Application of Multi-Channel Synchronized Dynamic Strain Gauges in Monitoring the Neutral Axis Position and Prestress Loss of Box Girder Bridges.

The aim of this paper was to explore the application of multi-channel synchronized dynamic strain gauges in monitoring the neutral axis (N.A.) position of prestressed concrete box girders. The N.A. position has recently been proposed as an indicator for monitoring the health of bridge structures. Laboratory experiments were conducted on a prestressed T-beam under different prestress level conditions to investigate the correlation between the prestress magnitude and the N.A. position. In the development of the multi-channel synchronized dynamic strain gauges, edge computing was employed to significantly reduce the amount of data transmitted from the sensor nodes on-site. In edge computing, only the dynamic strain response caused by the maximum vehicle load in each minute is transmitted. This approach greatly enhances the monitoring efficiency and enables the realization of on-site non-computer-based monitoring systems. The laboratory test results of the prestressed T-beam showed that the N.A. position tends to move slightly downward as the prestress force increases. In other words, when the prestress force decreases due to loss, the N.A. position exhibits a slight upward movement. This study selected a newly constructed prestressed box girder as the subject for on-site measurement of the N.A. position using multi-channel synchronized dynamic strain gauges shortly after the prestress was applied. The on-site monitoring data indeed revealed a gradual upward movement of the N.A. position. This phenomenon confirmed that soon after the completion of prestressed concrete bridges, there is a gradual loss of prestress due to the significant shrinkage and creep effects of the early-age concrete. The on-site monitoring result aligned with the findings from the laboratory experiments, where the N.A. position was observed to move upward as the prestress decreased.

Investigation of the Microbial Diversity in the Oryza sativa Cultivation Environment and Artificial Transplantation of Microorganisms to Improve Sustainable Mycobiota.

Rice straw is not easy to decompose, it takes a long time to compost, and the anaerobic bacteria involved in the decomposition process produce a large amount of carbon dioxide (CO2), indicating that applications for rice straw need to be developed. Recycling rice straw in agricultural crops is an opportunity to increase the sustainability of grain production. Several studies have shown that the probiotic population gradually decreases in the soil, leading to an increased risk of plant diseases and decreased biomass yield. Because the microorganisms in the soil are related to the growth of plants, when the soil microbial community is imbalanced it seriously affects plant growth. We investigated the feasibility of using composted rice stalks to artificially cultivate microorganisms obtained from the Oryza sativa-planted environment for analyzing the mycobiota and evaluating applications for sustainable agriculture. Microbes obtained from the water-submerged part (group-A) and soil part (group-B) of O. sativa were cultured in an artificial medium, and the microbial diversity was analyzed with internal transcribed spacer sequencing. Paddy field soil was mixed with fermented paddy straw compost, and the microbes obtained from the soil used for O. sativa planting were designated as group-C. The paddy fields transplanted with artificially cultured microbes from group-A were designated as group-D and those from group-B were designated as group-E. We found that fungi and yeasts can be cultured in groups-A and -B. These microbes altered the soil mycobiota in the paddy fields after transplantation in groups-D and -E compared to groups-A and -B. Development in O. sativa post treatment with microbial transplantation was observed in the groups-D and -E compared to group-C. These results showed that artificially cultured microorganisms could be efficiently transplanted into the soil and improve the mycobiota. Phytohormones were involved in improving O. sativa growth and rice yield via the submerged part-derived microbial medium (group-D) or the soil part-derived microbial medium (group-E) treatments. Collectively, these fungi and yeasts may be applied in microbial transplantation via rice straw fermentation to repair soil mycobiota imbalances, facilitating plant growth and sustainable agriculture. These fungi and yeasts may be applied in microbial transplantation to repair soil mycobiota imbalances and sustainable agriculture.

Virtual reality-based simulation learning on geriatric oral health care for nursing students: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: There is a great need for training and education in the nursing curriculum to improve nurses' knowledge and skills to provide oral health care. METHODS: A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the use of a virtual reality (VR)-based Oral Health Care Learning System to train geriatric oral health care among nursing students. Fifty undergraduate nursing students were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 25) and control (n = 25) groups. The experimental group received the VR-based simulation training on geriatric oral health care and the training was implemented twice at two weeks apart from March to November 2021. The control group did not receive the training intervention. Knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy of geriatric oral health care as well as the intention to assist oral health care for older adults were assessed at the beginning, second, and fourth weeks. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the effectiveness of the VR-based simulation training. RESULTS: After the first round of training, students in the experimental group had significantly greater improvements in knowledge and self-efficacy of geriatric oral health care than in the control group. After the second round of training, students in the experimental group had significantly greater improvements in knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy of geriatric oral health care as well as the intention to assist oral health care for older adult than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The VR-based simulation training was effective to improve undergraduate nursing students' knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy of geriatric oral health as well as the intention to assist oral health care for older adults. The VR-based simulation learning system is an effective tool to provide practice experiences to build confidence and skills and to bridge the gap of understudied geriatric oral health content in entry-level nursing curricula. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05248542; registration date 21/02/2022).

The effect of antifibrotic agents on acute respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients: a retrospective cohort study from TriNetX US collaborative networks.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on global health and economies, resulting in millions of infections and deaths. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the effect of antifibrotic agents (nintedanib and pirfenidone) on 1-year mortality in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure. METHODS: Data from 61 healthcare organizations in the TriNetX database were analyzed. Adult patients with COVID-19 and acute respiratory failure were included. Patients with a pre-existing diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis before their COVID-19 diagnosis were excluded. The study population was divided into an antifibrotic group and a control group. Propensity score matching was used to compare outcomes, and hazard ratios (HR) for 1-year mortality were calculated. RESULTS: The antifibrotic group exhibited a significantly lower 1-year mortality rate compared to the control group. The survival probability at the end of the study was 84.42% in the antifibrotic group and 69.87% in the control group. The Log-Rank test yielded a p-value of less than 0.001. The hazard ratio was 0.434 (95% CI: 0.264-0.712), indicating a significant reduction in 1-year mortality in the antifibrotic group. Subgroup analysis demonstrated significantly improved 1-year survival in patients receiving nintedanib treatment and during periods when the Wuhan strain was predominant. DISCUSSION: This study is the first to demonstrate a survival benefit of antifibrotic agents in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure. Further research and clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of these antifibrotic agents in the context of COVID-19 and acute respiratory failure.

Optimizing analytical precision in the identification of synthetic cathinones and isomers: a comparative assessment of diverse GC-MS operating parameters.

Analyzing new psychoactive substances (NPSs) in forensic laboratories present a formidable challenge globally. Within illicit drug analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) emerges as a robust analytical tool. This study endeavors to assess and compare peak resolution in the analysis of illicit drugs, specifically focusing on 21 synthetic cathinones, encompassing 9 cathinone isomers. Varied GC-MS operating conditions, including distinct GC-MS columns and thermal gradients, were systematically employed for the simultaneous analysis of these synthetic cathinones. The study utilized HP-1 nonpolar and HP-5MS low-bleed columns to achieve optimal analyte resolution through modulation of GC-MS oven conditions. Mass spectra were meticulously recorded within a mass-to-charge (m/z) range spanning from 40 to 500 in full scan mode. The data showed that the cathinone isomers slightly differed in retention times and mass spectra. The GC oven conditions affected the peak resolution for chromatographic separation even with the same column. The peak resolution improved using a slower thermal gradient heat speed with a prolonged analysis time. Conclusively, the interplay of GC columns and thermal gradients emerged as pivotal factors impacting peak resolution in the analysis of illicit drugs. These empirical insights contribute to a nuanced understanding of peak resolution dynamics and facilitate the identification of synthetic cathinones, including their isomers, in seized materials through the judicious application of GC-MS methodologies.

PS2MS: A Deep Learning-Based Prediction System for Identifying New Psychoactive Substances Using Mass Spectrometry.

The rapid proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) poses significant challenges to conventional mass-spectrometry-based identification methods due to the absence of reference spectra for these emerging substances. This paper introduces PS2MS, an AI-powered predictive system designed specifically to address the limitations of identifying the emergence of unidentified novel illicit drugs. PS2MS builds a synthetic NPS database by enumerating feasible derivatives of known substances and uses deep learning to generate mass spectra and chemical fingerprints. When the mass spectrum of an analyte does not match any known reference, PS2MS simultaneously examines the chemical fingerprint and mass spectrum against the putative NPS database using integrated metrics to deduce possible identities. Experimental results affirm the effectiveness of PS2MS in identifying cathinone derivatives within real evidence specimens, signifying its potential for practical use in identifying emerging drugs of abuse for researchers and forensic experts.

Probing the hair detectability of prohibited substances in sports: an in vivo-in silico-clinical approach and analytical implications compared with plasma, urine, and faeces.

Hair analysis is a crucial method in forensic toxicology with potential applications in revealing doping histories in sports. Despite its widespread use, knowledge about detectable substances in hair is limited. This study systematically assessed the detectability of prohibited substances in sports using a multifaceted approach. Initially, an animal model received a subset of 17 model drugs to compare dose dependencies and detection windows across different matrices. Subsequently, hair incorporation data from the animal experiment were extrapolated to all substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency's List through in-silico prediction. The detectability of substances in hair was further validated in a proof-of-concept human study involving the consumption of diuretics and masking agents. Semi-quantitative analysis of substances in specimens was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results showed plasma had optimal dose dependencies with limited detection windows, while urine, faeces, and hair exhibited a reasonable relationship with the administered dose. Notably, hair displayed the highest detection probability (14 out of 17) for compounds, including anabolic agents, hormones, and diuretics, with beta-2 agonists undetected. Diuretics such as furosemide, canrenone, and hydrochlorothiazide showed the highest hair incorporation. Authentic human hair confirmed diuretic detectability, and their use duration was determined via segmental analysis. Noteworthy is the first-time reporting of canrenone in human hair. Anabolic agents were expected in hair, whereas undetectable compounds, such as peptide hormones and beta-2 agonists, were likely due to large molecular mass or high polarity. This study enhances understanding of hair analysis in doping investigations, providing insights into substance detectability.

Cross-Cultural Adult ADHD Assessment in 42 Countries Using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener.

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed adult ADHD symptoms in a cross-cultural context, including investigating the occurrence and potential correlates of adult ADHD and psychometric examination of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener. METHOD: Our analysis is based on a large-scale research project involving 42 countries (International Sex Survey, N=72,627, 57% women, Mage=32.84; SDage=12.57). RESULTS: The ASRS Screener demonstrated good reliability and validity, along with partial invariance across different languages, countries, and genders. The occurrence of being at risk for adult ADHD was relatively high (21.4% for women, 18.1% for men). The highest scores were obtained in the US, Canada, and other English-speaking Western countries, with significantly lower scores among East Asian and non-English-speaking European countries. Moreover, ADHD symptom severity and occurrence were especially high among gender-diverse individuals. Significant associations between adult ADHD symptoms and age, mental and sexual health, and socioeconomic status were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Present results show significant cross-cultural variability in adult ADHD occurrence as well as highlight important factors related to adult ADHD. Moreover, the importance of further research on adult ADHD in previously understudied populations (non-Western countries) and minority groups (gender-diverse individuals) is stressed. Lastly, the present analysis is consistent with previous evidence showing low specificity of adult ADHD screening instruments and contributes to the current discussion on accurate adult ADHD screening and diagnosis.

Air pollution after acute bronchiolitis is a risk factor for preschool asthma: a nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Acute bronchiolitis and air pollution are both risk factor of pediatric asthma. This study aimed to assess subsequent exposure to air pollutants related to the inception of preschool asthma in infants with acute bronchiolitis. This study aimed to assess subsequent exposure to air pollutants related to the inception of preschool asthma in infants with acute bronchiolitis. METHODS: A nested case-control retrospective study was performed at the Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital systems between 2009 and 2019. The average concentration of PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO, NO2, and NOX was collected for three, six, and twelve months after the first infected episode. Adjusted regression models were employed to evaluate the association between asthma and air pollution exposure after bronchiolitis. RESULTS: Two thousand six hundred thirty-seven children with acute bronchiolitis were included. Exposure to PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO, NO2, and NOX in the three, six, and twelve months following an episode of bronchiolitis was found to significantly increase the risk of preschool asthma in infants with a history of bronchiolitis.(OR, 95%CI: PM10 = 1.517-1.559, 1.354-1.744; PM2.5 = 2.510-2.603, 2.148-3.061; SO2 = 1.970-2.040, 1.724-2.342; ; NO = 1.915-1.950, 1.647-2.272; NO2 = 1.915-1.950, 1.647-2.272; NOX = 1.752-1.970, 1.508-2.252) In a sensitive analysis of hospitalized infants, only PM10, PM2.5, SO2, and NO were found to have significant effects during all time periods. (OR, 95%CI: PM10 = 1.613-1.650, 1.240-2.140; PM2.5 = 2.208-2.286, 1.568-3.061; SO2 = 1.679-1.622, 1.197-2.292; NO = 1.525-1.557, 1.094-2.181) CONCLUSION: The presence of ambient PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NO in the three, six, and twelve months following an episode of acute bronchiolitis has been linked to the development of preschool asthma in infants with a history of acute bronchiolitis.

Morphological and metabolic asymmetries of the thalamic subregions in temporal lobe epilepsy predict cognitive functions.

Both morphological and metabolic imaging were used to determine how asymmetrical changes of thalamic subregions are involved in cognition in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). We retrospectively recruited 24 left-TLE and 15 right-TLE patients. Six thalamic subnuclei were segmented by magnetic resonance imaging, and then co-registered onto Positron emission tomography images. We calculated the asymmetrical indexes of the volumes and normalized standard uptake value ratio (SUVR) of the entire and individual thalamic subnuclei. The SUVR of ipsilateral subnuclei were extensively and prominently decreased compared with the volume loss. The posterior and medial subnuclei had persistently lower SUVR in both TLE cases. Processing speed is the cognitive function most related to the metabolic asymmetry. It negatively correlated with the metabolic asymmetrical indexes of subregions in left-TLE, while positively correlated with the subnuclei volume asymmetrical indexes in right-TLE. Epilepsy duration negatively correlated with the volume asymmetry of most thalamic subregions in left-TLE and the SUVR asymmetry of ventral and intralaminar subnuclei in right-TLE. Preserved metabolic activity of contralateral thalamic subregions is the key to maintain the processing speed in both TLEs. R-TLE had relatively preserved volume of the ipsilateral thalamic volume, while L-TLE had relatively decline of volume and metabolism in posterior subnucleus.

Weight stigma is associated with body mass index among college students in Taiwan: the mediated role of internalized weight stigma.

BACKGROUND: Weight stigma is an issue often studied in Western countries; however, such information is scarce in Asian studies. METHODS: This study aimed to examine the role of internalized weight stigma as a mediator in the relationship between perceived weight stigma and changes in body mass index (BMI). The data were collected through a longitudinal online survey with two phases (n = 974; Phase 1: August and September 2021; Phase 2: November and December 2021). The Perceived Weight Stigma Scale (PWSS), Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ), and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale - 21 (DASS-21) were administered to assess perceived weight stigma, internalized weight stigma, and psychological distress. Hierarchical regressions were used to examine the proposed model, and Hayes' Process Macro was used to test a mediation model. RESULTS: The changes in perceived weight stigma and internalized weight stigma were significantly and positively associated with changes in BMI. There were significant and positive associations between perceived weight stigma, internalized weight stigma and psychological distress over time. Change in internalized weight stigma was found to be a significant mediator in the association of change in perceived weight stigma with change in BMI for the entire sample (unstandardized coefficient = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.06), female subgroup (unstandardized coefficient = 0.05; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.08), and male subgroup (unstandardized coefficient = 0.03; 95% CI = 0.01, 0.06). Change in perceived weight stigma also had significant effects on change in BMI for the entire sample and the female subgroup, but not for the male subgroup. CONCLUSION: Because perceived weight stigma may significantly impact changes in BMI through internalized weight stigma, treatment strategies to ameliorate self-stigma may enhance the results of weight-reduction programs. Such treatment strategies should be considered for inclusion in weight-loss interventions.

Weight stigma is commonly studied in Western countries rather than in Asian ones. To further explore how internalized weight stigma mediates the relationship between perceived weight stigma and the changes in body mass index (BMI), the study collected data through a longitudinal online survey with two phases by applying the Perceived Weight Stigma Scale (PWSS), Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale − 21 (DASS-21) to assess perceived weight stigma, internalized weight stigma, and psychological distress. The changes in perceived and internalized weight stigma were significantly and positively associated with changes in BMI. There were significantly positive associations between perceived weight stigma, internalized weight stigma, and psychological distress over time. Based on the findings, treatment strategies to alleviate self-stigma may enhance the results of weight-reduction programs and should be considered for inclusion in weight-loss interventions.

Combining augmented and virtual reality simulation training to improve geriatric oral care performance in healthcare assistants: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Healthcare assistants (HCAs) are frontline caregivers for older adults. This study evaluated the effectiveness of combining augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to implement oral healthcare simulation training for HCAs. Methods: An experimental design was adopted. HCAs were recruited and randomly assigned to an AR/VR group (n = 40) or a control group (n = 40). The AR/VR group received 2.5 h of AR/VR training. Participants were trained on the Bass brushing technique through AR and on scenario-based oral care procedures for various physical and oral health conditions in older adults through VR. A self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect data before and after the training. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the differences between pretest and posttest results. Results: After the training, the HCAs in the AR/VR group achieved a significantly greater increase in their level of oral care-related knowledge (ß = 2.55, effect size [ES] = 1.62), self-efficacy (ß = 4.23, ES = 0.75), and behavioral intention (ß = 2.10, ES = 0.55) relative to the control group. Conclusion: This study revealed that the application of an AR/VR simulation system can effectively improve the geriatric oral care performance of HCAs.

The Effects of Biologics on Hematologic Malignancy Development in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriasis, or Psoriatic Arthritis: A National Cohort Study.

Biologics are used for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treatment. The association between biologics and the development of hematologic malignancies is controversial, and data on patients with AS, psoriasis, and PsA are scarce. This retrospective cohort study used data from 2010 to 2020 from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Patients with AS, psoriasis, and PsA were divided into a biologics and non biologics group after 1:10 propensity score matching. The hematologic malignancy incidences and the time-/dose-dependent effects on biologics were analyzed by Poisson regression to evaluate the incidence rate ratio (IRR). Of the 4157 biologics users and 38,399 non biologics users included in the study, 10 and 72 persons developed hematologic malignancies, respectively. Biologics only significantly increased the risk of hematologic malignancies in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (IRR: 2.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28-4.80). Different treatment patterns, types of biologics prescribed, cumulative defined daily doses, comorbidities, and comedications did not significantly affect hematologic malignancy development. A significantly increased risk was observed when biologics had been prescribed for 1-2 years (IRR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.14-7.67). Clinical professionals should be aware of a patients' risk of hematologic malignancies during the second year of biologic treatment.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate mediates IL-33 production via aryl hydrocarbon receptor and is associated with childhood allergy development.

Background: Few studies assess cord blood biomarkers to predict prenatal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on the development of allergic diseases later in childhood. IL-33 has been indicated to play an important role in allergic diseases. We evaluated the association of prenatal DEHP exposure and IL-33 in cord blood on the development of allergic diseases. We also investigated the mechanism of DEHP in human lung epithelial cells and asthma animal models. Methods: 66 pregnant women were recruited, and their children followed when they were aged 3 years. Maternal urinary DEHP metabolites were determined using liquid chromatography-electrospray-ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. The effect of DEHP on IL-33 production was investigated in human lung epithelial cells and club cell-specific aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) deficiency mice. ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively, measured the IL-33 cytokine concentration and mRNA expression. Results: The concentrations of maternal urinary DEHP metabolites and serum IL-33 in cord blood with childhood allergy were significantly higher than those in the non-childhood allergy group. DEHP and MEHP could induce IL-33 production and reverse by AhR antagonist and flavonoids in vitro. Enhanced ovalbumin-induced IL-4 and IL-33 production in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by DEHP exposure and suppressed in club cell-specific AhR null mice. Kaempferol has significantly reversed the DEHP effect in the asthma animal model. Conclusions: Cord blood IL-33 level was correlated to childhood allergy and associated with maternal DEHP exposure. IL-33 might be a potential target to assess the development of DEHP-related childhood allergic disease. Flavonoids might be the natural antidotes for DEHP.

Genome-Wide Association Studies for Albuminuria of Nondiabetic Taiwanese Population.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease, which is defined by a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria, imposes a large health burden worldwide. Ethnicity-specific associations are frequently observed in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). This study conducts a GWAS of albuminuria in the nondiabetic population of Taiwan. METHODS: Nondiabetic individuals aged 30-70 years without a history of cancer were enrolled from the Taiwan Biobank. A total of 6,768 subjects were subjected to a spot urine examination. After quality control using PLINK and imputation using SHAPEIT and IMPUTE2, a total of 3,638,350 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) remained for testing. SNPs with a minor allele frequency of less than 0.1% were excluded. Linear regression was used to determine the relationship between SNPs and log urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. RESULTS: Six suggestive loci are identified in or near the FCRL3 (p = 2.56 × 10-6), TMEM161 (p = 4.43 × 10-6), EFCAB1 (p = 2.03 × 10-6), ELMOD1 (p = 2.97 × 10-6), RYR3 (p = 1.34 × 10-6), and PIEZO2 (p = 2.19 × 10-7). Genetic variants in the FCRL3 gene that encode a secretory IgA receptor are found to be associated with IgA nephropathy, which can manifest as proteinuria. The PIEZO2 gene encodes a sensor for mechanical forces in mesangial cells and renin-producing cells. Five SNPs with a p-value between 5 × 10-6 and 5 × 10-5 are also identified in five genes that may have a biological role in the development of albuminuria. CONCLUSION: Five new loci and one known suggestive locus for albuminuria are identified in the nondiabetic Taiwanese population.

Simultaneous Determination and Stability Analysis of Ten New Psychoactive Substances including Synthetic Cathinones, Phenethylamines, and Ketamine Substitutes in Urine Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Knowing the stability of drugs is important to ensure accurate and reliable results of drug concentrations. This study evaluated the stability of ten new psychoactive substances (NPSs) in urine and methanol/water at different storage temperatures. Quantitative analyses were performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Three replicates of each storage condition were analyzed at day 0 and after 7, 14-, 30-, 60-, and 90 days with storage at +25°C, +4°C, and -20°C. For each analyte, the percent difference at each time interval from day 0 was calculated for each storage condition. Para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA), para-methoxymethamphetamine (PMMA), deschloroketamine (DCK), and 2-fluorodeschloroketamine (2-FDCK) were stable in urine, even when stored for 90-day periods at various temperatures. For synthetic cathinones, the concentrations declined over time at room temperature (+25°C) in urine but were relatively stable in methanol solvent with 0.1% formic acid. The significant degradation was found at +25°C, and the most excellent stability was shown by samples stored at -20°C. Phenethylamines (PMA and PMMA) and ketamine substitutes (DCK and 2-FDCK) were relatively more stable than synthetic cathinones (mephedrone, butylone, pentylone, ephylone, 4-MEAPP, and eutylone).

Montelukast Increased IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP via Epigenetic Regulation in Airway Epithelial Cells.

The epithelium-derived cytokines interleukin (IL)-25, IL-33, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) are important mediators that initiate innate type 2 immune responses in asthma. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) are commonly used to prevent asthma exacerbations. However, the effects of LTRAs on epithelium-derived cytokines expression in airway epithelial cells are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of LTRAs on the expression of epithelium-derived cytokines in human airway epithelial cells and to explore possible underlying intracellular processes, including epigenetic regulation. A549 or HBE cells in air-liquid interface conditions were pretreated with different concentrations of LTRAs. The expression of epithelium-derived cytokines and intracellular signaling were investigated by real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blot. In addition, epigenetic regulation was investigated using chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis. The expression of IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP was increased under LTRAs treatment and suppressed by inhaled corticosteroid cotreatment. Montelukast-induced IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP expression were mediated by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways and regulated by histone H3 acetylation and H3K36 and H3K79 trimethylation. LTRAs alone might increase inflammation and exacerbate asthma by inducing the production of IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP; therefore, LTRA monotherapy may not be an appropriate therapeutic option for asthma.

The Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 and the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 in Taiwan: Factor structure and concurrent validity.

Introduction: The most widely used instruments to assess food addiction - the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) and its modified version (mYFAS 2.0) - have not been validated in a Taiwanese population. The present study compared the psychometric properties between the Taiwan versions of YFAS 2.0 and mYFAS 2.0 among university students. Methods: An online survey comprising the YFAS 2.0, mYFAS 2.0, Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) were used to assess food addiction, self-stigma, and physical activity. Results: All participants (n = 687; mean age = 24.00 years [SD ± 4.48 years]; 407 females [59.2%]) completed the entire survey at baseline and then completed the YFAS 2.0 and mYFAS 2.0 again three months later. The results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that the YFAS 2.0 and mYFAS 2.0 both shared a similar single-factor solution. In addition, both the YFAS 2.0 and mYFAS 2.0 reported good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.90 and 0.89), good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.71 and 0.69), and good concurrent validity with the total scores being strongly associated with the WSSQ (r = 0.54 and 0.57; p < 0.01), and less strongly associated with BMI (r = 0.17 and 0.13; p < 0.01) and IPAQ-SF (r = 0.23 and 0.25; p < 0.01). Discussion: Based on the findings, the Taiwan versions of the YFAS 2.0 and mYFAS 2.0 appear to be valid and reliable instruments assessing food addiction.

Application of Edge Computing in Structural Health Monitoring of Simply Supported PCI Girder Bridges.

This study proposes an innovative method for structural health monitoring of simply supported PCI girder bridges based on dynamic strain and edge computing. Field static and dynamic load tests were conducted on a bridge consisting of a span with newly replaced PCI girders and numerous spans with old PCI girders. Both the static and dynamic test results showed that the flexural rigidity of the old PCI girders decreased significantly due to deterioration. To improve the efficiency of on-site monitoring data transmission and data analysis, this study developed a smart dynamic strain gauge node with the function of edge computing. Continuous data with a sampling frequency of 100 Hz were computed at the sensor node. Among the computed results, only the maximum dynamic strain data caused by the passage of the heaviest vehicle within 1 min were transmitted. The on-site monitoring results indicated that under routine traffic conditions, the dynamic strain response of the new PCI girder was smaller than that of the deteriorated PCI girder. When the monitored dynamic strain response has a tendency to magnify, attention should be paid to the potential prestress loss or other deterioration behaviors of the bridge.