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IntroductionSince 2016, California has implemented a series of policies, including prohibiting the sale of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to persons under 21, cigarette tax increase, and recreational marijuana legalization. The study aims to examine the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and marijuana among young adults (ages 18-25) and their associations with other factors in the context of these policy changes.MethodsWe used the data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2017-2018 to compare the rates of using cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and marijuana separately or any use of the three. Using CHIS 2018 data, weighted logistic regression models were used to examine associations of using cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and marijuana separately or any use of these products/substance with demo-socioeconomic factors, psychological distress, and use of each product/substances.ResultsCigarette smoking remained flat while the use of e-cigarettes and marijuana escalated among young adults from 2017 to 2018. Using tobacco products increased the use of marijuana or vice versa among young adults. Severe psychological distress was significantly associated with cigarette use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.06; 95% CI = 1.32, 12.55), marijuana use (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI = 1.10, 4.48), and any use (AOR = 4.11; 95% CI = 1.93, 8.77). Moderate psychological distress was also significantly associated with the use of these products/substance. Underage (ages 18-20) young adults had lower odds of using cigarettes than other young adults (ages 21-25).ConclusionsOur findings highlight the importance of addressing the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and marijuana simultaneously through policies to curtail tobacco and marijuana use among young adults.

Few studies have examined the effects of using mediation tools (e.g., collaborative dialogs and online searches) on graduate students' academic writing in a computer-mediated collaborative writing environment. This study investigated what types of co-constructed writing knowledge the graduate students generated from using the mediation tools to solve writing problems, and to what extent the co-constructed writing knowledge facilitated each student's academic writing. Thirty-six Taiwanese graduate students, who studied English as a foreign language (EFL), volunteered to participate in an online collaborative writing program featuring developing argumentative essays. Data collected in this study include the students' collaborative dialogs, online search logs, open-ended questionnaires, and the students' collaborative and individual writing texts. The results show that the students using the mediation tools could generate two types of co-constructed writing knowledge in terms of language forms and skills of expressions, and they outperformed those who did not, in aspects of holistic performance, communicative quality, text organization, argumentation, linguistic accuracy, and linguistic appropriateness. It is concluded that students may co-construct writing knowledge to solve writing problems and improve both collaborative and individual writing through effective use of the mediation tools available in an online collaborative writing environment.

Abstract Introduction Pregnant women may need to undergo non‐obstetric surgery under general anesthesia owing to medical needs, and pregnant women frequently experience sleep disturbances during late gestation. Preclinical studies demonstrated that maternal isoflurane exposure (MISO) or maternal sleep deprivation (MSD) contributed to cognitive impairments in offspring. Research studies in mice have revealed that SD can aggravate isoflurane‐induced cognitive deficits. However, it remains unclear whether MSD aggravates MISO‐induced cognitive deficits in offspring. The purpose of this research was to explore the combined effects of MSD and MISO on offspring cognitive function and the role of neuroinflammation and synaptic function in the process of MSD + MISO. Methods Pregnant mice were exposed to 1.4% isoflurane by inhalation for 4 h on gestational day (GD) 14. Dams were then subjected to SD for 6 h (12:00–18:00 h) during GD15–21. At 3 months of age, the offspring mice were subjected to the Morris water maze test to assess cognitive function. Then the levels of inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory markers and synaptic function‐related proteins were assessed using molecular biology methods. Results The results of this study demonstrated that MISO led to cognitive dysfunction, an effect that was aggravated by MSD. In addition, MSD exacerbated the maternal isoflurane inhalation, leading to an enhancement in the expression levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha and a reduction in the hippocampal levels of IL‐10, synaptophysin, post‐synaptic density‐95, growth‐associated protein‐43, and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor. Conclusion Our findings revealed that MSD aggravated the cognitive deficits induced by MISO in male offspring mice, and these results were associated with neuroinflammation and alternations in synaptic function.

BackgroundAccumulating evidence reveals mitochondrial dysfunction exacerbates intestinal barrier dysfunction and inflammation. Despite the growing knowledge of mitochondrial dysfunction and ulcerative colitis (UC), the mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction in UC remains to be fully explored.MethodsWe integrated 1137 UC colon mucosal samples from 12 multicenter cohorts worldwide to create a normalized compendium. Differentially expressed mitochondria-related genes (DE-MiRGs) in individuals with UC were identified using the “Limma” R package. Unsupervised consensus clustering was utilized to determine the intrinsic subtypes of UC driven by DE-MiRGs. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was employed to investigate module genes related to UC. Four machine learning algorithms were utilized for screening DE-MiRGs in UC and construct MiRGs diagnostic models. The models were developed utilizing the over-sampled training cohort, followed by validation in both the internal test cohort and the external validation cohort. Immune cell infiltration was assessed using the Xcell and CIBERSORT algorithms, while potential biological mechanisms were explored through GSVA and GSEA algorithms. Hub genes were selected using the PPI network.ResultsThe study identified 108 DE-MiRGs in the colonic mucosa of patients with UC compared to healthy controls, showing significant enrichment in pathways associated with mitochondrial metabolism and inflammation. The MiRGs diagnostic models for UC were constructed based on 17 signature genes identified through various machine learning algorithms, demonstrated excellent predictive capabilities. Utilizing the identified DE-MiRGs from the normalized compendium, 941 patients with UC were stratified into three subtypes characterized by distinct cellular and molecular profiles. Specifically, the metabolic subtype demonstrated enrichment in epithelial cells, the immune-inflamed subtype displayed high enrichment in antigen-presenting cells and pathways related to pro-inflammatory activation, and the transitional subtype exhibited moderate activation across all signaling pathways. Importantly, the immune-inflamed subtype exhibited a stronger correlation with superior response to four biologics: infliximab, ustekinumab, vedolizumab, and golimumab compared to the metabolic subtype.ConclusionThis analysis unveils the interplay between mitochondrial dysfunction and the immune microenvironment in UC, thereby offering novel perspectives on the potential pathogenesis of UC and precision treatment of UC patients, and identifying new therapeutic targets.

All-solid-state batteries have recently gained considerable attention due to their potential improvements in safety, energy density, and cycle-life compared to conventional liquid electrolyte batteries. Sodium all-solid-state batteries also offer the potential to eliminate costly materials containing lithium, nickel, and cobalt, making them ideal for emerging grid energy storage applications. However, significant work is required to understand the persisting limitations and long-term cyclability of Na all-solid-state-based batteries. In this work, we demonstrate the importance of careful solid electrolyte selection for use against an alloy anode in Na all-solid-state batteries. Three emerging solid electrolyte material classes were chosen for this study: the chloride Na2.25Y0.25Zr0.75Cl6, sulfide Na3PS4, and borohydride Na2(B10H10)0.5(B12H12)0.5. Focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) imaging, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were utilized to characterize the evolution of the anode-electrolyte interface upon electrochemical cycling. The obtained results revealed that the interface stability is determined by both the intrinsic electrochemical stability of the solid electrolyte and the passivating properties of the formed interfacial products. With appropriate material selection for stability at the respective anode and cathode interfaces, stable cycling performance can be achieved for Na all-solid-state batteries.

Nucleoside free radicals have important functions in organisms and play a crucial role in DNA damage. Accurately understanding the structure of nucleoside free radicals is crucial for studying their properties, reaction mechanisms, and interactions with other biomolecules. The high vacuum in the mass spectrometer provides an inert environment for free radicals. Further tandem mass spectrometry combined with theoretical calculation is crucial for achieving their structural informations. This article reviewed gas phase studies of base and nucleoside radicals based on mass spectrometry in the past two decades, and provided a detailed introduction and comparison of their production methods, structural research methods and progress. Different methods were developed for the generation of the free radical ions, including collision induced dissociation of precursor ions of ternary transition metal complexes or those introducing free radical initiators, electron transfer dissociation of precursor ions charge-tagged, and UV photodissociation of precursor ions including C-I bonds. Besides, the methods for studying the structure of free radical ions in gas phase have gradually enriched, including commonly used tandem mass spectrometry, UV-visible and IR photodissociation spectroscopy. Based on the above methods, many different base and nucleoside free radical ions were generated and structurally determined in gas phase. On the other hand, the research of the highly active free radical intermediates and the selective generation of free radical isomers still pose challenges, and there is an urgent need to develop new experimental method.

Abstract The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed substantial impacts on the global hotel industry. This study employed a two-tier stochastic frontier model to investigate the dynamics of transaction information distribution within the tourist hotel lodging prices in Taiwan from July 2019 to November 2020. The primary objective was to analyze the disparities in price information between consumers and hoteliers before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. Empirical findings reveal a notable reduction in the divergence of lodging price information between consumers and hoteliers post the COVID-19 outbreak, particularly in metropolitan areas. The shift in consumer group structures within hotel operations induced by the pandemic has, in turn, exerted an influence on the pricing strategies adopted by hoteliers. The empirical results underscore that the outbreak of COVID-19 has contributed to a more transparent and comprehensive market price information environment, consequently diminishing the asymmetry in information between hoteliers and consumers.

Background: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and biofeedback therapy are commonly regarded as effective treatment modalities for panic disorder. The aim of this study was to establish a Taiwanese version of an integrated cognitive-behavioral and biofeedback therapy (ICB) and examine its effects on panic disorder using psychological and physiological indicators. Methods: Thirty patients with panic disorder were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned to either the ICB group (n = 15) or the treatment as usual (TAU) group (n = 15). The intervention consisted of six sessions, conducted once a week. Psychological indicators were measured at baseline (prior to intervention), week 3, and week 6, while physiological indicators were measured at baseline and week 6. The psychological indicators included five scales, with the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) being the primary measure. The physiological indicators included respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and skin conductance, which respectively represent parasympathetic and sympathetic activity. Results: Considering all participants, PDSS scores significantly decreased over time, but the difference between the ICB and TAU groups did not reach statistical significance. Among the physiological indicators, resting-state RSA and RSA under relaxation showed significant between-group differences over time, with the ICB group demonstrating a more pronounced improvement in RSA. Conclusion: In the context of existing pharmacological treatments, the benefits of ICB for panic disorder may not be observable through psychological indicators. However, it can lead to enhancement of parasympathetic activity as evidenced by the physiological indicators.

Introduction The global tobacco epidemic poses a notable challenge to global health due to its association with various tobacco-related diseases. Although tobacco smoking is associated with depression, the exact mechanism by which tobacco smoking increases the risk of depression is unclear. This study explored the potential effects of tobacco smoking on depression. Methods We used data in the analysis from the Taiwan Biobank of 27916 individuals recruited from 2015 to 2020. To investigate the associations between tobacco use and depression, the results of the depression-measuring subscale of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 as well as data on participants’ tobacco consumption and other relevant covariates, were analyzed. Results Participants who smoked were more likely to report depression than those who did not smoke (AOR=1.50; 95% CI: 1.21–1.86). Furthermore, depression was significantly higher in women who smoked than in their male counterparts (females: AOR=1.68; 95% CI: 1.27–2.23, and males: AOR=1.32; 95% CI: 0.96– 1.80). Women aged

Identifying the classification of tourism landscape resources and accurately studying their spatial pattern are of great significance to the ecological environment protection, industrial transformation, and economic growth of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Taking Zixi County of Jiangxi Province as the research area, based on field survey and network collection, the scientific statistical classification of tourism landscape resources data in the county is conducted, and the nearest neighbor index, nuclear density analysis, average passage time, and accessibility coefficient are used to quantitatively analyze the classification, spatial agglomeration, spatial structure pattern, and spatial correlation of tourism landscape resources. The results show that: (1) Zixi County tourism landscape is complete in terms of natural resources, physical resources, and humanistic resources; (2) the spatial agglomeration analysis of tourism landscape resources in Zixi County shows an overall agglomeration distribution trend; (3) the density of tourism landscape resources varies significantly, with the spatial distribution characteristics of “large concentration at the nucleus and small dispersion at the poles”; and (4) landscape resources are well correlated, with a “strong center – weak periphery” spatial pattern. Accordingly, it is proposed that protection and development should be given equal importance, strengthening advantages, making up for shortcomings, and accelerating the development of tourism industry and economic growth, and promote the high quality and green development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt with points and lines, and help the coordinated development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

The ‘rule-of-6’ prediction tool was shown to be able to identify COVID-19 patients at risk of adverse outcomes. During the pandemic, we frequently observed hyponatremia at presentation. We sought to evaluate if adding hyponatremia at presentation could improve the ‘rule-of-6’ prediction tool. We retrospectively analysed 1781 consecutive patients admitted to a single tertiary academic institution in Singapore with COVID-19 infection from February 2020 to October 2021. A total of 161 (9.0%) patients had hyponatremia. These patients were significantly older, with more co-morbidities and more likely to be admitted during the Delta wave (2021). They were more likely to have radiographic evidence of pneumonia (46.0% versus 13.0%, p < 0.001) and more adverse outcomes (25.5% vs. 4.1%, p < 0.001). Hyponatremia remained independently associated with adverse outcomes after adjusting for age, lack of medical co-morbidities, vaccination status, year of admission, CRP, LDH, and ferritin. The optimised cut-off for serum sodium in predicting adverse outcomes was approximately