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This article highlights the strategic economic man in Mohsin Hamid’s How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia. The novel reveals the contradictions of faking entrepreneurship amid the uneven development in rising Asia, showcasing individuals’ efforts for self-improvement despite political, socioeconomic, and cultural challenges. This faking fosters a new global identity that is sociable, emulative, altruistic, and cooperative as the economic man is reconciled with the sociological man, who learns from others through reading, imitation, and other interactive strategies. Ultimately, the novel suggests that maximizing benefits for personal development and the common good requires merging these two aspects of identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate parenting and mother–child interactions in unaffected siblings of autistic children. Method: This cross‐sectional study enrolled 274 probands with a DSM‐5 diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (87.4% male; mean [SD] age = 11 years 4 months [3 years 2 months]), their unaffected siblings (n = 274, 46.72% male; mean [SD] age = 11 years 3 months [3 years 4 months]), and 296 age‐balanced and sex‐balanced typically developing children (82.77% male; mean [SD] age = 11 years 3 months [2 years 8 months]). Maternal parenting styles and mother–child interactions were assessed using maternal reporting. Results: Regardless of the child's age, maternal educational level, or presence of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autistic children received more overprotective and controlling parental behaviour than unaffected children. Correlates for parenting, mother–child interactions, and behavioural problems in the home setting in children with ASD and typically developing children were autistic traits, maternal anxiety and depressive symptoms, and maternal autistic characteristics; those in unaffected siblings were age, autistic traits, maternal educational level, and maternal autistic characteristics. Interpretation: The diagnosis of ASD in a child can significantly influence maternal parenting behaviours, mother–child interactions, and the child's behavioural problems in the home setting. Furthermore, maternal anxiety or depressive symptoms, along with autistic characteristics in both mother and child, might shape parenting practices and exacerbate behavioural difficulties in autistic children. What this paper adds: Autistic children received more overprotective and controlling parenting.In children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children, autistic traits, maternal anxiety and depression, and maternal autistic characteristics were correlated.In unaffected siblings, age, autistic traits, maternal education, and maternal autistic characteristics were correlated. What this paper adds: Autistic children received more overprotective and controlling parenting.In children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children, autistic traits, maternal anxiety and depression, and maternal autistic characteristics were correlated.In unaffected siblings, age, autistic traits, maternal education, and maternal autistic characteristics were correlated. This original article is commented by Ng on pages 1401–1402 of this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional object counting systems use object detection methods to count objects. However, when objects are small, crowded, and dense, object detection may fail, leading to inaccuracies in counting. To address this issue, we propose a crowded object counting system based on density map estimation. While most density map estimation models employ encoder–decoder or multi-branch approaches to generate feature maps at different scales for obtaining an accurate density map, improving the accuracy of crowded object counting remains a challenge. In this paper, we propose a novel model that can generate more accurate density maps, utilizing the context-aware network as the primary structure and integrating the self-attention mechanism. There are three main contributions in this paper. Firstly, the self-attention mechanism is employed to improve the accuracy of density map estimation. Secondly, the missing vehicle labels in the TRANCOS database are relabeled, ensuring that the ground truth data are more complete than the original TRANCOS database, thus enabling the proposed novel model to have higher crowded object counting accuracy. Thirdly, the parameters of the self-attention mechanism are analyzed to obtain the optimum parameter combination. The experimental results demonstrate that the accuracy of crowded object counting can reach 85.9%, 90.0%, 83.4%, and 92.6% for the TRANCOS, relabeled TRANCOS, ShanghaiTech Part A, and Part B datasets, respectively. Furthermore, the ablation study for the context-aware network with self-attention mechanism analyzes the optimum parameter combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenomyosis involves the infiltration of endometrial glands and stroma deep into the uterine tissue, causing disruption to the endometrial–myometrial interface (EMI). The role of interleukin-17 (IL-17) has been extensively studied in endometriosis, but its involvement in adenomyosis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression of IL-17 in eutopic and ectopic endometrium (adenomyosis) of individuals with adenomyosis at the level of EMI. Paired tissues of eutopic endometrium and adenomyoma were collected from 16 premenopausal women undergoing hysterectomy due to adenomyosis. The IL-17 system was demonstrated in paired tissue samples at the level of EMI by the immunochemistry study. Gene expression levels of IL-17A and IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) were assessed through quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Comparative gene transcript amounts were calculated using the delta-delta Ct method. By immunohistochemical staining, CD4, IL-17A, and IL-17R proteins were detected in both eutopic endometrium and adenomyosis at the level of EMI. IL-17A and IL-17R were expressed mainly in the glandular cells, and the expression of both IL-17A and IL-17R was found to be stronger in adenomyosis than in endometrium. 3-Diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining revealed greater IL-17A expression in adenomyosis compared to eutopic endometrium. Quantitative RT-PCR showed 7.28-fold change of IL-17A and 1.99-fold change of IL-17R, and the fold change level of both IL-17A and IL-17R is significantly higher in adenomyosis (IL-17A: p = 0.047, IL-17R: p = 0.027) versus eutopic endometrium. We found significantly higher IL-17 levels in adenomyosis compared to eutopic endometrium at the level of EMI. The results showed that the IL-17 system may play a role in adenomyosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As precision medicine advances, polygenic scores (PGS) have become increasingly important for clinical risk assessment. Many methods have been developed to create polygenic models with increased accuracy for risk prediction. Our select and shrink with summary statistics (S4) PGS method has previously been shown to accurately predict the polygenic risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. Here, we applied S4 PGS to 12 phenotypes for UK Biobank participants, and compared it with the LDpred2 and a combined S4 + LDpred2 method. Results: The S4 + LDpred2 method provided overall improved PGS accuracy across a variety of phenotypes for UK Biobank participants. Additionally, the S4 + LDpred2 method had the best estimated PGS accuracy in Finnish and Japanese populations. We also addressed the challenge of limited genotype level data by developing the PGS models using only GWAS summary statistics. Conclusions: Taken together, the S4 + LDpred2 method represents an improvement in overall PGS accuracy across multiple phenotypes and populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author examines Asian female entrepreneurship, ethnomethodology and gender theories of performance and performativity in the novel "How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia" by Mohsin Hamid. Topics include the author's contention about the compromise between gendered identity and the entrepreneurial self as illustrated in the novel and the increasingly productive role of women like the pretty girl and the wife in rising Asia as characterized in Hamid's work.

In practical semiconductor processes, the defect analysis for wafer map is a critical step for improving product quality and yield. These defect patterns can provide important process information so that the process engineers can identify the key cause of process anomalies. However, in supervised learning, the manual annotation for wafer maps is an extremely exhausting task, and it can also induce misjudgment when a long-term operation is implemented. Toward this end, this paper proposes a new auto-labeling system based on ensemble classification. The noted VGG16 model is used in ensemble learning as the building block to train the classifier via a limited number of labeled data. Through the model being trained, the auto-labeling procedure is executed to annotate abundant unlabeled data. Therefore, the classification performances between the models trained by supervised and semi-supervised learning can be compared. In addition, the gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) is also adopted to analyze and verify the quality of auto-labeling by visual inspection. Based on the experimental results, the proposed auto-label system can return a satisfactory classification performance, and then, the manual labeling operation can be drastically reduced. The classification performance for wafer defect patterns can be further assured as the auto-labeled data are given with corresponding confidence scores of specific defect patterns being identified in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many design guidelines have been proposed for piled embankments, most of which consider piles or columns as rigid inclusions. In this study, a small-scale physical model test was performed to investigate the load transfer mechanism of a geotextile-reinforced sand layer over a soft subsoil improved by semirigid columns. A multi-stage load was applied at the top of the sand layer until the columns started to yield. When the columns yielded, a reverse load transfer was observed. Vertical stresses were measured and analyzed in terms of efficacy and stress reduction ratio (SRR) with a comparison of existing design guidelines for assessing soil arching. Among the reviewed guidelines, the approach recommended by the Dutch guidelines provided the closest results to the experimental data, whereas the one adopted by the American guidelines predicted well the change in efficacy and SRR under different surcharge loads. However, the load transfer mechanism after the yielding of columns is beyond the scope of the existing design guidelines. In addition, it was found through regression analysis that the increment of vertical stresses on columns and surrounding soil followed an inclined line under partially undrained conditions during loading stages and a curve during consolidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In birds, the quadrate connects the mandible and skull, and plays an important role in cranial kinesis. Avian quadrate morphology may therefore be assumed to have been influenced by selective pressures related to feeding ecology, yet large-scale variation in quadrate morphology and its potential relationship with ecology have never been quantitatively investigated. Here, we used geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic comparative methods to quantify morphological variation of the quadrate and its relationship with key ecological features across a wide phylogenetic sample. We found non-significant associations between quadrate shape and feeding ecology across different scales of phylogenetic comparison; indeed, allometry and phylogeny exhibit stronger relationships with quadrate shape than ecological features. We show that similar quadrate shapes are associated with widely varying dietary ecologies (one-to-many mapping), while divergent quadrate shapes are associated with similar dietary ecologies (many-to-one mapping). Moreover, we show that the avian quadrate evolves as an integrated unit and exhibits strong associations with the morphologies of neighbouring bones. Our results collectively illustrate that quadrate shape has evolved jointly with other elements of the avian kinetic system, with the major crown bird lineages exploring alternative quadrate morphologies, highlighting the potential diagnostic value of quadrate morphology in investigations of bird systematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the structure and composition of the scientific manuscript is well known within scientific communities, insider knowledge such as the tricks of the trade and editorial viewpoints of scientific publishing are often less known to early-career research scientists. This article focuses on the key aspects of scientific publishing, including tips for success geared towards senior postdocs and junior faculty. It also highlights important considerations for getting manuscripts published in an efficient and successful manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major explosion that released a significant amount of energy into the atmosphere occurred in Beirut on 4 August 2020. The energy released may have reached the upper atmosphere and generated some traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs), which can affect radio wave propagation. In this study, we used data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) and ground-based ionosondes in the Mediterranean region to investigate the ionospheric response to this historic explosion event. Our DMSP data analysis revealed a noticeable increase in the ionospheric electron density near the Beirut area following the explosion, accompanied by some wavelike disturbances. Some characteristic TID signatures were also identified in the shape of ionogram traces at several locations in the Mediterranean. This event occurred during a period of relatively quiet geomagnetic conditions, making the observed TIDs likely to have originated from the Beirut explosion, not from other sources such as auroral activities. These observational findings demonstrate that TIDs from the Beirut explosion were able to propagate over longer distances, beyond the immediate areas of Lebanon and Israel–Palestine, reaching the Mediterranean and eastern Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that causes debilitating functional impairment in patients. Observations from survivors of traumatic historical events solidify that this disease is not only associated with personal experiences but can also be inherited from familial traumas. Over the past decades, researchers have focused on epigenetic inheritance to understand how responses to adverse experiences can be passed down to future generations. This review aims to present recent findings on epigenetic markers related to PTSD and research in the intergenerational inheritance of trauma. By understanding the information, we hope that epigenetic markers can act as biochemical measurements for future clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bitumen, which is widely used in various applications, is facing the challenge of being unsustainable. Many strategies are proposed to recycle or replace bitumen. However, most of them can not address the unsustainability of bitumen from the roots. On the other hand, sulfur exists widely on the earth as a kind of industrial waste despite its extensive applications. Herein, a series of bitumen‐like polymers from elemental sulfur is obtained through an inverse vulcanization reaction. The sulfur‐containing polymers exhibit self‐healing, non‐toxic, and adjustable properties depending on the working environment. Based on these features, the applications of sulfur‐containing polymers in self‐healing waterproof sealants, impact‐resistance or shock‐absorption devices, and non‐Newtonian speed bumps are demonstrated. With the method of synthesizing multifunctional bitumen‐like polymers from sulfur wastes, a feasible way is provided to solve simultaneously the challenging problem of bitumen's unsustainability as well as sulfur's utilization, with the advantages including easy massed‐fabrication, non‐toxicity, extremely low cost (≈2 cents per gram) and environment friendliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Studies on risk factors for childhood hearing loss (HL) are usually based on questionnaires or small sample sizes. We conducted a nationwide population-based case-control study to comprehensively analyze the maternal, perinatal, and postnatal risk factors for HL in full-term children. Methods: We retrieved data from three nationwide databases related to maternal characteristics, perinatal comorbidities, and postnatal characteristics and adverse events. We used 1:5 propensity score matching to include 12,873 full-term children with HL and 64,365 age-, sex-, and enrolled year-matched controls. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the risk factors for HL. Results: Among the various maternal factors, maternal HL (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 8.09, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 7.16–9.16) and type 1 diabetes (aOR: 3.79, 95% CI: 1.98–7.24) had the highest odds of childhood hearing impairment. The major perinatal risk factors for childhood hearing impairment included ear malformations (aOR: 58.78, 95% CI: 37.5–92.0) and chromosomal anomalies (aOR: 6.70, 95% CI: 5.25–8.55), and the major postnatal risk factors included meningitis (aOR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.18–3.67) and seizure (aOR: 3.71, 95% CI: 2.88–4.77). Other factors included acute otitis media, postnatal ototoxic drug use, and congenital infections. Conclusions: Many risk factors for childhood HL identified in our study are preventable, such as congenital infection, meningitis, ototoxic drug use, and some maternal comorbidities. Accordingly, more effort is required to prevent and control the severity of maternal comorbidities during pregnancy, initiate genetic diagnostic evaluation for high-risk children, and aggressive screening for neonatal infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Big Three Perfectionism Scale (BTPS) is one of commonly used measures for assessing individuals' perfectionism. The main purpose of this current study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Big Three Perfectionism Scale (BTPS) within the framework of the Rasch model. The sample consisted of 502 adolescents (53% males and 47% females). This study revealed were several important findings. First, adolescents interpreted the categories of the rating scales of the BTPS as intended and items demonstrated good targeting with the operating ranges from − 4.79 to 4.47 logits for rigid perfectionism, from − 3.84 to 3.76 logits for self-critical perfectionism and from − 4.04 to 3.92 logits for narcissistic perfectionism. Second, rigid perfectionism, self-critical perfectionism and narcissistic perfectionism exhibited unidimensionally, providing justification for the use of summed scores for each scale. Third, the average item difficulty of facets was different within each scale, with the facets of self-worth contingencies, socially prescribed perfectionism and other-oriented perfectionism being more difficult to endorse in their belonging scale. Fourth, there were no DIF items across sex, suggesting that items in three scales functioned equally across boys and girls. Fifth, rigid perfectionism (r = 0.15) and self-critical perfectionism (r = 0.55) were positively associated with neuroticism, but self-critical perfectionism (r = − 0.24) and narcissistic perfectionism (r = − 0.29) were negatively related with agreeableness. Finally, sex moderated the associations between rigid perfectionism and neuroticism. In sum, the findings in this study enhance psychometric properties of the BTPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Providing appropriate care to patients with dementia in acute care settings can be a challenge for healthcare professionals. A key factor is working closely with family caregivers. Purpose: This study aims to explore the difficulties and strategies involved in caring for patients with dementia who have been admitted to an acute care ward from the perspective of family caregivers. Methods: Exploratory research was conducted using a qualitative data collection approach. Data were collected by means of in-depth interviews carried out with participants. Semistructured interviews were conducted with nine participants. Content analysis was performed to analyze the data. Results: A number of themes and subthemes were identified based on the primary research purposes. The first theme is "vicious cycle due to multiple factors," with the following subthemes: (a) communication disturbance, (b) endless worries, (c) inadequate care skills of paid caregivers, and (d) physical and psychological exhaustion. The second theme is "do everything," with the following subthemes: (a) management of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, (b) constant accompaniment of the patient, and (c) seeking sources of support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Patients with CVDs with comorbid MDD often comorbid somatic and fatigue symptoms. • N-3 PUFAs reduced fatigue symptoms in patients with CVDs comorbid MDD. • N-3 PUFAs reduced somatic symptoms in younger patients with CVDs comorbid MDD. • Changes of EPA and n-3 PUFAs correlate negatively with changes of somatic symptoms. • Changes of BDNF correlate negatively with changes of somatic symptoms. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are the two most disabling diseases. Patients with CVDs comorbid depression had somatic and fatigue symptoms and were associated with chronic inflammation and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) deficits. However, there have been limited studies on the effects of n-3 PUFAs on somatic and fatigue symptoms in patients with CVDs comorbid MDD. Forty patients with CVDs comorbid MDD (58% males, mean age of 60 ± 9 years) were enrolled and randomised to receive either n-3 PUFAs (2 g of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and 1 g of docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] per day) or placebo in a 12-week double-blind clinical trial. We assessed the somatic symptoms with Neurotoxicity Rating Scale (NRS) and fatigue symptoms with Fatigue Scale at baseline, weeks 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12, as well as blood levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), inflammatory biomarkers and PUFAs, at the baseline and week 12. The n-3 PUFAs group had a greater reduction in Fatigue scores than the placebo group at Week 4 (p =.042), while there were no differences in the changes of NRS scores. N-3 PUFAs group also had a greater increase in EPA (p =.001) and a greater decrease in total n-6 PUFAs (p =.030). Moreover, in the subgroup analyses in the younger age group (age < 55), the n-3 PUFAs group had a greater reduction on NRS total scores at Week 12 (p =.012) and NRS Somatic scores at Week 2 (p =.010), Week 8 (p =.027), Week 12 (p =.012) than the placebo group. In addition, the pre- and post-treatment changes of EPA and total n-3 PUFAs levels were negatively associated with the changes of NRS scores at Weeks 2, 4, and 8 (all p <.05), and the changes of BDNF levels were negatively associated with NRS scores at Weeks 8 and 12 (both p <.05) in the younger age group. In the older age group (age ≥ 55), there were a lesser reduction on NRS scores at Weeks 1, 2 and 4 (all p <.05), but a greater reduction on Fatigue score at Week 4 (p =.026), compared to the placebo group. There was no significant correlation between the changes of blood BDNF, inflammation, PUFAs and NRS and Fatigue scores in general and in the older age group. Overall, n-3 PUFAs improved the fatigue symptoms in patients with CVDs comorbid MDD and the general somatic symptoms in specific subpopulation of younger age patients, and perhaps via the interplay between BDNF and EPA. Our findings provide promising rationales for future studies to investigate the treatment effects of omega-3 fatty acids on fatigue and somatic symptoms of chronic mental and medical diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrometer bands have been proposed as an accurate method for measuring tree growth. However, the constrained observation window and the material used in them hamper long-term tree growth monitoring. This study devised a dendrometer band made from stainless steel and primarily extended the extension length of the band spring to yield ample space to monitor diameter increments long-term. A total of more than 500 individual trees, including both coniferous and broadleaf trees, were examined. We compared the dendrometer band's long-term performance with diameter tape for 5- and 10-year measurements. The results showed that the measurements of the two methods were highly correlated (R > 0.89) in both measuring periods. Differences between the two measurements for individual trees were typically less than 5 mm, and the mean differences at a stand level were less than 2 mm. These consistent observations suggested that the dendrometer band measurements were reliable for long-term measurement. Using the dendrometer bands, we further demonstrated the annual tree growths of diameter at breast height (DBH) and basal area (BA) for ten years of measurements. The size-dependent relationships between DBH/BA growth and initial DBH were also presented. Owing to their simple installation, low cost, and reliable measurement, these dendrometer bands would be helpful in forestry and forest ecology research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reticulate pigmentary disorders (RPDs) are a group of inherited and acquired skin conditions characterized by hyperpigmented and/or hypopigmented macules. Inherited RPDs include dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH), dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria (DUH), reticulate acropigmentation of Kitamura (RAK), Dowling-Degos disease (DDD), dyskeratosis congenita (DKC), Naegeli–Franceschetti–Jadassohn syndrome (NFJS), dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis (DPR), and X-linked reticulate pigmentary disorder. Although reticulate pattern of pigmentation is a common characteristic of this spectrum of disorders, the distribution of pigmentation varies among these disorders, and there may be clinical manifestations beyond pigmentation. DSH, DUH, and RAK are mostly reported in East Asian ethnicities. DDD is more common in Caucasians, although it is also reported in Asian countries. Other RPDs show no racial predilection. This article reviews the clinical, histological, and genetic variations of inherited RPDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For soft soils, creep settlement plays an important role in the full life cycle performance of infrastructures, which is a serious concern for engineers and researchers. Columns such as deep cement mixed (DCM) soil columns are commonly adopted to treat soft grounds in order to reduce the life cycle settlement of the infrastructures. However, the creep behavior of soft grounds treated by DCM soil columns is often ignored, inducing underestimated total settlements or unexpected differential settlements. In this study, a new calculation method is developed for the life cycle settlement of column-improved soft grounds by considering the creep of soft soils and load transfer between the columns and the surrounding soils. A physical model test with double-layer soil improved by DCM soil columns is designed and performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the calculation method. It is found that the settlements calculated by the proposed method show good agreement with the measured data in the physical model. A parametric study is conducted, revealing that the calculated settlement of the double-layer soil improved by DCM columns can be largely influenced by the stress concentration ratio, the permeability of the DCM columns, and the area replacement ratio. Finally, the proposed method is applied to calculate the settlement in a real project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) polymers, whose emission can persist for a long period after photoexcitation, are of great importance for practical applications. Herein, dynamic covalent boronic ester linkages with internal B−N coordination are incorporated into a commercial epoxy matrix. The reversible dissociation of B−N bonds upon loading provides an efficient energy dissipation pathway for the epoxy network, while the rigid epoxy matrix can inhibit the quenching of triplet excitons in boronic esters. The obtained polymers exhibit enhanced mechanical toughness (12.26 MJ m−3), ultralong RTP (τ=540.4 ms), and shape memory behavior. Notably, there is no apparent decrease in the RTP property upon prolonged immersion in various solvents because the networks are robust. Moreover, the dynamic bonds endow the polymers with superior reprocessablity and recyclability. These novel properties have led to their potential application for information encryption and anti‐counterfeiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) polymers, whose emission can persist for a long period after photoexcitation, are of great importance for practical applications. Herein, dynamic covalent boronic ester linkages with internal B−N coordination are incorporated into a commercial epoxy matrix. The reversible dissociation of B−N bonds upon loading provides an efficient energy dissipation pathway for the epoxy network, while the rigid epoxy matrix can inhibit the quenching of triplet excitons in boronic esters. The obtained polymers exhibit enhanced mechanical toughness (12.26 MJ m−3), ultralong RTP (τ=540.4 ms), and shape memory behavior. Notably, there is no apparent decrease in the RTP property upon prolonged immersion in various solvents because the networks are robust. Moreover, the dynamic bonds endow the polymers with superior reprocessablity and recyclability. These novel properties have led to their potential application for information encryption and anti‐counterfeiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a serious concern for preterm infants and can predispose such infants to brain injury and poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. IVH is particularly common in preterm infants. Although advances in obstetric management and neonatal care have led to a lower mortality rate for preterm infants with IVH, the IVH-related morbidity rate in this population remains high. Therefore, the present review investigated the pathophysiology of IVH and the evidence related to interventions for prevention. The analysis of the pathophysiology of IVH was conducted with a focus on the factors associated with cerebral hemodynamics, vulnerabilities in the structure of cerebral vessels, and host or genetic predisposing factors. The findings presented in the literature indicate that fluctuations in cerebral blood flow, the presence of hemodynamic significant patent ductus arteriosus, arterial carbon dioxide tension, and impaired cerebral venous drainage; a vulnerable or fragile capillary network; and a genetic variant associated with a mechanism underlying IVH development may lead to preterm infants developing IVH. Therefore, strategies focused on antenatal management, such as routine corticosteroid administration and magnesium sulfate use; perinatal management, such as maternal transfer to a specialized center; and postnatal management, including pharmacological agent administration and circulatory management involving prevention of extreme blood pressure, hemodynamic significant patent ductus arteriosus management, and optimization of cardiac function, can lower the likelihood of IVH development in preterm infants. Incorporating neuroprotective care bundles into routine care for such infants may also reduce the likelihood of IVH development. The findings regarding the pathogenesis of IVH further indicate that cerebrovascular status and systemic hemodynamic changes must be analyzed and monitored in preterm infants and that individualized management strategies must be developed with consideration of the risk factors for and physiological status of each preterm infant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic treatment has been shown to cause gut microbiota dysbiosis. However, lacking critical features defining gut microbiota dysbiosis makes it challenging to prevent. By co-occurrence network analysis, we found that despite short antibiotic courses eliminating certain microbial taxa, the Akkermansia genus played the role of a high-centrality hub to maintain microbiota homeostasis. When the antibiotic courses continued, the elimination of Akkermansia induced a significant microbiota remodeling of the gut microbiota networks. Based on this finding, we found that under long-term antibiotic stress, the gut microbiota was rearranged into a stable network with a significantly lower Akkermansiaceae / Lachnospiraceae (A/L) ratio and no microbial hub. By functional prediction analysis, we confirmed that the gut microbiota with a low A/L ratio also had enhanced mobile elements and biofilm-formation functions that may be associated with antibiotic resistance. This study identified A/L ratio as an indicator of antibiotic-induced dysbiosis. This work reveals that besides the abundance of specific probiotics, the hierarchical structure also critically impacts the microbiome function. Co-occurrence analysis may help better monitor the microbiome dynamics than only comparing the differentially abundant bacteria between samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light‐driven actuators are advantageous among various actuators because it enables remote, contactless, and localized manipulation without any complex equipment. However, most of them rely solely on the Marangoni effect which is slow in velocity and would be quenched in liquid with low surface tension force. Here, a dual‐mode actuator based on both the Marangoni effect and vapor jet flow is reported through the introduction of an excellent photothermal polymer crosslinked by Fe3+/catechol coordination bonds. The light‐driven ship not only realizes multimode motions such as forward, backward, rotation and obstacle crossing at the air/water interface, but also enables smart transportation and contactless delivery which has not been realized before. Moreover, the incorporation of photothermal conversion performance and self‐healing ability into near‐infrared photo‐responsive actuators at the molecular level can guarantee facile fabrication and prolong the service time of the light‐driven actuators which is the first dual‐mode light‐driven actuator with self‐healing ability. This work provides a new strategy for the structural design and application of the liquid/air interface light‐driven self‐propelled device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: An extended newborn critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening program using oximetry has been implemented in Taipei, Taiwan since April 2014. This study was conducted to investigate the test accuracy and efficiency of this screening protocol. METHODS: This study analyzed data from 30 birthing facilities representing 87.9% of live births in Taipei. Positive screening was defined as oxygen saturation <95% in either extremity or a preductal-postductal oxygen saturation difference of >3%. This study cohort was used to retrospectively estimate outcomes on the basis of different CCHD screening protocols. RESULTS: During the study period, 93 058 of 94 239 (98.7%) infants who had no prenatal suspicion were screened. The referral rate was 0.17% (156/93 058), and up to 90% of test-positive infants were referred within 48 hours of life. Forty-two CCHD cases without prenatal suspicion were detected and 97.6% were diagnosed within 72 hours of life. Of the screened newborns, 4 CCHD cases passed the screening. The false positive and false negative rates were 0.12% and 0.04%, respectively. In addition, applying our database to Spanish and updated American Academy of Pediatrics screening strategies led to more CCHD case detection. CONCLUSIONS: The Taipei protocol provided an efficient and effective screening referral system in a community setting. For optimal efficiency, we advocated the updated American Academy of Pediatrics algorithm/Spanish recommendation with a modification of immediate referral if oxygen saturation #90% in either extremity. The updated protocol would be practicable for nationwide screening in Taiwan and could also be applied to other regions with similar medical care systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Correlation between reports of children and parent for health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is not well studied. This study aims to assess the degree of agreement between child self- and parent proxy-rated HRQOL and to identify factors associated with discordance at baseline and during follow-up in Taiwanese children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: This study includes pediatric patients aged 5–18 years with confirmed CKD. Participants completed the generic version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) at baseline and every 6 months during follow-up. Child–parent agreement on HRQOL reports was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Multivariate regression models were used to determine factors associated with child–parent discordance. Results: Of the 112 child–parent dyads included in the analysis, 97 dyads with 640 patient visits were assessed in 4.5 years. Children reported higher total scores on the physical and psychosocial domains as compared to their parent proxies. ICC was low (< 0.5) for the psychosocial domain and moderate for the physical health domain at initial assessment and slightly increased for the physical health (0.62) and for school functioning (0.51) during follow-up. Development of mineral bone disorder/anemia (β, 11.75 [3.77–19.72]) and proteinuria (β, 8.48 [1.15–15.81]) in the follow-up were associated with increased discordance in school functioning, and fathers with chronic disease were associated with increased discordance in social functioning (β, 4.21 [0.68–7.74]). Conclusions: Parent proxy consistently estimated lower PedsQL score compared to self-reports of children. Child self-rated psychosocial health domains should be evaluated whenever possible to better elucidate treatment outcome over time. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study used trait-state-occasion TSO models to explore longitudinal personality stability in young adolescents with the onset of depressive symptoms and to quantify time-invariant and time-varying personality components in predicting the course of depressive symptoms. A total of 326 young clinical adolescents were recruited from high schools, and only 290 adolescents (112 boys; 178 girls) were followed up for 4 time points. Personality measures were implemented twice each year with an interval of 6 months, providing four assessment waves (T1 to T4); depression measures were administered at the initial stage (T1) and the third wave (T3), respectively. The results showed that five domains of personality in adolescents with depressive symptoms were largely characterized by the stable trait factor (65%–81%). The average autoregressive effects across the four waves were significant for all Big Five personality domains except openness. Moreover, excluding time-varying variance, conscientiousness, extraversion and agreeableness were negatively associated with T1 depressive symptoms; however, only the latter two domains retained significant relationships in the second year of intervention. An elevated level of neuroticism was consistently associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms over interventions. Trait factors of extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism were associated with depressive symptoms in early adolsecnets, providing some implications for clinical practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic treatment has been shown to cause gut microbiota dysbiosis. However, lacking critical features defining gut microbiota dysbiosis makes it challenging to prevent. By co-occurrence network analysis, we found that despite short antibiotic courses eliminating certain microbial taxa, the Akkermansia genus played the role of a high-centrality hub to maintain microbiota homeostasis. When the antibiotic courses continued, the elimination of Akkermansia induced a significant microbiota remodeling of the gut microbiota networks. Based on this finding, we found that under longterm antibiotic stress, the gut microbiota was rearranged into a stable network with a significantly lower Akkermansiaceae/Lachnospiraceae (A/L) ratio and no microbial hub. By functional prediction analysis, we confirmed that the gut microbiota with a low A/L ratio also had enhanced mobile elements and biofilm-formation functions that may be associated with antibiotic resistance. This study identified A/L ratio as an indicator of antibiotic-induced dysbiosis. This work reveals that besides the abundance of specific probiotics, the hierarchical structure also critically impacts the microbiome function. Co-occurrence analysis may help better monitor the microbiome dynamics than only comparing the differentially abundant bacteria between samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the experience of low-income Chinese immigrant mothers managing the reunification process with their young children after a prolonged transnational separation—either due to reverse migration separation (children born in the US but sent to live in China, then returned to the US later) or serial migration (the mother came to the US first, and the children followed years later). Grounded in a feminist family therapy and resilience framework, this qualitative study aims to understand the mothers’ experience through a strength-based perspective and a cultural lens. A phenomenological approach was used in this study to obtain qualitative data from interviews with nine Chinese immigrant mothers. Data were analyzed using the deductive approach of thematic analysis. Results highlighted mothers’ resilience in providing for the families’ needs, utilizing familial and community support, and their strategies to overcome adversities and parenting challenges. The participants demonstrate motivation to improve their children’s well-being by utilizing a range of public, school, and community resources and support from other Chinese parents. Areas where these mothers still needed support were also identified. Lastly, implications for clinical service with Chinese immigrant families are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic CO 2 conversion, in general, requires the incorporation of expensive and noble materials to achieve a highly efficient conversion rate. Herein, the TNT/NiO/CQD ternary nanocomposites without any expensive materials and material modification are fabricated for the demonstration of efficient and economically affordable photocatalytic CO 2 conversion, to our best knowledge, for the first time. The TNT-based ternary photocatalysts are successfully prepared by a simple anodization and immersion process. The TNT/NiO/CQD ternary nanocomposites produce 1.47 μmol·cm-2·h-1 (≈ c.a. 2834 μmol·g-1·h-1) of CH 4 as the sole product under AM 1.5 illumination. This is five times higher performance than that of bare TNT and the performance is comparable to that of any other TiO 2 -based unitary, binary, or ternary photocatalysts. This highly enhanced performance results from effective junction formation between TNT and NiO NP, and the dual role of CQDs as a light absorber and charge transporter/collector in the system. The formation of Z-scheme at the TNT/NiO interface leads to efficient charge transfer via a TiO 2 /NiO bond. The light absorption of the photocatalysts is enhanced and extended by decorated CQDs due to their small band gap. The charge transfer and collection are further improved by charge depletion at the TNT/CQD interface and the charge transfer at the NiO/CQD interface. This work provides a possible model for the realization of efficient and economically affordable photocatalytic CO 2 conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Most research into the management of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is in younger women and focuses on sexually transmitted pathogens such as N. gonorrhoeae or C. trachomatis. Non-sexually transmitted bacterial pathogens and PID in older women are rarely examined. The objective of this study is to explore cervical culture pathogens in women of different age groups in a medical center in eastern Taiwan. Methods: We enrolled patients whose medical records were diagnosed with PID (ICD-9-CM 614.0 [N70.01–03], 614.1[N70.11–13], 614.9 [N73.5, N73.9]) at our hospital from October 2014 to March 2020. Patients were divided into three groups according to age: the age <25 years, age 25–44 years, and the ≥ 45 years group. Chi-square test, ANOVA and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. In subgroup analysis, endocervical pathogens were further stratified into vaginal, respiratory, enteric, skin, oral, and other. Results: A total of 96 patients were included in the study. There were 31 patients in the age ≥ 45 years group, 52 patients in the age 25–44 years group, and 13 patients in the age <25 years group. Vagina and enteric pathogens were the most common pathogens among all groups. The isolated respiratory and other pathogens were more in the age ≥ 45 years group than in the other two groups. Prevotella bivia was more common in the age <25 years and 25–44 years groups. Conclusions: This may be due to different pathogeneses of PID in the age ≥ 45 years patients. Our study can be used as a reference for antibiotic choice of non-sexually transmitted PID and to prevent long-term sequelae of PID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to conduct a 2-year follow-up of individuals having unsatisfactory reports of Pap smears and to analyze the contributing factors. This was a retrospective study at a medical center that performed about 5000–6000 Pap smears annually in Eastern Taiwan. Women who had unsatisfactory results due to scant cellularity between January 1, 2015–December 31, 2016, were included in this study. The control group comprised age-matched women with normal Pap smears at a 1:4 ratio, during the same period. The clinical characteristics and the 2-year outcomes were followed. Patients who were unavailable for follow-up assessments or who had insufficient clinical information were excluded. Student's t-test and chi-square test were used for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value < 0.05. A total of 887 Pap smears were included. A total of 717 and 170 women had normal Pap and unsatisfactory Pap tests, respectively. After excluding women who were unavailable for follow-up, the final analysis included 248 and 67 women with normal and unsatisfactory Pap tests, respectively. The mean age was not significantly different between the two groups (49.97 ± 10.69 and 51.61 ± 11.28 years in the unsatisfactory Pap and control groups, respectively [p > 0.05]). The percentage of menopause and vaginal discharge were significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that premenopausal status, increased discharge were associated with the risk of unsatisfactory Pap tests. Of the 67 women with unsatisfactory Pap tests, all tested negative for any malignancies at a 2-year follow-up assessment. Women with increased vaginal discharge and without menopause were at an increased risk of having an unsatisfactory Pap test. Our results indicate that an unsatisfactory Pap smear due to scant cellularity might not increase the risk of intraepithelial neoplasia or cancer after 2 years. Further, large-scale studies with longer follow-up periods are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel thermal-constant blood-feeder covered with a perforated film and using pig blood was developed for rearing Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae). The perforated film was used as a substitute for the membrane or parafilm that is normally used in conventional blood-feeders to prevent the mosquitoes from directly contacting the blood. The efficiency of this perforated blood feeder was assessed by using live mice and comparing the engorgement rate of female mosquitoes and their demographic parameters. In a no-choice test, no significant differences were observed in the engorgement rates and fecundity between females fed on perforated feeders containing pig blood and those fed on live mice. In a three-minute-long free-choice test, the accumulated engorgement rate was significantly higher in mosquitoes feeding on the perforated feeders than in those feeding on live mice. The demographic characteristics indicated that mosquitoes fed on the perforated feeder containing pig blood had a higher immature survival rate and prolonged adult male and female longevity. Although a lower intrinsic rate of increase and lower finite rate of increase were observed when female adults fed on the perforated feeder, computer projection of the population growth was comparable using both blood sources. Mass-rearing analysis showed that the perforated blood feeder was much more cost-effective than using live mice. These results demonstrate that the perforated blood feeder containing pig blood is more effective and cost efficient than using live mice for maintaining and mass rearing of mosquitoes in the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the short supply of conventional fill materials, such as sand, land reclamation using dredged marine deposits has recently been proposed, in which marine deposits with high water content are blow-filled into reclaiming areas. The strength development of the filled marine soils is of great importance during the sedimentation and consolidation to guide the filling process and construction of reclamation. In this study, a novel sensor based on optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) technology with a simple design was developed for undrained shear strength measurement. The novel sensor consists of an optical fiber and a series of polyoxymethylene coins. Owing to the merits of OFDR technology on high resolution, fully distributed sensing, and immunity to electromagnetic interference, the novel sensor can be used to determine undrained shear strength profiles of very soft to soft marine sediments/soils with good accuracy. The sensor was calibrated in remolded marine deposits with different water contents. The good feasibility and performance of the novel sensor for undrained shear strength measurement were well validated in two physical model tests on marine deposits treated by horizontal drains with vacuum preloading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the association between the presence of bacteremia and increase in the requirement for intensive care in adult patients with urinary tract infection (UTI). The study also analyzed the differences in clinical features between patients with versus without bacteremia. Methods: We conducted a retrospective screening of the medical records of adult patients admitted during a 4-month period at a single medical center. We excluded patients with concomitant infections and patients whose urine and blood samples were not collected in the emergency department (ED). The included patients were allocated to two groups—bacteremia and nonbacteremia groups—according to the blood culture results for samples collected in the ED. Results: The study cohort comprised 637 patients, including 158 (24.8%) patients in the bacteremia group and 479 (75.2%) patients in the nonbacteremia group. Compared with the patients in the nonbacteremia group, those in the bacteremia group satisfied more systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria; they had a higher white cell count, C-reactive protein level, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores; and had a greater requirement for intensive care (bacteremia vs. nonbacteremia; SIRS: 79.1% vs. 49.9%, p = 0.000; leukocytosis: 68.2% vs. 57.6%, p = 0.000; elevation of CRP: 96.2% vs. 78.6%, p = 0.000; SOFA: 39.2% vs. 23.2%, p = 0.000; requirement for intensive care: 13.9% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.000, respectively). According to the results of multivariate logistic regression, bacteremia and sepsis were independent factors associated with the requirement for intensive care. Conclusions: Bacteremia increased the requirement for intensive care in patients with UTI. Physicians can identify bacteremia using inflammatory markers, the SIRS criteria, and SOFA scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) is used to induce oxidative damage in neuronal cells, which can serve as an experimental model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Jujuboside A and B confer free radical scavenging effects but have never been examined for their neuroprotective effects, especially in PD; therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of jujubosides as protectors of neurons against 6-OHDA and the underlying mechanisms. 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in the human neuronal cell lines SH-SY5Y and SK-N-SH, was used to evaluate the protective effects of jujubosides. These findings indicated that jujuboside A and B were both capable of rescuing the 6-OHDA-induced loss of cell viability, activation of apoptosis, elevation of reactive oxygen species, and downregulation of the expression levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, jujuboside A and B can reverse a 6-OHDA-elevated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, downregulate phosphorylated PI3K and AKT, and activate caspase-3, -7, and -9. These findings showed that jujubosides were capable of protecting both SH-SY5Y and SK-N-SH neuronal cells from 6-OHDA-induced toxicity via the rebalancing of the redox system, together with the resetting of the PI3K/AKT apoptotic signaling cascade. In conclusion, jujuboside may be a potential drug for PD prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron‐based adhesives have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to their strong adhesive behavior and reversible capacities. However, limited by the humidity sensitivity and poor dynamicity, it remains challenging for the boron‐based adhesive materials to realize strong and long‐term adhesion underwater. In this study, a novel boronic ester (BN‐6) with changeable ring strain induced by the heat‐responsive BN coordination bond is designed and synthesized. Due to the low strain of the six‐membered ring at ambient conditions and the high strain of the ten‐membered ring at elevated temperature, BN‐6 exhibits enhanced hydrolytic/thermal stabilities as well as dynamicity. The model dynamic crosslinking polymers containing BN‐6 linkages present significantly improved water‐resistance and recyclability. Specifically, based on the hydrolytically stable whilst kinetically active boronic ester linkage, a strong and recyclable adhesive material is successfully prepared. Long‐term adhesion performance under water and harsh conditions is realized on different substrates, with the maximum adhesion strength of 4.21 MPa. The report provides a novel chemical strategy for designing stable and dynamic boronic ester linkages and the synthesized adhesive has pioneered in the field of long‐term underwater application of boron‐based adhesives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To help meet greenhouse gas mitigation targets perennial biomass crops will need to be planted at large scales and at a much greater pace over the coming decades. Miscanthus is a leading biomass crop but rapid upscaling is technically challenging due to costly and time‐consuming clonal propagation. Seed‐based hybrids are considered a viable route to rapid upscaling, but direct sowing has not been found feasible under temperate climate conditions due to high thermal requirements for germination and slow early plant development compared with larger seeded annuals. Seed‐based plug plants, initially propagated in greenhouses, provide a suitable route to improve field establishment. Here, we describe an input optimization experiment for seeded Miscanthus plugs raised for spring planting in a naturally lit greenhouse with the following treatments: supplemental heat to maintain a minimum of 15°C, supplemental predawn light from modern LEDs at PPFD 300–400 μmol m−2 s−1, two proprietary types of compost (known as 50k and 70k), and two compost volumes (35 and 15 cm3). Our results showed that variations in all four factors had significant effects on above‐ and belowground biomass: (i) supplemental heat increased root‐to‐shoot ratio, (ii) supplemental light increased total biomass and root‐to‐shoot ratio, (iii) compost type affected total biomass and (iv) compost volume was positively correlated with total biomass and stem base diameter. No factor had a significant effect on axillary shoot formation. We recommend nurseries in the United Kingdom use LEDs as predawn supplemental light but no supplemental heat, compost that has both good water‐holding capacity and aeration, and a larger compost volume, which provided optimized cost‐plug resilience for spring‐sown, seed‐based Miscanthus plug production. Miscanthus is a leading biomass crop for greenhouse gas mitigation, but upscaling is challenging due to costly clonal propagation. Seed‐based plug plants provide a suitable alternative. Here, we describe an input optimization experiment for seeded Miscanthus plugs raised for spring planting in a naturally lit greenhouse with the following treatments: supplemental heat, supplemental predawn light, two proprietary types of compost, and two compost volumes. We recommend UK nurseries use LEDs as predawn supplemental light, no supplemental heat, compost with good water‐holding capacity and aeration, and a larger compost volume towards optimized costs for Miscanthus plug production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our response addresses concerns raised about our pilot trial on omega-3 for bipolar disorder. We clarify randomization procedures, highlight the benefits of eicosapentaenoic-predominant formulations for a specific bipolar patients subgroup, and justify the use of Kaplan–Meier analysis despite limitations. We acknowledge analytical challenges due to strict inclusion criteria and encourage future research on specific bipolar subtypes and larger-scale trials for robust validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To significantly abate the carbon footprint in the conventional Haber-Bosch process, a novel approach based on wet air co-electrolysis in solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) was proposed and evaluated in this study for sustainable single-step production of ammonia feedstock (i.e., H 2 /N 2 mixture). An electrolyte-supported SOEC composed of LSCM-GDC cathode, SSZ electrolyte and LSCF-GDC anode was prepared and tested under various operation conditions. The current-voltage responses measured for wet air co-electrolysis were featured with three different regions which could be attributed to competitive and combinative effects of oxygen splitting reaction and water splitting reaction under wet air co-electrolysis operation. Gas chromatography (GC) analysis of the exit gas from the cathode chamber proved that high purity H 2 /N 2 mixture had been produced successfully through the novel wet air co-electrolysis process. However, the obtained H 2 :N 2 ratios were still much lower than the desired 3:1 ratio in the ammonia feedstock for the Haber-Bosch process. Further explorations will be made to increase the H 2 :N 2 ratio in the produced gas mixture. • Novel approach of wet air co-electrolysis in SOEC for single-step production of ammonia feedstock is proposed. • Water splitting reaction is easier to take place than oxygen splitting reaction in wet air co-electrolysis process. • GC analysis reveals the successful production of H 2 /N 2 gas mixture but the H 2 :N 2 ratios need further improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag nanoparticles have attracted wide research interest due to their broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities. However, Ag nanoparticles are prone to aggregate, which decreases the accessible surface area and diminishes the antibacterial activity. Herein, a metal–organic framework with alkene-functional groups was constructed and postsynthetically modified with Ag(I) for antibacterial applications. The Ag@Zn-MOF exhibits high antibacterial activity toward E. coli and S. aureus, which reaches ∼100% bacterial reduction at a concentration as low as 25 μgMOF cm−3 (corresponding to 1.7 μgAg cm−3). These results demonstrated that Ag(I)-modified MOFs could act as effective antimicrobial agents with potential applications in food and healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propagation of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is regulated in part by the phosphorylation of its nonstructural protein NS5A that undergoes sequential phosphorylation on several highly conserved serine residues and switches from a hypo- to a hyperphosphorylated state. Previous studies have shown that NS5A sequential phosphorylation requires NS3 encoded on the same NS3-NS4A-NS4B-NS5A polyprotein. Subtle mutations in NS3 without affecting its protease activity could affect NS5A phosphorylation. Given the ATPase domain in the NS3 COOH terminus, we tested whether NS3 participates in NS5A phosphorylation similarly to the nucleoside diphosphate kinase-like activity of the rotavirus NSP2 nucleoside triphosphatase (NTPase). Mutations in the NS3 ATP-binding motifs blunted NS5A hyperphosphorylation and phosphorylation at serines 225, 232, and 235, whereas a mutation in the RNA-binding domain did not. The phosphorylation events were not rescued with wild-type NS3 provided in trans. When provided with an NS3 ATPase-compatible ATP analog, N6-benzyl-ATP-g-S, thiophosphorylated NS5A was detected in the cells expressing the wild-type NS3-NS5B polyprotein. The thiophosphorylation level was lower in the cells expressing NS3-NS5B with a mutation in the NS3 ATP-binding domain. In vitro assays with a synthetic peptide and purified wild-type NS3 followed by dot blotting and mass spectrometry found weak NS5A phosphorylation at serines 222 and 225 that was sensitive to an inhibitor of casein kinase Ia but not helicase. When casein kinase Ia was included in the assay, much stronger phosphorylation was observed at serines 225, 232, and 235. We concluded that NS5A sequential phosphorylation requires the ATP-binding domain of the NS3 helicase and that casein kinase Ia is a potent NS5A kinase. IMPORTANCE For more than 20 years, NS3 was known to participate in NS5A sequential phosphorylation. In the present study, we show for the first time that the ATP-binding domain of NS3 is involved in NS5A phosphorylation. In vitro assays showed that casein kinase Ia is a very potent kinase responsible for NS5A phosphorylation at serines 225, 232, and 235. Our data suggest that ATP binding by NS3 probably results in conformational changes that recruit casein kinase Ia to phosphorylate NS5A, initially at S225 and subsequently at S232 and S235. Our discovery reveals intricate requirements of the structural integrity of NS3 for NS5A hyperphosphorylation and HCV replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Patients with KD are more likely to have comorbid psychiatric disorders. • The severity of KD do not further increase the risk of psychiatric disorders. • IVIG therapy may have potential prophylactic effects against psychiatric disorders. Kawasaki disease (KD) is a common childhood acute inflammatory disease and potentially triggers a chronic inflammation. Although some researches have investigated neurodevelopmental consequences following KD, the findings have been inconsistent. This is the first population-based study targeted on KD and common psychiatric disorders. We aimed to investigate the association between KD and psychiatric disorders and hypothesized that standard anti-inflammatory treatment by intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may protect against development of psychiatric disorders. We retrieved data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research database (NHIRD). Patients (n = 282,513) with psychiatric disorders (the case group) during 1997–2013 were included, and the control group was matched with age, sex, income and urbanization (1:1). We calculated the prevalence of KD in both groups and estimated odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in the subgroup analyses for KD in conditions of age, severity, and common psychiatric comorbidity. Numbers of patients with KD were 460 in the cases and 380 in the controls (p =.006), and the crude OR of KD was 1.21 times greater (95% CI = 1.06–1.39, p =.006) in the case than the control groups. KD patients without IVIG treatment (n = 126) were higher in the cases than those in the controls (n = 54), with the OR of 2.33 (95% CI = 1.70–3.21, p <.0001). Subgroup analyses showed that KD survivors were at significant risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.27–3.65; p =.005) and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.02–1.39; p = 0.03), and a trend of increased risk for anxiety disorders (OR = 1.36, 95%CI = 0.99–1.86; p = 0.05). Patients with KD were more likely to have comorbid psychiatric disorders, including ASD and ADHD. Moreover, anti-inflammatory treatment with IVIG may have potential prophylactic effects against the development of psychiatric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies reported that the expression of SIRT1 was associated with the clinical features of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but the function remains inconsistent. We conducted this study to illustrate the clinical value of SIRT1 expression in the early diagnosis and prediction of prognosis of ESCC. In this study, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched by two independent researchers and STATA14.0 software was used to conduct meta-analysis. The odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to estimate the pooled effect. Egger’s test and Begg’s funnel were used to assess publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the reliability and stability of meta-analysis results. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, six studies were enrolled, including 811 cases of ESCC. Results of the meta-analysis indicated that SIRT1 was overexpressed in ESCC and the SIRT1 expression was closely related to the clinicopathological features of ESCC, such as tumor infiltration, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, and lymph node metastasis. In the survival analysis, high expression of SIRT1 represented a poor prognosis in ESCC patients. Our study demonstrated that SIRT1 was overexpressed in ESCC, and it might be a potential biomarker for progress of ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land reclamations often demand large quantities of fill materials. However, many countries commonly engaged in land reclamation are facing an escalating scarcity of natural fill sources. To address this issue, this study proposes a sustainable land reclamation approach that involves dredged marine sediments as fill materials. The dredged marine sediments are improved by a combined method that incorporates the use of horizontal drains with vacuum preloading for preliminary soil treatment and vertical drains with vacuum preloading for further improvement. A field trial has been designed and conducted to verify the performance of the proposed preliminary treatment of marine sediment slurry using prefabricated horizontal drains (PHDs) and vacuum preloading under a "membrane-free" condition. Field measurements, including settlement, pore pressure, effective earth pressure, vacuum pressure, water content, and undrained shear strength, were systematically recorded during the field trial period. After a four-month treatment, the average water content of the filled soil was slightly below 50%, which is one-third of the initial water content. Owing to the combined effect of the vacuum preloading and drying process, a crust layer with the undrained shear strength of 40 kPa was formed on the top of the treated soil. Below the crust layer, the average undrained shear strength of the treated marine deposits was approximately 32 kPa. Overall, the notable effect of using PHDs and the "membrane-free" vacuum preloading method to rapidly consolidate marine deposits slurry has been successfully demonstrated with field monitoring under the site trial condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate fetal adverse outcomes of laparoscopy and laparotomy in pregnant women to determine the safety of these surgical approaches.Methods: This was a retrospective nationwide case-control study of women who became pregnant for the first time between 2000 and 2012 in Taiwan. The case (with adverse fetal outcomes) and control groups comprised 208,604 and 417,124 participants, respectively. Participants who underwent appendectomy, cholecystectomy, ovarian cystectomy, or myomectomy were treated with either laparoscopy or laparotomy. A conditional logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) for adverse fetal outcomes.Results: The laparotomy and laparoscopy groups comprised 632 and 536 patients, respectively. Women who underwent laparoscopy had a significantly higher risk of adverse fetal outcomes (adjusted OR [AOR] = 2.33; 95% CI 1.66-2.99) than those who underwent laparotomy. Adverse fetal outcomes were found to be significantly associated with laparoscopy among women aged 20-39 years (AOR = 2.30; 95% CI 1.70-3.31). Regarding surgical indication, unlike laparotomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and appendectomy were not associated with adverse fetal outcomes. However, laparoscopic myomectomy and ovarian surgeries were associated with a higher incidence of adverse fetal outcomes than the laparotomy group (AOR = 2.29 [95% CI 1.57-3.35, p < 0.0001] and AOR = 2.52 [95% CI 1.58-4.04, p = 0.0001], respectively).Conclusions: Pregnant women who underwent laparoscopic surgery experienced significantly more adverse fetal outcomes than those who underwent laparotomy. Therefore, pregnant women undergoing either laparotomy or laparoscopy should be informed of the risk of adverse fetal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Cooking oil fumes (COFs) contain many carcinogens. We investigated the association between COFs and incidence risk of colorectal cancer and female breast in chefs. Methods: We identified Chinese food chefs and non-Chinese food chefs from Taiwan's national database of certified chefs in 1984–2007. In total, 379,275 overall and 259,450 females had not been diagnosed as having any cancer before chef certification. We followed these chefs in Taiwan's Cancer Registry Database (1979–2010) and Taiwan's National Death Statistics Database (1985–2011) for newly diagnosed colorectal cancer and female breast cancer. Results: A total of 4,218,135 and 2,873,515 person-years were included in our analysis of colorectal cancer and female breast cancer incidence, respectively. Compared to non-Chinese food chefs, the Chinese food chefs had an adjusted IRR for colorectal cancer of 1.65 (95% CI 1.17–2.33). The risk of colorectal cancer was even higher among female Chinese food chefs certified for more than 5 years (adjusted incident rate ratio (IRR) = 2.39, 95% CI 1.38–4.12). For female breast cancer, the risk was also significant (adjusted IRR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.10–1.78) and the risks were even higher in female Chinese food chefs certified for more than 5 years (adjusted IRR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.37–2.22). Conclusions: This study found that Chinese food chefs had an increased risk of colorectal cancer and female breast cancer, particularly female chefs who had worked for more than 5 years. Future human and animal studies are necessary to re-confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Secondary prevention of coronary artery disease, self‐management behavior, and blood pressure control are important to cardiovascular event prevention and promotion of quality of life (QOL), but they are underutilized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a self‐efficacy theory–based health information technology intervention implemented through blood control and patient self‐management. Design: A clinical randomized waitlist‐controlled trial. Methods: The study was conducted at a medical center in Taipei, Taiwan. A total of 60 subjects were randomly assigned to either the immediate intervention (experimental) group or the waitlist control group. The primary endpoint was systolic blood pressure at 3 months; secondary end points included self‐management behavior and QOL. Treatment for the immediate intervention group lasted 3 months, while the waitlist control group received routine care for the first 3 months, at which point they crossed over to the intervention arm and received the same intervention as the experimental group for another 3 months. Both groups were evaluated by questionnaires and physiological measurements at both 3 and 6 months postadmission. The results were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Results: Systolic blood pressure significantly improved for the intervention group participants at 3 months, when there was also significant improvement in self‐management behavior and QOL. There was no significant or appreciable effect of time spent in the waitlist condition, with treatments in the two conditions being similarly effective. Conclusion: The use of a theory‐based health information technology treatment compared with usual care resulted in a significant improvement in systolic blood pressure, self‐management behavior, and QOL in patients with coronary artery disease. Clinical Relevance: This treatment would be a useful strategy for clinical care of cardiovascular disease patients, improving their disease self‐management. It also may help guide further digital health care strategies during the COVID‐19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study applied trait–state–occasion (TSO) modelling to investigate the extent to which inter‐individual differences in personality were accounted for by time‐invariant and time‐varying factors during adolescence. The participants were 753 high school students, and only 661 students were followed for 4 years. The mean age in the first year was 15.23 years and 52.8% were females. The results showed that the full TSO model had the best representation of adolescent personality, and the means of the proportions of variance explained by trait factors for the Big Five ranged between 56% and 83%, suggesting that inter‐individual differences in personality are mainly accounted for by stable trait variance over the course of adolescence. Furthermore, the five dimensions of personality differed not only in the amounts of trait variance but also in the stability of time‐varying factors. These findings have significant implications for personality research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]