Abstract
The highly reactive nature of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the basis for widespread use in environmental and health-related fields. Conventionally, there are only two kinds of catalysts ...used for ROS generation: photocatalysts and piezocatalysts. However, their usage has been limited due to various environmental and physical factors. To address this problem, herein, we report thermoelectric materials, such as Bi
2
Te
3
, Sb
2
Te
3
, and PbTe, as thermocatalysts which can produce hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
) under a small surrounding temperature difference. Being the most prevalent environmental factors in daily life, temperature and related thermal effects have tremendous potential for practical applications. To increase the practicality in everyday life, bismuth telluride nanoplates (Bi
2
Te
3
NPs), serving as an efficient thermocatalyst, are coated on a carbon fiber fabric (Bi
2
Te
3
@CFF) to develop a thermocatalytic filter with antibacterial function. Temperature difference induced H
2
O
2
generation by thermocatalysts results in the oxidative damage of bacteria, which makes thermocatalysts highly promising for disinfection applications. Antibacterial activity as high as 95% is achieved only by the treatment of low-temperature difference cycles. The current work highlights the horizon-shifting impacts of thermoelectric materials for real-time purification and antibacterial applications.
To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mABs) for outpatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ...ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) databases were searched from inception to July 19, 2021. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the clinical efficacy and safety of neutralizing mABs in the treatment of COVID‐19 outpatients were included. The Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool was used to assess the quality of the included RCTs. The primary outcome was the risk of COVID‐19‐related hospitalization or emergency department (ED) visits. The secondary outcomes were the risk of death and adverse events (AEs). Five articles were included, in which 3309 patients received neutralizing mAB and 2397 patients received a placebo. A significantly lower rate of hospitalization or ED visits was observed among patients who received neutralizing mABs than those who received a placebo (1.7% vs. 6.5%, odds ratios (OR): 0.26; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.19–0.36; I2 = 0%). In addition, the rate of hospitalization was significantly lower in the patients who received neutralizing mABs than in the control group (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.17−0.34; I2 = 0%). The mortality rate was also significantly lower in the patients who received neutralizing mABs than in the control group (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.05−0.58; I2 = 3%). Neutralizing mABs were associated with a similar risk of any AE (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.64–1.01; I2 = 52%) and a lower risk of serious AEs (OR: 0.37; 97% CI: 0.19–0.72; I2 = 45%) compared with a placebo. Neutralizing mABs can help reduce the risk of hospitalization or ED visits in COVID‐19 outpatients. For these patients, neutralizing mABs are safe and not associated with a higher risk of AEs than a placebo.
Highlights
Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mABs) decreased risk of hospitalization or emergence department visits in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outpatients.
Neutralizing mABs reduced mortality in COVID‐19 outpatients.
Neutralizing mABs had no increased risk of any adverse events (AEs) and lower risk of serious AEs.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Few studies have investigated the extension of the technology acceptance model (TAM) of mobile‐assisted language learning (MALL) by incorporating psychological influence factors. We aimed to ...determine the factors affecting the continued adoption of MALL by college‐age students of English as a foreign language (EFL). We extended the TAM by adding psychological constructs from action control theory and the concept of intrinsic motivation. Data from a large‐scale survey of 557 Taiwanese college EFL students recruited through online convenience sampling were analysed through structural equation modelling. The results revealed that the significant predictors of behavioural intention were its antecedents. Three crucial psychological factors, namely nonpreoccupation, nonhesitation, and nonvolatility, significantly predicted behavioural intention. Perceived ubiquity value, tasks, and mobile self‐efficacy were strong predictors of intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation significantly predicted behavioural intention through perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Finally, perceived ease of use had a moderate effect on behavioural intention through perceived usefulness. The satisfactory explanatory power of the extended model was indicated by the explained variance (R2) of 80% for behavioural intention. This extended TAM may contribute to the long‐term development of MALL.
Practitioner notes
What is already known about this topic
Mobile technology has been widely adopted to enhance language learning. However, few studies have investigated individuals' adoption of mobile‐assisted language learning (MALL).
Factors affecting users' behavioural intention to accept an information system have been researched extensively.
The technology acceptance model (TAM) has been extensively used to investigate users' acceptance of different technology in various contexts.
What this paper adds
This study extended the TAM by incorporating psychological factors to predict the behavioural intention of learners to continue using mobile technology in language learning.
The three action‐oriented psychological antecedents (nonpreoccupation, nonhesitation, and nonvolatility) used in the model significantly predicted EFL college learners' behavioural intention to continue using mobile devices for language learning.
One major factor (intrinsic motivation) significantly affected continued behavioural intention to engage in MALL through perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness.
Implications for practice and/or policy
Teachers should incorporate various warm‐ups, collaborative activities, and positive feedback from others to MALL tasks to reduce feelings of negativity for state‐oriented learners and increase willingness to accept MALL for action‐oriented learners.
Teachers and developers of MALL systems can promote its acceptance by prioritising usable interfaces and enjoyable, challenging tasks in the design of MALL systems to increase learners' intrinsic motivation and perceptions of usefulness and ease of use.
Technical guidance, clear and brief operation orientation sessions, and immediate support should be offered to assist learners in engaging in MALL tasks.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract
Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful technique that reveals the spatial distribution of various molecules in biological samples, and it is widely used in pathology‐related research. ...In this review, we summarize common MSI techniques, including matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization and desorption electrospray ionization MSI, and their applications in pathological research, including disease diagnosis, microbiology, and drug discovery. We also describe the improvements of MSI, focusing on the accumulation of imaging data sets, expansion of chemical coverage, and identification of biological significant molecules, that have prompted the evolution of MSI to meet the requirements of pathology practices. Overall, this review details the applications and improvements of MSI techniques, demonstrating the potential of integrating MSI techniques into next‐generation pathology practices.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Introduction
The large interpatient variability in the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of recombinant Factor VIII (rFVIII) observed in haemophilia A hinders efficient and cost‐beneficial prophylactic ...regimen initiation. Identification of factors influencing the PK of rFVIII may shed more light on personalised treatment.
Aim
This study aimed to develop a population PK model in the Taiwanese haemophilia A and evaluate the current national health insurance (NHI) reimbursement guidelines of Taiwan for haemophilia treatment.
Methods
A population PK analysis was established based on 69 Taiwanese with moderate or severe haemophilia A. A nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling (NONMEM®) was used to estimate PK parameters and their variabilities. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed to evaluate different prophylactic regimens.
Results
A two‐compartment model with first‐order elimination best described the rFVIII data. Weight‐based allometric scaling was related to clearance and central volume of distribution. Blood type and baseline von Willebrand factor (VWF) were significant covariates for clearance. For single dose simulations, a time achieving target level (> 1 IU/dL) was associated with increasing rFVIII dose and VWF level. The multiple dose simulations showed that > 96.4% of patients with high VWF level (> 200%) had predicted trough level > 1 IU/dL for all dosing regimens (15‐40 IU/kg, two to three times weekly). However, for twice weekly dosing, lower percentage (47.62‐62.20%) of patients with blood group O and low VWF level (< 50%) achieved a predicted trough level > 1 IU/dL.
Conclusion
The population PK of rFVIII was successfully developed. Dose adjustment based on blood type and VWF level should be considered.
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DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The tuning of CdSe quantum dot (QDs) sizes, and consequently their corresponding two‐photon absorption (TPA) cross section, has been systematically investigated. As the size (diameter) of the quantum ...dots increases, the TPA cross section is found to be empirically related via a power‐law proportionality of 3.5±0.5 and 5.6±0.7 to the diameters of CdSe and CdTe QDs, respectively. The results are tentatively rationalized via a theoretical model of two‐photon excitation properties in a system incorporating excitons and defects.
Double crossed! The size‐dependent, two‐photon absorption (TPA) cross section of CdSe and CdTe quantum dots (QDs) is investigated using both experimental and theoretical approaches. For CdSe (4.8 nm) and CdTe (5.4 nm) QDs, the TPA cross sections were measured to be as high as ≈10 000 and 8000 GM, respectively (see image). This correlation is important as these QD materials are being increasingly used for two‐photon fluorescence biomicroscopy. (GM: Göppert‐Mayer unit, 1 GM=10−50 cm4 s photon−1.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was to analyze and evaluate the impact of prematurity and accelerated weight gain on the risk of childhood and adolescent ...obesity. CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched until December 2019 which yielded 19 studies with a total of 169,439 children enrolled were systematically reviewed. The results revealed that preterm infants had a greater likelihood of childhood obesity (defined as BMI ≥95th percentile for age-sex), than term infants (OR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.13, 1.26). However, no difference of childhood obesity was found between "small for gestational age"(SGA) and "appropriate for gestational age"(AGA) among preterms. Accelerated weight gain (defined as weight gain velocity during first two years after birth) significantly increased the likelihood of subsequent childhood obesity among preterms (aOR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.57, 2.231). In conclusion, accelerated weight gain at infancy among preterm children may be a critical contributor to obesity in later life. Establishing optimal growth trajectories and timely referral to health care providers may be of clinical importance.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Previous studies on Extensive Reading Programs (ERPs) have reached positive conclusions, namely, that an ERP for language learners is effective in improving their linguistic abilities related to ...reading and promoting their motivation and attitudes toward reading. Current mobile devices, even though suitable for reading, have not yet been applied to develop language learners' linguistic proficiency and affective abilities in any ERP. The aim of the present study was to address this gap in literature by investigating the effects of using mobile tablet PCs in an online ERP on adolescent English learners' online activities, reading ability and users' perceptions. Two intact classes taught by a same English teacher in a senior high school in Taiwan were recruited to participate in a ten-week online ERP. One class was assigned to the mobile group reading their assignments on their tablet PCs and the other, the PC group, reading theirs on desktop PCs. During the online ERP, each class dedicated one class period every week for in-class reading and the participants in both classes were encouraged to read as many as possible after the class period. The results favored the mobile group who not only outperformed the PC group in online activities and reading achievement but also showed greater appreciation of the online ERP than their PC counterparts. The study also proposed two directions for future studies on mobile-assisted reading. They included learners' studying textbooks and their reading strategies on mobile devices.
•Mobile integration in an online English extensive reading program is effective.•Mobile tablets help EFL adolescents engage in online activities more than desktops.•Mobile tablets help EFL adolescents improve reading skills more than desktops.•Mobile tablets help EFL adolescents perceive appreciation more than desktops.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
This study cross-validated the factor structure of the Self-Stigma Scale-Short (SSS-S) in a cohort of patients with mental illness in southern Taiwan. The measurement invariance of the SSS-S factor ...structure across mental illness and gender was also examined.
The sample consisted of 161 patients with schizophrenia (51.6% males; mean age ± SD = 40.53 ± 10.38 years) and 189 patients with other mental illnesses (34.9% males; mean age = 46.52 ± 11.29 years).
The internal reliability (total score: α = 0.948) and concurrent validity (r = 0.335 to 0.457 with Depression and Somatic Symptoms Scale; r = -0.447 to -0.556 with WHOQOL-BREF) of the SSS-S were both satisfactory, and the results verified that the factor structure in our Taiwan sample (RMSEA = 0.0796, CFA = 0.992) was the same as that of the Hong Kong population. In addition, the results supported the measurement invariance of the SSS-S across mental illness (ΔRMSEAs = -0.0082 to -0.0037, ΔCFAs = 0.000) and gender (ΔRMSEAs = -0.0054 to -0.0008, ΔCFAs = -0.001 to 0.000).
Future studies can use the SSS-S to compare self-stigma between genders and between patients with different kinds of mental illnesses.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
•A single dose of ketamine infusion reduces TNF-α levels at 40 min and 240 min postinfusion.•There is a positive correlation between changes in cytokine levels after ketamine infusion and ...improvements in depressive symptoms.•The rapid suppression of proinflammatory cytokines may contribute to the rapid antidepressant effect of the ketamine infusion.
Increasing evidence supports the rapid antidepressant effect of a low-dose ketamine infusion in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Proinflammatory cytokines play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of TRD. However, it is unknown whether the rapid antidepressant effect of ketamine is related to the rapid suppression of proinflammatory cytokines. Seventy-one patients with TRD were randomized into three groups according to the treatment received: 0.5 mg/kg ketamine, 0.2 mg/kg ketamine, and normal saline infusion. Proinflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were examined at baseline and at 40 min, 240 min, Day 3, and Day 7 postinfusion. Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) was assessed for depressive symptoms across time. Log-transformed IL-6 and TNF-α levels differed significantly over time. The decrease in TNF-α between baseline and 40 min postinfusion was positively correlated with a decrease in MADRS scores across time in the 0.5 mg/kg ketamine group. This is the first clinical study to support a positive correlation between changes in cytokine levels after ketamine infusion and improvements in depressive symptoms with TRD. The rapid suppression of proinflammatory cytokines may contribute to the rapid antidepressant effect of the ketamine infusion.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
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