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We review the recent results from the Belle experiment on the measurements of branching fractions and decay asymmetry parameters (α) for the hadronic weak decays of charmed baryons, including Λc+→B+P: Λc+→(Λ,Σ0)h+ (h=π,K) and Λc+→Σ+(π0,η,η′); Ξc0→B+P: Ξc0→Ξ−π+; Ξc0→B+V: Ξc0→ΛK¯*0, Ξc0→Σ0K¯*0, and Ξc0→Σ+K*−. In addition, we present an overview of the searches for CP violation via the α-induced CP asymmetry for Λc+→(Λ,Σ0)h+ and Ξc0→Ξ−π+. Finally, we discuss the promising decay modes of Ωc0 which can be measured in the near future and are indispensable in searching for CP violation in the charm sector.

Taiwan has proven and continues to prove its economic prowess as a fast and well developed nation. One theory to account for this accomplishment is its continued success in developing its best natural resource--its people--through education. A continuum of this practice is the implementation of Higher Education and then International Higher Education. Since early 1990s, foreign students have been studying in Taiwan obtaining degrees in various academic disciplines at both undergraduate and graduate levels. However, a foreign student, like any other expatriate, may have problems adjusting to a new country. Therefore, this study examines the factors that cause foreign students' satisfaction or dissatisfaction in adapting and adjusting to life in Taiwan and how those factors may further affect their academic performance. The research method used for data collection is a quantitative case study using the Student Satisfaction Questionnaire that was developed and piloted by the researchers. The population is ICDF higher education students who have been studying for at least one year in Taiwan and are doing courses in English. The response rate was 73.1%. The results indicate that a majority of the international students are satisfied (M = 3.63, SD = 0.66) where 60.5% could be described satisfied to very satisfied and only 7% as dissatisfied. Students' nationalities, age and gender have no statistical significance to their performance. The main findings of this research should assist ICDF, the education institutions, and the Ministry of Education in making the transition and life of foreign students smoother. It may also assist future foreign students in preparation for adjusting and adapting to Taiwan. Finally, the study offers recommendations for all the parties involved and the researchers provide suggestions for future research that could aid in learning about the lives of foreign students in Taiwan.

The aim of this study was to investigate the time dependent effects of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP, main activity compound of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort) on two neurological disorders and their neuropsychiatric comorbidities. 6 Hz corneal rapid kindling was used to induce epileptogenesis and the inflammatory pain was induced by intra-articular Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) injection. The mechanical pain thresholds were measured using von Frey hair (D4, D11, D18, D25 after CFA first injection), and the vertical rearings of the mice was observed. To test the neuropsychiatric comorbidities, anxiety-like behaviors of mice were examined by open field and elevated plus maze tests. Two behavioral despair models, tail suspension test and forced swimming test were also used to evaluate the depressive like behaviors. The results showed that TMP administered from the initial day (D1-D35 in kindling model, D0-D14 and D0-D28 in CFA model) of modeling retarded both the developments of 6 Hz corneal rapid kindling epileptogenesis and the CFA induced inflammatory pain. In comparison, late periods administration of TMP (D21-D35 in kindling and D14-D28 in CFA model) showed no effect on the epileptogenesis and the generalized seizures (GS) of kindling, but alleviated maintenance of CFA induced inflammatory pain. Furthermore, we also found all TMP treatments from the initial day of modeling alleviated the co-morbid depressive and anxiety-like behaviors in both models; however, late periods treatments did not, either in kindling or the CFA induced inflammatory pain. BDNF/ERK signaling impairment was also tested by western blot, and the results showed that TMP administered from the initial day of modeling increased the hippocampal BDNF/ERK expression, whereas late period administration showed no effects. Overall, our findings reveal the inconsistent time dependent effects of Tetramethylpyrazine on neurological disorders and their relative neuropsychiatric comorbidities, and provide novel insight into the early application of TMP that might enhance hippocampal BDNF/ERK signaling to alleviate neuropsychiatric comorbidities in neurological diseases.

Abstract In clinical practice, it is sometimes difficult to evaluate the intra–false vocal fold lesion. Transcutaneous ultrasound can be an option to evaluate the soft tissue lesion within the right false vocal cord in a 65‐year‐old man with laryngeal Rosai‐Dorfman disease presenting with hoarseness and right false cord swelling.

The application of ultrasound microbubbles (USMBs) enhances the permeability of the round window membrane (RWM) and improves drug delivery to the inner ear. In this study, we investigated the efficiency of USMB-aided delivery of chitosan-coated gold nanoparticles (CS-AuNPs) and the mechanism of USMB-mediated enhancement of RMW permeability. We exposed mouse inner ears to USMBs at an intensity of 2 W/cm2 and then filled the tympanic bulla with CS-AuNPs or fluorescein isothiocyanate-decorated CS-AuNPs (FITC-CS-AuNPs). The membrane uptake of FITC-CS-AuNPs and their depth of permeation into the three-layer structure of the RWM, with or without prior USMB treatment, were visualized by z-stack confocal laser scanning microscopy. Ultrastructural changes in the RWM due to USMB-mediated cavitation appeared as sunburn-like peeling and various degrees of depression in the RWM surface, with pore-like openings forming in the outer epithelium. This disruption of the outer epithelium was paralleled by a transient reduction in tight junction (TJ)-associated protein levels in the RWM and an enhanced delivery of FITC-CS-AuNPs into the RWM. Without prior USMB exposure, the treatment with CS-AuNPs also caused a noticeable reduction in TJ proteins of the RWM. Our findings indicated that the combined treatment with USMBs and CS-AuNPs represents a promising and efficient drug and gene delivery vehicle for a trans-RWM approach for inner ear therapy. The outer epithelial layer of the RWM plays a decisive role in controlling the transmembrane transport of substances such as CS-AuNPs following the administration of USMBs. Most importantly, the enhanced permeation of AuNPs involved the transient disruption of the TJ-created paracellular barrier in the outer epithelium of the RWM.

The prevention of postoperative recurrence after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) relies on targeting specific pathological mechanisms according to individuals' immunological profiles. However, essential biomarkers and biological characteristics of difficult-to-treat chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients are not well-defined. The aim of this study was to explore the immunologic profiles of subgroups of CRS patients and determine the specific cytokines responsible for recalcitrant or recurrent CRS with nasal polyposis (rCRSwNP). We used 30 cytokine antibody arrays to determine the key cytokines related to recurrent polypogenesis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) experiments were conducted to assess the levels of these key cytokines in 78 patients. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) isolated from nasal polyps were challenged with specific cytokines to examine the levels of enhanced interleukin (IL)-8 production. Finally, we used immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining to check for the presence and distribution of the biomarkers within nasal polyps. A cytokine antibody array revealed that IL-8, IL-13, IL-15, and IL-20 were significantly higher in the recalcitrant CRSwNP group. Subsequent ELISA screening showed a stepwise increase in tissue IL-8 levels in the CHR, CRSsNP, and CRSwNP groups. PMNs isolated from nine CRSwNP cases all demonstrated enhanced IL-8 production after IL-15 treatment. IHC staining was labeled concurrent IL-8 and IL-15 expression in areas of prominent neutrophil infiltration. Our results suggest that IL-15 within the sinonasal mucosa plays a crucial role in promoting IL-8 secretion by infiltrating PMNs in recalcitrant nasal polyps. In addition, we propose a novel therapeutic strategy targeting the anti-IL-15/IL-8 axis to treat CRS with nasal polyposis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fracture toughness is a critical parameter in the evaluation of a component's structural integrity and damage tolerance. For 3D‐printed continuous fiber reinforced composites (CFRCs) based on the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique, the fracture behavior differed from that of composites manufactured by traditional processes due to the presence of voids and interfaces at different scales, receiving significant attention. Recently published research attempted to apply various testing standards (for other materials) to investigate the fracture behavior of 3D‐printed CFRCs. In these results, the fracture toughness of CFRCs was influenced by the manufacturing parameters dependent on structural porosity and interfacial bonding quality. This paper reviewed fracture toughness measurement standards compatible with CFRCs, factors influencing fracture behavior, and methods improving the fracture toughness of CFRCs. Lastly, this review explored limitations in current studies focused on fracture toughness measurement of 3D‐printed CFRCs and future perspectives for the fabrication of 3D‐printed CFRCs with improved fracture toughness. Highlights: This review focuses on fracture toughness measurement standards compatible with 3D‐printed continuous fiber reinforced composites (CFRCs).The manufacturing parameters influencing fracture behavior and methods improving fracture toughness were summarized.This review explores limitations in current studies focused on fracture toughness measurement of 3D‐printed CFRCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hearing loss has been shown to be a risk factor for psychiatric disorders. In addition, long-term hearing loss is associated with increased hospitalization and mortality rates; however, the increased risk and duration of effect of hearing loss in combination with other chronic diseases on each psychiatric disorder are still not clearly defined. The purpose of this article is to clarify the risk of hearing loss for each disorder over time. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study, and a national health insurance research database in Taiwan was utilized. All (n = 1,949,101) Taiwanese residents who had a medical visit between 2000 and 2015 were included. Patients with hearing loss and a comparative retrospective cohort were analyzed. Every subject was tracked individually from their index date to identify the subjects who later received a diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder. The Kaplan‒Meier method was used to analyze the cumulative incidence of psychiatric disorders. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the risk of psychiatric disorders. Results: A total of 13,341 (15.42%) and 31,250 (9.03%) patients with and without hearing loss, respectively, were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that hearing loss significantly elevated the risk of psychiatric disorders (adjusted HR = 2.587, 95% CI 1.723–3.346, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that patients with hearing loss are more likely to develop psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, the various psychiatric disorders are more likely to occur at different times. Our findings have important clinical implications, including a need for clinicians to implement early intervention for hearing loss and to pay close attention to patients' psychological status. Trial registration TSGHIRB No. E202216036. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many studies have discussed the betahistine treatment for Meniere's disease (MD). However, regarding cochlear MD, there is no consensus on the long-term betahistine treatment. Aims/objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between the betahistine treatment duration in patients with cochlear MD and their clinical outcomes. Material and Methods: We enrolled 78 patients with 96 ears who were diagnosed with cochlear MD and received the treatment for more than 6 months. Outcomes included the hearing status, frequency of acute hearing loss attack, and whether the disease progressed to MD. Clinical characteristics including age, sex, side of affected ear, treatment duration of betahistine and trichlormethiazide, and pre-treatment hearing level was recorded from medical charts. Results: Comparing the clinical characteristics by outcomes, the average betahistine treatment duration was the independent factor for hearing status of four-tone average (p = 0.01) and low-tone average (p = 0.03). Patients with average betahistine treatment duration of at least 277 days per year had higher odds ratio for improvement of the hearing status of four-tone and low-tone average. Conclusions: For patients with cochlear MD, regular and long-term betahistine treatment can benefit their hearing outcome in the low- and medium-frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation is natural and environment-friendly material for slope reinforcement. To simple and effective analysis of vegetated slopes, a new method is proposed to consider the tensile strength cutting criterion (C–F criterion) of unsaturated root–soil composites. The proposed method incorporates the hydrological and mechanical effects of vegetation roots. A 1D stability model is developed to calculate the safety factors of vegetated slopes under steady transpiration state. Parametric studies are performed to investigate the effects of shrub root depth, slope angle, rainfall intensity, transpiration rate, and tensile strength on pore-water pressure (uw) and slope safety factors (Fs). uw and Fs are calculated using both the C–F criterion and the Fredlund strength criterion. The results demonstrate that Fs and uw decreases with increasing slope angle and rainfall intensity. Slope angle and rainfall intensity of vegetated slopes has a negative impacts on the slope stability. Moreover, Fs increases with increasing tensile strength. Furthermore, the transpiration rate and root depth increases, Fs and uw increases. Root depth, tensile strength, and transpiration rate are adverse for slope stability. Increasing slope angle and rainfall have detrimental effects on slope stability. Shallow slopes are more sensitive to rainfall than deep slopes. Fs for vegetated slopes with tensile strength cut-off are reduced compared to those based on the Fredlund strength equation. The C–F criterion is best suited for evaluating the shallow slope stability. Overall, the proposed method is a simple and practical approach to assess the vegetated slopes stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]