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Acrolein is an identified high-priority hazardous air pollutant ubiquitous in daily life and associated with cardiometabolic risk that attracts worldwide attention. However, the etiology role of acrolein exposure in glucose dyshomeostasis and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is unclear. This repeated-measurement prospective cohort study included 3522 urban adults. Urine/blood samples were repeatedly collected for determinations of acrolein metabolites (N-acetyl-S-(3-hydroxypropyl)-l-cysteine, N-acetyl-S-(2-carboxyethyl)-l-cysteine; acrolein exposure biomarkers), glucose homeostasis, and T2D at baseline and a three-year follow-up. We found that each 3-fold increment in acrolein metabolites was cross-sectionally associated with 5.91–6.52% decrement in homeostasis model assessment-insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IS) and 0.07–0.14 mmol/L, 4.02–4.57, 5.91–6.52, 19–20, 18–19, and 23–31% increments in fasting glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FPI), HOMA-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), risks of prevalent IR, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and T2D, respectively; longitudinally, participants with sustained-high acrolein metabolite levels had increased risks of incident IR, IFG, and T2D by 63–80, 87–99, and 120–154%, respectively (P< 0.05). In addition, biomarkers of heme oxygenase-1 activity (exhaled carbon monoxide), lipid peroxidation (8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α), protein carbonylation (protein carbonyls), and oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine) mediated 5.00–38.96% of these associations. Our study revealed that acrolein exposure may impair glucose homeostasis and increase T2D risk via mediating mechanisms of heme oxygenase-1 activation, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and oxidative DNA damage.

Objective Identifying precise biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC) detection and management remains challenging. Here, we developed an innovative prognostic model for CRC using cuproptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs).Methods In this retrospective study, CRC patient transcriptomic and clinical data were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs were identified and used to develop a prognostic model, which helped categorize patients into high- and low-risk groups. The model was validated through survival analysis, risk curves, independent prognostic analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, decision curves, and nomograms. In addition, we performed various immune-related analyses. LncRNA expression levels were examined in normal human colorectal epithelial cells (FHC) and CRC cells (HCT-116) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).Results Six cuproptosis-related lncRNAs were identified: ZKSCAN2-DT, AL161729.4, AC016394.1, AC007128.2, AL137782.1, and AC099850.3. The prognostic model distinguished between high-/low-risk populations, demonstrating excellent predictive ability for survival outcomes. Immunocorrelation analysis showed significant differences in immune cell infiltration and functions, immune checkpoint expression, and m6A methylation-related genes. The qPCR results showed significant upregulation of ZKSCAN2-DT, AL161729.4, AC016394.1, AC007128.2 in HCT-116 cells, while AL137782.1 and AC099850.3 expression patterns were significantly downregulated.Conclusion Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs can potentially serve as reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for CRC.

Southeastern (SE) Yunnan is a major Sn polymetallic province of China, with the Dulong large Sn-Zn polymetallic deposit (in the Laojunshan orefield) being one of the most representative deposits. Our recent work had first identified helvine- group minerals in this deposit. These minerals mainly occur in massive sphalerite ores, and coexist with sphalerite, pyrrhotite, biotite, talc, cassiterite, and fluorite. Raman spectroscopic, X‑ray difraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopic (SEM), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) analyses indicate that these helvine-group minerals are oscillatory-zoned helvine-danalite. Both the helvine and danalite zones are mixed with varying proportion of the other helvine-group end-member, and our studies indicate that the oscillatory zoning was formed mainly by periodic fluctuations of the fluid physicochemical conditions (notably fS2and fO2), but less related to the variation of the fluid Mn, Fe, and Zn contents. The helvine zone was likely formed in a higher fS2but lower fO2environment than the danalite zone. In this study, we present the first LA-ICP-MS in situ trace element data for the helvine-danalite minerals from Dulong, and the results indicate that the helvine has considerably high contents and a wide range of trace elements. The helvine is rich in Ca, Al, Sc, and Y, while the danalite is rich in Sn and P (reaching thousands of parts per million). Such trace element enrichments are likely controlled by their respective ionic size and chalcophile behavior.

In the process of operation, firms will face different types of performance pressure. The inconsistency among multiple performance pressure signals has an important impact on resource allocation and R&D investment. However, at present, studies on the impact of multiple performance pressures on the firm’s resource allocation and R&D investment are very limited, and few studies have analyzed the impact of inconsistencies among multiple performance pressure signals on the firm’s R&D investment. Given this research gap, this article empirically tested a model from the perspective of behavioral agency theory, in which inconsistency in long- and short-term performance pressure facilitates the accumulation of organizational slack. We further test the impact of an increase in organizational slack on the firms’ R&D investment intensity and find that this effect is stronger when the level of managerial ownership is comparatively low. These results together indicate that high inconsistency in performance pressure and low managerial ownership jointly facilitate the accumulation of organizational slack, enabling firms to go beyond local search and have more slack searches in the face of multiple performance pressure, which is conducive to an increase in R&D investment.JEL CLASSIFICATION: M10.

To investigate the effect of nano carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (nano CFRP) on retrofitting reinforced concrete (RC) structures, this article presented the progressive collapse performance of two half-scale four-bay RC frames including one control specimen S1 and specimen S2 with nano CFRP retrofitting beam ends. The progressive collapse performance was discussed by comparing crack patterns, failure mode, load–displacement curves, horizontal displacement, strains, and rotational and energy dissipation capacity. The test results demonstrated that nano CFRP did not change the ductile beam-hinge failure mode, but improved the load-bearing capacity and ductility efficiently, and postpone shear failure of the joint core region obviously. Due to the insufficient development of plastic hinges limited by nano CFRP, S2 failed to enter catenary action, which revealed its own defects in anti-progressive collapse. It was shown that the retrofitting strategy using nano CFRP can substantially improve the mechanical characteristics and implement the strong column-weak beam failure mode.

Silicosis is a scarring lung disease caused by inhaling fine particles of crystalline silica in the workplace of many industries. Due to the lack of effective treatment and management, the continued high incidence of silicosis remains a major public health concern worldwide, especially in the developing countries. Till now, related molecular mechanisms underlying silicosis are still not completely understood. Multiple pathways have been reported to be participated in the pathological process of silicosis, and more complex signaling pathways are receiving attention. The activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway has been recognized to control some functions in the cell. Recent studies have identified that the ERK signaling pathway contributes to the formation and development of silicosis through regulating the processes of oxidative stress, inflammatory response, proliferation and activation of fibroblasts, epithelial–mesenchymal transformation, autophagy, and apoptosis of cells. In this review article, we summarize the latest findings on the role of ERK signaling pathway in silica-induced experimental models of silicosis, as well as clinical perspectives.

Objective The OpenVigil database can be used to assess medications that may cause supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and to produce a reference for their safe use in clinical settings.Methods We analyzed first-quarter data from 2004 to 2023, obtained by searching the OpenVigil database using the keyword “supraventricular tachycardia.” Trade names and generic names were obtained by querying the RxNav database, and the proportions were summarized. The proportionate reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio, and chi-square values were also summarized. We created Asahi diagrams and set the screening criteria to drug events ≥30, PRR >2, and chi-square >4. Outcomes were evaluated using the Side Effect Resource database, several scientific literature databases, and the Hangzhou Yiyao Rational Medication System.Results A total of 2435 distinct medications were found to induce SVT between the first quarter of 2004 and 2023, leading to 22,375 documented adverse events related to SVT. Further investigation revealed that salbutamol, paroxetine, formoterol, paclitaxel, venlafaxine, and theophylline were most likely to cause SVT.Conclusion We conducted signal mining of adverse drug events using the OpenVigil database and evaluated the six drugs most likely to cause SVT. The results of this research can serve as a drug safety reference in the clinic.

Liquid metals are widely applied in various fields, including chemistry, catalysis, energy storage, chemical sensing, and stretchable electronics, due to their unique deformabilities. However, their behavior under a rod or ring electrode has never been analyzed. Furthermore, research on the deformation behavior of eutectic Ga–In (EGaIn), the most commonly used Ga-based liquid metal, under electric fields of varying intensities and shapes is lacking. Therefore, investigating the deformation behavior of liquid metals under electric fields is expected to contribute to the accurate regulation of their morphologies. To this end, herein, an electrochemical device was fabricated using EGaIn, and experiments were conducted by adjusting the potential and the cathode shape. Further, the mechanism of the deformation was analyzed in detail. When a potential was applied, EGaIn droplets deformed into fractal dendrites under circular, polygonal, and nonpolygonal electric fields. Dendrite symmetry was influenced by the cathode shape, as the resulting electric fields varied in shape. The results of this study will aid in precisely controlling the behaviors of LMs and their alloys using electric fields. This topic is suitable for upper-division undergraduates who possess a basic understanding of electrochemistry. Through these experiments, students may explore the effects of potential on the morphology of EGaIn and analyze experimental phenomena such as electrowetting, dendrite formation, and surface oxidation, thereby developing a preliminary understanding of interfacial tension and electrocapillarity. Additionally, these experiments encourage undergraduates to actively participate in laboratory work, which helps foster their enthusiasm for chemistry.

China has been continuously improving its monitoring methods and strategies to address key infectious diseases (KIDs). After the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic in 2003, China established a comprehensive reporting system for infectious diseases (IDs) and public health emergencies. The relatively lagging warning thresholds, limited warning information, and outdated warning technology are insufficient to meet the needs of comprehensive monitoring for modern KIDs. Strengthening early monitoring and warning capabilities to enhance the public health system has become a top priority, with increasing demand for early warning thresholds, information, and techniques, thanks to constant innovation and development in molecular biology, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, and other identification and analysis technologies. A panel of 31 experts has recommended a fourth-generation comprehensive surveillance system targeting KIDs (41 notifiable diseases and emerging IDs). The aim of this surveillance system is to systematically monitor the epidemiology and causal pathogens of KIDs in hosts such as humans, animals, and vectors, along with associated environmental pathogens. By integrating factors influencing epidemic spread and risk assessment, the surveillance system can serve to detect, predict, and provide early warnings for the occurrence, development, variation, and spread of known or novel KIDs. Moreover, we recommend comprehensive ID monitoring based on the fourth-generation surveillance system, along with a data-integrated monitoring and early warning platform and a consortium pathogen detection technology system. This series of considerations is based on systematic and comprehensive monitoring across multiple sectors, dimensions, factors, and pathogens that is supported by data integration and connectivity.This expert consensus will provides an opportunity for collaboration in various fields and relies on interdisciplinary application to enhance comprehensive monitoring, prediction, and early warning capabilities for the next generation of ID surveillance. This expert consensus will serve as a reference for ID prevention and control as well as other related activities.

BackgroundAs the epidemic of COVID-19 is gradually controlled in China, a summary of epidemiological characteristics and interventions may help control its global spread.MethodsData for COVID-19 cases in Hubei Province (capital, Wuhan) was extracted until 7 March 2020. The spatiotemporal distribution of the epidemic in four periods (before 10 January, 10–22 January, 23 January–6 February and 7 February–7 March) was evaluated, and the impacts of interventions were observed.ResultsAmong 67 706 COVID-19 cases, 52 111 (76.97%) were aged 30–69 years old, and 34 680 (51.22%) were women. The average daily attack rates (95% CI) were 0.5 (0.3 to 0.7), 14.2 (13.2 to 15.1), 45.7 (44.0 to 47.5) and 8.6 (7.8 to 9.3) cases per 106people in four periods, and the harmonic means (95% CI) of doubling times were 4.28 (4.01 to 4.55), 3.87 (3.78 to 3.98), 5.40 (4.83 to 6.05) and 45.56 (39.70 to 52.80) days. Compared with the first period, daily attack rates rose rapidly in the second period. In the third period, 14 days after 23 January, the daily average attack rate in and outside Wuhan declined by 33.8% and 48.0%; the doubling times increased by 95.0% and 133.2%. In the four periods, 14 days after 7 February, the daily average attack rate in and outside Wuhan decreased by 79.1% and 95.2%; the doubling times increased by 79.2% and 152.0%.ConclusionsThe public health interventions were associated with a reduction in COVID-19 cases in Hubei Province, especially in districts outside of Wuhan.

Little is known about the different risk of silicosis in metal mines and pottery factories. We aimed to compare the silicosis risks among silica-exposed workers in different industrial circumstances.

Alveolar macrophage (AM) injury and inflammatory response are key processes in pathological damage caused by silica. However, the role of triiodothyronine (T3) in silica-induced AM oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial apoptosis remained unknown. To investigate the possible effects and underlying mechanism of T3 in silica-induced macrophage damage, differentiated human acute monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) were exposed to different silica concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL) for 24 h. Additionally, silica-activated THP-1 macrophages were treated with gradient-dose T3 (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 nM) for 24 h. To illuminate the potential mechanism, we used short hairpin RNA to knock down the thyroid hormone receptor α (TRα) in the differentiated THP-1 macrophages. The results showed that T3 decreased lactate dehydrogenase and reactive oxygen species levels, while increasing cell viability and superoxide dismutase in silica-induced THP-1 macrophages. In addition, silica increased the expression of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and T3 treatment reduced those pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion. Compared with silica-alone treated groups, cells treated with silica and T3 restored the mitochondrial membrane potential loss and had reduced levels of cytochrome cand cleaved caspase-3 expressions. Lastly, we observed that TRα-knockdown inhibited the protective effects of T3 silica-induced THP-1 macrophages. Together, these findings revealed that T3 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for protection against silica-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and mitochondrial apoptosis, which are mediated by the activation of the T3/TRα signal pathway.

Background Heavy metals were related to increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, potential mechanisms under such associations remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the mediating role of mean platelet volume in the associations between heavy metals exposure and 10-year ASCVD risk.Method Urinary heavy metals and mean platelet volume were measured in 3081 adults from the Wuhan-Zhuhai cohort in China. The associations between urinary heavy metals, mean platelet volume and 10-year ASCVD risk were separately analyzed through generalized linear models and logistic regression models. Mediation analyses were conducted to assess the role of mean platelet volume in the associations between urinary heavy metals and 10-year ASCVD risk.Results After adjusting for potential confounders, 10-year ASCVD risk was positively associated with urinary iron (odds ratio (OR) = 1.142, 95% confidence interval (1.038–1.256)), copper (OR = 1.384 (1.197–1.601)), zinc (OR = 1.520 (1.296–1.783)), cadmium (OR = 1.153 (0.990, 1.342)) and antimony (OR = 1.452 (1.237–1.704)), and negatively related with urinary barium (OR = 0.905 (0.831–0.985)). Also, we found significant dose–response relationships between urinary iron, zinc, antimony and mean platelet volume, as well as between mean platelet volume and 10-year ASCVD risk (all pfor trends < 0.05). Furthermore, mediation analyses indicated that mean platelet volume mediated 17.55%, 6.15% and 7.38% of the associations between urinary iron, zinc, antimony and 10-year ASCVD risk, respectively (all pvalue < 0.05).Conclusions Elevated concentrations of urinary iron, copper, zinc, cadmium and antimony were associated with increased risk of 10-year ASCVD. Mean platelet volume partially mediated the associations of urinary iron, zinc and antimony with 10-year ASCVD risk.

For seeking new types of two-dimensional (2D) materials based on honeycomb borophene, honeycomb borophene fragments stabilized by Li atoms in sandwich molecules are found theoretically. This is based on our understanding on the hexagonal B6ring with two-electron deficiency and Li atoms as suitable electron donors. In these sandwich molecules, each hexagonal B6ring unit of honeycomb borophene fragments is sandwiched between two Li atoms, forming stable sandwich lithium salts due to electron transfer from Li atoms to the borophene fragment. In the sandwich lithium salts, the middle planar layer of honeycomb borophene fragment polyanions is sandwiched between two Li+layers. Owing to the large size effect, the lithium salt (7Li)7+B2414–(7Li)7+including the planar polyanion sheet B2414–with a high valence of −14 can serve as an electron reservoir unusually exhibiting two different behaviors of the electron donor and electron acceptor. Furthermore, material property calculations show that this 2D sandwich lithium salt (Li2B2sheet) is demonstrated to be thermally and mechanically stable. Remarkably, the Li2B2sheet is not only a metal 2D material with a Dirac cone but also an intrinsic superconductor with the superconducting transition temperature Tc≈ 6.2 K. This work provides a new potential two-dimensional material for practical application.

BackgroundExposure to zinc was suggested to be associated with pulmonary damage, but whether zinc exposure affects lung function remains unclear.ObjectivesTo quantify the association between urinary zinc and lung function and explore the potential mechanisms.MethodsUrinary zinc and lung function were measured in 3917 adults from the Wuhan-Zhuhai cohort and were repeated after 3 years of follow-up. Indicators of systemic inflammation (C reactive protein), lung epithelium integrity (club cell secretory protein-16) and oxidative damage (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and 8-isoprostane) were measured at baseline. Linear mixed models were used to estimate the exposure–response relationship between urinary zinc and lung function. Mediation analyses were conducted to assess mediating roles of inflammation and oxidative damage in above relationships.ResultsEach 1-unit increase in log-transformed urinary zinc values was associated with a 35.72 mL decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC) and a 24.89 mL decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in the baseline analyses. In the follow-up analyses, there was a negative association between urinary zinc and FVC among participants with persistent high urinary zinc levels, with an estimated change of −93.31 mL (95% CI −178.47 to −8.14). Furthermore, urinary zinc was positively associated with restrictive ventilatory impairment. The mediation analyses suggested that C reactive protein mediated 8.62% and 8.71% of the associations of urinary zinc with FVC and FEV1, respectively.ConclusionUrinary zinc was negatively associated with lung function, and the systemic inflammation may be one of the underlying mechanisms.

In this era of Internet of Things (IoT), a variety of battery-powered devices communicate with each other or some remote gateways via wireless multihop communications. Although Wi-Fi has been shown to be of great benefit to a wide range of IoT applications due to its high data rate, high reliability, and native IP compatibility, it is inherently energy-hungry and potentially suffers from a dilemma: more (less) frequent use of Wi-Fi results in shorter (longer) delay but higher (lower) energy consumption. This dilemma becomes the major obstacle in the use of Wi-Fi in long-term but delay-bounded IoT applications. To address this, we propose a bidirectional cross-interface scheduling (BCS) scheme, which leverages the widely used low-power ZigBee to collaborate with the high data rate and reliable Wi-Fi for sustainable and reliable end-to-end (E2E) data delivery in IoT. The objective is to maximize network lifetime while satisfying certain required E2E delay bound. Extensive simulations and testbed experiments have been conducted. The results show that the network lifetime of BCS is 33.4% and 346.9% longer than those of a state-of-the-art scheme and the IEEE 802.11's standard power-saving scheme with the default settings, respectively.

Aims This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between sleep duration, sleep quality and hyperlipidemia in middle-aged and older Chinese.Methods We included 20,712 individuals at baseline from September 2008 to June 2010, and they were followed-up until October 2013. Hyperlipidemia was defined according to the Chinese guidelines on the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia in adults. Sleep duration was self-reported and sleep quality was evaluated with a questionnaire that was designed according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were conducted to explore the associations.Results In the cross-sectional analyses, longer sleep duration (≥10 h) was significantly associated with higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia (odds ratio (OR) = 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–1.35) after adjusting for potential confounders. The ORs of hyperlipidemia were significantly elevated among participants with impaired sleep quality (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.08–1.22) and poor sleep quality (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.08–1.34) when compared to those with good sleep quality. In the longitudinal analyses, compared to participants with a sleep duration of 7–<8 h, those with a sleep duration of 9–<10 h (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.04–1.35) and ≥10 h (HR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.02–1.58) showed significantly higher risk of hyperlipidemia after adjusting for potential confounders. However, no statistically significant association was found between impaired or poor sleep quality and hyperlipidemia.Conclusions Longer sleep duration was significantly associated with higher risk of hyperlipidemia. Impaired or poor sleep quality were associated with elevated prevalence of hyperlipidemia, but not with the incidence of hyperlipidemia.

Global incidence and temporal trends of asbestosis are rarely explored. Using the detailed information on asbestosis from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017, we described the age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) and its average annual percentage change. A Joinpoint Regression model was applied to identify varying temporal trends over time. Although the use of asbestos has been completely banned in many countries, the ASIR of asbestosis increased globally from 1990 to 2017. Furthermore, the most pronounced increases in ASIR of asbestosis were detected in high-income North America and Australasia. These findings indicate that efforts to change the asbestos regulation policy are urgently needed.

The goal of this study was to enhance the absorption efficiency of walnut peptides (WPs) by employing an enteric-coated pellet formulation. Firstly, defatted walnut meal hydrolysate (DWMH) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were mixed with sodium caprate to prepare the core pellets by extrusion/spheronization. The granulation process was optimized by a single-factor experiment and used to obtain uniform and spherical core pellets with a high yield of 74.3%. Afterwards, enteric coating of the core pellets was conducted using a bottom-spray fluid-bed coater. The in vitro release study of the optimum product showed that less than 10% of WPs were released from the enteric-coated pellets in simulated gastric fluid after 2 h, and complete release of WPs was achieved in simulated intestinal fluid after 45 min. Moreover, the bioactivity of WPs was retained following absorption from the enteric-coated formulation. Finally, the absorption efficiency of WPs from DWMH-loaded enteric-coated pellets was investigated in rats using an in situ intestinal perfusion experiment. It was revealed that the enteric-coated pellet formulation can significantly enhance the intestinal absorption of WPs. In conclusion, enteric coating of the pellets and co-delivery of an absorption enhancer could be an effective strategy for producing oral formulations of bioactive peptides.

An innovative bolt-connected precast concrete (PC) shear wall structural system has recently been proposed for middle and high-rise buildings in seismic regions. As a further research step, this paper aims to investigate the seismic behavior of PC coupled shear wall with different types of dissipative coupling beams. The quasi-static cyclic tests on two PC coupled shear wall specimens with friction-based coupling beam (FCB) and yielding-based coupling beam (YCB) were conducted. Moreover, nonlinear finite element models of the specimens were established and validated with the experimental results. The results demonstrated that the proposed dissipative coupling beams can effectively couple the wall panels in elastic field, whilst they can sustain large plastic deformation adding to the structural assembly a relevant source of energy dissipation under thresholded actions. Whilst the specimen with YCB exhibited large overstrength in plastic field, the specimen with FCB provided a more stable plateau capacity associated to enhanced deformation capacity, ductility and energy dissipation. Moreover, the FCB resulted practically undamaged and immediately reusable at the end of the test, whilst the YCB was found highly plasticized and locally torn. In addition, the detailed finite element models of the test specimens accurately predicted the experimental behavior.

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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal tumor with poor prognosis. Ferroptosis is a pivotal form of programmed iron-dependent cell death different from autophagy and apoptosis, and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) can influence the prognosis of CRC via regulating ferroptosis. To explore the role and prognostic value of the constructed ferroptosis-related lncRNA model in CRC, a prognostic model was constructed and validated by screening ferroptosis-related lncRNAs associated with prognosis based on the transcriptome data and survival data of CRC patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Regarding the established prognostic models, differences in signaling pathways and immune infiltration, as well as differences in immune function, immune checkpoints, and N6-methyladenosine-related genes were also analyzed. A total of 6 prognostic ferroptosis-related lncRNAs were obtained, including AP003555.1, AC010973.2, LINC01857, AP001469.3, ITGB1-DT and AC129492.1. Univariate independent prognostic analysis, multivariate independent prognostic analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves showed that ferroptosis-related lncRNAs could be recognized as independent prognostic factors. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves and the risk curves showed that the survival time of the high-risk group was shorter. Gene set enrichment analysis enrichment analysis showed that ATP-binding cassette transporters, taste transduction and VEGF signaling pathway were more active in high-risk groups that than in low-risk groups. However, the citrate cycle tricarboxylic acid cycle, fatty acid metabolism and peroxisome were significantly more active in the low-risk group than in the high-risk group. In addition, there were also differences in immune infiltration in the high-low-risk groups based on different methods, including antigen-presenting cell co-stimulation, chemokine receptor, parainflammation, and Type II IFN Response. Further analysis of Immune checkpoints showed that most of the Immune checkpoints such as TNFRSF18, LGALS9 and CTLA4 in the high-risk group were significantly higher than those in the low-risk group, and the expressions of N6-methyladenosine related genes METTL3, YTHDH2 and YTHDC1 were also significantly different in the high-risk group. Ferroptosis-related lncRNAs are closely related to the survival of colorectal cancer patients, which can be used as new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for the prognosis of colorectal cancer.

A new kind of functional gradient material (FGM) based on engineering cementitious composites (ECC) and normal concrete (NC) was proposed in this study. This material offers enhanced crack control while minimizing ECC consumption. Foremost, uniaxial compression tests were carried out on single-layer NC-ECC composites featuring varying ECC volume fractions (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%). These tests yield an elastic modulus formula, E(y), for the NC-ECC composite. Subsequently, based on the E(y) formula, a 5-layer NC-ECC FGM is designed, with each sub-layer having distinct ECC volume fractions. This is contrasted with pure ECC and 2-layer NC-ECC specimens for reference. The study concludes with an analysis of the failure patterns, load-displacement curves, and elastic moduli of the NC-ECC FGM. The results demonstrate consistent performance trends of elastic modulus in single-layer NC-ECC composite specimens, confirming the feasibility of employing a functional gradient between NC and ECC. Utilizing the formula E(y) derived from single-layer NC-ECC, the ECC volume fractions in the 5-layer NC-ECC FGM are computed as 100%, 86.89%, 68.13%, 41.55%, and 0% for each layer. Importantly, the NC-ECC FGM exhibits a failure mode resembling ECC specimens, with primary cracks not extending along interfacial layers. In contrast, 2-layer NC-ECC specimens experience cracking along interfacial boundaries. The compressive strength of NC-ECC FGM surpasses that of ECC specimens by 1.42 times while retaining ECC-like ductility, showcasing a 25.85% improvement over 2-layer NC-ECC. The findings from this study provide valuable insights for the design and subsequent engineering applications of functional gradient materials.

Using a new method of η5-Li and η6-Mg atoms capping the faces of the classical fullerene-like borospherene TdB40, we theoretically predict an exohedral metalloborospherene TdMg10Li12&B40molecule. Remarkably, a newfangled endoexo cage isomerism is proposed. Further, embedding Mg atoms in the TdB40cage forms endohedral derivatives. Due to the intramolecular pull–push electron transfer relay, these obtained molecules possess unequal multilayered and alternant spherical charge distribution. The outer is an excess electron layer, bringing a molecular nonlinear switch character and an electron reservoir behavior with strong electron-donating and -accepting abilities. The middle (Mg2+)10(Li+)12and the outer layers together constitute an electric double layer, presenting the behavior of a molecular capacitor where the electronic charge–discharge process occurs in the outer excess electron layer. The inner part is an empty cage B4026–with a strong negative electric field. The valence electrons of the embedded Mg atoms are transformed into new excess electrons and added in the outer excess electron layer, also exhibiting the charging behavior of the molecular capacitor. Considering the chemical reaction in the inner cage, the embedded Mg atom is ionized, forming an Mg2+cation and 2e under the strong negative electric field; meanwhile, 2e is powerfully pushed into the outer excess electron layer. This chemical process shows a generalized Coulomb explosion, and thus the exohedral metalloborospherene molecules with cage B4026–may act as molecular reactors. The new species mark the genesis of classical fullerene-like borospherene chemistry and stimulate their applications in molecular nonlinear optical and nanoelectronics.

Toxicologic studies have reported propylene oxide (PO) exposure may harm the respiratory system, but the association between PO exposure and lung function and potential mechanism remains unclear.

•This is the first study investigating the association of variants in MSC genes and DNA damage level.•Subjects were from three cities with different exposure level and a meta-analysis across the three cities was used.•We evaluate the joint effects of SNPs on DNA damage levels in each of the city.•We provide plausible explanation for the results using public database.

ABSTRACTThe H7N9 influenza virus causes a severe form of disease in humans. Neuraminidase inhibitors, including oral oseltamivir and injectable peramivir, are the first choices of antiviral treatment for such cases; however, the clinical efficacy of these drugs is questionable. Animal experimental models are essential for understanding the viral replication kinetics under the selective pressure of antiviral agents. This study demonstrates the antiviral activity of peramivir in a mouse model of H7N9 avian influenza virus infection. The data show that repeated administration of peramivir at 30 mg/kg of body weight successfully eradicated the virus from the respiratory tract and extrapulmonary tissues during the acute response, prevented clinical signs of the disease, including neuropathy, and eventually protected mice against lethal H7N9 influenza virus infection. Early treatment with peramivir was found to be associated with better disease outcomes.

•Subjects were from three cities and we used a meta-analysis across the three cities.•We evaluate the contribution of SNPs to DNA damage levels with PM2.5exposure.•We defined the genetic variants consistently associated with DNA damage levels.•Further evidence that H2AX is closely related to PM2.5-modulated DNA damage levels.

Evidence from epidemiological studies suggested that shorter and longer duration of nocturnal sleeping may increase the risk of hypertension for older adults. Little is known about the duration of midday nap on the variability of blood pressure among older adults. In this study, we examined whether duration of habitual midday nap is associated with level of blood pressure or the risk of hypertension in a middle-aged and older Chinese population.

Re‐characterization of Some Factors Influencing Aerosol Sampling in the Workplace: Results from Field Studies: Fengxia HU, et al. Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China— Workplace aerosol sampling is challenged by its influencing factors and methodological limitations. Some factors, including blank setting, electrostatic effect, sample mass gain, and limit of detection (LOD), were studied to characterize them further and thereby to improve the sampling method. Through a field sampling in two shipyards and by an analysis of a large amount of dust data from different industries, the influencing factors were comparatively studied with emphasis on their effect on the final result. After calibration with field blanks, the concentrations of most sample types in the shipyards decreased significantly, varying by as much as −24.3% of the final measurements. After laboratory blank calibration, dust concentrations increased or decreased without a definite change trend. With a variation of −1.8%, only the measurements of Chinese “total dust” sampled with polypropylene filters were significantly influenced by the electrostatic effect. The LOD coincidence rate was only 17.3% for American respirable dust in different industries and 12.2% for respirable particles collected by normal flow rate samplers (FSP2) in the shipyards. The latter increased to 73.9% when high flow samplers (FSP10) were used. It was suggested that field blank calibration was the predominant influencing factor in comparison with electrostatic effect and laboratory blank adjustment. The LOD coincidence rate was too low for reliable sampling, and this might be improved by use of high flow samplers.

The association between crystalline silica exposure and risk of heart disease mortality remains less clear.

Comparison of High‐resolution Computerized Tomography with Film‐screen Radiography for the Evaluation of Opacity and the Recognition of Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis: Jingcai XING, et al. Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China— Current diagnostic standards of pneumoconiosis, which is the most serious occupational disease in China, are based on film‐screen radiography (FSR). However, parenchymal structure overlap limits the sensitivity of FSR in the clinic. High‐resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) has the advantage of identifying nodular pulmonary parenchymal changes. In this study, we aimed to compare HRCT and FSR for recognition of the profusion of small opacities, opacity shape and opacity coalescence in coal miners with or without radiographic evidence of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) and evaluate the possible role of HRCT in CWP diagnosis. There were 96 coal miners with radiographic evidence of CWP, 67 coal miners without CWP and 37 healthy controls in this study. FSR and HRCT images for all subjects were interpreted separately by three readers. Crude agreement and Kappa values were calculated to evaluate the agreement between the two methods. The overall agreement for CWP evaluation was good (crude agreement rate=87.1%, κ=0.72, 95% CI: 0.62−0.83) between FSR and HRCT in all coal miners. The sensitivity of HRCT for CWP diagnosis was 96.9% (93/96). We observed that 18 of the 67 (26.9%) miners negative for CWP by FSR were classified as category 1 by HRCT according to the lung parenchyma profusion category system reported by Bérgin et al. The difference in the profusion scores between CWP subjects and healthy controls for HRCT scans were statistically significantly higher than those for FSR. HRCT was more sensitive than FSR in recognition of the profusion of small opacities among coal miners. More research is needed to evaluate the role of HRCT in early diagnosis of CWP.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents in Canada and globally. The purpose of our study was to calculate what proportion of adolescent suicide attempts could be prevented in the absence of verbal, physical, and sexual violence. Using the province-wide 2008 British Columbia Adolescent Health Survey (N= 29,315) we calculated population-attributable fractions for each type of violence, as well as exposure to any violence, separately by gender, among adolescents age 12–19. We found violence victimization is implicated in the majority of suicide attempts. Focusing on violence prevention may be an important strategy for reducing suicide among young people.

Silicosis is a fibrotic lung disease caused by inhalation of free crystalline silicon dioxide or silica. Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust particles occurs in many industries. Phagocytosis of crystalline silica in the lung causes lysosomal damage, activating the NALP3 inflammasome and triggering the inflammatory cascade with subsequent fibrosis. Impairment of lung function increases with disease progression, even after the patient is no longer exposed. Diagnosis of silicosis needs carefully documented records of occupational exposure and radiological features, with exclusion of other competing diagnoses. Mycobacterial diseases, airway obstruction, and lung cancer are associated with silica dust exposure. As yet, no curative treatment exists, but comprehensive management strategies help to improve quality of life and slow deterioration. Further efforts are needed for recognition and control of silica hazards, especially in developing countries.

This study examined enacted stigma and problem substance use among Asian sexual minority youth and the buffering role of protective factors. Logistic regression analyses of a weighted sample of 5,423 Asian youth who completed the 2003 BC Adolescent Health Survey indicated that sexual minority youth were more likely to be victimized compared to heterosexual peers. Furthermore, protective factors, such as involvement in extracurricular activities or healthy connections to peers or school, reduced the likelihood of problem substance use, even among stigmatized youth. The study highlights the need to create safe, supportive school and community environments for Asian sexual minority adolescents.

Formation of composites of dextran-coated Fe3O4nanoparticles (NPs) and graphene oxide (Fe3O4-GO) and their application as T2-weighted contrast agent for efficient cellular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are reported. Aminodextran (AMD) was first synthesized by coupling reaction of carboxymethyldextran with butanediamine, which was then chemically conjugated to meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinnic acid-modified Fe3O4NPs. Next, the AMD-coated Fe3O4NPs were anchored onto GO sheets via formation of amide bond in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC). It is found that the Fe3O4-GO composites possess good physiological stability and low cytotoxicity. Prussian Blue staining analysis indicates that the Fe3O4-GO nanocomposites can be internalized efficiently by HeLa cells, depending on the concentration of the composites incubated with the cells. Furthermore, compared with the isolated Fe3O4NPs, the Fe3O4-GO composites show significantly enhanced cellular MRI, being capable of detecting cells at the iron concentration of 5 μg mL–1with cell density of 2 × 105cells mL–1, and at the iron concentration of 20 μg mL–1with cell density of 1000 cells mL–1.

A regenerative absorption process for removal of SOxfrom FCC off-gas using LAS/H2SO4solution as absorbant was studied and pilot-plant experiments were carried out. A mass transferreaction model for the SO2absorption process was established based on pilot-plant experiments, and the concentration distribution of components in the liquid film, and the partial pressure and mass transfer rate of SO2along the height of the absorption tower, was calculated from this model. The numerical simulation results were compared with the experimental results and proved that the model can be used for describing the SO2absorption process.

OBJECTIVE To study the effect of myopia and spectacle wear on bicycle-related injuries in rural Chinese students. Myopia is common among Chinese students but few studies have examined its effect on daily activities. METHODS Data on visual acuity, refractive error, current spectacle wear, and history of bicycle use and accidents during the past 3 years were sought from 1891 students undergoing eye examinations in rural Guangdong province. RESULTS Refractive and accident data were available for 1539 participants (81.3%), among whom the mean age was 14.6 years, 52.5% were girls, 26.8% wore glasses, and 12.9% had myopia of less than −4 diopters in both eyes. More than 90% relied on bicycles to get to school daily. A total of 2931 accidents were reported by 423 participants, with 68 requiring medical attention. Male sex (odds ratio, 1.55; P &lt; .001) and spectacle wear (odds ratio, 1.38; P = .04) were associated with a higher risk of accident, but habitual visual acuity and myopia were unassociated with the crash risk, after adjusting for age, sex, time spent riding, and risky riding behaviors. CONCLUSION These results may be consistent with data on motor vehicle accidents implicating peripheral vision (potentially compromised by spectacle wear) more strongly than central visual acuity in mediating crash risk.Arch Ophthalmol. 2009;127(6):776-783--

Low nucleotide excision repair (NER) capacity has been associated with increased risk of lung cancer. Excision repair cross-complementing group 1 (ERCC1) is one of the NER core enzymes, and polymorphisms in ERCC1may lead to altered repair function of the enzyme and therefore confer predisposition to cancer. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that common variants in ERCC1were associated with lung cancer risk.

Epidemiological research has demonstrated the relationship between exposure to quartz dust and an elevated risk of pneumoconiosis and possible elevated risk of cancer. The current study was designed to evaluate the biological responses of workplace particles containing crystalline silica using an in vitrocell test. Respirable particle samples were sampled from four tin mines, where the standardized mortality ratio SMR for pneumoconiosis was 51.6 and SMR for lung cancer was 2.2 in dust-exposed miners. Alveolar macrophages AM are considered as the target cells for primary dust effects. The samples were then measured at 15, 30, 60 and 120 μg particle per 106AM for cytoxicity with the release of glucuronidase, lactate dehydrogenase, for reactive oxygen damage with H2O2release, and for ability to induce fibrosis using the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha TNF-α. Pure quartz DQ12 and corundum were used as controls. The results showed the samples from tin mines caused a higher cytoxicity when compared to corundum, yet lower when compared to quartz. However, reactive oxygen species release 148–177 nmol3 × 105AM in high concentration of 120 μg106AM induced by the samples were significantly higher than that induced by quartz 57 nmol3 × 105AM and corundum 62 nmol3 × 105AM. Furthermore, particle samples induced higher TNF-α secretion than corundum, the samples from Limu tin mine induced much higher TNF-α levels than that induced by DQ12 quartz. The results from the in vitrotests help elucidate the degree of hazard of dust particles in tin mines. The in vitroreaction patterns of AM also constitute a powerful tool to monitor biological and pathogenic responses of humans following dust particle exposure.