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Abstract Identifying deposits of modern/historical and prehistorical tsunamis in Taiwan has been successful in the past two decades and has substantially increased the extant tsunami catalogs, which have been limited in the past four centuries due to scarce and ambiguous historical accounts. In this review, the initiation of the investigation is briefly discussed, partly in response to the latest catastrophic tsunamis in the Indo-Pacific and the stimulated public concern in Taiwan. Major developments and results of the investigation include the onset of the first stage before 2010, with findings in Keelung, the eastern coast, and Lanyu Island, and the second/ongoing stage after 2013, with findings in the northern and eastern coasts and Penghu Islands. These findings contributed to validating the debated historical events, expanding the event number and time span of the tsunami catalog, and elaborating on tsunami processes, which collectively enabled the delineation of the recurrence time intervals between events. Limitations, uncertainty, further contributions, and feedback are discussed including insights into the regional western Pacific hazards of tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions; the principles of recognizing tsunami deposits and processes; and the propositions of future studies and hazard mitigations in Taiwan.

Insufficient vitamin D levels in the bloodstream, together with the presence of specific genetic variations known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the VDR gene, have consistently been linked to a higher likelihood of contracting and experiencing more severe forms of various diseases such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to explore the potential relationship between vitamin D levels, Bsml and FOKI polymorphisms, and COVID-19 infection outcomes. A case-control study was conducted with COVID-19 patients and a control group of non-COVID-19 patients (n = 107 each). The associations between vitamin D status, polymorphisms, and COVID susceptibility were investigated. Participants diagnosed with COVID-19 exhibited an average age of 48.84 ± 12.18, while non-COVID-19 patients had an average age of 46.82 ± 9.903. Disease severity, assessed by the CT severity score, showed a negative correlation with the Vitamin D levels. Among participants with COVID-19, the mean level of vitamin D was 35.25 ± 9.40 ng/mL while non-COVID-19 patients showed 38.85 ± 9.40 ng/mL with a significant difference (p = 0.004**) although among COVID-19 cases, 87 (81.3%) individuals had sufficient vitamin D levels and non-severity of disease was more common i.e. 54 (50.5%) among the COVID patients who had sufficient level of Vitamin D. The study found no significant association between Vitamin D levels and rs1544410 Bsml polymorphism (p = 0.429). However, it is important to highlight a weak significant association observed between with Fok1 polymorphism (p = 0.049). These findings underscore the weak influence of genetic factors, particularly VDR Fok1 gene variants, in shaping an individual’s susceptibility to COVID-19. A significant difference in vitamin D status was observed between the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups and lower level was observed in the COVID-19 infected patients. Furthermore, a weak significant association was observed between Fok1 rs2228570 genotype and COVID-19 susceptibility. Larger sample sizes are required to comprehensively understand the association between different genotypes and COVID-19 outcomes.

Many autistic college students struggle with academics, mental health, and career development. Despite a proliferation of peer mentoring programs, there is little consensus as to what approaches are effective and even less published data on the impact of such programs on student outcomes. The purpose of this review is to describe peer mentoring programs for autistic college students and understand whether they are improving outcomes. The search identified 21 articles, with half reporting student outcomes data. Most programs provided weekly one-on-one mentoring individualized to student needs and offered additional supports (e.g., social skills group). Among them, three tracked academic outcomes, three reported non-academic outcomes, and one followed both academic and non-academic outcomes.

Prevalence estimates suggest that up to 20% of students in schools experience significant internalizing behaviors that impact behavioral, social, or academic functioning. School-based interventions have great potential to promote student mental health; however, validated and feasible brief assessments are needed to progress monitor students' responses to these supports. The purpose of the current study was twofold: to (a) develop and validate teacher-completed brief rating scales for progress monitoring internalizing concerns in elementary-age students and (b) determine the reliability of the resultant measures. First, item content was generated and subjected to evaluation by two panels of school-based consumers and researchers. Within the second phase of development, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to reduce the initial number of items and ensure that the items were indicators of one latent factor. Teachers in Grades K-3 (N = 307) each completed ratings for one randomly selected student in their classroom. Results of factor analysis for each scale indicated one-factor solutions for the 4-item Anxious/Depressed ([omega] = 0.88) and 4-item Socially Withdrawn ([omega] = 0.87) scales. [For the corresponding grantee submission, see ED614791.]

BackgroundThe HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 083 trial showed that long-acting injectable cabotegravir was more effective than tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine in preventing HIV in cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men. We aimed to characterise the cohort of transgender women included in HPTN 083.MethodsHPTN 083 is an ongoing, phase 2b/3, randomised, multicentre, double-blind, double-dummy clinical trial done at 43 sites in seven countries (Argentina, Brazil, Peru, the USA, South Africa, Thailand, and Viet Nam). HIV-negative participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive injectable cabotegravir or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine. The study design and primary outcomes of the blinded phase of HPTN 083 have already been reported. An enrolment minimum of 10% transgender women was set for the trial. Here we characterise the cohort of transgender women enrolled from Dec 6, 2016, to May 14, 2020, when the study was unblinded. We report sociodemographic characteristics, use of gender affirming hormone therapy, and behavioural assessments of the transgender women participants. Laboratory testing and safety evaluations are also reported. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02720094.FindingsHPTN 083 enrolled 570 transgender women (304 tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine; 266 injectable cabotegravir). Transgender women were primarily from Asia (225 [39%]) and Latin America (205 [36%]); 330 (58%) reported using gender affirming hormone therapy. Intimate partner violence was common (270 [47%] reported emotional abuse and 172 [30%] reported physical abuse) and 323 (57%) reported a history of childhood sexual abuse. 159 (28%) transgender women disagreed that they were at risk for HIV, and 142 (25%) screened positive for depressive symptoms. During study follow-up, incidence of syphilis was 16·25% (95% CI 13·28-19·69), rectal gonorrhoea was 11·66% (9·14-14·66), and chlamydia was 20·61% (17·20-24·49). Frequency of adverse events was similar between the treatment groups. Nine seroconversions occurred among transgender women during the blinded phase of the study (seven in the tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine group and two in the injectable cabotegravir group); overall incidence was 1·19 per 100 person-years (95% CI 0·54-2·25): 1·80 per 100 person-years (0·73-3·72) in the tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine group and 0·54 per 100 person-years (0·07-1·95) in the injectable cabotegravir group (hazard ratio 0·34 [95% CI 0·08-1·56]). Cabotegravir concentrations did not differ by gender affirming hormone therapy use.InterpretationHIV prevention strategies for transgender women cannot be addressed separately from social and structural vulnerabilities. Transgender women were well represented in HPTN 083 and should continue to be prioritised in HIV prevention studies. Our results suggest that injectable cabotegravir is a safe and effective pre-exposure prophylaxis option for transgender women.FundingNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and ViiV Healthcare.

Cardiac tumours can be classified as neoplastic or non-neoplastic, with secondary tumours being significantly more common than primary ones. Among secondary tumours, melanoma has the highest propensity for cardiac involvement. Pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) is a rare skin neoplasm, with an estimated metastatic risk of 10% to 20%. This report presents the case of a 52-year-old male who, after a history of PDS, developed cardiac metastasis 4 years postexcision. Despite clear surgical margins and adjuvant radiotherapy, he later exhibited metastatic disease affecting the lungs and heart. Advanced imaging revealed tumour invasion into the left atrium, leading to palliative chemotherapy and ultimately the patient's transition to palliative care 7 months after diagnosis. This case underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring potential metastasis in rare tumours like PDS.

The Ramganga River basin, comprising three rivers, the Dhela, Dhandi, and Ramganga, plays a vital role in groundwater recharge, sustaining numerous industries, urban areas, and rural communities reliant on these rivers for daily activities. The study’s primary purpose was to analyze the groundwater quality in the context of potability, irrigation, and health risks to the local inhabitants of the Ramganga River basin. In 2021–2022, 52 samples (26 × 2) were collected from 13 locations in two different seasons, i.e., pre-monsoon and post-monsoon, and 20 physico-chemical and heavy metal and metalloids were analyzed using the standard protocols. The result shows that heavy metal and metalloids and metalloid concentrations of Zn (0.309–1.787 and 0.613–1.633); Fe (0.290–0.965 and 0.253–1.720), Cd (0.001–0.002 and 0.001–0.002); As (0.001–0.002 and 0.001–0.002), Cr (0.009–0.027 and 0.011–0.029), and Pb (−0.001–0.010 and 0.00–0.010) values in mg/L are present in both seasons. The groundwater quality index (GWQI), heavy metal pollution Index (HPI), and heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) were used to assess the water quality and metal pollution in the basin area. As per GWQI values, water quality lies from excellent water quality (41.639 and 43.091) to good water quality (56.326 and 53.902); as per HPI values, it shows good (29.51 and 30.03) to poor quality (60.26 and 59.75) and HEI values show the low-level contamination (1.03–2.57 and 1.13–3.37) of heavy metal and metalloids in both seasons. According to the potential health risk assessment, infants show low risk in pre-monsoon and low risk to medium post-monsoon, while children and adults show low risk to high risk in both seasons. From the health risk perspective, it shows that children and adults have more concerns about non-carcinogenic effects, so adequate remedial measures and treatment are required to avoid the groundwater quality of the Ramganga River basin.

Serological tests have an important and irreplaceable role in the diagnosis of infectious diseases, both for individual patients and society. They indirectly identify the causative pathogen through the capture of antibodies, which contrasts with the direct detection by antigen and molecular biology tests that are also limited to active infections. Within point-of-care platforms, serodiagnostic assays can support immediate decisions in patient care and contain the spread of disease as they do not require highly trained personnel or dedicated infrastructure. By employing serodiagnosis, health officials can proactively respond and eliminate emerging health risks. Larger sample numbers can be screened in other formats for surveillance as well as securing donated blood supplies. Furthermore, an assay can be designed to detect any immunoglobulin from IgM to IgG and its subclasses, to IgA and IgE. However, most serological assays employ natural proteins as the defining antibody-capturing reagent, which compromises their performance by limiting the two critical parameters of a serodiagnostic test: specificity and sensitivity. To surpass this natural limitation, we have repurposed the β-barrel of fluorescent proteins to receive epitope sequences that dependably produce high-performing designer immunological reagents. Consequently, serodiagnosis can be conducted more accurately at a lower cost.

Georgie M Massen,1 Olivia Blamires,2,* Megan Grainger,2,* Max Matta,2,* Rachel Monica Gyemfuah Twumasi,2,* Tanvi Joshi,2,* Alex Laity,2,* Elena Nakariakova,2,* Thilaksana Thavaranjan,2,* Aziz Sheikh,3 Jennifer K Quint1 1School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; 2Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK; 3Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Georgie M Massen, Imperial College, Level 9, Sir Michael Uren Hub, 86 Wood Lane, White City, W12 0BZ, London, UK, Tel +44 7447104872, Email g.massen21@imperial.ac.ukBackground: Routinely collected electronic healthcare records (EHRs) document many details of a person’s health, including demographics, preventive services, symptoms, tests, disease diagnoses and prescriptions. Although not collected for research purposes, these data provide a wealth of information which can be incorporated into epidemiological investigations, and records can be analysed to understand a range of important health questions. We aimed to understand the use of routinely collected health data in epidemiological studies relating to three of the most common chronic respiratory conditions, namely: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD). We also characterised studies using EHR data to investigate respiratory diseases more generally, relative to cardiovascular disease and COVID-19, to understand trends in the use of these data.Methods: We conducted a search of the Scopus database, to identify original research articles (irrespective of date) which used data from one of the following most frequently used UK EHR databases: Clinical Practice Research Datalink (including General Practice Research Database (CPRD’s predecessor)), The Health Improvement Network and QResearch, defined through the presence of keywords. These databases were selected as they had been previously included in the works of Vezyridis and Timmons.Findings: A total of 716 manuscripts were included in the analysis of the three chronic respiratory conditions. The majority investigated either asthma or COPD, whilst only 28 manuscripts investigated ILD. The number of publications has increased for respiratory conditions over the past 10 years (888% increase from 2000 to 2022) but not as much as for cardiovascular diseases (1105%). These data have been used to investigate comorbidities, off-target effects of medication, as well as assessing disease incidence and prevalence. Most papers published across all three domains were in journals with an impact factor less than 10.Plain Language Summary: When people go to healthcare services such as the GP or hospital, details of the encounter are recorded in electronic systems known as electronic healthcare records. Information which is recorded can include symptoms, diagnoses, tests performed and ordered and prescriptions. We looked to understand how these records were being used to conduct epidemiological research, specifically in three respiratory conditions (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and interstitial lung diseases). We analysed information from 716 research papers which investigated one of these three conditions, we also looked more broadly at papers using electronic healthcare records for respiratory, cardiovascular and COVID-19 research. We found that research (published within articles) into these conditions has significantly increased in the past decade, however more research has been published with respect to cardiovascular diseases. We have shown that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, electronic healthcare records were used extensively to conduct research into this new virus. Research is regularly conducted using electronic healthcare records, to understand diseases as well as treatments, more research is published in cardiovascular diseases than respiratory diseases.Keywords: electronic health records, COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, interstitial lung disease, ILD

Introduction: High-grade treatment-emergent neuroendocrine prostate cancer (T-NEPC) is a rare subtype of prostate cancer with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. Understanding biomarkers that influence the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (IO) is vital to form a better therapeutic arsenal for these patients. Case Presentation: We describe an impressive response to IO combination immunotherapy with ipilimumab plus nivolumab (Ipi/nivo) in a patient with T-NEPC who had failed standard treatment approaches. The patient was showing signs of a rapid decline in quality of life despite his prostate-specific antigen levels remaining undetectable and had no previous response to standard therapies. The results of the next-generation sequencing DNA analysis demonstrated the presence of intermediary tumor burden, an ATM mutation and a rare SF3B1 (G742D) mutation, and served as rational for IO therapy in this patient. Conclusions: This case highlights the genetic profile of tumor with a rare combination of ATM and SF3B1 mutations that could be further explored as biomarkers for IO therapy in T-NEPC and other tumor types.

Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are struggling writers. Yet no comprehensive model has been validated to explain their poor writing outcomes. This study aims to test whether an extended version of the Not-So-Simple View of Writing (NSVW) model can describe the effects of key abilities on writing performance in students with ADHD. The sample included students with and without ADHD who completed cognitive and academic measures in the Colorado Twin Project. A Multi-Group Structural Equation Model approach revealed that multiple broad cognitive abilities predicted student writing performance and basic writing skills predicted more advanced writing skills. Model fit was excellent both for a model with writing as a single latent variable (fully latent) and as interrelated manifest variables (partially latent). Furthermore, students with and without ADHD demonstrated comparable patterns of relationships among the variables in the model. Implications for the assessment of writing difficulties in students with ADHD are discussed.

In this article, we discuss the methodological implications of data and theory integration for Theory-Based Evaluation (TBE). TBE is a family of approaches to program evaluation that use program theories as instruments to answer questions about whether, how, and why a program works. Some of the groundwork about TBE has expressed the idea that a proper program theory should specify the intervening mechanisms underlying the program outcome. In the present article, we discuss in what way data and theory integration can help evaluators in constructing and refining mechanistic program theories. The paper argues that a mechanism is both a network of entities and activities and a network of counterfactual relations. Furthermore, we argue that although data integration typically provides information about different parts of a program, it is the integration of theory that provides the most important mechanistic insights.

Conducting K-12 outreach programs on university or college campuses focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines is an essential part of the multifaceted effort for preparing future generations of engineers and scientists. However, the lack of structured frameworks to design and deliver activities and programs that maximize potential impacts poses a challenge. This case study contributes to filling this gap by presenting a six-step adaptable pedagogical framework whose intent is to provide meaningful structure for on-campus STEM outreach activities that emphasize collaborative, hands-on learning experiences for pre-college students. Successful implementation of the framework is demonstrated through the design of a civil engineering workshop on sustainable and hazard-resistant earth masonry, and its evaluation through the analysis of the feedback of 85 participants from three summer workshops for high school students between 2017 and 2019.

The recent pandemic compelled educational institutions all over the world to shift to online instruction. And now institutions find themselves trying to answer questions like how should we proceed when we come back to normal? Which online instructional innovations should we keep? This research attempts to answer those questions by comparing three modes of instruction: in-class, synchronous, and asynchronous for the same course during a semester taught by one instructor. The research analyzes responses from students on the following instructional characteristics: instructor involvement, interaction amongst students, interaction with instructor, course design, student satisfaction and learning experience. Survey data is analyzed using a repeated measures design with pairwise comparisons to understand the differences in students' perceptions of instructional characteristics across these modes. The study also explores differences in actual learning outcomes. Results showed that students overwhelmingly perceived all instructional characteristics to be better facilitated with in-class instruction than with either of the online modes, except for course design which showed no significant differences. It is also seen that students perceive synchronous and asynchronous instruction to have many parallels. Commentary from students suggests that online instructional practice may need a shift, not just in technology improvement, but also in pedagogical design. Students noted that with the shift to online instructional modes, they would like to see increased flexibility, willingness to personalize support, and timely responses.

Paramyxovirus membrane fusion requires an attachment protein for receptor binding and a fusion protein for membrane fusion triggering. Nipah virus (NiV) attachment protein (G) binds to ephrinB2 or -B3 receptors, and fusion protein (F) mediates membrane fusion. NiV-F is a class I fusion protein and is activated by endosomal cleavage. The crystal structure of a soluble GCN4-decorated NiV-F shows a hexamer-of-trimer assembly. Here, we used single-molecule localization microscopy to quantify the NiV-F distribution and organization on cell and virus-like particle membranes at a nanometer precision. We found that NiV-F on biological membranes forms distinctive clusters that are independent of endosomal cleavage or expression levels. The sequestration of NiV-F into dense clusters favors membrane fusion triggering. The nano-distribution and organization of NiV-F are susceptible to mutations at the hexamer-of-trimer interface, and the putative oligomerization motif on the transmembrane domain. We also show that NiV-F nanoclusters are maintained by NiV-F–AP-2 interactions and the clathrin coat assembly. We propose that the organization of NiV-F into nanoclusters facilitates membrane fusion triggering by a mixed population of NiV-F molecules with varied degrees of cleavage and opportunities for interacting with the NiV-G/receptor complex. These observations provide insights into the in situ organization and activation mechanisms of the NiV fusion machinery.