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Purpose: To develop electrode materials for supercapacitor with superior electrochemical performance and simple preparation process, the purpose of this study is to prepare flexible CC/NiS/a-NiS electrodes with self-supporting structure by loading hydrothermally synthesized a-NiS particles along with nano-NiS on carbon cloth by electroplating method. Design/methodology/approach: The effects of current densities, temperatures and pH values on the loading amount and uniformity of the active substances during the plating process were investigated on the basis of optimization of surface morphology, crystalline structure and electrochemical evaluation as the cyclic voltammetry curves, constant current charge–discharge curves and AC impedance. Findings: The a-NiS particles on CC/NiS/a-NiS were mostly covered by the plated nano-NiS, which behaved as a bulge and provided a larger specific surface area. The CC/NiS/a-NiS electrode prepared with the optimized parameter exhibited a specific capacitance of 115.13 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g and a Coulomb efficiency of 84% at 5 A/g, which is superior to that of CC/NiS electrode prepared by electroplating at a current density of 10 mA/cm2, a temperature of 55°C and a pH of 4, demonstrating its fast charge response of the electrode and potential application in wearable electronics. Originality/value: This study provides an integrated solution for the development of specifically structured NiS-based electrode for supercapacitor with simple process, low cost and high electrochemical charge/discharge performance, and the simple and easy-to-use method is also applicable to other electrochemically active composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Aqueous gel supercapacitors, as an important component of flexible energy storage devices, have received widespread attention for their fast charging/discharging rates, long cycle life and high electrochemical stability under mechanical deformation condition. However, the low energy density of aqueous gel supercapacitors has greatly hindered their further development due to the narrow electrochemical window and limited energy storage capacity. Therefore, different metal cation-doped MnO 2 /carbon cloth-based flexible electrodes herein are prepared by constant voltage deposition and electrochemical oxidation in various saturated sulphate solutions. The influence of different metal cations as K+, Na+ and Li+ doping and deposition conditions on the apparent morphology, lattice structure and electrochemical properties are explored. Furthermore, the pseudo-capacitance ratio of the doped MnO 2 and the voltage expansion mechanism of the composite electrode are investigated. The specific capacitance and pseudo-capacitance ratio of the optimized δ-Na 0.31 MnO 2 /carbon cloth as MNC-2 electrode could be reached 327.55 F/g at 10 mV/s and 35.56% of the pseudo-capacitance, respectively. The flexible symmetric supercapacitors (NSCs) with desirable electrochemical performances in the operating range of 0–1.4 V are further assembled with MNC-2 as the electrodes. The energy density is 26.8 Wh/kg at the power density of 300 W/kg, while the energy density can still reach 19.1 Wh/kg when the power density is up to 1150 W/kg. The energy storage devices with high-performance developed in this work can provide new ideas and strategic support for the application in portable and wearable electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined the risk of mortality in older adults with newly detected cognitive impairment or dementia. Methods: Data from the Australian cohort of the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial were examined. The ASPREE clinical trial compared daily low‐dose aspirin to a placebo and involved 16,703 individuals aged 70 years and over, who were without major cognitive impairment, physical disability, or cardiovascular disease at recruitment. During the trial, evidence of cognitive impairment, based on cognitive testing and medical record information, triggered dementia adjudication of participants using DSM‐IV criteria. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare mortality rates across the dementia, trigger‐only, and no‐trigger groups. Results: Over a median 4.7‐year follow‐up period, 806 participants triggered dementia adjudication, with 485 (60.2%) judged to have dementia. Following recruitment, mortality risks were 32.9, 33.6, and 10.8 events per 1000 person‐years in the dementia, trigger‐no‐dementia, and no‐trigger groups, respectively. In the fully adjusted model, mortality risks remained higher in the dementia and trigger‐no‐dementia groups, with hazard ratios of 1.7 (95% CI: 1.3–2.1) and 1.9 (95% CI: 1.5–2.6), respectively. There was no discernible difference between the dementia and trigger‐no‐dementia groups in mortality rates following recruitment, or following a dementia trigger. These two groups were more likely to die from sepsis, respiratory disease, and dementia, but less likely to die from cancer than the no‐trigger group, χ2 = 161.5, p < 0.001. Conclusion: ASPREE participants who triggered for a dementia evaluation experienced a substantially higher mortality rate than those who remained cognitively intact. The increase was indistinguishable among persons who met DSM‐IV criteria for dementia vs. those who triggered for a dementia evaluation but failed to meet DSM‐IV criteria. Future work should investigate whether earlier detection of cognitive decline can be used to identify and prevent early mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Lung cancer patients from ethnic minorities have poorer outcomes than their Caucasian counterparts. We compared lung cancer intervals between culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and Anglo‐Australian patients to identify ethnic disparities. Methods: This was a prospective, observational cohort study comprising a patient survey and reviews of patients' hospital and general practice records. Across three states, 577 (407 Anglo‐Australian and 170 CALD) patients were recruited and their hospital records reviewed. The survey was returned by 189 (135 Anglo‐Australian and 54 CALD) patients, and a review was completed by general practitioners (GPs) of 99 (76 Anglo‐Australian and 23 CALD) patients. Survival and Cox regression analyses were conducted. Results: CALD patients had longer hospital diagnostic interval [median 30 days, 95% confidence interval (CI) 26–34] than Anglo‐Australian patients (median 17, 95% CI 14–20), p = 0.005, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.32 (95% CI 1.09–1.60). This difference persisted after relevant factors were taken into consideration, adjusted HR = 1.26 (95% CI 1.03–1.54, p = 0.022). CALD patients also reported longer prehospital intervals; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Target interventions need to be developed to address ethnic disparity in hospital diagnostic interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical quality registries are increasingly utilised to monitor and improve healthcare quality. Opt‐out consent is recommended to maximise participation and ensure validity of data, however, presents specific considerations when including persons with impaired decision‐making abilities. This paper describes the innovative Australian Dementia Network Registry recruitment framework designed to optimise inclusion of people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel fluorescence proe for Hg2+ was developed based on aggregation induced emission. • The probe exhibited a limit of detection of 22 nM and a fast response time. • The mechanism of the probe is based on the Hg2+ reaction induced solubility decrease, resulting in activated fluorescence due to aggregation induced emission. • The probe can be used for imaging of Hg2+ in live cells with fast response. Mercury ions (Hg2+), as one of heavy transition metals (HTM), is a highly toxic metal that is hazardous to human health. Here an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent probe is designed for the highly sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+. The probe is engineered with a tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivative as the fluorophore and thiopropionic acid as the site of recognition for Hg2+. Due to the different solubilities of the probe AIE-COOH and its corresponding product after reaction with Hg2+. The probe demonstrates a maximum detection limit of 22 nM and a fast response time of ∼100 s. Simultaneously, AIE-COOH exhibits outstanding detectivity and hypersensitivity for the detection of Hg2+ in aqueous solutions. These characteristics demonstrate that AIE-COOH hold a great potential in environmental, food and biological systems. Moreover, we have also successfully applied it to Hg2+ fluorescence imaging in in living cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older Chinese immigrants are one of the largest and fastest growing groups of older immigrants in many Western countries. This study examined their relationships with children using multiple dimensions drawn from the solidarity–conflict model and the ambivalence perspective. A convenience sample of 62 older Chinese immigrants was recruited and data were collected through standardized interviews. The majority of participants lived independently from their children and had at least weekly contact with them. Most were involved in some kind of intergenerational exchange with their children and had relatively high expectations about filial obligations. Despite half considering that their parent–child relationships were good, three-quarters reported conflict and ambivalence in these relationships, and half reported generational differences in values. The results highlight the complexity of parent–child relationships among older Chinese immigrants and suggest that although filial piety continues to influence parent–child relationships in this group, many changes have occurred in its practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A better understanding of the molecular mechanism of aortic valve development and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) formation would significantly improve and optimize the therapeutic strategy for BAV treatment. Over the past decade, the genes involved in aortic valve development and BAV formation have been increasingly recognized. On the other hand, ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) gene family members have been reported to be able to modulate cardiovascular development and diseases. The present study aimed to further investigate the roles of ADAMTS family members in aortic valve development and BAV formation. METHODS: Morpholino-based ADAMTS family gene-targeted screening for zebrafish heart outflow tract phenotypes combined with DNA sequencing in a 304 cohort BAV patient registry study was initially carried out to identify potentially related genes. Both ADAMTS gene-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization assay and genetic tracing experiments were performed to evaluate the expression pattern in the aortic valve. Accordingly, related genetic mouse models (both knockout and knockin) were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat–associated 9) method to further study the roles of ADAMTS family genes. The lineage-tracing technique was used again to evaluate how the cellular activity of specific progenitor cells was regulated by ADAMTS genes. Bulk RNA sequencing was used to investigate the signaling pathways involved. Inducible pluripotent stem cells derived from both BAV patients and genetic mouse tissue were used to study the molecular mechanism of ADAMTS. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the phenotype of cardiac valve anomalies, especially in the extracellular matrix components. RESULTS: ADAMTS genes targeting and phenotype screening in zebrafish and targeted DNA sequencing on a cohort of patients with BAV identified ADAMTS16 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 16) as a BAV-causing gene and found the ADAMTS16 p. H357Q variant in an inherited BAV family. Both in situ hybridization and genetic tracing studies described a unique spatiotemporal pattern of ADAMTS16 expression during aortic valve development. Adamts16+/- and Adamts16+/H355Q mouse models both exhibited a right coronary cusp–noncoronary cusp fusion—type BAV phenotype, with progressive aortic valve thickening associated with raphe formation (fusion of the commissure). Further, ADAMTS16 deficiency in Tie2 lineage cells recapitulated the BAV phenotype. This was confirmed in lineage-tracing mouse models in which Adamts16 deficiency affected endothelial and second heart field cells, not the neural crest cells. Accordingly, the changes were mainly detected in the noncoronary and right coronary leaflets. Bulk RNA sequencing using inducible pluripotent stem cells–derived endothelial cells and genetic mouse embryonic heart tissue unveiled enhanced FAK (focal adhesion kinase) signaling, which was accompanied by elevated fibronectin levels. Both in vitro inducible pluripotent stem cells–derived endothelial cells culture and ex vivo embryonic outflow tract explant studies validated the altered FAK signaling. CONCLUSIONS: Our present study identified a novel BAV-causing ADAMTS16 p. H357Q variant. ADAMTS16 deficiency led to BAV formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract In situ-growth of 1T/2H-MoS 2 nanosheets on the CFC, ultra-small SnS 2 nanoparticles are anchored on the surface of MoS 2 nanosheets unifromly. When the SnS 2 /MoS 2 /CFC composites applied as a binder-free flexible anode, it exhibits excellent performances. A highly flexible full cell was fabricated, demonstrating remarkable flexibility and cycling stability. Highlights • In-situ growth SnS 2 /MoS 2 on CFC by a hydrothermal method and water bath process. • SnS 2 /MoS 2 shows a capacity of 1294 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 120 cycles. • The distribution of SnS 2 on 1T/2H-MoS 2 can enhance electrochemical properties. • A full cell is fabricated, showing high flexibility and electrochemical properties. Abstract Flexible lithium ion batteries are important for wearable electronic devices. Herein, 1T/2H phase MoS 2 nanosheets are grown on carbon fiber cloth, and the ultra-small SnS 2 nanoparticles are anchored in the surface of MoS 2 nanosheets uniformly. We fabricate the hierarchical nanostructures via a hydrothermal method then water bath process. During in-situ growth of 1T/2H phase MoS 2 , urea is used as the surfactant and NH4+ (produced by urea and ammonium molybdate tetrahydrate) is acted as insertion guest ions to stabilize 1T phase MoS 2. The synergistic effects between MoS 2 nanosheets and SnS 2 nanoparticles can improve structural stability of the electrode and significant enhance the transport of Li ions and electrons, thereby ameliorate the electrochemical properties. When applied as a binder-free, flexible Li-ion battery anode, it exhibits admirable cycling stability and excellent rate performance. Due to the presence of 1T phase MoS 2 and uniform distribution of ultra-small SnS 2 nanoparticles on MoS 2 nanosheets, the SnS 2 /MoS 2 /carbon fiber cloth composites maintain 1294 mA h g−1 when cycling at 100 mA g−1 after 120 cycles. A highly flexible battery based on SnS 2 /MoS 2 /carbon fiber cloth and LiCoO 2 is fabricated, demonstrating excellent mechanical flexibility and cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the evolution of martensitic morphology and hardening mechanism of 30MnSi steel quenched at atmospheric and 3, 4 GPa pressure were investigated using EBSD, Mössbauer, HR-TEM. The experimental results show that an integrated martensite of lath and grain-preferred plate is induced after high-pressure quenching, instead of the almost entirely lath martensite that arises from normal quenching. The intricate substructures of martensite, which include tangled dislocations, 60.0°<111> twin boundaries formed by twin-related K–S variants, and {112}<111>-type twins with nanoscale ω-Fe (hexagonal), are characterized in 3, 4 GPa-samples. As the quenching pressure rises, the dislocation density, the percentage of twin boundaries and the amount of {112}<111>-type twins all exhibit an increasing trend. In order to clarify the nature of transformation twins, the ω-lattice mechanism for high-pressure quenching martensite was discussed. Furthermore, the hardness of 30MnSi steel is considerably increased from 480 HV (normal quenching) to 766 HV (4 GPa-sample), and the relationship between microstructure and hardening was established. Based on our findings, high-pressure quenching has proved to have promising applications in the extensive control of martensitic transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment is a key factor in reducing mortality and improving patient outcomes. To achieve this, it is important to understand the diagnostic pathways of cancer patients. Patients from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) are a vulnerable group for lung cancer with higher mortality rates than Caucasian patients. The aim of this study is to explore differences in the lung cancer diagnostic pathways between CALD and Anglo-Australian patients and factors underlying these differences.Methods: This is a prospective, observational cohort study using a mixed-method approach. Quantitative data regarding time intervals in the lung cancer diagnostic pathways will be gathered via patient surveys, General practitioner (GP) review of general practice records, and case-note analysis of hospital records. Qualitative data will be gathered via structured interviews with lung cancer patients, GPs, and hospital specialists. The study will be conducted in five study sites across three states in Australia. Anglo-Australian patients and patients from five CALD groups (i.e., Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Italian and Vietnamese communities) will mainly be identified through the list of new cases presented at lung multidisciplinary team meetings. For the quantitative component, it is anticipated that 724 patients (362 Anglo-Australian and 362 CALD patients) will be recruited to obtain a final sample of 290 (145 per group) assuming a 50% patient survey completion rate and a 80% GP record review completion rate. For the qualitative component, 60 interviews with lung cancer patients (10 Anglo-Australian and 10 patients per CALD group), 20 interviews with GPs, and 20 interviews with specialists will be conducted.Discussion: This is the first Australian study to compare the time intervals along the lung cancer diagnostic pathway between CALD and Anglo-Australian patients. The study will also explore the underlying patient, healthcare provider, and health system factors that influence the time intervals in the two groups. This information will improve our understanding of the effect of ethnicity on health outcomes among lung cancer patients and will inform future interventions aimed at early diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, particularly patients from CALD backgrounds.Trial Registration: The project was retrospectively registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (registration number: ACTRN12617000957392 , date registered: 4th July 2017). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noble metal-semiconductor gas sensors have attached much attention owing to its high sensitivity and excellent selectivity. In this work, non-stoichiometry urchin-like Pd-W 18 O 49 nanostructures are developed for gas sensing applications. Such hierarchical nanostructures were synthesized by two-step approach including a hydrothermal reaction and a subsequent incipient wetness impregnation process. The high sensitivity and excellent selectivity distinguish this sensor from the traditional Pd-WO 3 sensor. An insight into the outstanding performance of Pd-W 18 O 49 is provided by contrasting the sensing characteristics of W 18 O 49 and Pd-WO 3 , which exhibit lower selectivity and response to hydrogen. By comparison, the observed response of Pd-W 18 O 49 sensor is up to 1600– in 0.1 vol% hydrogen at a low working temperature of 100 °C. The excellent and enhanced H 2 sensing performances of Pd-W 18 O 49 sensor can be attributed to its novel hierarchical structure, abundant oxygen vacancies, and the catalytic activity of Pd nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart disease, affecting > 1% of the general population. Up to date, three genes, NOTCH1, GATA5 and SMAD6 , have been linked to the isolated form of BAV. However, potential genetic determinants remain largely unknown in most BAV patients. Material and methods Targeted next-generation sequencing of 7 BAV candidate genes ( NOTCH1, GATA5, SMAD6, NOS3, ADAMTS5, Alk2 and SMAD2 ) was performed in 32 BAV patients. Additional 35 BAV patients and 238 tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) patients, consisting of 107 patients from the transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) registry and 131 patients from the coronary artery disease (CAD) registry, were selected for further genotyping. Results We found 2 rare non-synonymous variants in 2/7 genes in 3 BAV patients: one was NOTCH1 :c.4297G > A and the other one was ADMTS5 :c.935C > A that shared by two patients. NOTCH1 :c.4297G > A has not been reported previously. ADMTS5 :c.935C > A was predicted to be pathogenic by all applied algorithms. Alignment of protein sequences from all available species revealed that ADMTS5: p.Arg312Leu, produced by ADMTS5 :c.935C > A, is located in a highly conserved region. The minor allele frequency of ADMTS5 :c.935C > A in BAV patients was significantly higher than the matched population in TAV group (0.015 vs. 0, P = 0.048). Conclusion Our results suggested that ADMTS5 :c.935C > A are potentially associated with BAV. Further studies, such as large sample case-control replication test and functional research, are needed to explore the role of this rare variant in the development of BAV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the background of population ageing and increasing cultural diversity in many Western countries, the study examined differences and similarities between Australian-born people and Chinese immigrants in their relationships with adult children. The specific research questions were: (a) are there differences between these groups in the nature of parent–child relationships; and (b) if there were differences, did these differences reflect the Confucian concept of filial piety among older Chinese immigrants. The solidarity–conflict model and the concept of ambivalence were used to quantify parent–child relationships. Data from 122 community-dwelling people aged 65 and over (60 Australian-born and 62 Chinese-born people) were collected using standardised interviews. There were significant differences between the two groups for all relationship dimensions except associative solidarity. Compared to Australian participants, Chinese participants were more likely to live with their children. However, when they did not live with their children, they lived further away. They were also more likely to receive, but less likely to provide, instrumental help. Finally, they reported higher levels of normative solidarity, conflict and ambivalence, and lower levels of affectual and consensual solidarity. The differences in solidarity dimensions persisted when socio-demographic variables were controlled for. The study revealed complex differences in the nature of older parent–child relationships between Australian-born people and Chinese immigrants. Some of these differences, such as more prevalent multigenerational living among older Chinese immigrants, likely reflect the strong influence of filial piety among this group. However, differences in other dimensions, such as lower levels of consensual solidarity, might be associated with the Chinese participants’ experience as immigrants. This study also highlights the usefulness of the solidarity–conflict model as a theoretical framework to understand the nature of parent–child relationships among older Chinese immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Fabric-based micro-supercapacitors have a great potential in the field of wearable flexible energy storage devices because of the controllable volume, changeable structure, intrinsic stretchability/bendability/foldability, easy integration and washability resistance. The design and construction of energy storage devices with complex structure and function of different dimensions have great influence on the flexible energy storage mechanism and electrochemical performance. One-dimensional MSCs with the advantage of good formability, small size, high flexiblity and easy capability of multi-device integration are useful to increase energy density. However, they cannot be used alone due to their limited loading of electroactive materials. In addition, their spinnability and mechanical strength need to be improved to achieve large-scale forming and manufacturing. Two-dimensional MSCs with short ion diffusion distances, improved in-plane charge transport kinetics and tunable surface/interlayer structures tend to enhance reactivity. However, the high aspect ratio of two-dimensional structure and excessive loading of pseudocapacitive materials weaken surface mass transfer and electron transport, reducing the material utilization and overall multiplicity of characteristics. Three-dimensional MSCs take into account the joint improvement of loading per unit area, conductivity and electrochemical activity of pseudo capacitive materials to combine energy/power enhancement and achieve rapid/high electrical energy storage. Also, the difficult conformal deposition of active substances and complex manufacturing process limit their wearable application. The energy storage mechanisms, construction methods, electrochemical properties and low-cost/scale-up preparation strategies for 1D/2D/3D micro-supercapacitors from the perspective of textiles aimed at their structural types and parameters are reviewed here and the key issues and promising research directions for the development of fabric-based micro-supercapacitors are proposed. • Construction methods of 1D/2D/3D fabric-based wearable MSCs. • Fabric-based MSCs are stretchable/foldable, highly integrated and wash/rub resistant. • 3D MSCs significantly increase the energy capacity per unit area of microelectrodes. • Fabric types and parameters directly affect electrochemical performance of MSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurrent aphthous ulcers are the most common recurrent oral mucosal lesions characterized by recurrence and pain. The aim of this research is to evaluate the short-term curative effect of the traditional Chinese medicine “Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid” on mild recurrent aphthous ulcers. A total of 234 patients were divided into a treatment group and a control group. Both groups used vitamin B2 as the basis of treatment. The treatment group took a Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral solution for 8 days while the control group was given a liquid placebo. The ulcer size, pseudomembrane, peripheral congestion, and pain scores of the treatment group were lower than before treatment. The curative effect on the Pudilan group was statistically significant compared with the control group. The final therapeutic effect on the treatment group was better than that on the control group. The healing time of mild recurrent aphthous ulcers can be shortened by Pudilan anti-inflammatory oral liquid, and pain is relieved without adverse reactions. Pudilan provides a new reference drug for the treatment of mild recurrent oral ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mg-xAl alloys (x = 3–12 wt%) were prepared by high pressure solidification. The microstructure of the alloys was studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), and the strengthening mechanism was analyzed in combination with the compressive properties of the experimental alloys. Furthermore, the grain boundary segregation of Al solute was investigated by experiments and first-principles calculations. For the Mg-xAl alloys solidified under atmospheric pressure, the microstructure will be a single solid solution when the Al content of the alloy is less than 5 wt%. However, for the Mg-xAl alloys solidified under 4 GPa pressure, the microstructure will always ba e single solid solution when the Al content of the alloy is less than 12 wt%. Moreover, the segregation of Al solute with a high concentration gradient can be observed at plenty of grain boundaries (area fraction is as high as 46%), because α-Mg dendrites are significantly refined under high pressure. In addition, many Al atoms are dissolved in the α-Mg matrix owing to high pressure. On this basis, it is found that grain boundary segregation of Al solute can decrease the grain boundary energy, and increase the bonding strength of grain boundaries. As a result, the Mg–Al alloys solidified under high pressure have superior compression properties. The compression strength of the Mg–9%Al alloy and the Mg–12%Al alloy solidified under 4 GPa is as high as 458 MPa and 490 MPa respectively, the alloys retain superior plasticity simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as important regulators of cardiac development, hypertrophy and fibrosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that genetic variations which cause alterations in miRNA:target interactions can lead to disease. We hypothesized that genetic variations in miRNAs that regulate cardiac hypertrophy/fibrosis might be involved in generation of the cardiac phenotype in patients diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). To investigate this question, we Sanger sequenced 18 miRNA genes previously implicated in myocyte hypertrophy/fibrosis and apoptosis, using genomic DNA isolated from the leukocytes of 199 HCM patients. We identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (rs6971711, C57T SNP) at the 17th position of mature miR-590-3p (= 57th position of pre-miR-590) that is common in individuals of African ancestry. SNP frequency was higher in African American HCM patients (n = 55) than ethnically-matched controls (n = 100), but the difference was not statistically significant (8.2% vs. 6.5%; p = 0.5). Using a cell culture system, we discovered that presence of this SNP resulted in markedly lower levels of mature miR-590-5p (39 ± 16%, p<0.003) and miR-590-3p (20 ± 2%, p<0.003), when compared with wild-type (WT) miR-590, without affecting levels of pri-miR-590 and pre-miR-590. Consistent with this finding, the SNP resulted in reduced target suppression when compared to WT miR-590 (71% suppression by WT vs 60% suppression by SNP, p<0.03). Since miR-590 can regulate TGF-β, Activin A and Akt signaling, SNP-induced reduction in miR-590 biogenesis could influence cardiac phenotype by de-repression of these signaling pathways. Since the SNP is only present in African Americans, population studies in this patient population would be valuable to investigate effects of this SNP on myocyte function and cardiac physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Depression and anxiety are two common mental health problems among older people. There is evidence that using well-validated screening tools can improve detection of depression and anxiety among this group. The review explored the use of the Geriatric Depression Scale ( GDS) and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory ( GAI) for screening depression and anxiety among older Chinese immigrants, one of the largest and fastest growing groups of older immigrants in Western society. It focused on the GDS and GAI because both are designed specifically for older people. Methods Online literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. A narrative approach was used to review included papers. Results A total of 21 articles were included. There were limited data on anxiety among older Chinese immigrants, with only one unpublished report identified. There were 13 studies (20 articles) using the GDS with this group. Results of these studies indicated that the GDS is a reliable tool in this population; however, there was limited validity data. Two versions of the GDS-15 have been used with older Chinese immigrants, including the standard GDS-15 and Mui's GDS-15. Prevalence of depression ranged between 20% and 30% in most reviewed studies. Discussion Results of this review have practical implications for clinicians in their use of these tools with older Chinese immigrants in Western countries, such as the different GDS versions. It also suggests a number of directions for future research, such as the inclusion of clinical samples and consideration of the diversity within this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of high pressure on the composition and grain size of the Mg- x Al alloy was studied, and the mechanism of structure refinement from the viewpoint of solute redistribution was discussed. The results show that the amount of Al in the solid solution in the α-Mg matrix increased due to the higher solute distribution coefficient caused by high pressure. The Al content of the original alloy required for the initial eutectic transformation was increased from 5 wt% at atmospheric pressure to 9 wt% at 4 GPa, and the Al content at the eutectic point increased from 32.3 wt% at atmospheric pressure to 38.3 wt% at 4 GPa. Under high pressure, the large increase in the number of α-Mg crystals is related not only to the increase in nucleation rate and the inhibition of crystal growth caused by high pressure but also to the higher Al content, which enhances constitutional supercooling, further increasing the nucleation rate and inhibiting crystal growth. • Minimum Al content for eutectic transition at different pressures was found. • It is found that the eutectic structure is ultrafine fibrous under GPa pressure. • The Al solute content plays an important role in grain refinement of Mg-Al alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As-cast microstructure and its properties, aging hardening effect and phase transformation during aging of ZA84+Bi–Ca alloy were investigated using high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and XRD. Results showed that (1) the as-cast microstructure of the ZA84+Bi–Ca alloy was refined by adding Bi–Ca, and the mechanical properties were improved; (2) when the alloy was aged at 160 °C, the early strengthening phase was spherical Ca 2 Mg 6 Zn 3 precipitates; as the aging time increased, blocky β 1 ′ and rod-shaped β 1 ′ phases gradually precipitated, greatly improving the aging hardness, and the rod-shaped β 1 ′ precipitates were the main strengthening phase that made the alloy hardness reach the peak and (3) there was an adhesive phenomenon between the tips of the spherical phase and the rod-like phase during aging, which to some extent inhibited the growth of the rod-shaped β 1 ′ precipitates, thus, delaying the aging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-five per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were analyzed in water, sediment and biota from the Dongshan Bay (DSB) to study their seasonal variations, composition profiles, potential pollution sources, partitioning behavior and risk assessments. The total concentrations of PFASs (∑PFASs) in water ranged from 3.2 to 6.5 ng L−1 (mean 4.0 ng L−1) during the dry season, and 0.11–4.5 ng L−1 (mean 1.3 ng L−1) during the wet season. Perfluoro-butane sulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluoro-butanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA) were dominated and frequently detected in water. ∑PFASs in sediment were 0.15–0.37 ng g−1 dw (mean 0.24 ng g−1 dw) with the long-chain PFASs perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) dominating. High concentrations of PFASs in land-based drainage outlets (2.0–384.6 ng L−1 in water) and Zhangjiang estuary indicated that land-based discharges and the river discharge were the main sources. High concentration (366.1 ng L−1) and proportion (94%) of PFBA on one drainage outlet agreed with the trend that PFBA was as an alternative to long-chain PFASs. ∑PFASs in biota ranged from 0.11 to 0.40 ng g−1 ww, and only long-chain PFASs were detected. The partition coefficients (log K d) of PFASs between water and sediment ranged from 1.13 to 2.90, increased with carbon chain length, implied long-chain PFASs are more likely to adsorb to sediment. Results of ecological and health risk assessments indicated that PFASs had no significant risk for the aquatic organisms and local residents. • Short-chain PFASs as alternatives increase in the environment. • Drainage outlets and the river discharge contributed PFASs to the DSB. • Log K d of PFASs increased with the increasing of carbon chain length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Herein, we report a novel structure with hollow CoSn alloy nanoboxes encapsulated in N-doped carbon nanotubes (CoSn@N-C nanotubes) for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) and K-ion batteries (PIBs). The structure is synthesized by an electrospinning method and subsequent calcination process. The obtained hollow N-doped carbon nanotubes not only effectively ensure the stability of CoSn alloys, but also accelerate ionic/electronic transport rate. Besides, the inner inactive Co and the hollow structure of CoSn nanoboxes can buffer the volume expansion of CoSn alloys during cycling. Benefiting from the hierarchical nanostructure and synergistic effect of the components, the electrodes demonstrate a reversible capacity of 653 mAh g−1 after 450 cycles in LIBs at 0.2 A g−1. Notably in PIBs, the CoSn@N-C nanotubes exhibits high rate capabilities up to 10 A g−1 and remarkable cycling life (178 mAh g−1 after 2000 cycles at 0.5 A g−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the experimental research results of the thermally grown oxide (TGO) layered growth during the pre‐oxidation process of 8 wt.% yttria‐stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coating (TBC), a two‐dimensional sinusoidal TC/bonding coat (BC) curve interface model of the longitudinal section of TBCs based on finite element simulation was constructed; the thickness and composition of the TGO layer relative to the TC/BC curve interfacial stress distribution and its evolution during the thermal cycling process were studied. The results show that when the TGO layer uses α‐Al2O3 as the main oxide (black TGO), the thicker the black TGO layer, the more uniform the stress distribution of the TC/BC interface. When the TGO layer is dominated by spinel‐structured Co and Cr oxides (gray TGO), the stress "band" of the TC/BC interface is destroyed; it shows the alternating phenomenon of tensile stress zone and compressive stress zone, and after the rapid random growth of TGO, the concentrated tensile stress increased by a large jump. Affected by the thickness of the prefabricated black TGO layer, there is a limit peak in the thickness of the black TGO layer, the normal stress at the TC/BC boundary is minimized, and the magnitude of the stress change is also minimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we investigated the microstructure of a new Mg–4Zn–2Al–0.5Ca aged alloy with TEM and HRTEM. The age hardening process of Mg–4Zn–2Al–0.5Ca alloy aged at 120°C or 160°C follows a similar pattern: a period of fluctuation of hardness present before the alloy reaches its maximum hardness. The atomic arrangement is different in different areas of the microstructure possibly due to the difference of the segregated degree of the solute atoms in the alloy. The microstructure of alloy aged at 120°C for 230h consists of cellular textures, ordered zone, elongated precipitates and disc-like precipitates, while the microstructure of the alloy aged at 160°C for 32h consists of edge dislocations, ordered zones and moiré fringe. No MgZn precipitates are found in the peak aged microstructures of alloys aged at 120°C and 160°C. It is reasonable to believe that Ca is a particularly effective trace addition in improving the thermal stability of precipitation in Mg–4Zn–2Al alloy aged at 120°C and 160°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction The prevalence of dementia in people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse ( CALD) backgrounds is predicted to increase. By 2026, Chinese and Vietnamese languages are projected to be the first and fourth most prevalent languages spoken by older people from CALD backgrounds living in Australia. Varying expressions of dementia literacy within these groups sometimes result in presentation to health services at a later stage of the disease. Methods This paper aims to present a literature review on factors impacting on the early diagnosis of dementia in primary care. Cultural factors pertaining to older people of Chinese and Vietnamese backgrounds are identified and described. Results The review found that despite the benefits and emphasis on early diagnosis of dementia, GPs′ uncertainty, insufficient training, ambivalent attitude and therapeutic nihilism have contributed to delayed diagnosis of dementia in CALD populations in primary care. Other factors included time pressures, poor remuneration and lack of CALD appropriate diagnostic tools and services. From the older Chinese and Vietnamese people and their families′ perspective, living arrangements, level of dementia literacy, symptom interpretation, stigma associated with dementia and their concept of morality significantly impacted on health-seeking behaviour, contributing to delayed presentation to GPs. Language barriers and lack of bilingual GPs were also found to be deterring factors. Discussion There is a need to remove barriers impacting on the timely diagnosis of dementia in primary healthcare for older people from CALD backgrounds. Increasing CALD-appropriate services, workforce training, public awareness and removing stigma may assist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring medical and allied health students' attitudes towards older people has been identified as an important research area. The present study compared the use of implicit and explicit attitude measures. Sixty-five undergraduates completed one explicit measure, the Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA), (Fraboni, Saltstone, & Hughes, 1990) and one implicit measure, the Implicit Association Test. They had positive explicit and neutral implicit attitudes towards older people, suggesting more positive attitudes than previously reported. These attitudes were related but there were discrepancies. Because explicit measures are likely to be influenced by factors such as social desirability, the implicit measure might be a more reliable measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses the Sixth Generation director Wang Chao's film The Orphan of Anyang in the context of China's economic reforms that have so radically affected Chinese society in the past decades. Driven by a new capitalist market force, many state-run factories have closed and laid off workers such as Dagang, the male protagonist in the movie. He struggles to survive with little help from a socialist party-state also weakened by the same force of Chinese capitalism. Yanli, the female protagonist, works as a prostitute in order to support her newborn child and her ageing parents in the country. She represents a challenging matriarchal power that had long been absent under Mao's socialism but seems to emerge as traditional patriarchy declines in dire economic circumstances such as state bankruptcy and nationwide unemployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author examines the political and social context of Chinese painting in the early 1950s. The author analyzes several representative works of old gouhua painters who engaged themselves in the so-called caimo or colored ink figure pictures, a highly regarded genre of socialist realism since 1949 Liberation. He also discusses the three interpretations of socialist realism which convey certain historical truths about it.

Examines the artworks of three Chinese diaspora artists active in New York City. Cai Guoqiang; Zhang Huan; Xu Bing; Observation that their work has manifested an ironic anxiety over globalization long before the September 11, 2001 events; Nationalistic and anti-Western bent of their works such as Cai Guoqiang's "Borrowing Your Enemy's Arrows" installation.

An attentive observation and quantitative analysis of {259}[sub f] martensitic surface relief in an Fe-23Ni-0.55C alloy are made by means of an atomic force microscope (AFM), and different martensitic variants' shear angles are determined in this paper. The experiments show that {259}[sub f] martensitic surface relief exhibits regular shape in many cases, which is in agreement with the prediction of invariant plane strain (IPS). Generally, {259}[sub f] martensitic surface relief appears to be "N"-shaped, but it is tent-shaped in the case of zigzag-shaped martensite. The compressed deformation of parent phase diminishes the surface relief in size but with little change of its relief angle. {259}[sub f] martensitic surface relief, large or small, has approximately the same relief angles, exhibiting a good "self-similar fractal". The determined values of different {259}[sub f] martensitic variants' shear angles are in fine agreement with the prediction of WechslerLiberman-Read (W-L-R) theory, with only a slight difference of less than 3.65°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Periodontitis is considered to be the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and it interacts with some serious systemic diseases. Periodontal basic therapy is the cornerstone of periodontal disease treatment and long-term maintenance and has a positive impact on the treatment of systemic diseases. Aim. To explore the potential gene targets of periodontitis therapies by bioinformatics method. Methods. We analyzed the expression database (GSE6751) downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) with weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to confirm the functional gene modules. Pathway enrichment network analyses the key genes in functional modules and verified the candidate genes from the samples in peripheral blood sources of GSE43525. Moreover, we confirmed the expression of target protein in the periodontal tissues of experimental periodontitis-afflicted mice using western blotting. Results. The functional gene modules were found to have biological processes, and ARRB2, BIRC3, CD14, DYNLL1, FCER1G, FCGR1A, FCGR2B, FGR, HCK, and PRKCD were screened as candidates' genes in functional modules. The 921 DEG from GSE43525 and 418 DEG is from the green module of GSE6751 and identified AMICA1, KDELR1, DHRS7B, LMNB1, CTSA, S100A12, and FCGR1A as target genes. Finally, FCGR1A (CD64) was confirmed as the key gene that affects periodontal treatment. Western blot analysis showed an increasing trend in the expression level of FCGR1A protein in the periodontal tissues of experimental periodontitis mice compared to normal mice. Conclusions. FCGR1A (CD64) may be a key gene target for periodontal therapy in patients with periodontitis and other systemic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Dementia guidelines recommend antipsychotics are only used for behavioral and psychological symptoms when non‐drug interventions fail, and to regularly review use. Population‐level clinical quality indicators (CQIs) for dementia care in permanent residential aged care (PRAC) typically monitor prevalence of antipsychotic use but not prolonged use. This study aimed to develop a CQI for antipsychotic use >90 days and examine trends, associated factors, and variation in CQI incidence; and examine duration of the first episode of use among individuals with dementia accessing home care packages (HCPs) or PRAC. Methods: Retrospective cohort study, including older individuals with dementia who accessed HCPs (n = 50,257) or PRAC (n = 250,196). Trends in annual CQI incidence (2011–12 to 2015–16) and associated factors were determined using Poisson regression. Funnel plots examined geographical and facility variation. Time to antipsychotic discontinuation was estimated among new antipsychotic users accessing HCP (n = 2367) and PRAC (n = 15,597) using the cumulative incidence function. Results: Between 2011–12 and 2015–16, antipsychotic use for >90 days decreased in HCP recipients from 10.7% (95% CI 10.2–11.1) to 10.1% (95% CI 9.6–10.5, adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 0.97 (95% CI 0.95–0.98)), and in PRAC residents from 24.5% (95% CI 24.2–24.7) to 21.8% (95% CI 21.5–22.0, aIRR 0.97 (95% CI 0.96–0.98)). Prior antipsychotic use (both cohorts) and being male and greater socioeconomic disadvantage (PRAC cohort) were associated with higher CQI incidence. Little geographical/facility variation was observed. Median treatment duration in HCP and PRAC was 334 (interquartile range [IQR] 108–958) and 555 (IQR 197–1239) days, respectively. Conclusions: While small decreases in antipsychotic use >90 days were observed between 2011–12 and 2015–16, findings suggest antipsychotic use among aged care recipients with dementia can be further minimized. Key points: We developed a quality indicator for monitoring prolonged antipsychotic use (>90 days) and examined trends, associated factors and facility and geographical variation among aged care recipients with dementia.We also examined time to antipsychotic discontinuation among new antipsychotic users who had diagnosed dementia.Trends in antipsychotic use for >90 days decreased among individuals receiving home care packages (HCPs) and residents of permanent residential aged care (PRAC) facilities during 2011–12 and 2015–16.The median duration of treatment among individuals commencing an antipsychotic was 0.9 and 1.5 years among older people accessing HCPs and PRAC, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mg 93.72 Gd 5.85 Y 0.43 alloy with columnar grains and preferred orientation of [22 4 (_) 5] was selected in this paper, and its deformation mechanism was investigated by room-temperature tensile test, quasi-in-situ observation and Electron Back Scatter Diffraction (EBSD). The results showed that all the columnar grains had the "soft" orientation ([22 4 (_) 5]) for both basal slip system and {10 1 (_) 2} tensile twinning system. At the initial deformation stage (ε ≤ 3%), basal dislocations started to move and crossed grain boundary, forming the basal-basal slip system pairs (B/B). As the deformation increased (ε ≤ 50%), {10 1 (_) 2} tensile twins selectively nucleated in single columnar grain and then expanded and merged rapidly, forming the bands of tensile twins and the basal slip system + tensile twinning-basal slip system pairs (BT/B). At the later deformation stage (ε ≤ 74.5%), the orientation transition brought by tensile twinning triggered the activation of {10 1 (_) 1} compression twins, leading to severe stress concentration and crack nucleation near the large-angle grain boundary and twinning boundary. The evolution of B/B pairs to BT/B pairs driven by grain boundary compatibility stress resulted in relaxation of the stress concentration at grain boundaries and guaranteed the excellent plasticity of the experimental alloy. A modified grain boundary compatibility stress calculation was proposed in this paper and was proved to be more effective in predicating the nucleation of tensile twins than the geometric compatibility factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential pathophysiological process in COPD and plays an important role in airway remodeling, fibrosis, and malignant transformation of COPD. Previous studies have indicated FERMT3 is downregulated and plays a tumor-suppressive role in lung cancer. However, the role of FERMT3 in COPD, including EMT, has not yet been investigated.Methods: The present study aimed to explore the potential role of FERMT3 in COPD and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Three GEO datasets were utilized to analyse FERMT3 gene expression profiles in COPD. We then established EMT animal models and cell models through cigarette smoke (CS) or cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure to detect the expression of FERMT3 and EMT markers. RT-PCR, western blot, immunohistochemical, cell migration, and cell cycle were employed to investigate the potential regulatory effect of FERMT3 in CSE-induced EMT.Results: Based on Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data set analysis, FERMT3 expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was lower in COPD smokers than in non-smokers or smokers. Moreover, FERMT3 expression was significantly down-regulated in lung tissues of COPD GOLD 4 patients compared with the control group. Cigarette smoke exposure reduced the FERMT3 expression and induces EMT both in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that overexpression of FERMT3 could inhibit EMT induced by CSE in A549 cells. Furthermore, the CSE-induced cell migration and cell cycle progression were reversed by FERMT3 overexpression. Mechanistically, our study showed that overexpression of FERMT3 inhibited CSE-induced EMT through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling.Conclusions: In summary, these data suggest FERMT3 regulates cigarette smoke-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition through Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These findings indicated that FERMT3 was correlated with the development of COPD and may serve as a potential target for both COPD and lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Amyloidosis caused by TTR mutations (ATTRv) is a rare inherited and autosomal dominant disease. More than 150 mutants of TTR have been reported, whereas some of them remain to be investigated. Methods: A 52-year-old male presented with heart failure and clinically diagnosed ATTR cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) was recruited. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed. Biochemical and biophysical experiments characterized protein stability using urea-mediated tryptophan fluorescence. Drug response was analyzed by fibril formation assay. Finally, tetramer TTR concentration in patient’s serum sample was measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Results: For the proband, WES revealed a mutation (c.200G>T; p.Gly67Val and referred to as G47V) in TTR gene. Biochemical and biophysical kinetics study showed that the thermodynamic stability of G47V-TTR (Cm = 2.4 m) was significantly lower than that of WT-TTR (Cm = 3.4 m) and comparable to that of L55P-TTR (Cm = 2.3 m), an early age-of-onset mutation. G47V:WT-TTR heterozygous tetramer kinetic stability (t1/2 = 1.4 h) was further compromised compared to that of the homozygous G47V-TTR (t1/2 = 3.1 h). Among three small molecule stabilizers, AG10 exhibited the best inhibition of the fibrillation of G47V-TTR homozygous protein. Using a UPLC assay, nearly 40% of TTR in this patient was calculated to be non-tetrameric. Conclusion: In this work, we reported a patient presented early onset of clinically typical ATTR-CA due to G47V-TTR mutation. Our work for the first time not only characterized the biochemical properties of G47V-TTR mutation, but also provided hints for the pathogenicity of this mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a need for clinical quality indicators (CQIs) that can be applied to dementia quality registries to monitor care outcomes for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Objective: To develop tertiary and primary care-based dementia CQIs for application to clinical registries for individuals with dementia accessing aged care services and determine 1) annual trends in CQI incidence between 2011–2012 and 2015–2016, 2) associated factors, and 3) geographic and facility variation in CQI incidence. Methods: This retrospective repeated cross-sectional study included non-Indigenous individuals aged 65–105 years who lived with dementia between July 2008-June 2016, were assessed for government-funded aged care services, and resided in New South Wales or Victoria (n = 180,675). Poisson or negative binomial regression models estimated trends in annual CQI incidence and associated factors. Funnel plots examined CQI variation. Results: Between 2011–2012 and 2015–2016, CQI incidence increased for falls (11.0% to 13.9%, adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 1.05 (95% CI 1.01–1.06)) and delirium (4.7% to 6.7%, aIRR 1.09 (95% CI 1.07–1.10)), decreased for unplanned hospitalizations (28.7% to 27.9%, aIRR 0.99 (95% CI 0.98–0.99)) and remained steady for fracture (6.2% to 6.5%, aIRR 1.01 (95% CI 0.99–1.01)) and pressure injuries (0.5% to 0.4%, aIRR 0.99 (95% CI 0.96–1.02)). Being male, older, having more comorbidities and living in a major city were associated with higher CQI incidence. Considerable geographical and facility variation was observed for unplanned hospitalizations and delirium CQIs. Conclusions: The CQI results highlighted considerable morbidity. The CQIs tested should be considered for application in clinical quality registries to monitor dementia care quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2018, the Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT) was established to bring together Australia's leading dementia researchers, people with living experience and clinicians to transform research and clinical care in the field. To address dementia diagnosis, treatment, and care, ADNeT has established three core initiatives: the Clinical Quality Registry (CQR), Memory Clinics, and Screening for Trials. Collectively, the initiatives have developed an integrated clinical and research community, driving practice excellence in this field, leading to novel innovations in diagnostics, clinical care, professional development, quality and harmonization of healthcare, clinical trials, and translation of research into practice. Australia now has a national Registry for Mild Cognitive Impairment and dementia with 55 participating clinical sites, an extensive map of memory clinic services, national Memory and Cognition Clinic Guidelines and specialized screening for trials sites in five states. This paper provides an overview of ADNeT's achievements to date and future directions. With the increase in dementia cases expected over coming decades, and with recent advances in plasma biomarkers and amyloid lowering therapies, the nationally coordinated initiatives and partnerships ADNeT has established are critical for increased national prevention efforts, co-ordinated implementation of emerging treatments for Alzheimer's disease, innovation of early and accurate diagnosis, driving continuous improvements in clinical care and patient outcome and access to post-diagnostic support and clinical trials. For a heterogenous disorder such as dementia, which is now the second leading cause of death in Australia following cardiovascular disease, the case for adequate investment into research and development has grown even more compelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the effects of Sn-2-palmitate-enriched formula feeding on infants' growth, stool characteristics, stool fatty acid (FA) soap contents and bone mineral content (BMC). We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials published up to April 2022. Sixteen studies involving 1,931 infants were included. From each included study, weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each of the above mentioned outcomes were extracted and pooled with a fixed-effects model (I2 ≤ 50%) or a random-effects model (I2 > 50%). Infants fed Sn-2-palmitate-enriched formula exhibited greater weight gains (WMD: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.23, 1.39 g/d; I2 = 0.00%), lower contents of total stool FA soaps (WMD: −3.47; 95% CI: −5.08, −1.86 mg/100 mg; I2 = 0.00%) and higher BMC (WMD: 7.08; 95% CI: 4.05, 10.10; I2 = 0.00%) than infants fed standard formula. However, no difference was observed in these outcomes between infants fed Sn-2-palmitate-enriched formula and those fed human milk. This meta-analysis demonstrated that compared with standard formula feeding, Sn-2-palmitate-enriched formula feeding could effectively promote weight gains, bone mineral accumulation and stool FA soap reduction in infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, hierarchical flower-like Li 1.2 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 Mn 0.54 O 2 (LNCM) with exposed {010} planes assembled and double-sphere Li 1.2 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 Mn 0.54 O 2 without {010} planes as a comparison were successfully synthesized via a simple solvothermal method. The diffusion of Li+ could be enhanced in the flower-like LNCM with exposed {010} active planes, and the cathode exhibits a superior electrochemical performance especially in long-term cycling stability even at high current densities. The initial discharge capacity of this sample is 274 mA h g−1 at 0.1C (25 mA g−1), with corresponding initial coulombic efficiencies of 77%. Especially, the capacity retention reaches up to 98% at 1250 mA g−1 current density after 100 cycles. By comparing with other LNCM materials reported recently, our optimal cathode has a pretty outstanding electrochemical performance, which is promising for the next generation lithium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Unequal access to cognitive assessments is a major barrier to timely diagnosis, especially for those living in rural or remote areas. 'One‐stop' cognitive clinic models are a proposed solution, but few such clinics exist. We evaluate the implementation of a new one‐stop State‐wide clinic model in Tasmania, Australia, where 27% of people live in rural/remote areas. Methods: A novel single‐visit protocol has been developed, comprising interdisciplinary medical and cognitive assessments, research participation, consensus diagnosis and management plan. A cross‐sectional evaluation was undertaken using the RE‐AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework and results benchmarked against the national Australian Dementia Network Registry. Results: Over the first 52 consecutive weekly clinics: Reach: 130 adults were assessed (mean age [SD] 70.12 years [10.31]; 59.2% female) with 40 (36.8%) from rural/remote areas. Effectiveness: 98.5% (128/130) received a same‐day diagnosis: 30.1% (n = 40) Subjective Cognitive Decline, 35.4% (46) Mild Cognitive Impairment, 33.1% (43) dementia and one case inconclusive. Adoption: 22.9% (156) of General Practitioners referred patients. Implementation: Nearly all 'ideal' diagnostic clinical practices were met and >90% of surveyed patients reported 'good/very good' clinic experience. The wait from referral to diagnosis was 2 months shorter than other national Registry clinics (78 vs. 133 days). Conclusions: This 'one‐stop' model provides an interdisciplinary consensus cognitive diagnosis quickly and is well accepted; this may reduce health inequities especially for people living in rural/remote areas. This cognitive clinic model may be of relevance to other centres worldwide and also provides a rich data source for research studies. Key points: Access to cognitive assessments is unequal, especially for people living in rural areas.A 'one‐stop' cognitive clinic resulted in 98.5% same‐day diagnosis, 2 months earlier than the national averageOne‐third of people assessed were from rural/remote areas.This model may inform service design for centres worldwide and provides rich data for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cr-doped γ-Fe 2 O 3 /reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites are successfully synthesized through a rapid and environmentally friendly microwave method in just 10 min. Under the microwave heating, graphene oxide (GO) is reduced to rGO with ferrous ion (Fe 2+ ) served as the reductant, and Cr-doped γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles are synthesized in the meantime. It is found that Cr doping can not only affect the phase of Fe 2 O 3 , but also has an effect on the morphology, the electrical conductivity and the electrochemical properties. As anode material for lithium ion batteries, the 4.0 at% Cr-doped γ-Fe 2 O 3 /rGO nanocomposites exhibit the highest reversible capacity of 1060 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles (66.9% of the initial capacity) at a current density of 100 mA g −1 . Furthermore, when assembled as a full cell against commercial cathode including LiCoO 2 and LiNi 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 O 2 , the battery shows promising cycling performance. The superior electrochemical performance could be attributed to the uniform nanostructure and the synergistic effect between Fe 2 O 3 and rGO as well as the doping of chromium, which can reduce the size of Fe 2 O 3 particles and improve the electrical conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uniform octahedral nickel ferrite nanocrystals wrapped by graphene (GNFO) have been synthesized and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis techniques, which reveal that the NiFe 2 O 4 nanocrystals are enclosed by high index (111) facets and encapsulated by reduced graphene oxide sheets. When applied as anode electrodes for lithium ion batteries, GNFO nanocomposites present excellent electrochemical performances. The electrode maintains 1275 mAh g −1 after 30 cycles at 0.1 A g −1 and a reversible capacity up to 937 mAh g −1 after 250 cycles at 1 A g −1 . A prominent rate capability is also obtained and the specific capacity remains 312 mAh g −1 at 10.0 A g −1 . The superior electrochemical properties could benefit from open surface structure of octahedral NiFe 2 O 4 and synergistic effect between graphene and NiFe 2 O 4 , which shows promising applications in lithium-ion storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer patients are associated with an elevated risk of suicide. This study aims to investigate the suicide rates and identify risk factors for suicide among patients with malignant intracranial tumors (MITs). Methods: Patients diagnosed with MITs during the years of 1975–2015 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Suicide rates and standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated. Cox regression analyses were used to identified risk factors for suicide among MIT patients. Results: Among 115,668 patients with MITs collected from the SEER program, 99 committed suicide. The rate of suicide was 23.02 per 100,000 person-years, and SMR of suicide was 1.90. Diagnosis in recent era (years 2000–2015, SMR = 2.01), male gender (SMR = 1.78), older age (60–79 years, SMR = 3.54), white race (SMR = 1.86), married persons (SMR = 2.31), living in rural areas (SMR = 2.50), history of other malignancy (SMR = 3.81), diagnosis of glioblastoma (SMR = 4.05) and supratentorial location (SMR = 2.45) were associated with an increased incidence of suicide. In addition, the risk of suicide increased significantly within the first year after diagnosis (SMR = 13.04). Multivariate Cox regressions showed that older age, male sex, and supratentorial location were independent risk factors for suicide. Conclusions: The suicide mortality among patients with MITs steadily elevated in the past decades. Male sex, older age, and supratentorial location were significantly associated with risk of suicide, especially within the first year following diagnosis. Healthcare providers should early identify and effectively intervene with MIT patients at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cigarette smoke is a complex aerosol containing a large number of compounds with a variety of toxicity and carcinogenicity. Long-term exposure to cigarette smoke significantly increases the risk of a variety of diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a unique biological process, that refers to epithelial cells losing their polarity and transforming into mobile mesenchymal cells, playing a crucial role in organ development, fibrosis, and cancer progression. Numerous recent studies have shown that EMT is an important pathophysiological process involved in airway fibrosis, airway remodeling, and malignant transformation of COPD. In this review, we summarized the effects of cigarette smoke on the development and progression of COPD and focus on the specific changes and underlying mechanisms of EMT in COPD induced by cigarette smoke. We spotlighted the signaling pathways involved in EMT induced by cigarette smoke and summarize the current research and treatment approaches for EMT in COPD, aiming to provide ideas for potential new treatment and research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]