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Abstract Fully π-conjugated polymers consisting of plane and rigid aromatic units present a fantastic optoelectronic property, a promising candidate for printed and flexible optoelectronic devices. However, obtaining high-performance conjugated polymers with an excellent intrinsically flexible and printable capacity is a great challenge due to their inherent coffee-ring effect and brittle properties. Here, we report an asymmetric substitution strategy to improve the printable and stretchable properties of deep-blue light-emitting conjugated polymers with a strong inter-aggregate capillary interaction for flexible printed polymer light-emitting diodes. The loose rod-shaped stacking of asymmetric conjugated polymers chain in the precursor printed ink makes it easier to improve the intrinsic stretchability of inkjet-printed films. More interestingly, the anisotropic shape rod-like aggregate of conjugated polymers chains also induced a strong capillary interaction and further suppressed the coffee-ring effect, which is more likely to allow for uniform deposition during printed processing and form uniform printed films.

Abstract Background New indicators of potential human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission are being actively explored. We aim to categorical testing of the viral load (VL) of persons living with HIV (PLWH) in order to explore new indicators to measure the intensity of the epidemic and the effectiveness of the response in the community. Methods A dynamic cohort study was conducted in Yining to monitor the VL of all persons living with HIV from 2017 to 2019. Different population VL (PVL) surrogate indicators were measured and the strength of the associations of different PVL surrogates with HIV incidence, antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage, virus unsuppression, and viremia prevalence was assessed. PVL surrogate indicators were used to describe the current status of HIV transmission in different populations and communities. Results All PVL indicators decreased from 2017 to 2019 (P

Abstract Fully π-conjugated polymers with rigid aromatic units are promising for flexible optoelectronic devices, but their inherent brittleness poses a challenge for achieving high-performance, intrinsically stretchable fully π-conjugated polymer. Here, we are establishing an external-plasticizing strategy using semiconductor fluid plasticizers (Z1 and Z2) to enhance the optoelectronic, morphological, and stretchable properties of fully π-conjugated polymer films for flexible light-emitting diodes. The synergistic effect of hierarchical structure and optoelectronic properties of Z1 in poly(9,9-di-n-octylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) films enable excellent stretchable deformability (~25%) and good conductivity. PLEDs based on F8BT/Z1 films show stable electroluminescence and efficiency under 15% stretch and 100 cycles at 10% strain, revealing outstanding stress tolerance. This strategy is also improving the stretchable properties of polymers like poly(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl) (PFO) and poly(2-methoxy-5(2′-ethyl)hexoxy-phenylenevinylene) (Super Yellow), demonstrating its general applicability. Therefore, this strategy can provide effective guidance for designing high-performance stretchable fully π-conjugated polymers films for flexible electronic devices.

Abstract Gridization is an emerging molecular integration technology that enables the creation of multifunctional organic semiconductors through precise linkages. While Friedel-Crafts gridization of fluorenols is potent, direct linkage among fluorene molecules poses a challenge. Herein, we report an achiral Pd-PPh3-cataylized diastereoselective (>99:1 d.r.) gridization based on the C-H-activation of fluorene to give dimeric and trimeric windmill-type nanogrids (DWGs and TWGs). These non-conjugated stereo-nanogrids showcase intramolecular multiple H…H interactions with a low field shift to 8.51 ppm and circularly polarized luminescence with high luminescent dissymmetry factors (|g PL | = 0.012). Significantly, the nondoped organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) utilizing cis-trans-TWG1 emitter present an ultraviolet electroluminescent peak at ~386 nm (CIE: 0.17, 0.04) with a maximum external quantum efficiency of 4.17%, marking the highest record among nondoped ultraviolet OLEDs based on hydrocarbon compounds and the pioneering ultraviolet OLEDs based on macrocycles. These nanohydrocarbon offer potential nanoscafflolds for ultraviolet light-emitting optoelectronic applications.

Abstract Background Early prediction of mortality in individuals with HIV (PWH) has perpetually posed a formidable challenge. With the widespread integration of machine learning into clinical practice, some researchers endeavor to formulate models predicting the mortality risk for PWH. Nevertheless, the diverse timeframes of mortality among PWH and the potential multitude of modeling variables have cast doubt on the efficacy of the current predictive model for HIV-related deaths. To address this, we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis, aiming to comprehensively assess the utilization of machine learning in the early prediction of HIV-related deaths and furnish evidence-based support for the advancement of artificial intelligence in this domain. Methods We systematically combed through the PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases on November 25, 2023. To evaluate the bias risk in the original studies included, we employed the Predictive Model Bias Risk Assessment Tool (PROBAST). During the meta-analysis, we conducted subgroup analysis based on survival and non-survival models. Additionally, we utilized meta-regression to explore the influence of death time on the predictive value of the model for HIV-related deaths. Results After our comprehensive review, we analyzed a total of 24 pieces of literature, encompassing data from 401,389 individuals diagnosed with HIV. Within this dataset, 23 articles specifically delved into deaths during long-term follow-ups outside hospital settings. The machine learning models applied for predicting these deaths comprised survival models (COX regression) and other non-survival models. The outcomes of the meta-analysis unveiled that within the training set, the c-index for predicting deaths among people with HIV (PWH) using predictive models stands at 0.83 (95% CI: 0.75–0.91). In the validation set, the c-index is slightly lower at 0.81 (95% CI: 0.78–0.85). Notably, the meta-regression analysis demonstrated that neither follow-up time nor the occurrence of death events significantly impacted the performance of the machine learning models. Conclusions The study suggests that machine learning is a viable approach for developing non-time-based predictions regarding HIV deaths. Nevertheless, the limited inclusion of original studies necessitates additional multicenter studies for thorough validation.

ObjectiveTo analyze disease progression and its influencing factors in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with Markov modeling.MethodsWe recruited a total of 2 000 HIV/AIDS patients (aged ≥ 16 years) receiving free ART at a public hospital in Yining city, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) from 2019 through October 2020 for a 18-month follow-up study. CD4+T lymphocyte count of the patients were detected at the enrollment and subsequent follow-ups and four disease progression states of the patients were defined based on the count: namely S1, S2, S3, and S4 for the patients with the CD4+T lymphocyte count of ≥ 500/μL, 350 – 499/μL, 200 – 349/μL, and < 200/μL and the mortality was defined as S5. A continuous-time discrete-state Markov model was constructed based on the CD4+T lymphocyte count to analyze disease progression patterns of the patients. ResultsThe analysis finally included 1 491 HIV/AIDS patients on ART, with a total follow-up of 2 224.5 person-years. For all the patients, S1 showed the longest total persistent duration of 201.34 months and S4 was of the highest probability of mortality (0.17) compared to other states. The results of multifactorial analysis revealed following factors associated with the intensity of disease state transition: (1) increased intensity of transition from S1 to S2 for patients aged ≥ 50 years compared to those aged < 30 years; (2) higher intensity of transition from S1 to S2 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.66, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.37 – 2.01) and from S2 to S3 (aHR = 1.65, 95%CI: 1.21 – 2.25) but lower intensity of transition from S2 to S1 (aHR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.68 – 0.94) and from S3 to S2 (aHR = 0.73, 95%CI: 0.58 – 0.92) for the patients infected heterosexually compared to those infected via drug injection; (3) higher intensity of transition from S1 to S2 but lower intensity of transition from S2 to S1 for the patients with the baseline CD4+T lymphocyte count of 350 – 499/μL, 200 – 349/μL, and < 200/μL in comparison with the patients with the baseline CD4+T lymphocyte count of ≥ 500/μL; (4) stronger intensity of transition from S2 to S3 for the patients with the baseline CD4+T lymphocyte count of < 200/μL compared to the patients with the baseline CD4+T lymphocyte count of ≥ 500/μL; and (5) higher intensity of transition from S2 to S3 for the patients at World Health Organization HIV/AIDS stage II compared to those at the stage I.ConclusionBetter transition of disease state was observed in HIV/AIDS patients on ART in Yili city of Xinjiang ant the patients aged 50 years and above, infected via drug injection, and with lower baseline CD4+T lymphocyte count were at increased risk of deteriorative transition of disease state.

ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of individualized management on antiretroviral therapy (ART) failure among human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients for developing effective individualized management scheme for HIV/AIDS patients on ART.MethodsA total of 1 882 HIV/AIDS patients (≥ 16 years old) on ART and with baseline CD4+T lymphocytes (CD4+T) counts were recruited in the Second People′s Hospital of Yining City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) from 2018 through October 2020. Then the patients were randomly assigned into two gender- and age-matched groups (941 in each group): a group with ordinary management including routine follow-up interview and CD4+T count, free ART, psychological support, and health education and the other group with increased face-to-face follow-ups for comprehensive assessment on conditions relevant to ART by medical staff or community workers and the development of individualized management schemes. Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze the trend in CD4+T count change of the two groups over time; the cumulative incidence curve of ART failure of the two groups were plotted with Kaplan-Meier (K-M) method and Cox proportional hazard regression model was adopted to explore influencing factors of ART failure. ResultsCompared with those in the routine management group, significantly higher CD4+T counts were detected in follow-up laboratory tests in the individualized management group (P < 0.05 for all), especially for the patients with the baseline CD4+T count of < 350/μL after 6-month ART. The K-M analysis showed that at the end of follow-up, the cumulative ART failure rate (11.4%, 107/941) of the individualized management group was significantly lower than that (16.9%, 159/941) of the routine intervention group (P = 0.001 in Log-rank test). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the patients under individualized management (hazard risk [HR] = 0.733, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.572-0.939) and those with the CD4+T count of ≥ 350/μL at the first follow-up (HR = 0.271, 95%CI: 0.212 – 0.346) were at lower ART failure risk; but the patients with the interval of ≥ 366 days between the HIV infection confirmation and the beginning of ART were at a higher risk of ART failure (HR = 1.474, 95%CI: 1.059 – 2.050). ConclusionIndividualized management could reduce immunological failure among HIV/AIDS patients on ART; low CD4+T count and long interval between HIV infection confirmation and the beginning of ART are risk factors for ART failure for the patients on the treatment.

Abstract Large‐area polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) manufactured by printing are required for flat‐panel lighting and displays. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to fabricate large‐area and stable deep‐blue PLEDs with narrowband emission due to the difficulties in precisely tuning film uniformity and obtaining single‐exciton emission. Herein, efficient and stable large‐area deep‐blue PLEDs with narrowband emission are prepared from encapsulated polydiarylfluorene. Encapsulated polydiarylfluorenes presented an efficient and stable deep‐blue emission (peak: 439 nm; full width at half maximum (FWHM): 39 nm) in the solid state due to their single‐chain emission behavior without inter‐backbone chain aggregation. Large‐area uniform blade‐coated films (16 cm2) are also fabricated with excellent smoothness and morphology. Benefitting from efficient emission and excellent printed capacity, the blade‐coated PLEDs with a device area of 9 mm2 realized uniform deep‐blue emission (FWHM: 38 nm; CIE: 0.153, 0.067), with a corresponding maximum external quantum efficiency and the brightness comparable to those of devices based on spin‐coated films. Finally, considering the essential role of deep‐blue LEDs, a preliminary patterned PLED array with a pixel size of 800 × 1000 µm2 and a monochrome display is fabricated, highlighting potential full‐color display applications.

Abstract Background The major infectious diseases of hepatitis B has constituted an acute public health challenge in China. An effective and affordable HBV control model is urgently needed. A national project of Community-based Collaborative Innovation HBV (CCI-HBV) demonstration areas has optimized the existing community healthcare resources and obtained initial results in HBV control. Methods Based on the existing community healthcare network, CCI-HBV project combined the community health management and health contract signing service for long-staying residents in hepatitis B screening. Moreover, HBV field research strategy was popularized in CCI-HBV areas. After screening, patients with seropositive results were enrolled in corresponding cohorts and received treatment at an early stage. And the uninfected people received medical supports including health education through new media, behavior intervention and HBV vaccinations. In this process, a cloud-based National Information Platform (NIP) was established to collect and store residents’ epidemiological data. In addition, a special quality control team was set up for CCI project. Results After two rounds of screening, HBsAg positive rate dropped from 5.05% (with 5,173,003 people screened) to 4.57% (with 3,819,675 people screened), while the rate of new HBV infections was 0.28 per 100 person-years in the fixed cohorts of 2,584,322 people. The quality control team completed PPS sampling simultaneously and established the serum sample database with 2,800,000 serum samples for unified testing. Conclusions CCI-HBV project has established a large-scale field research to conduct whole-population screening and intervention. We analyzed the HBsAg prevalence and new infection rate of HBV in the fixed population for the epidemic trend and intervention effect. The purpose of CCI-HBV project is to establish and evaluate a practical model of grid management and field strategy, to realize the new goal to control hepatitis B in China. To provide policymakers with a feasible model, our results are directly applicable. Trial registration The project was funded by the Major Projects of Science Research for the 11th and 12th five-year plans of China, entitled “The prevention and control of AIDS, viral hepatitis and other major infectious diseases”, Grant Nos. 2009ZX10004901, 2011ZX10004901, 2013ZX10004904, 2014ZX10004007 and 2014ZX10004008.

Abstract Second Generation sub-population HIV Surveillance was undertaken in Kashgar City and Shache County, Xinjiang, Peoples Republic of China between December 2003 and January 2004, targeting injecting and mixed method drug users and pregnant and postnatal women. The study aimed to determine the extent to which the epidemic is shifting from a concentrated stage to a more generalised epidemic. One hundred and forty two (142) exclusively injecting drug users (66) and mixed method drug users (injecting and non-injecting-76) participated in this survey. Eight hundred and two (802) pregnant and postnatal women participated in the survey. In Kashgar City and Shache County the serum prevalence of HIV amongst injecting drug users was 56.06%, for mixed method drug users 48.68% and 0.38% in pregnant women. In Shache County HIV infection rates were significantly lower in drug user groups and amongst pregnant and post-natal women, at 2.22% and 0% respectively. The behavioral survey indicated that 15% of injecting drug users have shared needles (however sero prevalence and knowledge in relation to access to clean needles and syringes suggests that this may not reflect the actual situation). Knowledge of prevention of transmission strategies (not sharing needles and condom utilisation) is similar between both groups at 60–70%. However it appears that this knowledge has not significantly impacted on behavior such as needle sharing and condom utilisation. In Kashgar City and Shache County there have been very few interventions to support HIV/AIDS prevention, care and control. The results from this survey will inform future directions and the development and implementation of targeted interventions including targeted information dissemination and harm reduction strategies. This survey was funded by the Xinjiang HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care Project, a bilateral project jointly implemented by the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Australia.

BackgroundPerceived physical literacy (PL) is a potential factor for improving health and physical activity, but the relationship between PL and physical fitness (PF) among college students with different obesity levels has not yet been determined.PurposeThe aim of this study was to explore the correlation between PL, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and PF among college students with different obesity levels.MethodsWe recruited Chinese university students to complete a questionnaire and conducted a survey using the Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument Scale (PPLI-SC) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The physical fitness test data were used for data analysis. The direct and indirect impacts were analyzed using Pearson correlation and the SPSS Hayes process macro (Model 4).ResultsThe study surveyed 909 boys and 1,668 girls for a total of 2,577 valid questionnaires. Similarly, the MVPA and perceived PL of boys were significantly greater than those of girls (p 0.05). Contrarily, in the overweight and obese groups, the mediating role of MVPA in the relationship between PL and PF was not statistically supported (−0.002, 0.033).ConclusionFor normal weight student, perceived PL has a positive impact on PF and can also be promoted by increasing the pathway of MVPA. For both underweight individuals and obese populations, further investigation is needed into methods for promoting PA and improving PF.

Organic conjugated molecules with a rigid rod-like π-backbone structure automatically and easily self-assemble into an anisotropic nanostructure. However, supersecondary structures obtained from the hierarchical secondary self-assembly of nanostructures have rarely been reported for non-amphiphilic conjugated molecules. Here, a nanowire architecture as a supersecondary structure from an ultra-deep-blue fluorene-based conjugated molecule (FCz-C8-Am) to improve the emission efficiency and stability is reported. In significant contrast to the four reference molecules, the FCz-C8-Am molecules grow into soft nanowires and further self-assemble into a series of nanowire architectures in the gelation process. This is associated with the synergistic effect of the hydrogen bonds among the amide units, pendant π-π stacking interactions between pendant Cz units, and appropriate soft steric interaction among side-chains, which are the three design requirements for preparing these nanowire architectures. Interestingly, this supersecondary architecture of FCz-C8-Am has a stable ultra-deep-blue emission, with an efficiency of ≈77% and a Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) value of (0.16, 0.06) in the solid state. These findings provide a profound understanding of the relationship between the inherent molecular structure, supramolecular interaction, and supersecondary nano-architecture, offering useful information for the development of new functional optoelectronic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing popularity of environmental, social, and governance (ESG), ESG performance is becoming increasingly important in investors’ decisions about firms. Capital market liberalization brings in more sophisticated and mature foreign investors who are more interested in corporate ESG performance. We investigate whether capital market liberalization improves corporate ESG disclosure using Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect as exogenous shocks. By compiling a comprehensive dataset of Chinese A-share listed firms from 2006 to 2019 and manually calculating the ESG disclosure score, we find that the mainland-HK Stock Connect scheme enhances corporate ESG disclosure. This effect is heterogeneous for firms with different external environments, corporate characteristics, and environmental performance. The results suggest that the competition effect dominates the role of capital market liberalization in improving ESG disclosure of mainland listed firms and firms disclose their ESG practices to cater to the need of investors. This paper enriches the empirical research on the impact of capital market liberalization on firm behavior and performance and provides a theoretical basis for strengthening regulations in ESG information disclosure.

Deregulation of the retail electricity market has led to fierce competition among retail electricity suppliers. This work aims to design retail electricity packages for different groups of residential consumers using the quantile regression approach. Specifically, we segmented user populations by income and conducted a correlation analysis using data from China. A positive relationship between residential electricity consumption per capita (RECp) and residential disposable income (RDI) was found, while no correlation existed between RECp and price. Based on these effort, a pricing strategy for electricity retailers was formulated through the construction of a profit model. As for a real-world application, the retail electricity market in Shanghai was chosen. Quantile regression coefficients indicated that the effects of RDI, consumption expenditure, and price vary across income groups. Subsequently, this paper designed electricity quantities and pricing ratios (αj) for different groups and employed a scenario analysis approach to examine the retailers’ cost and earnings under different scenarios. In addition, through the investigation of the changes in electricity price and the peak-valley ratio over time, time-of-use discount based on peak energy usage was designed. This study helps retailers and policy makers understand the residential consumer characteristics and is informative for retailers in the design of differentiated marketing strategies. Keywords: Residential electricity consumption, Retail package, Quantile regression, Time-of-use price

BackgroundCardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is the core element of health-related physical fitness evaluation. High pressure and low oxygen in Tibet (over 3,500 m above sea level) may negatively impact the residents' CRF. The 20-m shuttle run test (20mSRT) is the most popular field-based assessment and estimate of CRF in children and adolescents worldwide. However, normative CRF data for the children and adolescents residing in China's plateau region are unavailable, which prevents comparability among those living at high-altitudes around the world.PurposeTo measure the CRF of Chinese children and adolescents aged 9-18 years living in Tibet at altitudes exceeding 3,500 m, and to identify correlations between this metric and demographic characteristics (age, sex, and ethnicity). These data were then compared with those generated in the lowland (Shanghai, China) and various global regions.Methods20mSRT performance (number of completed laps) and predicted peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) were used as indicators of CRF. We measured the CRF of 1,717 healthy children and adolescents aged 9-18 years living in Tibet. The CRF data from school-age subjects in Shanghai (2,437 boys and 2,396 girls) and worldwide (1,142,026 students from 50 countries/regions in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and Oceania) were collated from published papers.ResultsThe average CRF of the participants from Tibet was 39.8 mL/kg/min. The male subjects (n = 876; 41.1 ± 4.42 mL/kg/min) had a higher average CRF than their female counterparts (n = 841; 37.8 ± 5.40 mL/kg/min). CRF decreased with age in both sexes at statistical significance (F = 1249.9, p for trend 0.05). The indigenous Tibetans (n = 1289; 40.1 ± 3.71 mL/kg/min) had a significant higher average CRF than those of Han descent (n = 394; 38.9 ± 4.70 mL/kg/min) (p < 0.05).ConclusionsChildren and adolescents aged 7-18 years residing above 3,500 m in Tibet displayed lower CRF traits compared with their counterparts from the plains area and other high altitude places. CRF varied according to age, sex, and ethnic group. Given the importance of CRF in children and adolescents, effective intervention strategies should be implemented to improve CRF in children and adolescents on the plateau.

Objective: To assess the predictors and prevalence of HIV infection among injection drug users in highly endemic regions along major drug trafficking routes in three Chinese provinces. Methods: We enrolled participants using community outreach and peer referrals. uestionnaire-based interviews provided demographic, drug use, and sexual behavior information. HIV was tested via ELISA and syphilis by RPR. Results: Of the 689 participants, 51.8% were HIV-infected, with persons living in Guangxi having significantly lower prevalence (16.4%) than those from Xinjiang and Yunnan (66.8% and 67.1%, respectively). Syphilis seropositivity was noted in 5.4%. Longer duration of IDU, greater awareness of HIV transmission routes, and living in Xinjiang or Yunnan were associated with HIV seropositivity on multivariable analysis. Independent risk factors differed between sites. In Guangxi, being male and having a longer duration of IDU were independent risk factors for HIV infection; in Xinjiang, older age and sharing needles and/or syringes were independent factors; in Yunnan, more frequent drug injection, greater awareness of HIV transmission routes, and higher income were independent predictors of HIV seropositivity. Conclusion: Prevalence rates of HIV among IDUs in China are more than two out of three in some venues. Risk factors include longer duration of IDU and needle sharing. Also associated with HIV were factors that may indicate some success in education in higher risk persons, such as higher knowledge. A systemic community-level intervention with respect to evidenced-based, population-level interventions to stem the spread of HIV from IDU in China should include needle exchange, opiate agonist-based drug treatment, condom distribution along with promotion, and advocacy for community-based VCT with bridges to HIV preventive services and care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To control the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among sero-discordant couples, we explored the HIV seroconversion and its contributing factors. Methodology: We recruited negative partners in HIV sero-discordant couples to established a prospective cohort between January 2010 and June 2015 from areas with severe HIV epidemic in Xinjiang. Follow up once every 3 months, serological tests and risk behavior surveys every 6 months. Variables were screened by LASSO regression and a Cox proportional hazards model was established. Results: A total of 1162 negative partners of sero-discordant couples were recruited. The seroconversion occurred in 42 negative partners during follow-up period, with a seroconversion rate of 2/100 (95% CI = 1.21-2.27), and the median time for seroconversion was 0.92 years. The Cox model showed that frequency of sexual behavior for nearly six months, consistent condom use, knowledge of the transmission route for HIV, a history of sexually transmitted diseases, recent CD4 + T lymphocyte count were all significant contributing factors to the seroconversion in negative partner of HIV sero-discordant couples. In addition, the Cox model was used to evaluate the risk factors of seroconversion for HIV negative partners. Conclusions: The seroconversion rate of HIV negative partners in Xinjiang was lower. The LASSO Cox model may accurately predict the risk of HIV transmission in sero-discordant couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]