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Sheng-Te Hung,1 Yi-Chen Cheng,2 Chieh-Chen Wu,2 Chun-Hsien Su1,2 1Graduate Institute of Sports Coaching Science, College of Kinesiology and Health, Chinese Culture University, Taipei, 111396, Taiwan; 2Department of Exercise and Health Promotion, College of Kinesiology and Health, Chinese Culture University, Taipei, 111396, TaiwanCorrespondence: Chun-Hsien Su, Department of Exercise and Health Promotion, College of Kinesiology and Health, Chinese Culture University, 55, Hwa-Kang Road, Shilin Distract, Taipei City, 111396, Taiwan, Tel +886-2-28610511 ext.45001, Fax +886-2-28617084, Email chsu@ulive.pccu.edu.twAbstract: This review examines the impact of physical activity, nutrition, and sleep evaluations on the physical wellness (PW) and overall well-being of older individuals. A comprehensive search was conducted in databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCO Information Services. The search spanned from January 2000 to December 2022, resulting in 19,400 articles, out of which 98 review articles met the inclusion criteria. Through the analysis of these articles, key characteristics of the literature were summarized, and opportunities to enhance the practical application of physical activity (PA), nutrition, and sleep evaluations in the daily lives of older persons were identified. Regular physical activity is crucial for older persons to maintain their physical, mental, and emotional well-being and prevent age-related health issues. Older persons have specific nutritional needs, including increased protein, vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin B12 intake. Poor sleep quality in older persons is associated with negative health outcomes such as cognitive decline, physical disability, and mortality. This review emphasizes the significance of considering physical wellness as a fundamental element for achieving holistic well-being in older persons and highlights the importance of physical activity, nutrition, and sleep evaluations in improving their overall health and well-being. By understanding and implementing these findings, we can enhance the quality of life and promote healthy aging in older persons.Keywords: wellness, healthy aging, physical activity, nutrition, sleep

Ming-Fong Tsai,1,* Yu-Lun Lo,1,* Yuan-Chun Huang,1 Chun-Chieh Yu,2 Yi-Ting Wu,1 Chia-Hao Su,2,3 Li-Fang Wang1,4 1Department of Medicinal & Applied Chemistry, College of Life Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; 2Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; 3Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; 4Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Li-Fang WangDepartment of Medicinal & Applied Chemistry, College of Life Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, TaiwanTel +886-7-312-1101 Ext. 2217Fax +886-7-312-5339Email lfwang@kmu.edu.twChia-Hao SuProfessor of Molecular Imaging & Nanotechnology, Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 123 Dapi Road, Niaosong District, Kaohsiung 83301, TaiwanTel +886-7-731-7123 Ext. 8592Fax +886-7-731-7123 Ext. 8569Email chiralsu@gmail.comBackground: To improve responses to tumor microenvironments for achieving a better therapeutic outcome in combination cancer therapy, poly(ϵ-caprolactone)-SS-poly(methacrylic acid) diblock copolymer (PCL-SS-PMAA) with a disulfide linkage between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic junctions was synthesized.Materials and Methods: Repeating units of PCL and PMAA in PCL-SS-PMAA were controlled and formulated into polymersomes (PSPps). Truncated octahedral Fe3O4 nanoparticles (IONPs) were synthesized and encapsulated to produce IONPs-PSPps NPs and doxorubicin (DOX) was further loaded to produce IONPs-PSPps@DOX NPs for theranostic applications.Results: IONPs-PSPps NPs remained a superparamagnetic property with a saturation magnetization value of 85 emu⋅gFe3O4− 1 and a relaxivity value of 180 mM− 1⋅s− 1. Upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF), IONPs-PSPps NPs increased temperature from 25°C to 54°C within 15 min. Among test groups, the cell apoptosis was greatest in the group exposed to IONPs-PSPps@DOX NPs with AMF and magnet assistance. In vivo T2-weighted magnetic resonance images of A549 tumor-bearing mice also showed highest contrast and greatest tumor suppression in the tumor with AMF and magnet assistance.Conclusion: IONPs-PSPps@DOX NPs are a potential theranostic agent having multifaceted applications involving magnetic targeting, MRI diagnosis, hyperthermia and chemotherapy.Keywords: magnetosome, multi-stimuli-responsive copolymer, theranostics, hyperthermia, magnetic resonance imaging

Chih-Hung Chen,1,2,* Ya-Hui Cheng,3,4,* Fen-Ju Chen,5 Eng-Yen Huang,6 Po-Ming Liu,7 Chia-Te Kung,8 Chao-Hui Su,3 Shu-Hwa Chen,3,9 Peng-Chen Chien,10 Ching-Hua Hsieh10 1Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; 2Graduate Institute of Adult Education, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung 802, Taiwan; 3Department of Nursing, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; 4Department of Nursing, Min-Hwei Junior College of Health Care Management, Tainan, 736, Taiwan; 5Department of Healthcare Administration, I-Shou University Medical Campus, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan; 6Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; 7Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung 802, Taiwan; 8Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; 9School of Nursing, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung 831, Taiwan; 10Department of Plastic Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ching-Hua HsiehDepartment of Plastic Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, No. 123, Ta-Pei Road, Niao-Song District, Kaohsiung City 833, TaiwanEmail m93chinghua@gmail.comBackground: The signing of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) consent is mandatory in providing a palliative approach in the end-of-life care for the terminally ill patients and requires an effective communication between the physician and the patients or their family members. This study aimed to investigate the association between the communication skills of physicians who participated in the SHARE (supportive environment, how to deliver the bad news, additional information, reassurance, and emotional support) model course on the patient notification and the signing of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) consent by the terminally ill patients at emergency rooms.Methods: Between May 1, 2017 and April 30, 2018, a total of 109 terminally ill patients were enrolled in this study, of which 70 had signed a DNR and 39 had not. Data regarding the patients’ medical records, a questionnaire survey completed by family members, and patient observation forms were used for the assessment of physicians’ communication skills during patient notification. The observation form was designed based on the SHARE model. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to identify the independent significant factors of the patient and family member variables as well as the four main components of the observation form.Results: The results revealed that knowing how to convey bad news and providing reassurance and emotional support were significantly correlated with a higher rate of signing DNR consent. Additionally, physician-initiated discussion with family members and a predicted limited life expectancy were negative independent significant factors for signing DNR consent.Conclusion: This study revealed that good communication skills help to increase the signing of DNR consent. The learning of such skills from attendance of the SHARE model course is encouraged for the physicians in the palliative care of terminally ill patients in an emergency room.Keywords: communication skills, terminally ill, do-not-resuscitate, DNR, emergency room, ER, SHARE model

Chen CH, Cheng YH, Chen FJ, et al. Association between the communication skills of physicians and the signing of do-not-resuscitate consent for terminally ill patients in emergency rooms (cross-sectional study). Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2019;12:307–315. The authors advise that they have forgotten to add the Funding section to the manuscript. On page 313 the acknowledgment should read: FundingWe would like to thank the Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for its funding support for this research project (CDRPG8E0041-3 & CMRPG8G0681). The authors apologize for this error. Read the original article

Ming-Lung Chuang,1,2 Shih-Feng Huang,1 Chun-Hung Su2,3 1Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Department of Critical Care Medicine, 2School of Medicine, 3Division of Cardiology and Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China Background: Impaired peripheral oxygenation (IPO)-related variables readily achieved with cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) represent cardiovascular dysfunction. These variables include peak oxygen uptake (VO2) 31 and >34, respectively. Some of these six variables may be normal while the others are abnormal in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This may result in confusion when using the interpretation algorithm for diagnostic purposes. We therefore hypothesized that patients found to have abnormal values for all six variables would have worse cardiovascular function than patients with abnormal values for none or some of these variables.Methods: In this cross-sectional comparative study, 58 COPD patients attending a university teaching hospital underwent symptom-limited CPET with multiple lactate measurements. Patients with abnormal values in all six IPO-related variables were assigned to an IPO group while those who did not meet the requirements for the IPO group were assigned to a non-IPO group. Cardiovascular function was measured by two-dimensional echocardiography and Δlactate/ΔVO2, and respiratory dynamics were compared between the two groups.Results: Fourteen IPO and 43 non-IPO patients were entered into the study. Both groups were similar with regard to left ventricular ejection fraction and right ventricular morphology (P>0.05 for both). At peak exercise, both groups reached a similar heart rate level and Δlactate/ΔVO2. The IPO patients had an unfavorable dead space to tidal volume ratio, mean inspiratory tidal flow, and shallow breathing (P

Ray-Neng Chen,1,* Lin-Wen Lee,2,5,* Ling-Chun Chen,3 Hsiu-O Ho,3 Shiao-Chuan Lui,2 Ming-Thau Sheu,3,4 Ching-Hua Su2 1Department of Cosmetic Science and Management, Mackay Medicine, Nursing and Management College, Taipei, 2Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, 3School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, 4Clinical Research Center and Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, 5Research Center for Biomedical Devices and Prototyping Production, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workAbstract: The extraction residue of the Ganoderma fruiting body, named sacchachitin, has been demonstrated to have the potential to enhance cutaneous wound healing by inducing cell proliferation. In this study, a nanogel formed from micronized sacchachitin (mSC) was investigated for the potential treatment of superficial chemical corneal burns. Reportedly, mSC has been produced successfully and its chemical properties confirmed, and physical and rheological properties characterized. An in vitro cell proliferation study has revealed that at the concentrations of 200, 300, and 400 µg/mL, mSC nanogel significantly increased Statens Seruminstitut rabbit corneal (SIRC) cell proliferation after 24 hours of incubation. In cell migration assay, migration of SIRC cell to wound closure was observed after 24 hours of incubation with the addition of 200 µg/mL mSC of nanogel. In an animal study, acceleration of corneal wound healing was probably due to the inhibition of proteolysis. In conclusion, the findings of this study substantiate the potential application of sacchachitin in the form of mSC nanogel for the treatment of superficial corneal injuries.Keywords: corneal wound healing, sacchachitin, matrix metalloproteinase

Abstract Patients with diabetes are susceptible to acute kidney injury (AKI) as compared to counterparts without diabetes. However, data on the long-term clinical outcome of AKI specifically in people with diabetes are still scarce. We sought to study risk factors for and adverse cardio-renal outcomes of AKI in multi-ethnic Southeast Asian people with type 2 diabetes. 1684 participants with type 2 diabetes from a regional hospital were followed an average of 4.2 (SD 2.0) years. Risks for end stage kidney disease (ESKD), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause death after AKI were assessed by survival analyses. 219 participants experienced at least one AKI episode. Age, cardiovascular disease history, minor ethnicity, diuretics usage, HbA1c, baseline eGFR and albuminuria independently predicted risk for AKI with good discrimination. Compared to those without AKI, participants with any AKI episode had a significantly high risk for ESKD, MACE and all-cause death after adjustment for multiple risk factors including baseline eGFR and albuminuria. Even AKI defined by a mild serum creatinine elevation (0.3 mg/dL) was independently associated with a significantly high risk for premature death. Therefore, individuals with diabetes and any episode of AKI deserve intensive surveillance for cardio-renal dysfunction.

Introduction: The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-dose stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with an extended (48 hours or more) interfraction interval for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤5 cm in size after incomplete response to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods: This multicenter prospective study included 54 patients with inoperable HCC of ≤5 cm size between July 2012 and June 2015. A total SBRT dose of 60 Gy in 3 fractions was administered within 14 days with ≥48 hours interfraction interval to patients who showed an incomplete response after 1–5 sessions of TACE. Treatment responses were defined according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors. Toxicities were evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. Results: Forty-eight patients were evaluated with a median follow-up period of 66 months (range, 2–126 months). The median tumor size was 2.0 cm (range, 1.0–4.5 cm), and most patients (87.5%) had a single lesion. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year local control (LC) rates were 100%, 94.8%, and 90.7%, respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 63.4%, 56.9%, and 24.9%, respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 95.6%, 90.9%, and 76.5%, respectively. None of the patients experienced grade 3+ gastrointestinal toxicity, while one patient developed non-classic radiation-induced liver disease 2 months after SBRT. Conclusion: High-dose SBRT with a ≥48-hour interfraction interval after incomplete response to TACE is effective for HCC ≤5 cm in size as evidenced by the high rates of LC and OS and acceptable treatment-related toxicity.

Artificial skin involves multidisciplinary efforts, including materials science, biology, medicine, and tissue engineering. Recent studies have aimed at creating skins that are multifunctional, intelligent, and capable of regenerating tissue. In this work, we present a specialized 3D printing ink composed of polyurethane and bioactive glass (PU-BG) and prepare dual-function skin patch by microfluidic-regulated 3D bioprinting (MRBP) technique. The MRBP endows the skin patch with a highly controlled microstructure and superior strength. Besides, an asymmetric tri-layer is further constructed, which promotes cell attachment and growth through a dual transport mechanism based on hydrogen bonds and gradient structure from hydrophilic to superhydrophilic. More importantly, by combining the features of biomedical skin with electronic skin (e-skin), we achieved a biomedical and electronic dual-function skin patch. In vivo experiments have shown that this skin patch can enhance hemostasis, resist bacterial growth, stimulate the regeneration of blood vessels, and accelerate the healing process. Meanwhile, it also mimics the sensory functions of natural skin to realize signal detection, where the sensitivity reached up to 5.87 kPa−1, as well as cyclic stability (over 500 cycles), a wide detection range of 0–150 kPa, high pressure resolution of 0.1 % under the pressure of 100 kPa. This work offers a versatile and effective method for creating dual-function skin patches and provide new insights into wound healing and tissue repair, which have significant implications for clinical applications.

This study examines and compares online incivility on China’s Weibo and the U.S.’s X (Twitter) amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, aiming to unravel how different cultural and geopolitical contexts influence online incivility and identify factors that may influence the occurrence of online incivility in different national contexts.

Two new species; Lobothallia crenulata Lun Wang & Y. Y. Zhang, L. lobulata Lun Wang & Y. Y. Zhang and one new variety; L. subdiffracta var. rimosa Lun Wang & Y. Y. Zhang, are reported from China and described, based on morphological, chemical and molecular characters. Phylogenetic analyses showed that these new taxa form monophyletic groups. Lobothallia crenulata and L. lobulata, together with L. hydrocharis, L. radiosa and L. recedens, form a well-supported clade, whereas L. subdiffracta var. rimosa is nested within the samples of L. subdiffracta. Lobothallia crenulata is characterised by its placodioid thallus, thickly pruinose upper surface with a rimose appearance, aspicilioid to lecanorine apothecia with a crenate thalline margin and concave, black and pruinose discs. Lobothallia lobulata is characterised by its placodioid thallus, pruinose upper surface with lobules, aspicilioid when immature, lecanorine to zeorine apothecia at maturity and concave to plane, dark brown, shiny and epruinose discs. Lobothallia subdiffracta var. rimosa is characterised by its areolate thallus, rimose and pruinose upper surface, lecanorine apothecia and slightly concave to plane, black and pruinose discs. Secondary metabolites were not detected in the two new species nor the new variety. A key is provided for the species of Lobothallia in China.

Abstract Early patterning of DNA methylation (DNAm) may play an important role in later disease development. To better understand intergenerational epigenetic inheritance, we investigated the correlation between DNAm in blood in mother-newborn and in father-newborn pairs in the Isle of Wight (IoW) birth cohort. For parent-newborn pairs (n = 48), offspring DNAm was measured in cord blood and the parent’s DNAm in whole blood. Mothers’ DNAm was analyzed at birth (Guthrie card), age 18, early and late pregnancy respectively, and fathers’ DNAm was measured during the mother’s pregnancy. Linear regressions were applied to assess the intergenerational correlation of parental DNAm with that of offspring. Among various pairs of mother-newborn and father-newborn DNAm, the pairs where the mothers’ DNAm was measured at age 18 years exhibited the highest number of CpGs with significant intergenerational correlation in DNAm, with 1829 CpGs (0.54%) of the 338,526 CpGs studied (FDR

Abstract Background Excessive inflammation is a major cause of implant failure. The surface morphology, hydrophilicity, and loading of biomaterials are major properties modulating anti-inflammatory macrophage activation. This paper investigates the regulatory effects of modifying the surface of Titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) with graphene oxide (GO) on the polarization of mouse monocyte macrophages (RAW264.7). Methods TNT was produced by the anodic oxidation of titanium. GO was subsequently electrodeposited on the TNT to obtain a TNT–GO composite. The samples were characterised through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. RAW264.7 cells were separately seeded onto the surface of three groups of samples: pure Ti, TNT, and TNT–GO. Under the condition of lipopolysaccharide stimulation, the influence of the sample surfaces on the gene expression profiles was investigated through RNA sequence analysis. In addition, cell spreading was observed through SEM, cell adhesion and proliferation were analysed using the CCK8 assay, and the expression of inflammation-related factors was investigated by ELISA and cellular immunofluorescence staining. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the RAW264.7 cells on the surface of the three groups was detected via immunofluorescence staining. Results The CCK8 results indicated that the adhesion and proliferation of the RAW264.7 cells were reduced on the TNT and TNT–GO surfaces. ELISA results revealed significant differences in the pro-inflammatory factors tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 secretion among the three groups at 24 h (p

To address the shortcomings of existing authentication schemes in vehicle networks, which commonly suffer from key escrow issues, as well as the lack of consideration for lightweight deployment and secure rapid authentication of compute-constrained electronic control unit (ECU), a lightweight certificateless anonymous authentication and key agreement scheme without bilinear pairings was proposed for compute-unconstrained ECU networks. The authentication key pair was securely constructed by elliptic curve cryptography, anonymous authentication and key agreement were realized by lightweight methods such as hash functions and XOR operation. Additionally, a certificateless batch verification scheme was proposed to reduce the authentication costs for compute-constrained ECU networks. Finally, a security verification method based on the colored Petri net (CPN) and Dolev-Yao attacker model was proposed to evaluate the formal security of the proposed scheme. The proposed scheme is proved through security evaluation and performance analysis to effectively resist various types of attacks such as replay, spoofing, tampering, known key, known specific session temporary information attack, etc., with multiple security attributes, small computation and communication cost.

Abstract Background Diabetic kidney disease is an established risk factor for heart failure. However, the impact of incident heart failure on the subsequent risk of renal failure has not been systematically assessed in diabetic population. We sought to study the risk of progression to end stage kidney disease (ESKD) after incident heart failure in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods In this prospective cohort study, 1985 outpatients with type 2 diabetes from a regional hospital and a primary care facility in Singapore were followed for a median of 8.6 (interquartile range 6.2–9.6) years. ESKD was defined as a composite of progression to sustained eGFR below 15 ml/min/1.73m2, maintenance dialysis or renal death, whichever occurred first. Results 180 incident heart failure events and 181 incident ESKD events were identified during follow-up. Of 181 ESKD events, 38 (21%) occurred after incident heart failure. Compared to those did not progress to ESKD after incident heart failure (n = 142), participants who progressed to ESKD after heart failure occurrence were younger, had higher HbA1c and higher urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio at baseline. The excess risk of ESKD manifested immediately after heart failure occurrence, persisted for two years and was moderated thereafter. Cox regression suggested that, compared to counterparts with no heart failure event, participants with heart failure occurrence had 9.6 (95% CI 5.0- 18.3) fold increased risk for incident ESKD after adjustment for baseline cardio-renal risk factors including eGFR and albuminuria. It appeared that heart failure with preserved ejection fraction had a higher risk for ESKD as compared to those with reduced ejection fraction (adjusted HR 13.7 [6.3–29.5] versus 6.5 [2.3–18.6]). Conclusion Incident heart failure impinges a high risk for progression to ESKD in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Our data highlight the need for intensive surveillance of kidney function after incident heart failure, especially within the first two years after heart failure diagnosis.

Abstract Growing demand for wound care resulting from the increasing chronic diseases and trauma brings intense pressure to global medical health service system. Artificial skin provides mechanical and microenvironmental support for wound, which is crucial in wound healing and tissue regeneration. However, challenges still remain in the clinical application of artificial skin since the lack of the synergy effect of necessary performance. In this study, a multi‐functional artificial skin is fabricated through microfluidic spinning technology by using core‐shell gel nanofiber scaffolds (NFSs). This strategy can precisely manipulate the microstructure of artificial skin under microscale. The as‐prepared artificial skin demonstrates superior characteristics including surface wettability, breathability, high mechanical strength, strain sensitivity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Notably, this artificial skin has the capability to deliver medications in a controlled and sustained manner, thereby accelerating the wound healing process. This innovative approach paves the way for the development of a new generation of artificial skin and introduces a novel concept for the structural design of the unique core‐shell gel NFSs.

BackgroundSeveral studies have investigated the relationship between ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and COVID-19 infection. However, complex and conflicting results have generated confusion in the application of these results. ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate whether the association between UDCA and COVID-19 infection can also be demonstrated through the analysis of a large-scale cohort. MethodsThis retrospective study used local and nationwide cohorts, namely, the Jeonbuk National University Hospital into the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership common data model cohort (JBUH CDM) and the Korean National Health Insurance Service claim–based database (NHIS). We investigated UDCA intake and its relationship with COVID-19 susceptibility and severity using validated propensity score matching. ResultsRegarding COVID-19 susceptibility, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) value of the UDCA intake was significantly lowered to 0.71 in the case of the JBUH CDM (95% CI 0.52-0.98) and was significantly lowered to 0.93 (95% CI 0.90-0.96) in the case of the NHIS. Regarding COVID-19 severity, the UDCA intake was found to be significantly lowered to 0.21 (95% CI 0.09-0.46) in the case of JBUH CDM. Furthermore, the aHR value was significantly lowered to 0.77 in the case of NHIS (95% CI 0.62-0.95). ConclusionsUsing a large-scale local and nationwide cohort, we confirmed that UDCA intake was significantly associated with reductions in COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. These trends remained consistent regardless of the UDCA dosage. This suggests the potential of UDCA as a preventive and therapeutic agent for COVID-19 infection.

As an important component of transcellular pathway, Caveolae enables the transcellular transport of substances without disrupting cellular homeostasis. In kidney, albumin crosses glomerular filtration barrier (GFB) via Caveolae. Transcellular transport of albumin plays a crucial role in the pathology of proteinuria. Thus the importance of Caveolae cannot be overstated. However, the acting mechanism of Caveolae affecting transcellular albumin transport in kidney and their signaling pathways have remained largely elusive. This review summarized the latest studies on the regulation of Caveolae affecting transcellular albumin transport. Thus elucidating the relevant mechanisms of action and understanding the pathways of influence may provide potential therapeutic targets in the prevention and alleviation of proteinuria

Ti2AlNb alloy holds large research significance as a lightweight material for high-temperature structural applications in the next generation of aero-engines. In this work, pre-alloyed Ti2AlNb powders were spark plasma sintered to fabricate the raw compact, which was then hot rolled at different phase fields to fabricate sheets. The high-temperature properties of the sheets were tested directly without the prior heat treatment. Results show that the Ti2AlNb sheets have good high-temperature strengths even without the heat treatment prior to testing. For the sheet rolled at the single B2 phase region, the maximum tensile strength was up to 931.4 MPa at 650 °C. The sheet mainly shows intergranular fracture mode due to the weak bonding at grain boundaries. The sheets rolled at the O + B2 phase region have low tensile strengths at different testing temperatures. For the sheet rolled at α2+O + B2 phase region, the tensile strength gains its maximum strength of 956.6 MPa at 650 °C, and the sheet shows transcrystalline fracture mode. The fracture mechanisms of the sheets rolled at different phase regions are analyzed in detail and proved by experiment. This work shows the potential of fabricating Ti2AlNb sheet by using the spark plasma sintered compact.

Abstract The biological mechanisms regulating tenocyte differentiation and morphological maturation have not been well-established, partly due to the lack of reliable in vitro systems that produce highly aligned collagenous tissues. In this study, we developed a scaffold-free, three-dimensional (3D) tendon culture system using mouse tendon cells in a differentially adherent growth channel. Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ) signaling is involved in various biological processes in the tendon, regulating tendon cell fate, recruitment and maintenance of tenocytes, and matrix organization. This known function of TGFβ signaling in tendon prompted us to utilize TGFβ1 to induce tendon-like structures in 3D tendon constructs. TGFβ1 treatment promoted a tendon-like structure in the peripheral layer of the constructs characterized by increased thickness with a gradual decrease in cell density and highly aligned collagen matrix. TGFβ1 also enhanced cell proliferation, matrix production, and morphological maturation of cells in the peripheral layer compared to vehicle treatment. TGFβ1 treatment also induced early tenogenic differentiation and resulted in sufficient mechanical integrity, allowing biomechanical testing. The current study suggests that this scaffold-free 3D tendon cell culture system could be an in vitro platform to investigate underlying biological mechanisms that regulate tenogenic cell differentiation and matrix organization.

Abstract Background Pregnancy and childbirth have been connected to modified risk of a wide variety of conditions in later life, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancers. The presence, extent, and direction of the effect that childbearing status has on decreasing or increasing the risk of these conditions differs depending on the disease. The mechanisms by which pregnancy and childbirth modify the risk of diseases are still unknown. DNA methylation (DNAm) alterations that occur during pregnancy and persist after childbirth may help us understand this phenomenon. Results Blood DNAm was available from 89 women (28 parous; 61 nulliparous) at ages 18 and 26 years in the Isle of Wight birth cohort; no significant differences in the population characteristics were present between the analyzed population and the full cohort. We performed an epigenome-wide association study on 389,355 CpGs and identified 184 CpGs to be significantly differentially methylated between parous and nulliparous women after adjusting for confounders and multiple testing. Of these CpGs, 105 had regression coefficients in the same direction in an independent Mexico City based ELEMENT cohort, of which 13 were significant (replication P

To achieve weight reduction, toughness enhancement, and the fabrication of complex structures in SiC composites, a combination of SLS and PIP processes was used. Silicon carbide powder served as the matrix material, while short carbon fibres were used for toughening, resulting in dense Cf/SiC ceramic matrix composites. The effects of varying carbon fibre sizes and contents on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cf/SiC composites were examined. Results indicated that adding 8% carbon fibre increased the fracture toughness of Cf/SiC composites by 33.33%. Further increases in carbon fibre content showed minimal effects on fracture toughness. Based on experimental results and finite element simulations, toughening mechanisms, including fibre pull-out, fibre debonding, and crack deflection, were further elucidated. Consequently, Cf/SiC composites with complex structures, such as turbine specimens and lattice structures, were successfully fabricated.

Conventional uniform lattice structures are subject to non-uniform loads or concentrated loads alternating back and forth during service, which can no longer meet the refinement requirements. In this paper, SiCp/SiC gradient lattice structures are prepared by selective laser sintering (SLS) technology and polymer impregnation pyrolysis (PIP) process, and compression standard specimens with different tilt angles are prepared according to the structural model by changing the printing direction, to analyze the influence of the anisotropic properties of the materials due to the SLS molding technology on the load-bearing behaviour of the core rod, and to further study the mechanical properties of the gradient lattice structures and the Failure behaviour. The results show that: with the increase of the angle of printing direction, the compression performance of the densification specimen decreases gradually; the compression strength of the gradient lattice structure is 13.95 MPa. During compression, the core rods with tilt angles of 60° and 75° mainly exhibit shear failure and crushing failure, respectively. The theoretical and simulated compression strengths were 16.08 and 16.32 MPa, respectively. This paper provides a new insight into the research and application of gradient lattice structures.

Aging often accompanies cognitive and mood disturbances. Emerging evidence indicates that specific probiotics mitigate cognitive and mood dysfunctions. Strains within Lactococcus, a subgroup of probiotics, including Lactococcus lactis and Lactococcus cremoris are shown beneficial effects on brain functions via the gut microbiota-brain axis (GBA). Our previous study identified two Lactococcus strains (L. lactis WHH2078 and L. cremoris WHH2080) with the ability to promote the secretion of gut 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), the precursor of the GBA mediator 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). In this study, the modulatory effects of WHH2078 and WHH2080 on cognitive and mood alternations were investigated in aged mice. Oral administration of WHH2078 and WHH2080 (1 × 109 CFU/mL/day) in aged mice (12-month-old) for 12 weeks significantly improved cognitive and depressive-and anxiety-like behaviors. The neuronal loss, the 5-HT metabolism dysfunction, and the neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of aged mice were restored by WHH2078 and WHH2080. the disturbances in the serum tryptophan metabolism in aged mice were unveiled by metabolomics, notably with decreased levels of 5-HT and 5-HTP, and increased levels of kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine, and indolelactic acid, which were reversed by WHH2078 and WHH2080. Regarding the gut microbial community, WHH2078 and WHH2080 restored the increased abundance of Firmicutes, Desulfobacterota, and Deferribacterota and the decreased abundance of Bacteroidota and Actinobacteriota in aged mice. The beneficial effects of the two strains were linked to the modulation of 5-HT metabolism and gut microbiota. Our findings point to the potential role of Lactococcus strains with 5-HTP-promoting abilities as therapeutic approaches for age-related cognitive and mood disorders.

Abstract Although sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) offer promising low‐cost alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), several challenges need to be overcome for their widespread adoption. A primary concern is the optimization of carbon anodes. Graphite, vital to the commercial viability of LIBs, has a limited capacity for sodium ions. Numerous alternatives to graphite are explored, particularly focusing on disordered carbons, including hard carbon. However, compared with graphite, most of these materials underperform in LIBs. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism between carbon and sodium ions remains ambiguous owing to the structural diversity of disordered carbon. A straightforward mechanical approach is introduced to enhance the sodium ion storage capacity of graphite, supported by comprehensive analytical techniques. Mechanically activated graphite delivers a notable reversible capacity of 290.5 mAh·g−1 at a current density of 10 mA·g−1. Moreover, it maintains a capacity of 157.7 mAh·g−1 even at a current density of 1 A·g−1, benefiting from the defect‐rich structure achieved by mechanical activation. Soft X‐ray analysis revealed that this defect‐rich carbon employs a sodium‐ion storage mechanism distinct from that of hard carbon. This leads to an unexpected reversible reaction on the solid electrolyte surface. These insights pave the way for innovative design approaches for carbon electrodes in SIB anodes.

This study was the first to document the fluctuations of nutritional constituents, antioxidant capacities, and physicochemical characteristics during the aging processes of red ginseng sprouts (RGS) and black ginseng sprouts (BGS) from dried ginseng sprouts (DGS). Total ginsenoside levels differed with 54.72 (DGS) → 57.15 (RGS) and 6.98 (BGS) mg/g, specifically, ginsenoside F2 and Rd2 in RGS remarkably increased with 1.97 → 5.88 and 2.41 → 5.49 mg/g, respectively. Phenolics increased dramatically as 297.02 → 1770.01 (6.0-fold); 1834.94 (6.2-fold) μg/g in DGS → RGS; BGS with abundance contents of benzoic acid (>15.3-fold), chlorogenic acid (>9.5-fold), and catechin (>4.2-fold), whereas amino acids markedly decreased (3686.81 → 1505.00; 364.64 mg/100 g), with arginine showing a significant decrease. Moreover, beneficial factors (total phenolic content: TPC; total flavonoid content: TFC; maillard reaction products: MRP) displayed increase tendencies (approximately 2.0-fold) with BGS > RGS > DGS, and antioxidant patterns significantly increased with potential capacities as follows: ABTS (48.3: DGS → 65.8: RGS; 70.2 %: BGS) > DPPH (18.5 → 44.6; 59.2 %) > hydroxyl (23.2 → 35.4; 39.9 %) > FRAP (0.6 → 1.8; 1.8 %) at 500 μg/mL. In particular, DNA protection exhibited excellent rates of 100 %, in the order of BGS (25 μg/mL) > RGS (50 μg/mL) > DGS (500 μg/mL). These findings suggest that processed ginseng sprouts can be excellent agents for natural antioxidants.

Introduction: Smart multifunctional surfaces targeting intricate biological events or versatile therapeutic strategies are imminent to achieve long-term transmucosal implant success.Methods: This study used dopamine (DA), graphene oxide (GO), and type IV collagen (COL-IV) to construct multilayer nanofilms (DGCn) based on their universal adhesive and biomimetic properties to design a versatile and bioactive titanium implant. The characterization of DGCn on different titanium surfaces was performed, and its loading capacity, release profile, in situ gene delivery, and in vitro biological properties were preliminarily evaluated.Results: Our results demonstrate that hydrogenated TiO2 nanotubes (H) provide a better platform for the DGCn coating than machined Ti and air-TiO2 nanotubes. The H-DGC10 displayed the most stable surface with excellent loading capacity, sustained-release profile, and in situ gene transfection efficiency; this could be due to the high specific surface area of H and GO, as well as the functional groups in H, DA, and GO. Moreover, the H-DGC10 exhibited good biocompatibility for human oral epithelial cells and promoted the expression of integrin β4 and laminin 332, both being hemidesmosome-related proteins.Discussion: Our findings suggest that H-DGCn can be designed as a smart multifunctional interface for titanium implants to achieve long-term transmucosal implant success and aid in versatile therapeutic strategies.

Circulating ceramide levels are dysregulated in kidney disease. However, their associations with rapid decline in kidney function (RDKF) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are unknown. In this prospective study of 1746 T2D participants, we examined the association of plasma ceramide Cer16:0, Cer18:0, Cer24:0, and Cer24:1 with RDKF, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline of 5 ml/min/1.73 m2 per year or greater, and ESKD defined as eGFR

Summary: Co-immunoprecipitation (coIP) is an experimental technique to study protein-protein interactions (PPIs). However, single-step coIP can only be used to identify the interaction between two proteins and does not solve the interaction testing of ternary complexes. Here, we present a protocol to test for the formation of ternary protein complexes in vivo or in vitro using a two-step coIP approach. We describe steps for cell culture and transfection, elution of target proteins, and two-step coIP including western blot analyses.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Li et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Passive Optical Network (PON) is considered a crucial networking technology for the next-generation industrial Internet due to its advantages of high bandwidth, cost-effectiveness and resistance to electromagnetic interference. However, the technical development of conventional PON is based on the principle of "bandwidth enhancement"，making its transmission scheduling mechanism difficult to meet the transmission requirements of "time-sensitive" industrial services. This poses a significant challenge to the network transmission capability of conventional PON, necessitating the incorporation of determinism as a new characteristic. This paper mainly focuses on the Time Division Multiplexing (TDM)-PON. Firstly, it illustrates the service characteristics and transmission requirements of industrial Internet, and analyzes the two major technical challenges faced by conventional TDM-PON in industrial Internet scenarios: one being uncertain delays caused by the traditional bandwidth allocation scheme; and the other being uncertain delays caused by the inflexible scheduling mechanism. Addressing these challenges, this paper summarizes the key technologies to enhance the deterministic transmission capability of TDM-PON, such as collaborative transmission interfaces, multi-bursts per frame, and Deterministic Bandwidth Allocation (DetBA). Furthermore, this paper proposes a network calculus-based delay boundary modeling method as a theoretical model for designing and evaluating the performance of deterministic industrial PON systems. Finally, potential technologies and directions for deterministic industrial PON are discussed, including the service layer, the Media Access Control (MAC) layer, the physical layer, and the control and management plane.

The abatement of sonic boom noise level is a decisive issue for supersonic transport of next generation. The low sonic boom optimization always make the configuration to a trend of higher swept and longer distribution of the wing along the fuselage，which is unfavorable to the trim and low speed characteristics. A civil supersonic transport is researched. A parametric geometry representation method based on class function/shape function transformation（CST）is developed to describe the wing body configuration. The effects of geometry parameters on sonic boom is analyzed by supersonic linearized theory. Based on the above work，the low sonic boom and pitch moment characteristics optimization are taken for the fuselage，wing planform and twists separately and the optimal result is validated by CFD. The numerical simulation results show that compared with the basic configuration，the drag decrease 19 cts（unit of drag coefficient）and the over pressure at near-field is abated obviously without the distinct increase of pitch moment，which bring 5.1 PLdB reduction of loudness on the ground.

Abstract Background Angiogenin, an enzyme belonging to the ribonucleases A superfamily, plays an important role in vascular biology. Here, we sought to study the association of plasma angiogenin and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods This prospective study included 1083 T2D individuals recruited from a secondary hospital and a primary care facility. The primary outcome was a composite of four-point MACE (nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina pectoris leading to hospitalization and cardiovascular death). Circulating angiogenin was measured by a proximity extension assay. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the association of baseline plasma angiogenin with the risk of MACE. Results During a median follow-up of 9.3 years, 109 (10%) MACE were identified. Plasma angiogenin was significantly higher in participants with MACE than in those without MACE (P