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In this work, magnesia‐alumina spinel foam ceramics were prepared by foaming‐sol method using magnesia alumina spinel as raw material, anionic surfactant potassium oleate (PO) as foaming agent, and alumina sol as curing agent. The curing mechanism and the effect of alumina sol content on the stability of foam slurry and the properties of foam ceramics were investigated. In the foam slurry, the alumina sol can react with PO, so magnesia‐alumina spinel can be fixed in the foam structure through the gel network to improve the stability of the foam slurry. The gelation process reduces the viscosity of the foam slurry. The pores of magnesia‐alumina spinel foam ceramics sintered at 1500°C are mostly closed pores and the average pore was 29.7–42.1 µm. With the increase of alumina sol content, the bulk density of magnesia‐alumina spinel foam ceramics increased from 1.3 to 1.9 g/cm3, the cold compressive strength from 8.8 to 22.7 MPa, and the thermal conductivity from .417 to .806 W·m−1·K−1(350°C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: The most frequently reported adverse reaction to zoledronic acid is an acute phase reaction resembling influenza. While rarer adverse events such as osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femoral fractures have gained significant recognition, the ocular adverse effects, particularly scleritis, are not yet fully comprehended. Here, we present the case of a 75‐year‐old female patient with osteoporosis who developed bilateral redness and intense eye pain 48 h after receiving a 5 mg intravenous dose of zoledronic acid. Clinical presentation suggested bilateral conjunctivitis, but treatment with levofloxacin eye drops and acyclovir ophthalmic gel exacerbated the symptoms over 2 days, predominantly affecting the left eye. Ocular ultrasonography revealed thickening of the left eyeball wall with a "T" sign, while an orbital CT scan showed increased thickness of the left sclera. Treatment with methylprednisolone 80 mg intravenous infusion twice daily led to gradual symptom improvement and eventual resolution of inflammation. This report, based on a review of relevant literature, investigates the treatment and outcomes of zoledronic acid‐induced scleritis, emphasizing the importance for clinicians to promptly identify and manage this rare and serious ocular adverse reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Limited understanding exists regarding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts (SA) in depressed adolescents. The maturation of brain network is crucial during adolescence, yet the abnormal alternations in depressed adolescents with NSSI or NSSI+SA remain poorly understood. Methods: Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 114 depressed adolescents, classified into three groups: clinical control (non‐self‐harm), NSSI only, and NSSI+SA based on self‐harm history. The alternations of resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) were identified through support vector machine‐based classification. Results: Convergent alterations in NSSI and NSSI+SA predominantly centered on the inter‐network RSFC between the Limbic network and the three core neurocognitive networks (SalVAttn, Control, and Default networks). Divergent alterations in the NSSI+SA group primarily focused on the Visual, Limbic, and Subcortical networks. Additionally, the severity of depressive symptoms only showed a significant correlation with altered RSFCs between Limbic and DorsAttn or Visual networks, strengthening the fact that increased depression severity alone does not fully explain observed FC alternations in the NSSI+SA group. Conclusion: Convergent alterations suggest a shared neurobiological mechanism along the self‐destructiveness continuum. Divergent alterations may indicate biomarkers differentiating risk for SA, informing neurobiologically guided interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise and personalized drug application is crucial in the clinical treatment of complex diseases. Although neural networks offer a new approach to improving drug strategies, their internal structure is difficult to interpret. Here, we propose PBAC (Pathway‐Based Attention Convolution neural network), which integrates a deep learning framework and attention mechanism to address the complex biological pathway information, thereby provide a biology function‐based robust drug responsiveness prediction model. PBAC has four layers: gene‐pathway layer, attention layer, convolution layer and fully connected layer. PBAC improves the performance of predicting drug responsiveness by focusing on important pathways, helping us understand the mechanism of drug action in diseases. We validated the PBAC model using data from four chemotherapy drugs (Bortezomib, Cisplatin, Docetaxel and Paclitaxel) and 11 immunotherapy datasets. In the majority of datasets, PBAC exhibits superior performance compared to traditional machine learning methods and other research approaches (area under curve = 0.81, the area under the precision‐recall curve = 0.73). Using PBAC attention layer output, we identified some pathways as potential core cancer regulators, providing good interpretability for drug treatment prediction. In summary, we presented PBAC, a powerful tool to predict drug responsiveness based on the biology pathway information and explore the potential cancer‐driving pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Migraine headache is common in older adults, often causing symptoms that may affect driving safety. This study examined associations of migraine with motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) and driving habits in older drivers and assessed modification of associations by medication use. Methods: In a multi‐site, prospective cohort study of active drivers aged 65–79 (53% female), we assessed prevalent migraine (i.e., ever had migraine, reported at enrollment), incident migraine (diagnosis first reported at a follow‐up visit), and medications typically used for migraine prophylaxis and treatment. During 2‐year follow‐up, we recorded self‐reported MVCs and measured driving habits using in‐vehicle GPS devices. Associations of prevalent migraine with driving outcomes were estimated in multivariable mixed models. Using a matched design, associations of incident migraine with MVCs in the subsequent year were estimated with conditional logistic regression. Interactions between migraine and medications were tested in all models. Results: Of 2589 drivers, 324 (12.5%) reported prevalent migraine and 34 (1.3%) incident migraine. Interactions between migraine and medications were not statistically significant in any models. Prevalent migraine was not associated with MVCs in the subsequent 2 years (adjusted OR [aOR] = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.72, 1.35), whereas incident migraine significantly increased the odds of having an MVC within 1 year (aOR = 3.27; 1.21, 8.82). Prevalent migraine was associated with small reductions in driving days and trips per month and increases in hard braking events in adjusted models. Conclusion: Our results suggest substantially increased likelihood of MVCs in the year after newly diagnosed migraine, indicating a potential need for driving safety interventions in these patients. We found little evidence for MVC risk or substantial changes in driving habits associated with prevalent migraine. Future research should examine timing, frequency, and severity of migraine diagnosis and symptoms, and use of medications specifically prescribed for migraine, in relation to driving outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanophotonic metasurfaces are widely utilized in various domains, such as biomedical, healthcare, and environmental monitoring, benefiting from their unique advantages of label‐free, noninvasive, and real‐time response. However, nanophotonic metasurfaces usually rely on sophisticated instruments, and expensive and time‐consuming fabrication processes, which severely restricts their practical applications. Herein, a spatially gradient metasurface is integrated with an imaging‐based sensing scheme, waiving the requirement of spectrometers and achieving an ultrahigh imaging‐based sensitivity of 3321 pixels/refractive index unit superior to that characterized using conventional compact spectrometers. The metasurface is fabricated by nanoimprint lithography using a reusable cyclic olefin copolymer template featuring millions of unique nanostructures. Under the illumination of monochromatic light, the transmittance of different nanostructures on the metasurface differs, resulting in grayscale images with varied intensity distributions. Analyzing the intensity change of the metasurface's recorded image can obtain the covering medium's refractive index. Furthermore, through theory and experimentation, the high reliability of the proposed reusable and flexible template has been verified for nanophotonic metasurface fabrication which further reduces the fabrication cost of core sensing elements. Finally, with proper optimization of the metasurface structure and imaging system, this setup is expected to be applied to many emerging areas of point‐of‐care, real‐time, and on‐site biosensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classifying and quantifying small molecules on‐site with a rapid and cost‐effective operation are essential for pharmaceutical manufacturing, healthcare, hazardous risk control, and other applications. However, traditional molecular detection and identification methods like chromatography often involve expensive and bulky equipment and are required to be operated by trained professionals, which severely hinders the further development of small molecule‐based applications. Herein, a novel molecular detection platform is introduced by imaging a spatial gradient metasurface consisting of millions of different unique atoms and following with deep learning modeling to classify and quantify small molecules from mixed solutions accurately. The metasurface has a circular gradient geometry, which changes its transmittance intensity pattern based on the surrounding molecules under narrow‐band illumination. A convolutional neural network trained on the monochromatic images of the metasurface is employed. The results demonstrate a recognition rate of 96.88% for classification and a mean absolute error of 16.23% for quantification. This novel platform enables label‐free, sensitive, and rapid molecular classification and quantification, which opens a new avenue for small molecule classification and quantification and enables possibilities for real‐time, on‐site, and label‐free applications, including environmental monitoring, drug screening, and early diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polypharmacy use among older adults is of increasing concern for driving safety. This study assesses the individual and joint effects of benzodiazepines and prescription opioids on the incidence of hard braking events in older drivers. Methods: Data for this study came from the Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers project—a multisite, prospective cohort study of 2990 drivers aged 65–79 years at enrollment (2015–2017). Adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of hard braking events (defined as maneuvers with deceleration rates ≥0.4 g and commonly known as near‐crashes) were estimated through multivariable negative binominal modeling. Results: Of the 2929 drivers studied, 167 (5.7%) were taking benzodiazepines, 163 (5.6%) prescription opioids, and 23 (0.8%) both drugs at baseline. The incidence rates of hard braking events per 1000 miles driven were 1.14 (95% CI 1.10–1.18) for drivers using neither benzodiazepines nor prescription opioids, 1.25 (95% CI 1.07–1.43) for those using benzodiazepines only, 1.55 (95% CI 1.35–1.76) for those using prescription opioids only, and 1.63 (95% CI 1.11–2.16) for those using both medications. Multivariable modeling revealed that the use of prescription opioids was associated with a 19% increased risk of hard braking events (aIRR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03–1.36). There existed a positive interaction between the two drugs on the additive scale but not on the multiplicative scale. Conclusion: Concurrent use of benzodiazepines and prescription opioids by older drivers appears to affect driving safety through increased incidence of hard braking events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a pathogen that causes traveler's diarrhea, for which an effective vaccine is lacking. Previous studies showed that Limosilactobacillus reuteri could inhibit E. coli, effectively increase the expression of its tight junction protein, and reduce the adhesion of ETEC to the intestinal epithelial Caco‐2 cell line. In this study, three kinds of yogurt with different starter cultures were first prepared: Lm. reuteri yogurt (fermented by Lm. reuteri alone), traditional yogurt (fermented by Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus at a ratio of 1:1) and mixed yogurt (fermented by Lm. reuteri, S. thermophilus and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus at a ratio of 1:1:1). The physiological properties, oxidative stress, intestinal barrier function, tight junction protein, pathological conditions and intestinal microbiota composition were investigated. Results: The data showed that Lm. reuteri‐fermented yogurt pregavage could effectively alleviate the intestinal barrier impairment caused by ETEC in mice. It alleviated intestinal villus shortening and inflammatory cell infiltration, decreased plasma diamine oxidase concentration and increased claudin‐1 and occludin expression in the jejunum of ETEC‐infected mice. In addition, Lm. reuteri‐fermented yogurt significantly reduced the ETEC load in fecal samples, reversed the increase in Pseudomonadota abundance and decreased Bacteroidota abundance caused by ETEC infection. Furthermore, the composition of the intestinal microbiota could maintain a stable state similar to that in healthy mice. Conclusion: These findings indicate that Lm. reuteri‐fermented yogurt could alleviate intestinal barrier damage, inhibit ETEC growth and maintain the stability of the intestinal microbiota during ETEC infection. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐rich layered oxides (LLOs) are promising candidate cathode materials for safe and inexpensive high‐energy‐density Li‐ion batteries. However, oxygen dimers are formed from the cathode material through oxygen redox activity, which can result in morphological changes and structural transitions that cause performance deterioration and safety concerns. Herein, a flake‐like LLO is prepared and aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), in situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction (HT‐XRD), and soft X‐ray absorption spectrum (sXAS) are used to explore its crystal facet degradation behavior in terms of both thermal and electrochemical processes. Void‐induced degradation behavior of LLO in different facet reveals significant anisotropy at high voltage. Particle degradation originates from side facets, such as the (010) facet, while the close (003) facet is stable. These results are further understood through ab initio molecular dynamics calculations, which show that oxygen atoms are lost from the {010} facets. Therefore, the facet degradation process is that oxygen molecular formed in the interlayer and accumulated in the ab plane during heating, which result in crevice‐voids in the ab plane facets. The study reveals important aspects of the mechanism responsible for oxygen ‐anionic activity‐based degradation of LLO cathode materials used in lithium‐ion batteries. In particular, this study provides insight that enables precise and efficient measures to be taken to improve the thermal and electrochemical stability of an LLO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, magnesia porous ceramics were prepared by particle‐stabilized foams assisted foam‐gel casting. Secondly, the performance of magnesia slurry and magnesia porous ceramics was investigated. The obtained magnesia powder manifested high adsorption amount and excellent hydrophobicity, due to the strong adsorption ability of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) on magnesia particles. When the SDBS concentration is.3 wt%, the surface tension and expansion ratio of the slurry were 45 mN·m−1 and 1.68, respectively. The shape of the pore was sphere cell structure, with uniform distribution of pores in the sample, the average pore size was in the range of 58.7–73.9 μm, and the compressive strength was in the range of 25.3 MPa to 15.5 MPa when porosity varied from 56.7% to 70.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwaves are electromagnetic waves of specific frequencies (300 MHz–3000 GHz), whereas ultrasonic is mechanical waves of specific frequencies. Microwave and ultrasonic technology as a new processing method has been widely used in food processing fields. Combined ultrasonic and microwave technology is exploited by researchers as an improvement technique and has been successfully applied in food processing such as thawing, drying, frying, extraction, and sterilization. This paper overviews the principle and characteristics of ultrasonic‐ and microwave‐assisted food processing techniques, particularly their combinations, design of equipment, and their applications in the processing of agricultural products such as thawing, drying, frying, extraction, and sterilization. The combination of ultrasonic and microwave is applied in food processing, where microwave enhances the heating rate, and ultrasonic improves the efficiency of heat and mass transfer. The synergy of the heating effect of microwave and the cavitation effect of ultrasonic improves processing efficiency and damages the cell structure of the material. The degradation of nutrient composition and energy consumption due to the short processing time of combined ultrasonic and microwave technology is decreased. Ultrasonic technology, as an auxiliary means of efficient microwave heating, is pollution‐free, highly efficient, and has a wide range of applications in food processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effect of prenatal marijuana exposure (PME) on child neurodevelopment remains poorly understood. Prior studies have demonstrated inconsistent results. Objectives: This study evaluated the association between PME and neuropsychological test scores in late childhood and early adulthood, accounting for a wide range of parental characteristics. Methods: This study evaluated participants from the Raine Study, a cohort of 2868 children born between 1989 and 1992. Children whose mothers provided information on marijuana use during pregnancy were included. The primary outcome was the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF) at age 10. Secondary outcomes included the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), McCarron Assessment of Neuromuscular Development (MAND), Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM), Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) and Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) scores. Exposed and unexposed children were matched by propensity score using optimal full matching. Missing covariate data were imputed using multiple imputation. Inverse probability of censoring weighting (IPCW) was used to adjust for missing outcome data. Linear regression within matched sets, adjusted by IPCW, evaluated score differences between exposed and unexposed children. As a secondary analysis, modified Poisson regression, adjusted by match weights and IPCW, evaluated the risk of clinical deficit in each outcome following PME. Results: Of the 2804 children in this cohort, 285 (10.2%) had PME. After optimal full matching and IPCW, exposed children scored similarly on CELF Total (−0.33 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] −4.71, 4.05), Receptive (+0.65 points, 95% CI −4.08, 5.38) or Expressive (−0.53 points, 95% CI −5.07, 4.02). PME was not associated with secondary outcomes or risks of clinical deficit in any neuropsychological assessments. Conclusions: After adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical covariates, PME was not associated with worse neuropsychological test scores at age 10 or autistic traits at 19–20. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a cement‐free alumina‐spinel (Al2O3–MgAl2O4) castables with a new aluminum–magnesium gel binder were developed to line the Ruhrstahl Heraeus refining ladle, chemical attacks, and degradation mechanisms of the used alumina‐spinel castables after industrial trials were investigated. The results indicated that a reaction product layer of (Mg, Fe)Al2O4 was observed between the slag layer and penetration layer (PL), which was mainly derived from the reaction between MgAl2O4 spinel in the refractory matrix and FeOt from slag or an oxidation of steel, and thereby prevented the further penetration of FeOt. Meanwhile, the in situ spinel could also entrap slight CaO, SiO2, and FeOt from the infiltrated slag to form composite spinel in the PL. Moreover, chemical corrosion/penetration and structural spalling dominated the degradation process of the refractory lining in this case. Cracks formed between the deteriorated layer and original layer because of mechanical and thermal stress, which caused spalling from the refractory's hot face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐rich and manganese‐based oxide (LRMO) cathode materials are regarded as promising cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries with anionic redox characteristics and higher specific energy density. However, the complex initial structure and complicated reaction mechanism of LRMO is controversial. Herein, the reaction mechanism and unusual electrochemical phenomena are reconsidered after proposing the concept of structure distribution between Li2MnO3 and LiMO2 structures. The initial structure states show different types of composition characteristics of Li2MnO3 and LiMO2, including "large and isolated distribution" and "uniformly dispersed distribution" characteristics, as summarized by multiple aberration correction scanning transmission electron microscopy observations at the atomic‐scale for cross sectional samples. Based on the density functional theory calculations, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and atomic‐scale observations during the different voltage states, the results accordingly suggest that the distribution characteristic is the essential cause of the unusual behavior in LRMO. It governs the reaction behavior, leading to the changes in electronic structure of O2p and TM3d, and the maintenance of layered structure, reversibility of the anionic redox, as well as, the voltage hysteresis. This work constructs the interrelationships of electrochemical behavior—distribution characteristic—reaction mechanism, contributing to the further application of LRMO materials in the electric vehicle market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor homojunctions based on 2D materials are promising candidates for optoelectronic logic devices due to their excellent electrostatic tunability and photoelectric characteristic. However, to reach programmable logic functions, the 2D homojunctions usually suffer from compulsory combinations of electrical and optical inputs. Here, a light‐triggered and polarity‐switchable homojunction made from the vertically stacked MoTe2/CuInP2S6/Au layers in a dual‐floating gate transistor configuration, is demonstrated. Utilizing the band alignment between MoTe2 and CuInP2S6, the photocarriers in MoTe2 can be excited to Au layer across the insulating CuInP2S6 efficiently, serving as floating gate to modulate the polarity of the MoTe2 homojunctions which produce photocurrents simultaneously in photovoltaic mode. A logic gate XOR is achieved in one single device without the need for any applied voltage. Moreover, the devices exhibit both anomalous photoresponse and optical memory behaviors in photoconductive mode. The results provide a potential route for the development of optoelectronic logic devices with fully light‐actuated sensing capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compact and cost‐effective optical devices for highly sensitive detection of trace molecules are significant in many applications, including healthcare, pollutant monitoring and explosive detection. Nanophotonic metasurface‐based sensors have been intensively attracting attentions for molecular detection. However, conventional methods often involve spectroscopic characterizations that require bulky, expensive and sophisticated spectrometers. Here, a novel ultrasensitive sensor of plasmonic metasurfaces is designed and fabricated for the detection of trace molecules. The sensor features a convex holographic grating, of which the first‐order diffraction pattern of a disposable metasurface is recorded by a monochrome camera.The diffraction pattern changes with the molecules attached to the metasurface, realizing label‐free and spectrometer‐free molecular detection by imaging and analyzing of the diffraction pattern. By integrating the sensor with a microfluidic setup, the quantitative characterization of rabbit anti‐human Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and human IgG biomolecular interactions is demonstrated with an excellent limit of detection (LOD) of 0.6 pm. Moreover, both the metasurface and holographic grating are obtained through vacuum‐free solution‐processed fabrications, minimizing the manufacturing cost of the sensor. A prototype of the imaging‐based sensor, consisting of a white light‐emitting diode (LED) and a consumer‐level imaging sensor is achieved to demonstrate the potential for on‐site detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Pulmonary congestion (PC) expressed by residual lung ultrasound B‐lines (LUS‐BL) could exist in some discharged heart failure (HF) patients, which is a known determinant of poor outcomes. Detection efficacy for PC is suboptimal with widely used imaging modalities, like X‐ray or echocardiography, while lung ultrasound (LUS) can sufficiently detect PC by visualizing LUS‐BL. In this trial, we sought to evaluate the impact LUS‐BL‐guided intensive HF management post‐discharge on outcome of HF patients discharged with residual LUS‐BL up to 1 year after discharge. IMP‐OUTCOME is a prospective, single‐centre, single‐blinded, randomized cohort study, which is designed to investigate if LUS‐BL‐guided intensive HF management post‐discharge in patients with residual LUS‐BL could improve the clinical outcome up to 1 year after discharge or not. Methods and results: After receiving the standardized treatment of HF according to current guidelines, 318 patients with ≥3 LUS‐BL assessed by LUS within 48 h before discharge will be randomly divided into the conventional HF management group and the LUS‐BL‐guided intensive HF management group at 1:1 ratio. Patient‐related basic clinical data including sex, age, blood chemistry, imaging examination, and drug utilization will be obtained and analysed. LUS‐BL will be assessed at 2 month interval post‐discharge in both groups, but LUS‐BL results will be enveloped in the conventional HF management group, and diuretics will be adjusted based on symptom and physical examination results with or without knowing the LUS‐BL results. Echocardiography examination will be performed for all patients at 12 month post‐discharge. The primary endpoint is consisted of the composite of readmission for worsening HF and all‐cause death during follow up as indicated. The secondary endpoints consisted of the change in the New York Heart Association classification, Duke Activity Status Index, N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide value, malignant arrhythmia event and 6 min walk distance at each designed follow up, echocardiography‐derived left ventricular ejection fraction, and number of LUS‐BL at 12 month post‐discharge. Safety profile will be recorded and managed accordingly for all patients. Conclusions: This trial will explore the impact of LUS‐BL‐guided intensive HF management on the outcome of discharged HF patients with residual LUS‐BL up to 1 year after discharge in the era of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blocker‐neprilysin inhibitor. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05035459 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave is a form of electromagnetic radiation that has high penetration and heating efficiency in food processing. Uneven heating is the main problem of microwave processing, especially in solid foods. Fluid and semifluid media, which are good carriers in microwave processing, have uniform dielectric properties and good material fluidity. Herein, we review the development, application prospects, and limitations of microwave in fluid and semifluid food processing and the research progress in microwave heating with steam as carrier. The mixture of generated steam and tiny micro droplets from food material under the action of microwave can absorb microwave and transfer heat evenly, which effectively improves the uniformity of microwave heating. Due to the relatively uniform dielectric properties and consistent texture of fluid and semifluid food materials, uneven heating phenomenon during their microwave processing can be significantly inhibited. Based on the development of microwave heating technology and equipment design, the microbial inactivation and enzyme inhibition in fluid and semifluid food were improved and food product with better retention of nutrients and sensory profile were produced. Also, microwave radiation can be used to prepare the printing material or process the printed product for 3D food printing, which enhances the added value of 3D printed products and the personalization of food manufacturing. In future research, intelligent control technology can be applied in the microwave processing of fluid and semifluid food materials for various applications. Therefore, the processing conditions can be adjusted automatically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomolecular detection is crucially significant for the medical and healthcare industries. The plasmonic metasurface is one of the ideal sensors that can be utilized for biomolecular detection. However, how to realize the more cost‐effective fabrication of plasmonic metasurfaces has always been a research hotspot. Herein, one combines nanoimprint lithography, electrodeposition, and nanotransfer printing to fabricate the electrodeposition template with nanoscale resolution. Centimeter‐scale plasmonic metasurfaces with uniform hexagonal gold nanopillar arrays are successfully fabricated via utilizing the electrodeposition template within several minutes. The plasmonic metasurfaces exhibit comparable performance with other reported metasurfaces fabricated through conventional approaches in refractometric sensing and immunoglobulin G (IgG) biomolecular detection. The electrodeposition template can be reused more than ten times, and the performance of successive plasmonic metasurfaces fabricated using the same template is highly consistent. Moreover, the novel fabrication of flexible metasurfaces may also be of interest to many other practical applications such as structural color, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and fluorescence enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A platform for real‐time monitoring and comprehensively studying the adhesion process of microorganisms onto material surfaces as well as their bioactivity on the surface is very helpful to reveal the microbial contamination mechanism on drainage catheters, intravascular stents, and implanted sensors. Herein, a multifunctional sensor based on localized surface plasmon resonance of gold nano‐match head arrays (GNMAs) is developed for monitoring the adhesion behavior of microorganisms (such as Candida albicans, i.e., C. albicans) as well as its inhibitory activity. The sensor is fabricated through soft lithography processes using nanopatterned polydimethylsiloxane stamps, and modified with polymers of different charges for investigating the adhesion of C. albicans onto different charged surfaces. The spectroscopic study shows that C. albicans are more favorable to positively charged surfaces than negatively charged ones, which is also proven by the fluorescence images under microscope. Moreover, the authors demonstrate that the GNMA modified with poly‐l‐lysine (PLL) can effectively kill the adhered C. albicans due to the membrane destruction and the reactive oxygen species induced by PLL. These unique advantages suggest that the sensor is capable as both an antifungal study system and a real‐time monitoring platform for antifungal performance evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children undergoing spinal fusion often receive blood products. The goal of this study was to develop a preoperative score to help physicians identify those who are at risk of allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. Study design and methods: This retrospective study of children undergoing spinal fusion in the ACS‐NSQIP Pediatric database (2016–2019) aimed at identifying risk factors associated with allogeneic RBC transfusion. Univariable logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression were performed using preoperative patient characteristics and aided in the creation of a simplified scoring system. Results: Out of 13,929 total patients, 2990 (21.5%) were transfused. We created a risk score based on 10 independent predictors of transfusion: age, sex, race, weight < 3rd percentile, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, cardiac risk factors, hematologic disease, preoperative anemia, deformity type, and number of spinal levels to be fused. Patients in both the training and testing cohorts were assigned a score ranging from 0 (lowest risk) to 21 (highest risk). The developed transfusion risk score showed 77% accuracy in distinguishing patients who did not receive a transfusion during or soon after surgery (AUROC 0.7736 [95% CI, 0.7619–0.7852]) in the training cohort and 77% accuracy (AUROC 0.7732 [95% CI, 0.7554–0.7910]) in the testing cohort. Discussion: Our score, based on routinely available preoperative data, accurately estimates the risk of allogeneic RBC transfusion in pediatric patients undergoing spinal fusion. Future studies will inform whether patient blood management interventions targeted to high‐risk patients can help reduce the need for transfusion and improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional selective harmonic elimination method of random pulse width modulation (RPWM) is only suitable for the two‐level inverter. Furthermore, when the harmonics below 6 kHz are selectively eliminated, it is easy to cause a low average switching frequency of the inverter, which leads to the increase of load current distortion rate. This paper proposes an RPWM selective voltage harmonic elimination method for a single‐phase five‐level MPUC (modified packed U‐cells) inverter based on cell division. The MPUC inverter is supposed to be divided into three series cells, and the carrier stacking strategy is used to realize the coordinated control between each cell. In the process of RPWM, the average switching frequency can be controlled within a certain range by selecting the random number. This method is divided into normal mode and master–slave mode. In the normal mode, the selective harmonic elimination is realized by the method of cancelling the front and back terms of Fourier series in each cell. In the master–slave mode, the master cell is mainly used for fundamental power output, and the slave cell is mainly used for RPWM selective harmonic elimination. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by the simulation and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three different acrylate monomers containing butyl acrylate, 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate, and acrylic acid were designed to synthesize polyacrylate pressure‐sensitive adhesives (PSAs) by bulk polymerization process initiated via radical photo‐initiators under UV irradiation and UV‐thermal dual curing. Thermal crosslinker, KL‐1202, with trifunctional isocyanate groups was introduced into the prepolymer to form an intermolecular crosslinking network structure. An emphasis was placed on the effect of the KL‐1202 content on the microstructure and adhesive properties of PSAs. The viscosity and composition of prepolymer synthesized by UV initiation were tested by a rotational viscometer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The degree of crosslinking of the final PSA was evaluated by the gel content value obtained via Soxhlet extraction, while the molecular weights of the soluble parts of PSA polymers were measured by gel permeation chromatography. Dynamic mechanical analysis was used to characterize the viscoelastic performance of PSAs. Moreover, the adhesive properties of PSAs were determined through a series of tests including loop tack force, peel force, and shear resistance. It was found that the C=C double bond and the isocyanate group disappeared after UV radiation and thermal curing process. Dual‐cure acrylate PSAs compensate for limitations in UV‐induced cure of thick coatings. The Tg value, storage modulus (G′), and shear resistance of PSAs were improved while the loop tack force and peel force of PSAs decreased as the KL‐1202 content increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A crucial parameter in the design of semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) with controllable optical, magnetic, electronic, and catalytic properties is the morphology. Herein, we demonstrate the potential of additive metal cations with variable valency to direct the morphology evolution of copper‐deficient Cu2−xS nanoparticles in the process of seed‐mediated growth. In particular, the djurleite Cu1.94S seed could evolve from disk into tetradecahedron in the presence of tin(IV) cations, whereas they merely formed sharp hexagonal nanodisks with tin(II) cations. In addition to djurleite Cu1.94S, the tin(IV) cations could be generalized to direct the growth of roxbyite Cu1.8S and covellite CuS nanodisk seeds into tetradecahedra. We further perform pseudomorphic cation exchanges of Cu1.94S tetradecahedra with Zn2+ and Cd2+ to produce polyhedral zinc sulfide (ZnS) and cadmium sulfide (CdS) NPs. Moreover, we achieve Cu1.8S/ZnS and Cu1.94S/CdS tetradecahedral heterostructures via partial cation exchange, which are otherwise inaccessible by traditional synthetic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mid‐infrared tunable materials have attracted increasing attention for thermal radiation management in various applications ranging from infrared camouflage to radiative thermoregulation. Functional films based on graphene and carbon nanotubes by electrical gating are promising candidates because of their ultrawide spectral range from visible to terahertz and structural flexibility. However, challenges in practical applications remain, such as short cycle life, rapid performance degradation, and difficulties in the synthesis of large‐scale electrochromic films. In this paper, a scalable strategy to produce large‐scale mid‐infrared electrochromic films with long‐term stability is demonstrated, in which a sandwich‐structured thin film based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is fabricated via a universal roll‐to‐roll process. By ionic liquid gating, the electrochromic films exhibit tunable thermal emissivity from ≈0.15–0.7 and excellent stability with 96% modulation retention over 3500 cycles. This mid‐infrared electromodulation behavior is mainly ascribed to the change in free carrier concentration of few‐walled carbon nanotubes in MWCNT films via a reversible ion‐induced doping process. The electrochromic films are found to enable effective radiative thermal regulation, dependent on tunable thermal emissivity. Moreover, applications in infrared displays for secret communication and infrared camouflage for varied environmental backgrounds are also demonstrated with 10 × 10 multipixel arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For plasmonic copper‐deficient Cu2−xS nanoparticles (NPs), accurate control of the crystal phase and morphology is highly desirable as both of which are known to determine the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) wavelength and amplitude. Here, how the sulfur precursor reactivity in the synthesis of Cu2−xS NPs affects the resulting crystal phase and morphology is examined. Djurleite Cu1.94S, roxbyite Cu1.8S, digenite Cu1.8S as well as covellite CuS nanodisks were synthesized by using 1‐dodecanethiol, N,N‐dibutylthiourea, and crystal sulfur 1‐octadecene/oleylamine solutions and their crystal phase dependent LSPR properties were exhaustively discussed. In addition, crystal phase interconversion between covellite CuS and djurleite/roxbyite Cu2−xS was realized in the presence of the above sulfur precursors. On the other hand, djurleite Cu1.94S nanorods rather than nanodisks were prepared by replacing 1‐dodecanethiol with more reactive tert‐dodecanethiol. The structural and morphological Cu2−xS NPs here holds great promise in the application of photothermal therapy, photocatalysis, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and many others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of prevalent causes of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Long noncoding RNA is related to various cancers. Our study was conducted to explore the biological effects of LINC00240 on the tumorigenesis of GC and uncover its possible mechanisms. LINC00240 expression was determined in GC cell lines and samples through quantitative Real‐time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT‐PCR). The functional effects of LINC00240 were validated using in vitro and in vivo assays. Targets were assessed by AGO2‐dependent RNA immunoprecipitation assay and dual‐luciferase report assays. Our findings suggested higher LINC00240 expression in GC tissues and cells. Through downregulating LINC00240, cell proliferation, invasion and migration were retarded in vitro, and tumorigenesis of GC cells was notably suppressed in vivo. Further research showed that LINC00240 was a cytoplasmic lncRNA that shared miRNA response elements of microRNA (miR)‐124‐3p with DNMT3B, thus forming a LINC00240/miR‐124‐3p/DNMT3B axis explaining the functions of LINC00240. In a word, our study reveals that LINC00240 promotes GC tumorigenesis via a LINC00240/miR‐124‐3p/DNMT3B axis as an oncogene. These findings objectivise that LINC00240 may be a potential diagnostic biomarker for GC. Significance of the study: Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer‐related death across the world. Then we analysed lncRNA microarray of GC and selected LINC00240 as the study object. Therefore, the potential molecular mechanism as well as physiological function of LINC00240 in GC was discussed. Then we reveal that LINC00240 acts as an oncogene in GC progression via the miR‐99a‐5p/IGF1R axis. This study is the first to demonstrate the roles of LINC00240 in GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Liaoshang gold deposit in the Jiaodong area of the Shandong Province is best known for its super‐large size. Situated on the north‐eastern margin of the Jiaolai Basin, it forms a part of the Jiaobei terrane of the North China Block. Approximately 20 ore bodies within the Liaoshang gold deposit have been explored; of these, four are structurally controlled gold‐bearing pyrite–dolomite vein‐type deposits. These ore bodies lie in an NE‐trending altered fracture zone and are characterized by their thickness and high‐grade ores. The wall rocks of the ore bodies consist of Paleoproterozoic Jingshan Group metamorphic rocks and Mesozoic granites. Gold is hosted mainly in pyrite and dolomite. The ore is divided into two subtypes—the dominant pyrite–dolomite vein subtype and the subordinate altered rock subtype which contains pyrite and dolomite. Fluid inclusions within dolomite indicate that the main metallogenic period was dominated by a CO2–NaCl–H2O fluid system that had low‐moderate salinity, low density, high abundance of CO2, and a small amount of N2. The ore formed at 81‐ to 94‐MPa pressure and between 2.97‐ and 3.24‐km depth. Research on the S, Pb, C, O, and He–Ar isotopes in the gold‐bearing minerals suggests that the ore‐forming material was mainly crustal in origin, with some degree of crust–mantle mixing. The application of Rb–Sr isotope analysis to gold‐bearing pyrite yields a metallogenic age of 105.5 ± 9 Ma. The Sm–Nd isotope analysis of dolomite yields an age of 104.8 ± 5.1 Ma. We propose that gold mineralization in the Jiaodong area occurred in two phases: the early Early Cretaceous for gold deposits in the north‐west and the late Early Cretaceous for gold deposits in the east. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Analyses compared older drivers from urban, suburban, and rural areas on perceived importance of continuing to drive and potential impact that driving cessation would have on what they want and need to do. Methods: The AAA LongROAD Study is a prospective study of driving behaviors, patterns, and outcomes of older adults. A cohort of 2,990 women and men 65‐79 years of age was recruited during 2015‐2017 from health systems or primary care practices near 5 study sites in different parts of the United States. Participants were classified as living in urban, surburban, or rural areas and were asked to rate the importance of driving and potential impact of driving cessation. Logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and driving‐related characteristics. Findings: The percentages of older drivers rating driving as "completely important" were 76.9%, 79.0%, and 83.8% for urban, suburban, and rural drivers, respectively (P =.009). The rural drivers were also most likely to indicate driving cessation would have a high impact on what they want or need to do (P <.001). After adjustment for sociodemographic and driving‐related characteristics, there was a 2‐fold difference for rural versus urban older drivers in odds that driving cessation would have a high impact on what they need to do (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.60‐2.58). Conclusions: Older drivers from rural areas were more likely to rate driving as highly important and the prospect of driving cessation as very impactful. Strategies to enhance both the ability to drive safely and the accessibility of alternative sources of transportation may be especially important for older rural adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatectomy presents unique challenges potentially heightening acute kidney injury (AKI) risk, but the full spectrum of risk factors has not been identified. Methods: Data for hepatectomy patients in the 2016 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (n = 3,814) was randomly split into derivation (70%) and validation (30%) cohorts. AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dl or ≥1.5‐fold above the preoperative value within 30 days of surgery. Multivariable logistic regression assessed preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for AKI. Results: Of 2,692 patients (derivation cohort), 432 (16%) developed AKI. Risk factors were the following: age (years; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.016 [95% confidence interval 1.006–1.026], female sex (aOR 0.65 [0.51–0.82]), body mass index (kg/m2; aOR 1.043 [1.024–1.062]), diabetes (aOR 1.71 [1.31–2.24]), hypertension (aOR 1.66 [1.30–2.13]), hematocrit (%; aOR 0.944 [0.924–0.966]), operative time (min; aOR 1.004 [1.003–1.004]), planned open procedure (aOR 2.00 [1.47–2.73]), and Pringle maneuver (aOR 1.36 [1.07–1.72]). The areas under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.74 (95% CI 0.71–0.76) and 0.71 (95% CI 0.67–0.75) in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. Conclusions: Postoperative AKI affects one in six hepatectomy patients; preoperative and intraoperative factors can predict the risk of postoperative AKI. Highlight Using a multicenter dataset, Kim and colleagues identified predictors of acute kidney injury in hepatectomy patients and developed a risk score to be applied after surgery. Key risk factors were age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, hematocrit, operative time, planned open procedure, and the use of the Pringle maneuver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the electromagnetic environment parameters, corona current is of great significance to the evaluation of the state of the power system. However, there are few studies on the corona characteristics of high altitude transmission lines at home and abroad. Based on the ultra high-voltage direct current (UHVDC) test line in Kunming, china, this paper studies the influence of operation voltage and environmental factors on the ionic current in UHVDC transmission lines at high altitudes, and studies the long-term statistics of the lateral distribution of ion flow density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biology-inspired approach was utilized to functionalize hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), to enhance the interfacial interactions in acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer/boron nitride (ABS/BN) composites. The poly (dopamine), poly (DOPA) layer, was formed on the surface of BN platelets via spontaneously oxidative self-polymerization of DOPA in aqueous solution. The modified BN (named as mBN) coated with poly (DOPA) was mixed with ABS resin by melting. The strong interfacial interactions via π-π stacking plus Van der Waals, both derived from by poly (DOPA), significantly promoted not only the homogeneous dispersion of h-BN in the matrix, but also the effective interfacial stress transfer, leading to improve the impact strength of ABS/mBN even at slight mBN loadings. A high thermal conductivity of 0.501 W/(m·K) was obtained at 20 wt% mBN content, reaching 2.63 times of the value for pure ABS (0.176 W/(m·K)). Meanwhile, the ABS/mBN composites also exhibited an excellent electrical insulation property, which can be expected to be applied in the fields of thermal management and electrical enclosure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To examine associations between falls and subsequent motor vehicle crashes ( MVCs), crash-related injuries, driving performance, and driving behavior. Design Systematic review and metaanalysis. Participants Observational studies including drivers aged 55 and older or with a mean age of 65 and older. Measurements Two authors independently extracted study and participant characteristics, exposures, and outcomes and assessed risk of bias. Pooled risk estimates for MVCs and MVC-related injuries were calculated using random-effects models. Other results were synthesized narratively. Results From 3,286 potentially eligible records, 15 studies (N = 27-17,349 subjects) met inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was low to moderate, except for cross-sectional studies (n = 3), which all had a high potential for bias. A fall history was associated with a significantly greater risk of subsequent MVC (summary risk estimate = 1.40, 95% confidence interval ( CI) = 1.20-1.63; I2 = 28%, N = 5 studies). One study found a significantly greater risk of MVC-related hospitalizations and deaths after a fall (hazard ratio = 3.12, 95% CI = 1.71-5.69). Evidence was inconclusive regarding an association between falls and driving cessation and showed no association between falls and driving performance or behavior. Conclusion Falls in older adults appear to be a risk marker for subsequent MVCs and MVC-related injury. Given the nature of the evidence, which is limited to observational studies, the identified associations may also result at least partly from confounding or bias. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms linking falls to crash risk and to develop effective interventions to ensure driving safety in older adults with a history of falls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Polycarbonate (PC) is an engineering thermoplastic with excellent insulation and mechanical properties. However, the low thermal conductivity restricted its application in electronic devices. Hexagonal boron nitride ( h-BN) microparticle, a promising material with high thermal conductivity, was functionalized with cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) and introduced into PC matrix to improve the thermal conductivity. SEM and XRD analysis showed that the modified BN (CBN) particles oriented and formed thermal conductive pathways within PC matrix. The formation of large-area oriented CBN significantly improved the thermal conductivity and thermal stability of composites. At 20 wt % CBN loading, the thermal conductivity of 0.7341 Wm−1 K−1 and the temperature for 5% weight loss ( T5) of 498.6 °C were obtained, which was 3.1 times and 77 °C higher than that of pure PC, respectively. Furthermore, outstanding electrical insulation property of matrix was retained in the composites. These results revealed that PC/CBN composite was a promising material for thermal management and electrical enclosure. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44978. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hypotension and bradycardia are known side effects of spinal anesthesia in pregnant women undergoing cesarean section and adults undergoing other surgical procedures. Whether children experience similar hemodynamic changes is unclear. Aims The purpose of this study is to evaluate hemodynamic effects of spinal anesthesia compared to general anesthesia in a cohort of healthy infants. Methods The University of Vermont Medical Center almost exclusively used spinal anesthesia for infant pyloromyotomy surgery between 2008 and 2013, while Columbia University Medical Center relied on general anesthesia. The primary outcome assessed was the percentage change in intraoperative heart rate and blood pressure (systolic [ SBP] and mean [ MAP] blood pressure) from baseline. Analysis was performed using t-tests for continuous variables, followed by linear regression to account for differences in demographic and clinical covariates. Results The study sample consisted of 51 infants with spinal anesthesia at the University of Vermont and 52 infants with general anesthesia at Columbia University. The decrease from baseline for mean intraoperative SBP was −8.2 ± 16.8% for spinal anesthesia and −24.2 ± 17.2% for general anesthesia (difference between means: 16.2% [95% confidence interval ( CI), 9.5-22.9]), while the decrease from baseline for mean intraoperative MAP was −16.3 ± 19.9% for spinal anesthesia and −24.6 ± 19.3% for general anesthesia (difference between means: 8.4% [95% CI, 0.8-16]). Spinal anesthesia patients also had smaller drops in minimum intraoperative MAP and SBP. These blood pressure differences persisted even after adjusting for covariates. No differences in heart rate were seen between spinal and general anesthesia. Discussion Our findings show that spinal anesthesia performed in healthy infants undergoing pyloromyotomy results in reduced intraoperative blood pressure changes from baseline, significantly higher blood pressure readings, and no increased bradycardia compared to general anesthesia. Further research is needed to assess whether any clinical impact of these hemodynamic differences between spinal and general anesthesia exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining the excellent mechanical strengths of polyamide 6 (PA6) with the low water absorption of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) was supposed to be a feasible way to prepare a high comprehensive performance material. However, the poor compatibility between PA6 and PBT resulted in low-notched impact strength of PA6/PBT blends. Poly( n-butyl acrylate)/poly(methyl methacrylate- co-methacrylic acid) (PBMMA), a core-shell structured modifier with controlled particle sizes, was prepared by seed emulsion polymerization and confirmed by Transmission electron microscope (TEM). The PBMMA particles as toughening modifier and compatilizer were employed to toughen PA6/PBT blends. The notched impact strength of the PA6/PBT blends was significantly increased and the water absorption was reduced with the addition of PBMMA particles. With 23.0 wt% modifier loading, the notched impact strength of the blends was 25.66 kJ/m2, which was 4.04 times higher than that of pure PA6/PBT. Meanwhile, the water absorption of the blends was only 1.3%, dropping 53.6% compared with pure PA6 and reducing by 26.6% than PA6/PBT. Scanning electron microscope results showed that the PBMMA particles were dispersed in the PA6/PBT blends homogeneously, and the toughening mechanism was the cavitation of rubber particles and shear yielding of the matrix. Thermo-gravimetric analysis analysis demonstrated that the compatibility between PA6 and PBT was improved with the addition of core-shell PBMMA particles. The core-shell particles could be used as an effective modifier to achieve the high toughness and low water absorption for PA6/PBT blends. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To determine what effect driving cessation may have on subsequent health and well-being in older adults. Design Systematic review of the evidence in the research literature on the consequences of driving cessation in older adults. Setting Community. Participants Drivers aged 55 and older. Measurements Studies pertinent to the health consequences of driving cessation were identified through a comprehensive search of bibliographic databases. Studies that presented quantitative data for drivers aged 55 and older; used a cross-sectional, cohort, or case-control design; and had a comparison group of current drivers were included in the review. Results Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Driving cessation was reported to be associated with declines in general health and physical, social, and cognitive function and with greater risks of admission to long-term care facilities and mortality. A meta-analysis based on pooled data from five studies examining the association between driving cessation and depression revealed that driving cessation almost doubled the risk of depressive symptoms in older adults (summary odds ratio = 1.91, 95% confidence interval = 1.61-2.27). Conclusion Driving cessation in older adults appears to contribute to a variety of health problems, particularly depression. These adverse health consequences should be considered in making the decision to cease driving. Intervention programs ensuring mobility and social functions may be needed to mitigate the potential adverse effects of driving cessation on health and well-being in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of renal involvement in Behcet's disease (BD). Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out in BD patients complicated with renal damage who were hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from June 1998 to July 2012. Results: There were 16 BD patients with renal involvement, accounted for 2.6% of all the 618 hospitalized BD patients. The presentation of renal disease was chronic glomerulonephritis in six patients (including one with nephritic syndrome), renal tubular acidosis in one patient, renal artery stenosis in eight patients and renal vein thrombosis in one patient. Renal biopsy was performed in five patients, three of whom revealed to have minor glomerular lesions, mild mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis and chronic tubular-interstitial nephropathy, respectively. The other two patients underwent a second biopsy, the one with minor glomerular lesion in the first biopsy was transformed into grade III immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy on Lee's glomerular grading system 6 years later, and the other one who had IgA nephropathy of grade II in the first biopsy was progressed to grade IV 2 years later. Among the nine patients with renal vascular involvement, two underwent surgery, and several received anticoagulant therapy. During the follow-up of 13 patients, the urine protein quantifications were reduced, and renal function remained relatively stable. Conclusions: Renal damage is relatively uncommon in BD patients. There are various clinical presentations of renal involvement in BD. Routine screening with urinalysis, serum creatinine and imaging studies should be carried out for the early diagnosis of renal involvement in BD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly (methyl methacrylate)/boron nitride (PMMA/BN) composites were prepared by dispersing BN particles into methyl methacrylate monomer phase by bulk polymerization method. BN particles modified with silane coupling agent, γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane, were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Effects of modified BN particle content on thermal conductivity were investigated, and the experimental values were compared with those of theoretical and empirical models. With 16 wt% of BN particles, the thermal conductivity of the composite was 0.53 W/(m·K), 1.8 times higher than that of pure PMMA. The microstructures of the PMMA/BN composites were examined by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis traces also corroborated the confinement of the polymer in an inorganic layer by exhibiting an increase in glass-transition temperatures and weight loss temperatures in the thermogram. Mechanical properties and electrical insulation property of the PMMA/BN composites were also determined. These results showed that PMMA/BN composites may offer new technology and business opportunities. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1675-1684, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) is an independent risk factor of atherosclerosis. However, the mechanism underlying its pro-atherosclerosis roles has not yet been well explored. DNA demethylation modification, via DNA methyltransferases or ten-eleven-translocation (TET) family, is a crisis epigenetic regulation for various biological and pathological processes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ox-LDL on macrophage autophagy and its potential epigenetic mechanism. Results showed that after treatment with 0, 10, 20, 40 or 80 mg/L ox-LDL for 24 h, the autophagy markers Beclin 1 and LC3 expression were obviously decreased at protein levels ( P < 0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of TET2 was evidently decreased ( P < 0.05). After pre-treatment with TET2 siRNA, the mRNA and protein levels of Beclin 1 and LC3 decreased compared with the 80 mg/L treatment group ( P < 0.01). The mRNA and protein levels of Beclin 1 and LC3-II were up-regulated ( P < 0.05) in the 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor) of pretreatment group. Consistent with the Western blot results, cell immunofluorescence showed that the protein concentration of LC3-II decreased in the TET2 siRNA group and increased in the 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine group. Taken together, these results showed that DNA demethylation modifications regulate ox-LDL-treated THP-1 macrophages autophagy and TET2 might be a novel regulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To identify the clinical characteristics of Behcet's disease ( BD) associated with malignancies. Method Among 651 BD patients sequentially hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1995 to 2012, 41 patients developed malignancies. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients with and without malignancies, as well as between patients with hematological and solid malignancies. Results The numbers of patients with various types of malignancies were listed as follows: (i) 29 cases developed hematologic malignancies which included myelodysplastic syndrome ( MDS) as the most common diagnosis in 20 cases, leukemia in seven cases, anaplastic anemia in two cases and lymphoma in one case; (ii) 13 cases developed malignant solid neoplasms which included colorectal cancer in three cases, urothelial carcinoma of bladder in two cases, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, renal cell carcinoma and metastatic adenocarcinoma of unknown primary in one case each. Female gender, older age and gastrointestinal tract involvement were more frequently observed among patients with malignancy than those without. Older age, longer disease duration were more commonly seen in BD patients with solid neoplasms than in those with hematologic malignancies. Exacerbation of BD manifestations during the emergence of malignancy was more frequently observed among patients with hematologic malignancies than among those with malignant solid neoplasms. Conclusion This study demonstrated that MDS and colorectal cancer were the most common hematologic malignancy and malignant solid neoplasm associated with BD, respectively. Gastrointestinal involvement is likely to be a risk factor for BD patients to develop malignancy. Further studies will be required to ascertain the pathogenic link between these two entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This study aims to examine the prevalence of alcohol and/or other drugs ( AOD) in a large sample of fatally injured drivers. Design Using data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System for 2005-09, the authors examined the prevalence of AOD detected in fatally injured drivers in the United States. Setting Fatal motor vehicle crashes occurring on public roads. Participants Drivers who died within 1 hour of the crash in 14 states that performed toxicological testing on more than 80% of these drivers. Measurements The prevalence of AOD and multivariable-adjusted prevalence ratios (a PR). Findings Of the 20 150 fatally injured drivers studied, 57.3% tested positive for AOD, including 19.9% being positive for two or more substances. Alcohol was the most commonly detected substance, present in 40.2% of the fatally injured drivers, followed by cannabinols (10.5%), stimulants (9.0%), narcotics (5.7%) and depressants (4.0%). Multivariable analysis revealed that AOD was significantly more prevalent among drivers who died in single-vehicle crashes [a PR 1.69, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.62-1.76] or night-time crashes (a PR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.39-1.47), or who had a driving-while-intoxicated conviction within the past 3 years (a PR 1.41, 95% CI: 1.35-1.47), and less prevalent among drivers who were 65 years or older (a PR 0.45, 95% CI: 0.42-0.49), Asian (a PR 0.47, 95% CI 0.41-0.53) or female (a PR 0.88, 95% CI: 0.85-0.91) or who were operating a motor carrier (a PR 0.41, 95% CI 0.34-0.48). Conclusions More than half of fatally injured drivers in the United States had been using AOD and approximately 20% had been using polydrugs. The prevalence of AOD use varies significantly with driver and crash characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution and dynamic changes of CD4+ CD25+ Fox P3+ and CD4+ CD25− Fox P3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells induced by human rotavirus ( HRV) infection and vaccination were examined in neonatal gnotobiotic pigs infected with virulent HRV (Vir HRV) or vaccinated with attenuated HRV (Att HRV). Subsets of gnotobiotic pigs in the Att HRV and control groups were challenged with Vir HRV at post-inoculation day ( PID) 28. We demonstrated that Vir HRV infection or Att HRV vaccination reduced frequencies and numbers of tissue-residing Treg cells, and decreased the frequencies of interleukin-10 ( IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β ( TGF-β) producing CD4+ CD25− Treg cells in ileum, spleen and blood at PID 28. The frequencies of IL-10 and TGF-β producing CD4+ CD25− Treg cells in all sites at PID 28 were significantly inversely correlated with the protection rate against Vir HRV-caused diarrhoea ( r = −1, P < 0·0001). Hence, higher frequencies of functional CD4+ CD25− Treg cells can be an indicator for poorer protective immunity against rotavirus. Our results highlighted the importance of CD4+ CD25− Treg cells over CD4+ CD25+ Treg cells in rotavirus infection and immunity. Att HRV vaccination (induction of immune effector responses) reduced the expansion of CD4+ CD25− Treg cells in ileum seen in the challenged naive pigs during the acute phase of Vir HRV infection and preserved normal levels of intestinal TGF-β producing Treg cells post-challenge. The reduced suppressive effect of Treg cells in Att HRV-vaccinated pigs would unleash effector/memory T-cell activation upon challenge. Preserving TGF-β producing CD4+ CD25− Treg cells is important in maintaining homeostasis. Based on our findings, a model is proposed to depict the dynamic equilibrium course of Treg and effector T-cell responses after primary rotavirus infection/vaccination and challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alcohol consumption has demonstrated substantial temporal trends, with some evidence suggesting strong birth cohort effects. The identification of at-risk birth cohorts can inform the interpretation of alcohol trends across age, time, and demographic characteristics such as gender. The present literature review has 2 objectives. First, we conduct a cross-national review of the literature on birth cohort differences in alcohol consumption, disorder, and mortality. Second, we determine the consistency of evidence for birth cohort effects on gender differences. Methods: A search was conducted and key data on population characteristics, presence and direction of cohort effects, and interactions with gender compiled. Thirty-one articles were included. Results: Evidence suggests that younger birth cohorts in North America, especially those born after World War II, are more likely than older cohorts to engage in heavy episodic drinking and develop alcohol disorders, but this cohort effect is not found in Australia and western Europe. Cross-nationally, substantial evidence indicates that women in younger cohorts are at especially high risk for heavy episodic drinking and alcohol disorders. Discussion: Younger birth cohorts in North America and Europe are engaging in more episodic and problem drinking. The gender gap in alcohol problems is narrowing in many countries, suggesting shifting social norms surrounding gender and alcohol consumption. These trends suggest that public health efforts to specifically target heavy drinking in women are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aims Studies of the relationship between social norms and marijuana use have generally focused on individual attitudes, leaving the influence of larger societal-level attitudes unknown. The present study investigated societal-level disapproval of marijuana use defined by birth cohort or by time-period. Design Combined analysis of nationally representative annual surveys of secondary school students in the United States conducted from 1976 to 2007 as part of the Monitoring the Future study. Setting In-school surveys completed by adolescents in the United States. Participants A total of 986 003 adolescents in grades 8, 10 and 12. Measurements Main predictors included the percentage of students who disapproved of marijuana in each birth cohort and time-period. Multi-level models with individuals clustered in time-periods of observation and birth cohorts were modeled, with past-year marijuana use as the outcome. Findings Results indicated a significant and strong effect of birth cohort disapproval of marijuana use in predicting individual risk of marijuana use, after controlling for individual-level disapproval, perceived norms towards marijuana and other characteristics. Compared to birth cohorts in which most (87-90.9%) adolescents disapproved of marijuana use, odds of marijuana use were 3.53 times higher in cohorts where fewer than half (42-46.9%) disapproved (99% confidence interval: 2.75, 4.53). Conclusions Individuals in birth cohorts that are more disapproving of marijuana use are less likely to use, independent of their personal attitudes towards marijuana use. Social norms and attitudes regarding marijuana use cluster in birth cohorts, and this clustering has a direct effect on marijuana use even after controlling for individual attitudes and perceptions of norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the role of drug violations in aviation accidents. Case-control analysis. Commercial aviation in the United States. Aviation employees who were tested for drugs during 1995-2005 under the post-accident testing program (cases, n = 4977) or under the random testing program (controls, n = 1 129 922). Point prevalence of drug violations, odds ratio of accident involvement and attributable risk in the population. A drug violation was defined as a confirmed positive test for marijuana (≥50 ng/ml), cocaine (≥300 ng/ml), amphetamines (≥1000 ng/ml), opiates (≥2000 ng/ml) or phencyclidine (≥25 ng/ml). The prevalence of drug violations was 0.64% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62-0.65%] in random drug tests and 1.82% (95% CI: 1.47-2.24%) in post-accident tests. The odds of accident involvement for employees who tested positive for drugs was almost three times the odds for those who tested negative (odds ratio 2.90, 95% CI: 2.35-3.57), with an estimated attributable risk of 1.2%. Marijuana accounted for 67.3% of the illicit drugs detected. The proportion of illicit drugs represented by amphetamines increased progressively during the study period, from 3.4% in 1995 to 10.3% in 2005 ( P < 0.0001). Use of illicit drugs by aviation employees is associated with a significantly increased risk of accident involvement. Due to the very low prevalence, drug violations contribute to only a small fraction of aviation accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]