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This study explored the views of 63 Taiwanese pre-service teachers who had participated in a workshop about the value of integrating drama-based approaches in their practical science learning. It was primarily designed to investigate the pedagogical approach of Heathcote and other founders of process drama. In addition, it examined specific claims that it immerses learners in an enjoyable and social learning environment (Poston-Anderson, 2008; Lin, 2017) and that learners can practice core scientific skills such as making predictions, observing, and then validating their predictions (Weisberg et al., 2016). Following the workshop, participants completed an anonymized online questionnaire. Descriptive data analysis indicated that most participants (75%) strongly agreed that integrating drama-based approaches into practical science teaching was satisfying. Of the remainder, 20.7% agreed, 2.1% neither agreed nor disagreed, 2.2% disagreed, and none strongly disagreed with this statement. Moreover, 34.9% of the participants lacked opportunities to experience improvisation and integration of drama-based teaching in practical science. The study indicated that a drama-based approach can be a highly effective strategy for enhancing practical science teaching among pre-service teachers. Furthermore, the findings provide valuable insights into the factors influencing drama-based teaching in practical science. They suggest it could be an excellent strategy to stimulate learners' interest in science and interdisciplinary science-related subjects and improve their science skills. Teachers could thus provide young children with similar drama-based teaching in practical science activities to promote their learning of science. Finally, the study offers a set of important recommendations for future pedagogical policymaking and further research by drama-based practitioners.

Introduction: Atherosclerosis, a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, remains a significant health concern worldwide. While previous research has shown that acid-sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1) impedes macrophage cholesterol efflux, its precise role in atherogenesis and the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of ASIC1 in atherosclerosis and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: First, data from a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) database were used to explore the relationships between ASIC1 differential expression and lipophagy in human atherosclerotic lesions. Finally, we validated the role of ASIC1/RIP1 signaling in lipophagy in vivo (human and mice) and in vitro (RAW264.7 and HTP-1 cells). Result: Our results demonstrated a significant increase in ASIC1 protein levels within CD68+ macrophages in both human aortic lesions and AopE-/- mouse lesion areas compared to nonlesion regions. Concurrently, there was a notable decrease in lipophagy, a crucial process for lipid metabolism. In vitro assays further elucidated that ASIC1 interaction with RIP1 (receptor-interacting protein 1) promoted the phosphorylation of RIP1 at serine 166 and transcription factor EB (TFEB) at serine 142, leading to disrupted lipophagy and increased lipid accumulation. Intriguingly, all these events were reversed upon ASIC1 deficiency and RIP1 inhibition. Furthermore, in ApoE-/- mouse models of atherosclerosis, silencing ASIC1 expression or inhibiting RIP1 activation not only significantly attenuated atherogenesis but also restored TFEB-mediated lipophagy in aortic tissues. This was evidenced by reduced TFEB Ser-142 phosphorylation, decreased LC3II and LAMP1 protein expression, increased numbers of lipophagosomes, and a decrease in lipid droplets. Conclusion: Our findings unveil the critical role of macrophage ASIC1 in interacting with RIP1 to inhibit lipophagy, thereby promoting atherogenesis. Targeting ASIC1 represents a promising therapeutic avenue for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Abstract Purpose Although the potential association between autoimmune thyroiditis and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has been acknowledged, whether the clinicopathological features of PTC will be affected by thyroid autoantibodies remains unknown. Patients and methods We conducted a case-control study to investigate the association of thyroid autoantibodies with clinicopathological characteristics of PTC in 15,305 patients (including 11,465 females and 3,840 males) from 3 medical centers in the central province of China. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were performed to analyze the association of thyroid autoantibodies with clinicopathological features of PTC. Results In total, out of the 15,305 patients enrolled in this study, 10,087 (65.9%) had negative thyroid autoantibodies, while 5,218(34.1%) tested positive thyroid autoantibodies. Among these individuals, 1,530(10.0%) showed positivity for TPOAb only, 1,247(8.2%) for TGAb only and a further 2,441(15.9%) exhibited dual positivity for both TPOAb and TGAb combined. Thyroid autoantibodies level demonstrated significant correlations with certain aggressive features in PTC. Specifically, TGAb level displayed a direct correlation to an increased likelihood of multifocality, bilateral tumor, extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastasis, as well as more than five affected lymph nodes. However, TPOAb level exhibited an inverse association with the risk associated with extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastasis, and more than five affected lymph nodes. Conclusion Elevated level of TGAb were positively correlated with the risk of aggressive features in PTC, while high level of TPOAb were inversely associated with the risk of extrathyroidal extension and lymph node metastasis.

Abstract Elastocaloric cooling has experienced fast development over the past decade owing to its potential to reshape the refrigeration industry. While the solid-state elastocaloric refrigerant is emission-free, the efficiency of the state-of-the-art elastocaloric cooling systems is not sufficient yet to reduce carbon emissions during operation. In this study, we double the coefficient of performance, the most commonly used efficiency metric, via the synergy of material-level advances in TiNiCu and the system-level roller-driven mechanism capable of recovering kinetic energy. On the materials level, a 125% improvement in coefficient of performance is illustrated in TiNiCu compared to NiTi, empowered by the B2-B19 martensitic transformation with improved lattice compatibility and the grain boundary strengthening from the nanocrystalline structure. On the system level, owing to the properly sized angular momentum in rotating parts, 78% work recovery efficiency is reported, transcending the theoretical limit previously unattainable without kinetic energy recovery. This confluence of materials and mechanical innovations propels elastocaloric cooling systems into a new realm of efficiency and paves the way for their practical application.

This study examined the effect of reading fluency on the reading miscues of fourth-grade elementary school students in Taiwan. The 63 research participants with good reading fluency were selected from 210 students and reading miscue analysis and retrospective miscue analysis were used to examine them. The study results found that "substitution of meaning" in section "substitution" appeared the most in reading miscues. After retrospective interviews, it was found that students would replace words based on their reading experience, reading habits, and prior knowledge, resulting in reading miscues. It is suggested that teachers should have standards for the interpretation and mastery of text words when teaching to reduce students' different performance in word learning and avoid affecting reading comprehension and reading fluency.

Abstract Background Worldwide, the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) population is increasing, and is predicted to reach 405 million by 2050. The delivery of emergency care for the CALD population can be complex due to cultural, social, and language factors. The extent to which cultural, social, and contextual factors influence care delivery to patients from CALD backgrounds throughout their emergency care journey is unclear. Using a systematic approach, this review aims to map the existing evidence regarding emergency healthcare delivery for patients from CALD backgrounds and uses a social ecological framework to provide a broader perspective on cultural, social, and contextual influence on emergency care delivery. Methods The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology will be used to guide this review. The population is patients from CALD backgrounds who received care and emergency care clinicians who provided direct care. The concept is healthcare delivery to patients from CALD backgrounds. The context is emergency care. This review will include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies published in English from January 1, 2012, onwards. Searches will be conducted in the databases of CINAHL (EBSCO), MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), SocINDEX (EBSCO), Scopus (Elsevier), and a web search of Google Scholar. A PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) flow diagram will be used to present the search decision process. All included articles will be appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data will be presented in tabular form and accompanied by a narrative synthesis of the literature. Discussion Despite the increased use of emergency care service by patients from CALD backgrounds, there has been no comprehensive review of healthcare delivery to patients from CALD backgrounds in the emergency care context (ED and prehospital settings) that includes consideration of cultural, social, and contextual influences. The results of this scoping review may be used to inform future research and strategies that aim to enhance care delivery and experiences for people from CALD backgrounds who require emergency care. Systematic review registration This scoping review has been registered in the Open Science Framework https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/HTMKQ

Background: Lung cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, has the highest incidence and mortality rates in Taiwan. It can be divided into two types. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of lung cancers, which is further divided into adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell lung cancer accounting for approximately 40%, 25%, and 15% of NSCLC cases, respectively. Small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 15% of lung cancers. Early systemic therapy NSCLC was based on chemotherapy, and immunotherapy is currently under development. Fucoidan, from brown seaweed extracts, shows promise in mitigating radiation-induced lung fibrosis in animal studies, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant for radiation therapy-related lung fibrosis in lung cancer patients. However, the clinical utility of such adjuvant therapy in lung cancer treatment remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of oral administration of oligo-fucoidan on the survival rate, quality of life, and immunity of patients with lung cancer. Methods: Subjects with Non-small cell lung cancer aged between 20 and 80 were collected from outpatient clinics, divided into control group (n = 7): conventional therapy and fucoidan group (n = 13): received conventional therapy+ oral supplementation of oligo-fucoidan (550 mg × 4 tablets). Data were collected before the study, at weeks 4, 12, and 24 during the study, and to collect 20 ml of peripheral blood, for analysis biochemical data, liver and kidney function, lymphocyte population, inflammation cytokines, and using EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire to assess quality of life. Results: The survival rates of the subjects in the control and fucoidan groups were 20% and 28.6%, respectively. During the study, patients in the fucoidan group experienced a better quality of life than those in the control group, but this difference lacked statistical significance. Oligo-fucoidan increases the CD19 lymphocyte population. The patients in the fucoidan group also had Lower inflammatory cytokine. Conclusion: Oligo-fucoidan holds promise as an adjuvant therapy to enhance the survival rate, quality of life, and immune function in patients with lung cancer.

Abstract Background Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a prevalent chronic liver condition. However, the potential therapeutic benefits and underlying mechanism of nicotinate-curcumin (NC) in the treatment of NASH remain uncertain. Methods A rat model of NASH induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet was treated with nicotinate-curcumin (NC, 20, 40 mg·kg− 1), curcumin (Cur, 40 mg·kg− 1) and metformin (Met, 50 mg·kg− 1) for a duration of 4 weeks. The interaction between NASH, Cur and Aldo-Keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10) was filter and analyzed using network pharmacology. The interaction of Cur, NC and AKR1B10 was analyzed using molecular docking techniques, and the binding energy of Cur and NC with AKR1B10 was compared. HepG2 cells were induced by Ox-LDL (25 µg·ml− 1, 24 h) in high glucose medium. NC (20µM, 40µM), Cur (40µM) Met (150µM) and epalrestat (Epa, 75µM) were administered individually. The activities of ALT, AST, ALP and the levels of LDL, HDL, TG, TC and FFA in serum were quantified using a chemiluminescence assay. Based on the changes in the above indicators, score according to NAS standards. The activities of Acetyl-CoA and Malonyl-CoA were measured using an ELISA assay. And the expression and cellular localization of AKR1B10 and Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCα) in HepG2 cells were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Results The results of the animal experiments demonstrated that NASH rat model induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet exhibited pronounced dysfunction in liver function and lipid metabolism. Additionally, there was a significant increase in serum levels of FFA and TG, as well as elevated expression of AKR1B10 and ACCα, and heightened activity of Acetyl-CoA and Malonyl-CoA in liver tissue. The administration of NC showed to enhance liver function in rats with NASH, leading to reductions in ALT, AST and ALP levels, and decrease in blood lipid and significant inhibition of FFA and TG synthesis in the liver. Network pharmacological analysis identified AKR1B10 and ACCα as potential targets for NASH treatment. Molecular docking studies revealed that both Cur and NC are capable of binding to AKR1B10, with NC exhibiting a stronger binding energy to AKR1B10. Western blot analysis demonstrated an upregulation in the expression of AKR1B10 and ACCα in the liver tissue of NASH rats, accompanied by elevated Acetyl-CoA and Malonyl-CoA activity, and increased levels of FFA and TG. The results of the HepG2 cell experiments induced by Ox-LDL suggest that NC significantly inhibited the expression and co-localization of AKR1B10 and ACCα, while also reduced levels of TC and LDL-C and increased level of HDL-C. These effects are accompanied by a decrease in the activities of ACCα and Malonyl-CoA, and levels of FFA and TG. Furthermore, the impact of NC appears to be more pronounced compared to Cur. Conclusion NC could effectively treat NASH and improve liver function and lipid metabolism disorder. The mechanism of NC is related to the inhibition of AKR1B10/ACCα pathway and FFA/TG synthesis of liver.

Abstract Does social media alleviate or exacerbate loneliness? Past research has shown mixed results regarding the relationship between social media usage and loneliness among younger and older adults. Unlike younger individuals, older adults may decrease their loneliness through social media interactions. Additionally, previous research has indicated that the link between social media use and loneliness can vary depending on one’s shy tendency. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between individuals’ social media use and loneliness while considering age and shyness tendency as moderating variables. The study employed a questionnaire survey conducted through convenience sampling, resulting in 234 valid responses from participants in Northern Taiwan. Among them, 113 were college students (aged 18 to 25, average age 19.40), and 121 were older adults (aged 50 to 82, average age 60.81). Using hierarchical regression analysis, results indicated that (1) age moderates the relationship between personal social media use and loneliness. Minimal differences were observed among younger individuals, but among older adults, increased social media usage time was associated with a significant reduction in loneliness. (2) Shyness tendency moderate the relationship between personal social media use and loneliness. Individuals with higher shyness tendency experience an increase in loneliness as their social media usage time lengthens.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are ideal biomarkers of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) because of their highly stable closed-loop structure, and they can act as microRNA (miRNA) sponges to regulate OSCC progression. By analyzing clinical samples, we identified circCPNE1, a dysregulated circRNA in OSCC, and its expression level was negatively correlated with the clinical stage of OSCC patients. Gain-of-function assays revealed the tumor-suppressive effect of circCPNE1, which was then identified as a miR-330-3p sponge. MiR-330-3p was recognized as a tumor promoter in multiple studies, consistent with our finding that it could promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells. These results indicated that selective inhibition of miR-330-3p could be an effective strategy to inhibit OSCC progression. Therefore, we designed cationic polylysine-cisplatin prodrugs to deliver antagomiR-330-3p (a miRNA inhibitory analog) via electrostatic interactions to form PP@miR nanoparticles (NPs). Paratumoral administration results revealed that PP@miR NPs effectively inhibited subcutaneous tumor progression and achieved partial tumor elimination (2/5), which confirmed the critical role of miR-330-3p in OSCC development. These findings provide a new perspective for the development of OSCC treatments.

Silica aerogel composites have promising applications in high-temperature heat storage insulation. However, the impact of high temperatures and moisture on their insulation performance remains unclear. To reveal the influences of high temperature and moisture absorption property on the heat transfer of silica aerogel composites, an experimental and numerical study was conducted to explore the micromorphology, thermophysical parameters, moisture absorption characteristics, and temperature response. The service temperature limit of the silica aerogel composite has been clarified. Measurements have conducted for the thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, specific surface area, density, porosity, and pore size distribution of the heated silica aerogel composite (at temperatures of 600, 800, 1,000, 1,100 and 1,200 °C). The moisture absorption characteristic curve at 20 °C has been obtained. Thermal testing of silica aerogel composites under varying heating temperatures and moisture content has been completed. Additionally, a numerical method has been developed to calculate the temperature curve of moist silica aerogel composites. The insulation performance of silica aerogel composite with varying moisture contents depends on the game between thermal conductivity and latent heat. Compared with the negative effect of the moisture content on insulation performance, the positive influence of moisture evaporation and heat absorption is dominant in situations involving temperatures higher than the phase transition temperature.

Abstract Background The purpose of this research is to study the sonographic and clinicopathologic characteristics that associate with axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) for pure mucinous carcinoma of breast (PMBC). Methods A total of 176 patients diagnosed as PMBC after surgery were included. According to the status of axillary lymph nodes, all patients were classified into ALNM group (n = 15) and non-ALNM group (n = 161). The clinical factors (patient age, tumor size, location), molecular biomarkers (ER, PR, HER2 and Ki-67) and sonographic features (shape, orientation, margin, echo pattern, posterior acoustic pattern and vascularity) between two groups were analyzed to unclose the clinicopathologic and ultrasonographic characteristics in PMBC with ALNM. Results The incidence of axillary lymph node metastasis was 8.5% in this study. Tumors located in the outer side of the breast (upper outer quadrant and lower outer quadrant) were more likely to have lymphatic metastasis, and the difference between the two group was significantly (86.7% vs. 60.3%, P = 0.043). ALNM not associated with age (P = 0.437). Although tumor size not associated with ALNM(P = 0.418), the tumor size in ALNM group (32.3 ± 32.7 mm) was bigger than non-ALNM group (25.2 ± 12.8 mm). All the tumors expressed progesterone receptor (PR) positively, and 90% of all expressed estrogen receptor (ER) positively, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) were positive in two cases of non-ALNM group. Ki-67 high expression was observed in 36 tumors in our study (20.5%), and it was higher in ALNM group than non-ALNM group (33.3% vs. 19.3%), but the difference wasn’t significantly (P = 0.338). Conclusions Tumor location is a significant factor for ALNM in PMBC. Outer side location is more easily for ALNM. With the bigger size and/or Ki-67 higher expression status, the lymphatic metastasis seems more likely to present.

Storytelling is a well-established literary practice in language classrooms. However, approaches influencing its effectiveness and efficiency have rarely been investigated. This study compared the effects of three storytelling approaches on the vocabulary acquisition and response patterns of third-grade students of English as a foreign language (EFL). The storytelling approaches we considered are commonly used in schools, including storytelling alone (S), storytelling with word focus (S+W), and storytelling with activities (S+A). Our research comprised a three-week pilot study and a nine-week main study. For both studies, a pretest-posttest design involving a delayed test was used. Video recordings were also captured to facilitate the categorization of in-class response patterns. Results indicated that storytelling alone achieved the best performance. Vocabulary improvement with word focus or follow-up activities faded over the long term. The groups (S and S+W) which heard more stories generated more responses based on their own knowledge and life experience (as opposed to simply recalling facts) than did the group which completed more supplementary activities (S+A). This article provides both pedagogical implications and invitations for future empirical research.

This study explored the research question: How can project-based inquiry (PBI) in STEM teaching be designed, planned, and implemented in two preschool settings? A case study was conducted, using a collaborative action research approach. This research was conducted with 11 teachers and 300 children from 11 classes at two preschools in Taiwan. The data sources included research logs, observations, interviews, and documents. The collected data were analyzed qualitatively (e.g., iterative coding). The results indicate that PBI in STEM teaching can be integrated successfully into preschool curricula. Children can engage enthusiastically in STEM activities in a well-planned learning environment. We provide some suggestions for readers who have an interest in STEM teaching or research at the preschool level.

As a prevalent spine disorder, Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) has been affecting more than 2 % of the worldwide population and is characterised by uncertain causes and recurring episodes. Studying the brain activity of patients could potentially provide insights into its pathogenesis and significantly enhance therapy. Therefore, we here examined brain function in patients under Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT). By analysing regional homogeneity (ReHo) at different frequency bands, we identified the discrepancies in brain activity between LDH patients and healthy people, highlighting the frequency dependence of spontaneous low-frequency oscillations among patients with LDH. Choosing seeds based on the peak ReHo differences helped to elucidate the functional connectivity alterations in the brain regions of LDH. Overall, this study showed that SMT significantly reduced pain, improved dysfunction, and partially rectified aberrant local consistency and functional connection in patients with LDH, not only offering insights into the pathophysiology of LDH from a neurological standpoint, but also providing inspiration for the development of new therapies based on neurobiology.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune-mediated chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that poses significant treatment challenges. Currently, it is believed that inflammatory and neuroprotective reactive astrocytes, along with other resident CNS cells and immune cells, contribute to the pathophysiology of MS. In our study, we found that isoliquiritigenin (ILG), a bioactive chalcone compound, significantly reduces the clinical scores of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by 44 % (P < 0.05). Additionally, ILG significantly decreases the pathological scores of spinal cord inflammation and demyelination by 61 % and 65 %, respectively (both P < 0.0001). Furthermore, ILG affects the populations of CD4, Th1, Th17, and Treg cells in vivo. More importantly, ILG significantly promotes the activation of astrocytes in EAE (P < 0.0001). Additionally, ILG treatment indirectly inhibits inflammatory reactive astrocytes and promotes neuroprotective reactive astrocytes. It reduces spleen levels of TNFα, IL1α, C1qa, IL1β, and IL17A by 95 % (P < 0.001), 98 % (P < 0.01), 46 % (P < 0.05), 97 % (P < 0.001), and 60 % (P < 0.001), respectively. It also decreases CNS levels of TNFα, IL1α, C1qa, IL1β, and IL17A by 53 % (P < 0.05), 88 % (P < 0.05), 64 % (P < 0.01), 57 % (P < 0.05), and 60 % (P < 0.001), respectively. These results indicate that ILG exerts an immunoregulatory effect by inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Consequently, ILG inhibits inflammatory reactive astrocytes, promotes neuroprotective reactive astrocytes, alleviates inflammation and improves EAE. These findings provide a theoretical basis and support for the application of ILG in the prevention and treatment of MS.

ABSTRACT Some naturally occurring compounds, known for their antimicrobial activities, have been employed as food additives. However, their efficacy in treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria is yet to be fully explored. Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM), a category within nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), are prevalent in various environments and can lead to infections in humans. The rise of antimicrobial resistance within RGM is a documented concern. In this study, we reported that four specific natural compounds effectively inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of three key RGM pathogens M. abscessus, M. fortuitum, and M. chelonae. We screened 12 natural compounds for their effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant clinical strains of RGM. Four compounds showed significant inhibitory effects from the most effective to least: trans-cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, gentisaldehyde, and phloroglucinaldehyde. In the analysis of time-killing kinetics, gentisaldehyde and phloroglucinaldehyde displayed bactericidal activity while trans-cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol exhibited bacteriostatic effects. At 1× minimal inhibition concentrations, these compounds significantly reduced biofilm formation in all three RGM species to levels between 2.9% and 20.5% relative to controls. Checkerboard assays indicated synergistic interactions between these four compounds and antibiotics such as amikacin, clarithromycin, and linezolid. Of these 12 compound-antibiotic combinations, the pairs of carvacrol-linezolid, carvacrol-amikacin, and gentisaldehyde-clarithromycin demonstrated the most synergy against multiple RGM strains. Moreover, two other compounds citral and geraniol showed synergism with all three test antibiotics. Time-killing assays further confirmed most of synergistic combinations identified in the checkerboard tests. Our research suggests the potential of these essential oils and phenolic aldehydes, both individually and in combination with antibiotics, in treating RGM infections. In addition, this work illuminates applications of these natural compounds in environmental remediation to mitigate bacterial persistence for the control of infectious diseases.IMPORTANCEThe emergence of antimicrobial resistance within rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) poses a significant threat to public health. This study investigates the potential of naturally occurring compounds to combat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant RGM including M. abscessus, M. fortuitum, and M. chelonae. We identified four specific natural compounds showing impressive inhibitory effects against antibiotic-resistant clinical strains. These compounds not only inhibited the growth and biofilm formation but also exhibited synergistic interactions with antibiotics against key RGM pathogens. Our findings highlight the alternative treatment strategies for RGM infections and potential environmental applications of these natural compounds in mitigating microbial persistence and controlling infectious diseases.

Obesity aggravates ferroptosis, and vitamin D (VD) may inhibit ferroptosis. We hypothesized that weight reduction and/or calcitriol administration have benefits against the sepsis-induced liver redox imbalance and ferroptosis in obese mice. Mice were fed a high-fat diet for 11 weeks, then half of the mice continued to consume the diet, while the other half were transferred to a low-energy diet for 5 weeks. After feeding the respective diets for 16 weeks, sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Septic mice were divided into four experimental groups: OS group, obese mice injected with saline; OD group, obese mice with calcitriol; WS group, weight-reduction mice with saline; and WD group, weight-reduction mice with calcitriol. Mice in the respective groups were euthanized at 12 or 24 h after CLP. Results showed that the OS group had the highest inflammatory mediators and lipid peroxide levels in the liver. Calcitriol treatment reduced iron content, enhanced the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio, upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, ferroptosis-suppressing protein 1, and solute carrier family 7 member 11 expression levels. Also, mitochondrion-associated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, and heme oxidase-1 expression levels increased in the late phase of sepsis. These results were not noted in the WS group. These findings suggest that calcitriol treatment elicits a more-balanced glutathione redox status, alleviates liver ferroptosis, and enhances mitochondrial biogenesis-associated gene expressions. Weight reduction alone had minimal influences on liver ferroptosis and mitochondrial biogenesis in obese mice with sepsis.

青銀世代對數位遊戲的使用動機具差異性，而數位遊戲的開發或設計往往無法為所有年齡層量身定做，例如長者對於規則太複雜、時間太緊湊的遊戲設計有負面的認知，但年輕人反而追求遊戲的效率。此外，過去探討不同世代數位遊戲設計及功能評估的研究，大多為受試者自陳、觀察和訪談方法蒐集主動意識層面的資料，較少透過語意聯想這類的結果探究。 據此，本研究欲以數位遊戲認知的語意聯想測驗（Word Association Test, WAT）蒐集多元的資料以探討世代間之異同。本研究以便利取樣招募178位不同年齡層的對象，包含年輕人組73位（女性占78%，年齡介於15-27歲）、中高齡者組50位（女性占80%，年齡介於46-64歲）和高齡者組55位（女性占65%，年齡介於65-92歲）。參與者被邀請以紙筆方式進行測驗，並須回答當提到數位遊戲時，他們會想到什麼詞彙，參與者最多可填答12個詞彙。研究結果共測得962個詞彙，年輕人組、中高齡者組以及高齡者組分別測得640、180以及142個詞彙，後以本研究建構之數位遊戲聯想編碼架構歸納資料。三組參與者的聯想詞彙在不同編碼類目中的分布各有異同，包含：在數位遊戲使用的負面動機中，年輕人組較傾向聯想與心理有害相關之內容，中高齡者與高齡者組則較會聯想到與生理有害相關的部分；在正面動機的部分，年輕人組與中高齡者組較傾向聯想到娛樂性，高齡者組則是聯想到有用性；三組樣本皆出現的重複詞彙有：「動腦」、「有趣」、「打發時間」與「沉迷」。本研究期能啟發數位遊戲相關學術與實務工作者，在未來重視不同世代對數位遊戲的認知異同，且積極扭轉各世代對於玩數位遊戲後所產生的負面印象。 Introduction Digital technologies have driven innovation and changes in information dissemination, consumption, entertainment, and social welfare. The ability to use this innovation is often based on age, with younger generations significantly more comfortable than are older generations. This “digital divide” poses a challenge to societies such as Taiwan’s, where the National Development Council estimated that 14% of the population was above the age of 65 years in 2018 and estimated that this number would reach 20% by 2025, making Taiwan a superaged society. In such superaged societies, scholars suggest, digital technologies can be used to promote social welfare and the mental and physical health of older individuals. Digital gaming, which has the potential to bridge the gap between users of different generations, is a helpful tool for promoting the well-being of young and old alike. The perception of digital games among users of different generations may influence their motivation for playing games and their overall attitude to digital gaming. To collect diverse data from various age groups, this study employed the Word Association Test (WAT) to determine participants’ underlying cognition and emotions. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate differences in cognitive perceptions and approach-avoidance conflict of digital games among users of different generations. The stimulus word “digital games” was used in the WAT to investigate the cognitive perceptions of different age groups regarding digital games. The study began by considering the applications of digital gaming and then reflected on the differences in the perception of digital games between young-adult, middle-aged, and older groups. Subsequently, the intergroup similarities and differences in perceptions of digital gaming were evaluated.. Method Convenience sampling was employed to recruit participants from different generations and living in Taipei, Taiwan. The young-adult participants included college students, graduate students, nearby residents, and high school students from a certain campus. The older-adult participants were recruited from neighborhoods, community centers, and locations near the aforementioned college. After invalid samples (those without age information) were excluded, 178 valid samples remained. To capture inter-age-group differences in cognitive perceptions of digital games, the participants were divided into three groups: the young-adults group, middle-aged and older-adults group, and advanced age group. The age classifications for the two older groups followed the age categories of the Ministry of Labor in Taiwan: 45 years and above and 65 years and above, respectively. The young-adults group comprised 73 participants [22% male, age of 15-27 years, mean (SD) = 20.18 (2.24)], the middle-aged and older-adults group comprised 50 participants [20% male, age of 46-64 years, mean (SD) = 59.40 (4.45)], and the advanced age group comprised 55 participants [35% male, age of 65-92 years, mean (SD) = 70.69 (4.94)]. The primary research method employed in this study was content analysis of associations with digital game vocabulary. The objective was to systematically categorize and describe data in accordance with predetermined coding categories to obtain structured and quantifiable information about content. Through the literature review conducted for this study, three coding themes were identified in cognitive perceptions of digital games: (1) neutral, (2) positive, and (3) negative game perceptions. The study’s WAT was conducted in paper-and-pencil format, and the aim was not to measure how many words the participants could provide within a set time frame. Instead, the participants were encouraged to answer with as many words as possible. The WAT was concluded when the participants indicated they could not think of any more words or when they had provided 12 words. Finally, the participants’ responses were transcribed verbatim, and the number of words provided by each participant and the summarized themes were calculated. Results The distribution of vocabulary in the three participant groups for neutral, positive, and negative game perceptions revealed that the young-adults group and the middle-aged and older-adults group gave the highest number of responses that were coded as positive game perceptions, whereas the advanced age group gave the most responses coded as neutral game perceptions. This indicated that the younger individuals may have had more positive perceptions of digital games than the older individuals did. In the coding theme of neutral game perceptions, the types of words most commonly provided by the young-adults group were those relating to game types; the three most commonly used words were competitive, simulation, and interaction. The types of words most commonly provided by the middle-aged and older-adults group were those relating to game titles, with the three most widely used words being “Mahjong,” “Candy Crush,” and “Su doku”. The types of words most commonly provided by the advanced age group were also those relating to game titles; the three most often recurring words were “Happy Farm,” “Candy Crush,” and playing cards. Interestingly, “Candy Crush” was a common word for both the middle-aged and older-adults group and the advanced age group, suggesting that this digital game is commonly played by middle-aged and older individuals in Taiwan but not by young adults. No other words were shared by the three groups in this coding theme. In the coding theme of positive game perceptions, the types of words most commonly provided by the young-adults group were those relating to entertainment, with the three most commonly used words being stress relief, fun, and happiness. The middle-aged and older-adults group gave similar responses to the young-adults group; their two most frequently used terms were fun and stress relief. The types of words most commonly provided by advanced age group were coded as utility, with the most often used terms being brain exercise, passing time, preventing dementia, and learning. Three terms were common to the three groups: passing time, brain exercise, and fun, indicating that the different age groups had similar positive perceptions of playing digital games. In the coding theme of negative game perceptions, the types of words most commonly provided by the young-adults group were those relating to psychological harm, with the most common term being addiction. The types of words most commonly provided by the middle-aged and older-adults group and the advanced age group were related to physical harm, with the often used term being eye discomfort. Notably, addiction was common to all three groups, suggesting that individuals from all generations perceive digital games as addictive. However, the middle-aged and older-adults group appeared to worry more that digital games were harmful to their eyes than that they were addictive. Conclusion This study examined and coded responses regarding perceptions of digital gaming of individuals in three distinct age groups and discovered specific differences between the groups’ responses.

Abstract Background Deep neuromuscular block (NMB) has been shown to improve surgical conditions and alleviate post-operative pain in bariatric surgery compared with moderate NMB. We hypothesized that deep NMB could also improve the quality of early recovery after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Methods Eighty patients were randomized to receive either deep (post-tetanic count 1–3) or moderate (train-of-four count 1–3) NMB. The QoR-15 questionnaire was used to evaluate the quality of early recovery at 1 day before surgery (T0), 24 and 48 h after surgery (T2, T3). Additionally, we recorded diaphragm excursion (DE), postoperative pain, surgical condition, cumulative dose of analgesics, time of first flatus and ambulation, post-operative nausea and vomiting, time of tracheal tube removal and hospitalization time. Main results The quality of recovery was significantly better 24 h after surgery in patients who received a deep versus moderate block (114.4 ± 12.9 versus 102.1 ± 18.1). Diaphragm excursion was significantly greater in the deep NMB group when patients performed maximal inspiration at T2 and T3 (P

Abstract Background Neuronal ferroptosis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of cognitive deficits. The present study explored whether artemisinin protected type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice from cognitive impairments by attenuating neuronal ferroptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region. Methods STZ-induced T2DM mice were treated with artemisinin (40 mg/kg, i.p.), or cotreated with artemisinin and Nrf2 inhibitor MEL385 or ferroptosis inducer erastin for 4 weeks. Cognitive performance was determined by the Morris water maze and Y maze tests. Hippocampal ROS, MDA, GSH, and Fe2+ contents were detected by assay kits. Nrf2, p-Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 proteins in hippocampal CA1 were assessed by Western blotting. Hippocampal neuron injury and mitochondrial morphology were observed using H&E staining and a transmission electron microscope, respectively. Results Artemisinin reversed diabetic cognitive impairments, decreased the concentrations of ROS, MDA and Fe2+, and increased the levels of p-Nr2, HO-1, GPX4 and GSH. Moreover, artemisinin alleviated neuronal loss and ferroptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region. However, these neuroprotective effects of artemisinin were abolished by Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 and ferroptosis inducer erastin. Conclusion Artemisinin effectively ameliorates neuropathological changes and learning and memory decline in T2DM mice; the underlying mechanism involves the activation of Nrf2 to inhibit neuronal ferroptosis in the hippocampus. Graphical Abstract

Abstract High reproductive compatibility between crops and their wild relatives can provide benefits for crop breeding but also poses risks for agricultural weed evolution. Weedy rice is a feral relative of rice that infests paddies and causes severe crop losses worldwide. In regions of tropical Asia where the wild progenitor of rice occurs, weedy rice could be influenced by hybridization with the wild species. Genomic analysis of this phenomenon has been very limited. Here we use whole genome sequence analyses of 217 wild, weedy and cultivated rice samples to show that wild rice hybridization has contributed substantially to the evolution of Southeast Asian weedy rice, with some strains acquiring weed-adaptive traits through introgression from the wild progenitor. Our study highlights how adaptive introgression from wild species can contribute to agricultural weed evolution, and it provides a case study of parallel evolution of weediness in independently-evolved strains of a weedy crop relative.

BackgroundThe objective of this study is to investigate the effects of oral supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on circulating inflammatory factors, cardiometabolic parameters, skin moisturization, and the consequent symptoms of pruritus and depression in maintenance hemodialysis patients.Materials and methodsA total of 60 maintenance hemodialysis patients with severe pruritus symptoms completed this randomized, placebo-controlled study. Subjects of treatment group (n = 30) were instructed to consume 1000 mg fish oil (>900 mg EPA) and subjects of placebo group (n = 30) were instructed to consume 1000 mg soybean oil twice daily for 3 months. 5-D pruritus scoring, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale, skin moisture, serum creatinine, inflammatory factors, and cardiometabolic parameters were examined at baseline, and at the first, second, and third month post-supplementation.ResultsA significantly decreased pruritus level was observed in the treatment group, whereas an opposite result was observed in the placebo group. Increased skin moisture levels on both the face and arms were observed in the treatment group, but not in the placebo group. Supplementation of EPA significantly decreased serum CRP and IL-6 levels. Significant decreases in total cholesterol (CHO), and triglycerides (TG) levels were observed; however, a decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level was observed in the treatment group. There was no change in plasma creatinine (CR) observed in both groups. A significantly decreased BDI score was observed, whereas the opposite result was observed in the placebo group. A correlational study showed that the severity of pruritus was significantly associated with skin moisture and serum CRP. The severity of pruritus was also positively correlated with the BDI score.ConclusionSupplementation of EPA may provide multiple benefits including alleviating pruritus symptoms, addressing skin dryness, and mitigating depression in maintenance hemodialysis patients.