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Suppressor of Mek1 (Smek1) is a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 4. Genome‐wide association studies have shown the protective effect of SMEK1 in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the physiological and pathological roles of Smek1 in AD and other tauopathies are largely unclear. Here, the role of Smek1 in preventing neurodegeneration is investigated in tauopathy. Smek1 is downregulated in the aged human brain. Through single‐cell sequencing, a novel neuronal cluster is identified that possesses neurodegenerative characteristics in Smek1−/− mice. Smek1 deficiency caused markedly more severe motor and cognitive impairments in mice, as well as neuronal loss, gliosis, and tau hyperphosphorylation at major glycogen synthase kinase 3β (Gsk3β) sites. Protein‐protein interaction analysis revealed that the Ran‐binding domain (RanBD) in the N‐terminus of Smek1 facilitated binding with kinesin family member 2A (Kif2a). Depletion of Smek1 resulted in cytoplasmic aggregation of Kif2a, axon outgrowth defects, and impaired mitochondrial axonal trafficking. Downregulation of Kif2a markedly attenuated tau hyperphosphorylation and axon outgrowth defects in shSmek1 cells. For the first time, this study demonstrates that Smek1 deficiency progressively induces neurodegeneration by exacerbating tau pathology and mitochondrial dysfunction in an age‐dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Introduction Methods Results Discussion Conclusion and implication for nursing and health policy This study aimed to explore anesthesia nurses' (ANs) perceptions of roles, competencies, and attitudes towards patient safety culture, along with predictive factors for patient safety culture.The 2021 guidelines from the International Council of Nurses aim to ensure global access to safe surgical and anesthesia care by 2030. However, in Taiwan, the roles and competencies of ANs are still evolving. Many have a limited understanding, posing potential risks to patient safety.A cross‐sectional study was conducted, involving ANs from five hospitals within a healthcare foundation. ANs' self‐perceived roles and competencies were assessed using a structured questionnaire based on the CanMEDS framework from the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists. Additionally, data were collected using the Chinese version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire. Reporting followed the STROBE guideline.Among 200 ANs, a consensus emerged favored all roles and competencies, with positive attitudes toward patient safety culture. Remarkably, self‐perceived competencies, working in regional hospitals, and working in medical centers significantly predicted ANs’ attitude toward patient safety culture.The study results can assist ANs in gaining a deeper understanding of their roles and competencies. Considering predictive factors, strengthening ANs' competencies may contribute to enhancing patient safety culture.Our results informed nursing leaders and policymakers in Taiwan and other countries regarding ANs’ perceptions of roles and competencies. Nurse managers could consider the specific factors influencing ANs’ attitudes toward patient safety culture and make great efforts to develop strategies aimed at enhancing their competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family involvement in mental healthcare is a key ingredient in the recovery of patients with mental illness. Research on the attitudes of mental health nurses regarding family involvement in mental healthcare remains limited. This study aimed to examine factors that affect the attitudes of mental health nurses towards the importance of family involvement in mental health nursing care. A descriptive, correlational study with a cross‐sectional design was conducted with 162 mental health nurses at two psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan. Descriptive statistics, independent t‐tests, one‐way analysis of variance, and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were applied to analyse data. Mental health nurses generally demonstrated positive attitudes towards incorporating families into nursing care. Older age, more clinical experiences in mental healthcare, and workplace (such as working in chronic psychiatric inpatient wards) were found to be key factors for mental health nurses' attitudes. Particularly, greater competence in working with families and job satisfaction were the most significant factors associated with positive attitudes of mental health nurses towards involving families as important in nursing care. Insight into correlates of mental health nurses' attitudes towards the importance of focusing on families in care is pivotal for targeted interventions to improve nurses' attitudes towards families and, thus, implement family engagement in mental healthcare practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Family functioning, particularly among primary family caregivers for patients with schizophrenia, is a global concern that poses unprecedented challenges. The family unit is a pivotal agent for the preservation of the integrity of individual members. Little attention has been paid to the changes in family functioning and their predictors in primary family caregivers. This study aimed to examine the changes in and the correlates of family functioning in primary family caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia over a 6‐month post‐discharge period. Design: A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted. Methods: A total of 58 primary family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia were recruited from two psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan. Data were collected four times, including 1 week before hospital discharge and at 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month intervals post‐discharge. Demographic and clinical questionnaires, the Affiliate Stigma Scale, the Family Empowerment Scale, and the General Functioning subscale were used to collect data. Generalized Estimating Equations were applied for data analysis. Results: Approximately 59.6%–77.6% of primary family caregivers presented unhealthy family functioning during the 6‐month post‐discharge period. Significant reductions in family functioning of primary family caregivers were noted in the group with unhealthy family functioning; however, family functioning of primary family caregivers remained unchanged in the group with healthy family functioning over 6 months. Affiliate stigma and family empowerment significantly accounted for the changes in family functioning of primary family caregivers in the groups with unhealthy and healthy family functioning, respectively. Conclusion: This study highlights affiliate stigma and family empowerment as long‐term predictors of changes in family functioning for primary family caregivers and as pivotal targets of mental health care. Clinical Relevance: Family‐centered interventions with a focus on ameliorating affiliate stigma and enhancing family empowerment are recommended to improve family functioning for primary family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia at different periods after hospital discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies suggest that the consumption of Tempeh can improve abnormal blood glucose and lipid parameters, although it remains still unclear as to whether Tempeh can improve tissue damage. In our study, db/db obese diabetic mice were given Tempeh 1 (300 mg/kg) and Tempeh 2 (600 mg/kg) for 3 months. The tissue samples collected were stained using different tissue‐staining methodologies and were compared with the diabetic control group that was not given any Tempeh. Our results demonstrated that consuming high‐dose Tempeh for 1 month could significantly reduce serum glucose and body weight in mice whereas the tissue section of our result could validate that consuming high‐dose Tempeh for 3 months effectively improves lipid droplet size and lipid accumulation in the liver, aorta, and kidney of the mice. Moreover, an indication of the recovery of the damaged tissue could be observed in the heart and pancreatic tissue when high dosage of Tempeh was given as a treatment. Thus, it can be concluded that continuous consumption of Tempeh as a treatment could improve both blood glucose and body weight of diabetic mice while also improving lipid accumulation and tissue damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The FeIII(OH)(Cl) complex resembles the key intermediate proposed for the non‐heme iron halogenases. Goldberg and co‐workers reported that the FeIII(OH)(Cl) RC reacts with triphenylmethyl radical 1 to give an exclusive hydroxylation product. To understand the chemoselectivity of the reaction of RC with 1, density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been conducted. From RC, the competing pathways were identified as the OH‐transfer, Cl‐transfer, and isomerization pathways. The direct Cl‐transfer is more favorable than direct OH‐transfer by 2.8 kcal/mol. The hydrogen bonding interactions between the hydroxyl group and the pendent amine ligand impede the direct OH‐transfer from RC. Compared with the direct Cl‐transfer pathway, the isomerization pathways require lower barriers. In isomer RCiso2, the equatorial hydroxyl group, which has smaller diabatic bond dissociation energy, prefers to transfer to form the hydroxylation product. In FeIII(Cl)2RC2 and RC2iso, the equatorial chloride group also prefers to transfer to give the chlorination product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a series of methacrylate‐based polymers bearing benzene (poly(benzyl methacrylate)), naphthalene (poly(2‐naphthyl methacrylate)), anthracene (poly(9‐anthracenyl methyl methacrylate), PAMA), and pyrene (poly(1‐pyrenemethyl methacrylate)) are blended with conjugated polymer of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) to perform vertical phase separation during spin‐coating. The bilayer structure of the conjugated/insulating polymer blend is driven by their mismatch in surface energy, and the blend films are applied in the phototransistor memory device with the bottom layer of methacrylate‐based polymer as a photoactive electret and the top layer of P3HT as a semiconducting channel. It is found that the vertical phase separation morphology, conjugation, and energy levels of the pendant arene groups in the methacrylate‐based polymers are highly related to the photoresponse, memory retention/endurance of the phototransistor memory. Therefore, the device comprising the polymer blend of P3HT and PAMA successfully produces a high current contrast of 105 to 254 nm light and 104 to 450 nm light over 104 s. This study provides a facile approach to the fabrication of high‐performance phototransistor memory devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nowadays, microbial electrochemistry is widely used to produce valuable products (CH4, CH3CH2OH, CH3COOH, etc.) from carbon dioxide. Meanwhile, given that low‐value nitrogen (N2) is abundantly available as a feedstock for chemicals, thus ammonia (NH3) synthesis using bioelectrochemistry is still a promising technology. However, considering N2 stability and ammonium (NH4+) adsorption with a proton exchange membrane, developing suitable microbial systems for NH3 synthesis still faces challenges. Based on this, we developed a single‐chamber biocathode bioelectrochemical system for efficient NH3 production. Results: For the reaction system that we constructed, NH4+ production reached 6.31 mg L−1 within 10 days, and NH4+ production was positively correlated with current density. A C2H2 reduction assay further verified the activity of nitrogenase enzyme. Microbial community analysis revealed that Clostridia plays a crucial role in the N2 fixation process, and the synergistic interaction between different microorganisms favors electron transfer and an increase in NH3 production. Conclusions: The results of a series of experiments have proved that this green and economical method can be used to efficiently generate NH4+. This reaction system not only utilizes the advantages of obtaining electrons for reduction reaction, but also improves electron transfer and avoids the shortcomings of NH4+ adsorption. Additionally, this in‐depth study of N2 fixation mechanism provides a theoretical reference for other applications of bioelectrochemical systems. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving white‐light emission, especially white circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) from a single‐phase material is challenging. Herein, a pair of chiral CuI coordination polymers (1‐M and 1‐P) have been prepared by the asymmetrical assembly of achiral ligands and Cu2I2 clusters. The compounds display dual emission bands and can be used as single‐phase white‐light phosphors, achieving a "warm"‐white‐light‐emitting diode with an ultra‐high color rendering index (CRI) of 93.4 and an appropriate correlated color temperature (CCT) of 3632 K. Meanwhile, corresponding CPL signals with maximum dissymmetry factor |glum|=8×10−3 have been observed. Hence, intrinsic white‐light emission and CPL have been realized simultaneously in coordination polymers for the first time. This work gains insight into the nature of chiral assembly from achiral units and offers a prospect for the development of single‐phase white‐CPL materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic jet lag (CJL)‐induced circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) is positively correlated with an increased risk of allergic diseases. However, little is known about the mechanism involved in allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods: Aberrant light/dark cycles‐induced CRD mice were randomly divided into negative control (NC) group, AR group, CRD+NC group, and CRD+AR group (n = 8/group). After ovalbumin (OVA) challenge, nasal symptom scores were recorded. The expression of Occludin and ZO‐1 in both nasal mucosa and lung tissues was detected by reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemical staining. The level of OVA–specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) and T‐helper (Th)‐related cytokines in the plasma was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the proportion of Th1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cell (Treg) in splenocytes was evaluated by flow cytometry. Results: The nasal symptom score in the CRD+AR group was significantly higher than those in the AR group with respect to eosinophil infiltration, mast cell degranulation, and goblet cell hyperplasia. The expression of ZO‐1 and Occludin in the nasal mucosa and lung tissues in the CRD+AR group were significantly lower than those in the AR group. Furthermore, Th2 and Th17 cell counts from splenocytes and OVA‐sIgE, interleukin 4 (IL‐4), IL‐6, IL‐13, and IL‐17A levels in plasma were significantly increased in the CRD+AR group than in the AR group, whereas Th1 and Treg cell count and interferon γ (IFN‐γ) level were significantly decreased in the CRD+AR group. Conclusion: CRD experimentally mimicked CJL in human activities, could exacerbate local and systemic allergic reactions in AR mice, partially through decreasing Occludin and ZO‐1 level in the respiratory mucosa and increasing Th2‐like immune response in splenocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the effects of a brief family strengths‐oriented therapeutic conversation (FAM‐SOTC) intervention on symptom severity of patients with schizophrenia and family coping and caregiver burden for family caregivers. Design: A quasi‐experimental research design with repeated measures. Methods: A convenience sample of 72 dyads of patient‐family caregivers was recruited from randomized inpatient psychiatric rehabilitation units in a psychiatric hospital in Taiwan. Sixty‐one patient‐family caregiver dyads that comprised the intervention group (n = 29) and control group (n = 32) completed questionnaires at four time points (baseline, immediate, one‐ and three‐months post‐intervention). Demographic questionnaires and clinical information, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Family Crisis‐Orientation Personal Evaluation Scales, and Zarit Burden Interview were used to collect data. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess the differences in symptom severity, family coping, and caregiver burden between the two groups. Findings: As compared to the control group, the intervention group showed statistically significant improvements over three months in symptom severity as well as family coping, especially acquiring social support, reframing, and mobilizing social support for family caregivers. Caregiver burden in the intervention group was ameliorated immediately and one month after the intervention rather than a three‐month post‐intervention. Conclusions: A brief FAM‐SOTC intervention proved to be favorable for alleviating psychiatric symptoms of patients coupled with an improvement in family coping and burden in family caregivers encountering schizophrenia. Clinical relevance: Integration of a brief family therapeutic conversation intervention into the routine psychiatric rehabilitation services delivery is recommended to help patients and their family caregivers effectively manage schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disruptions in circadian rhythms are risk factors for excessive alcohol drinking. The ethanol-sensitive adenosine equilibrative nucleoside transporter type 1 (ENT1, slc29a1) regulates ethanol-related behaviors, sleep, and entrainment of circadian rhythms. However, the mechanism underlying the increased ethanol consumption in ENT1 knockout (KO) mice in constant light (LL) and whether there are sex differences in ethanol consumption in ENT1 mice are less studied. Here, we investigated the effects of loss of ENT1, LL, and sex on ethanol drinking using two-bottle choice. In addition, we monitored the locomotor activity rhythms. We found that LL increased ethanol drinking and reduced accumbal ENT1 expression and adenosine levels in male but not female mice, compared with control mice. Interestingly, only LL-exposed male, not female, ENT1 KO mice exhibited higher ethanol drinking and a longer circadian period with a higher amplitude compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Furthermore, viral-mediated rescue of ENT1 expression in the NAc of ENT1 KO mice reduced ethanol drinking, demonstrating a possible causal link between ENT1 expression and ethanol drinking in males. Together, our findings indicate that deficiency of ENT1 expression contributes to excessive ethanol drinking in a sex-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rod‐like molecules with liquid crystalline phase transitions show highly ordered stacking and orientation, which is promising as the floating gate electret in high‐performance photonic field‐effect transistor (FET) memory. In this work, a series of rod‐like molecules, alkyl‐dinaphtho[2,3‐b:2′,3′‐f]thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (Cn‐DNTT), are investigated with a smectic liquid crystalline phase transition. The photonic FET memory featuring these rod‐like molecules is correlated with their morphology and crystallographic properties. A volatility transition from short−term to long−term memory behavior is found by utilizing the smectic liquid crystalline phase transitions (SmX, X = H, K, E) to orient the stacking in the floating gate. Accordingly, the annealed 2,9‐didecyldinaphtho[2,3‐b:2′,3′‐f]thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (C10‐DNTT) polycrystalline film with the optimized alkyl chain length achieved preferential end‐on orientation associated with the herringbone‐type stacking to store charges during photowriting, along with effective charge tunneling for the trapped charges during electrical erasing. Therefore, the resultant photonic FET memory provided a superior ON/OFF current ratio of up to 105 with retention of 104 after 104 s. The results demonstrate that rod‐like molecules with smectic liquid crystalline phase and highly ordered orientation have great potentials for developing high‐performance photonic FET memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, molecular ferroelectrics have received great attention due to their low weight, mechanical flexibility, easy preparation and excellent ferroelectric properties. Among them, crown‐ether‐based molecular ferroelectrics, which are typically composed of the host crown ethers, the guest cations anchored in the crown ethers, and the counterions, are of great interest because of the host‐guest structure. Such a structure allows the components to occur order‐disorder transition easily, which is beneficial for inducing ferroelectric phase transition. Herein, we summarized the research progress of crown ether host‐guest molecular ferroelectrics, focusing on their crystal structure, phase transition, ferroelectric‐related properties. In view of the small spontaneous polarization and uniaxial nature, we outlook the chemical design strategies for obtaining high‐performance crown‐ether‐based molecular ferroelectrics. This minireview will be of guiding significance for the future exploration of crown ether host‐guest molecular ferroelectrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: A series of tetradentate Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes containing fused 5/6/6 metallocycles with phenyl N‐heteroaromatic benzo[d]imidazole (pbiz), benzo[d]oxazole (pboz) or benzo[d]thiazole (pbthz)‐containing ligands was developed. Systematic studies by experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that both the central metal and the benzannulated N‐heteroaromatic ring have significant influence on the electrochemical, photophysical and excited‐state properties of the Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes. In identical condition, compared to pbiz‐based Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes, the corresponding metal complexes with pboz and pbthz‐containing ligand show significant red‐shift emission spectra. Pd(II) complexes exhibit blue‐shift emission spectra in comparison with the corresponding Pt(II) complexes. The Pt(II) complexes possess more metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (3MLCT) character in their T1 states, which enables the Pt(II) complexes to have much higher quantum efficiencies (ΦPL) and shorter excited‐state lifetimes (τ), resulting in large radiative decay rates (kr). Especially, Pt(pbiz) has a ΦPL of 94% with a τ of 4.0 μs in 5 wt% doped PMMA film at room temperature. Pt(pbiz)‐doped green organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) using 26mCPy as host demonstrated a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 21.6% and a maximum brightness (Lmax) of 55481 cd/m2, which still maintained an EQE of 16.5% and 10.8% at 1000 and 10000 cd/m2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donor–acceptor type polymers and supramolecules are promising electrets in photonic field‐effect transistor (FET)‐type memory because of their diversified polymer‐structure design and favorable mechanical tolerance. Using intermolecular association, supramolecule electrets can surpass donor–acceptor type polymers with versatile facile combining processes. Currently, there has been no application of charge‐transfer (CT) supramolecules in electrets of photonic FET memory devices. Herein, a novel series of CT‐based supramolecular electrets comprising poly(1‐pyrenemethyl methacrylate) (PPyMA) and 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) is used to elucidate the effect of CT on photonic FET memory. Accordingly, memory devices based on the supramolecular electret with an equimolar content of pyrene and TCNQ exhibit superior bistable memory switchability using electrical/photoprograming with UV (365 nm) and green light (525 nm). This shows a broad memory window of 34 V and favorable memory ratio of over 106 after 104 s. The memory performance can be attributed to the favorable molecular association and dispersion between pyrene and TCNQ in the solid state. The results provide evidence that CT‐based supramolecular electrets warrant applications in optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food–drug interactions are reported to have some impacts on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of various oral drugs. To better understand the effects of naringenin, one natural product in many fruits, on the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban, drug–drug interactions (DDIs) between naringenin and rivaroxaban in vitro were investigated in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rat liver microsomes. For the DDIs in vivo, 12 male SD rats were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group with six rats in each group. Rats in the experimental group were pre‐treated with naringenin (10 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks before the administration of rivaroxaban (10 mg/kg) by oral gavage, while the rats in the control group were given rivaroxaban (10 mg/kg) only once. The plasma concentration of rivaroxaban in rats was then measured by UPLC‐MS/MS. In vitro data indicated that naringenin could decrease the metabolic clearance rate of rivaroxaban with the IC50 value of 38.89 μM, and exhibited a mixed inhibition to rivaroxaban (Ki =54.91 μM, aKi =73.33 μM, a = 0.74). In vivo data in rats revealed that as compared with that of the control group, the AUC(0–t) value of rats in the experimental group was increased from 2406.28 ± 519.69 μg/h/L to 4005.04 ± 1172.76 μg/h/L, the Cmax value was increased from 310.23 ± 85.76 μg/L to 508.71 ± 152.48 μg/L, and the Vz/F and CLz/F were decreased from 23.03 ± 4.81 L/kg to 16.2 ± 8.42 L/kg, 4.26 ± 0.91 L/h/kg to 2.57 ± 0.73 L/h/kg, respectively. These data indicated that naringenin had an inhibitory effect on the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban in rats, suggesting that the DDIs between naringenin and rivaroxaban might occur when they were co‐administered in the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although clinical data suggest remarkable promise for targeting programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) and ligand (PD‐L1) signaling in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), it is still largely undetermined which subtype of patients will be responsive to checkpoint blockade. In the present study, we explored whether PD‐L1 was regulated by mutant Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), which is frequently mutated in NSCLC and results in poor prognosis and low survival rates. We verified that PD‐L1 levels were dramatically increased in KRAS mutant cell lines, particularly in NCI‐H441 cells with KRAS G12V mutation. Overexpression of KRAS G12V remarkably elevated PD‐L1 messenger RNA and protein levels, while suppression of KRAS G12V led to decreased PD‐L1 levels in NCI‐H441 cells. Consistently, higher levels of PD‐L1 were observed in KRAS‐mutated tissues as well as tumor tissues‐derived CD4+ and CD8+ T cells using a tumor xenograft in B‐NDG mice. Mechanically, both in vitro and in vivo assays found that KRAS G12V upregulated PD‐L1 via regulating the progression of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, pembrolizumab activated the antitumor activity and decreased tumor growth with KRAS G12V mutated NSCLC. This study demonstrates that KRAS G12V mutation could induce PD‐L1 expression and promote immune escape via transforming growth factor‐β/EMT signaling pathway in KRAS‐mutant NSCLC, providing a potential therapeutic approach for NSCLC harboring KRAS mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) is one of the most important drugs metabolizing enzymes and accounts for the metabolism of about 13%-17% of clinical drugs. Like other members in CYP2 family, CYP2C9 gene exhibits great genetic polymorphism among different races and individuals. CYP2C9*18 is one CYP2C9 allelic variant identified in a Southeast Asian population and is estimated to cause the amino acid substitutions of I359L and D397A in CYP2C9 enzyme simultaneously. Limited by the low expression level in bacteria and COS-7 cells, no valuable enzyme kinetics have been reported on this CYP2C9 variant. In this study, the baculovirus-based system was used for the high expression of recombinant CYP2C9 s in insect cells. As a result, together with I359L substitution, D397A could significantly decrease the protein expression of CYP2C9.18 in insect cells, although substitution of D397A alone had no effect on the expression of CYP2C9 in vitro. As compared with that of wild-type enzyme, both CYP2C9.18 variant and D397A variant could decrease more than 80% of the catalytic activity of CYP2C9 enzyme toward three probe substrates, suggesting that caution should be exercised when patients carrying CYP2C9*18 taking medicines metabolized by CYP2C9 enzyme with a narrow therapeutic window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine if there are long‐term effects of a self‐management intervention guided by self‐regulation theory for adults with knee osteoarthritis at 6 and 12 months after completing the intervention. Design: This long‐term follow‐up study used a longitudinal quasi‐experimental design with repeated measures. Methods: A convenience sample of 127 patients with knee osteoarthritis who were 45 to 64 years of age were recruited from outpatient clinics in Taiwan. The Self‐Management Needs of Knee Osteoarthritis Scale was used to assess self‐management needs at enrollment (baseline). To evaluate the long‐term effects, participants were reassessed at 6 and 12 months after the intervention using the following questionnaires: The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Healthcare Outcomes, and the Short‐Form Health Survey. Generalized estimating equations compared assessments at baseline with scores at 6 and 12 months following completion of the intervention. Multiple regression was used to examine significant factors associated with the assessments. Findings: Participants had moderate levels of self‐management needs. When assessments at 6 months were compared with baseline, scores for knee symptoms and physical function and quality of life showed significant improvements; significant reductions were seen in body mass index, unplanned medical consultations, and pain medication doses. Assessments at 12 months compared with baseline measures indicated these improvements were maintained. These improvements were significant from baseline measures at both 6 months and 12 months after adjustments were made for time and other significant variables. Conclusions: Twelve months after completion of the intervention, the significant improvements seen at 6 months were maintained. Our findings demonstrate that the self‐management intervention had significant long‐term effects on knee symptoms and physical function, body mass index and pain medication doses, and overall quality of life for patients with moderate self‐management needs of knee osteoarthritis. Clinical Relevance: Clinical care of knee osteoarthritis that includes a self‐regulation theory–based self‐management intervention could provide long‐term benefits to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms exhibit prominent 24‐hour variations associated with the biological clock. Although endogenous glucocorticoids synchronize circadian oscillator in the nasal mucosa, the precise mechanism of AR remains unclear. Therefore, using a mouse model, we investigated the association between circadian‐clock genes and AR symptoms at various time‐points. Methods: Based on the rhythmic secretion of corticosterone levels, we chose 2 time‐points, ZT4 (10:00 AM) and ZT16 (10:00 PM), to observe dynamic changes of nasal symptoms, immunologic responses, and circadian‐clock gene period (Per) expressions. Results: In the AR group, nasal symptom scores at ZT4 were significantly higher than at ZT16, with a greater increase in eosinophils, mast cells, and total immunoglobulin E levels at ZT4. The scores had a negative correlation with fluctuation of corticosterone levels. T‐helper 1 (Th1) cell counts and interferon‐γ levels decreased significantly at ZT4 compared with ZT16 in the AR group, whereas Th2 cells; Th17 cells; and interleukin (IL)‐4, ‐13, and ‐17A levels increased significantly at ZT4 compared with ZT16. Furthermore, Per2 gene expression levels were attenuated at ZT4 and elevated at ZT16, but correlated negatively with Th2 and Th17 responses associated with Gata3 and Rorγt expression levels that were enhanced at ZT4 and reduced at ZT16 in the AR group. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the Per2 gene may influence diurnal variations of AR symptom severity, partially through its possible anti‐inflammatory effect on the circadian regulation of GATA3 and RORγt levels in immune cells. This further demonstrates the neural‐immune‐endocrinal mechanism of circadian rhythm in AR and sheds new light on chronotherapeutic approaches to AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to summarize the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the incidence of lung cancer using a meta‐analysis of cohort studies. Materials and methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library to identify potential cohort studies. Relative risk (RR) was used to calculate the association between DM and the risk of lung cancer. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and test for publication bias were performed. Twenty cohort studies were selected. Results: The participants with DM showed little or no significant effect on the risk of lung cancer (RR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.99‐1.23; P =.087). DM was not associated with the risk of lung cancer in men (RR: 1.11; 95%CI: 0.92‐1.35; P =.270), but a significant association was observed in women (RR: 1.18; 95%CI: 1.10‐1.28; P <.001). Subgroup analysis suggested that smoker status was confounding variables that could bias the relationship between DM and the incidence of lung cancer. Conclusions: This meta‐analysis suggests that DM has no significant impact on the incidence of lung cancer in men but has a harmful effect on women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Elderly nursing home residents are often malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Family members often visit residents during mealtimes, which might be an ideal opportunity for interventions targeted at improving the nutritional status of older residents. Therefore, this study aimed to explore motivations behind family member visits with nursing home residents during mealtime in Taiwan. Methods: This phenomenological study was conducted with family members of residents from four nursing homes in Taiwan. Participants were purposively sampled. Data were collected with individual face‐to‐face interviews from 18 family members. Data from transcribed audio‐recorded interviews were analyzed using the approach of van Manen. Results: Analysis of the interview data identified the essence of motivations underlying family members' visits to nursing home residents during mealtimes, which we termed "tailoring homely meals." This referred to providing food tailored to residents' needs, providing a comforting family atmosphere, assisting residents during mealtime, and monitoring food consumption. Conclusions: The motivations of family members to visit during mealtime could guide healthcare professionals working with East Asian populations in developing interventions to reduce the possibility of malnutrition, while also improving their quality of life. We recommend providing the following for nursing home residents: a nutritious and balanced diet, supporting their independence and ability to feed themselves, and encouraging involvement of family members during mealtimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the anxiety and depression levels of frontline clinical nurses working in 14 hospitals in Gansu Province, China, during this period. Design: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted online between February 7 and 10, 2020, with a convenience sample of 22,034 nurses working in 14 prefecture and city hospitals in Gansu Province, located in northwest China. Methods: A self‐reported questionnaire with four parts (demographic characteristics, general questions related to novel coronavirus‐infected pneumonia, self‐rating anxiety scale, and self‐rating depression scale) was administered. Descriptive statistics including frequencies, means, and SDs were computed. The associations between anxiety and depression with sociodemographic characteristics, work‐related concerns, and impacts were analyzed, followed by multiple stepwise linear regression to identify factors that best predicted the nurses' anxiety and depression levels. Findings: A total of 21,199 questionnaires were checked to be valid, with an effective recovery rate of 96.21%. The mean ± SD age of the respondents was 31.89 ± 7.084 years, and the mean ± SD length of service was 9.40 ± 7.638 years. The majority of the respondents were female (98.6%) and married (73.1%). Some demographic characteristics, related concerns, and impacts of COVID‐19 were found to be significantly associated with both anxiety (p <.001) and depression (p <.001). Nurses who needed to take care of children or elderly relatives, took leave from work because they were worried about COVID‐19, avoided contact with family and friends, and wanted to obtain more COVID‐19‐related knowledge had higher levels of both anxiety and depression. Conclusions: Results show that nurses faced with the COVID‐19 outbreak are at risk for experiencing anxiety and depression. Demographic background, psychosocial factors, and work‐related factors predicted the psychological responses. The family responsibilities and burdens of women may explain the higher levels of anxiety and depression among nurses with these obligations as compared to those without. On the other hand, nurses who chose not to take leave from work or who did not avoid going to work during this period were less anxious and depressed. Clinical Relevance: Professional commitment might be a protective factor for adverse psychological responses. It is pertinent to provide emotional support for nurses and recognize their professional commitment in providing service to people in need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the protective effects of the Bauhinia championii (BC) against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)‐induced injury in an isolated heart model. Langendorff‐perfused C57BL/6JNarl mice hearts were performed with 30 minutes ischemia and 60 minutes reperfusion by left anterior descending artery ligation. Before reperfusion, boiling water extracts of BC (10 mg/L) was pretreated for 15 minutes. During reperfusion, BC significantly decreased the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias by lead II electrocardiogram (ECG). Electrophysiological effect of BC was further determined in isolated ventricular myocytes by whole‐cell patch clamp technique. The underlying mechanism may result from its Na+ channel blocking activity characterized with reduced rise slope of action potential and Na+ current density. Moreover, BC dramatically reduced I/R‐caused infarct size, which was accessed by 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) assay. Since BC decreased I/R‐induced myoglobin release and oxidation of Ca2+‐calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase, inhibition of myocardial necroptosis may account for the protective effects of BC on myocytes lose. This study indicated that BC may prevent I/R induced ventricular arrhythmias and myocyte death by blocking Na+ channels and decreasing necroptosis, respectively. Since most of the available antiarrhythmic remedies have unwanted adverse actions, BC could be a novel candidate for the treatment of myocardial infarction and ventricular arrhythmia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument for assessing triggers of suicidal ideation among older outpatients and determine its psychometrics.Method: Participants were recruited from older outpatients of two hospitals in northern Taiwan. The 34-item Triggers of Suicidal Ideation Inventory (TSII) was developed, and its items were validated by experts in two runs of Delphi technique survey. Pre-testing this TSII in 200 older outpatients resulted in a 12-item TSII, with three items not considered triggers but suggesting the need for further psychiatric assessment. The 9-item TSII was examined by criterion validity, construct validity, internal consistency reliability, and test-retest reliability.Results: Factor analysis of the final version of TSII yielded a three-factor solution, accounting for 68.75% of the variance. Participants with depressive tendency tended to have higher TSII scores than participants with no depressive tendency (t = 8.62, p < 0.01), indicating good construct validity. TSII scores were significantly and positively correlated with Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (r = 0.45, p < 0.01) and UCLA Loneliness (r = 0.55, p < 0.01) scores, indicating satisfactory criterion validity. The TSII had Cronbach's α and intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.70 and 0.99, respectively, indicating acceptable internal consistency reliability and excellent test-retest reliability. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.82, indicating excellent ability to detect triggers of suicidal ideation. With a cutoff point of 2, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.76 and 0.69, respectively.Conclusions: The TSII can be completed in 5 min, is perceived as easy to complete, and yielded highly acceptable parameters of validity and reliability. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the quality of family‐centered care perceived by primary family caregivers and its influencing factors in mental healthcare practice. Design: A cross‐sectional, correlational study. Methods: A convenience sample of 121 mental health nurses and 164 primary family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia was recruited from acute psychiatric wards and chronic psychiatric rehabilitation wards in three psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan. Structured questionnaires for mental health nurses were designed to examine nurses' attitudes toward schizophrenia and the importance of families in nursing care. Primary family caregivers were assessed to determine their perceptions of quality of family‐centered care. At least one primary family caregiver of patients was matched to a nurse who took major responsibility for the patient during the hospitalization. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson's product‐moment correlations, independent t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance, and stepwise regression analyses. Results: Quality of family‐centered care perceived by primary family caregivers regarding the provision of general and specific information, as compared to enabling and partnership, coordinated and comprehensive care, and respectful and supportive care, was relatively inadequate. Younger and more educated primary family caregivers, having relatives with schizophrenia in acute wards, less supportive nurses' attitudes toward schizophrenia, and the importance of family in nursing care were correlated with poor primary family caregivers' perceptions of quality of family‐centered care. Nurses' supportive attitudes toward schizophrenia and chronic psychiatric rehabilitation wards where patients received care were key factors in determining better quality of family‐centered care. Conclusions: Findings provide a platform for the development of effective continuing education and training programs to equip mental health nurses with supportive attitudes toward mental illness and an integration of the family in nursing care, which will ultimately improve mental health care for families experiencing mental health problems. Clinical Relevance: Efforts in professional training to address stigma and encourage a family‐centered approach into recovery‐oriented practice for practicing mental healthcare providers, including mental health nurses, are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined ultrastructure protective phenomena and mechanisms of slow and fast muscles in hibernating Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus). Some degenerative changes such as slightly decreased sarcomere length and vacuolization occurred in hibernation, but periaxonal capsular borders in intrafusal fibers remained distinct and the arrangement of extrafusal fibers and Z‐lines unscathed. In soleus samples, the number of glycogenosomes more than tripled during hibernation. The expression of phosphorylated glycogen synthase remained unaltered while that of glycogen phosphorylase decreased during hibernation. The number of extensor digitorum longus glycogenosomes decreased and the expression of phosphorylated glycogen synthase decreased, while glycogen phosphorylase expression remained unaltered. The nuclei number remained unchanged. Kinesin and desmin, preventors of nuclear loss and damage, were maintained or just slightly reduced in hibernation. The single‐fiber mitochondrial concentration and sub‐sarcolemmal mitochondrial number increased in both muscle types. The expression of vimentin, which anchors mitochondria and maintains Z‐line integrity, was increased during and after hibernation. Also, dynamin‐related protein 1, mitochondrial fission factor, and adenosine triphosphate synthase were elevated in both muscle types. These findings confirm a remarkable ultrastructure preservation and show an unexpected increase in mitochondrial capacity in hibernating squirrels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) are recurrent diseases that are widespread in the tropics. Here, we identified candidate genes associated with these diseases by performing integrated analyses of DF (GSE51808) and DHF (GSE18090) microarray datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). In all, we identified 7635 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in DF and 8147 DEGs in DHF as compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05). In addition, we discovered 215 differentially expressed long non‐coding RNAs (DElncRNAs) in DF and 225 DElncRNAs in DHF. There were 1256 common DEGs and eight common DElncRNAs in DHF vs DF, DHF vs normal control, and DF vs normal control groups. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that signal transduction (false discovery rate = 8.33E‐10), 'toxoplasmosis', and 'protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum' were significantly enriched pathways for common DEGs. We conclude that the MAGED1,STAT1, and IL12A genes may play crucial roles in DF and DHF, and suggest that our findings may facilitate the identification of biomarkers and the development of new drug design strategies for DF and DHF treatment. The genes encoding MAGED1, STAT1, and IL12A were identified as playing roles in dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever. This finding may facilitate the identification of biomarkers and development of new drug design strategies for dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about how the initial infection and diagnosis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) impacts a patient's experience of living with and adjusting to the disease. In the present qualitative, descriptive study, we explored the initial experiences of patients in Taiwan diagnosed with HCV. Eighteen participants were recruited from hepatology clinics of a teaching hospital in Taichung, Taiwan by purposive sampling. Data were collected via in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews and analyzed by conventional content analysis. The core theme describing the illness trajectory was "Oasis in the desert". Two main themes described the participants' experiences and adjustment to the diagnosis of hepatitis C: "Getting lost in the journey" and "The calm after the storm". Our findings highlight the need for health‐care providers to coordinate interactions between patients and multi‐disciplinary teams to manage the integration of different treatment options. There is a demand for educational interventions and online information for patients and the general population, which could improve knowledge of HCV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: T‐helper 2 (Th2) polarization plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with accompanying nasal allergy. Recent studies indicate that B cell lymphoma‐2‐like protein‐12 (Bcl2L12) is associated with immune dysregulation. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of Bcl2L12 in the pathogenesis of Th2 polarization of CRS patients. Methods: CRS patients with nasal allergy (CRSa) and without nasal allergy (CRSna) were recruited into this study. CD4+ T cells were isolated from the blood samples of human subjects. A variety of immunologic molecular strategies were used to assess Th2 polarization and Bcl2L12 expression. Results: Twenty CRSa patients, 20 CRSna patients, and 20 healthy subjects were recruited into this study. High levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin 4 (IL‐4), IL‐5, IL‐13, and Bcl2L12 were detected in nasal extracts of CRSa patients, but not in CRSna patients. The levels of Bcl2L12 were positively correlated with Th2 cytokines. CD4+ T cells from CRSa patients were prone to differentiate into Th2 cells, in which Bcl2L12 was required. Conclusion: Bcl2L12 is positively correlated with Th2 cytokine levels in the nasal mucosa of CRSa patients. Bcl2L12 contributes to the Th2 polarization, which may be a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of CRSa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: Nurses have a professional obligation to maintain patient dignity when providing nursing care. The concept of dignity, however, is dependent on cultural context. The aim of this study was to elicit nurses’ perspectives for maintaining patient dignity in Indonesian clinical care settings. Design: A qualitative descriptive study was performed. Methods: A total of 40 clinical nurse participants were recruited by purposive sampling from six general public hospitals in Eastern Java, Indonesia, including six medical and six surgical units. Data were collected in 2017 using individual face‐to‐face semistructured interviews. Inductive content analysis was employed. Findings: The interview data revealed nurses considered three main elements were necessary to maintain patient dignity in clinical care: personalized care, which included prioritizing patients and treating as individuals; compassionate care, which included empathizing and providing emotional support; and patient care advocacy, which included protecting patient rights and being a representative for the patient. Conclusions: This study provided knowledge on how to maintain patient dignity from the cultural perspective of clinical nurses in Indonesia. Our findings highlight the importance of providing dignified care in a manner that is congruent with culture. The nurses in our study considered compassion and beneficence necessary values for providing dignified patient‐centered care, which might be qualities that are culturally sensitive for an Indonesian population. Clinical Relevance: Strategies should be developed to improve dignity of care for hospitalized patients in Indonesia as well as other cultural settings, which could be incorporated into patient care. These should include improving patients’ health literacy to increase patient‐centered communication, eliminating mixed‐gender wards to enhance patient privacy, and involving family members as partners in health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic effect of silibinin on methadone in rats. Twenty‐four male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, single dose of 100 mg/kg group, multiple doses of 100 mg/kg group, and multiple doses of 30 mg/kg group. A single dose of 6 mg/kg methadone was administrated to rats orally without or with silibinin. Plasma samples were collected via tail vein at different time points and concentrations of methadone and its metabolite, 2‐ethylidene‐1,5‐dimethyl‐3,3‐diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP), were determined by ultra performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). Compared with the control group (without silibinin), both 30 and 100 mg/kg silibinin significantly increased the Cmax of methadone, but only 100 mg/kg silibinin significantly increased the AUC(0‐t) of methadone and decreased its clearance. Pharmacokinetics parameters of EDDP were not altered by 30 mg/kg silibinin; its Tmax was decreased by 100 mg/kg silibinin and the Cmax was increased by single dose of 100 mg/kg silibinin. It is concluded that silibinin significantly altered the pharmacokinetics of methadone in rats by increasing the exposure of methadone. Further investigations in human should be conducted. Therapeutic drug monitoring of methadone in individuals undergoing methadone maintenance therapy is recommended when silibinin is concomitant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Health‐related quality of life is an increasingly critical outcome of mental healthcare, yet its disease‐independent attributes, particularly family‐focused resilient indicators, for individuals with schizophrenia have not been explicitly examined. The aim of this study was to explore the degree of health‐related quality of life and to examine the mediating effect of family sense of coherence on internalized stigma and health‐related quality of life in individuals with schizophrenia. A cross‐sectional and correlational study design was used. A total of 111 individuals with schizophrenia were enrolled from the in‐patient psychiatric rehabilitation services of two psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan. Face‐to‐face structured interviews were applied to collect information. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses. The results indicated that affected individuals experienced impaired health‐related quality of life. Family sense of coherence partially mediated the relationship between internalized stigma and health‐related quality of life. This study indicates that knowledge about the role of family sense of coherence in mental health rehabilitation may assist mental healthcare professionals to provide therapeutic interventions to address internalized stigma, thereby promoting health‐related quality of life in individuals living with schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In contrast to the plethora of catalytic systems that enable access to any enantiomers of the chiral products by simply choosing between a pair of enantiomeric or pseudoenantiomeric chiral catalysts, few analogously effective protocols exist for the synthesis of compounds bearing multiple stereogenic centers with full control of the absolute and relative stereochemical configurations. Here, we report the application of our previously developed modular phosphoramidite‐thioether ligands for the copper‐catalyzed diastereodivergent asymmetric 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides and nitroalkenes. Our catalytic system enables wide substrate scope, great stereochemical control, and high reaction efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Kunming dog is the first and only working dog breed from China to be recognized worldwide. As a domestic working dog, its excellent working performance has been well established; however, its normal reproductive parameters are not well understood. Therefore, this study was conducted to document the main reproductive parameters of this purebred working dog in field breeding conditions. Data on 1004 heats (753 with mating) from 203 bitches between 2008 to 2014, were collected and analyzed. The pregnancy rate and whelping rate was 79.42% and 75.30%, respectively. Finally, for 567 litters (4298 puppies), the mean litter size was 7.19 ± 0.12 puppies (range 1–15). The mean gestation period and birth weight were approximately 61.64 ± 0.10 days and 407.25 ± 1.21 g. The mean sex ratio was 1.03 males to 1.00 female. Estrus occurred throughout the year with no significant differences between seasons and months (P > 0.05), which confirms that Kunming dogs are non‐seasonal breeders; births occurred in every month of the year. Pregnant bitches exhibited significantly longer inter‐estrus intervals than non‐pregnant bitches (220.85 ± 2.05 vs. 180.19 ± 2.94 days, P < 0.05). Bitch parity influenced litter size, and the gestation length and birth weight of the puppies were negatively affected by litter size. This study helps elucidate the reproductive potential of this breed and provides reference values for reproductive performance in the Kunming dog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A four-step synthesis of substituted 5,11-dicyano-6,12-diaryltetracenes was developed, starting from readily available para-substituted benzophenones. The key step of this straightforward route is the complex cascade reaction between tetraaryl[3]cumulenes and tetracyanoethene (TCNE) resulting in 5,5,11,11-tetracyano-5,11-dihydrotetracenes. The mechanism of this transformation was reinvestigated by means of theoretical calculations. The target tetracenes were obtained by a newly developed decyanation/aromatization reaction catalyzed by CuI or CuII complexes in solution, conditions compatible with a broad range of functional groups. A computational mechanistic study sheds light on this transformation. Structures of all tetracene derivatives were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The presented dicyanotetracene derivatives exhibit outstanding optoelectronic properties and enhanced photostability, significantly surpassing the reference rubrene (5,6,11,12-tetraphenyltetracene). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate fertility and sex ratios after artificial insemination in dogs under field conditions. Semen was cryopreserved as unsorted (control) or was separated into X- and Y-chromosome-bearing sperm using a cell sorter. Sixty female dogs were inseminated with frozen-thawed spermatozoa of 100 × 106 unsorted (a dose in practice) and 4 × 106 sorted (X and Y group, respectively). A total of 20 dogs became pregnant and 126 puppies were born from the three groups. The percentage of parturition was similar for the X (5/20; 25.0%) and Y (4/20; 20.0%) group ( P > 0.05), but lower than controls (11/20; 55.0%) ( P < 0.05). Ultimately 28 out of the 32 puppies produced from X group were female (87.5%) and 19/22 (86.4%) puppies of Y group were male. In contrast, sex ratio (51.4% to 48.6%) in the control was significantly different from the X, Y group ( P < 0.05). However, male and female puppies in the control had similar birth weights and weaning weights to those from the X and Y groups. This preliminary information indicated that normal puppies of predicted sex can be produced with low numbers of sorted cryopreserved dog spermatozoa at a farm level, making sperm-sexing technology potentially applicable for elite breeding units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Major depression is one of the most prevalent psychiatry comorbidities of alcohol use disorders (AUD). As negative emotions can trigger craving and increase the risk of relapse, treatments that target both conditions simultaneously may augment treatment success. Previous studies showed a potential synergistic effect of Food and Drug Administration approved medication for AUD acamprosate and the antidepressant escitalopram. In this study, we investigated the effects of combining acamprosate and escitalopram on ethanol (EtOH) consumption in stress-induced depressed mice. Methods: Forty singly housed C57BL/6J male mice were subjected to chronic unpredictable stress. In parallel, 40 group-housed male mice were subjected to normal husbandry. After 3 weeks, depressiveand anxiety-like behaviors and EtOH consumption were assessed. For the next 7 days, mice were injected with saline, acamprosate (200 mg/kg; twice/d), escitalopram (5 mg/kg; twice/d), or their combination (n = 9 to 11/drug group/stress group). Two-bottle choice limited-access drinking of 15% EtOH and tap water was performed 3 hours into dark phase immediately after the daily dark phase injection. EtOH drinking was monitored for another 7 days without drug administration. Results: Mice subjected to the chronic unpredictable stress paradigm for 3 weeks showed apparent depression- and anxiety-like behaviors compared to their nonstressed counterparts including longer immobility time in the forced swim test and lower sucrose preference. Stressed mice also displayed higher EtOH consumption and preference in a 2-bottle choice drinking test. During the drug administration period, the escitalopram-only and combined drug groups showed significant reduction in EtOH consumption in nonstressed mice, while only the combined drug group showed significantly reduced consumption in stressed mice. However, such reduction did not persist into the postdrug administration period. Conclusions: The combination of acamprosate and escitalopram suppressed EtOH intake in both nonstressed and stressed mice; hence, this combination is potentially helpful for AUD individuals with or without comorbid depression to reduce alcohol use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first catalytic method for activating the acyl C−O bonds of methyl esters through an oxidative-addition process. The oxidative-addition adducts, formed using nickel catalysis, undergo in situ trapping to provide anilide products. DFT calculations are used to support the proposed reaction mechanism, to understand why decarbonylation does not occur competitively, and to elucidate the beneficial role of the substrate structure and the Al(OtBu)3 additive on the kinetics and thermodynamics of the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing mental health nurses' attitudes towards people with mental illness. A descriptive correlation design was used. A sample of 180 Taiwanese mental health nurses was recruited from mental health-care settings. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson's product-moment correlation, Student's t-test, one-way ANOVA, and a hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Negative attitudes were found among mental health nurses, especially with respect to individuals with substance abuse compared with those with schizophrenia and major depression. Mental health nurses who were older, had more clinical experiences in mental health care, and demonstrated greater empathy expressed more positive attitudes towards people with mental illness. Mental health nurses working at acute psychiatric units demonstrated more negative attitudes towards mental illness compared with those working in psychiatric rehabilitation units and outpatient clinics or community psychiatric rehabilitation centres. Particularly, length of mental health nursing practice and empathy significantly accounted for mental health nurses' attitudes towards mental illness. Understanding nurses' attitudes and their correlates towards people with mental illness is critical to deliver effective mental health nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gluten strength is the main factor determining the rheological and processing properties of wheat. Rapid, small‐scale tests that can indirectly predict gluten strength are extremely important for wheat‐breeding selection, particularly when using pedigree methodology. The efficiency and reliability of three small‐scale tests (SDS sedimentation volume [SDSS], swelling index of glutenin [SIG], and lactic acid retention capacity [LARC]) across three environments (E1, no stress; E2, drought stress; and E3, heat stress) were evaluated by using 15 common wheat and nine durum wheat cultivars. In the case of common wheat, SIG highlighted its advantage for predicting gluten strength, even under stress environments, compared with LARC and SDSS, whereas SDSS showed the best relationship with bread loaf volume. For durum wheat, SIG showed the best predicting value in E1 and E3; however, under drought stress, SDSS, SIG, and LARC all lost their good ability for predicting gluten strength in durum wheat, which needs further investigation. Also, the comparison between two mixograph parameters (mixograph peak time and mixograph peak integral) for predicting gluten strength and the suitability of testing SIG and LARC with whole meal (or semolina) instead of refined flour were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged or overdose glucocorticoids (GCs) usage is the common cause of osteoporosis. In the present study, we studied the cellular mechanism of dexamethasone (Dex)-induce osteoblast cell death by focusing on the role of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). In cultured osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells, Dex-induced mPTP opening, which was demonstrated by mitochondrial membrane potential (MPP) decrease, cyclophilin-D (CyPD)-adenine nucleotide translocator 1 (ANT-1) mitochondrial complexation and cytochrome C (cyto-C) release. The mPTP inhibitor sanglifehrin A (SfA) dramatically inhibited Dex-induced MPP loss, cyto-C release and MC3T3-E1 cell death. Dex-induced cell death requires mPTP composing protein CyPD, as CyPD inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA) and CyPD siRNA knockdown inhibited Dex-induced MC3T3-E1 cell death, while CyPD overexpression aggravated Dex's cytotoxic effect. We found that Dex induced P53 phosphorylation and translocation to mitochondria, where it formed a complex with CyPD. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) siRNA knockdown, or P53 inhibition (by its inhibitor pifithrin-α or shRNA silencing) suppressed Dex-induced CyPD-P53 mitochondrial association and subsequent MC3T3-E1 cell death. Finally, in primary cultured osteoblasts, Dex-induced cell death was inhibited by CsA, SfA or pifithrin-α. Together, our data suggest that Dex-induced osteoblast cell death is associated with GR-P53-regulated mPTP opening. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1475-1483, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver (Ag) nanosheets were synthesised through a facile self-seeding strategy with binary reduction in the poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP)- sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) aggregation microreactor, in which the size and morphology of Ag nanoparticles were able to be regulated by concentration or pH dependence. In this approach, PVP and SDS built the microreactor together and served as a synthesis template; a trace of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) was employed to rapidly trigger the competitive formation of small Ag seeds, while PVP was responsible for the subsequent reduction and slow crystal growth. The size and morphology of the nanosheets could be gently regulated with the concentrations of PVP or SDS and the pH of the reaction solution; while the dramatic variance of size and morphology was primarily induced by NaBH4 concentration. Free PVP monomers with lower concentration induced irregular particles, while the lower concentration of NaBH4 led to the formation of small and regular nanosheets. Both particle size and morphology could be regulated with SDS concentration dependence if the SDS concentration was higher than the critical aggregation concentration. Higher SDS concentrations favoured smaller particle sizes and nanosheet formation. Two-dimensional planar Ag nanostructures were generated at pH 9-10, where [Ag(NH3)2]+ existed at a stable complex ionisation state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two 2D 3d-4f heterometallic coordination polymers, [ Ln2Cu4Br3(IN)6(OH)(H2O)4] n [ Ln = Ho ( 1) and Yb ( 2), HIN = isonicotinic acid], were synthesized by hydrothermal reaction of Ln2O3, CuBr2, and HIN with HNO3, and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, PXRD, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Structural analyses revealed that 1 and 2 are isostructural and have a 2D structure, which consists [Cu4Br3] nn+ chains linked by dinuclear [ Ln2(IN)6(OH)]- clusters. Additionally, the thermogravimetric analysis and luminescent properties of 1 were investigated and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the synthesis, crystal structure and characterization of a 3D pillared-layer 3d-4f copper-holmium heterometallic coordination polymer. Topics covered include the materials and characterization methods used, X-ray crystal determination and findings of single crystal X-ray diffraction.

Context Communication conflicts are inevitable in nursing homes. Understanding communication conflicts experienced by practising nurses could provide insights to guide the development of sound communication education programmes. Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of nurses in nursing homes of communication conflict in encounters with nursing home residents and their families in Taiwan. Methods Data were collected from April 2010 to December 2011 through audiotaped, individual, in-depth interviews with 26 nurses at five nursing homes in Taiwan. Data were analysed according to van Manen's interpretive phenomenological method. Results Data analysis revealed that nurses' experiences of communication conflicts during encounters with nursing home residents and their families could be categorised under three themes: differences in perspectives of nursing home services; differences in views of nurturing health, and mediation between family members and others. Conclusions The findings of this study can be considered by clinical educators and policymakers when designing communication education programmes for nurses and other clinicians. These programmes should include ways to increase nurses' independent thinking in settings in which power differences exist, as well as their cultural sensitivity as embodied in Leininger's culture care theory. These programmes should also include education in telephone communication and alternative methods of communication (e.g. videoconferencing). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]