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Highly acidic protic ionic liquids (PILs) are promising materials for potential electrochemical applications due to their high proton conductivity and excellent thermal stability. Still, little is known about the correlation between charge transport and structural dynamics as well as the proton transport mechanism despite the large body of literature on this topic. Here, we have examined the charge transport and structural dynamics by employing broadband dielectric spectroscopy in two highly acidic PILs in their supercooled liquid and glassy states, which included the same anion [TfO]− and different cations, [Tau]+ vs [Ahs]+. Unlike many other ionic liquids, the conductivity relaxation time τe of two studied PILs is substantially faster than the structural relaxation time τα. The decoupling behavior between charge transport and structural dynamics of two materials, which is manifested by a decoupling index Rτ, varies between 0.3 and 2.3 over the temperature range above Tg. Moreover, "Walden" plots of the molar conductivity vs the viscosity qualify both compounds as "Super ILs." All findings support the physical picture of large, polar, and orientationally correlated ion clusters, where the slow α-relaxation can be identified as structural relaxation associated with cooperative reorientations of the cluster macrodipole. In contrast, the shortest timescale for diffusive charge transport, τe, is 1–2 decades shorter than τα, implying that proton hopping is triggered by "single particle" (ions or ion pair) rotations and jumps on a sub-length scale of the cluster size, a dynamics being present even in the glassy state as indicated by a strong β-relaxation. These results demonstrate the practicality of employing highly acidic PILs in electrochemical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal oxide nanoparticle (NP) supports of both good conductivity and stability have the potential to enhance both the reaction activity and stability of the loaded electrocatalysts. In this paper, a facile two-step approach to disperse Pt nanoparticles on the surface of an IrO2 NP support (Pt/IrO2) was developed. Physical characterization by x-ray diffraction spectroscopy and transmission/scanning electron microscopy suggests a good dispersion of the Pt NPs. The temperature effect (from 293 to 353 K) of oxygen reduction reaction on Pt/IrO2 was studied by using a rotating ring disk electrode The results show that although the kinetic current density on Pt/IrO2 is close to that on commercial Pt/C at room temperature, the apparent activation energy (Ea,app) in the former case is much lower, suggesting a much higher activity at elevated temperatures. The superiority in Ea,app is attributed to the electron interaction between Pt and the IrO2 support, as supported by the change of surface chemical state given by x-ray photo-electron spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact mechanism of the government's strategic leadership (SL) and environmental optimisation (EO) on the improvement of regional innovation performance (RIP) under the effects of the regional innovation system coupling synergy degree (RISCSD). Based on the nonlinear threshold regression model, the coupling synergy model and entropy value method, the threshold regression analysis is conducted by calculating the RISCSD. The results indicate that: under the effect of the RISCSD, the SL, EO, and RIP have distinct single and double threshold effects. With the improvement of RISCSD, the influence of SL on RIP has changed from inhibition to promotion; while the promotion effect of EO on RIP shows an upward trend at first, and then slightly weakening. This paper provides relevant policy suggestions for local public administrations to enhance RIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the influence of income level on fertility intention of migrant women in China, and to provide theoretical support for the formulation and implementation of supporting measures to enhance the fertility intention of migrant women. Methods Based on the survey data of health and family planning of floating population in 2018, the influence of income level on fertility intention of migrant women was analyzed by ologist regression model, and robustness test and heterogeneity test were carried out. Results The results of ologist model regression analysis showed that the income level had a significant positive effect on the fertility intention of migrant women (OR = 1.182, 95% CI: 1.096-1.274, P < 0.01). The robustness test and heterogeneity test showed that the positive effect of income level remained stable. Conclusion Migrant women with higher income levels have higher fertility intention, and income levels have a positive effect on the fertility intention of migrant women. This suggests that a variety of measures including raising the income level on all fronts could be taken to enhance the fertility intention of migrant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin-walled carbon fiber-reinforced-polymer (CFRP) tubes are susceptible to damage, which impacts their dynamic characteristics. This paper investigates the influence of delamination damage on the dynamic properties of thin-walled CFRP tubes through finite element simulation and experimental methods. A transversely isotropic principal model is employed to establish the geometric model. Delamination damage is induced using the cohesive zone model and the secondary stress criterion. Both circumferential and elliptical delamination cases are studied. The modal test is conducted using the hammer excitation method. It is observed that the finite element model aligns with the experimental results. It is discovered that the larger the delamination size, the lower the natural frequency for a given damage location. The location of the delamination within a single layer has minimal effect on the natural frequency. The natural frequency exhibits a symmetrical pattern of decreasing and then increasing as the delamination shifts from the sides toward the center layer. Positional information is discernible in the modal shape, which can be utilized for delamination detection and localization. Highlights • The damage model is built by transversal isotropic equation and cohesive unit. • Finite element model is built with various delamination sizes and locations for two cases. • Modal tests are performed on CFRP tubes and obtained good accuracy. • Effect of delamination size and location on dynamic parameters is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This literature review is the first to explore the predictors of the ownership, mode choice, and use of private motorcycles for utilitarian travel. Existing literature reviews on motorcycles only focused on the adverse impacts of motorcycle transport. A total of 45 articles in English published up to 2022 from quantitative and qualitative studies were reviewed to identify socioeconomic and built environment predictors of motorcycle travel which can be affected by planning or policy interventions. Motorcycle ownership level of a country is explained by average income, population density, and urbanisation level; that of a province or city by average income; and that of a household by the numbers of adults and workers, car ownership level, income as well as the population density and road density at the residential location. The choice of individuals to use a motorcycle rather than other modes is predicted by income and age as well as the advantages of time and cost savings of motorcycles over other modes. The amount of motorcycle use of households or individuals is associated with the number of household members, car ownership level, the age of the principal user, and income. Supply of public transport should focus on areas prone to widespread motorcycle ownership to both slow down the growth in motorcycle ownership and pre-empt that in car ownership as both types of motorised vehicles bring environmental and public health harms. More research is needed for further understanding of the relationships between motorcycle travel, the built environment, and public transport supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we design a heating electrospray during electrospinning to prepare photo-stimulus response composite nanofibers consisting of MXene@Hydrogel. This heating electrospray could maintain the fluid state of MXene@Hydrogel, and spray it during the electrospinning process, so that hydrogel is uniformly distributed which cannot be achieved by the traditional soaking method. Due to the photothermal properties of composite nanofibers, the fluidity of hydrogel can be controlled by light, thus controlling the release rate of drugs. The "on" and "off" state of drug release could be controlled by light. [Display omitted] The photo-stimulus response has the advantage of non-invasiveness, which could be used to control the "on" and "off" of drug release achieving on-demand release. Herein, we design a heating electrospray during electrospinning to prepare photo-stimulus response composite nanofibers consisting of MXene@Hydrogel. This heating electrospray enables to spray MXene@Hydrogel during the electrospinning process, and the hydrogel is uniformly distributed which cannot be achieved by the traditional soaking method. In addition, this heating electrospray can also overcome the difficulty that hydrogels are hard to be uniformly distributed in the inner fiber membrane.The "on" and "off" state of drug release could be controlled by light. Not only near infrared (NIR) light but also sunlight could trigger the drug release, which could benefit outdoor use when cannot find NIR light. Evidence by hydrogen bond has been formed between MXene and Hydrogel, the mechanical property of MXene@Hydrogel composite nanofibers is significantly enhanced, which is conducive to the application of human joints and other parts that need to move. These nanofibers also possess fluorescence property, which is further used to real-time monitor the in-vivo drug release. No matter the fast or slow release, this nanofiber can achieve sensitive detection, which is superior to the current absorbance spectrum method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of optical films with high transparency, high thermal resistance and low birefringence remains a challenge in the flexible display industry. In this work, we designed and synthesized a series of fluorinated colorless polyimides (CPIs) materials using 2,5-substituted m-phenylenediamine diamine monomers and 1,2,4,5-cyclohexanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (CHDA). We systematically studied the effects of fluorinated group substitutions on the thermal, mechanical, optical and dielectric properties of CPI films. The introduction of alicyclic CHDA dianhydride affords high transparency and low yellowness, while the 2,5-substituted m-phenylenediamine diamines offer the CPIs with quite low birefringence as well as high glass transition temperatures. A particular CHDA/o3FBDA film with simple chemical structure stands out, exhibiting well-balanced overall properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) performs a crucial role in plant development and abiotic stress responses by interacting with other signalling molecules. However, the synergistic involvement of H2S and rhizobia in photosynthetic carbon (C) metabolism in soybean (Glycine max) under nitrogen (N) deficiency has been largely overlooked. Therefore, we scrutinised how H2S drives photosynthetic C fixation, utilisation, and accumulation in soybean‐rhizobia symbiotic systems. When soybeans encountered N deficiency, organ growth, grain output, and nodule N‐fixation performance were considerably improved owing to H2S and rhizobia. Furthermore, H2S collaborated with rhizobia to actively govern assimilation product generation and transport, modulating C allocation, utilisation, and accumulation. Additionally, H2S and rhizobia profoundly affected critical enzyme activities and coding gene expressions implicated in C fixation, transport, and metabolism. Furthermore, we observed substantial effects of H2S and rhizobia on primary metabolism and C–N coupled metabolic networks in essential organs via C metabolic regulation. Consequently, H2S synergy with rhizobia inspired complex primary metabolism and C–N coupled metabolic pathways by directing the expression of key enzymes and related coding genes involved in C metabolism, stimulating effective C fixation, transport, and distribution, and ultimately improving N fixation, growth, and grain yield in soybeans. Summary Statement: Can H2S effectively modulate photosynthetic C fixation and metabolism in symbiotic soybean‐rhizobia systems? Sufficient and robust data confirmed that H2S synergy with rhizobia promoted the expression of multiple critical enzymes and related coding genes involved in C metabolism to affect crucial primary metabolism and C‐N linked metabolic networks, ensuring efficient C fixation, transport, and allocation and ultimately improving N fixation, growth, and output in N‐deficient soybeans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur(VI)‐fluoride exchange (SuFEx) chemistry, an all‐encompassing term for substitution events that replace fluoride at an electrophilic sulfur(VI), enables the rapid and flexible assembly of linkages around a SVI core. Although a myriad of nucleophiles and applications works very well with the SuFEx concept, the electrophile design has remained largely SO2‐based. Here, we introduce S≡N‐based fluorosulfur(VI) reagents to the realm of SuFEx chemistry. Thiazyl trifluoride (NSF3) gas is shown to serve as an excellent parent compound and SuFEx hub to efficiently synthesize mono‐ and disubstituted fluorothiazynes in an ex situ generation workflow. Gaseous NSF3 was evolved from commercial reagents in a nearly quantitative fashion at ambient conditions. Moreover, the mono‐substituted thiazynes could be extended further as SuFEx handles and be engaged in the synthesis of unsymmetrically disubstituted thiazynes. These results provide valuable insights into the versatility of these understudied sulfur functionalities paving the way for future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur(VI)‐fluoride exchange (SuFEx) chemistry, an all‐encompassing term for substitution events that replace fluoride at an electrophilic sulfur(VI), enables the rapid and flexible assembly of linkages around a SVI core. Although a myriad of nucleophiles and applications works very well with the SuFEx concept, the electrophile design has remained largely SO2‐based. Here, we introduce S≡N‐based fluorosulfur(VI) reagents to the realm of SuFEx chemistry. Thiazyl trifluoride (NSF3) gas is shown to serve as an excellent parent compound and SuFEx hub to efficiently synthesize mono‐ and disubstituted fluorothiazynes in an ex situ generation workflow. Gaseous NSF3 was evolved from commercial reagents in a nearly quantitative fashion at ambient conditions. Moreover, the mono‐substituted thiazynes could be extended further as SuFEx handles and be engaged in the synthesis of unsymmetrically disubstituted thiazynes. These results provide valuable insights into the versatility of these understudied sulfur functionalities paving the way for future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pentafluorosulfanyl (SF5)‐containing compounds and corresponding analogs are a highly valuable class of fluorine‐containing building blocks owing to their unique properties. The reason for that is the set of peculiar and tremendously beneficial characteristics they can impart on molecules once introduced onto them. Despite this, their application in distinct scientific fields remains modest, given the extremely harsh reaction conditions needed to access such compounds. The recent synthetic approaches via S−F, and C−SF5 bond formation as well as the use of SF5‐containing building blocks embody a "stairway‐to‐heaven" loophole in the synthesis of otherwise‐inaccessible chemical scaffolds only a few years ago. Herein, we report and evaluate the properties of the SF5 group and analogs, by summarizing synthetic methodologies available to access them as well as following applications in material science and medicinal chemistry since 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the metabolomics of human aging. It discusses metabolomics research on aging in humans, identifying the major trends in the field, implicated biological pathways, and how these pathways relate to health and aging. It assesses the challenges in the research, opportunities for advancing the field, and the outlook for precision health applications.

This study presents high-precision analyses of calcium (Ca) isotope ratios using a collision-cell multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (CC-MC-ICP-MS, Nu Sapphire). This instrument allows Ca isotope measurement in the low resolution mode, requiring much less sample compared with TIMS and conventional MC-ICP-MS, and has additional measurement capability of both radiogenic (ε40Ca) and stable isotope ratios (δ44/40Ca and δ44/42Ca). The effects of several factors on the precision and accuracy of Ca isotopic data were evaluated, including the total Ca concentration, Ca intensity mismatch between the sample and standard, HNO3 molarity mismatch between the sample and standard, and the presence of matrix elements. High precision was obtained on 100 ng g−1 Ca samples (i.e., for 6 replicates ∼600 ng of Ca). Accurate measurements require the following conditions: (1) Ca intensities matched within 3% between the sample and standard, (2) low contents of Sr, Mg and Cr (Sr/Ca, Mg/Ca and Cr/Ca ratios need to be lower than 0.01%, and K/Ca, Al/Ca, Ti/Ca and Cr/Ca ratios <1%). Eleven standard reference materials analyzed using the established method yield highly consistent Ca isotope results with literature values. The long-term external precisions are higher than 0.07‰ (2 SD) for δ44/40Ca and higher than 0.05‰ (2 SD) for δ44/42Ca. The slope of the fractionation line between δ44/40Ca and δ44/42Ca is 1.9616 ± 0.0794, within the error of the slope value from the exponential law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burns and scalds are thermal injuries caused by a large amount of heat accumulation in local tissues. The first cooling emergency is a key step. However, it is hard that in outdoors to find clean water to cool the scald tissue sites. Moreover, most dressings are concentrated on the treatment process today, neglecting the emergency treatment of temperature reduction. In this study, we imported refrigeration in the electrospinning process while using dirty water, rainwater and even urine of outdoors, so that the cooled sterile fibers were directly deposited on the burn and scald wounds, and the cooling emergency was achieved through the dual cooling mechanism. Since this fiber which is made up of cheap fish gelatin contains CuS adopting the green method, it can generate heat and effectively kill bacteria under the irradiation of an illumination lamp at the front end of a spinning device. As a result of the direct deposition, there is an excellent fit between the fibrous membrane and the skin, which reduces the air gap to achieve a better and quick cooling and heating effects. On the same Chitosan/Platelet-derived Growth Factor fiber membrane, this method of cooling first and heating second can shorten the recovery time from 30 days to 21 days. Thus, this treatment strategy has a great potential application prospect in the field of outdoor burn treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic skins (e‐skins) are a promising design paradigm for health care systems and human–machine interactions. Piezoresistive sensors made with simple structures, high sensitivity, mass production methods, light weight, and comfort for long‐term wearing and physiological signal monitoring remain a challenge and are urgently desirable. Here, a breathable and lightweight all‐nanofiber piezoresistive (ANFP) sensor is presented, which is composed of three layers of electrospun nanofibers (NFs). A specific interpenetrating network of conductive polyvinylpyrrolidone NFs coated by polypyrrole (PVP@PPy) and insulating polyacrylonitrile NFs is constructed by controlling the vapor growth position of PPy to enhance the sensitivity. The ANFP sensor can achieve the real‐time monitoring of multiple parts of physiological signals, and a wireless detection system is designed for the online monitoring of human pulses. The NF network endows excellent breathability and heat dissipation to the ANFP sensors during practical application, which ensures comfort and device stability during long‐term wearing. Finally, a pressure sensing array with 5 × 5 pixels is fabricated to demonstrate the potential applications in spatial pressure detection. This work provides a viable strategy to improve the wearability of e‐skins, which can promote health care and human–machine interaction applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A natural pectin film was constructed on Zn anodes as a protective layer. • A unique hydrogen bond network endows pectin layer with excellent self-healing ability. • Pectin hydrogel layer possesses kinematic response ability from robust coordination forces. • Pectin protective film can sustain the complete structure and fit closely on Zn surface. • Zn@pectin symmetric cell can stably cycle for 2500 h at 2 mA cm−2 and 2 mAh cm−2. Zinc (Zn) dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution corrosion reaction of Zn metal anodes greatly affect the cycling performance and hinder the commercial application of high safety aqueous Zn ion batteries. Building an excellent protective layer to perfectly solve the above problems is still a big challenge, resulting from its high-cost raw materials and complicated preparation processes. Herein, in this work, natural pectin biopolymer with galacturonic acid structure was adopted as a functional coating on Zn anodes (Zn@pectin) to realize the excellent cycling properties. Abundant oxygen-containing groups endow pectin films with self-healing ability and response kinematic via multiple intermolecular hydrogen bonds and ligand binding with Zn metal after in-situ gelation with Zn2+ ions, which can sustain the complete structure and fit closely on Zn surface to address the fracture and separation of protective layers with Zn electrode. Functional pectin coatings can serve as a physical barrier to reduce the corrosion effects of H 2 O molecules in aqueous electrolyte and regular the deposition behavior of Zn2+ ions to hamper the dendrite growth. Zn@pectin symmetric cell can stably cycle for 2500 h at a current density of 2 mA cm−2 and a constant capacity of 2 mAh cm−2. Zn-iodine full batteries possess the high capacity retention of 95 % after 4500 cycles at 1 A g−1. This work provides a new strategy for the protection of Zn metal anodes and realizes the resource utilization of renewable biomass. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ratiometric fluorescent probe for detecting H 2 S. • NIR emission wavelength and high energy transfer efficiency. • Excellent sensitivity and selectivity. • Achieving the detection of exogenous and endogenous H 2 S in living cells. Hydrogen sulfide is an important signaling molecule which plays a vital role in many biological processes. In this work, a novel near-infrared FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) fluorescent probe was developed based on the rhodol derivative to detect H 2 S. The ratio of fluorescent intensity with the concentration of H 2 S exhibited an excellent linear relationship when probe LT responded to H 2 S. Probe LT exhibited excellent selectivity, sensitivity and anti-interference. LT was applied to sense endogenous and exogenous H 2 S in cells with great performance. Moreover, LT had the ability to target endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in Hela cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Aging and deterioration mark a new phase in many older adults' life, highlighting the importance of creativity and imagination. This article introduces the implementation of an innovative program, Play Intervention for Dementia, at a nursing home in Hong Kong, with emphasis on its contribution to the conceptual framework for understanding the selfhood of older adults with dementia. Research Design and Methods As a community-based participatory action research project, this study democratized knowledge production by integrating voices of practitioners with diverse backgrounds through video-based methods. Results Play, as an activity replete with free expressions and impulsive interactions, is an ideal realm for exploring and establishing selfhood with older adults with dementia. It has been found that "aesthetic self," an alternative self emerging from immediate aesthetic experience and carrying transformative power within the caring relationship, is a necessary element of self-construction in life with dementia. Discussion and Implications Integrating theories and practice, this framework provides a new lens for understanding and responding to selfhood, disease, and life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new polyketides, palitantins B and C (1 and 2), along with one known related compound (þ)-palitantin (3) were obtained from the culture of the Antarctic fungus Geomyces sp. 3-1. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by detailed analysis of HRESIMS, NMR, CD, and ECD data. Compound 3 showed potent PTP1B inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 7.9μM (ursolic acid as positive control, IC50 - 8.3μM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) have been described in critically ill patients with respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or sepsis. This scoping review aimed to systematically summarize existing literature on critical illness–associated CMBs.Studies reporting on adults admitted to the intensive care unit for respiratory failure, ARDS, or sepsis with evidence of CMBs on magnetic resonance imaging were included for review following a systematic search across five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, and Web of Science) and a two-stage screening process. Studies were excluded if patients’ CMBs were clearly explained by another process of neurological injury.Forty-eight studies reporting on 216 critically ill patients (mean age 57.9, 18.4% female) with CMBs were included. Of 216, 197 (91.2%) patients developed respiratory failure or ARDS, five (2.3%) patients developed sepsis, and 14 (6.5%) patients developed both respiratory failure and sepsis. Of 211 patients with respiratory failure, 160 (75.8%) patients had coronavirus disease 2019. The prevalence of CMBs among critically ill patients with respiratory failure or ARDS was 30.0% (111 of 370 patients in cohort studies). The corpus callosum and juxtacortical area were the most frequently involved sites for CMBs (64.8% and 41.7% of all 216 patients, respectively). Functional outcomes were only reported in 48 patients, among whom 31 (64.6%) were independent at discharge, four (8.3%) were dependent at discharge, and 13 (27.1%) did not survive until discharge. Cognitive outcomes were only reported in 11 of 216 patients (5.1%), all of whom showed cognitive deficits (nine patients with executive dysfunction and two patients with memory deficits).Cerebral microbleeds are commonly reported in patients with critical illness due to respiratory failure, ARDS, or sepsis. CMBs had a predilection for the corpus callosum and juxtacortical area, which may be specific to critical illness–associated CMBs. Functional and cognitive outcomes of these lesions are largely unknown.Methods: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) have been described in critically ill patients with respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or sepsis. This scoping review aimed to systematically summarize existing literature on critical illness–associated CMBs.Studies reporting on adults admitted to the intensive care unit for respiratory failure, ARDS, or sepsis with evidence of CMBs on magnetic resonance imaging were included for review following a systematic search across five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, and Web of Science) and a two-stage screening process. Studies were excluded if patients’ CMBs were clearly explained by another process of neurological injury.Forty-eight studies reporting on 216 critically ill patients (mean age 57.9, 18.4% female) with CMBs were included. Of 216, 197 (91.2%) patients developed respiratory failure or ARDS, five (2.3%) patients developed sepsis, and 14 (6.5%) patients developed both respiratory failure and sepsis. Of 211 patients with respiratory failure, 160 (75.8%) patients had coronavirus disease 2019. The prevalence of CMBs among critically ill patients with respiratory failure or ARDS was 30.0% (111 of 370 patients in cohort studies). The corpus callosum and juxtacortical area were the most frequently involved sites for CMBs (64.8% and 41.7% of all 216 patients, respectively). Functional outcomes were only reported in 48 patients, among whom 31 (64.6%) were independent at discharge, four (8.3%) were dependent at discharge, and 13 (27.1%) did not survive until discharge. Cognitive outcomes were only reported in 11 of 216 patients (5.1%), all of whom showed cognitive deficits (nine patients with executive dysfunction and two patients with memory deficits).Cerebral microbleeds are commonly reported in patients with critical illness due to respiratory failure, ARDS, or sepsis. CMBs had a predilection for the corpus callosum and juxtacortical area, which may be specific to critical illness–associated CMBs. Functional and cognitive outcomes of these lesions are largely unknown.Results: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) have been described in critically ill patients with respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or sepsis. This scoping review aimed to systematically summarize existing literature on critical illness–associated CMBs.Studies reporting on adults admitted to the intensive care unit for respiratory failure, ARDS, or sepsis with evidence of CMBs on magnetic resonance imaging were included for review following a systematic search across five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, and Web of Science) and a two-stage screening process. Studies were excluded if patients’ CMBs were clearly explained by another process of neurological injury.Forty-eight studies reporting on 216 critically ill patients (mean age 57.9, 18.4% female) with CMBs were included. Of 216, 197 (91.2%) patients developed respiratory failure or ARDS, five (2.3%) patients developed sepsis, and 14 (6.5%) patients developed both respiratory failure and sepsis. Of 211 patients with respiratory failure, 160 (75.8%) patients had coronavirus disease 2019. The prevalence of CMBs among critically ill patients with respiratory failure or ARDS was 30.0% (111 of 370 patients in cohort studies). The corpus callosum and juxtacortical area were the most frequently involved sites for CMBs (64.8% and 41.7% of all 216 patients, respectively). Functional outcomes were only reported in 48 patients, among whom 31 (64.6%) were independent at discharge, four (8.3%) were dependent at discharge, and 13 (27.1%) did not survive until discharge. Cognitive outcomes were only reported in 11 of 216 patients (5.1%), all of whom showed cognitive deficits (nine patients with executive dysfunction and two patients with memory deficits).Cerebral microbleeds are commonly reported in patients with critical illness due to respiratory failure, ARDS, or sepsis. CMBs had a predilection for the corpus callosum and juxtacortical area, which may be specific to critical illness–associated CMBs. Functional and cognitive outcomes of these lesions are largely unknown.Conclusions: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) have been described in critically ill patients with respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or sepsis. This scoping review aimed to systematically summarize existing literature on critical illness–associated CMBs.Studies reporting on adults admitted to the intensive care unit for respiratory failure, ARDS, or sepsis with evidence of CMBs on magnetic resonance imaging were included for review following a systematic search across five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, and Web of Science) and a two-stage screening process. Studies were excluded if patients’ CMBs were clearly explained by another process of neurological injury.Forty-eight studies reporting on 216 critically ill patients (mean age 57.9, 18.4% female) with CMBs were included. Of 216, 197 (91.2%) patients developed respiratory failure or ARDS, five (2.3%) patients developed sepsis, and 14 (6.5%) patients developed both respiratory failure and sepsis. Of 211 patients with respiratory failure, 160 (75.8%) patients had coronavirus disease 2019. The prevalence of CMBs among critically ill patients with respiratory failure or ARDS was 30.0% (111 of 370 patients in cohort studies). The corpus callosum and juxtacortical area were the most frequently involved sites for CMBs (64.8% and 41.7% of all 216 patients, respectively). Functional outcomes were only reported in 48 patients, among whom 31 (64.6%) were independent at discharge, four (8.3%) were dependent at discharge, and 13 (27.1%) did not survive until discharge. Cognitive outcomes were only reported in 11 of 216 patients (5.1%), all of whom showed cognitive deficits (nine patients with executive dysfunction and two patients with memory deficits).Cerebral microbleeds are commonly reported in patients with critical illness due to respiratory failure, ARDS, or sepsis. CMBs had a predilection for the corpus callosum and juxtacortical area, which may be specific to critical illness–associated CMBs. Functional and cognitive outcomes of these lesions are largely unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An efficient dual-function fluorescent probe SN-F for SO 2 derivatives and H 2 S. • SN-F had a swift response (2 min), strong selectivity and anti-interference capability for SO 2 derivatives. • Probe SN-F had a wide linear range for H 2 S. • Probe SN-F had superior endoplasmic reticulum-targeting. As gas signaling molecules in organisms, SO 2 derivatives and H 2 S play crucial regulating roles in a series of physiological processes. Therefore, developing an assay that can accurately monitor the concentration of SO 2 derivatives and H 2 S in cells is extremely important for the research and treatment of related illnesses. A bifunctional probe SN-F based on FRET mechanism for SO 2 derivatives and H 2 S was designed. SN-F had a short response time to SO 2 (2 min), excellent anti-interference capability and selectivity in the non-organic solvent system (pH = 7.4), which was suitable for the determination of SO 2 derivatives in cells. SN-F had a wide linear range for H 2 S. Moreover, SN-F was applied in cell imaging successfully with high targeting ability to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and could monitor endogenous and exogenous H 2 S in cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) control the formation of intestinal lymphoid tissues and play key roles in intestinal defense. They express neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptor 2 (VPAC2), through which VIP modulates their function, but whether VIP exerts other effects on ILC3 remains unclear. We show that VIP promotes ILC3 recruitment to the intestine through VPAC1 independent of the microbiota or adaptive immunity. VIP is also required for postnatal formation of lymphoid tissues as well as the maintenance of local populations of retinoic acid (RA)-producing dendritic cells, with RA up-regulating gut-homing receptor CCR9 expression by ILC3s. Correspondingly, mice deficient in VIP or VPAC1 suffer a paucity of intestinal ILC3s along with impaired production of the cytokine IL-22, rendering them highly susceptible to the enteric pathogen Citrobacter rodentium. This heightened susceptibility to C. rodentium infection was ameliorated by RA supplementation, adoptive transfer of ILC3s, or by recombinant IL-22. Thus, VIP regulates the recruitment of intestinal ILC3s and formation of postnatal intestinal lymphoid tissues, offering protection against enteric pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sustainable methodology for the synthesis of pyrano [2,3-d] pyrimidine scaffolds have been developed, employing the Knoevenagel-Michael tandem cyclocondensation reaction of barbituric acid/1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid, malononitrile, and aryl aldehydes. This study elucidates the advancement of a sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to synthesizing this category of chemical compounds. In the present investigation, a novel photosensitizer comprising proflavine (PFH+) bio-photocatalyst was employed in an aqueous medium, subjected to air atmosphere at room temperature, and stimulated by a blue-light-emitting diode (LED) to harness renewable energy. The fundamental objective of this initiative is to utilize a photosensitizer (PS) biocatalyst that has been recently developed, can be conveniently acquired, and is priced affordably. The proflavine (PFH+) photocatalyst, demonstrates the ability to initiate photoinduced-electron transfer (PET) through exposure to visible light. This property endows the photocatalyst with a practical and efficient method of achieving high effectiveness, energy efficiency, and environmentally friendly outcomes. The current research endeavor has the objective of examining the turnover number (TON) and turnover frequency (TOF) pertaining to pyrano [2,3-d] pyrimidine scaffolds. Moreover, it has been validated that cyclization at the gram-scale is a feasible approach that can be employed in various industrial settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The greatest improvement in carbohydrates studies on pig nutrition and health is that carbohydrates are classified more clearly, which is based not only on their chemical structure but also on their physiological characteristics. Besides its primary energy source, different types and structures of carbohydrates are a benefit for nutrition and health functions in pigs, which are involved in promoting growth performance and intestinal functions, regulating the community of gut microbiota, and modulating the lipids and glucose metabolism. The underlying mechanism of carbohydrates regulates the lipids and glucose metabolism through their metabolites (short-chain fatty acids [SCFAs]) and mainly via the SCFAs-GPR43/41-PYY/GLP1, SCFAs-AMP/ATP-AMPK, and SCFAs-AMPK-G6Pase/PEPCK pathways. Emerging research had evaluated an optimal combination in different types and structures of carbohydrates, which could enhance growth performance and nutrient digestibility, promote intestinal functions, and increase the abundances of butyrate-producing bacteria in pigs. Overall, compelling evidence supports the notion that carbohydrates play important roles in both nutrition and health functions in pigs. Moreover, identifying the carbohydrates combinations will be of both theoretical and practical values for developing the technology of carbohydrates balance in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a refractory complication of diabetes. The study aimed to investigate the role of α‐lipoic acid (ALA) on the regulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (TRPV1) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of rats with diabetes. Methods: Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings were employed to measure neuronal excitability in DiI‐labeled DRG neurons of control and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were used to determine the expression and location of NF‐κBp65 and TRPV1. Results: STZ‐induced hindpaw pain hypersensitivity and neuronal excitability in L4‐6 DRG neurons were attenuated by intraperitoneal injection with ALA once a day lasted for one week. TRPV1 expression was enhanced in L4‐6 DRGs of diabetic rats compared with age‐matched control rats, which was also suppressed by ALA treatment. In addition, TRPV1 and p65 colocated in the same DRG neurons. The expression of p65 was upregulated in L4‐6 DRGs of diabetic rats. Inhibition of p65 signaling using recombinant lentiviral vectors designated as LV‐NF‐κBp65 siRNA remarkably suppressed TRPV1 expression. Finally, p65 expression was downregulated by ALA treatment. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that ALA may alleviate neuropathic pain in diabetes by regulating TRPV1 expression via affecting NF‐κB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of recycled aggregate (RA) as a replacement for natural aggregate (NA) in concrete members brings benefits in both cost reduction and environment protection. However, the inferior quality of RA results in significant decrease in the mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) compared to NA. The shear capacity of RAC is one of the challenges for its application. To address this problem, high accurate calculation of shear capacity of RAC beam and its optimal design become urgent. Here, a data-driven hybrid methodology implemented by support vector regression (SVR) with the optimal parameters from genetic algorithm (GA) optimization approach called SVR-GA is proposed to predict the shear capacity of RAC beams, which achieves the minimal root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.3949 MPa under five-fold cross-validation, yielding the best performance among RF, SVR and ANN, and the RMSEs and MAPEs of which are all lower than that of existing conventional methods. The results indicate that GA is efficient for tuning hyper-parameter of SVR model. The hybrid SVR-GA model can achieve the best prediction accuracy in prediction the shear strength of RAC beam, with the highest correlation coefficient and lowest RMSE. Moreover, parametric sensitivity analysis reveals beam width, shear span ratio and stirrup spacing are the most sensitive variables and the replacement ratio of RA has little effect on shear strength of RAC beam. Furthermore, to meet the targets of lowest cost, minimum CO2 emissions and maximum shear strength in the design RAC beams, SVR-GA model combining Monte Carlo method was employed for multi-objective optimization discovering the trade-offs among cost, CO2 emissions and shear strength of RAC beams by the Pareto front. The proposed approach can be used as guidance in the design of RAC beam with higher accuracy and convenience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significance: Machine learning (ML)-enabled diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) is increasingly used as an alternative to the computation-intensive inverse Monte Carlo (MCI) simulation to predict tissue's optical properties, including the absorption coefficient, μa and reduced scattering coefficient, μ's. Aim: We aim to develop a use-error-robust ML algorithm for optical property prediction from DRS spectra. Approach: We developed a wavelength-independent regressor (WIR) to predict optical properties from DRS data. For validation, we generated 1520 simulated DRS spectra with the forward Monte Carlo model, where μa=0.44 to 2.45  cm-1, and μ′s=6.53 to 9.58  cm-1. We introduced common use-errors, such as wavelength miscalibrations and intensity fluctuations. Finally, we collected 882 experimental DRS images from 170 tissue-mimicking phantoms and compared performances of the WIR model, a dense neural network, and the MCI model. Results: When compounding all use-errors on simulated data, the WIR model best balanced accuracy and speed, yielding errors of 1.75% for μa and 1.53% for μ′s, compared to the MCI's 50.9% for μa and 24.6% for μ′s. Regarding experimental data, WIR model had mean errors of 13.2% and 6.1% for μa and μ′s, respectively. The errors for MCI were about eight times higher. Conclusions: The WIR model presents reliable use-error-robust optical property predictions from DRS data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective • The center of the face plays an important role in the fullness of our facial contours, however, sunken center of the face is more common in Asians than in Europeans and Americans. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and rib cartilage are commonly used to fill the nasal base to improve the hollowing of the center of the face. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of crescent-shaped expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) with granulated rib cartilage for nasal base filling to treat midface depressions. Methods • Fifty-one patients with mild to moderate midface depression and normal occlusion admitted to our department from June 2017 to August 2020 were selected. Comprehensive rhinoplasty was performed, which included nasal base filling using crescentic e-PTFE or granulated rib cartilage. They are all women, with an average age of 27.4 years. The e-PTFE group (group A) had 27 cases, while the granulated rib cartilage group (group B) had 24. Changes in two face parameters, the wing ear line and facial convexity, were measured and recorded based on preoperative and postoperative photographs of the patients and using 3D imaging technology. Postoperative complications and satisfaction were assessed by questionnaires to compare the two surgical approaches’ differences, advantages, and disadvantages. Results • Postoperative midface depression improved significantly in 51 patients. Most of the patients who underwent both procedures showed significant improvement in the wing ear line and facial convexity. The 3D imaging has also helped us to more objectively assess the changes in midface concavity. Some patients experienced acute discomfort, such as foreign body sensation and stiffness in the surgical area, for the first three months after nasal base filler surgery. Still, these symptoms resolved on their own within six months. Most patients (92.6% in group A and 91.6% in group B) felt that they had natural facial expressions and were satisfied with the filler results. Conclusion • The use of crescentic e-PTFE and granular rib cartilage to fill the nasal base is easy to operate and has a quick postoperative recovery, allowing for good postoperative results. However, after some of the granular rib cartilage filling treatments, the height of the nasal base was lowered, which may be connected to its limited structural support, ease of displacement, and resorption. Crescentic e-PTFE is superior to granular rib cartilage in terms of both morphology and mechanical support. The crescentic e-PTFE filling method provides rapid postoperative recovery and good shape maintenance, but local stiffness is more pronounced than in the granular rib cartilage group. This may help the plastic surgeon’s choice of surgical procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the Hawking–Page phase transitions between the black holes and thermal anti-de Sitter (AdS) space are studied with the Gauss–Bonnet term in the extended phase space, in which the varying cosmological constant plays the role of an effective thermodynamic pressure. The Gauss–Bonnet term exhibits its effects via introducing the corrections to the black hole entropy and Gibbs free energy. The global phase structures, especially the phase transition temperature T HP and the Gibbs free energy G, are systematically investigated, first for the Schwarzschild–AdS black holes and then for the charged and rotating AdS black holes in the grand canonical ensembles, with both analytical and numerical methods. It is found that there are terminal points in the coexistence lines, and T HP decreases at large electric potentials and angular velocities and also decreases with the Gauss–Bonnet coupling constant α . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the initial-boundary value problem of the generalized Burgers equation posed on a finite interval (0 , L) with non-homogeneous boundary conditions. The boundary conditions are given in a general form, which covers the usual Dirichlet, Neumann or Robin boundary conditions. For the generalized Burgers equation, we establish the local well-posedness for the weak solution in H s (0 , L) when the Sobolev index is negative. Besides, for the classical Burgers equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions, we obtain the global well-posedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the unique property of periodic arrays of subwavelength metallic slits to allow extraordinary electromagnetic transmission at multiple frequency bands. The diffraction limit in periodic arrays of subwavelength metallic slits is mitigated by excitation of surface waves which assist efficient coupling of a transverse magnetic-polarized incident electromagnetic wave into the TEM waveguide modes of the subwavelength slab waveguides formed by metallic slits. By investigating the geometry dependence of the electromagnetic guided modes supported by periodic arrays of subwavelength metallic slits, we present the design of a periodic array of metallic nanoslits which enables efficient interaction of terahertz and optical waves at nanoscale dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capitulum of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. (CT, Xue-Ju in Chinese) is a precious medicine in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region of China. The Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. is used to prevent and treat dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, etc. Recent studies have shown that its extract has a pharmacological effect on hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. The study aimed to systematically evaluate the lipid-lowering activity of CT through a mice model of hyperlipidemia and a human hepatoma G2 (HepG2) cells model of lipid accumulation, and to investigate its main active components and mechanism. Biochemical analysis of blood/liver lipids and liver histopathology were used to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. (AECT) on hyperlipidemia mice. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to identify the main components in the AECT. Oil red O staining, immunofluorescence, western blotting, and determination of the total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were used to further study the effect and potential mechanism of the AECT main components on sodium oleate-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. We confirmed the lipid-lowering activity of the aqueous extract and further identified flavonoids as its main components. Among them, five Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. flavonoids mixture (FM) significantly reduced lipid droplet area, lipid content, TC, TG, and LDL-C levels, and elevated HDL-C levels in HepG2 cells induced by sodium oleate. Furthermore, they increased lipophagy in HepG2 lipid-accumulating cells, while decreasing the ratio of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, and p-mTOR/mTOR. Most importantly, marein may be a key component. Our study demonstrated that AECT, with flavonoids as the main component, can improve diet-induced hyperlipidemia in obese mice. Among the main five flavonoids, marein plays a key role in promoting lipophagy by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, resulting in a lipid-lowering effect. [Display omitted] • The aqueous extract of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. capitulum decreases lipid levels and ameliorated liver damage in mice. • Flavonoids were found to be the main components of the aqueous extract of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. capitulum. • Marein plays a key role in promoting lipophagy by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, resulting in a lipid-lowering effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Whether mass rapid transit can lure motorcyclist is of great policy concern. • This is the first study on mass rapid transit effects on motorcycle travel. • Difference-in-differences was used to examine metro stations' treatment effects. • Both new and old stations reduced motorcycle mode choice probability versus the metro. • Both new and old stations reduced household motorcycle vehicle kilometers traveled. Motorcycles bring environmental harm. Many cities with high motorcycle ownership rates have been establishing or expanding mass transit. Whether these investments can lure existing motorcycle users is of policy concern. This research is the first to examine mass rapid transit effects on motorcycle travel, using datasets from the most recent 2000 and 2009 large-scale household travel surveys in Taipei, one of the world's earliest motorcycle-stressed cities to have adopted a metro system. The difference-in-differences method was employed to examine the treatment effects of metro stations on mode choice in trips and household motorcycle vehicle kilometers traveled within their proximity, controlling for built environment and socioeconomic predictors of motorcycle travel. Findings suggest that both newly introduced metro stations and older pre-existing ones were effective in reducing the motorcycle mode choice probability relative to that of the metro for trips originating nearby as well as household motorcycle vehicle kilometers traveled around them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common strategy to obtain self-assembly structures of amphiphilic block copolymers resorts to using solvent mixtures in which one solvent is a selective solvent while the other is a cosolvent for both components of the diblock copolymer. In this study, the noticeable influence of cosolvent on determining the block copolymer self-assembly structures as well as the corresponding kinetic pathways is studied via dissipative particle dynamics simulations. The preferential adsorption of cosolvent in polymer aggregate is found to alter the local solvent environment, which then results in various self-assembly structures in cases of different contents of cosolvent in the system. Based on Flory-Huggins theory, the preferential adsorption of cosolvent in different domains is analyzed to corroborate the influence of cosolvent on the self-assembly structures. Taking vesicles with similar size and shape as examples, we find that the preferential adsorption of cosolvent also affects their formation kinetic pathways. If there is less cosolvent in local environment of the polymer aggregate, the vesicle formation takes spherical micelle–wormlike micelle–membrane–vesicle pathway, in which the characteristic step is the bending and close of the membrane to form the vesicle. If there is more cosolvent in local environment of the polymer aggregate, the small micelles aggregate continuously till the vesicle forms. By comparing the simulations taking two solvent components explicitly with those using one solvent that has averaged solvation capability based on the two solvent components, we find the second simulation strategy may result in incorrect equilibrium self-assembly structures. Image 1 • The preferential adsorption of cosolvent in polymer aggregate influences self-assembly structures. • The preferential adsorption of cosolvent also affects vesicle formation kinetic pathways. • Explicitly considering solvent components in simulations is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Childhood vaccination against hepatitis A virus (HAV) in China has achieved a positive effect. • The age of the population susceptible to HAV has been shifted towards an older age group. • More attention should be paid to young adults. • Ongoing monitoring is important to determine the direction of vaccination policy. The hepatitis A vaccine (HepA) has been included in the national expanded program on immunization (EPI) in China since 2008. This study was performed to evaluate the change in dynamics of the seroepidemiology of hepatitis A virus (HAV) before and after the introduction of the program. The trends in seroepidemiology of anti-HAV antibodies were examined in Shandong Province, China, drawing on two population-based samples of persons aged 1–59 years, one obtained in the year 2006 (n = 6682) and the other in 2014 (n = 5095). A dramatic increase in seroprevalence of anti-HAV antibodies from 30.76% (95% confidence interval (CI) 26.24–35.28%) to 77.46% (95% CI 74.04–80.87%) among children aged 1.5–7 years (born after HepA was recommended for routine childhood immunization), as well as an increase from 35.32% (95% CI 29.31–41.33%) to 66.69% (95% CI 55.59–77.80%) in subjects aged 8–14 years, was observed in 2014 when compared with 2006. By contrast, a decline in seroprevalence among subjects aged 15–29 years, as seen particularly in those 20–29 years of age, from 85.72% (95% CI 80.29–91.14%) to 69.24% (95% CI 62.02–76.45%), was found in this study. There was no statistically significant difference in seroprevalence between 2006 and 2014 among the subjects older than 30 years of age. The national HepA routine immunization program has had a positive effect, leading to an increase in anti-HAV seroprevalence among children in Shandong Province, China. More attention should be paid to young adults in the province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Diabetic neuropathic pain is a refractory and disabling complication of diabetes mellitus. The pathogenesis of the diabetic neuropathic pain is still unclear, and treatment is insufficient. The aim of this study is to investigate the roles of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in neuropathic pain in rats with diabetes. Methods: Type 1 diabetes model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 75 mg/kg) in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. Paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency of rats were measured by von Frey filaments and thermal radiation, respectively. The expressions of G6PD and TLR4 in L4-L6 dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) were measured by western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry was employed to detect expressions of G6PD and TLR4 and co-location of G6PD with TLR4. Results: The mRNA and protein expression levels of G6PD in DRGs were significantly decreased in diabetic rats when compared with age-matched control rats. Upregulation of G6PD by intrathecal injection of G6PD overexpression adenovirus markedly attenuated hindpaw pain hypersensitivity of diabetic rats. The mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4 in DRGs of diabetic rats were significantly increased when compared with control rats. Intrathecal injection of TLR4-selective inhibitor CLI-095 attenuated diabetic pain in dose- and time-dependent manners. Furthermore, G6PD and TLR4 were colocalized in DRG neurons. Intrathecal injection of G6PD overexpression adenovirus greatly reduced TLR4 expression, while intrathecal injection of CLI-095 had no significant effect on G6PD expression in diabetic rats. Conclusions: Our results suggest that decrease in G6PD expression was involved in diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, which was most likely through upregulation of TLR4 expression in the DRGs of rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Gestational exposure to ambient air pollution has been associated with Congenital Heart Diseases (CHDs). However, only a few studies, with inconsistent results, have investigated the effects of PM 2.5 exposure during early pregnancy. This study aims to evaluate the association between prenatal exposure to PM 2.5 and CHDs occurrence. We selected 782 births reported to have CHDs between 2007 and 2014 from the Taiwanese Birth Registry and randomly selected 4692 controls without any birth defects using a population-based case-control design. Data of exposure to ambient air pollutants, mainly PM 2.5 , PM 10 , CO, SO 2 , NO 2 , and O 3 during weeks 3–8 of pregnancy were retrieved from air quality monitoring stations and interpolated to every township using ordinary kriging. We applied unconditional logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders to evaluate the associations. The results revealed a positive correlation between increased PM 2.5 exposure (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–1.42, per interquartile range change = 13.4 μg/m3) during early pregnancy and overall CHDs occurrence. Furthermore, we found that atrial septal defect (aOR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.01–2.02), endocardial cushion defect (aOR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.01–5.58), and pulmonary artery and valve stenosis (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.06–2.78) were significantly associated with PM 2.5 exposures. No similar effects were observed for the other air pollutants. This study has demonstrated some positive associations between increased PM 2.5 exposure during the critical period of cardiac embryogenesis and certain CHDs occurrence. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Prenatal exposure to air pollution increases the risk of congenital heart diseases (CHDs). • Studies on the effects of PM 2.5 were limited at an exposure range higher than the WHO air quality guidelines. • PM 2.5 exposure during weeks 3–8 of pregnancy increased the risks of overall and some subtypes of CHDs occurrence in Taiwan. • Results provide crucial information about the effects of PM 2.5 on CHDs applicable to the majority of the global population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Childhood asthma is a common disease whose prevalence is changing. Shift in environmental exposure was one of the plausible explanations. This study investigated changes in the association between childhood asthma and ambient air pollution occurring over time. Method: A nationwide questionnaire survey concerning respiratory illness and symptoms was administered to Taiwanese elementary and middle school students in 2011 and repeatedly in 2016‐2017. During the study period, the concentrations of ambient air pollutants were obtained from the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) monitoring stations. Generalized estimating equation models were applied to examine the association between air pollution in the past year and the risk of current asthma. Results: A total of 6346 children from the 2011 survey and 11 585 children from the 2016‐2017 survey attended schools located within a 1‐km radius of Taiwan EPA monitoring stations. The prevalence of childhood current asthma (children with physician‐diagnosed asthma and persistent asthma symptoms in the past year) increased from 7.5% to 9.6% during this period. The level of exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) in the past year was found to be associated with current asthma both in the 2011 survey (odds ratio (OR): 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.41‐2.57) and in the 2016‐2017 survey (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04‐1.48). Conclusion: Improved air quality has reduced the effect of PM2.5 on childhood asthma, but air quality remains a health concern in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We investigate well-posedness of initial boundary value problem for the fifth-order KdV equation (or Kawahara equation) posed on a finite interval ∂ t u − ∂ x 5 u − u ∂ x u = 0 , 0 < x < 1 , t > 0 with general non-homogeneous boundary conditions. Firstly, all possible boundary conditions are found while searching enough dissipative effects to the initial boundary value problem. Then, boundary smoothing effect is established through estimating explicit solution established by using Laplacian transformation. Finally, based on smoothing effect, local well-posedness of the initial boundary value problem was proved by applying Banach's fixed point theorem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the contamination of soil heavy metals becoming more and more serious, remediation has become a hot issue, and it is of great significance to study the remediation effects of heavy metal contaminated soil. The heavy metal contaminated soil was leached with water, acetic acid and citric acid, and the pH value of the soil after leaching was adjusted with 2% lime water. Finally, the pH value and conductivity of the soil leacheate were determined. The results showed that the best leacheate was citric acid for the remediation of soil contaminated with heavy metals Cu, Cd and Pb, and the optimum leaching concentration was 1.0, 0.4, 0.7 mol/L, respectively. For the remediation of soil contaminated with Zn, the best leacheate was acetic acid, and the optimal leaching concentration was 1 mol/L. The leaching effect of lime water on heavy metal contaminated soil was positively correlated with the concentration of organic acid, that is, the leaching effect on heavy metals was better at stronger acidic condition. The conductivity of the soil sample treated with lime water increased with the increase of the concentration of organic acid, and at the same concentration, the conductivity was in the order of citric acid > acetic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the intention to comprehensively reflect the reality, foster interactions between researchers and participants, and empower the marginalized groups to be heard, videos are increasingly used in health studies. The findings of an action research project that integrates video-based methods into the development of dementia care in an aged care home in Hong Kong are reported. A working alliance consisted of practitioners, community-dwelling volunteers, service managers, university educators, and researchers was formed to develop a sustainable, need-based play program for the institutionalized elderly with dementia (EWD). Two innovative methods, namely, video elicitation focus group interview (VEFI) and participatory video (PV), were applied. Data analyses were collaboratively conducted by all practitioner-researchers during eight reflexive sessions. Several short films were made through PV for institutional training and community education. VEFI effectively enhanced the practitioners' understanding of the embodied expressions of the EWD and provided a reflexive, democratic environment to generate knowledge among practitioner-researchers. Counter-narratives of the EWD and educational materials on dementia care were generated through PV. The study demonstrates how innovative video-based methods may enable participatory health research to be more inclusive, engaging, and empowering, and how these methods may provide new perspectives on the ethics of researching vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to further determine the nitrogen demand of plants in alpine grassland ecosystem, different nitrogen levels (0, 1,2, 4, 8, 16,24, 32 g/m2) were designed through field control to study the responses of different plant functional groups ( grass, sedge and weed) to different nitrogen application levels in the aboveground biomass and soil inorganic nitrogen ( nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen). The results showed that with the increase of nitrogen application rate, the aboveground biomass of different functional groups increased linearly, and the soil inorganic nitrogen content increased with the increase of nitrogen application rate, among which treatments N16, N24 and N32 increased significantly in soil nitrate nitrogen content (P<0.05). The results showed that the optimal nitrogen content in alpine grasslands was 8 g/m², which could not only promote plant growth, but also effectively control soii nitrate nitrogen content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The competencies required of the well-trained physician are constantly evolving, and medical education must adapt accordingly. In response, a growing number of influential medical education licensing and accreditation bodies have proposed frameworks that outline society’s expectations of physician competencies. In Canada, undergraduate and graduate curricula have undergone major changes to meet the specifications of the CanMEDS framework, and similar efforts are underway internationally. Nonetheless, ensuring the values enshrined within such frameworks become integral to a physician’s identity remains challenging. We believe that student-led curricular initiatives represent a novel way of approaching this shifting medical education landscape.In this article, we reflect on lessons we learned as medical students spearheading an initiative to change how organ and tissue donation is taught in Canadian medical schools. Citing relevant medical education literature where applicable, we include a detailed description of our approach as a roadmap for students contemplating their own curricular innovations. By outlining the factors influencing this project’s implementation, as well as the benefits and limitations of student participation in curriculum reform, we offer educators a fresh perspective on optimizing the student role in this important process. Ultimately, the authors argue that not only can student participation render curricular content more accessible to learners, but that the responsibilities students take on in this role naturally lead to the development of CanMEDs-based competencies such as advocacy, scholarship, and inter-professionalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A squaramide‐catalyzed asymmetric Mannich reaction of 3‐fluorooxindoles to isatin‐derived imines for synthesis of fluorinated 3,3′‐bisoxindoles with two contiguous stereocenters under mild conditions was developed. The corresponding 3,3′‐bisoxindoles were obtained in excellent yields with excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities (up to 99% yield, >99:1 dr and >99% ee). What's more, this reaction can be gram‐scaled without compromising yield and stereoselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor tanning leads to melanoma, the fifth most common cancer in the USA. The highest rate of indoor tanning is among young women whose exposure to tanned images in the media is linked to protanning attitudes. This study evaluated the efficacy of a media literacy intervention for reducing young women's indoor tanning. Intervention participants analyzed the content and functions of the media influencing protanning attitudes and produced counter-messages to help themselves and peers resist harmful media effects. The message production was of two types: digital argument production or digital story production. The control group received assessments only. This three-group randomized design involved 26 sorority chapters and 247 members in five Midwestern states where indoor tanning is prevalent. At 2- and 6-month follow-up assessments, those in the two intervention conditions were less likely to be indoor tanners (p = .033) and reported lower indoor tanning intentions (p = .002) compared to those in the control condition. No difference between the two intervention groups was found for behavior. Although the argument group exhibited slightly weaker indoor tanning intentions than the story group, the difference was not significant. The results provide the first evidence of the efficacy of a media literacy intervention for indoor tanning reduction. Implications for participative engagement interventions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current understanding of the built environment effects on motorcycle ownership is limited. No built environment characteristics have been identified as predictors of motorcycle mode choice likelihood. This research fills these gaps in knowledge by examining the relationship between motorcycle travel and the built environment using the largest metropolis of Taiwan, home to the world's highest motorcycle ownership rate, as the study context. Multinomial logistic and tobit regression models were estimated to examine the relationship between the built environment on household vehicle ownership, mode choice in a trip, and household motorcycle vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT), controlling for socioeconomic predictors of motorcycle travel. It used the most recent trip and household datasets from both the 2000 and 2009 large-scale household travel surveys in the Taipei Metropolitan Area for analysis. Findings suggest that higher population density, being farther from the central business district and from metro stations are correlated with higher household motorcycle ownership levels, higher likelihood of motorcycle mode choice, and higher household motorcycle VKT; lower job density is correlated with higher household motorcycle ownership levels and higher household motorcycle VKT; higher income is correlated with lower motorcycle ownership levels, lower motorcycle mode choice likelihood, and higher household motorcycle VKT. The academic novelty of this research is that it rejects most of its literature-based hypotheses about motorcycle travel and the built environment. Transportation and land use policy should expand mass transit, develop suburban employment centers near metro stations, and reshape the spatial distribution of population so that areas near metro stations become more densely populated than others. • Current understanding of built environment effects on motorcycle travel is limited. • Multinomial logistic and tobit regression models were fitted on 2000 and 2009 data. • Motorcycle travel is correlated with high population density and low job density. • Motorcycle travel is also correlated with being far from downtown and metro stations. • Most hypotheses about motorcycle travel and the built environment were rejected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Air pollution and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are both associated with increased diabetes mellitus (DM) occurrence. However, whether air pollutants modify the effects of GDM on the occurrence of DM has been unknown. This study aims to determine whether the effect of GDM on DM development can be modified by exposure to ambient air pollutants. Methods Women with one singleton birth delivery during 2004–14 according to the Taiwan Birth Certificate Database (TBCD) were included as the study cohort. Those newly diagnosed as having DM 1 year or later after childbirth were identified as DM cases. Controls were selected among women without DM diagnosis during follow-up. Personal residence was geocoded and linked with interpolated concentrations of air pollutants into township levels. Conditional logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratio (OR) of pollutant exposure and GDM, adjusting for age, smoking and meteorological variables. Results There were 9846 women who were newly diagnosed as having DM over a mean follow-up period of 10.2 years. We involved them and the 10-fold matching controls involved in our final analysis. The OR (odds ratio) (95% confidence interval, 95% CI) of DM occurrence per interquartile range increased in particulate matter (PM) smaller than or equal to 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) was 1.31 (1.22–1.41) and 1.20 (1.16–1.25), respectively. The effects of PM exposure on DM development were significantly higher in the GDM group (OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.84–3.30) than in the non-GDM group (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.21–1.40). Conclusions Exposure to high levels of PM2.5 and O3 elevates the risk of DM. GDM acted synergistically in DM development with exposure to PM2.5 but not with that to O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to understand the serum metabolomic signatures of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior, and further associate their metabolomic signatures with incident cardiometabolic diseases. Methods: This analysis included 2711 US Hispanics/Latinos from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) aged 18-74 yr (2008-2011). An untargeted, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to profile the serum metabolome. The associations of metabolites with accelerometer-measured MVPA and sedentary time were examined using survey linear regressions adjusting for covariates. The weighted correlation network analysis identified modules of correlated metabolites in relation to sedentary time, and the modules were associated with incident diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension over the 6-yr follow-up. Results: Of 624 metabolites, 5 and 102 were associated with MVPA and sedentary behavior at false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05, respectively, after adjusting for socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. The weighted correlation network analysis identified 8 modules from 102 metabolites associatedwith sedentary time. Fourmodules (branched-chain amino acids, erythritol, polyunsaturated fatty acid, creatine)were positively, and the other four (acyl choline, plasmalogen glycerol phosphatidyl choline, plasmalogen glycerol phosphatidyl ethanolamine, urea cycle) were negatively correlated with sedentary time. Among these modules, a higher branched-chain amino acid score and a lower plasmalogen glycerol phosphatidyl choline score were associated with increased risks of diabetes and dyslipidemia. A higher erythritol score was associated with an increased risk of diabetes, and a lower acyl choline score was linked to an increased risk of hypertension. Conclusions: In this study of US Hispanics/Latinos, we identified multiple serum metabolomic signatures of sedentary behavior and their associations with risk of incident diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. These findings suggest a potential role of circulatingmetabolites in the links between sedentary behavior and cardiometabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]