Longitudinal Relationships Between Depressive Symptoms and Generalized Anxiety Symptoms in Adolescents: A Cross-Lagged Network Analysis.

The comorbidity of depression and generalized anxiety have raised questions about the existing classification system. Based on the perspective of network analysis, the developmental relationship between psychological symptoms can be explored more clearly. The current study aimed to explore the longitudinal network association of depressive symptoms and generalized anxiety symptoms in non-clinical adolescents. The sample contained 1,947 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 13.93, SD = 1.71; 48.5% girls). Their depression (PHQ-9) and generalized anxiety (GAD-7) symptoms were assessed at baseline (T1) and 6-month follow-up (T2). Data was analyzed using a cross-lagged network analysis. Depressive symptoms and generalized anxiety symptoms were closely related and did not appear to be distinct categories in adolescence. More generalized anxiety symptoms predicted depressive symptoms rather than vice versa. After controlling for gender, and age, "Difficulty relaxing" presented the highest out-expected influence (out-EI) in the network, while "trouble concentrating", and "suicidal ideation" showed the lowest in expected influence (in-EI). Findings suggested that interventions for generalized anxiety symptoms may help reduce depressive symptoms among Chinese adolescents. Specifically, alleviating "difficulty relaxing" may improve overall mental health.

Effect of vacancy defects on transport in all-phosphorene nanoribbon devices from first principles.

Defects in experimentally manufactured phosphorene nanoribbons (PNRs) occur unavoidably, affecting the functionality of PNR-based devices. In this work, we theoretically propose and investigate an all-PNR devices with single-vacancy (SV) defects and double-vacancy (DV) defects along the zigzag direction, accounting for both hydrogen passivation and non-passivation scenarios. We discovered that, in the case of hydrogen passivation, the DV defect can introduce in-gap states, whereas the SV defect can result in p-type doping. The unpassivated hydrogen nanoribbon exhibits an edge state with a considerable influence on the transport properties, which also masks the effect of defects on transport; furthermore, it demonstrates the phenomenon of negative differential resistance, whose occurrence and characteristics depend less on the presence or absence of defects.

Multiprotein Adsorption from Human Serum at Gold and Oxidized Iron Surfaces Studied by Atomic Force Microscopy and Polarization-Modulation Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy.

Multiprotein adsorption from complex body fluids represents a highly important and complicated phenomenon in medicine. In this work, multiprotein adsorption from diluted human serum at gold and oxidized iron surfaces is investigated at different serum concentrations and pH values. Adsorption-induced changes in surface topography and the total amount of adsorbed proteins are quantified by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and polarization-modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS), respectively. For both surfaces, stronger protein adsorption is observed at pH 6 compared to pH 7 and pH 8. PM-IRRAS furthermore provides some qualitative insights into the pH-dependent alterations in the composition of the adsorbed multiprotein films. Changes in the amide II/amide I band area ratio and in particular side-chain IR absorption suggest that the increased adsorption at pH 6 is accompanied by a change in protein film composition. Presumably, this is mostly driven by the adsorption of human serum albumin, which at pH 6 adsorbs more readily and thereby replaces other proteins with lower surface affinities in the resulting multiprotein film.

Effect of Surface Hydrophobicity on the Adsorption of a Pilus-Derived Adhesin-like Peptide.

Bacterial colonization of abiotic surfaces such as those of medical implants, membrane filters, and everyday household items is a process of tremendous importance for public health. Bacteria use adhesive cell surface structures called adhesins to establish contact with abiotic surfaces. Among them, protein filaments called type IV pili are particularly important and found in many Gram-negative pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Understanding the interaction of such adhesin proteins with different abiotic surfaces at the molecular level thus represents a fundamental prerequisite for impeding bacterial colonization and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. In this work, we investigate the interaction of a synthetic adhesin-like peptide, PAK128-144ox, derived from the type IV pilus of P. aeruginosa with hydrophilic and hydrophobic self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Using a combination of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), and spectroscopic investigations, we find that PAK128-144ox has a higher affinity for hydrophobic than for hydrophilic surfaces. Additionally, PAK128-144ox adsorption on the hydrophobic SAM is furthermore accompanied by a strong increase in α-helix content. Our results show a clear influence of surface hydrophobicity and further indicate that PAK128-144ox adsorption on the hydrophobic surface is enthalpically favored, while on the hydrophilic surface, entropic contributions are more significant. However, our spectroscopic investigations also suggest aggregation of the peptide under the employed experimental conditions, which is not considered in the MD simulations and should be addressed in more detail in future studies.

Long Noncoding RNA SPRY4-IT1 Modulates Ketamine-Induced Neurotoxicity in Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neurons through EZH2.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether long noncoding RNA sprouty receptor tyrosine kinase signaling antagonist 4-intronic transcript 1 (SPRY4-IT1) is involved in the regulation of ketamine-induced neurotoxicity. METHODS: Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were induced into neurons in vitro and treated with ketamine. Apoptosis and neurite degeneration assays were used to determine ketamine-induced neurotoxicity and qRT-PCR to determine SPRY4-IT1 expression. SPRY4-IT1 was downregulated in hESC-induced neurons to examine its regulation on ketamine-induced neurotoxicity. The correlation between enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and SPRY4-IT1 was also examined. EZH2 was upregulated in SPRY4-IT1-downregualted hESC-induced neurons to further examine its participation in SPRY4-IT1-mediated ketamine neurotoxicity. RESULTS: Ketamine-induced dose-dependent apoptosis, neurite degeneration, and SPRY4-IT1 upregulation in hESC-induced neurons. Lentivirus-mediated SPRY4-IT1 downregulation protected ketamine neurotoxicity. EZH2 expression was positively correlated with SPRY4-IT1 in hESC-induced neurons. EZH2 overexpression markedly reversed the protective effects of SPRY4-IT1 knockdown on ketamine neurotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: SPRY4-IT1 is involved in anesthesia-induced neurotoxicity, possibly through the regulation on EZH2 gene.

[Assessment of left ventricular twist in type 2 diabetes mellitus by using two-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking imaging].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the left ventricular twist characteristics in patients with type 2 diabetes by using two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (STI). METHODS: Ninety-three patients with type 2 diabetes admitted in Zhejiang Hospital from May 2012 to September 2013 were enrolled. According to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), patients were divided into two groups: normal left ventricular systolic function group (group A, LVEF≥0.50, n=46) and abnormal left ventricular systolic function group (group B, LVEF <0.50, n=47). Forty-six healthy subjects were selected as normal controls. STI was applied to quantitatively analyze the left ventricular twist. Correlation of the peak of left ventricular twist angle (Peaktw), aortic valve closure time twist angle (AVCtw), and mitral valve opening time twist angle (MVOtw) with LVEF, Tei index, E/A, and E/e was evaluated. Consistency check for STI was conducted to assess its stability and reliability. RESULTS: The Peaktw, AVCtw, and MVOtw in group A were significantly elevated than those in normal controls (P<0.05). The Peaktw, AVCtw, and MVOtw in group B was lower than those in normal controls and group A (P<0.05). In diabetic patients, the Peaktw, AVCtw, MVOtw were positively correlated with LVEF (r=0.968, 0.966, 0.938;P<0.05) and E/A (r=0.798, 0.790, 0.788; P<0.05), and were negatively correlated with Tei index (r=-0.834, -0.811, -0.797; P<0.05) and E/e (r=-0.823, -0.805, -0.771; P<0.05). The agreement between measurers and within measurers of Peaktw was satisfactory (between measurers: R=0.957, bias=-0.1, 95% consistency limit=-2.8-2.7; within measurer: R=0.964, bias=-0.2, 95% consistency limits=-2.7-2.2). CONCLUSION: STI can be used for early recognition of abnormal changes of cardiac function in type 2 diabetic mellitus patients, with high stability and reliability.

Knowledge mapping and research trends on perioperative neurocognitive disorder from 1990 to 2022: a bibliometric analysis.

Introduction: Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) has attracted consistently increasing attention worldwide. However, there are few bibliometric studies that systematically evaluate this field. This study aimed to visualize the knowledge structure and research trends in PND through bibliometrics to help understand the future development of basic and clinical research. Methods: Literature related to PND in Web of Science and PubMed from 1990 to 2022 were collected through keywords retrospectively. Additionally, the source information, citation information, etc. of these publications were extracted. Finally, bibliometric analysis was performed by visualization software and statistical software. Results: There were 2837 articles and reviews in total. An exponential rise in PND-related publications was observed. China had the most publication, followed by the US and Germany. The institution with the most output and citations was Harvard University (149 papers, 8966 citations). The most prominent author was Marcantonio Edward R with 66 publications and 5721 citations. The journal with the highest productivity for PND research was Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience followed by Anesthesia and Analgesia. Keywords were identified as six topics, including postoperative delirium, postoperative neurocognitive disorder, cardiac surgery, anaesthesia, orthopedic surgery, and dementia. According to keyword analysis, the most recent popular keywords in PND research were prevention, older patients, emergence delirium, orthopedic surgery, and dexmedetomidine. Conclusions: Publications on PND are increasing at an alarming rate from 1990 to 2022. Current research and future trends will concentrate on the prevention and treatment of PND, as well as PND associated with orthopedic surgery in older adults.

[Two-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking imaging in detection of myocardial torsion for patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application of two-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking imaging (STI) in assessment of myocardial torsion and left ventricular function for patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease (CPHD). METHODS: Thirty six patients with CPHD and 38 normal subjects were enrolled in the study,and STI examinations were performed. The left ventricular short-axis views (mitral level,apical level) were observed,the rotation angles of the standardized time point were measured at each short-axis views and the corresponding left ventricular torsion angles were calculated. Simultaneously, the basal rotation peak, apical rotation peak, left ventricular twist peak, end-systolic basal rotation value, end-systolic apical rotation value and end-systolic left ventricular twist value were recorded. The correlations of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with left ventricular torsion peak, end-systolic left ventricular twist value in patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared to normal controls, the basal rotation peak, apical rotation peak, left ventricular twist peak, end-systolic basal rotation value, end-systolic apical rotation value and end-systolic left ventricular twist value were significantly lower (P<0.01) in CPHD patients. The LVEF was highly correlated with left ventricular twist peak and end-systolic left ventricular twist value in CPHD patients (r=0.967, 0.952,P<0.001). CONCLUSION: STI is sensitive to detect left ventricular myocardial torsion change; left ventricular torsion peak and end-systolic left ventricular twist value can be used to assess the left ventricular function in patients with CPHD.

Posttraumatic stress symptoms and posttraumatic growth in Chinese adolescents after tornado: Cross-lagged panel network analysis.

BACKGROUND: Existing literature has yielded mixed results regarding the relationships between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG). The recent network analysis provided opportunities to investigate the associations between PTSS and PTG on a more fine-grained level. Previous cross-sectional network analyses were unable to address the directionality of the temporal relationships between components of PTSS and PTG. Therefore, the current study aimed to model cross-lagged network of components of PTSS and PTG with longitudinal data to unveil the direction of their relationships. METHOD: A sample of 202 adolescents (Mage = 14.36, 38% boys) who survived the Yancheng tornado were assessed with the Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS) and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) at 9, 12, and 18 months following the tornado. Two cross-lagged panel networks were examined to model the temporal associations between components of PTSS and PTG. RESULTS: The T1-T2 Network was much denser than the T2-T3 Network. The majority of cross-cluster edges were directed from PTSS to PTG. Interestingly, two major components of PTSS, Avoidance and Intrusion shared vastly different relationships with PTG. While Intrusion positively predicted components of PTG, Avoidance exhibited negative predictive value on PTG. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted the differential relationships that Intrusion and Avoidance shared with the PTG components, suggesting that interventions could benefit from mitigating avoidance and incorporating intrusion into positive change. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Could the pulp be preserved in tooth with root resorption caused by embedded tooth?

Background/purpose: At present, there are no recognized guidelines or consensus for the treatment strategy of the asymptomatic tooth with external root resorption caused by an embedded tooth (et-ERR). Most clinicians would like prophylactic or concomitant root canal therapy (RCT) along with the extraction of the embedded tooth. The purpose of this study was to report the prognosis of external root resorption (ERR) and investigate the possibility to preserve the vital pulp of ERR tooth. Materials and methods: The patients who had asymptomatic et-ERR teeth were included. After extraction of the embedded tooth, the clinical process, prognosis, and adverse events were observed, including symptoms, clinical, and radiographic examination throughout the follow-up period. Results: A total of four cases with special features were reported. Over a follow-up period of up to 12 months, on clinical examination, 3 ERR teeth preserved pulp vitality without additional intervention except for tooth extraction and have kept normal function free from any symptoms. Radiographic examination showed bone regeneration and recovery of periodontal tissue. While one case failed to keep the vital pulp and ended in intentional replantation. Conclusion: As to et-ERR, if the embedded tooth can be promptly extracted with a minimally invasive technique and effective infection control, the pulp vitality of the et-ERR tooth is likely to be preserved. In this situation, the preferred management of asymptomatic et-ERR tooth is just followed up without prophylactic RCT.

Heterogeneous Ni-Co phosphide/phosphate with a specific hollow sea-urchin-like structure for high-performance hybrid supercapacitor and alkaline zinc-metal battery applications.

Constructing well-defined nanostructures consisting of the multiple components with distinctive features are a promising but challenging strategy to develop advanced electroactive materials for energy storage applications. Herein, heterogeneous Ni-Co phosphide/phosphate with a specific hollow sea-urchin-like structure has been synthesized as advanced electroactive materials for both hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) and alkaline zinc-metal battery (AZB) applications. The heterogeneous Ni-Co phosphide/phosphate combines the merits of improved electrolyte interfacial property from the specific hollow sea-urchin-like structure, high electron-conductivity of phosphide, and better ion adsorption and solid diffusion property of phosphate. As a result, the Ni-Co phosphide/phosphate achieves a high capacity to 180.7 mA h g-1 at 1 A g-1, excellent rate capability of 51% capacity retention when the specific current increases by 50 times, and stable cycling stability of 85% capacity retention when cycled for 1000 cycles. Ex situ test was conducted to investigate the formation mechanism for the hollow and sea-urchin-like structure, which can be ascribed to the anion exchange reaction between pre-formed hydroxide and CO32- ions. When used to assemble HSCs with reduced graphene oxide (RGO), the HSCs exhibit a high specific energy of 49.4 W h kg-1, an ultrahigh specific power to 11.7 kW kg-1, and an eminent cycling stability over 10,000 cycles. Meanwhile, Ni2Co-P/POx-based AZB also achieves both high-energy and high-power performance with the specific energy of 308.0 W h kg-1 at 828.4 W kg-1 and 117.4 W h kg-1 at 30.8 kW kg-1. These results above suggest that heterogeneous Ni-Co phosphide/phosphate has great potential to be used as a candidate for both HSC and AZB applications.

Deficiency of immune-responsive gene 1 exacerbates interleukin-1beta-elicited the inflammatory response of chondrocytes via enhancing the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.

Immune-responsive gene 1 (IRG1) is a multifunctional protein that mediates inflammatory responses in numerous pathological conditions. However, whether IRG1 has a relevance with osteoarthritis remains unaddressed. The inflammatory response of chondrocytes contributes to the progression of osteoarthritis. This study focused on assessing the functional link between IRG1 and interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß)-elicited the inflammatory response of chondrocytes. The expression levels of IRG1 increased markedly in osteoarthritis cartilage compared to normal healthy cartilage. IRG1 level also increased after IL-1ß stimulation in chondrocytes. The knockdown of IRG1 exacerbated IL-1ß-elicited apoptosis and degradation of the extracellular matrix in chondrocytes. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation evoked by IL-1ß stimulation was enhanced in IRG1-deficient chondrocytes. Importantly, restraint of the NLRP3 inflammasome was able to diminish IRG1-deficiency-amplified effects on IL-1ß-stimulated chondrocytes. Additionally, the supplement of itaconate could ameliorate IL-1ß-induced the inflammatory response of chondrocytes and reverse any IRG1-deficiency-induced effects. Altogether, our findings document a vital role for IRG1/itaconate in settling the inflammatory response of chondrocytes via effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Establishing Reference Values for Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Subsets of Healthy Children in China Using a Single Platform.

Lymphocyte subsets significantly change during childhood; thus, age-matched reference values derived from healthy children are crucial. We established reference values for lymphocyte subsets, including T cells (CD3+), CD4 T cells (CD3 + CD4+), CD8 T cells (CD3 + CD8+), double negative T (DNT) cells (CD3 + CD4-CD8-), B cells (CD3-CD19+), NK cells (CD3-CD56+), and NKT-like cells (CD3 + CD56+) in the peripheral blood of 813 healthy children. We used the method of the international standard document (Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute C28-A3) to establish reference intervals with a single platform. First, we used the Skewness and Kurtosis test to analyze the normality of the data. The nonnormally distributed data was transformed into approximately normal distribution by the Box-Cox transformation. Second, we used the Tukey's method to eliminate outliers. Further, all the subjects were grouped into subgroups according to sex (male and female) and age (0-1 month, 2-12 months, 1-3 years, 4-6 years, and 7-18 years). We used the standard normal deviation test (Z-test) to evaluate whether age and sex were possible grouping factors. The analyses indicated age to be an important factor associated with changes in lymphocyte subsets. The absolute number of lymphocyte subsets and total number of lymphocytes, T cells, CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, and B cells gradually increase from birth to 12 months and then gradually decrease with age. Furthermore, CD4 T cells and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ gradually decrease with age. In contrast, CD8 T and DNT cells gradually increase with age. The percentage and number of NK and NKT-like cells gradually increase with age and remain stable between 1 and 18 years of age. In conclusion, the age-related reference intervals established in healthy children in this study can aid in monitoring and assessing the changes in immune levels in diseased conditions.

Effect of water-oil ratio on the photocatalytic performance of visible light-active BiVO4 nanoparticles prepared by inverse microemulsion-calcination method.

Nowadays, nano-photocatalysts (NPs) have become the research focus in the field of photocatalysis due to their excellent photocatalytic activity, and microemulsion is an effective method to prepare high-efficiency nano-photocatalysts. Here, BiVO4 NPs with high efficiency under visible light were prepared by a combination of reverse microemulsion method and calcination method. XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, DRS, PL, BET and other characterization tests were used to comprehensively explore the influence of water-oil ratio on the physicochemical properties of the catalysts. The results show that BiVO4 NPs of monoclinic scheelite with high crystallization degree can be obtained by this method. The microscopic morphology, specific surface area and total pore volume of BiVO4 NPs are significantly affected by the water-oil ratio. It is difficult to obtain BiVO4 NPs with small particle size and uniform dispersion under the condition of too low or too high water-oil ratio. Meanwhile, the photogenerated carrier recombination efficiency of the catalyst is significantly improved, thus reducing the photocatalytic activity of the catalyst. Strikingly, the BiVO4 NPs obtained under the condition of water-oil ratio is 20 exhibited well-dispersed nanospheres with diameters ranging from 80 to 100 nm. It has the highest photocatalytic activity due to its high crystallinity, large specific surface area and total pore volume and relatively low photogenerated carrier recombination efficiency. Under visible light irradiation, the degradation efficiency of RhB can reach 97.69% in 100 min, and the rate constant is 0.03253 min-1.

FeMn with Phases of a Degradable Ag Alloy for Residue-Free and Adapted Bioresorbability.

The development of bioresorbable materials for temporary implantation enables progress in medical technology. Iron (Fe)-based degradable materials are biocompatible and exhibit good mechanical properties, but their degradation rate is low. Aside from alloying with Manganese (Mn), the creation of phases with high electrochemical potential such as silver (Ag) phases to cause the anodic dissolution of FeMn is promising. However, to enable residue-free dissolution, the Ag needs to be modified. This concern is addressed, as FeMn modified with a degradable Ag-Calcium-Lanthanum (AgCaLa) alloy is investigated. The electrochemical properties and the degradation behavior are determined via a static immersion test. The local differences in electrochemical potential increase the degradation rate (low pH values), and the formation of gaps around the Ag phases (neutral pH values) demonstrates the benefit of the strategy. Nevertheless, the formation of corrosion-inhibiting layers avoids an increased degradation rate under a neutral pH value. The complete bioresorption of the material is possible since the phases of the degradable AgCaLa alloy dissolve after the FeMn matrix. Cell viability tests reveal biocompatibility, and the antibacterial activity of the degradation supernatant is observed. Thus, FeMn modified with degradable AgCaLa phases is promising as a bioresorbable material if corrosion-inhibiting layers can be diminished.

A Solution-Processed Inorganic Emitter with High Spectral Selectivity for Efficient Subambient Radiative Cooling in Hot Humid Climates.

Daytime radiative cooling provides an eco-friendly solution to space cooling with zero energy consumption. Despite significant advances, most state-of-the-art radiative coolers show broadband infrared emission with low spectral selectivity, which limits their cooling temperatures, especially in hot humid regions. Here, an all-inorganic narrowband emitter comprising a solution-derived SiOx Ny layer sandwiched between a reflective substrate and a self-assembly monolayer of SiO2 microspheres is reported. It shows a high and diffusive solar reflectance (96.4%) and strong infrared-selective emittance (94.6%) with superior spectral selectivity (1.46). Remarkable subambient cooling of up to 5 °C in autumn and 2.5 °C in summer are achieved under high humidity without any solar shading or convection cover at noontime in a subtropical coastal city, Hong Kong. Owing to the all-inorganic hydrophobic structure, the emitter shows outstanding resistance to ultraviolet and water in long-term durability tests. The scalable-solution-based fabrication renders this stable high-performance emitter promising for large-scale deployment in various climates.

Black pepper and vegetable oil-based emulsion synergistically enhance carotenoid bioavailability of raw vegetables in humans.

This study demonstrated the combination of black pepper and a canola oil-based emulsion synergistically enhanced carotenoid bioavailability of raw vegetables in humans. In a randomized crossover design, healthy young adults consumed (1) vegetable salad (control), (2) salad with canola oil emulsion (COE), (3) salad with black pepper (BP), and (4) salad with canola oil emulsion and black pepper (COE + BP). COE + BP led to a higher AUC0-10h of total plasma carotenoids (p < 0.0005) than the control (6.1-fold), BP (2.1-fold), and COE (3.0-fold). COE + BP increased AUC0-10h of plasma lutein, α-carotene, ß-carotene, and lycopene by 4.8, 9.7, 7.6, and 5.5-fold than the control, respectively (p < 0.0001). COE + BP produced a significant synergy in increasing both Cmax and AUC0-10h of total carotenoids, α-carotene, ß-carotene, and lycopene. Moreover, COE + BP produced a stronger enhancement on AUC0-10h of total carotenoids, α-carotene, ß-carotene, and lycopene in females than in males.

Phonemes matter: the role of phoneme-level awareness in emergent Chinese readers.

The importance of phonological awareness for learning to read may depend on the linguistic properties of a language. This study provides a careful examination of this language-specific theory by exploring the role of phoneme-level awareness in Mandarin Chinese, a language with an orthography that, at its surface, appears to require little phoneme-level insight. A sample of 71 monolingual Mandarin-speaking children completed a phonological elision task and a measure of single-character reading. In this sample, 4- and 5-year-old preschoolers were unable to complete phoneme-level deletions, whereas 6- to 8-year-old first graders were able to complete initial, final, and medial phoneme-level deletions. In this older group, performance on phoneme deletions was significantly related to reading ability even after controlling for syllable- and onset/rime-level awareness, vocabulary, and Pinyin knowledge. We believe that these results reopen the question of the role of phonological awareness in reading in Chinese and, more generally, the nature of the mechanisms underlying this relationship.