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Significance: The aberrant inflammation during wound healing results in pathological scarring, such as hypertrophic scars and keloids. This adversely affects the quality of life of patients due to the disfiguring appearance as well as the symptoms of itch and pain. This review summarizes the up-to-date knowledge of the immunopathogenesis and treatment options for pathological scars.With the advent of new technologies, combined with in vitro and in vivo wound models, several inflammatory cells have been shown to have both direct or indirect effects on both wound healing and pathological scarring.Expansion of pro-fibrotic immune cells such as M2 macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells, and Th2 cells leads to fibroblast transition to myofibroblasts via TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Appropriate management of such inflammatory responses during wound healing remains a critical issue during clinical practice.Regulating inflammation response during wound healing may be a potential therapeutic option for avoiding or reducing pathological scars.

Porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct nevus (PEODDN) is a rare type of epidermal nevus involving the eccrine acrosyringia. It typically presents as asymptomatic linear keratotic papules and plaques along the lines of Blaschko and predominantly affects the extremities. This disease has recently been linked to somatic mutations within the GJB2 locus. Only four GJB2 mutations have been previously documented for PEODDN, and the underlying genetic basis remains inconclusive. Herein, we report an 18-year-old female with a hyperkeratotic plaque on the dorsa of the proximal interphalangeal joint of her right ring finger, as well as multiple small hyperkeratotic papules linearly distributed on the lateral sides of her fingers occurring since birth. Histopathological results revealed prominent parakeratotic cornoid lamella-like tiers at the opening of the eccrine secretory ducts. Whole-exome sequencing of the affected skin tissue revealed a heterozygous germline mutation and a postzygotic somatic mutation in GJB2. In summary, this study presents a case of PEODDN with compound heterozygous mutations in GJB2, which broadens the genetic spectrum of this disease entity and implies a possible role for second-hit mutations in the pathogenesis of PEODDN.

Objective: We investigated recent trends in youth suicide and their associations with societal and psychological factors in Taiwan. Methods: Suicide data (1971–2019) for 10–24 year olds were extracted from Taiwan’s national cause-of-death data files. We investigated changes in trends in youth suicide rates, societal factors (gross domestic product per capita, Gini index, overall and youth unemployment rates, divorce rates in people aged 40–59 years [i.e. the age of most 15–24 year olds’ parents] and Internet use rates) and psychological distress indicators (youth self-harm rates and the prevalence of worry-related insomnia, and suicide ideation, plan and attempt) using joinpoint regression and graphic examinations. The associations of these factors with youth suicide rates were examined using Prais–Winsten regression. Results: Suicide rates in Taiwan’s 10–24 year olds changed from a downward trend (2005–2014) to an upward trend in 2014 and increased 11.5% (95% confidence interval = [5.2%, 18.1%]) annually between 2014 and 2019. There was also an upturn in divorce rates among females aged 40–59 years in 2014 and self-harm rates among 15- to 24-year-old youth in 2013. The prevalence of self-reported insomnia and suicide ideation, plan and attempt in youth started to increase from 2013 to 2016. In the regression analysis, Internet use, female divorce rates and youth self-harm rates were positively associated with youth suicide rates. Conclusion: Suicide rates and the prevalence of suicidal behaviors began to increase in Taiwanese youth in the 2010s. These increases may be associated with concurrent rises in parental divorce rates, Internet use and poor sleep. Further research is needed to examine the mechanisms underlying recent increases in youth suicide risk.

The induction of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) was identified as a promising therapeutic mechanism to overcome metabolic syndrome. Hence, a structure-activity relationship campaign on the chiral lead (1b) was conducted with a scaffold-hopping approach, whereby achiral 7-methoxy-3-methyl-1H-chromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-4-one (16c) was recognized as a potential ATF3 inducer with a lipid-lowering feature in a pre-differentiated 3T3-L1 cell model. Also, in a high-fat diet scenario, mice subjected to 16c demonstrated robust weight loss with shrinkage of the white adipose mass and fewer hypertrophic adipocytes, accompanied by a preferable glycemic profile compared to 1b. Additionally, the biochemical analysis revealed that 16c further ameliorated the liver function and improved the plasma triglyceride profile that were absent from mice treated with 1b. Taken together, 16c shows promise as an ATF3 stimulant for further development to alleviate metabolic syndrome.

The Pteris fauriei group (Pteridaceae) includes Pteris with bipinnatisect laminae and entire pinnules. The taxonomic debate is led by morphological similarity and aggravated by the wide geographic distribution and a large number of involved taxa. We collected more than 500 plants and examined related herbarium specimens. Based on the evidence of morphology, molecular phylogeny, ecology, and reproductive biology, we propose the following taxonomic and nomenclatural novelties. 1) Two new species, Pteris austrotaiwanensis Y.S.Chao from Taiwan and Pteris pseudowulaiensis Y.S.Chao from China and Taiwan, are described. 2) The occurrence of Pteris wulaiensis in Japan is confirmed. 3) Pteris fauriei var. chinensis was treated as a synonym of Pteris latipinna Y.S.Chao & W.L.Chiou. 4) Pteris fauriei var. minor Hieron. is raised as species, Pteris minor (Hieron.) Y.S.Chao stat. nov. In this study, we clarify morphology of all known taxa in the P. fauriei group and provide a key.

We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on call volumes and call characteristics using data from a national crisis helpline. Data were extracted for 215,066 calls to Taiwan’s national suicide prevention hotline (January 2018–May 2020). We used negative binomial regression to investigate changes in the weekly number of calls during the early period of the COVID-19 outbreak (January 21, 2020–May 25, 2020), relative to that expected according to the pre-pandemic trend. The call characteristics during the pandemic period (February 18, 2020–May 31, 2020) were compared between COVID-19 related vs unrelated calls. Higher-than-expected call volumes started from the 6th week of the pandemic and reached a peak in the 14th week, which was 38% (rate ratio = 1.38, 95% confidence interval 1.26–1.51) higher than that expected based on the pre-pandemic trend. The higher-than-expected call volumes were mainly attributable to higher-than-expected calls from non-suicidal and male callers. Calls in which COVID-19 was mentioned (13.2%) were more likely to be from male and first-time callers, occur outside 12 am–6 am, last less than 5 min, and were less likely to be from callers who had previous suicide attempts, recent suicidal ideation or suicide plans or actions than COVID-19 unrelated calls. Callers who made COVID-19 related calls were more likely to request information than other callers. Crisis helplines should strategically adapt to the increased need and callers’ specific concerns related to the outbreak.

Obesity is not only viewed as a chronic aggressive disorder but is also associated with an increased risk for various diseases. Nonetheless, new anti-obesity drugs are an urgent need since few pharmacological choices are available on the market. Natural compounds have served as templates for drug discovery, whereas modified molecules from the leads identified based on in vitro models often reveal noncorresponding bioactivity between in vitro and in vivo studies. Therefore, to provide inspiration for the exploration of innovative anti-obesity agents, recent discoveries of natural anti-obesity compounds with in vivo evidence have been summarized according to their chemical structures, and the comparable efficacy of these compounds is categorized using animal models. In addition, several synthetic derivatives optimized from the phytochemicals are also provided to discuss medicinal chemistry achievements guided by natural sources.

Ferns and lycophytes of Taiwan display an extraordinarily high diversity. Despite the detailed species documentation, the pteridophyte flora of Taiwan as a whole has never been organized into a phylogenetic framework. Here we provide an updated, phylogeny-based checklist that includes a total of 824 (infra)species taxa, of which eleven are first recorded. In addition, lectotypification of Phlegmariurus salvinioides and new combinations of 25 taxa were made in this study. Our classification scheme is based on the most recent phylogenetic evidence, and for all taxon names accepted here, we provide their best corresponding names in Taiwanese Mandarin. Our appendix and the online file also supply other details, such as synonyms, for the Taiwanese pteridophytes in order to track their nomenclatural changes from the previous floristic documentations. Finally, a discussion group for our community-Taiwan Pteridophyte Group (TPG)- is established online. This platform will allow more users to follow further updates of TPG or to provide any comments on new versions of Taiwan pteridophyte checklist.

A moving line-source laser beam was used to scan the entire surface of a rectangular plate, pursuant to locating defects. The laser generates a point beam of laser energy, which is transformed into...

BackgroundSuicide rates are higher in men than in women in most countries, although the gender ratios vary markedly worldwide. We investigated long-term trends in suicide rates and the male-to-female ratios in relation to age, method and economic factors in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial (1905–1940) and postwar (1959–2012) periods.MethodsSuicide data were from the Statistical Reports of Taiwan Governor’s Office (1905–1940), Vital Statistics (1959–1970) and cause-of-death mortality data files (1971–2012). Annual age-standardised and age-specific/method-specific suicide rates by gender and the gender ratios were calculated and examined graphically. The associations between trends in economic indicators, suicide and suicide gender ratio were investigated using Prais-Winsten regression.ResultsThe male-to-female suicide rate ratio increased from below 1 in the 1900s to around 2 by 2000; the reversal was mainly due to a marked reduction in suicide rates in young women coupled with a rise in male suicide between 1905 and 1940. The gender ratio increased again from the 1980s onwards. Poisoning was the most common method in the 1970s–1980s, but its use decreased afterwards, more in women than in men proportionally. The use of gassing for suicide increased markedly in the 2000s and contributed to the rises in overall suicide and the gender ratio. Unemployment rates were more strongly associated with male suicide than female suicide in 1959–2012. Unemployment rates and gross domestic product per capita were positively associated with suicide gender ratios.ConclusionsGender differences in suicide changed remarkably in Taiwan over the past century; such change may be related to cultural, socioeconomic and method-specific factors.

The fern genus Tectaria (Tectariaceae) is morphologically diverse and difficult in terms of recognizing species and species groups. To infer the systematic positions of some species and identity-unknown collections with special morphological characters, we conducted phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of five plastid regions (atpB, ndhF plus ndhF-trnL, rbcL, rps16-matK plus matK, and trnL-F). Three analysis methods (maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference) were used to reconstruct the phylogeny of Tectaria. The most surprising result is that T. menyanthidis, T. ternata, and T. variabilis are revealed to represent a distinct lineage from Tectaria, which should be called Polydictyum and is supported as sister to Pteridrys. Other accessions of Tectaria are well resolved into four major clades, which is consistent with the results of previous studies. Of the four clades, Clade II (T. subtriphylla group) is unpredictable, with morphologically very diverse species clustered there, and is supposed to be a minor evolutionary line within Tectaria in the Old World. In addition, the position of the climbing genus Arthropteris and the utility of molecular data in recognizing species of Tectaria are briefly discussed. As a conclusion we formally reinstate the genus Polydictyum by providing diagnostic characters, key to species, nomenclature, and information of detailed distribution and habit for the currently known three species.

Objectives To examine both the between-person and within-person effects of sleep problems on the trajectory of suicidal ideation from ages 14 to 22 and investigate whether resilience moderates the effects. Age and sex differences were explored in the main and interaction effects of sleep problems and resilience on suicidal ideation. Methods The study sample included 2491 adolescents (1260 males and 1231 females) who participated in a prospective study spanning 2009 through 2016 in northern Taiwan. Sex-stratified multilevel models were used to examine the between-person and within-person effects of sleep problems and the moderating effects of resilience on the trajectory of suicidal ideation in males and females. Results Across adolescents, higher levels of sleep problems contributed to an elevated risk of suicidal ideation for both sexes. Within individuals, a higher risk of suicidal ideation was observed when an adolescent's sleep problems exceeded their typical levels. The within-person effects of sleep problems were further determined to vary by age in males, with the effects gradually decreasing throughout late adolescence but increasing again in young adulthood. The buffering effects of resilience were only observed in females. The relationships between the within-person effects of sleep problems and suicidal ideation were only significant in female adolescents with low levels of resilience. Conclusions Our findings extend the research by demonstrating both the between-person and within-person association between sleep problems and suicidal ideation. We further revealed age and sex differences in the within-person effects of sleep problems and the buffering effects of resilience. Prevention and intervention programs that target sleep problems could be tailored based on individuals’ age, sex, and levels of resilience to prevent suicidal ideation.

Background The use of barbecue charcoal gas for suicide led to more than 50,000 deaths in Asia since the rise of its use from 1998. Little is known whether the profile of charcoal-burning suicides changed over time. Methods Hong Kong's suicide data (2002–2013) were extracted from the Coroner's files. The detailed characteristics were compared between suicide by charcoal-burning and non-charcoal-burning methods, and between charcoal-burning suicides of different periods (2002–2005 vs 2006–2009 vs 2010–2013). Results People who died by suicide using charcoal burning (n = 2,188) were more likely to be male, aged 30–49 years, married (2002–2005 only), have debt, or live alone, and were less likely to have past or current psychiatric treatment or medical illness than non-charcoal-burning suicides (n = 9,666) across the three four-year periods. By contrast, compared to charcoal-burning suicides in 2002–2005, those in more recent periods (2006–2009 and 2010–2013) were more likely to be aged 50+, non-married, live alone (2006–2009 only), or have current psychiatric treatment or medical illness, and were less likely to be male (2006–2009 only), unemployed, or have debt. Limitations There could be under-reporting of certain characteristics for charcoal-burning suicides in the Coroner's files. Conclusion Charcoal-burning suicides persistently showed a distinguishable profile in Hong Kong, whilst changes in certain characteristics suggested a ‘diffusion’ of the method to some other groups such as older individuals. Responsible media reporting and restricting online information about new suicide methods could be potentially important prevention strategies in the early stage, whilst other strategies are needed when the methods become more commonly used.

Over activation of neutrophils has been linked to many inflammatory diseases; one of critical pathologic mechanisms is that generation and exocellular release of superoxide anion from neutrophils results in peripheral tissues damage. Besides, in this study, 2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenoxy)-5,7-dimethoxy-chromen-4-one (4), a 2-phexnoychromone from our compound bank, was demonstrated to have the moderate inhibitory effect on superoxide anion generating. Therefore, serial chromones substituted with phenols or 3-flourothiophenol were designed, synthesized, and examined for suppression of superoxide anion generation. In accordance with the results, the methoxy group at 7 position (R3) of the chromone, as well as a hydrogen bond donor at a meta site of the phenyl ring greatly impacted on the activity. 2-(3-fluorophenyl)sulfanyl-7-methoxy-chromen-4-one (16), a successful example of bioisosteres from a phenol to a thiophenol, exhibited prominent anti-inflammatory effects with the IC50 value against superoxide anion generation of 5.0 ± 1.4 μM.

Dryopteris subgenus Nothoperanema (Dryopteridaceae) includes sections Acrophorus, Diacalpe, Nothoperanema, and Peranema. Phylogenetic relationships among these sections and their relationship to sect. Dryopsis (genus Dryopteris subgenus Erythrovariae, Dryopteridaceae) are unclear. Additionally, previous phylogenetic work has not included Stenolepia, which has been suggested as an important relative of Peranema based on morphology. In this study, we examined phylogenetic relationships within subgenus Nothoperanema by including Stenolepia and utilizing six plastid regions (∼5,500 characters). Our inferred phylogeny revealed that sect. Dryopsis is not monophyletic. The Nothoperanema clade is highly supported, and includes sect. Acrophorus, sect. Diacalpe, sect. Nothoperanema, sect. Peranema, certain Dryopsis species, and Stenolepia. By re-examining diagnostic morphological characters, we establish and describe two new sections under subgenus Nothoperanema: sect. Shiehia and sect. Stenolepia. This re...

We describe and illustrate a new species, Asplenium pifongia., currently known only from Taiwan. Although superficially similar to A. monanthe., this species is a sexual diploid and has little perforation on its spore surfaces. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that A. pifongia. is not closely related to A. monanthe., and is instead sister to the A. normal. complex. Asplenium pifongia. differs from A. normal. in having sori mostly only on, and parallel to, the basiscopic side of pinnae, a common feature in A. monanthes.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Delimitation of cryptic species provides an understanding of biodiversity and opportunities to elucidate speciation processes. Extensive flavonoid variation has been reported in the tetraploid cytotype of the fern, Asplenium normale, although related species have no intraspecific variations in flavonoid composition. We hypothesized that Japanese A. normale still harbors multiple cryptic species with different flavonoid compositions, and tested this hypothesis using chemotaxonomic and multilocus genotyping approaches. METHODS We determined the multilocus genotypes (MLGs) of 230 samples from 37 populations for one chloroplast DNA region and three nuclear genes. MLGs were used to delimit reproductively isolated lineages by population-genetic approaches. We also tested the correspondence between genetically recognized groups and flavonoid compositions. To identify the origins of putative cryptic species, we conducted phylogenetic analysis of the DNA markers used in genotyping. KEY RESULTS The genetic clusters and flavonoid compositions showed clear correspondence. We recognized three putative cryptic species in tetraploid Asplenium normale in Japan. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that cryptic species I and III originated from allopolyploidization between a diploid A. normale and an unknown diploid of A. boreale, and cryptic species II originated from allopolyploidization between a diploid A. normale and A. oligophlebium. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that intraspecific variation of secondary metabolites can be a good indicator of cryptic species in ferns. The presence of the two cryptic species having the same progenitor diploid pair suggests that speciation between allopolyploid lineages of independent origin may be more common than previously considered.

Two fern taxa of Dryopteridaceae, Polystichum chunii and P. tenuius, are reported as new records of Taiwan. Morphological descriptions, synonyms, taxonomic notes, line-drawings and photographs of living material, and IUCN Red List Category are provided herein.

Chronic kidney disease&ndash, mineral bone disorder (CKD&ndash, MBD), comprising mineral, hormonal, and bone metabolic imbalance, is a major CKD-related issue, it causes osteoporosis prevalence in CKD patients. Osteocyte-derived sclerostin inhibits the osteogenic Wnt/&beta, catenin signaling pathway, its levels rise when kidney function declines. Exercise modulates the physiological functions of osteocytes, potentially altering sclerostin production. It may aid bone and mineral electrolyte homeostasis in CKD. Mild CKD was induced in rats by partial nephrectomy. They were divided into: sham (no CKD), CKD, and CKD + exercise (8 weeks of treadmill running) groups. Micro-CT scanning demonstrated that the CKD + exercise-group rats had a higher bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine and femoral metaphysis and higher femoral trabecular bone volume than the CKD-group rats. Bone formation rates were not significantly different. The CKD + exercise-group rats had lower serum sclerostin (157.1 &plusmn, 21.1 vs 309 &plusmn, 38.1 pg/mL, p &lt, 0.05) and CTX-1 (bone resorption marker) levels. Immunohistochemistry revealed higher tibial &beta, catenin concentrations in the CKD + exercise-group rats. Serum FGF-23, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, and phosphate levels showed no significant differences between these groups. Thus, exercise improves BMD and bone microstructure in mild CKD by inhibiting sclerostin production, but does not alter serum minerals.

Pteris kawabatae Sa. Kurata was regarded as endemic to Japan. We here report its new distribution in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. We also re-circumscribe P. arisanensis as an independent species and propose its Chinese name herein. A key is provided to compare those morphologically similar Pteris species in Taiwan, including P. arisanensis, P. biaurita, P. fauriei, P. linearis, P. kawabatae and P. wulaiensis.

A vittarioid fern (Pteridaceae) distributed in Eastern Asia is described here as a new species, Haplopteris heterophylla, which has long been included in H. hainanensis. A description, illustration, distribution, ecology, and a key to congeneric relatives of the new species are provided. Obovoid-shaped paraphyses and frond dimorphism are the diagnostic characteristics of H. heterophylla. In a trnL-F + matK + ndhF phylogeny of 14 Asian Haplopteris species, including H. hainanensis, both morphological observations and the cpDNA phylogeny support the systematic uniqueness of H. heterophylla.

ObjectiveTo investigate the reciprocal relationship between unhealthy eating behaviours and depressive symptoms from childhood to adolescence.DesignUnhealthy eating behaviours were measured by the frequencies of eating foods with excess salt, sugar or fat in the past week. Depressive symptoms in the past two weeks were measured using a seven-item scale. Hierarchical linear growth models were used to analyse longitudinal associations between unhealthy eating behaviours and depressive symptoms. Time-fixed variables (sex, parents’ education level and household monthly income) and time-varying variables (parents’ marital status, family activities, body weight, vegetable or fruit consumption, exercising and smoking) were controlled for.SettingThe Child and Adolescent Behaviors in Long-Term Evolution study, which commenced in 2001 and has annual follow-up.SubjectsStudents (n 2630) followed from 2nd grade (8 years old in 2002) to 11th grade.ResultsThe frequency of unhealthy eating behaviours in the previous year and the difference between the frequency in the previous and successive year were positively associated with the initiation and growth rate of depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms in the previous year and the difference in depressive symptoms between the previous and successive year were positively associated with the initial state and growth rate of unhealthy eating behaviours.ConclusionsOur results suggest a reciprocal relationship between depressive symptoms and unhealthy eating behaviours. This relationship should be considered when developing programmes targeting depressive symptoms and unhealthy diet in children and adolescents.

This study examines the effects of inside debts on a firm's target leverage and explains the low-leverage puzzle (e.g. Graham, 2000) by the over estimation of the target leverage due to neglecting the effects of inside debts. We find that a firm's inside debt affects not only the target leverage, but also the speed of adjustment toward that target. A firm’s target leverage is negatively related to the amount of inside debt and the effect of inside debt is alleviated when a firm's funding status is positive. Additionally, the adjustment speeds are faster when considering inside debt effects during 1985-2012 and 2007-2012. If we separated the whole sample firms into below- and above-traditional target leverage, we find that adjustment speeds are slower (faster) when firms have below-target (above-target) leverage after 2007.

Pteris grevilleana Wall. ex Agardh var. ornata Alderw. has a white stripe at the center of the blade, which is the marked difference from P. grevilleana var. grevilleana. New records of this variety in Taiwan are reported. Using flow cytometry, tetraploids of P. grevilleana var. ornata were found in Vietnam, and diploids were found in Taiwan. Their spore characteristics are also given herein. The spore sizes of the two ploids significantly differ.

Body temperature and oxygen saturation are two important factors to evaluate the wound healing and infection situation in human. Because of the higher oxygen levels in the blood, the wound infection rate in the body temperature below 36 °C will be 10% higher than that in the body temperature higher than 36 °C. During Light therapy (LT), the body temperature will be enhanced and the higher cell division rate can make the wound healing faster. In the past, the radiation treatment in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is usually processed by red light with a wavelength of 633 ± 2 nm and the light dose is approximately from 20 to 50 J/cm2. However, the skin of different patient has a different radiation absorption, so the change of temperature in human body will also be different. Based on the varied radiation light dose, this study aims to analyze the impact of the change of oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) to obtain the proper irradiation process (PIP). In the experiments, the red LED light (630 nm) was adopted to irradiate on the human body and its output power can be varied to observe the body temperature change. The result of the experiment shows that the skin temperature can keep at 37°C using 950 mW power, and SpO 2 (90.8638 %) can also have the maximum increase. In addition, SpO 2 (91.5115 %) won't increase if the irradiance is over 30 minutes. Therefore, the PIP can keep steadily the skin temperature at normal body temperature (NBT, 37°C) and provide the best reference for dermatologists to improve the therapeutic effect of patient effectively.

After examining the specimens of genus Microlepia in some major herbaria for the purpose of monographic study, two new species, namely Microlepia kerrii, and M. thailandensis, are recognized and described with photographs of type specimens herein.

To examine the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in producing acute inflammatory lung injury after hemorrhage and resuscitation.Prospective, controlled animal study.Research laboratory.Male BALB/c mice.Treatment with rat antimouse monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibodies or control rat immunoglobulin G 1 hr after 30% blood volume hemorrhage and resuscitation.Therapy with monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibodies prevented the posthemorrhage increases in pulmonary TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma protein levels that normally occur after blood loss. Administration of monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibodies also diminished the increases in interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10 mRNA, but not the increases in TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma mRNA, which are found in the lungs following hemorrhage. In addition, therapy with monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibodies was associated with significant improvement in the histologic parameters of posthemorrhage lung injury, particularly intra-alveolar hemorrhage and pulmonary vascular congestion.These results indicate that TNF-alpha has an important role in the development of acute inflammatory lung injury after blood loss. Blockade of TNF-alpha with monoclonal antibodies significantly reduces hemorrhage-induced lung injury.

Electric field induces temporary polarization on molecular segment. In polymer solution or polymer melt, applying electric field induces self assembly that cannot be established otherwise. This preferentially ordered morphology is preserved after drying out solvent to form polymer membrane. The ordered nano structure delivered favorable ion transport behavior, raised ion conductivity, and improved membrane mechanical properties. In one example given for fuel cell membrane composed of poly(ether sulfones)(PES) with sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)(sPEEK, degree of sulfonation=50%) prepared with e-field poling, extremely high ion conductivity (7.43x10-2 S/cm) is observed. The hydrophilic dimension is found to be reduced which restricted methanol permeability (3.17x10-7 cm2/s). Due to more densely packed hydrophobic domain, membrane mechanical property is also improved. DMFC power output at 150mA/cm2 (80 oC, 1M Methanol) can be realized. A second example is given for lithium battery membrane: Poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropylene)[PVDF-HFP] blending either with PMMA polymer, or with surface functionalized mineral clay containing ionic liquids. E-field has improved PVDF and PMMA miscibility, gave rise to more organized and more polar beta crystallite formation with denser amorphous region. The clay is homogeneously dispersed and oriented to form ordered and preferentially aligned nanostructure. As a result, the solvent free membrane delivered Li+ conductivity surpassing 10-3 S/cm at room temperature, and shows reduced interface resistance between electrodes. Coin cell (R2032) using this SPEs and LiFePO4cathode displayed 140 mAh/g discharge capacity and stable over 300 cycles, with 0.5C rate. Membrane bearing preferentially ordered morphology induced by E-field is able to balanced high ion conductivity; low fuel/gas permeation and strong mechanical strength, simultaneously. This approach in preparing high performance membrane holds great promises to apply to future energy devices such as Li-S, Li-Air, and thin film battery.