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Abstract CD5 antigen-like (CD5L), also known as Spα or AIM (Apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage), emerges as an integral component of serum immunoglobulin M (IgM). However, the molecular mechanism underlying the interaction between IgM and CD5L has remained elusive. In this study, we present a cryo-electron microscopy structure of the human IgM pentamer core in complex with CD5L. Our findings reveal that CD5L binds to the joining chain (J chain) in a Ca2+-dependent manner and further links to IgM via a disulfide bond. We further corroborate recently published data that CD5L reduces IgM binding to the mucosal transport receptor pIgR, but does not impact the binding of the IgM-specific receptor FcμR. Additionally, CD5L does not interfere with IgM-mediated complement activation. These results offer a more comprehensive understanding of IgM and shed light on the function of the J chain in the immune system.

Abstract Recruitment of non-canonical BCOR-PRC1.1 to non-methylated CpG islands via KDM2B plays a fundamental role in transcription control during developmental processes and cancer progression. However, the mechanism is still largely unknown on how this recruitment is regulated. Here, we unveiled the importance of the Poly-D/E regions within the linker of BCOR for its binding to KDM2B. Interestingly, we also demonstrated that these negatively charged Poly-D/E regions on BCOR play autoinhibitory roles in liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of BCORANK-linker-PUFD/PCGF1RAWUL. Through neutralizing negative charges of these Poly-D/E regions, Ca2+ not only weakens the interaction between BCOR/PCGF1 and KDM2B, but also promotes co-condensation of the enzymatic core of BCOR-PRC1.1 with KDM2B into liquid-like droplet. Accordingly, we propose that Ca2+ could modulate the compartmentation and recruitment of the enzymatic core of BCOR-PRC1.1 on KDM2B target loci. Thus, our finding advances the mechanistic understanding on how the tethering of BCOR-PRC1.1 enzymatic core to KDM2B is regulated.

Abstract Background This study aimed to explore the effects of the titanium dioxide (TiO2) concentration and particle size in hydrogen peroxide (HP) on tooth bleaching effectiveness and enamel surface properties. Methods TiO2 at different concentrations and particle sizes was incorporated into 40% HP gel to form an HP/TiO2 gel. The specimens were randomly divided into 8 groups: C1P20: HP + 1% TiO2 (20 nm); C3P20: HP + 3% TiO2 (20 nm); C5P20: HP + 5% TiO2 (20 nm); C1P100: HP + 1% TiO2 (100 nm); C3P100: HP + 3% TiO2 (100 nm); C5P100: HP + 5% TiO2 (100 nm); C0: HP with LED; and C0-woL: HP without LED. Bleaching was conducted over 2 sessions, each lasting 40 min with a 7-day interval. The color differences (ΔE00), whiteness index for dentistry (WID), surface microhardness, roughness, microstructure, and composition were assessed. Results The concentration and particle size of TiO2 significantly affected ΔE00 and ΔWID values, with the C1P100 group showing the greatest ΔE00 values and C1P100, C3P100, and C5P100 groups showing the greatest ΔWID values (p 0.05). Conclusions Incorporating 1% TiO2 with a particle size of 100 nm into HP constitutes an effective bleaching strategy to achieve desirable outcomes.

Abstract Introduction Children and adolescents, after natural and man-made disasters, often exhibit various psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues, showing a range of clinical symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. This review used a network meta-analysis (NMA) approach to compare and rank psychological interventions for PTSD and depression in children and adolescents after exposure to natural and man-made disasters. Methods Randomized studies of psychosocial interventions for PTSD and depression in children and adolescents exposed to natural and man-made disasters were identified. PTSD and depression symptoms at postintervention and 1–12 month follow-up are the outcomes. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) between pairs of interventions at postintervention and follow-up were pooled. Mean effect sizes with 95% credible intervals (CI) were calculated, and the ranking probabilities for all interventions were estimated using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve. Study quality was assessed with version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). Results In total, 26 studies with 4331 participants were included in this NMA. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) (SMD = − 0.67; 95% CI − 1.17 to − 0.17), exposure therapy (ET) (SMD = − 0.66; 95% CI − 1.11 to − 0.22), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) (SMD = − 0.62; 95% CI − 0.90 to − 0.34) were significantly more effective for PTSD at postintervention than inactive intervention. EMDR (SMD = − 0.72; 95% CI − 1.11 to − 0.33) and ET (SMD = − 0.62; 95% CI − 0.97 to − 0.27) were associated with a higher reduction in PTSD symptoms at follow-up than inactive intervention. EMDR (SMD = − 0.40; 95% CI − 0.78 to − 0.03) and play therapy (PT) (SMD = − 0.37; 95% CI − 0.62 to − 0.12) were significantly more effective for depression at postintervention than inactive intervention. For all psychological interventions in reducing depression symptoms at follow-up compared with inactive intervention, the differences were not significant. Conclusion EMDR appears to be most effective in reducing PTSD and depression in children and adolescents exposed to natural and man-made disasters. In addition, ET and CBT are potentially effective in reducing PTSD symptoms at postintervention, while PT is beneficial in managing depression symptoms at the treatment endpoint.

BackgroundCoronary heart disease is a common cardiovascular disease, yferroptosiset its relationship with iron metabolism remains unclear.MethodsGene expression data from peripheral blood samples of patients with coronary heart disease and a healthy control group were utilized for a comprehensive analysis that included differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, gene enrichment analysis, and the development of a logistic regression model to investigate the associations and differences between the groups. Additionally, the CIBERSORT algorithm was employed to examine the composition of immune cell types within the samples.ResultsEight central genes were identified as being both differentially expressed and related to iron metabolism. These central genes are mainly involved in the cellular stress response. A logistic regression model based on the central genes achieved an AUC of 0.64–0.65 in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease. A higher proportion of M0 macrophages was found in patients with coronary heart disease, while a higher proportion of CD8T cells was observed in the normal control group.ConclusionThe study identified important genes related to iron metabolism in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease and constructed a robust diagnostic model. The results suggest that iron metabolism and immune cells may play a significant role in the development of coronary heart disease, providing a basis for further research.

Abstract Both the transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) signaling pathway and N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification for mRNA play an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the relationship between TGF‐β and m6A in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Here, it is found that TGF‐β can promote the liquid phase separation of METTL3, which further leads to the reduction of mRNA stability of ITIH1. As a secreted protein, ITIH1 can act as a ligand of integrin α5β1 to antagonize fibronectin, induce the inhibition of focal adhesion kinase signaling pathway, and inhibit the progression of HCC. In the preclinical model (mouse model, patient‐derived organoid, patient‐derived xenografts), purified recombinant ITIH1 (r‐ITIH1) protein can be targeted for HCC. More importantly, r‐ITIH1 can play a synergistic role in targeting HCC with TGF‐β inhibitor. The downstream ITIH1 regulatory mechanism of TGF‐β and m6A modification is revealed, and ITIH1 can be translational as a potential target for HCC.

Study objectives: Observational and cohort studies have associated Sjögren's syndrome (SS) with various types of cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet causal relationships have not been established. We employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate potential causal links between SS and CVD in the general population. Methods: We conducted a two-sample MR analysis using data from four distinct sources for 11 genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with SS and data for 13 types of CVD sourced from FinnGen, IEU OpenGWAS, and GWAS catalog. The inverse variance weighted method was selected as the primary analytical approach, complemented by various sensitivity analyses. Results: MR analyses provide evidence of a significantly increased risk of ischemic stroke associated with genetically predicted SS (odds ratio [OR], 1.0237; 95 % CI, 1.0096 to 1.0379; p = 0.0009), as well as suggestive evidence of a potential causal relationship between SS and an increased risk of chronic heart failure (OR, 1.0302; 95 % CI, 1.0020 to 1.0592; p = 0.0355). Sensitivity analyses reinforced these associations, demonstrating robustness and consistency across multiple statistical methods. The secondary analysis, conducted after outlier correction using MR-PRESSO and RadialMR methods, reaffirmed these associations and also indicated a suggestive causal link between SS and non-rheumatic valvular heart disease (OR, 1.0251; 95 % CI, 1.0021 to 1.0486; p = 0.0323). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that genetically predicted SS is a potential causative risk factor for ischemic stroke, chronic heart failure, and non-rheumatic valvular heart disease on a large-scale population. However, further research incorporating ancestral diversity is required to confirm a causal relationship between SS and CVD.

Objectives: The World Health Organization’s Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework launched in 2019 is used to assess the intrinsic capacity of older individuals. Older women may face greater socioeconomic disadvantages, which can impact their physical and mental well-being. Therefore, we examined sex differences in intrinsic capacity and the influence of socioeconomic status. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in Tainan, Taiwan, recruiting 1,268 adults aged 60 or older in 2022. The ICOPE screening assessed cognitive decline, limited mobility, malnutrition, visual impairment, hearing loss, and depressive symptoms. Intrinsic capacity scores ranged from 0 to 6 and were categorized as impairment (1 or higher) or no impairment (0). Binary logistic regression models were used to analyze sex differences in intrinsic capacity, adjusting sequentially for demographics, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors. Results: The prevalence of intrinsic capacity impairment was 34 %. Women had significantly higher odds of intrinsic capacity impairment (women vs. men, odds ratio [OR] = 1.39, 95 % CI = 1.10–1.75). After sequentially adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors, the ORs were 1.46 (95 % CI = 1.12–1.90), 1.69 (95 % CI = 1.23–2.31), and 1.24 (95 % CI = 0.88–1.73), respectively. Stratified analyses showed that higher odds of impairment in women than in men was evident only in the financially dependent group (P for interaction = 0.059). Conclusions: Older women in Taiwan have poorer intrinsic capacity than men, a disparity largely attributable to women’s lower socioeconomic status. Strategies to promote healthy aging among women from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds may help mitigate this sex difference in intrinsic capacity.

Background and AimsThis study aimed to develop a prognostic model based on DNA methylation-driven genes for patients with early-stage gastric cancer and to examine immune infiltration and function across varying risk levels.MethodsWe analyzed data from stage I/II gastric cancer patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas which included clinical details, mRNA expression profiles, and level 3 DNA methylation array data. Using the empirical Bayes method of the limma package, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and the MethylMix package facilitated the identification of DNA methylation-driven genes (DMGs). Univariate Cox regression and LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selector operation) analyses were utilized to pinpoint critical genes. A risk score prediction model was formulated using two genes that demonstrated the most significant hazard ratios (HRs). Model performance was evaluated within the initial cohort and verified in the GSE84437 cohort; a nomogram was also constructed based on these genes. We further examined 50 methylation sites associated with three CpG islands in C1orf35 and 14 methylation sites linked to one CpG island in FAAH. The CIBERSORT package was employed to identify immune cell clusters in the prediction model.ResultsA total of 176 DNA methylation-driven genes were refined down to a four-gene signature (ZC3H12A was hypermethylated; GATA3, C1orf35, and FAAH were hypomethylated), which exhibited a significant correlation with overall survival (OS), as evidenced by p-values below 0.05 following univariate Cox regression and LASSO analysis. Specifically, for the risk score prediction model, C1orf35, which had the highest hazard ratio (HR = 2.035, p = 0.028), and FAAH, with the lowest hazard ratio (HR = 0.656, p = 0.012), were selected. The Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated distinct survival outcomes between the high-risk and low-risk score groups. The model’s predictive accuracy was confirmed with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.611 for 3-year survival and 0.564 for 5-year survival. Notably, the hypomethylation of the three CpG islands in C1orf35 and the single CpG island in FAAH was significantly different in stage I/II gastric cancer patients compared to normal tissues. Additionally, the high-risk score group showed a notable association with resting CD4 memory T cells.ConclusionPromoter hypomethylation of C1orf35 and FAAH in early-stage gastric cancer underscores their potential as biomarkers for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The developed predictive model employing genes affected by DNA methylation serves as a crucial independent prognostic factor in early-stage gastric cancer.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent worldwide and associated with worse outcomes in various lung diseases. This study examines the association between vitamin D deficiency and pulmonary function in healthy young adults. Methods: This prospective cohort study (2017–2019) explored the impact of vitamin D deficiency on pulmonary function in a community-based young adult population. Pulmonary function was assessed via spirometry, with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and urinary copper levels quantified. Multivariate regression was used to estimate the relationship between vitamin D levels and lung function, with mediation analysis evaluating copper's role. Results: The study included 1034 participants, average age 33.45 years, 41.93 % male. The median 25(OH)D level was 19.20 ng/mL (Interquartile Range: 13.48–24.90 ng/mL). Over half (54.74 %) had 25(OH)D levels below 20 ng/mL. Higher 25(OH)D levels were associated with better forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁). Trends suggested subgroup differences, but these were not statistically significant, indicating a consistent effect of 25(OH)D on pulmonary function across groups. SEM analysis suggested urinary copper as a mediator between 25(OH)D levels and FVC. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with reduced pulmonary function in young adults in Taiwan.

The major symptoms of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) are low back pain, radiative lower extremity pain, and lower limb movement disorder. Patients with LDH suffer from great distress in their daily life accompanied by severe economic hardship and difficulty in self-care, with an increasing tendency in the aging population. PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for relevant studies of spontaneous resorption or regression in LDH after conservative treatment and for other potential studies, which included those from inception to June 30, 2023. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize previous literatures about spontaneous resorption in LDH and to discuss the mechanisms and influencing factors in order to assess the probability of spontaneous resorption by conservative treatment. Spontaneous resorption without surgical treatment is influenced by the types and sizes of the LDH, inflammatory responses, and therapeutic factors. If the lumbar disc herniated tissue comprises a higher percentage of cartilage or modic changes have been shown on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), resorption in LDH is prevented. The bull's eye sign on enhanced MRI, which is a ring enhancement around a protruding disc, is a vital indicator for easy reabsorption. In addition, the type of extrusion and sequestration in LDH could forecast the higher feasibility of natural reabsorption. Moreover, the higher the proportion of protrusion on the intervertebral disc tissue within the spinal canal, the greater the likelihood of reabsorption. Therefore, which illustrates the feasibility of conservative treatments for LDH. Nonsurgical management of LDH with clinical symptoms is recommended by the authors.

Abstract Background The World Health Organization (WHO) proposed the concept of intrinsic capacity (comprising composite physical and mental capacity) which aligns with their concepts of healthy aging and functional ability. Consequently, the WHO promotes the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework as guidance for geriatric care. Consequently, each government should have a screening tool corresponding to ICOPE framework to promote geriatric care. The present study examined the initial psychometric properties of the Taiwan version of ICOPE (i.e., ICOPES-TW). Methods Older people (n = 1235; mean age = 72.63 years; 634 females [51.3%]) were approached by well-trained interviewers for participation. A number of measures were administered including the ICOPES-TW, WHOQOL-AGE (assessing quality of life [QoL]), Clinical Frailty Scale (assessing frailty), Barthel Index (assessing basic activity of daily living [BADL]), and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (assessing instrumental activity of daily living [IADL]). Results The ICOPES-TW had a two-factor structure (body functionality [eigenvalue = 1.932] and life adaptation [eigenvalue = 1.170]) as indicated by the results of exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency of the ICOPES-TW was low (Cronbach’s α = 0.55 [entire ICOPES-TW], 0.45 (body functionality factor), and 0.52 (life adaptation factor). ICOPES-TW scores were significantly (i) positively correlated with age (r = 0.321), IADL (r = 0.313), and frailty (r = 0.601), and (ii) negatively correlated with QoL (r=–0.447), and BADL (r=–0.447), with all p-values

Abstract Introduction To determine risk factors associated with postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks (CSFLs) after intrathecal drug delivery system (IDDS) and external pump implantation. Methods The clinical data of 248 patients with advanced cancer who underwent IDDS implantation from January 2021 to December 2022 at the Department of Pain Medicine at the Hunan Cancer Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Information regarding age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), tumour type, albumin levels, haemoglobin levels, history of diabetes and pre- and postoperative anti-tumour therapy was collected and analysed. Results Postoperative CSFLs occurred in 7 of 231 patients (3.30%). Statistical analysis indicated that gender, age, height, weight, BMI, tumour type, albumin levels, haemoglobin levels, history of diabetes, pre- and postoperative chemotherapy, pre- and postoperative radiotherapy, preoperative immunotherapy and postoperative targeted therapy were not independent factors for CSFLs. Preoperative targeted therapy [odds ratio (OR): 16.64; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.42, 195.56; P = 0.01] and postoperative immunotherapy (OR: 13.38; 95% CI: 1.60, 111.65; P = 0.017) were factors associated with an increased postoperative CSFL rate. Of the two locations where CSFLs can occur, the back (puncture site of catheter, n = 4) and the hypochondriac region (location of infusion port implanted, n = 3), back CSFLs occurred earlier than in the hypochondriac region (18.25 ± 6.45 vs 115 ± 62.02 days, P = 0.032). Conclusion Based on the data from our study, the timing of preoperative targeted therapy and postoperative immunotherapy should be considered to prevent the occurrence of CSFLs in cancer pain patients who have an IDDS and external pump.

There is a great amount of coal pressed under buildings in our country, while the discharge of coal-based industrial solid wastes such as coal gangue and fly ash are increasing, which has severely restricted the local economic and social development. Taking Mahuangliang Coal Mine in Yulin as the test mine, aiming at the problems of extra-thick coal seam, coal pressed under buildings and high backfilling cost, the technology of full solid waste continuous mining and filling in extra-thick coal seam is put forward. The four-stage process is adopted and the extra thick coal seam is divided into upper and lower parts for secondary mining to control the ground settlement to the maximum extent. In order to reduce the cost of filling raw materials, the source modification of magnesium slag is carried out with chemical optimizer to restrain the cooling pulverization of magnesium slag and stabilize hydration activity. In collaboration with coal based solid wastes such as fly ash and desulfurized gypsum, modified magnesium-cinder based cementing material is developed. The whole solid waste filling material was prepared by cementing coal gangue and fly ash with modified magnesium cinder based cementing material. According to the requirements of strong and weak filling strength in four stages of Mahuangliang Coal mine, different ratios of modified magnesium slag-based filling materials were designed to optimize the ratio and applied to underground filling. The paste filling system and roof-contact method are introduced. The experimental results show that the average uniaxial compressive strength of the 28-day underground filling body exceeds the designed strength by 27%. The leaching toxicity of the core meets the relevant national standards, which successfully liberates the coal resources under the building and has significant social and economic benefits. The practice of full-solid waste cementation and backfilling in the extra-thick seam of Mahuangliang Coal Mine provides a useful reference for similar mines in China, and provides a new idea for the large-scale resource utilization of “coal-electricity-chemical-metallurgical” solid waste in large coal bases in China.

Abstract Multiple mating by avian females may increase hatching and overall brood success; however, reproductive effort and parental investment are costly, and females may be gradually depleted, with lowered outputs over time. Thus, males in social polyandry systems may differ greatly in their reproductive gains. In the present study, we investigated the reproductive outputs of social polyandrous and sex-role-reversed pheasant-tailed jacanas, Hydrophasianus chirurgus, to assess the effects of polyandry, seasonality, and male mating order on breeding success. Female jacanas produced multiple clutches, either by leaving two or more clutches with an individual male (22%), or by mating with two or more males (78%). The polyandrous females laid both the first and second clutches earlier and showed a breeding period more than twice as long as that of monandrous females. Both polyandry and seasonality affected the fate of a clutch, where clutches from polyandrous females and the early season had higher hatching and brood success rates, but the number of polyandrous females declined over the season. Polyandrous females not only laid more clutches and eggs, and gained more hatchlings and fledglings, but also achieved higher per-clutch outputs and hatching rates than monandrous females. In polyandry groups, males gained higher total hatchlings and fledglings, although not total clutches or eggs, than males in monandry or bi-andry groups. Moreover, males in polyandry groups achieved higher hatchlings and fledglings per clutch and higher hatching and brood success rates. In polyandry groups, the first-mating males obtained more clutches, eggs, and hatchlings; however, they did not have higher success rates, nor total fledglings and per-clutch outputs, than males who mated later. Overall, the results indicate a selective advantage of polyandry for the jacanas studied, particularly in the early breeding season. This advantage, however, differs both between the sexes and intra-sexually, suggesting strong connections with certain ecological/environmental conditions in addition to the jacanas’ own quality.

Abstract Background Intrinsic capacity (IC) is a comprehensive indicator of the overall well-being of older adults, and assessing of IC can help identify early stage of disability and tailor intervention to individual needs. However, there is a lack of effective and simple IC assessment tools. This study aimed to establish predictive scoring algorithms of IC to identify older adults at high risk of impaired functional ability. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in Southern Taiwan, measuring IC using 7 subitems: cognition, locomotion, vitality, vision, hearing, psychological well-being, and medication usage were measured. Functional ability outcomes included frailty, basic activities of daily living, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The capability of 7 domains of IC in predicting functional ability was assessed by multivariable logistic regression. The prediction of capability of scoring algorithms was indicated by receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curves and measures of sensitivity and specificity. Results A total of 1,152 older adults were recruited and analyzed. Locomotion emerged as a significant predictor of IADL disability and worsening frailty. The IC-based weighted scoring algorism for predicting IADL demonstrated satisfactory capability (AUC: 0.80), as did the algorithm for predicting worsening frailty (AUC: 0.90). The optimal cutoff points for predicting IADL disability and frailty worse were estimated respectively at 13 and 16, with sensitivity/specificity values of 0.74/0.75 for the IADL prediction algorithm and 0.92/0.77 for the frailty prediction algorithm. Conclusion Our 7-domain IC screening tool proves to be sensitive and practical for early identification of functional disability and frailty among community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan.

Abstract This case report details a rare thymic basaloid carcinoma initially misinterpreted as a mediastinal teratoma, underscoring the diagnostic challenges posed by such tumors. A 71-year-old female presented with an asymptomatic anterior mediastinal tumor discovered incidentally during a routine health examination. Surgical intervention, followed by pathological and immunohistochemical analysis including CK-pan, p63, p40, and CD117 molecules, led to a definitive diagnosis of basaloid carcinoma of the thymus. This case highlights the critical importance of differential diagnosis in mediastinal lesions, especially those presenting with multilocular thymic cysts on chest CT. The subxiphoid video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery enabled complete tumor resection with minimal trauma and favorable postoperative outcomes. The patient opted against further radiotherapy or chemotherapy and she has survived for over eight months without recurrence. This case report contributes to the growing understanding of thymic basaloid carcinoma, a rare and potentially aggressive thymic carcinoma subtype. It emphasizes the necessity for precise surgical techniques and enhanced diagnostic acumen among cardiothoracic surgeons and oncologists.

High fluorine content fluororubber (FKM) was used as the research object, the high temperature medium resistance of high fluorine content FKM vulcanizates in a variety of aero-engine lubricanting oils was investigated, and the changes in physical and mechanical properties of high fluorine content FKM vulcanizates caused by different types of lubricanting oils were studied. The results showed that the high fluorine content FKM vulcanizates could still maintain good compression resilience after aging in lubricating oil at 200 ℃ for 72 h, the volume change rate was lower than 12%, the mechanical properties declined slightly, and the Shore A hardness decreased significantly. The mechanical pro-perty attenuation and volume change rate of high fluorine content FKM vulcanizate were different for different kinds of oil. The corrosion of lubricating oil on high fluorine content FKM vulcanizate at high temperature included physical infiltration and che-mical corrosion.

Mg-based amorphous alloys exhibit efficient catalytic performance and excellent biocompatibility with a promising application probability, specifically in the field of azo dye wastewater degradation. However, the problems like difficulty in preparation and poor cycling stability need to be solved. At present, Mg-based amorphous alloys applied in wastewater degradation are available in powder and ribbon. The amorphous alloy powder fabricated by ball milling has a high specific surface area, and its reactivity is thousands of times better than that of gas atomized alloy powder. But the development is limited due to the high energy consumption, difficult and costly process of powder recycling. The single roller melt-spinning method is a new manufacturing process of amorphous alloy ribbon. Compared to amorphous powder, the specific surface area of amorphous ribbon is relatively lower, therefore, it is necessary to carry out surface modification to enhance it. Dealloying is a way that can form a pore structure on the surface of the amorphous alloys, increasing the specific surface area and providing more reactive sites, which all contribute to the catalytic performance. Exploring the optimal conditions for Mg-based amorphous alloys in wastewater degradation by adjusting amorphous alloy composition, choosing suitable method to preparation and surface modification, reducing cost, expanding the pH range will advance the steps to put Mg-based amorphous alloys in industrial environments into practice.

Objectives: Medication non-adherence among older adults with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remains prevalent worldwide, which causes hospitalization and mortality. Our study aimed to examine the association of medication non-adherence with level of overall intrinsic capacity (IC), pattern of IC, and specific IC component among older adults with NCDs. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of 1268 older adults aged 60 years and above was conducted in 2022 in southern Taiwan. Among them, 894 suffered from 1 more NCD were included in this study. The Integrated Care for Older People Screening Tool for Taiwanese and the Adherence to Refills and Medication Scale were used to assess IC and medication non-adherence, respectively. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify patterns of IC impairment, and binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between medication non-adherence and IC. Results: Older adults in the moderate (score: 1–2) or low (score≧3) overall IC groups were more likely to experience medication non-adherence (moderate: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.57 [95% CI: 1.05–2.36]; low: 2.26 [1.40–3.67]). The “physical and nutritional impairments accompanied by depressive symptoms” group was associated with statistically higher odds of medication non-adherence (aOR 1.66 [1.01–2.73]). Older adults with cognitive impairment, hearing loss, or depressive symptoms showed greater likelihood of medication non-adherence (cognitive impairment: aOR 1.53 [1.03–2.27]; hearing loss: aOR 1.57 [1.03–2.37]; depressive symptoms: aOR 1.81 [1.17–2.80]). Conclusions: Intervention for improving medication non-adherence among older adults with NCDs should consider IC.

Introduction: Due to its unique structural features and bioactivities, the lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC) displays great potential in vast industrial applications. However, the elucidation of how various pretreatment methods affect the structure and bioactivities remains unaddressed.Method: The three pretreatment methods were systematically studied on the variations of structures and bioactivities, and the Gramineae plant, i.e., wheat straw, was adopted in this study. The structures and bioactivities variation caused by different pretreatments were studied in detail.Result and Discussion: The results showed that compared to physical or chemical pretreatments, biological pretreatment was the most effective approach in improving the bioactivities of LCC. The LCC from biological pretreatment (enzymatic hydrolysis, ELCC4) had more functional groups while the lower weight-average molecular weight (Mw) and polydispersity index (PDI) were well-endowed. The highest antioxidant abilities against ABTS and DPPH of ELCC4 were high up to 95% and 84%, respectively. Furthermore, ELCC4 also showed the best ultraviolet (UV)-blocking rate of 96%, which was increased by 6% and 2% compared to LCC8 (physical pretreatment) and LLCC4 (chemical pretreatment). This work prospectively boosts the understanding of pretreatment strategies on the structures and bioactivities variation of LCC and facilitates its utilization as sustainable and biologically active materials in various fields.

BackgroundInfluenza virus is one of the most common pathogens that cause viral pneumonia. During pneumonia, host immune inflammation regulation involves microbiota in the intestine and glycolysis in the lung tissues. In the clinical guidelines for pneumonia treatment in China, Ma Xing Shi Gan Decoction (MXSG) is a commonly prescribed traditional Chinese medicine formulation with significant efficacy, however, it remains unclear whether its specific mechanism of action is related to the regulation of intestinal microbiota structure and lung tissue glycolysis.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of MXSG in an animal model of influenza virus-induced pneumonia. Specifically, we aimed to elucidate how MXSG modulates intestinal microbiota structure and lung tissue glycolysis to exert its therapeutic effects on pneumonia.MethodsWe established a mouse model of influenza virus-induced pneumoni, and treated with MXSG. We observed changes in inflammatory cytokine levels and conducted 16S rRNA gene sequencing to assess the intestinal microbiota structure and function. Additionally, targeted metabolomics was performed to analyze lung tissue glycolytic metabolites, and Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to assess glycolysis-related enzymes, lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), HIF-1a, and macrophage surface markers. Correlation analysis was conducted between the LPS and omics results to elucidate the relationship between intestinal microbiota and lung tissue glycolysis in pneumonia animals under the intervention of Ma Xing Shi Gan Decoction.ResultsMXSG reduced the abundance of Gram-negative bacteria in the intestines, such as Proteobacteria and Helicobacter, leading to reduced LPS content in the serum and lungs. This intervention also suppressed HIF-1a activity and lung tissue glycolysis metabolism, decreased the number of M1-type macrophages, and increased the number of M2-type macrophages, effectively alleviating lung damage caused by influenza virus-induced pneumonia.ConclusionMXSG can alleviate glycolysis in lung tissue, suppress M1-type macrophage activation, promote M2-type macrophage activation, and mitigate inflammation in lung tissue. This therapeutic effect appears to be mediated by modulating gut microbiota and reducing endogenous LPS production in the intestines. This study demonstrates the therapeutic effects of MXSG on pneumonia and explores its potential mechanism, thus providing data support for the use of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of respiratory infectious diseases.

Background It has been known that smoking and various lung diseases including lung cancer can cause lung function impairment. However, the impact of different types of lung function impairments, such as preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) and airflow obstruction (AO), on the incidence and mortality of lung cancer in both general and never-smoker populations remains unclear. We wished to examine the effect of lung function impairments on lung cancer risks.Methods This was a retrospective cohort study (1 January 1994 to 31 December 2017) of individuals from a health surveillance programme in Taiwan who underwent baseline spirometry tests at the entry point. PRISm was defined as an FEV1/FVC (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity) ratio >0.7 and FEV1

This paper describes a new automated disengagement tracking system (DTS) that detects learners' maladaptive behaviors, e.g. mind-wandering and impetuous responding, in an intelligent tutoring system (ITS), called AutoTutor. AutoTutor is a conversation-based intelligent tutoring system designed to help adult literacy learners improve their reading comprehension skills. Learners interact with two computer agents in natural language in 30 lessons focusing on word knowledge, sentence processing, text comprehension, and digital literacy. Each lesson has one to three dozen questions to assess and enhance learning. DTS automatically retrieves and aggregates a learner's response accuracies and time on the first three to five questions in a lesson, as a baseline performance for the lesson when they are presumably engaged, and then detects disengagement by observing if the learner's following performance significantly deviates from the baseline. DTS is computed with an unsupervised learning method and thus does not rely on any self-reports of disengagement. We analyzed the response time and accuracy of 252 adult literacy learners who completed lessons in AutoTutor. Our results show that items that the detector identified as the learner being disengaged had a performance accuracy of 18.5%, in contrast to 71.8% for engaged items. Moreover, the three post-test reading comprehension scores from Woodcock Johnson III, RISE, and RAPID had a significant association with the accuracy of engaged items, but not disengaged items.