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Objective: We investigated syphilis prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, as well as potential risk factors. Our principal hypothesis was that syphilis would be associated with the use of recreational drugs such as methamphetamines.Methods: From April to October 2013, we used several methods to recruit MSM in Qingdao, collecting demographic/behavioural information via self-administrated questionnaires. Trained health workers collected blood for the Treponema pallidum particle assay (TPPA) with positives confirmed by a toluidine red unheated serum test. We used an unmatched case-control study to identify factors that might predict syphilis infection using multivariable logistic regression.Results: We recruited 447 MSM who agreed to participate and who completed syphilis testing. Of 71 (15.9%) syphilis-positive MSM, 44 (62.0%) used drugs. Of 376 (84.1%) syphilis-negative MSM, 186 (49.5%) used drugs. We found a positive association with syphilis for any recreational drug use (crude OR (cOR) 1.7, 95 % CI 1.0 to 2.8), frequent methamphetamine use (cOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.3) and multiple drug use (adjusted OR (aOR) 3.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 9.2). Syphilis-positive men were more likely to have a higher physical depression score (aOR 5.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 24.4), be > 30 years old (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.5 to 4.8), report a prior STI (aOR 4.1, 95% CI 2.3 to 7.3) and report a sex party experience (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.4).Conclusions: Recreational drug use, depression and high-risk sexual behaviours were associated with syphilis infection among MSM in China. Only a multifaceted approach is likely be effective in control of both syphilis and HIV . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study which fabricated the edge junction by using epitaxial multilevel deposition technique. Discussion on the direct and alternating current Josephson effects in liquid nitrogen temperatures; Current-voltage characteristics of the junction; Description of the dynamic resistance above the critical current; Effect of the dependence of height of the microwave.

Membrane with pores of homogeneous size distribution is vital to high fraction efficiency of nanofiltration process. In this study, a novel approach of space-confined sol-gel was put forward to regulate the size and distribution of the pores of interfacially synthesized polyamide composite membrane for enhanced fraction efficiency. Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was introduced into the porous polyamide network of the selective layer and employed to in situ generate a new silica network through space-confined hydrolysis and condensation. Membrane property including pore size distribution and separation performance was tuned by regulating the content of TEOS and systematically characterized by ATR-FTIR, XPS, SEM, AFM and cross-flow permeation test. The sol-gel of TEOS molecules confined within the selective layer was found to form a new polyamide-silica based separation layer with decreased pore size and homogenized pore size distribution. The mean size in diameter and geometric standard deviation of size distribution of the pores of the virgin polyamide based membrane were about 0.64 nm and 1.32, while those of the desired polyamide-silica based membrane obtained with a TEOS content of 3.0 v/v% were 0.59 nm and 1.26, respectively. The glucose rejection increased significantly from 58.0% of virgin polyamide membrane to 81.5% of the desired polyamide-silica based membrane. Permeation tests with concentrated mixed solution also revealed that, the desired polyamide-silica based membrane possessed better efficiency in the removal of sodium sulfate from the concentrated brine compared to the commercial membrane NF270, showing an average Na 2 SO 4 rejection above 98.3%, a water flux around 120.0 l/m2 h, and nearly no NaCl rejection to a concentrated brine containing 200.0 g/L NaCl and 10.0 g/L Na 2 SO 4 under 30.0 bar and 40.0 °C. [Display omitted] • Pore size of polyamide based membrane was regulated by space-confined sol-gel. • TEOS was impregnated into the polyamide selective layer via solvent displacement. • Thin silica layer was formed on the walls of the large pores of polyamide network. • The polyamide-silica layer had pores of reduced size and narrowed size distribution. • The desired polyamide-silica based membrane showed high salt fraction efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diarrhea has remained an unmet challenge in global child health. Its severity may be worse than reported in resource-limited settings. Understanding changing epidemiology is critical to combat diarrheal morbidity. Therefore, this study aimed to understand factors associated with diarrhea among under two years children in Nepal. Methods: A total of 2,348 samples from Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2019 were used to estimate the significant child, maternal, household and external environmental predictors of diarrhea using multilevel analysis. Results: The prevalence of diarrhea was 11.9% (95% CI: 10.2%-13.6%). Children residing in Koshi Province [AOR (Adjusted Odds Ratio): 2.23, 95% CI: 1.22–4.08], Karnali Province (AOR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.11–4.70), and Sudurpaschim Province (AOR: 4.49, 95% CI: 2.39–8.42) were at higher risk of diarrhea. Children aged 7–23 months (AOR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.10–2.20), children with ARI symptoms (AOR: 4.14, 95% CI: 2.21–7.72) and children whose mothers had no access to prenatal care (AOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.01–3.45) had a higher risk of diarrhea. Children from below the richest household wealth group (AOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.01–3.08) and those from households practicing open defecation, with unimproved or limited sanitation facilities (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.09–2.11) were more likely to have diarrhea. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for public health policy-makers to improve sanitation facilities, especially focusing on poor households from Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces practicing open defecation to protect the children from the life risk of diarrhea in Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epidemic of HIV/AIDS linked to injecting drug usage is one of the most explosive in recent years. After a historical epicentre in Europe, South and North America, at present it is clearly the main cause of dissemination of the epidemic in Eastern Europe and some key Asian countries. Recently, 10 African countries reported the spread of HIV through people who inject drugs (PWID), breaking one of the final geographical barriers to the globalization of the epidemic of HIV among and from PWID. Several countries of the Asia and Pacific Region have HIV epidemics that are driven by injecting drug usage. Harm reduction interventions have been implemented in many countries and potential barriers to implementation are being overcome. Harm reduction is no longer a marginal approach in the Region; instead, it is the core tool for responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic among PWID. The development of a comprehensive response in the Region has been remarkable, including scaling up of needle and syringe programmes (NSPs), methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), and care, support and treatment for PWID. This development is being followed up by strong ongoing changes in policies and legislations. The main issue now is to enhance interventions to a level that can impact the epidemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) is one of the leading UN agencies promoting harm reduction. Since the establishment of the Global Programme on AIDS, WHO has been working towards an effective response to the HIV epidemic among PWID. WHO's work is organized into a number of components: establishing an evidence base; advocacy; development of normative standards, tools and guidelines; providing technical support to countries; ensuring access to essential medicines, diagnostics and commodities; and mobilizing resources. In this paper, we trace the course of development of the HIV/AIDS epidemic among and from PWID in the Western Pacific and Asia Region (WPRO) as well as WHO's role in supporting the response in some of the key countries: Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines and Viet Nam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the association between metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and left ventricular geometric remodelling in Chinese children. Materials and Methods: This cross‐sectional study used data from two population‐based samples in China, including 2871 children aged 6–11 years. Weight status was defined based on body mass index according to the World Health Organization growth chart. Metabolic status was defined based on the 2018 consensus‐based criteria proposed by Damanhoury et al. Obes Rev 2018;19:1476–1491 (blood pressure, lipids and glucose). Left ventricular geometric remodelling was determined as concentric remodelling, eccentric hypertrophy, and concentric hypertrophy. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to determine odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between categories of weight and metabolic status and left ventricular geometric remodelling. Results: Compared with children with metabolically healthy normal weight, those with MHO had higher odds of left ventricular geometric remodelling, with adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of 2.01 (1.23–3.28) for concentric remodelling, 6.36 (4.03–10.04) for eccentric hypertrophy, and 17.07 (7.97–36.58) for concentric hypertrophy. Corresponding ORs (95% CIs) were 2.35 (1.47–3.75), 10.85 (7.11–16.55), and 18.56 (8.63–39.94), respectively, for children with metabolically unhealthy obesity. In contrast, metabolically unhealthy normal weight was not associated with higher odds of left ventricular geometric remodelling. Findings were consistent in sensitivity analyses that used different definitions of weight and metabolic status and left ventricular geometric remodelling. Conclusions: Children with MHO had higher odds of left ventricular geometric remodelling than their metabolically healthy normal weight counterparts. Our findings suggest MHO may not be a benign condition for cardiac health in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To avoid collisions between guide ship and approach ship during the underway replenishment process, it is important to maintain a certain distance between them. Based on trajectory tracking requirements, a control strategy suitable for engineering applications is proposed for an approach ship without velocity measurements. First, considering the effects of wind, waves, currents, hydrodynamic interactions and the highline cable system, models are established for the two ships. Second, a leader-follower approach is used to maintain the expected longitudinal and transverse distances between the two ships. Third, an extended state observer is designed according to the position, heading, propeller speed and rudder angle of the approach ship. Two time-varying parameters in the observer are estimated in the controller design process. Therefore, the linear speeds, yaw rate, and total system uncertainties can be observed. Fourth, the propeller speed and rudder angle, other than the surge force and steering moment, are considered as the control inputs, which are constructed by the command filter backstepping method. The stability of the proposed control system is verified. Finally, a simulation is performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. • An observer-based control strategy needs only position and heading of the ship. • A model considers wind, wave and currents, the hydrodynamic interaction and highline cable tension. • A novel ESO estimates the surge speed, sway speed, yaw rate and the total uncertainties. • The propeller speed and rudder angle are considered as the control inputs for the approach ship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of highly active non-noble metal catalysts is the prerequisite for the practical application of the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) into 4-aminophenol (4-AP) by NaBH 4. In this work, inexpensive Co/Ni bimetallic composite oxide integral membrane catalysts with different metal-ion molar ratios towards 4-NP reduction were grown on the nickel foam (NF) substrate by a facile oxalate-pyrolysis method. Benefiting from the synergistic effect between Co and Ni elements, special crystalline phase of NiCo 2 O 4 with high electron transfer capacity and uniform nanoflake array structure, the NF-based monolithic membrane catalyst with a Co/Ni molar ratio of 2:1 (Co 2 Ni 1) exhibited the optimal activity for the catalytic reduction of 4-NP. A reduction ratio of 96.71% for 250 mL of 4-NP with an initial concentration of 15 mg/L could be reached within 25 min under the reaction conditions as follows: two pieces of Co 2 Ni 1 catalytic membranes (20 × 40 mm2), 0.015 mol/L NaBH 4 and a temperature of 25 °C. The corresponding kinetic reaction rate constant was 0.1410 min−1, which was 2.0 and 15.5 times higher than that of pure Co 3 O 4 and NiO. Moreover, the activation energy, enthalpy and entropy for the reaction were calculated as 17.44 kJ/mol, 14.97 kJ/mol and −210.61 J•mol−1•K−1, respectively. Notably, the reduction rates of 4-NP remained at around 97% during thirteen consecutive catalytic runs, indicating the good reusability of the Co 2 Ni 1 integral membrane catalyst. These results show that NF-based Co/Ni composite oxide membrane is a promising integral catalyst for converting of 4-NP into 4-AP owing to its excellent properties and easy recovery feature. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles and exosome-mimetic nanovesicles (NVs) derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as promising to promote hair growth. However, short local skin retention after subcutaneous administration hinders their clinical applications. In this study, we prepared magnetic nanovesicles (MNVs) from iron oxide nanoparticle–incorporated MSCs. MNVs contained more therapeutic growth factors than NVs derived from naive MSCs, and their localization and internalization were manipulated by external magnetic field. Following the subcutaneous injection of MNVs into a mouse model of depilation-induced hair regeneration, the magnetic attraction increased their skin retention. Then, the cellular proliferation and β-catenin signaling in hair follicles (HF) were markedly enhanced by MNV injection and magnetic field application. Furthermore, an acceleration of HF growth was revealed by histological analysis. The proposed strategy can enhance the therapeutic potential of MSC-derived NVs for hair regeneration and other dermatological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternal mortality continues to be a pressing concern in global health, presenting an enduring and unmet challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Utilization of institutional delivery services has been established as a proven intervention to mitigate life-threatening risks for both mothers and newborns. Exploring the determinants of institutional delivery is crucial to improve and enhance maternal and newborn safety. This study aimed to assess the contextual and individual factors associated with institutional delivery in Nepal. Methods: This study utilized that data form Nepal Multiple Indicator Survey 2019, which included a sample of 1,932 women who had given birth within the two years prior to the survey. A multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the significant external environment, contextual and individual predictors of institutional delivery. Results: The women from Madhesh province [Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 0.32, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.17–0.61], as compared to Bagmati province, women from rural areas (aOR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.39–0.78) as compared to urban areas, and women from a relatively less-advantaged ethnic groups (aOR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.35–0.76) as compared to the relatively advantaged ethnic groups were less likely to deliver in health institutions. Similarly, women from the poorest (aOR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.04–0.22) and second wealth groups (aOR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.13–0.64) were less likely to attend institute for delivery compared to women from the richest household. Women with formal education (aOR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.16–2.35) were more likely to deliver in an institution over uneducated women. Moreover, the uptake of institutional delivery increased by 59% (aOR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.43–1.75) for each additional ANC visit. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of stepping up efforts to achieve universal health care from the standpoint of long-term government investment, focusing particularly on illiterate women in rural areas, poorer households, and socially disadvantaged groups. Expanding the benefits of maternal benefit schemes targeting the women from the poorest households in the communities is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early feeding practices have a great impact on the growth and development of infants, and the health of mothers. Maternal emotional regulation (ER) is closely related to infant feeding practices. Exploring the relationship between ER strategy and feeding practice can inform early exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) interventions. Using baseline survey of a longitudinal study, 965 mothers in Chongqing municipality, Guangzhou city, and Huizhou city were enrolled. At baseline, the study used self-administrated questionnaires to investigate the socio-demographic characteristics, maternal ER strategies and feeding practice within 72 h of delivery. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to determine the associations of the mothers' ER and feeding practices within 72 h postpartum. Among 965 participants, 27.8 % of mothers practiced EBF, and 69.5 % of mothers reported getting breastfeeding education from health providers. The average scores on the cognitive reappraisal and the expressive suppression of the ERQ were 29.95 ± 7.24 and 14.47 ± 5.16 respectively. Multivariable analysis showed women with expressive suppression were less likely to practice EBF (aOR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.93–0.98, p = 0.002), while receiving breastfeeding education was positively associated with EBF (aOR = 1.52, 95%CI: 1.09–2.12, p = 0.013). Because the study started during the COVID-19 pandemic, the lock-down measures paused recruitments for quite some time reducing the enrollment of participation. The data we used was within 72 h postpartum, hence the period of time to study feeding practices was short. Mothers' ER strategy and breastfeeding education need to be addressed as part of interventions designed to improve EBF rates during the newborn period in China. • The average scores on the cognitive reappraisal and the expressive suppression(ER) were 30±7.2 and 14.5±5.2 respectively. • Of all, 27.8% of mothers practiced EBF, and 69.5% of mothers reported getting breastfeeding education from health providers. • Women with ER were less likely to practice EBF, while receiving education facilitated EBF within 72h of delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was adopts meta-analysis in evaluating the correlation between TSH and BMD, as well as osteoporosis in the postmenopausal women with normal thyroid function. Methods: Six databases were searched for articles concerning correlation between TSH and BMD in postmenopausal women. The retrieval time was set from the date of database establishment to November 30, 2020. Revman5.3 and Stata12.0 software were used for meta-analysis. Results: A total of 19 articles were incorporated. The Summary Fisher' Z of the correlation between TSH and BMD was 0.16, 95% CI (0.00, 0.32), and the correlation coefficient of Summary Fisher' Z conversion was 0.158. Study on the relationship between TSH and osteoporosis based on OR demonstrated that the combined OR was 1.76, 95% CI (1.27, 2.45), P < 0.05. The subgroup analyzing results displayed that the risk of osteoporosis of the subjects from community with low TSH was 1.89, 95% CI (1.43, 2.49). The risk of osteoporosis for subjects with low TSH and from hospitals was 1.36, 95% CI (0.46, 3.99); 1.84 for subjects with low TSH and anti-osteoporosis drugs, 95% CI (1.05, 3.22); and 1.74 for those with low TSH but not taking anti-osteoporosis drugs, 95% CI (1.08, 2.82). The dose-response relationship showed that the risk of osteoporosis tended to decrease when TSH was more than 2.5mIu/L. Conclusion: The serum TSH is positively related with BMD in postmenopausal women, and high TSH (> 2.5 mIu/L) within the normal range is possibly helpful to decrease the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Handan is a typical city affected by regional particulate pollution. In order to investigate particulate matter (PM) characterization, source contributions and health risks for the general populations, we collected PM samples at two sites affected by a pollution event (12–18 May 2020) during the COVID-19 pandemic and analyzed the major components (SNA, OCEC, WSIIs, and metal elements). A PCA-MLR model was used for source apportionment. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks caused by metal elements in the PM were assessed. The results show that the renewal of old neighborhoods significantly influences local PM, and primarily the PM10; the average contribution to PM10 was 27 μg/m3. The source apportionment has indicated that all other elements came from dust, except Cd, Pb and Zn, and the contribution of the dust source to PM was 60.4%. As PM2.5 grew to PM10, the PM changed from basic to acidic, resulting in a lower NH4+ concentration in PM10 than PM2.5. The carcinogenic risk of PM10 was more than 1 × 10−6 for both children and adults, and the excess mortality caused by the renewal of the community increased by 23%. Authorities should pay more attention to the impact of renewal on air quality. The backward trajectory and PSCF calculations show that both local sources and short-distance transport contribute to PM—local sources for PM10, and short-distance transport in southern Hebei, northern Henan and northern Anhui for PM2.5, SO2 and NO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread applications of W in the fusion reactor are limited by its low-temperature brittleness, recrystallization brittleness, and irradiation-induced brittleness. Many toughening methods were used to improve the brittleness of W, such as adding second-phase particles, adding W fibers, preparing laminated composite, and so on. Among these, preparing laminated W-based composites has been proven to effectively improve both the low-temperature and high-temperature toughness of W. In this study, W/M/TiN/Ta-laminated composites with transition metal layer (M) were synthesized through the spark plasma sintering (SPS) at three different temperatures. The effects of nano-scale (Ni, Ti, and Cr) and micron-scale (Ni, Ti, and V) transition layers on the bending and interfacial properties of the W/M/TiN/Ta composite were studied via an electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Compared with W/TiN/Ta, the flexural strength and strain of W/Ninm/TiN/Ta were increased by 25.6% and 17.6%, respectively. Ni, Ti, and V micron transition layers can improve the combination of the W–TiN interface and decrease the joining temperature. The micron V layer has the best strengthening effect. The flexural strength of W/V/TiN/Ta reached 1294 MPa, much higher than W/Ta's 1041 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prior to 2003, there was limited capacity for an HIV/AIDS response in China. In early 2003, China launched a 5-year China Comprehensive AIDS Response Programme (China CARES) to contain the spread of HIV infection and reduce its impact. This article describes the China CARES' practices and experiences.Methods: China CARES covered 83.3 million people in 127 programme sites chosen from 28 provinces based on HIV prevalence. Each China CARES site was required to carry out surveillance and surveys to understand the local HIV/AIDS epidemic, to deliver primary interventions to reduce new HIV infections among and from high-risk groups, to prevent mother-to-child transmission, to treat AIDS patients with antiretroviral medicines and to provide support services to families affected by HIV/AIDS. Data were collected to monitor and evaluate implementation.Results: HIV/AIDS prevention knowledge and awareness improved significantly in China CARES sites from <30% in 2004 to 86% in 2008. The number of persons tested for HIV increased by 67% between 2005 and 2007 from 1.5 to 2.5 million. China CARES enrolled 23 000 patients in anti-retroviral treatment and supported 6007 AIDS orphans. Among pregnant women, 81.8% received counselling and 75.8% received HIV testing during antenatal care, while 92.9% of HIV-infected pregnant women and 85.5% of their newborns received anti-retroviral prophylaxis. During the project period, no known HIV transmissions occurred through blood transfusions.Conclusion: China CARES has facilitated AIDS prevention, treatment and care in resource-poor, rural and ethnic minority areas of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFASs) may disrupt maternal thyroid hormone homeostasis in pregnancy. Concerns should be raised regarding the PFASs exposure in pregnant women because thyroid hormones are involved in the early development of the fetus. In this study, we measured the concentrations of 13 PFASs, including five novel short-chain PFASs, in serum from 123 pregnant women in Beijing, China. Linear regression models were used to investigate the association between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or free thyroxine (FT4) levels and PFASs concentrations under consideration of the impacts of pregnancy-induced physiological factors. We found that perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) (β=0.189, 95%CI=-0.039, 0.417, p =0.10) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) (β=-0.554, 95%CI=-1.16, 0.049, p =0.071) were suggestive of significant association with TSH in thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) negative women. No association was observed between all PFASs and FT4 levels after controlling for these confounding factors, such as BMI, gestational weight gain and maternal age. These findings suggest that it should pay more attention to the association between thyroid hormone levels and short-chain PFASs concentrations. Future studies could consider a greater sample and the inclusion of other clinical indicators of thyroid function, such as free T3 and total T3. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In high-speed CNC (compute numerical control) machining, the feedrate scheduling has played an important role to ensure machining quality and machining efficiency. In this paper, a novel feedrate scheduling method is proposed for generating smooth feedrate profile conveniently with the consideration of both chord error and kinematic error. First, a relationship between feedrate value and chord error is applied to determine the feedrate curve. Then, breaking points, which can split whole curve into several blocks, can be found out using proposed two step screening method. For every block, the feedrate profile based on Sigmoid function is generated. With the consideration of kinematic limitation and machining efficiency, a time-optimal feedrate adjustment algorithm is proposed to further adjust feedrate value at breaking points. After achieving feedrate profile for each block, all blocks' feedrate profile will be connected smoothly. The resulting feedrate profile is more concise compared with the polynomial profile and more efficient compared with the trigonometric profile. Finally, simulations with two free-form NURBS curves are conducted and comparison with the sine-curve method is carried out to verify the feasibility and applicability of the proposed method. In order to further validate the feasibility of proposed method, machining simulation experiments are also conducted using Unigraphics NX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of children's sleep disturbances among students newly enrolled in elementary school, and explored the association between the two during the child's transition from kindergarten to elementary school. In 2019, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,510 newly enrolled school kids and their parents in Beijing. Children's sleep characteristics were evaluated using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and parenting stress characteristics were assessed with the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF). Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between children's sleep and parenting stress. A total of 77.9% of children newly enrolled in elementary school had sleep disturbances and 15.6% of parents had experienced parenting stress. When examining the relationship between children's sleep disturbances and parenting stress, monthly family income over US$1,550 was a protective factor and children with sleep disturbances were associated with higher risk of parenting stress. Two subscales from the CSHQ were associated with higher parenting stress risk: sleep duration and daytime sleepiness. Similarly, parents experiencing parenting stress had children with higher risk of sleep disturbances. This risk was also higher for children from parents screening positive in the PSI-SF subscales for parental distress and difficult child. We found that children's sleep disturbances and parenting stress were common and there was a bidirectional association between the two during this transition time. Schools and communities need to provide timely psychological support for children and parents to address major stressors. • At starting elementary school, the prevalence of children's sleep disturbances and parenting stress were 77.9% and 15.6%, respectively. • There is a bidirectional association between children's sleep disturbances and parenting stress. • Both parent's educational attainment and monthly family income were associated with more parenting stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Socio-economic inequities can strongly influence suboptimal infant feeding outcomes. Factors such as lack of knowledge about breastfeeding, low family income, low educational attainment, social and economic status, cultural norms and ethnicity may negatively affect success with offering breastfeeding following a responsive feeding approach (ie. responsive breastfeeding). Such inequities can indeed shorten breastfeeding duration, and negatively affect behavioral and cognitive infant outcomes. In China, there is a dearth of studies focusing on breastfeeding from the responsive and health equity perspective. Objective: The aim of this article is to present a protocol of an ongoing longitudinal cohort study investigating factors associated with responsive breastfeeding behaviors, and the child's behavioral and cognitive development from birth to12 months post-partum in five centers in China. The study seeks to identify breastfeeding barriers and facilitators from a health equity perspective. Methods: We are enrolling 700 women and their singleton full term infants in Chongqing, Huizhou and Guangzhou urban and rural areas. The study questionnaires will be administrated within 72 h, 30 days, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-partum during the baby's vaccination visits. We will investigate the difference between urban and rural areas sociodemographic characteristics, breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes and practice, postnatal depression, maternal emotion regulation and parenting stress, and anthropometric and cognitive development indicators of the infants at each time-point. Conclusion: Our article illustrates how a cohort study can be designed to understand the barriers and facilitators of responsive breastfeeding taking equity principles into account to help promote infants' growth and development in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental investigation on fire resistance of circular hollow section (CHS) T-, Y- and K-joints. A total of 15 specimens subjected to brace axial load were heated inside an electric furnace, including 5 T-joints, 5 Y-joints and 5 K-joints. The temperature inside furnace follows ISO 834 standard fire curve. The principal parameters considered in this study include the dimensionless geometric parameters of joints β and γ , as well as the load ratio n. It is found that the failure mode of the axially loaded CHS joints under fire is chord plastification. Referring to the temperature-deformation curves of these CHS joints, it is suggested to adopt 1.5% ovalisation of the chord diameter as the failure criteria of the CHS joints under fire. The fire resistance of the CHS joints is seriously reduced with an increase in the load ratio n. By comparing the temperature development and the critical temperatures of the CHS joints obtained in the tests with the ones predicted by design codes, it is found that the measured temperature development curves of the CHS joints are significantly different from the calculated ones before the joint temperature reaches 550 °C. Further investigation is essential for temperature development analysis of CHS joints, especially in the aspects of the section factor A m / V of CHS joint. The fire resistance performance of CHS T- and Y-joints is shown to be reasonably estimated with the resistance method provided in modern design codes, even though the estimation on CHS K-joints is relatively conservative. [Display omitted] • The failure criteria, 1.5% ovalisation of chord diameter, is suggested for the CHS joints subjected to axial load under fire. • The critical failure temperatures of CHS joints obtained in this study agree with the ones calculated based on design codes. • It is essential to conduct further investigation on the fire resistance evaluation methods of CHS joints comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]