. We conducted a systematic review using the Guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). We reviewed 45 studies that met the inclusion criteria, and they were from 12 Asian countries, primarily the East Asia region (China and Hong Kong). Most of the studies were cross-sectional in design (n = 28, 62.2%). Six themes emerged, including (a) social-emotional development (overall) (n = 24, 53.3%); (b) social competence (n = 7, 15.6%); (c) emotional development (n = 5, 11.1%); (d) social-emotional learning (n = 3, 6.7%); (e) problem behavior (n = 3, 6.7%); (f) self-regulation (n = 2, 4.4%); and (g) both social-emotional learning and problem behavior (n = 1, 2.2%). The findings highlighted the paucity of studies, the need for examining more diverse variables in a similar population, and the low quality of intervention studies in social-emotional research in Asia. Research gaps indicate the need for more social-emotional and ethnocultural studies in other Asian regions. Parent and teacher knowledge of children's social-emotional functioning should be examined more closely in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laminated composites have been commonly applied to all fields. When made into laminated composites, Kevlar woven fabrics are able to provide the required functions. In this study, two types of TPU are incorporated to improve the intralayer features of Kevlar/TPU laminated composites. Hence, the Kevlar/TPU laminated composites consist of firmly bonded laminates while retaining flexibility of the fabrics. Being the interlayer of the laminated composites, the TPU layer provides adhesion while strengthening the tensile property, dynamic puncture resistance, and buffer strength of Kevlar/TPU laminated composites. The test results indicate that with a blending ratio of two types of TRU being 85/15 wt%, the Kevlar/TPU laminated composites exhibit a tensile strength of 18.08 MPa. When the stacking thickness is 1 mm, the tensile strength is improved to 357.73 N with the buffering strength reaching 4224.40 N. Notably, with a thickness being 1.2 mm, the laminated composites demonstrate a dynamic resistance being 672.15 N. In the meanwhile, functional Kevlar fabrics are allowed to keep the fiber morphology owing to the protection of TPU composite films. Considering the composition of protective gear, Kevlar/TPU laminated composites possess a powerful potential and are worthwhile exploring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported here are two X-ray photochromic metal chalcogenide frameworks, which consist of tetrahedral clusters that are linked by transition-metal amine chelates. They have similar structures, but with different organic amine species, and they exhibit different coloration behavior. The photoinduced electron transfer from the metal chalcogenide clusters to the zinc amine chelates is a key point in accounting for their photochromism. Interestingly, a high-contrast (up to 12.4 times) enhancement of the optoelectronic response is obtained for the title compounds after they are treated by X-ray irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 2 (TNFAIP2), a TNFα-inducible gene, appears to participate in inflammation, immune response, hematopoiesis, and carcinogenesis. However, the potential role of TNFAIP2 in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unknow yet. Therefore, we aimed to study the biological role of TNFAIP2 in leukemogenesis.Methods: TNFAIP2 mRNA level, prognostic value, co-expressed genes, differentially expressed genes, DNA methylation, and functional enrichment analysis in AML patients were explored via multiple public databases, including UALCAN, GTEx portal, Timer 2.0, LinkedOmics, SMART, MethSurv, Metascape, GSEA and String databases. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Beat AML database were used to determine the associations between TNFAIP2 expression and various clinical or genetic parameters of AML patients. Moreover, the biological functions of TNFAIP2 in AML were investigated through in vitro experiments.Results: By large-scale data mining, our study indicated that TNFAIP2 was differentially expressed across different normal and tumor tissues. TNFAIP2 expression was significantly increased in AML, particularly in French-American-British (FAB) classification M4/M5 patients, compared with corresponding control tissues. Overexpression of TNFAIP2 was an independent poor prognostic factor of overall survival (OS) and was associated with unfavorable cytogenetic risk and gene mutations in AML patients. DNA hypermethylation of TNFAIP2 at gene body linked to upregulation of TNFAIP2 and inferior OS in AML. Functional enrichment analysis indicated immunomodulation function and inflammation response of TNFAIP2 in leukemogenesis. Finally, the suppression of TNFAIP resulted in inhibition of proliferation by altering cell-cycle progression and increase of cell death by promoting early and late apoptosis in THP-1 and U937AML cells.Conclusion: Collectively, the oncogenic TNFAIP2 can function as a novel biomarker and prognostic factor in AML patients. The immunoregulation function of TNFAIP2 warrants further validation in AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium verticillioides, a well-known fungal pathogen that causes severe disease in maize and contaminates the grains with fumonisin B1 (FB1) mycotoxin, affects the yield and quality of maize worldwide. The intrinsic roles of peroxisome targeting signal (PTS)–containing proteins in phytopathogens remain elusive. We therefore explored the regulatory role and other biological functions of the components of PTS2 receptor complex, FvPex7 and FvPex20, in F. verticillioides. We found that FvPex7 directly interacts with the carboxyl terminus of FvPex20 in F. verticillioides. PTS2-containing proteins are recognized and bound by the FvPex7 receptor or the FvPex7-Pex20 receptor complex in the cytoplasm, but the peroxisome localization of the PTS2-Pex7-Pex20 complex is only determined by Pex20 in F. verticillioides. However, we observed that some putative PTS2 proteins that interact with Pex7 are not transported into the peroxisomes, but a PTS1 protein that interacts with Pex5 was detected in the peroxisomes. Furthermore, ΔFvpex7pex20 as well as ΔFvpex7pex5 double mutants exhibited reduced pathogenicity and FB1 biosynthesis, along with defects in conidiation. The PTS2 receptor complex mutants (ΔFvpex7pex20) grew slowly on minimal media and showed reduced sensitivity to cell wall and cell membrane stress-inducing agents compared to the wild type. Taken together, we conclude that the PTS2 receptor complex mediates peroxisome matrix proteins import and contributes to pathogenicity and FB1 biosynthesis in F. verticillioides. Key points: • FvPex7 directly interacts with FvPex20 in F. verticillioides. • vThe PTS2 receptor complex is essential for the importation of PTS2-containing matrix protein into peroxisomes in F. verticillioides. • Fvpex7/pex20 is involved in pathogenicity and FB1 biosynthesis in F. verticillioides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop an extraction and purification method for production of type II collagen and its bioactive peptides from sturgeon fish cartilage. Initially, freeze-dried sturgeon fish cartilage was powdered for extraction of pepsin soluble collagen (PSC) using 0.5 M acetic acid and 10% pepsin with a PSC yield of 34.59%. Optimization of PSC hydrolysis revealed that a high hydrolysis degree (34.23%) was obtained using an enzyme combination of 4.5% alcalase plus 4.5% flavourzyme, PSC to water ratio at 1:30 (w/v), pH at 8, temperature at 50 °C and hydrolysis time at 6 h to obtain sturgeon cartilage collagen peptide (SCCP). Both PSC and SCCP were characterized for collagen type and molecular weight (MW) range by SDS-PAGE, amino acid composition by HPLC-DAD, MW distribution by MALDI-TOF-MS, functional group by FTIR and absorption spectra by UV analysis confirming the presence of type II collagen in sturgeon fish cartilage with amino acids including glycine, glutamic acid, hydroxyproline, proline and alanine dominating in both PSC and SCCP. Furthermore, the SCCP possessed < 500 Da MW distribution accounting for 89.71% of the total signal, with a peptide fragment at MW 344.721 Da being present in the highest proportion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enzyme phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2) plays a crucial role in acyl remodeling of phospholipids via the Lands' cycle, and consequently alters fatty acid compositions in triacylglycerol (TAG). In this study, a full-length cDNA sequence coding Myrmecia incisa phospholipase A 2 (MiPLA 2) was cloned using the technique of rapid amplification of cDNA ends. Comparison of the 1082-bp cDNA with its corresponding cloned DNA sequence revealed that MiPLA 2 contained 3 introns. Mature MiPLA 2 (mMiPLA 2) had a conserved Ca2+-binding loop and a catalytic site motif that has been recognized in plant secretory PLA 2 (sPLA 2) proteins. Correspondingly, phylogenetic analysis illustrated that MiPLA 2 was clustered within GroupXIA of plant sPLA 2 proteins. To ascertain the function of MiPLA 2 , the cDNA coding for mMiPLA 2 was subcloned into the vector pET-32a to facilitate the production of recombinant mMiPLA 2 in Escherichia coli. Recombinant mMiPLA 2 was purified and used for the in vitro enzyme reaction. Thin-layer chromatography profiles of the catalytic products generated by recombinant mMiPLA 2 indicated a specificity for cleaving sn -2 acyl chains from phospholipids, thereby functionally characterizing MiPLA 2. Although recombinant mMiPLA 2 displayed a strong preference for phosphatidylethanolamine, it preferentially hydrolyzes arachidonic acid (ArA) at the sn -2 position of phosphatidylcholine. Results from the fused expression of p1300-sp-EGFP-mMiPLA 2 illustrated that MiPLA 2 was localized in the intercellular space of onion epidermis. Furthermore, the positive correlation between MiPLA 2 transcription and free ArA levels were established. Consequently, the role of mMiPLA 2 in the biosynthesis of ArA-rich TAG was elucidated. This study helps to understand how M. incisa preferentially uses ArA to synthesize TAG. • One phospholipase A 2 (MiPLA 2) was identified in Myrmecia incisa. • MiPLA 2 was phylogeneticly clustered into Group XIA of plant sPLA 2 proteins. • The recombinant MiPLA 2 preferentially hydrolyzed arachidonic acid (ArA) at sn -2 position of phosphatidylcholine. • MiPLA 2 was localized in the periplasmic space of epidermal cells. • MiPLA 2 might participate in hydrolysis of phospholipids of the plasma membrane to contribute to ArA-rich TAG biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A link between periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been identified, and interleukin-33 (IL-33) may play an important role in the common inflammatory mechanisms of these diseases. This study analyzed the associations of the serum IL-33 level with the occurrence and severity of periodontitis and COPD. A total of 161 participants were divided into four groups: healthy volunteers, periodontitis patients, COPD patients, and patients with both COPD and periodontitis. Associations between serum IL-33 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and clinical factors as well as the risks and severity of periodontitis and COPD were analyzed. Serum IL-33 levels were lower in all patient groups than in healthy controls. A trend toward lower IL-33 levels was observed among patients with both diseases compared with patients with either disease alone. The serum IL-33 level was also inversely associated with the severity of periodontitis and COPD. The serum IL-33 level was negatively associated with risks of periodontitis and COPD, indicating that IL-33 is likely involved in the pathophysiologic mechanism of the relationship between COPD and periodontitis. This study advances our understanding of the association between COPD and periodontitis and provides new bases for COPD prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are key drugs in targeted cancer therapy. However, they may cause skin toxicity. We previously prepared a modified Huang-Lian-Jie-Du (mHLJD) decoction cream using 10 herbs, which effectively alleviated EGFRI/TKI-induced skin toxicity. In the present study, we identified the reference markers of the mHLJD decoction and investigated the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of the mHLJD decoction extract. Methods. We performed high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine the composition of the mHLJD decoction. Human epidermoid A431 cells were treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α to induce inflammation; then, the effects of the mHLJD decoction extract on the cytokine expression were determined using a cytokine array and by performing real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The antibacterial effects of the extract were examined using disk diffusion and microdilution assays. Results. HPLC results revealed that the mHLJD decoction primarily consisted of geniposide, berberine chloride, baicalin, coptisine, and palmatine. TNF-α treatment increased the expression of certain cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-8, M-CSF, and TGF-β2; however, pretreatment with the mHLJD decoction extract reduced their expression. The qPCR results demonstrated a decreased mRNA expression of IL-8, M-CSF, and TGF-β2. The antibacterial assay revealed that the extract exerted inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus, forming an inhibition zone at the minimum inhibitory concentrations of 3.125 and 6.25 mg/mL; however, the extract exerted no effects on Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusions. We developed an HPLC method to quantify the reference markers of the mHLJD decoction. The bioactivity analysis provided the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of the mHLJD decoction on EGFRI/TKI-induced skin toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the assumptions of intergroup threat theory, this study explored the influence of political identity and outgroup partisan media use on intergroup attitudes (intergroup bias and unwillingness to compromise with the opposing party) during the 2018 U.S. mid-term election and how perceptions of threats posed by the opposing party mediated these relationships. We found that political identity was positively associated with intergroup bias and unwillingness to support compromise, whereas outgroup media exposure was negatively associated with such attitudes. Perceptions of realistic threats posed by the opposing party partially mediated the relationships between party identity and intergroup bias, but not between party identity and unwillingness to support compromise. The practical and theoretical implications of these results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Migraine is a recurrent headache disease that has been identified as a risk factor for subsequent dementia. The present study collected data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to investigate the incidence of dementia in patients with migraine who did or did not concurrently receive acupuncture treatment. Methods: A 1:1 propensity score method was used to match an equal number of patients (N = 4813) in the acupuncture and nonacupuncture cohorts based on sex, age, migraine diagnosis year, index year, insurance amount, urbanization level, baseline comorbidities, and medication usage. We employed Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the risk of dementia. Results: Patients with migraine who received acupuncture treatment were found to have a lower risk of dementia (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.40– 0.65) than those who did not undergo acupuncture treatment. The cumulative incidence of dementia was significantly lower in the acupuncture cohort than in the nonacupuncture cohort (Log rank test, p < 0.001). This propensity score–matched cohort study demonstrated an association between acupuncture treatment and dementia development in patients with migraine in Taiwan. Conclusion: The results suggest that acupuncture treatment significantly reduced the development of dementia in patients with migraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quantitative data are limited on the natural course of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic HBV infection (CHB). Aims: To estimate the prevalence of fibrosis status including non-fibrosis, significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis throughout the natural course of CHB. Methods: We searched Cochrane library, EMBASE, PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect from January 1993 to November 2019 for studies with histologic data on liver fibrosis in CHB natural course. CHB course was defined based on current criteria for identifying infection phases as recommended by international clinical practice guidelines, including the HBeAg-positive immune-tolerant, HBeAg-positive immune-active, HBeAg-negative immune-inactive, HBeAg-negative immune-reactive, and HBsAg-negative phases. Pooled prevalence rate of fibrosis status at each phase was obtained from random-effect meta-analyses. Results: Thirty-three studies with 9,377 adult participants (23.8–49.0 age years; 45.5–88.6% males) were eligible and finally included. The estimated prevalence of non-fibrosis, significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis was, for HBeAg-positive immune-tolerant phase: 31.2% (95%CI 15.6–46.7), 16.9% (95%CI 7.8–26.1), 5.4% (95%CI 0.0–11.2), and 0.0% (95%CI 0.0–1.5); HBeAg-positive immune-active phase: 6.9% (95%CI 3.6–10.2), 50.6% (95%CI 39.2–61.9), 32.1% (95%CI 24.2–40.0), and 12.8% (95%CI 8.6–17.0); HBeAg-negative immune-inactive phase: 32.4% (95%CI 0.0–100.0), 24.8% (95%CI 4.5–45.1), 3.0% (95%CI 0.0–8.3), and 0.0% (95%CI 0.0–1.0); and HBeAg-negative immune-reactive phase: 6.3% (95%CI 3.5–9.2), 50.3% (95%CI 38.9–61.7), 30.3% (95%CI 20.9–39.6), and 10.0% (95%CI 6.6–13.5), respectively. There was only one study for HBsAg-negative phase, thus not allowing further meta-analyses. Conclusions: Fibrosis risk persists through CHB natural course. These data can support risk estimation in clinical practice and provide reference for noninvasive investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve biocompatibility and high gene transfection efficiency, developing new cationic polymers with natural functional moieties has been regarded as a promising way. In this work, histidine was grafted on chitosan (CS) to produce CS derivatives (HGCS) for siRNA delivery and the HGCS/siRNA complexes were formed by the self-assembly method. The structures of histidine grafted CS polymers were characterized by FT-IR and XRD. The Acid-base titration assay was used to measure their proton buffering capacities and results indicated HGCS polymers have stronger buffering capacity than unmodified CS. The particle size, zeta potential and the stability of the polymer/siRNA complexes were measured by laser particle size analyzer and gel retardation assay. The cytotoxicity of polymers was determined by MTT assays in RSC96 cells. Moreover, cellular uptake investigation into polymer/siRNA complexes demonstrated that HGCS polymers have efficient siRNA transfection ability in B16F1 cells and HeLa cells. These data suggest HGCS polymers as a hopeful non-viral gene delivery vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin is one of the most common therapeutics used in treatments of several types of cancers. To enhance cisplatin lipophilicity and reduce resistance and side effects, a polyfluorinated bipyridine-modified cisplatin analogue, dichloro[4,4'-bis(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropoxy)methyl)-2,2'-bipryridine] platinum (TFBPC), was synthesized and therapeutic assessments were performed. TFBPC displayed superior effects in inhibiting the proliferation of several cisplatin-resistant human cancer cell lines, including MDA-MB-231 breast cancers, COLO205 colon cancers and SK-OV-3 ovarian cancers. TFBPC bound to DNA and formed DNA crosslinks that resulted in DNA degradation, triggering the cell death program through the PARP/Bax/Bcl-2 apoptosis and LC3-related autophagy pathway. Moreover, TFBPC significantly inhibited tumor growth in both animal models which include a cell line-derived xenograft model (CDX) of cisplatin-resistant MDA-MB-231, and a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs). Furthermore, the biopsy specimen from TFBPC-treated xenografts revealed decreased expressions of P53, Ki-67 and PD-L1 coupled with higher expression of cleaved caspase 3, suggesting TFBPC treatment was effective and resulted in good prognostic indications. No significant pathological changes were observed in hematological and biochemistry tests in blood and histological examinations from the specimen of major organs. Therefore, TFBPC is a potential candidate for treatments of patients suffering from TNBCs as well as other cisplatin-resistant cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are currently no good indicators that can be used to predict the medical expenses of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This was a retrospective study that focused on the correlation between the age, dyspnoea, and airflow obstruction (ADO) index and the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) on the medical burden in COPD patients, specifically, those of patients with complete ADO index and CCI data in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2016. Of the 396 patients with COPD who met the inclusion criteria, 382 (96.5%) were male, with an average age of 71.3 ± 8.4 years. Healthcare resource utilisation was positively correlated with the ADO index. A significant association was found between the ADO index and CCI of COPD patients (p < 0.001). In-hospitalization expenses were positively correlated with the CCI (p < 0.001). Under the same CCI, the higher the ADO score, the higher the hospitalisation expenses. The ADO quartiles were positively correlated with the number of hospitalisations (p < 0.001), hospitalisation days (p < 0.001), hospitalisation expenses (p = 0.03), and total medical expenses (p = 0.037). Findings from this study show that the ADO index can predict the medical burden of COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Compound-flooding events, triggered by heavy rainfall coupled with storm tides, are a significant concern in coastal urban areas. • A copula-based analysis is applied to develop an easy-to-use empirical formula for quickly assessing the threat of compound flooding. • The compound-flooding formula has been proved to be more reliable overall than the conventional rainfall-based thresholds for coastal urban areas. To calculate warning thresholds for compound-flooding events triggered by heavy rainfall coupled with storm tides in Taiwan's coastal urban areas, we applied copula-based analysis to observation data collected from 2001 till 2022 for Taipei City and New Taipei City and developed an empirical formula that accounts for both the capacity of the drainage infrastructure, which partially depends on the coastal sea level and varies over time, and the amount of precipitation. Compared against observation data from flood detectors, our predictions exhibited an accuracy of 85.2 % and 78.8 % for Taipei City and New Taipei City, respectively, thus improving upon the 62.8 % and 68.5 % success rates for thresholds estimated using only the hourly accumulated rainfall. These promising preliminary results suggest that reliable flood warnings for tidal-basin regions can be expedited by employing our formula and inputting rainfall and sea-level values from ensemble typhoon and storm-surge forecasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • ZIF-67 hollow prisms self-assembled by nanoparticles were prepared. • ZIF-67 exhibited excellent efficiency in removing various pharmaceuticals. • Adsorbing Pb(II) is <2 min with the maximum adsorption capacity of 2488.14 mg g−1. • A novel strategy for simultaneous removal of ciprofloxacin and Pb(II) was provided. Due to the wide variety of pollutants in wastewater, therefore, how to efficiently and effectively remove mixed pollutants is of great importance for environmental remediation. In this study, ZIF-67 hollow prisms self-assembled by nanoparticles were prepared. The nanoparticles possess a regular distributed pore structure, which mixed with the self-assembled hierarchical structure can provide more binding sites. This special self-assembly structure endows ZIF-67 hollow prisms to have a large specific surface area (1221 m2/g), and to exhibit excellent efficiency in removing a variety of pharmaceuticals. For simultaneous removal of ciprofloxacin and Pb(II) mixed pollutants, the adsorption process of Pb(II) is ultra-fast (<2 min), and the average amount removed efficiently was 100 %. The maximum adsorption capacities of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and Pb(II) were 1586.14 and 2488.14 mg g−1, respectively. The XPS results indicated that Pb(II) may be mixed with Co-OH to form Co-O-Pb during the adsorption process. As well, metal ions are easily complexed with antibiotics, which makes the adsorption performance of CIP and Pb remarkable. This study explored the adsorption capacity by porous materials with self-assembled structures, and provided a novel strategy for the efficient removal of antibiotic/heavy metal complex pollutants from the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined how news audience's predispositions (value and outcome involvement, political and gun ownership identities) predicted perceived media bias in mass shooting coverage against gun owners and intention to participate in discursive activities concerning gun issues. Republicans, strong identifiers of gun ownership, and those who perceived the outcome of tightening gun ownership would affect their lives predicted perceptions of media bias. Strong party identifiers, gun ownership identifiers, and those who displayed outcome involvement predicted intention to participate in discursive activities. Perceived media bias was not found to predict the intention to participate in discursive activities concerning gun issues. The results extended the theoretical discussion of corrective action hypothesis and increased our understanding of both individual-level (personal involvement) and social-psychological level (social identities) factors relevant to biased media perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to use structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate the role of error processing in behavioral adaptation in children by testing relationships between error‐related and stimulus‐related event‐related potentials (ERPs) obtained from two sessions of a speeded Eriksen flanker task. First, path models of averaged ERP components and mean response times (N1 → P2 → N2 → P3 → RTs) while controlling for trait effects, age, and sex, on each was examined separately for correct and incorrect trials from each session. While the model demonstrated acceptable fit statistics, the four models yielded diverse results. Next, path models for correct and incorrect trials were tested using latent variables defined by factoring together respective measures of ERP component amplitudes from each session. Comparison of correct and incorrect models revealed significant differences in the relationships between the successive measures of neural processing after controlling for trait effects. Moreover, latent variable models controlling for both trait and session‐specific state variables yielded excellent model fit while models without session‐specific state variables did not. In the final model, the error‐related neural activity (i.e., the ERN and Pe) from incorrect trials was found to significantly relate to the stream of neural processes contributing to trials with the correct behavior. Importantly, the relationship between RT and error detection in the final model signifies a brain‐and‐behavior feedback loop. These findings provided empirical evidence that supports the adaptive orienting theory of error processing by demonstrating how the neural signals of error processing influence behavioral adaptations that facilitate correct behavioral performance. Our research builds on Wessel's adaptive orienting theory where post‐error psychological processes of automatic inhibition and attentional orientation lead to improved performance accuracy. Novel use of structural equation modeling of correct trials demonstrates that phases of brain activity predict response time. Additionally, response time predicts performance monitoring (ERN/PE amplitudes) which in turn predicts attention‐based components (N1/N2 amplitudes) in the brain processing of correct trials supporting the adaptive orienting theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to establish a formula calculating the fetal cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) width Z-scores and compare CSP width between the normal fetus and 18-trisomy fetus. In this retrospective study, 608 normal fetuses and 71 fetuses with the 18-trisomy syndrome were included. Z-scores were calculated after the acquisition of CSP images. Normal CSP width Z-scores formulae were constructed based on gestational age (GA) by performing a standard regression analysis followed by weighted regression of absolute residual values. Subsequently, the Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the CSP width Z-scores between normal and 18-trisomy groups. Formulae calculating CSP width Z-scores were constructed. Normal fetal CSP width was significantly correlated with GA (R2 = 0.50, p <.01). In 18-trisomy group, 69% (34/49) fetuses displayed enlarged fetal CSP width and CSP width Z-scores (p <.01). The CSP width Z-scores formulae established in the current study can provide a quantitative basis for the prenatal diagnosis of 18-trisomy syndrome. Enlarged CSP width Z-score may serve as a novel prenatal diagnostic marker for the 18-trisomy syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theta oscillations (~ 4–12 Hz) are dynamically modulated by speed and direction in freely moving animals. However, due to the paucity of electrophysiological recordings of freely moving humans, this mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we combined mobile-EEG with fully immersive virtual-reality to investigate theta dynamics in 22 healthy adults (aged 18–29 years old) freely navigating a T-maze to find rewards. Our results revealed three dynamic periods of theta modulation: (1) theta power increases coincided with the participants' decision-making period; (2) theta power increased for fast and leftward trials as subjects approached the goal location; and (3) feedback onset evoked two phase-locked theta bursts over the right temporal and frontal-midline channels. These results suggest that recording scalp EEG in freely moving humans navigating a simple virtual T-maze can be utilized as a powerful translational model by which to map theta dynamics during "real-life" goal-directed behavior in both health and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Diamondback moth (DBM) is one of the notorious pests of crucifers causing significant yield loss throughout the world. In order to understand how particular growing conditions for crops including selective colored protected cultivation may modify integrated pest management strategies, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the mortality and reproduction capabilities of DBM under different colored netting conditions, as well as the main life table parameters using the age-stage, two-sex life table technique. The results revealed that three developmental stages were slightly different among treatments, in which females reared under conventional white net house lived longer compared to females reared under semi-field and colored (magenta color pattern) net house. However, populations' parameters did not change as result of different light conditions, with the exception of the mean generation time (T), which was higher under semi-field conditions compared to the conventional white net house. The obtained biological and ecological information under different colored net structures can be used as an ecological tool to formulate new strategies to control DBM. To our knowledge, this is the first study on effect of light spectrum on DBM biology and life table parameters while reared under different colored net conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods have been established for simultaneously determining the 10 organic acids in fruit or soil. Two liquid chromatographic (LC) columns with reversed phase (RP) (Titank C18) and hydrophilic interaction (HILIC) (Poroshell 120 HILIC-Z) were selected to separate organic acids in molecular or ionic state, respectively. Meanwhile, the mobile phases had different solvents and pH values in the two states. Results indicated that these two columns can complement each other and avoid various matrix interferences. The limits of detection (LOD) of organic acids (S/N ≥ 3) were 0.002–0.521 μg∙mL−1 in the molecular state and 0.003–0.459 μg∙mL−1 in the ionic state, and the corresponding limits of quantification (LOQ) (S/N ≥ 10) were 0.007–1.737 μg∙mL−1 and 0.009–1.530 μg∙mL−1. The above methods can provide a technical support for the analysis of organic acid components in other matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher education institutions in the United States resorted to remote instruction after the disruption caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The disjointed nature of this transition of managing the academic crisis needs to be critically engaged. By examining the experiences of global communication faculty at a midsize Midwestern university, this study attempts to reflect on the circumstances, challenges, and some unexpected outcomes of the phenomenon. Based on testimonies generated from the authors' experiences and interviews conducted with instructors, the study outlines lessons learned from the adoption of media technology and offers insights on reimagining global communication pedagogy in the post-pandemic period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-dose melphalan (HDMEL, 200 mg/m2) is considered as the standard conditioning regimen for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) in multiple myeloma (MM). However, whether the combination of melphalan with busulfan (BUMEL) conditioning outperforms HDMEL remains controversy. Accordingly, a systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to compare the outcomes of HDMEL and BUMEL-based conditioning regimens in newly diagnosed MM patients having undergone auto-HSCT. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library database until July 31, 2021, to identify all eligible studies comparing progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), optimal treatment response after auto-HSCT, duration of stem cell engraftment and incidence of toxic events between patients undergoing BUMEL-based and HDMEL conditioning regimens. Hazard ratio (HR), mean difference (MD) or odds ratio (OR) corresponding to 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined to estimate outcomes applying RevMan 5.4 software. Publication biases were assessed by performing Egger's test and Begg's test by Stata 15 software. Results: Ten studies with a total of 2855 MM patients were covered in the current meta-analysis. The results of this study demonstrated that patients having received BUMEL-based regimen was correlated with longer PFS (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.67~0.89, P = 0.0002) but similar OS (HR 1.08; 95% CI 0.92~1.26, P = 0.35) compared with those having received HDMEL. The differences of best treatment response after auto-HSCT and duration of neutrophil or platelet engraftment did not have statistical significance between the two groups of patients. With respect to adverse effects, the patients in BUMEL-based group were less frequently subject to gastrointestinal toxicity while the patients in HDMEL group less often experienced mucositis and infection. No significant difference was observed in hepatic toxicity between the two groups of patients. Conclusions: In the present study, BUMEL-based conditioning was identified as a favorable regimen for a better PFS and equivalent OS as compared with HDMEL, which should be balanced against higher incidences of mucositis and infection. BUMEL-based conditioning is likely to act as an alternative strategy to more effectively improve auto-HSCT outcomes in MM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emerging evidence supports a strong association between the skin and the gut. The association between seborrheic dermatitis (SD) and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) was largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association of SD and PUD. Methods: This nationwide population‐based cohort study was conducted using the Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 19 445 participants was recruited. Each patient with a diagnosis of incident SD was matched to four patients without SD using propensity scores based on age, gender, index year, insurance amount, urbanisation level, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), the presence of comorbidities and medication use. The primary endpoint was the development of incident PUD. Hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for PUD occurrence in relation to the presence of SD were calculated. Results: Overall, patients with SD had a significantly higher risk for incident PUD than those without SD in both univariable (crude HR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.38–1.86, P < 0.001) and multivariable (adjusted HR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.36–1.83, P < 0.001) Cox proportional hazard regression models. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that the cumulative incidence of PUD was consistently higher in individuals with SD than those without SD (log‐rank test, P < 0.001). A higher risk of PUD was also found in individuals with SD than those without SD in all stratified analyses by age, gender, CCI and follow‐up time. Conclusion: Patients with SD may have a higher risk for incident PUD. Further studies are warranted to validate our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: MicroRNA (miRNA) can be used as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of miR-638 in DN and to analyse its regulatory effect on inflammation. Methods: This retrospective study involved 98 subjects, including non-diabetic healthy controls (n = 30), patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM, n = 36) without complications and patients with DN (n = 32). After the anthropometric and biochemical evaluation, serum miR-638 levels were assessed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Spearman correlations were used to analyze the correlation between miR-638 and urinary albumin excretion (UAE), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and inflammatory factors. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to measure the diagnostic value of miR-638 in DN. Human mesangial cells (HMCs) were treated with normal glucose (NG, 5.5 mM glucose), high glucose (HG, 30 mM glucose), or high osmotic pressure solution (HO, 5.5 mM glucose + 24.5 mM mannitol) in vitro to simulate the hyperglycamic state in vivo. Subsequently, the HMCs were transfected with miR-638 mimics to regulate the level of miR-638 in the cells and detect its regulation on cell inflammation and proliferation. Results: Compared with healthy controls and patients with T2DM, serum miR-638 in patients with DN was significantly lower. The reduced miR-638 expression has a significant diagnostic value, which can significantly distinguish patients with DN from healthy controls or patients with T2DM. Inflammatory factors were significantly upregulated in patients with DN and negatively correlated with miR-638 levels. In addition, miR-638 was negatively correlated with UAE and positively correlated with eGFR. HG decreased the level of miR-638 and promoted the expression of inflammatory factors and proliferation in HMCs. However, miR-638 mimic significantly decreased the levels of inflammatory factors and inhibited the proliferative ability induced by HG. Conclusions: Serum miR-638 expression was low in DN and can be a potentially valuable biomarker for DN. This miRNA seems to influence inflammatory responses and participate in the progression of DN by regulating proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-amplifying RNA (SaRNA) is a burgeoning platform that exploits the replication machinery of alphaviruses such as Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus or Sindbis virus (SIN). SaRNA has been used for development of human vaccines, but has not been evaluated for porcine vaccine development. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes tremendous economic losses to the worldwide pork industry, but current vaccines trigger delayed neutralizing antibody response and confer only partial protection. Here we first compared two SaRNA systems based on VEE and SIN, and demonstrated that in vitro transcribed VEE-based SaRNA conferred prolonged reporter gene expression and RNA amplification in pig cells with low cytotoxicity, but SIN-based SaRNA imparted evident cytotoxicity and limited gene expression in pig cells. Transfection of VEE-based SaRNA that encodes the major PRRSV antigen dNGP5 (SaRNA-dNGP5) conferred persistent expression for at least 28 days in pig cells. We next complexed SaRNA-dNGP5 with the polyaspartamide block copolymer PEG-PAsp(TEP) to form polyplex nanomicelle with high packaging efficiency and narrow size distribution. The polyplex nanomicelle enabled sustained dNGP5 expression and secretion in vitro. Compared with the commercial PRRS vaccine, nanomicelle delivery of SaRNA-dNGP5 into animal models accelerated the induction of potent neutralizing antibodies with minimal side effects, and elicited stronger IL-4 and IFN-γ responses against homologous and heterologous PRRSV. These properties tackle the problems of current vaccines and implicate the potential of SaRNA-dNGP5 nanomicelle as an effective PRRS vaccine. Chang et al. developed a SaRNA-based vaccine delivered using polyplex nanomicelle to prolong the antigen expression and enhance humoral/cell-mediated immune responses in animal models. [Display omitted] • VEE SaRNA conferred prolonged gene expression and RNA amplification in pig cells with low toxicity. • VEE SaRNA encoding PRRSV antigen dNGP5 conferred expression for >28 days in pig cells. • SaRNA complexed with polyaspartamide block copolymer formed polyplex nanomicelle with high packaging efficiency. • Nanomicelle delivery of SaRNA-dNGP5 in vivo accelerated the induction of anti-PRRSV neutralizing antibodies. • Nanomicelle delivery of SaRNA-dNGP5 elicited strong cellular immune responses against homologous and heterologous PRRSV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral self‐discrimination plays a critical role in supramolecular chemistry and materials science. However, an ideal strategy for achieving chiral self‐discrimination remains elusive due to the inevitable nonspecific binding of incorrect enantiomers, and insufficient intrinsic optical activity of chiral molecules. Herein, a novel 1,1′‐binaphthol (BINOL) derivative with an imide group fused at the peri‐position of one naphthol scaffold is developed, which combines the dual functionalities of aggregation‐induced emission characteristic of BINOLs, and high emission of 1,8‐naphthalimides. The multiple molecular recognition between two hydroxyl groups in BINOL units and two carbonyl groups in 1,8‐naphthalimide moieties endows the precise chiral self‐discrimination behaviors. As expected, the homochiral aggregates exhibit reversible phase transitions, switching from non‐emission to bright green emission upon absorption and desorption of methanol vapor. In contrast, the heterochiral conglomerates exhibit irreversible yellow emission changes due to the impact of chiral self‐discrimination. Such chiral self‐discrimination‐induced luminescence vapochromism can be further applied to high‐level anti‐counterfeiting and data encryption. This work provides a new perspective on smart chiral organic materials based on chiral self‐discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flow field data obtained by particle image velocimetry (PIV) could include isolated large damaged areas that are caused by the refractive index, light transmittance, and tracking capability of particles. The traditional deep learning reconstruction methods of PIV fluid data are all based on the velocity field database, and these methods could not achieve satisfactory results for large flow field missing areas. We propose a new reconstruction method of fluid data using PIV particle images. Since PIV particle images are the source of PIV velocity field data, particle images include more complete underlying information than velocity field data. We study the application of PIV experimental particle database in the reconstruction of flow field data using deep generative networks (GAN). To verify the inpainting effect of velocity field using PIV particle images, we design two semantic inpainting methods based on two GAN models with PIV particle image database and PIV fluid velocity database, respectively. Then, the qualitative and quantitative inpainting results of two PIV databases are compared on different metrics. For the reconstruction of velocity field, the mean relative error of using the particle image database could achieve a 52% reduction compared to a velocity database. For the reconstruction of vorticity field, the maximal and mean relative errors can reduce by 50% when using the particle image database. The maximum inpainting errors of two database inputs are both mainly concentrated on the turbulence vortex area, which means the reconstruction of complex non-Gaussian distribution of turbulence vortex is a problem for semantic inpainting of the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Shared decision-making (SDM) is significantly associated with promoting the quality of end-of-life (EOL). The attitude of nurses toward the end of life can affect EOL care, but there are few SDM-related clinical learning programs focused on EOL. In this study, therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness of an EOL-simulation education program on attitudes toward SDM among nurses, using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Methods: We used a quasi-experimental study design to evaluate nurses working at a medical center in Taiwan. We recruited 100 nurses and assigned them to an experimental group (n = 50) and a control group (n = 50). The experimental group received the SDM attitude (SDMA) cultivation program, and the control group did not. After the intervention, all participants were examined in an OSCE to assess the efficacy of their learning. A p value of.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group in the dimensions "empathic communication" and "mastery learning", but these differences were not significant. SDMA score is significantly and positively correlated with SDMA global score, standardized patient survey (SPS) score, and SPS global score (r =.92,.56, and.50, respectively; p <.01). Conclusions: Simulations concerning EOL care that incorporate SDM components would be effective for training clinical nurses. This study can serve as a reference for nursing-administration managers who may consider designing SDM-related education programs to improve the quality of clinical nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, long fiber‐reinforced thermoplastics (LFT) and coextrusion are applied to wrap carbon fiber tows in a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) outer layer. In this way, the proposed wrapped yarns have a sheath–core structure. Scanning electron microscopy observation reveals that TPU and carbon fiber tows form a physical combination that allows TPU to further enhance the tensile strength of carbon fiber tows by 35.87%, which is 19.62 ± 1.88 MPa. The tensile strain of carbon fiber tows also improves. LFT and coextrusion are performed to produce successive carbon fiber tows that can be successfully fabricated into textiles, possessing good fabric flexibility. The technique of carbon fiber tows can be applied to mass production feasibility for the field of carbon fiber composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on perioperative stress response and cellular immunity in elderly patients with posterior lumbar surgery. Sixty patients with lumbar degenerative disease requiring posterior lumbar surgery were included and randomly divided into the dexmedetomidine group (the test group, n = 3 0) and the control group (n = 3 0). After the experimental group entered the room, dexmedetomidine was intravenously pumped 10 min before induction of anesthesia and dexmedetomidine was continuously pumped after anesthesia. The control group replaced dexmedetomidine with the same amount of normal saline, and the other operations were exactly the same as the experimental group. Hemodynamic parameters were routinely monitored and the percentages of T lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Samples for stress response parameters were sent to the Clinical Laboratory of our hospital, and perioperative pain, postoperative adverse reactions and complications were evaluated during the study. The levels of postoperative stress hormones, including noradrenaline (NE), epinephrine (E), cortisol (Cor) and acetylcholine (Ach), were reduced in the test group compared with those in the control group (P < 0. 0 5). Proportions of CD3 + , CD4 + , CD8 + and NK as well as the CD4 + /CD8 + in the control group were significantly decreased at postoperative Day 1 (T6), Day 3 (T7) and Day 7 (T8) compared with those at preoperative Day 1 (T-1) (P < 0. 0 5), while the proportions of CD4 + and NK in the test group were significantly increased at T6, T7 and T8 compared with those at T-1 (P < 0. 0 5). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) of the test group was decreased compared with that of the control group at each time point (P < 0. 0 5). After the operation, the heart rate (HR) of the patients in the test group was significantly decreased compared with the control group (P < 0. 0 5) and the VAS score of the control group were increased compared with the test group at each time point (P < 0. 0 5). Dexmedetomidine can decrease the stress response and improve postoperative cellular immune function in patients with posterior lumbar surgery by reducing postoperative stress hormones to alleviate the postoperative cellular immunosuppression and the pain in patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the temperature sensing using the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) of two thermally coupled emission bands of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) has attracted more and more attention. Here, we report optical temperature sensing based on UCNPs with enhanced sensitivity via dielectric superlensing modulation. UCNPs are first deposed on an aluminium flake and then coated with a monolayer of polystyrene microspheres (PS spheres) to form a composite film. Under the excitation of near-infrared 980 nm laser, FIR of the transitions 1I6→3H6 (310 nm) and 1D2→3H6 (360 nm) of Tm3+ ions in UCNPs is highly sensitive to temperature variation. The thermal sensitivity of the composite film is enhanced by more than 70% at the temperature of 350 K relative to that without PS sphere superlens, which is ascribed to the modulation of the dielectric superlensing effect on the wave front of upconversion ultraviolet fluorescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]