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Enterobacterales carrying bla NDM represent an emerging challenge in treating infectious diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the characteristics of bla NDM -producing Enterobacterales from three hospitals in southern Taiwan. Enterobacterales strains that were nonsusceptible to more than one carbapenem (ertapenem, meropenem, imipenem, or doripenem) were collected from hospitalized patients. Molecular typing for New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed, followed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and plasmid analysis by PCR-based replicon typing. A total of 1311 carbapenem-nonsusceptible Enterobacterales were isolated from 2017 to 2021. bla NDM -encoding genes were detected in 108 isolates, with 53 (49.1%) harboring bla NDM-1 and 55 (50.9%) harboring bla NDM-5. The rate of bla NDM-1 detection among isolates decreased to 2% in 2021. However, the rate of E. coli harboring bla NDM-5 increased from 1% to 12% of total isolates during the study period. Of 47 NDM-5-positive E. coli isolates, 44 (93.6%) were ST8346 with high genetic relatedness. E. coli ST8346 isolates showed high-level resistance to both carbapenems and aminoglycosides. Most (38 out of 47, 80.9%) bla NDM-5 -harboring E. coli isolates co-harbored bla OXA-181. We analyzed the regions harboring bla NDM-5 in E. coli ST8346 via PCR amplification. bla NDM-5 and bla OXA-181 were located on two separate plasmids, IncF and IncX3, respectively. The dissemination of E. coli ST8346 caused an increase in bla NDM-5 and bla OXA-181 co-harboring Enterobacterales in southern Taiwan, which show high-level resistance to both carbapenems and aminoglycosides. We identified a distinct IncF plasmid encoding bla NDM-5 that has the potential for rapid spread and needs further surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) changes the microarchitecture of bones and often leads to the reduction of bone-mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture rates. Zebrafish has been used as an alternative model for GIOP, however, the interaction of GIOP, and its treatment, with zebrafish bone morphometrics and mechanical properties, remains a challenge. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of prednisolone and alendronate on the properties of zebrafish vertebrae. Adult 7-month-old zebrafish were distributed into four groups: control (CTRL), prednisolone-only (PN), alendronate-only (ALN), and the sequential use of both medicines (PN + ALN). Fish skeletons were scanned via micro-tomography (n = 3) to obtain vertebra morphometrics (e.g., BMD). Bone morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (n = 4) and the biomechanical behaviour with nanoindentation technique (n = 3). The BMD decreased in PN (426.08 ± 18.58 mg/cm3) and ALN (398.23 ± 10.20 mg/cm3) groups compared to the CTRL (490.43 ± 41.96 mg/cm3) (p < 0.001); however, administering the medicines in sequence recovered the values to healthy levels (495.43 ± 22.06 mg/cm3) (p > 0.05). The bone layered structures remain preserved in all groups. The vertebrae of the groups that received ALN and PN + ALN, displayed higher modulus of elasticity (27.27 ± 1.59 GPa and 25.68 ± 2.07 GPa, respectively) than the CTRL (22.74 ± 1.60 GP) (p < 0.001). ALN alone increased the hardness of zebrafish vertebrae to the highest value among the treatments (1.32 ± 0.13 GPa) (p < 0.001). Conversely, PN + ALN (1.25 ± 0.11 GPa) showed unaltered hardness from the CTRL (1.18 ± 0.13 GPa), but significantly higher than the PN group (1.08 ± 0.12 GPa) (p < 0.001). ALN administered after GIOP development, rescued osteoporotic condition by recovering the BMD and bone hardness in zebrafish vertebrae. [Display omitted] • The intake of prednisolone-only decreased the BMD of zebrafish vertebrae. • Neither prednisolone nor alendronate altered the morphology of zebrafish backbone. • Bone hardness was not affected by the sequential use of medicines. • Osteoporosis showed no influence on zebrafish vertebrae elastic modulus. • Prednisolone followed by alendronate intake rescued osteoporosis phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Be it animals or plants, most of the organism's offspring come into existence after their embryos develop inside a protective shell. In plants, these hard protective shells are called endocarps. They serve the function of nourishing and protecting the seeds from external mechanical damage. Through evolution, endocarps of plants have developed various structural strategies to protect the enclosed seeds from external threats, and these strategies can vary according to the habitat or lifestyle of a particular plant. One such intriguing hard plant shell is the endocarp of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus fruit. It mostly grows in South Asia's mountainous forests, and its endocarps are known in the local communities as unbreakable and everlasting prayer beads. We report an in-depth investigation on microstructure, tomography, and mechanical properties to cast light on its performance and the underlying structure-property relation. The 3D structural quantifications by micro-CT demonstrate that the endocarp has gradient microarchitecture. In addition, the endocarp also exhibits gradient hardness and stiffness. The toughening mechanisms arising from the layered cellular structure enable the endocarps to withstand higher loads up to 5000 N before they fracture. Our findings provide experimental evidence of outstanding fracture tolerance and seed protection strategies developed by Elaeocarpus ganitrus endocarp that encourage the design of synthetic fracture tolerant structures. Endocarps are low-density plant shells that exhibit remarkable fracture resistance and energy absorption when they encounter impact by falling from high trees and prolonged compression and abrasion by the predators. Such outstanding mechanical performance originates through structural design strategies developed to protect their seeds. Here we demonstrate previously undiscovered structural features and mechanical properties of Elaeocarpus ganitrus endocarp. We scrutinize the microstructure using high-resolution x-ray tomography scans and the 3D structural quantifications reveal a gradient microstructure which is in agreement with the gradient hardness and stiffness. The multiscale hierarchical structures combined with the gradient motif yield impressive fracture tolerance in Elaeocarpus ganitrus endocarp. These findings advance the knowledge of the structure-property relation in hard plant shells, and the procured structural design strategies can be utilized to design fracture-resistant structures. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The TSIC model facilitates the design of complex interface composites with stiff and compliant materials. • Control of the tensile and shear interface thickness allows tuning of the composites' stiffness and strength, respectively. • Fracture analysis reveals non-columnar fractures as a key to enhancing interface hardening in TSICs. • UV curing during printing results in a gradient elastic modulus at stiff-soft interfaces, enhancing strength compared to non-UV-cured samples. The rapid growth of polyjet additive manufacturing has propelled the 3D printing of multi-material polymer composites toward unprecedented applications. Interfaces in such composites play a paramount role in determining mechanical performance. This study delves into the crucial role of interfaces, employing VeroWhite and Agilus30Black materials to scrutinize the tensile and shear properties of stiff-soft interfaces. By applying these layers strategically, composites with multi-oriented interfaces were created, revealing the impact of soft material thickness and orientation on stiffness and strength. We identified columnar and non-columnar fracture mechanisms, shedding light on their correlation with interface hardening. Nanoindentation tests unveil the local interface properties, emphasizing the gradient change in elastic modulus when printed on the x -axis and the sharp drop on the z -axis. These findings offer valuable insights into material selection and interface optimization, providing a roadmap for achieving tailored mechanical properties in complex interface composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing scalable vascularized and innervated tissue is a critical challenge for the successful clinical application of tissue-engineered constructs. Collagen hydrogels are extensively utilized in cell-mediated vascular network formation because of their naturally excellent biological properties. However, the substantial increase in hydrogel contraction induced by populated cells limits their long-term use. Previous studies attempted to mitigate this issue by concentrating collagen pre-polymer solutions or synthesizing covalently crosslinked collagen hydrogels. However, these methods only partially reduce hydrogel contraction while hindering blood vessel formation within the hydrogels. To address this challenge, we introduced additional support in the form of a supportive spacer to counteract the contraction forces of populated cells and prevent hydrogel contraction. This approach was found to promote cell spreading, resist hydrogel contraction, control hydrogel/tissue geometry, and even facilitate the engineering of functional blood vessels and host nerve growth in just one week. Subsequently, implanting these engineered tissues into muscle defect sites resulted in timely anastomosis with the host vasculature, leading to enhanced myogenesis, increased muscle innervation, and the restoration of injured muscle functionality. Overall, this innovative strategy expands the applicability of collagen hydrogels in fabricating large vascularized nerve tissue constructs for repairing volumetric muscle loss (∼63 %) and restoring muscle function. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antipsychotic drug (APD) treatment has been associated with metabolic abnormalities. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is the main site of adaptive thermogenesis and secretes various metabolism-improving factors known as batokines. We explored the association of BAT activity with APD treatment and metabolic abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia by measuring the blood levels of bone morphogenetic protein 8b (BMP8b), a batokine secreted by mature BAT. BMP8b levels were compared among 50 drug-free, 32 aripiprazole-treated, and 91 clozapine-treated patients with schizophrenia. Regression analysis was used to explore factors, including APD types, that might be associated with BMP8b levels and the potential effect of BMP8b on metabolic syndrome (MS). APD-treated patients had decreased BMP8b levels relative to drug-free patients. The difference still existed after adjustment for body mass index and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale scores. Among APD-treated group, clozapine was associated with even lower BMP8b levels than the less obesogenic APD, aripiprazole. Furthermore, higher BMP8b levels were associated with lower risks of MS after adjustment for BMI and APD treatment. Using drug-free patients as the comparison group to understand the effect of APDs, this is the first study to show APD treatment is associated with reduced BAT activity that is measured by BMP8b levels, with clozapine associated a more significant reduction than aripiprazole treatment. BMP8b might have a beneficial effect against metabolic abnormalities and this effect is independent of APD treatment. Future studies exploring the causal relationship between APD treatment and BMP8b levels and the underlying mechanisms are warranted. • BAT is the main site of adaptive thermogenesis that improves metabolic problems. • BMP8b is a batokine secreted by BAT, with levels correlated to BAT activity. • Antipsychotic-treated patients had lower BMP8b levels than drug-free patients. • Clozapine treatment was associated with even lower BMP8b levels than aripiprazole. • Higher BMP8b levels were associated with lower metabolic risks in our patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nectin-4 might play a role in addiction development and urological complications. • Nectin-4 levels are higher in chronic ketamine abusers than controls. • Ketamine users with urological symptoms had lower Nectin-4 levels than those without. • A compromised upregulation of Nectin-4 might be associated with bladder toxicity. Persistent ketamine use causes susceptibility to addiction and bladder toxicity. We examined the association of lower urinary tract symptoms and levels of Nectin-4, a member of the cell adhesion molecules that is essential for maintaining the urothelium barrier in chronic ketamine abusers. We measured the plasma levels of Nectin-4 in 88 patients with ketamine dependence and 69 controls. Patients with ketamine dependence were assessed for ketamine use variables, psychological symptoms, and lower urinary tract symptoms. We found Nectin-4 levels were increased in ketamine-dependent patients compared to the controls (p < 0.0001). Patients with urinary tract symptoms exhibited lower Nectin-4 levels than those without (p = 0.021). Our results suggest an up-regulation of Nectin-4 following chronic and heavy ketamine use. Patients with ketamine dependence with a compromised upregulation of Nectin-4 are likely to have more severe urinary tract symptoms. The mechanisms underlying the involvement of Nectin-4 in ketamine addiction and bladder toxicity warrant future investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Au and Pt atoms are preferentially deposited onto (1 0 0) and (1 1 1) planes of Pd NCs. • Formed conformal Pd/Au NCs and concave Pd/Pt NCs are used for catalyzing neutral GORs. • EQCM are employed for the in-situ measnuremt of GOR kinetics. • Pd/Pt CNC with Pt(2 1 0) plane has a remarkable activity for the sequential GOR. • Pd/Au NC shows a wide linear ranage for sensing glucose in the transisent GOR. Core-shell structures can improve the performance of electrocatalysts in fuel cells and biosensors owing to the tunable electron density of the shell metal by the core metal. In this study, Au and Pt atoms are preferentially deposited onto the (1 0 0) and (1 1 1) planes of the basal and truncated surfaces of Pd nanocubes (NCs), thus forming conformal Pd/Au NCs and concave Pd/Pt NCs (Pd/Pt CNCs), respectively. Furthermore, the activities and performances of these two core–shell NCs as catalysts in the sequential and transient catalysis of the d -glucose oxidation reaction (GOR) in the phosphate-buffered solution are studied. In the sequential catalysis in situ, an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance is used. The Pd/Pt CNC with Pt-rich corners and the (2 1 0) plane exhibits remarkable specific activity (S A1 , 7.26 × 10–8 mol·cm−2) for the amount of bonded d -glucose per electrochemical active surface area (ECSA). Simultaneously, the catalyst has a significant specific activity (S A2 , 1.2 × 10–7 mol·cm−2) for the number of moles of released electrons involved in the GOR. In the transient GOR catalysis, the Pd/Au NC catalyst with Au (1 0 0) exhibits high sensitivity (S ECSA , 6.28 μA·mM−1·cm−2) for the present of d -glucose per ECSA in the wide linear range (0.25–14 mM). Furthermore, the Pd/Au NC exhibits its potential for high recoveries (99.23–100.14 %) and low relative standard deviation (≤1.08 %) in real sample tests for serum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • dGN-supported Pt NPs are prepared and successfully catalyse neutral GOR. • Pt/dGN 600 with point vacancy, 5–8-5, and 5–9 vacancy defect exhibit a remarkable activity. • In-situ GOR kinetics by Pt/dGNs and their activities are studied by EQCM. • Electron transfer numbers for the catalysis of GORs on the various Pt/dGNs were determined. • Pt/dGN 600 showed its potential for being a non-enzymatic glucose sensor. Significantly improving the dispersion of platinum nanoparticles (NPs) over the support is critical to boosting their performance in electrocatalysis. Herein, an effective method is reported to synthesise well-dispersed Pt NPs (∼3 nm) on defective graphene nanosheets (Pt/dGNs) through a self-regulation reduction method of sodium n-dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The dGNs (dGN 600 , dGN 400 , and dGN 200) were rapidly exfoliated and prepared using a sonoelectrochemical method with sonication powers of 600, 400, and 200 W. Consequently, highly dispersed and dense Pt NPs formed on dGN 600 (Pt/dGN 600) with point vacancy, 5–8-5 defect, and 5–9 vacancy defect were obtained. The Pt/dGN 600 exhibited a significant mass activity (5.80 × 1020 molecules· g-1 Pt) for the sequential catalysis of neutral D-glucose oxidation reaction (GOR), where the electron transfer number was 1.13, suggesting that the element step to form gluconolactone. Additionally, amperometric sensor studies for transient catalysis clearly showed the potential of Pt/dGN 600 for use as a non-enzymatic glucose sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of the artificial intelligence (AI) industries, electronic packaging is developing in the direction of high-density, high efficiency and multi-functionality. To realize the high density and tiny scale interconnection, application of microbumps is inevitable. Thus, the mechanical and thermal properties of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) become quite important as the proportion of IMC in the bump is greatly increased. In this study, three types of full IMCs bump, Cu/Sn-3.5Ag(SA)/Cu, Cu18Ni/SA/Cu and Cu18Ni18Zn/SA/Cu, were fabricated through transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding. The evolution of orientation and the sizes of the Cu 6 Sn 5 grain before and after long-term thermal aging were analyzed and compared. After long-term thermal aging, the full IMCs bump with Ni and Zn added into Cu substrate simultaneously maintained consistent structure. In addition, the unusual growth of network-like Cu 3 Sn was observed in Cu18Ni/SA/Cu. Furthermore, the mechanical test and fracture cross-section analysis were conducted to discuss the crack paths. The study focused on establish the correlation between microstructure and mechanical performance. Network-like Cu 3 Sn was considered to enhance the strength of interfaces. Finally, the full IMCs bump which demonstrated the extraordinary thermal stability provided a reliable microstructure for application. • The microstructure and shear performance of Cu/Sn3.5Ag/Cu, Cu-Ni/Sn3.5Ag/Cu and Cu-Ni-Zn/Sn3.5Ag/Cu full intermetallic structure were revealed. • The employment of Cu-Ni-Zn matrix can inhibit the formation of Cu 3 Sn layer after long-term thermal aging, showing good thermal stability. • The growth of network-like Cu 3 Sn only formed after aging, which enhances the strength of the interface between Cu 6 Sn 5 and Cu 3 Sn. • The correlation between fracture paths and grain structure is established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bio-inspired, helically oriented tubular structures with tunable deformability and energy absoption efficiency are designed and fabricated. • Helically oriented tubular structures with low helix anlges exhibit auxetic behavior while those with higher helix angles show global buckling under compression. • The helically oriented tubular structures possessed maximum energy absorption efficiency superior or comparable to conventional honeycomb structures. • Mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of helically oriented tubular structures are predicted and elucidated by finite element simulations. This study designs a series of helically oriented tubular structures inspired by Bouligand-type natural materials to optimize their mechanical performance. Thermoplastic polyurethane-based helically oriented tubular specimens are fabricated by 3D printing and their mechanical properties and energy absorption efficiency under compression are investigated. An auxetic behavior with a negative Poison's ratio is observed for specimens with low helix angles (0°–12°), while specimens with higher helix angles (30°–90°) exhibit a typical buckling behavior and those with intermediate helix angles (13.85°, 16.36°) demonstrate a hybrid helical-like buckling mechanism. Finite-element simulations are performed to elucidate the deformation behaviors and stress distributions under compression. Experimental results show that the helically oriented tubular samples with 90° helix angles yield maximum energy efficiency and compressive strength of 440% and 124%, respectively, higher than for the helically oriented tubular samples with 0° angles. Cyclic tests further show that the 0° sample can almost recover to its original shape, while cracks and delamination are observed for the 30° sample after 200 cycles. The bio-inspired helically oriented tubular structures designed in this study can be applied in engineering, requiring lightweight and energy absorption performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D polymer/quantum dots (QDs) nanocomposite QD-lens is fabricated by stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer with in-situ UV curing system. Various UV-curable polymer precursors are mixed with QDs to investigate their printability and optical performance. 2D QD-thin film and 3D QD-lens are printed and attached to a blue InGaN chip to form a light-emitting diode (LED) device. An air gap between the 3D QD-lens and the chip provides more uniform light emission at different angles and better heat dissipation. Compared with conventional QD-on-chip LED, the 3D QD-lens LED operated at 20 mA has ∼100% enhancement of half-lifetime (T 50) in a standard reliability test. The LED T 50 can be further improved 75% by coating the QD-lens with hydrophobic parylene as a gas barrier layer against water and oxygen. By mixing both green- (G-) and red- (R-) QDs in the 3D QD-lens, a white light-emitting 3D QD-lens LED is demonstrated to possess a color gamut of ∼130% NTSC standard. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]