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• This paper investigates the impact of "environmental protection fee to tax" policy on carbon emissions of China. • Enhancing green technological innovation and executives environmental awareness can facilitate the positive impacts of "environmental protection fee to tax" policy on carbon emissions. • The study reveals that the green awareness of enterprise executives plays a moderating role. This paper investigates the impact of "environmental protection fee to tax" policy on carbon emissions, officially implemented on January 1, 2018 in China. Using a novel dataset covering Chinese firms from 2015 to 2020, our findings reveal a significant reduction in carbon emissions attributable to the "environmental protection fee to tax" policy. Additional analysis suggests that enhancing green technological innovation and executives environmental awareness can facilitate the positive impacts of "environmental protection fee to tax" policy on carbon emissions. Notably, heterogeneity tests underscore that the policy's adverse effects are more pronounced among non-state-owned enterprises, companies located in eastern regions, and small-scale enterprises in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new aerosol direct transmittance scheme is developed and can be used by simple DNI models to consider effect of aerosols. • A fast DNI scheme (SUNFLUX) is improved with the new aerosol scheme for DNI prediction. • The improved DNI scheme is validated against observations and compared with other five schemes. • Sensitivity tests are conducted to examine the sensitivity of DNI model to variability of input data. A new aerosol direct transmittance parameterization is developed based on detailed radiative transfer model calculations for improving direct normal irradiance (DNI) for the solar energy forecast in the fast radiation scheme SUNFLUX. The modified SUNFLUX scheme is evaluated against observational datasets collected from the 14 Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) stations. The aerosol data from AERONET stations collocated with the BSRN network are used in the evaluations. The evaluation results have indicated that the accuracy of the calculated DNI using the new version of SUNFLUX has been improved significantly compared to the old version. The relative mean bias difference (MBD) and relative root mean square difference (RMSD) are −3.03% and 4.95%, respectively. The performance of the modified DNI model is also compared with those from the other five models. The results predicted by the current model are comparable with those from the best reference models. More importantly, the evaluation results show that the new aerosol scheme developed in this study can also be applied to other models to improve their performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To explore the relationship between sleep disturbances and falls in an elderly Chinese population. Methods Data from 1726 individuals aged 70–87 years from the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study were used. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep variables. Outcomes were falls ≥1 time per year and falls ≥2 times per year. Results A total of 22.7% of the participants experienced ≥1 fall, and 9.8% experienced ≥2 falls per year. Poor sleep quality was associated with ≥1 fall (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.05–1.12; OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.14–1.41) and ≥2 falls (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03–1.14; OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.10–1.48), with an increase per PSQI score and SD PSQI score, respectively. In addition, sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, and sleep disturbance subcomponents were associated with an increased risk of ≥1 fall with ORs of 1.44 (95% CI, 1.21–1.72), 1.23 (95%CI,1.09–1.40), 1.12 (95%CI, 1.01–1.23) and 1.70 (95% CI,1.35–2.14), respectively, and were associated with an increased risk of ≥2 falls with ORs 1.54 (95%CI, 1.22–1.96), 1.21(95%CI, 1.02–1.44), 1.17 (95% CI 1.02–1.33), and 1.78 (95%CI, 1.31–2.44), respectively. Further, participants slept ≤5 h per night had an increased risk of ≥1 fall (OR 2.34; 95%CI, 1.59–3.46) and ≥2 falls (OR 2.19; 95%CI, 1.30–3.69). Conclusions Poor sleep quality and several subcomponent sleep symptoms were consistently associated with increased risk of falls ≥1 time and ≥2 times in Chinese elderly. The identification of sleep disturbances may help identify high-risk Chinese elders who may benefit from fall prevention education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A physically based empirical model was established for the beginning and ending dates (BED) of limited temperatures. Data used were daily mean temperatures from 34 conventional stations in the Chongqing region, measured from 1961 to 2000. Using this model in combination with the distributed modeling results of monthly mean temperatures, we developed a method for creating a distributed simulation of the BED and durations of limited temperatures in the rugged terrain of Chongqing. Spatial distribution maps were generated at a resolution of 100×100m for the BED and durations of the limited temperatures of 0, 10, 15 and 20. Simulations suggest that the distributed model is able to successfully reveal the macroscopic trends and local distributions. For the modeled BED, the mean absolute bias error is 0.6–2.4d. Cross-validation and case-year tests show mean absolute bias errors of 1.3–2.8d and 0.7–2.5d, respectively. Comparison shows that the simulation results are consistent with the field investigations. This implies that the simulations are as good as observations, thus providing a viable technique for simulating mountainous heat resources using conventional meteorological data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, we use the level-1.5 and level-2.0 aerosol optical depth (AOD) from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) Version 3 dataset at 12 sites in China to evaluate the MODIS Collection 6.1 (C6.1) AOD products retrieved using three distinct algorithms: Dark Target (DT), Deep Blue (DB), and DTB merged from DT and DB from Terra and Aqua. The performance of the three algorithms is evaluated. Based on these evaluations, a simple and efficient AOD retrieval algorithm at a high spatial resolution of 1.0 km for China is proposed. AODs at this spatial resolution over China are then retrieved using the methods of DT and DB, respectively. The evaluation results showed that: (1) there is little difference in the AOD products derived from Terra and Aqua. The differences in the determination coefficient (R2) between the two platforms at most sites are less than 0.05. (2) There are relatively large differences in AODs between the AERONET level-1.5 dataset and MODIS dataset while these differences are mostly filtered out by the quality assurance process of the AERONET level-2.0 dataset. The statistical tests indicate that the MODIS DTB AOD product is generally better than those from the other two algorithms. Using the new algorithm developed in this study, the AODs at a high spatial resolution of 1 km in the whole of China are determined and the results are compared with the MODIS DTB product. The results show that the AODs determined using the new method agree reasonably well with those of the MODIS DTB dataset though the new results have slightly negative biases in the wintertime. However, these negative biases may not be a negative sign due to the fact that the MODIS AODs are subject to a positive bias relative to the AERONET AODs. • There is little difference in the AOD products derived from Terra and Aqua. • The MODIS DTB AOD product is generally better than DT&DB. • a simple and efficient AOD retrieval algorithm is proposed for the whole of China. • The AODs determined using the new method agree well with MODIS DTB dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Parameterization scheme for determining circumsolar radiation is developed. • The scheme can be applied to both radiative transfer scheme and simple DNI model. • Modelled DNI including circumsolar radiation is validated against observations and compared with other three models. A method of the scattering Phase Function Scaling (PFS) for determination of the direct normal irradiance (DNI) involving the circumsolar normal irradiance (CSNI) is developed. A fraction of the normalized phase function integrated over the field of view for a pyrheliometer is introduced in the radiative transfer equation so the scaled optical depth using this phase function is derived. The PFS method is tested in a radiative transfer scheme and a simple fast parametric scheme SUNFLUX using the observational datasets at 14 Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) stations. The evaluation results show that the modelled DNI in terms of the PFS method in the radiative transfer scheme is significantly improved compared with that using the original delta-Eddington scaling method and compared well with that determined using other two radiative transfer models of DISORT and SMARTS. The modelled DNI with the PFS method in the SUNFLUX scheme is also improved compared with that without using the PFS method and compared well with that from the SMARTS model. The CSNI is also evaluated against the results from the other three models. The results are generally poor in all cases. The poor results are mainly due to the small magnitude of CSNI and uncertainties in the input data. Uncertainty in the aerosol scattering phase function could be the main reason responsible for the poor comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • MDSCs expansion positively correlated with inflammation and involved in Th2 cell response during the progression of Sjögren’s syndrome. • Elimination of MDSCs improved SS-like syndrome and up-regulating Th2 cells, while MDSCs transplantation deteriorated SS and down-regulating Th2 cells in NOD mice. • MDSCs and Th2 cells are crucial in SS and targeting to MDSCs and Th2 cells may lead to a novel therapeutic approach for SS. Abstract Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) can regulate various aspects of immune responses based on their potent immune-suppressive activity. Studies reported that MDSCs participated in many autoimmune diseases. However, the role of MDSCs in Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is unknown. In this study, we determined the frequencies and function of MDSCs in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice and SS patients. The NOD mice were adoptively transferred with MDSCs or treated with anti-Gr1 antibody. Results showed that peripheral MDSCs increased significantly with the development of SS-like syndrome in NOD mice and the percentage of MDSCs was higher in SS patients than healthy controls. The SS-like syndrome aggravated after transfer of MDSCs in NOD mice. The deletion of MDSCs in NOD mice alleviated SS-like syndrome. Mechanistically, MDSCs down-regulated the percentages of Th2 cells in NOD mice and SS patients. In summary, our findings suggested that MDSCs exacerbated Sjögren’s syndrome by inhibiting Th2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we discuss a method using the UV–visible band flux to estimate photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). We use radiative transfer models to calculate the ratio of PAR to the UV–visible flux and confirm that this ratio is close to constant regardless of atmospheric conditions. The best ratio identified in this study is 0.8644. We further introduce a UV–visible band model and use it to calculate the PAR flux using observational datasets, mainly taken from the US SURFRAD network. The results are compared with the observations. It is seen that the PAR values determined using this method are in good agreement with observations. The relative mean biases (rMB) for both clear- and all-sky conditions evaluated for seven SURFRAD stations are −1.04% and −4.85%, respectively. The corresponding relative root mean square errors (rRMS) are 6.22% and 17.97%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have investigated the association of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with gait speed, but whether the NLR is predictive of slow gait speed in older adults remains unknown. The aim of this study is to examine the association of NLR levels with risk of slow gait speed development in older adults. Overall, 1753 participants (53.11% male, aged 60–92 years, with a mean age of 77.01 ± 4.27 years) from the second wave of the Rugao Longitudinal Aging Study were included. The second wave was recognized as the baseline in this study. Gait speed was measured using a 5-m walk test at baseline and at the 3.5-year follow-up. A slow gait speed was considered a walking speed less than 0.8 m/s. The NLR was calculated based on absolute blood neutrophil and lymphocyte counts. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between NLR levels and slow gait speed. In the cross-sectional analysis, 394 individuals were identified as having slow gait speed. We found that increased NLR levels were associated with a higher risk of slow gait speed in older adults with and without comorbidities (P -value <0.05). During the 3.5-year follow-up period, 440 individuals had developed new-onset slowness. After confounding factors were controlled, increased NLR levels were significantly and independently associated with an increased risk of slow gait speed among older adults with (odds ratio [OR] 3.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.87–7.89) and without (OR 3.29, 95% CI: 1.54–7.10) comorbidities. The NLR is an inexpensive and easily obtainable inflammatory biomarker that robustly and independently predicts slow gait speed risk in older adults. • Increased NLR levels are associated with higher risk of slow gait speed among older adults in cross-sectional analyses. • The NLR is a strong and independent risk indicator for slow gait speed in general older adults in longitudinal analyses. • The NLR level, an inexpensive and readily available inflammatory biomarker, is a risk indicator for slow gait speed. • The NLR should be recognized as a cost-effective predictor of inflammation for slow gait speed among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are multiple pathways for communication of gut microbes with human organs. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is generated via a metaorganismal pathway, which begins with the conversion of dietary phosphatidyl choline into trimethylamine in the gut of microbes, followed by liver oxidation of TMAO by flavin monooxygenases in the host. The gut-liver axis that links the liver metabolism and the gut microbiota plays an important role in the mechanisms of liver diseases. Translocated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) enters the liver through hepatic portal vein and causes damage to the liver function. Changes in the gut microbiota can affect the function of central nervous system through multiple signaling pathways, including the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, immune regulation, serotonin metabolism, and production of neuroactive compounds. Abbreviations: ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone; CRH, corticotropin-releasing hormone; GABA, gamma-aminobutyric acid; HPA, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal; LPS, lipopolysaccharide; SCFAs, short-chain fatty acids; 5-HT, serotonin; TMA, trimethylamine; TMAO, trimethylamine oxide. • Dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota is related to various diseases. • A. muciniphila is a new target for treating diabetes, obesity, intestinal diseases, liver diseases and neuropsychiatric diseases. • Herbal medicine are widely accepted for treating diseases by regulating intestinal microbiota and microbial metabolites. • Herbal medicine exert a prebiotic effect on A. muciniphila in the treatment of various ailments. There are trillions and trillions of microorganisms in the human gut, and these microorganisms and their metabolites are closely related to human health. Recent studies have found that the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila is decreased in many diseases. Supplementation of A. muciniphila is used to treat many diseases, suggesting it as a probiotic. Herbal medicines are considered as valuable asset of traditional Chinese medicine. Recent studies have revealed traditional Chinese medicine as a potential prebiotic agent for the treatment of many diseases. Hence, in this review, we aimed to provide a plausible mechanistic basis for the interactions between herbal medicines and A. muciniphila , and therapeutic benefits on this interaction in various illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• WMW is an effective chemopreventive drug for colorectal cancer. • WMW could improve the survival rate of CAC mice. • WMW could restore the homeostasis of gut microbiota in CAC mice. • WMW could down-regulate IL6-STAT3 signalling pathway. Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide. Colitis-associated CRC (CAC) is used for describing the relationship between inflammation and CRC. No chemopreventive agents have been found to be both effective and safe in CRC. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of CAC are extremely urgent. Wu Mei Wan (WMW) has been used for the clinical treatment of enteritis with a remarkable efficacy. Here, we aim to investigate the underlying mechanism of WMW in the prevention of CAC. The AOM/DSS-induced CAC mouse model was used, and the mice were divided into normal control (NC), AOM/DSS model control (MC), and AOM/DSS plus WMW (WMW). The weight of mice, the score of DAI, survival rate, number of tumors and sample collection were performed at the end of the 14th week. Histopathological examination was performed using Hematoxylin–Eosin (HE) staining. Tumor cell proliferation was indicated by the expression of PCNA, and p65 and p-STAT3 were detected by immunohistochemistry. Serum IL-6 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of p65, IL-6 and p-STAT3 in the colon was detected by Western Blot. Intestinal flora was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing. WMW improved the survival rate of mice in the MC group and also attenuated CAC symptoms such as abnormal clinical colitis and pathological changes to intestinal tissue by reducing DAI score, tumor formation, tumor volume, and grade of tumorigenesis. WMW also reduced the proliferation of tumor cells in colon tissues. WMW decreased the expression of p65, IL-6, and p-STAT3 in colon tumors of CAC mice. WMW decreased Bacteroidetes and increased Firmicutes at the phylum level, while decreasing bacteroidales_s24-7_group and increasing the number of Lachnospiraceae at the family level. WMW attenuates CAC by regulating the balance between "tumor-promoting bacteria" and "tumor-suppressing bacteria" and the NF-kB/IL-6/STAT3 pathway. WMW has the potential to be a safe and effective chemopreventive drug but further clinical evidence is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]