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Aim Materials and Methods Results Conclusion We evaluated the efficacy and safety of cofrogliptin, a novel dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor taken once every 2 weeks (Q2W), compared with linagliptin (taken daily) in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin in China.In this phase 3 randomized, double‐blind, active‐controlled, multicentre study, patients were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to receive cofrogliptin 10 mg Q2W, cofrogliptin 25 mg Q2W, or linagliptin 5 mg daily, all as an add‐on treatment to metformin, for 24 weeks. Eligible patients could enter an open‐label extension period and receive cofrogliptin 25 mg Q2W for an additional 28 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in glycated haemoglobin from baseline to 24 weeks, with a non‐inferiority margin of 0.4% for cofrogliptin versus linagliptin treatment.Overall, 465 patients entered the 24‐week treatment period (median age: 57.0 years). The least‐squares mean (standard error) change in glycated haemoglobin from baseline to week 24 was −0.96 (0.063), −0.99 (0.064) and −1.07 (0.065) for the cofrogliptin 10 mg, cofrogliptin 25 mg and linagliptin 5 mg groups, respectively. The between‐group difference met the predefined margin for non‐inferiority of cofrogliptin (10 and 25 mg) versus linagliptin treatment. The incidence of common adverse events (≥5% patients) during the 24‐week treatment period was similar between treatment groups. There were no serious hypoglycaemic events.In Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin, the glucose‐lowering effect of cofrogliptin (Q2W) was non‐inferior to linagliptin (daily), with a similar safety profile maintained over 52 weeks of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Qingzhuan dark tea polysaccharides (QDTP) have been complexed with Zinc (Zn) to form the Qingzhuan dark tea polysaccharides‐Zinc (QDTP‐Zn) complex. The present study investigated the protective effects of QDTP‐Zn on ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. The UC mouse model was induced using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), followed by oral administration of QDTP‐Zn (0.2 and 0.4 g kg−1 day−1). RESULTS: QDTP‐Zn demonstrated alleviation of UC symptoms in mice, as evidenced by a decrease in disease activity index scores. QDTP‐Zn also regulated colon tissue injury by upregulating ZO‐1 and occludin protein expression, at the same time as downregulating tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6β levels. Furthermore, QDTP‐Zn induced significant alterations in the abundance of bacteroidetes and firmicutes and notably increased levels of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid. CONCLUSION: In summary, QDTP‐Zn exhibits therapeutic potential in alleviating enteritis by fortifying the colonic mucosal barrier, mitigating inflammation and modulating intestinal microbiota and SCFAs levels. Thus, QDTP‐Zn holds promise as a functional food for both the prevention and treatment of UC. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β‐arrestin2, a member of the arrestin family, mediates the desensitization and internalization of most G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) and functions as a scaffold protein in signalling pathways. Previous studies have demonstrated that β‐arrestin2 expression is dysregulated in malignant tumours, fibrotic diseases, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic diseases, suggesting its pathological roles. Transcription and post‐transcriptional modifications can affect the expression of β‐arrestin2. Furthermore, post‐translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation and S‐nitrosylation affect the cellular localization of β‐arrestin2 and its interaction with downstream signalling molecules, which further regulate the activity of β‐arrestin2. This review summarizes the structure and function of β‐arrestin2 and reveals the mechanisms involved in the regulation of β‐arrestin2 at multiple levels. Additionally, recent studies on the role of β‐arrestin2 in some major diseases and its therapeutic prospects have been discussed to provide a reference for the development of drugs targeting β‐arrestin2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital light processing (DLP) provides a promising avenue for constructing ceramic parts with high precision and complex shapes, yet the inherent brittleness and strength‐toughness trade‐off hinder their wide applications. Here, according to DLP 3D printing, the textured alumina ceramic components with horizontally aligned textured microstructure were successfully created by adding anisotropically shaped platelets. As a critical process in the preparation of textured ceramics, the alumina platelets were aligned horizontally during printing by using the special shear fields and forming capabilities of DLP technology. The shrinkage, density, microstructure, mechanical performance, and damage‐tolerance behavior of alumina parts with different platelet concentrations were examined, and the toughening mechanisms were investigated. The strength and toughness of ceramics with 5 vol.% platelet addition are increased by 22% and 43%, respectively, as compared with those without platelets. The improved damage tolerance capabilities were primarily ascribed to the collaborative toughening mechanisms stimulated by the platelet addition, including crack branching, crack deflection, uncracked‐ligament bridging, and platelet pull‐out, which increased the crack tortuosity and consumed more fracture energy. The strategy opens up new opportunities to design complex 3D ceramic geometries with bio‐inspired layered or textured architectures, providing optimized damage tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Solanum nigrum L. (SNL) is a natural drugwith diverse bioactive components and multi‐targeted anti‐tumor effects, gaining increasing attention in clinical application. Method and Results: This paper reviews the studies on SNL by searching academic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct,and Web of Science, among others), analyzing its chemical compositions (alkaloids, saponins, polysaccharides, and polyphenols, among others), andbriefly describes the anti‐tumor mechanisms of the main components. Discussion: This paper discusses the shortcomings of the current research on SNL and proposes corresponding solutions, providing theoretical support for further research on its biological functions and clinical efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunosuppression is a major hallmark of tumor progression in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), an important pro‐tumorigenic factor, is closely linked to NSCLC immunosuppression. However, the role of CD147 di‐methylation in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear. Here, di‐methylation of CD147 at Lys148 (CD147‐K148me2) is identified as a common post‐translational modification (PTM) in NSCLC that is significantly associated with unsatisfying survival outcomes among NSCLC sufferers, especially those in the advanced stages of the disease. The methyltransferase NSD2 catalyzes CD147 to generate CD147‐K148me2. Further analysis demonstrates that CD147‐K148me2 reestablishes the immunosuppressive TME and promotes NSCLC progression. Mechanistically, this modification promotes the interaction between cyclophilin A (CyPA) and CD147, and in turn, increases CCL5 gene transcription by activating p38‐ZBTB32 signaling, leading to increased NSCLC cell‐derived CCL5 secretion. Subsequently, CD147‐K148me2‐mediated CCL5 upregulation facilitates M2‐like tumor‐associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration in NSCLC tissues via CCL5/CCR5 axis‐dependent intercellular crosstalk between tumor cells and macrophages, which is inhibited by blocking CD147‐K148me2 with the targeted antibody 12C8. Overall, this study reveals the role of CD147‐K148me2‐driven intercellular crosstalk in the development of NSCLC immunosuppression, and provides a potential interventional strategy for PTM‐targeted NSCLC therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational element doping is demonstrated as an effective strategy to optimize crystal stability and enhance the electronic conductivity of Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) to achieve a satisfactory sodium storage performance. However, unraveling the dopant selection principles is still a big challenge. Herein, the integrated crystal orbital Hamilton population (ICOHP) function is adopted to evaluate the strength of chemical bonds of N‐transition metals (N‐TM) and guide the dopant selection. Among the series of ICOHP values for N‐TM (TM = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn), the Cu─N bond exhibits the lowest ICOHP value, which indicates that Cu doping can improve the stability of PBAs compared to other dopants. Experimentally, among TM‐substituted Fe‐based PBAs (TMFeHCFs), the as‐prepared sample with 20 at.% Cu doping (CuFeHCF‐2) exhibits the best cycling performance, with a capacity retention of 83.5% after 400 cycles at 1 C, which is consistent with the theoretical calculation results. In addition, in situ XRD and in situ, Raman reveal a highly reversible monoclinic‐cubic two‐phase conversion and redox‐active pairs, respectively. This study provides valuable guidelines for dopant selection to enhance the performance of PBAs cathodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the climate goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, efficient electrochemical energy conversion devices are garnering increasing attention. However, the enhancement of electrochemical performance using noble metal electrocatalysts, along with cost reduction and electrode fabrication, remain significant challenges. Noble metal hybrid nanostructures, possessing multiple surface functionalities, lead to outstanding electrocatalytic performances and low‐cost potential. Strain effects can bolster the bonding strength between the noble metal layers and the substrate or core layers, while simultaneously affecting electrocatalytic performance through tuning the binding strength between catalytically active sites and reactants, including intermediates. This review encapsulates the research efforts directed towards improving the performance of noble metal electrocatalysts and provides an overview of the latest advancements in controlling the surface state of noble metals by incorporating a secondary component. We discuss systematic approaches to adjusting surface strain effects on noble metals, characterization techniques, and application case studies, while extracting key design indicators for readers to consider from a macroscopic perspective. Further, we outline the challenges encountered and current solutions when advancing noble metal catalysts from theoretical mechanisms to practical use. Finally, the perspectives on the future research of noble metal surface layer control techniques were also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sesquiterpene lactone artemisinin is an important anti‐malarial component produced by the glandular secretory trichomes of sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua L.). Light was previously shown to promote artemisinin production, but the underlying regulatory mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), a central transcription factor in the light signaling pathway, cannot promote artemisinin biosynthesis on its own, as the binding of AaHY5 to the promoters of artemisinin biosynthetic genes failed to activate their transcription. Transcriptome analysis and yeast two‐hybrid screening revealed the B‐box transcription factor AaBBX21 as a potential interactor with AaHY5. AaBBX21 showed a trichome‐specific expression pattern. Additionally, the AaBBX21–AaHY5 complex cooperatively activated transcription from the promoters of the downstream genes AaGSW1, AaMYB108, and AaORA, encoding positive regulators of artemisinin biosynthesis. Moreover, AaHY5 and AaBBX21 physically interacted with the A. annua E3 ubiquitin ligase CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1). In the dark, AaCOP1 decreased the accumulation of AaHY5 and AaBBX21 and repressed the activation of genes downstream of the AaHY5–AaBBX21 complex, explaining the enhanced production of artemisinin upon light exposure. Our study provides insights into the central regulatory mechanism by which light governs terpenoid biosynthesis in the plant kingdom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural sunlight‐driven conversion of CO2 into valuable C2+ products is urgently being pursued at ambient pressure, yet it poses a substantial challenge. Herein, a bifunctional Cu‐promoted CoFe alloy catalyst is designed for the natural light‐driven CO2 hydrogenation into light olefins. Under a weak solar‐irradiation intensity of 0.45 kW m−2 (0.45 sun), the optimal catalyst exhibits excellent activity and selectivity, with an impressive 73.7% selectivity for C2+ hydrocarbons and an outstanding 56.5% selectivity for C2‐4 olefins, which is the best catalyst for C2+ hydrocarbons photosynthesis from natural sunlight to date. The bifunctional design of the catalyst combines the advantages of both metallic Cu and CoFe alloy components, providing a synergistic effect that enhances the CO2 hydrogenation performance. The Cu promoter plays a crucial role in enhancing the adsorption of CO2 and hydrogen spillover, while the CoFe alloy provides a stable coupling site of the C1 intermediate for promoting the C2‐4 olefins. This study provides new insights into the design of bifunctional catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation and opens up new possibilities for sustainable production of light olefins from renewable resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controllable protein nanoarchitectonics refers to the process of manipulating and controlling the assembly of proteins at the nanoscale to achieve domain‐limited and accurate spatial arrangement. In nature, many proteins undergo precise self‐assembly with other structural domains to engage in synergistic physiological activities. Protein nanomaterials prepared through protein nanosizing have received considerable attention due to their excellent biocompatibility, low toxicity, modifiability, and versatility. This review focuses on the fundamental strategies used for controllable protein nanoarchitectinics, which include computational design, self‐assembly induction, template introduction, complexation induction, chemical modification, and in vivo assembly. Precise controlling of the nanosizing process has enabled the creation of protein nanostructures with different dimensions, including 0D spherical oligomers, 1D nanowires, nanorings, and nanotubes, as well as 2D nanofilms, and 3D protein nanocages. The unique biological properties of proteins hold promise for diverse applications of these protein nanomaterials, including in biomedicine, the food industry, agriculture, biosensing, environmental protection, biocatalysis, and artificial light harvesting. Protein nanosizing is a powerful tool for developing biomaterials with advanced structures and functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving optimal implant restoration hinges on both robust osseointegration as the structural foundation and favorable osseoperception for advanced masticatory function. The significance of nerve innervation in the peri‐implant environment as the cornerstone of osseointegration and osseoperception is often underestimated. Despite the integral role of endogenous electric fields (EFs) in the human body, particularly in electrosensitive tissues like nerve tissue, the current approach involving external electrical stimulation is invasive and not clinically applicable. The present study introduces a conductive hydrogel designed to respond to endogenous EFs, aiming to foster nerve regeneration around dental implants to coordinate both osseointegration and osseoperception. The hydrogel promotes neurite outgrowth by upregulating intracellular Ca2+ concentration and activating subsequent pathways. Furthermore, the enhanced release of neuropeptides from neurocells improves the osteogenesis of osteoblasts. The impact of the conductive hydrogel on osseointegration and osseoperception is also thoroughly investigated in vivo. This conductive hydrogel represents a unique strategy for enhancing osseointegration and osseoperception within the endogenous EFs of the peri‐implant environment. This advancement opens the door to achieving the physiological and psychological integration of dental implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Background Introduction Methods Results Discussion Conclusion Implications for nursing and health policy This study explores the influencing factors of attitudes and behaviors toward use of ChatGPT based on the Technology Acceptance Model among registered nurses in Taiwan.The complexity of medical services and nursing shortages increases workloads. ChatGPT swiftly answers medical questions, provides clinical guidelines, and assists with patient information management, thereby improving nursing efficiency.To facilitate the development of effective ChatGPT training programs, it is essential to examine registered nurses’ attitudes toward and utilization of ChatGPT across diverse workplace settings.An anonymous online survey was used to collect data from over 1000 registered nurses recruited through social media platforms between November 2023 and January 2024. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted for data analysis.Among respondents, some were unfamiliar with ChatGPT, while others had used it before, with higher usage among males, higher‐educated individuals, experienced nurses, and supervisors. Gender and work settings influenced perceived risks, and those familiar with ChatGPT recognized its social impact. Perceived risk and usefulness significantly influenced its adoption.Nurse attitudes to ChatGPT vary based on gender, education, experience, and role. Positive perceptions emphasize its usefulness, while risk concerns affect adoption. The insignificant role of perceived ease of use highlights ChatGPT's user‐friendly nature.Over half of the surveyed nurses had used or were familiar with ChatGPT and showed positive attitudes toward its use. Establishing rigorous guidelines to enhance their interaction with ChatGPT is crucial for future training.Nurse managers should understand registered nurses’ attitudes toward ChatGPT and integrate it into in‐service education with tailored support and training, including appropriate prompt formulation and advanced decision‐making, to prevent misuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic wound healing is a serious, complex, and chronic process; one current promising and focusing technology in this area is stem cell treatment. Here, novel porous microneedle (MN) arrays is fabricated, which can highly mimetic stem cell niches, through template filling, and particle etching method. The human adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) are encapsulated in Matrigel then loaded into the porous MN arrays by post‐perfusion. Because of the extracellular matrix‐mimicking, the biocompatible Matrigel offers a bionic microenvironment of stem cell nest suitable for growth. Benefiting from the numerous pore structures of MNs, the loaded ADSCs have enough space to fully absorb nutrients, proliferate greatly and exhibit prompted function. In addition, the cell‐loaded MN arrays have enough mechanical strength to penetrate the skin, allowing the ADSCs to get into the deep wound areas. Based on these features, the performance of the resultant MN arrays in promoting tissue regeneration is demonstrated, collagen deposition and angiogenesis in diabetes wounds of rat models. Thus, it is believe that the bioinspired porous MNs can act as excellent stem cell scaffolds and will find many practical values in clinic wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of alcohol‐associated diseases is multifactorial, mechanism of which involves metabolic alteration, dysregulated immune response, and a perturbed intestinal host‐environment interface. Emerging evidence has pinpointed the critical role of the intestinal host–microbiota interaction in alcohol‐induced injuries, suggesting its contribution to disease initiation and development. To maintain homeostasis in the gut, the intestinal mucosa serves as the first‐line defense against exogenous factors in the gastrointestinal tract, including dietary contents and the commensal microbiota. The gut‐epithelial barrier comprises a physical barrier lined with a single layer of intestinal epithelial cells and a chemical barrier with mucus trapping host regulatory factors and gut commensal bacteria. In this article, we review recent studies pertaining to the disrupted gut‐epithelial barrier upon alcohol exposure and examine how alcohol and its metabolism can affect the regulatory ability of intestinal epithelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is naturally common that different proportions of ramets in a clone lose rooting conditions due to habitat stress or obstacles, which potentially affects the overall growth of the clonal plant to different extents. However, so far, little attention has been paid to such phenomena and much less to the underlying ecological mechanisms. Taking Zoysia japonica as material, through an experiment with two nutrition levels in the habitats and five rooting ramet proportions in the clones, the impacts of proportions of rooting ramets in the clone on the overall growth were tested and the ecological mechanisms were analyzed. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the total clonal biomasses among the clones with five rooting ramet proportions under high and low nutrition levels, except for that with 0% rooting ramet proportion. Under both high and low nutrition levels, the lower rooting ramet proportions (0% and 25%) in the clones significantly decreased the number of the so‐called A‐ and B‐ramets, root biomass, stolon length per unit biomass, and root–shoot ratio, but significantly increased the stolon biomass of the clones. Stolon elongation was promoted under high nutrient level, and biomass allocations to stolons and roots increased under low nutrition levels. A‐ramet biomasses accounted for about 50% and 30% of the total biomasses of the whole clone under high and low nutrition levels, respectively. These results might be reasonably explained in terms of clonal integration, compensatory growth, division of labor, and bet‐hedging strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Galeruca daurica has become a new pest on the Inner Mongolia grasslands since an abrupt outbreak in 2009 caused serious damage. As a pupa indicator during insect metamorphosis, the early response gene of the ecdysone signaling pathway, Broad‐Complex (Br‐C), plays a vital role in the growth and development of insects. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs which mediate various biological activities, but it is unknown whether and how Br‐C is regulated by miRNAs. RESULTS: Temporal expression profiles revealed that miR‐285 and Br‐C basically displayed an opposite trend during larval–adult development, and Br‐C was sharply up‐regulated on the last day of final‐instar larvae while miR‐285 was significantly down‐regulated. Both dual‐luciferase reporter assay and miRNA–mRNA interaction assay indicated that miR‐285 interacts with the coding sequence of Br‐C and represses its expression. Not only overexpression but also downexpression of miR‐285 led to the failure of larval to pupal to adult metamorphosis. In addition, both overexpression of miR‐285 and silence of Br‐C inhibited the expression of Br‐C and other ecdysone signaling pathway genes, including E74, E75, ECR, FTZ‐F1, and HR3. On the contrary, suppressing miR‐285 obtained opposite results. Further experiments showed that 20‐hydroxyecdysone down‐regulated miR‐285 and up‐regulated Br‐C and above‐mentioned genes, whereas juvenile hormone alalogue (JHA) resulted in opposite effects. CONCLUSION: Our results reveal that miR‐285 is involved in mediating the metamorphosis in G. daurica by targeting Br‐C in the ecdysone signaling pathway. miR‐285 and its target Br‐C could be as a potential target for G. daurica management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vagus nerve circuit, operating through the alpha‐7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR), regulates the inflammatory response by influencing immune cells. However, the role of vagal‐α7 nAChR signaling in influenza virus infection is unclear. In particular, does vagal‐α7 nAChR signaling impact the infection of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs), the primary target cells of influenza virus? Here, we demonstrated a distinct role of α7 nAChR in type II AECs compared to its role in immune cells during influenza infection. We found that deletion of Chrna7 (encoding gene of α7 nAChR) in type II AECs or disruption of vagal circuits reduced lung influenza infection and protected mice from influenza‐induced lung injury. We further unveiled that activation of α7 nAChR enhanced influenza infection through PTP1B‐NEDD4L‐ASK1‐p38MAPK pathway. Mechanistically, activation of α7 nAChR signaling decreased p38MAPK phosphorylation during infection, facilitating the nuclear export of influenza viral ribonucleoproteins and thereby promoting infection. Taken together, our findings reveal a mechanism mediated by vagal‐α7 nAChR signaling that promotes influenza viral infection and exacerbates disease severity. Targeting vagal‐α7 nAChR signaling may offer novel strategies for combating influenza virus infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The potential harm associated with medication errors is widely reported, but data on actual harm are limited. When actual harm has been measured, assessment processes are often poorly described, limiting their ability to be reproduced by other studies. Our aim was to design and implement a new process to assess actual harm resulting from medication errors in paediatric inpatient care. Methods: Prescribing errors were identified through retrospective medical record reviews (n = 26 369 orders) and medication administration errors through direct observation (n = 5137 administrations) in a tertiary paediatric hospital. All errors were assigned potential harm severity ratings on a 5‐point scale. Multidisciplinary panels reviewed case studies for patients assigned the highest three potential severity ratings and determined the following: actual harm occurrence and severity level, plausibility of a link between the error(s) and identified harm(s) and a confidence rating if no harm had occurred. Results: Multidisciplinary harm panels (n = 28) reviewed 566 case studies (173 prescribing related and 393 administration related) and found evidence of actual harm in 89 (prescribing = 22, administration = 67). Eight cases of serious harm cases were found (prescribing = 1, administration = 7) and no cases of severe harm. The panels were very confident in 65% of cases (n = 302) where no harm was found. Potential and actual harm ratings varied. Conclusions: This harm assessment process provides a systematic method for determining actual harm from medication errors. The multidisciplinary nature of the panels was critical in evaluating specific clinical, therapeutic and contextual considerations including care delivery pathways, therapeutic dose ranges and drug–drug and drug–disease interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phase II trial has shown that the combination of Venetoclax (Ven) and intensive chemotherapy (IC) is effective and safe for patients with de novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The study enrolled 85 patients, with 94.1% achieving an overall response rate (ORR) and 91.8% achieving a composite complete response rate (cCR). The adverse effects and recovery time were consistent with previous reports, and the estimated 12-month overall survival (OS) rate was 82.2%. The study suggests that Ven combined with IC is a highly effective induction therapy for newly diagnosed AML patients. [Extracted from the article]

Si3N4 ceramics with high mechanical properties and thermal conductivity, exhibiting fine and bimodal microstructure, were prepared by adjusting the Er2O3/MgO ratio and hot‐pressing sintering at 1800°C for 4 h. The microstructure, grain distribution, lattice oxygen content, mechanical properties, and crack propagation process of the sintered bulk samples were systematically investigated. It was found that a low Er2O3/MgO ratio contributed to the densification of Si3N4 ceramics, whereas a high Er2O3/MgO ratio favored the grain growth of Si3N4 ceramics. In this research, the grain size distribution and average diameters as well as their impact on mechanical properties were examined. When the ratio of Er2O3/MgO was 3:1, Si3N4 had a larger average diameter and higher thermal conductivity, but the mechanical properties were somewhat reduced. When the ratio of Er2O3/MgO was 2:2, the sample displayed enhanced mechanical performance, which can be explained by the formation of a bimodal structure. The research indicates that it is feasible to control the microstructure and optimize the mechanical properties of Si3N4 ceramics by tailoring the sintering additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) significantly impacts morbidity and mortality, yet local PTE data remain scarce. In addition, there is a lack of evidence on cognitive comorbidity in individuals with PTE in the literature. We sought to identify potential PTE predictors and evaluate cognitive comorbidity in patients with PTE. Methods: A 2‐year retrospective cohort study was employed, in which adults with a history of admission for traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2019 and 2020 were contacted. Three hundred one individuals agreed to participate, with a median follow‐up time of 30.75 months. The development of epilepsy was ascertained using a validated tool and confirmed by our neurologists during visits. Clinical psychologists assessed the patients' cognitive performance. Results: The 2‐year cumulative incidence of PTE was 9.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.9–12.7). The significant predictors of PTE were identified as a previous history of brain injury [hazard ratio [HR] 4.025, p =.021], and intraparenchymal hemorrhage (HR: 2.291, p =.036), after adjusting for other confounders. TBI patients with PTE performed significantly worse on the total ACE‐III cognitive test (73.5 vs 87.0, p =.018), CTMT (27.5 vs 33.0, p =.044), and PSI (74.0 vs 86.0, p =.006) than TBI patients without PTE. A significantly higher percentage of individuals in the PTE group had cognitive impairment, compared to the non‐PTE group based on ACE‐III (53.6% vs 46.4%, p =.001) and PSI (70% vs 31.7%, p =.005) scores at 2 years post‐TBI follow‐up. Significance: This study emphasizes the link between TBI and PTE and the chance of developing cognitive impairment in the future. Clinicians can target interventions to prevent PTE by identifying specific predictors, which helps them make care decisions and develop therapies to improve patients' quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron nitride (BN) has garnered significant attention for its potential in developing thermally conductive materials owing to its inherent insulating properties and high thermal conductivity. However, achieving high thermal conductivity in bulk materials or 3D structures constructed by BN sheets has remained challenging. In this study, we present a novel approach to design a high‐quality BN fiber using xanthan gum (XG) as a skeleton, aiming to facilitate heat dissipation in integrated circuits. The resulting thermally conductive film, with orderly and compactly arranged BN sheets in the XG skeleton, exhibits a remarkable in‐plane thermal conductivity of 8.26 Wm−1 K−1 and an out‐of‐plane thermal conductivity of 1.35 Wm−1 K−1. This film efficiently enables fast heat dissipation for LED chips and thermoelectric generators. Finite element simulation further supports the efficient heat transfer capacity of the BN fiber films. Highlights: A high‐quality BN fiber was prepared by a facile approach.The BN fiber film exhibited high thermal conductivity.This film enables fast heat dissipation in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α is continuously synthesized and degraded in normoxia. During hypoxia, HIF1α stabilization restricts cellular/mitochondrial oxygen utilization. Cellular stressors can stabilize HIF1α even during normoxia. However, less is known about HIF1α function(s) and sex‐specific effects during normoxia in the basal state. Since skeletal muscle is the largest protein store in mammals and protein homeostasis has high energy demands, we determined HIF1α function at baseline during normoxia in skeletal muscle. Untargeted multiomics data analyses were followed by experimental validation in differentiated murine myotubes with loss/gain of function and skeletal muscle from mice without/with post‐natal muscle‐specific Hif1a deletion (Hif1amsd). Mitochondrial oxygen consumption studies using substrate, uncoupler, inhibitor, titration protocols; targeted metabolite quantification by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry; and post‐mitotic senescence markers using biochemical assays were performed. Multiomics analyses showed enrichment in mitochondrial and cell cycle regulatory pathways in Hif1a deleted cells/tissue. Experimentally, mitochondrial oxidative functions and ATP content were higher with less mitochondrial free radical generation with Hif1a deletion. Deletion of Hif1a also resulted in higher concentrations of TCA cycle intermediates and HIF2α proteins in myotubes. Overall responses to Hif1amsd were similar in male and female mice, but changes in complex II function, maximum respiration, Sirt3 and HIF1β protein expression and muscle fibre diameter were sex‐dependent. Adaptive responses to hypoxia are mediated by stabilization of constantly synthesized HIF1α. Despite rapid degradation, the presence of HIF1α during normoxia contributes to lower mitochondrial oxidative efficiency and greater post‐mitotic senescence in skeletal muscle. In vivo responses to HIF1α in skeletal muscle were differentially impacted by sex. Key points: Hypoxia‐inducible factor ‐1α (HIF1α), a critical transcription factor, undergoes continuous synthesis and proteolysis, enabling rapid adaptive responses to hypoxia by reducing mitochondrial oxygen consumption.In mammals, skeletal muscle is the largest protein store which is determined by a balance between protein synthesis and breakdown and is sensitive to mitochondrial oxidative function.To investigate the functional consequences of transient HIF1α expression during normoxia in the basal state, myotubes and skeletal muscle from male and female mice with HIF1α knockout were studied using complementary multiomics, biochemical and metabolite assays.HIF1α knockout altered the electron transport chain, mitochondrial oxidative function, signalling molecules for protein homeostasis, and post‐mitotic senescence markers, some of which were differentially impacted by sex.The cost of rapid adaptive responses mediated by HIF1α is lower mitochondrial oxidative efficiency and post‐mitotic senescence during normoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐rate dissolution process of Ti–48Al–2Cr–2Nb alloy in electrochemical machining exhibits strong nonlinear dynamic characteristics, but the quantitative relationship between these nonlinear characteristics and surface topography, as well as the electro‐dissolution mechanism, is unknown. Therefore, the fractal and recursive features of dissolution behavior and quantitative characterization of the dissolved surface topography were investigated. Additionally, an electro‐dissolution mechanism model in electrochemical machining process was presented. Applying a higher potential of 11 V can enhance the stability of the electrochemical system, resulting in a smoother and uniform surface. The saturation correlation dimension, surface roughness, and integral area of lacunarity initially decrease before increasing with higher electrolytic pressure, while laminarity and determinism show an initial increase followed by a decrease. These five characteristic parameters reach their optimal values at an electrolyte pressure of 0.4 MPa, indicating that achieving a stable and deterministic electrochemical system is crucial for obtaining a uniform smooth surface. These nonlinear dynamic characteristic parameters can be considered as in‐situ monitoring parameters for surface quality in ECM. The anodic dissolution process comprises three stages: initial passive film dissolution and breakdown, rapid dissolving with surface coarsening, and stable dissolving with polishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is critical for the development of multiple cancers. Previous studies have shown that the cell membrane is a key regulator of EGFR kinase activity through its interaction with the EGFR juxtamembrane domain (JM). However, the lipid recognition specificity of EGFR‐JM and its interaction details remain unclear. Using lipid strip and liposome pulldown assays, we showed that EGFR‐JM could specifically interact with PI(4,5)P2‐or phosphatidylserine‐containing membranes. We further characterized the JM–membrane interaction using NMR‐titration‐based chemical shift perturbation and paramagnetic relaxation enhancement analyses, and found that residues I649 − L659 comprised the membrane‐binding site. Furthermore, the membrane‐binding region contains the predicted dimerization motif of JM, 655LRRLL659, suggesting that membrane binding may affect JM dimerization and, therefore, regulate kinase activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Abnormal liver chemistries are common in Turner syndrome (TS). Guidelines suggest that TS patients undergo annual screening of liver enzymes, but the role of non‐invasive screening for steatosis and fibrosis is not clearly defined. We compared the prevalence of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis among TS patients to healthy controls using ultrasound with shear‐wave elastography (SWE) and assessed for risk factors associated with steatosis and fibrosis in TS. Methods: Prospective case–control study of TS versus control patients from 2019 to 2021. All patients underwent abdominal ultrasound with doppler and SWE to assess hepatic fibrosis and steatosis. Risk factors were compared between TS and controls, as well as within the TS group. Results: A total of 55 TS and 50 control patients were included. Mean age was 23.6 years vs. 24.6 years in the control group (p =.75). TS patients had significantly more steatosis (65% vs. 12%, stage 1 vs. 0, p <.0001) and fibrosis (39% vs. 2%, average Metavir F2 vs. F0, p <.00001) than controls. These findings remained significant after adjusting for body mass index (BMI) (p <.01). GGT is more sensitive than AST or ALT in identifying these changes. Conclusion: TS is associated with an increased prevalence of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis compared to healthy controls. Our findings suggest that serum GGT and ultrasound with SWE may help identify TS patients with liver disease. Early risk factor mitigation including timely oestrogen replacement, weight control, normalization of lipids and promoting multidisciplinary collaboration should be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Cry1Ab has emerged as a bio‐insecticide to control Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). However, the sublethal effects of Cry1Ab on the physiological changes and molecular level of S. litura have not been well documented. Our aims in this study were to assess the sublethal effect of Cry1Ab on S. litura, including midgut and Malpighian tubules as targets. RESULTS: After sublethal Cry1Ab exposure, distinct histological alterations were mainly observed in the midgut. Furthermore, the results of comparative RNA sequencing and tandem mass tag‐based proteomics showed that, in the midgut, most differential expression genes (DEGs) were up‐regulated and significantly enriched in the serine protease activity pathway, and up‐regulated differential expression proteins (DEPs) were mainly associated with the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, whereas the down‐regulated involved in the ribosome pathways. In the Malpighian tubules, DEGs and DEPs were significantly enriched in the ribosome pathway. We proposed that ribosome may act as a universal target in energy metabolism with other pathways via the results of protein–protein interaction analysis. Further, by verification of the mRNA expression of some Cry protein receptor and detoxification genes after Cry1Ab treatment, it was suggested that the ribosomal proteins (RPs) possibly participate in influencing the Bt‐resistance of S. litura larvae under sublethal Cry1Ab exposure. CONCLUSION: Under sublethal Cry1Ab exposure, the midgut of S. litura was damaged, and the proteotranscriptomic analysis elucidated that Cry1Ab disrupted the energy homeostasis of larvae. Furthermore, we emphasized the potential role of ribosomes in sublethal Cry1Ab exposure. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper endeavors to examine the interplay between information sharing and distribution mode in the context of low carbon, while considering the cap‐and‐trade. The findings indicate that under the non‐information sharing, the manufacturer tends to opt for the reselling mode when the carbon price is high; under the information sharing, the manufacturer is inclined towards the reselling mode when both the carbon price and investment cost coefficient are high. Interestingly, we find that the information sharing decision of the platform triggers an induced effect on the distribution mode selection of the manufacturer, and this effect is bi‐directional and conditional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Blood and urine are the most common culture testing for sepsis patients. This study aimed to compare clinical characteristics and outcomes of sepsis patients by blood and urine culture positivity and to identify factors associated with positive cultures. Methods: This retrospective study included patients aged ≥16 years with sepsis identified by the Sepsis‐3 criteria presenting to the emergency department at four hospitals between 2017 and 2019 in Australia. Patient clinical outcomes were in‐hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospital length of stay, and representation following discharge. Four culture groups were defined based on the positivity of blood cultures (BC) and urine cultures (UC) ordered within 24 h of triage. Results: Of 4109 patient encounters with sepsis, 2730 (66%) were nonbacteremic, urine culture‐negative (BC−UC−); 767 (19%) nonbacteremic, urine culture‐positive (BC−UC+); 359 (9%) bacteremic, urine culture‐negative (BC+UC−); and 253 (6%) bacteremic, urine culture‐positive (BC+UC+). Compared with BC−UC− patients, BC+UC− patients had the highest risk of ICU admission (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 95% CI: 1.60 [1.18–2.18]) while BC−UC+ patients had lowest risk (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.56 [0.41–0.76]). BC+UC− patients had the highest risk of 3‐day representation (AOR: 1.51 [1.02–2.25]) and second longest hospital stay (adjusted relative risk 1.17 [1.03–1.34]). Antibiotic administration before sample collection for culture was associated with lower odds of positive blood or urine culture results (AOR: 0.38, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Enhanced clinical care should be beneficial for nongenitourinary sepsis patients (BC+UC−) who had the highest comparative risk of adverse clinical outcomes. Every effort needs to be made to collect relevant culture samples before antibiotic administration, to follow up on culture results, and tailor treatment accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Pesticide isomers are widely available in agricultural production and may vary widely in biological activity, potency, and toxicity. Chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis of pesticide isomers is challenging due to structural similarities. Methods: Based on liquid chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, identification of cis–trans isomeric pesticides was achieved through retention time, characteristic fragment ions, and relative abundance ratio. Furthermore, theoretical and basic research has been conducted on the differences in characteristic fragment ions and their relative abundance ratios of cis–trans isomers. On the one hand, the cleavage pathways of six cis–trans isomers were elucidated through collision‐induced dissociation to explain different fragment ions of the isomers. On the other hand, for those with the same fragment ions but different abundance ratios, energy‐resolved mass spectrometry combined with computational chemical density functional theory in terms of kinetics, thermodynamics, and bond lengths was employed to explain the reasons for the differences in characteristic fragment ions and their abundance ratios. Results: A high‐resolution mass spectrometry method was developed for the separation and analysis of cis–trans isomers of pesticides in traditional Chinese medicine Radix Codonopsis, and six pesticide isomers were distinguished by retention time, product ions, and relative abundance ratios. The limits of quantification of the six pesticides were up to 10 μg/kg, and the linear ranges of them were 10–200 μg/kg, with coefficients of determination (R2) > 0.99, which demonstrated the good linearity of the six pesticides. The recoveries of the pesticides at spiked concentrations of 10, 20, and 100 μg/kg reached 70–120% with relative standard deviations ≤20%. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that the application of the method was well suited for accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis for isomers with different structures, which could avoid false‐negative results caused by ignoring other isomers effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chiral P,N,N‐ligands represented a new type of tridentate ligand developed in recent years and displayed wide utilities in asymmetric catalysis. In the past decades, numerous chiral P,N,N‐ligands with ferrocene, phenethylamine and spiro backbones were synthesized by addition of an aminopyridine, imidazole or diamines coordinating group. These chiral tridentate P,N,N‐ligands showed excellent performance in the ruthenium, iridium, manganese, or cobalt‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenations. A wide range of substrates, including simple ketones, α‐halogenated ketones, α‐hydroxy ketones, α‐ or β‐amino keto‐ ones, α‐, γ‐, or δ‐keto acids, α‐ or β‐keto amides, β‐ or δ‐keto esters, α‐ or β‐enones, olefins, imines, quinolines and indoles, could be hydrogenated to afford the corresponding chiral products with high yields and enantioselectivities. In this review, progress on the asymmetric hydrogenation of C=O, C=N, C=C bonds with chiral tridentate P,N,N‐ligands was summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate point‐of‐care testing (POC) of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) can efficiently promote its rational use in the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic diseases but still remain a key challenge. Herein, a peptide‐derived supramolecular self‐assembly system is reported for ultrasensitive and visual detection of LMWH. Two different peptides are designed and modified by gold nanocluster (AuNC) and tetraphenylethene (TPE), respectively, to co‐assemble into nanoparticles, enabling the loading and co‐recognition of LMWH. Owing to two‐wavelength emission from the co‐assemblies at 624 and 460 nm that is highly sensitive to LMWH, such assemblies realize ratio‐type detection of LMWH. The sensitivity of the AuNC‐peptide to LMWH significantly increases when co‐assembling with TPE‐peptide, while that of TPE‐peptide maintains in a high level, enabling a balanced and ultrahigh sensitivity of both two fluorophores. Such self‐assemblies reach an extreme limit of detection of 0.0004 IU mL−1 and realize dramatic fluorescence color change when loading trace concentration of LMWH, which can be simply distinguished by naked‐eye. Thus, by preparing Pep2@AuNC/TPE‐Pep1 test strips the POC testing of LMWH in real thrombus patient samples has achieved. It provides a promising tool for on‐site and real‐time monitoring of anticoagulation therapy to guide LMWH titration into the therapeutic window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic fibrosis (PF) is primarily characterized by aberrant production and degradation modes of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, resulting from the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and the pathological cross‐linking of ECM mediated by lysyl oxidase (LOX) family members. The excessively deposited ECM increases matrix stiffness, and the over‐accumulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) induces oxidative stress, which further stimulates the continuous activation of PSCs and advancing PF; challenging the strategy toward normalizing ECM homeostasis for the regression of PF. Herein, ROS‐responsive and Vitamin A (VA) decorated micelles (named LR‐SSVA) to reverse the imbalanced ECM homeostasis for ameliorating PF are designed and synthesized. Specifically, LR‐SSVA selectively targets PSCs via VA, thereby effectively delivering siLOXL1 and resveratrol (RES) into the pancreas. The ROS‐responsive released RES inhibits the overproduction of ECM by eliminating ROS and inactivating PSCs, meanwhile, the decreased expression of LOXL1 ameliorates the cross‐linked collagen for easier degradation by collagenase which jointly normalizes ECM homeostasis and alleviates PF. This research shows that LR‐SSVA is a safe and efficient ROS‐response and PSC‐targeted drug‐delivery system for ECM normalization, which will propose an innovative and ideal platform for the reversal of PF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wavefront sensor is a crucial component in the adaptive optics system (AOS), responsible for detecting aberrated wavefronts. However, The Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor with single‐pitch microlens array is limited in its adaptability to different observing conditions, affecting wavefront reconstruction accuracy. And conventional microlens arrays are wavelength‐specific. Here, a polarization‐dependent pitch‐switchable metalens array based on non‐interleaved silicon metasurfaces is proposed, capable of working at multiple wavelengths. By controlling the incident and outgoing light polarization, three metalens arrays with customized pitches can be switched at will. Furthermore, achromatic performance is achieved in the 950 nm and 1030 nm wavelengths through structural dispersion engineering. Finally, wavefront detection experiments are finally conducted to demonstrate the phase reconstruction with variable spatial resolution. The metalens array with high flexibility in wavefront sensor can further enhance the adaptability of AOS and has great potential for applications in light‐field imaging, and machine vision, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Sepsis‐associated encephalopathy (SAE) is manifested as a spectrum of disturbed cerebral function ranging from mild delirium to coma. However, the pathogenesis of SAE has not been clearly elucidated. Astrocytes play important roles in maintaining the function and metabolism of the brain. Most recently, it has been demonstrated that disorders of lipid metabolism, especially lipid droplets (LDs) dyshomeostasis, are involved in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate whether LDs are involved in the underlying mechanism of SAE. Methods: The open field test, Y‐maze test, and contextual fear conditioning test (CFCT) were used to test cognitive function in SAE mice. Lipidomics was utilized to investigate alterations in hippocampal lipid metabolism in SAE mice. Western blotting and immunofluorescence labeling were applied for the observation of related proteins. Results: In the current study, we found that SAE mice showed severe cognitive dysfunction, including spatial working and contextual memory. Meanwhile, we demonstrated that lipid metabolism was widely dysregulated in the hippocampus by using lipidomic analysis. Furthermore, western blotting and immunofluorescence confirmed that LDs accumulation in hippocampal astrocytes was involved in the pathological process of cognitive dysfunction in SAE mice. We verified that LDs can be inhibited by specifically suppress hypoxia‐inducible lipid droplet‐associated protein (HILPDA) in astrocytes. Meanwhile, cognitive dysfunction in SAE was ameliorated by reducing A1 astrocyte activation and inhibiting presynaptic membrane transmitter release. Conclusion: The accumulation of astrocytic lipid droplets plays a crucial role in the pathological process of SAE. HILPDA is an attractive therapeutic target for lipid metabolism regulation and cognitive improvement in septic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, the possibility of two complete conversions is investigated, one is from the two‐photon hyperentangled Knill–Laflamme–Milburn (KLM) state to hyperentangled Bell states, the other is from three‐photon KLM state to the hyperentangled Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger states, for photonic systems hyper‐encoded in polarization and spatial degrees of freedom assisted by error‐heralded quantum units (EHQUs). The system inhomogeneity and/or the imperfect photon scattering often restrict the performance of effective conversions of two types of hyperentangled states, and result in the reductions of the fidelity and the efficiency in tangible quantum information technologies. The polarization EHQU and spatial EHQU are two critical tools for actualizing two hyperentangled conversions in a heralded way, as the errors stemming from the system inhomogeneity and practically imperfect scattering are converted into efficacious responses of the detectors in our protocols. Thus, the fidelities of these conversion cases keep unchanged and have close to unity fidelities, which deepen the understanding of the properties of hyperentanglement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Study: As flipped learning is a flexible pedagogical methodology to tailor students' needs and maximize the learning effects, this study integrated peer learning with MosoTeach‐supported flipped mode in an undergraduate blended EFL course. MosoTeach is a popular online learning platform in China with a variety of learning resources. Objectives: The study aimed to test the impact of MosoTeach flipped learning (MTFL) mode on undergraduate EFL students' perceived motivation, participation, feedback, and test performance. Methods: A quasi‐experimental design was carried out in Z university during the spring semester of 2020, with the experimental group (n = 34) adopting the MTFL model and a control group (n = 33) the non‐flipped mode. Results and Conclusions: The independent t‐test results showed that the experimental MTFL group outperformed the control group in post‐test scores, and a positive correlation was found in the relationship between the experimental MTFL group's post‐test scores and MosoTeach learning experience points (LEPs). Moreover, the course perception questionnaire survey indicated a higher level of students' perceived motivation, participation, and feedback in the experimental MTFL group, which corresponded to the results of the content analysis of students' responses to open‐ended questions and reflective reports. But students in both groups experienced challenges such as isolation, procrastination and technological anxiety. Lay Description: What is currently known about this topicFlipped language learning is mostly reported to be effective in improving EFL learning.Peer learning is mostly reported to be effective in improving EFL learning.MosoTeach was investigated in English learning contexts before, but without experimental design. What this paper addsMosoTeach proved as a valid online learning platform in flipped language learning, and the learning experience points (LEPs) on MosoTeach could predict students' exam performance.Students in the experimental group (MosoTeach‐supported flipped) had better exam performance and a higher level of motivation, participation and feedback.Students in both groups experienced isolation, procrastination and technological anxiety. Implications for practice:Peer discussion boards in MosoTeach provide learning support effectively for students in pre‐class learning.Group projects and peer assessment in MosoTeach integrate pre‐class peer discussion into in‐class interaction successfully.MosoTeach provides equal opportunity for every student in the large‐size Chinese English classes, thus contributing to the equity of in‐class peer interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivity in individual immunologic and nucleic acid tests (NAT) tests does not represent the true infectious status of the blood donor. This study discusses the use of confirmatory tests to determine when deferral of blood donors is appropriate. Methods: HBsAg or HBV NAT reactive samples were confirmed via a neutralisation test. All the HBsAg reactive but neutralisation test negative samples were subjected to further anti‐HBc testing. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to obtain the best threshold value using signal‐to‐cut‐off ratios of two HBsAg enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay reagents. Results: Of the 780 HBV reactive samples collected, there were 467 HBsAg reactive but HBV DNA negative samples, of which 65 (13.92%) and 402 (86.08%) were neutralisation test positive and negative, respectively. Of the 402, 91 samples (30% of tested samples) were anti‐HBc reactive. HBV DNA positive specimens negative by virus neutralisation were >80% HBcAg positive. A screening strategy was proposed for Chinese blood collection agencies. Conclusion: These findings suggest that adopting a screening algorithm for deferring HBV reactive blood donors based on HBsAg and NAT testing followed with HBsAg S/CO consideration and HBcAg testing can be both safe and feasible in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Quantitative sensory testing is widely used in clinical and research settings to assess the sensory functions of healthy subjects and patients. It is of importance to establish normative values in a healthy population to provide reference for studies involving patients. Given the absence of normative values for pain thresholds in Taiwan, the aim of this study was to report the normative values for future reference in the Taiwanese population and compare the differences between male and female participants. Methods: Healthy adults without any chronic or acute pain condition were recruited. The pain thresholds were assessed over the cephalic (supraorbital area and masseter muscle) and extracephalic (medio‐volar forearm and thenar eminence) areas. The heat, cold, mechanical punctate, and pressure pain thresholds were measured with a standardized protocol. Comparisons between male and female participants were performed. Results: One hundred and thirty healthy participants (55 males: 30.4 ± 7.4 years; 75 females: 30.5 ± 8.1 years) finished the assessments. Male participants were less sensitive to mechanical stimuli, including pressure over masseter muscle (male vs. female: 178.5 ± 56.7 vs. 156.6 ± 58.4 kPa, p =.034) and punctate over medio‐volar forearm (male vs. female: 116.4 ± 45.2 vs. 98.7 ± 65.4 g, p =.011), compared to female participants. However, female participants were less sensitive to cold stimuli, indicated by lower cold pain thresholds over the supraorbital area (male vs. female: 18.6 ± 8.4 vs. 13.6 ± 9.3°C, p =.004), compared to male participants. No significant differences were found between sexes in other pain threshold parameters. Conclusions: We provided the normative values of healthy male and female adults in Taiwan. This information is crucial for comparison in future pain‐related studies to identify potential hypoalgesia or hyperalgesia of tested subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time‐delayed reservoir computing with marked strengths of friendly hardware implementation and low training cost is regarded as a promising solution to realize time and energy‐efficient time series information processing and thus receives growing attention. However, achieving a sufficient number of reproducible reservoir states remains a significant challenge, which severely limits its computing performance. Here, an electric‐double‐layer‐coupled oxide‐based electrolyte‐gated transistor with a shared gate and varying channel lengths is developed to construct a deep time‐delayed reservoir computing system. A variety of short‐term synaptic responses related to inherent ion‐electron‐coupled dynamics at the electrolyte/channel interface are demonstrated, reflecting a flexibly regulable channel current. Different stable and tunable relaxation responses corresponding to varying channel lengths are obtained to enrich reservoir states combined with virtual nodes ways. The spoken‐digit classification and Hénon map prediction tasks are implemented with high accuracy (≈92.2%) and ultralow normalized root mean square error (≈0.013), respectively, validating the significant improvement of the computing performance by introducing additional relaxation responses. This work opens a promising pathway in exploiting oxide‐based electrolyte‐gated transistors for realizing temporal information processing hardware systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]