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This study introduces the approach for precisely controlling the trajectory of fluid jets by employing electric field manipulation to confine fiber deposition to specific areas on flexible substrates, particularly within various electronic device applications. Applying similar polar high voltage to both the nozzle tip and printed circuit board generates complementary electric fields, directing the fluid jet to the desired locations on the flexible substrate. This innovative technique eliminates the necessity for traditional masking methods, resulting in reduced ink consumption, streamlined production processes, and minimized chemical waste. To illustrate practical applications, we fabricate flexible conductive electrodes for media façade applications and real-time sensor monitoring, showcasing the effectiveness of integrating Ag nanoparticles into functional electronic components. With an approximate sheet resistance of 10 Ω/sq2, our system adeptly controls Ag nanoparticle deposition within defined areas. This approach not only aligns fibers precisely but also ensures uniform deposition, making it ideal for various flexible applications. Overall, this study underscores the potential of electric field manipulation to revolutionize surface and coating technology, offering a promising avenue for sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes, particularly in flexible applications. The resulting patterned electrodes can be employed in a wide range of flexible electronic devices, contributing to more sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity-related metabolic disorders, including diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular disease, increasingly threaten global health. Uncontrolled inflammation is a key pathophysiological factor in many of these conditions. In the human body, inflammatory responses generate specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), which are crucial for resolving inflammation and restoring tissue balance. SPMs derived from omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) such as resolvins, protectins, and maresins hold promise in attenuating the chronic inflammatory diseases associated with lipid metabolism disorders. Recent research has highlighted the therapeutic potential of n-3 PUFA-derived metabolites in addressing these metabolic disorders. However, the understanding of the pharmacological aspects of SPMs, particularly in obesity-related metabolic disorders, remains limited. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in understanding the role of SPMs in resolving metabolic disorders, based on studies in animal models and humans. These studies indicate that SPMs have potential as therapeutic targets for combating obesity, as well as offering insights into their mechanisms of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zika virus (ZIKV), transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, has been a global health concern since 2007. It primarily causes fetal microcephaly and neuronal defects through maternal transmission and induces neurological complications in adults. Recent studies report elevated proinflammatory cytokines and persistent neurological alterations post recovery, but the in vivo mechanisms remain unclear. In our study, viral RNA loads in the brains of mice infected with ZIKV peaked at 7 days post infection and returned to baseline by day 21, indicating recovery. RNA sequencing of the cerebral cortex at 7 and 21 days revealed upregulated genes related to neuroinflammation and microglial activation. Histological analyses indicated neuronal cell death and altered neurite morphology owing to severe neuroinflammation. Additionally, sustained microglial activation was associated with increased phospho-Tau levels, constituting a marker of neurodegeneration. These findings highlight how persistent microglial activation leads to neuronal dysfunction post ZIKV recovery, providing insights into the molecular pathogenesis of ZIKV-induced brain abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) plays an essential role in the fibrinolysis system and thrombosis. Population studies have reported that blood PAI-1 levels are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, it is unclear whether the association reflects a causal influence of PAI-1 on CHD risk. To evaluate the association between PAI-1 and CHD, we applied a 3-step strategy. First, we investigated the observational association between PAI-1 and CHD incidence using a systematic review based on a literature search for PAI-1 and CHD studies. Second, we explored the causal association between PAI-1 and CHD using a Mendelian randomization approach using summary statistics from large genome-wide association studies. Finally, we explored the causal effect of PAI-1 on cardiovascular risk factors including metabolic and subclinical atherosclerosis measures. In the systematic meta-analysis, the highest quantile of blood PAI-1 level was associated with higher CHD risk comparing with the lowest quantile (odds ratio=2.17; 95% CI: 1.53, 3.07) in an age- and sex-adjusted model. The effect size was reduced in studies using a multivariable-adjusted model (odds ratio=1.46; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.88). The Mendelian randomization analyses suggested a causal effect of increased PAI-1 level on CHD risk (odds ratio=1.22 per unit increase of log-transformed PAI-1; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.47). In addition, we also detected a causal effect of PAI-1 on elevating blood glucose and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Our study indicates a causal effect of elevated PAI-1 level on CHD risk, which may be mediated by glucose dysfunction.

We studied Korean patients with Eales' disease to document clinical features, long-term outcomes, and explore its association with TB, given South Korea's high TB burden. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of Eales' disease patients for clinical characteristics, long-term outcomes, and its association with TB. Among 106 eyes, the average age of diagnosis was 39.28 years, with 82.7% male and 58.7% having unilateral involvement. Patients who underwent vitrectomy showed greater long-term improvement in visual acuity (P =.047), while those with glaucoma filtration surgery showed less improvement (P =.008). Having glaucoma through disease progression was associated with poor visual outcomes (odds ratio=15.556, P <.02). 27 out of 39 patients (69.23%) who underwent IGRA screening tested positive for TB. In Korean patients with Eales' disease, we observed male predominance, unilateral presentation, older age of onset, and a link with TB. Timely diagnosis and management should be considered to maintain good vision in patients with Eales' disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies on employee engagement in the HRD (human resource development) field have contributed to the promotion of employee engagement in organizations, yet issues and challenges remain. The purpose of this study is to investigate how employee engagement has been discussed in four representative HRD journals: "Human Resource Development Review" ("HRDR"), "Human Resource Development International" ("HRDI"), "Human Resource Development Quarterly" ("HRDQ"), and "Advances in Developing Human Resources" ("ADHR"). We conduct a literature review based on Torraco's ("Hum Resour Dev Rev" 4(3):356-367, 2005) framework, resulting in the selection of 24 articles for further review: 10 empirical articles and 14 conceptual articles. These articles are then classified, summarized, and synthesized by year of publication, research type and aim, and analysis of findings. Based on the results of the literature review, we analyze and identify the current state of employee engagement research in the HRD field and suggest implications for HRD scholars and practitioners.

BackgroundRoadmap 1.0 is a mobile health app that was previously developed for caregivers of patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Formative research targeted toward its end users (caregivers) can help inform app design and development, allowing additional components to be incorporated into the app, which can then be tested in a future randomized controlled trial. ObjectiveThis study aimed to create a methodologically rigorous national survey that would help inform the development of Roadmap 2.0. MethodsWe conducted a prospective, qualitative research study that took place between November 18, 2018, and February 7, 2019, in a blood and marrow transplant unit within a large academic medical institution in the midwestern part of the United States. Cognitive interviews, including think-aloud and verbal probing techniques, were conducted in 10 adult caregivers (≥18 years) of patients who had undergone HSCT. ResultsMost participants were female (9/10, 90%), white (9/10, 90%), married (9/10, 90%), employed at least part time (6/10, 60%), caregivers of adult patients (7/10, 70%), and had some college education (9/10, 90%) and an annual household income of $60,000 or higher (6/10, 60%). All but one interview was audio-recorded, with permission. Overall, participants were engaged in the cognitive interview process of the draft survey, which included 7 topics. The interviews highlighted areas wherein survey items could be further refined, such as offering more response choices (eg, “NA”) or clarifying the type of transplant (eg, autologous or allogeneic) or context of transplant care (eg, pre-HSCT, during HSCT, post-HSCT, inpatient, and outpatient). Apart from these findings, the items in demographics, caregiving experiences, technology, positive activities, and mood were generally interpreted as intended. On the basis of the transcript data and field notes by the interviewer, items within self-efficacy (Caregiver Self-Efficacy Scale) and coping (Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory) questionnaires generated more confusion among interviewer and participants, reflecting difficulties in interpreting the meaning of some survey items. ConclusionsThis study incorporated the four cognitive aspects of survey methodology that describe the question-answering process—(1) comprehension, (2) information retrieval, (3) judgment and decision making, and (4) responding—by using the think-aloud and probing techniques in cognitive interviews. We conclude that this methodologically rigorous process informed revisions and improved our final questionnaire design. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.2196/resprot.49188