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Objective: This study aimed to explore the quantitative and qualitative condylar changes following stabilization splint (S.S) therapy, including condylar position, morphology, and bone mineral density (BMD) in subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Materials and methods: In this retrospective clinical study, we enrolled 40 TMD subjects (80 joints) aged 18 to 35 years, for whom a S.S was used to treat TMD. The 80 TMD consists of 32 masticatory muscle disorders (myalgia) and 48 TMJ disorders (arthralgia). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to scan the TMJs of subjects pre- and post-treatment for three-dimensional analysis (3D). Using Mimics software v.21.0, quantitative (3D condylar and joint spaces dimensions parameters were measured using linear measurements in millimeters, according to the Kamelchuk method and Ikeda method, while the assessment of anteroposterior condyle position within the glenoid fossa was based on the method of Pullinger and Hollender), and qualitative (a round bone tissue with an area of 2 mm2 in three representative areas according to the Kamelchuk method to measure condylar BMD) pre- and post-treatment. Intra- and inter-group statistical comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon signed ranks and the Kruskal–Wallis test, respectively. Results: The course of treatment was 6–12 months, with an average of 9.1 months. For the pre- and post-treatment quantitative comparisons, there was a statistically significant difference in the anterior joint space (AJS) and coronal medial space, as well as the condyle length in the myalgia group and condylar width in the arthralgia group. For qualitative measurements, a significant difference was observed in the posterior slope of the myalgia group and the arthralgia group’s anterior, superior, and posterior slopes. The inter-group comparisons revealed significant differences in AJS, condylar length, and anterior slope density. Conclusion: In short-term follow-up, the S.S influenced patients with TMD from different origins; it changes anterior and coronal medial joint space, condyle length in myalgia, and width in arthralgia. Furthermore, it improved the condyle bone density more evidently in arthralgia. Clinical relevance: This study highlights the influence of S.S on symptomatic populations with TMD of different origins from a qualitative and quantitative perspective.

In recent years, frequent floods hit Chinese cities and caused heavy casualties and property losses, making China faced with severe flood problems. In this study, Nanhai Future City in the IX Flood Control Area of Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, was selected as the research area to simulate water-level changes under different control schemes meeting extreme rainfalls. MIKE model simulated the inundation with the designed storm of different return periods. The results showed that flooding inside the research area was severe. Higher drainage capacity of the pump stations with more engineering and non-engineering measures can reduce the adverse effect of extreme rainfall. The results provide a reference for planning future infrastructure and flood control decisions for Nanhai Future City and the surrounding areas.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelia-derived malignancy with a distinctive geographic distribution. Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) is involved in cancer development and progression. Nevertheless, the role of CSE in the growth of NPC is unknown. In this study, we found that CSE levels in human NPC cells were higher than those in normal nasopharyngeal cells. CSE overexpression enhanced the proliferative, migrative, and invasive abilities of NPC cells and CSE downregulation exerted reverse effects. Overexpression of CSE decreased the expressions of cytochrome C, cleaved caspase (cas)-3, cleaved cas-9, and cleaved poly-ADP-ribose polymerase, whereas CSE knockdown exhibited reverse effects. CSE overexpression decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the expressions of phospho (p)-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2, p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p-p38, but promoted the expressions of p-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), p-AKT, and p-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), whereas CSE knockdown showed oppose effects. In addition, CSE overexpression promoted NPC xenograft tumor growth and CSE knockdown decreased tumor growth by modulating proliferation, angiogenesis, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Furthermore, DL-propargylglycine (an inhibitor of CSE) dose-dependently inhibited NPC cell growth via ROS-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways without significant toxicity. In conclusion, CSE could regulate the growth of NPC cells through ROS-mediated MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascades. CSE might be a novel tumor marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of NPC. Novel donors/drugs that inhibit the expression/activity of CSE can be developed in the treatment of NPC.

Background Chorioamnionitis (CAM) is a common risk factor for preterm births, resulting in several adverse outcomes. The association between infertility treatment and CAM is unclear. Therefore, this study examined the association between infertility treatment and CAM and described subsequent neonatal outcomes. Methods This population-based cohort study used data from the National Vital Statistics System Database. We included women who had a singleton live birth from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018. Women-infant pairs were stratified by infertility treatment, and the main outcome was a reported diagnosis of CAM in a checkbox format: clinical CAM or maternal temperature of > 38 °C. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between infertility treatment and CAM and the effect of infertility treatment on neonatal outcomes in women diagnosed with CAM. Results The final sample comprised 10,900,495 woman-infant pairs, and 1.4% received infertility treatment. Compared with the natural conception group, women receiving infertility treatment had a significantly higher risk of CAM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.772 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.718–1.827]). Furthermore, newborns exposed to CAM had a higher risk of very low birth weight (VLBW) (aOR, 2.083 [95% CI, 1.664–2.606], P P P Conclusions This study found that women who received infertility treatment had a higher risk of CAM. And CAM deteriorated neonatal outcomes in the infertility treatment group.

This study aimed to investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of RNF126 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Firstly, the expression and prognosis of RNF126 were analyzed by TCGA database. The expression of RNF126 was further verified by NPC tissue samples and cells. An ectopic xenograft model was constructed to verify the regulatory role of RNF126 in NPC tumor progression. The regulatory effect of RNF126 on macrophage polarization and migration was verified by co-culture of tumor cells and THP-1 cells. The role of RNF126 in tumor exosomes involved in intercellular communication was further verified by nanoparticle tracking technology, western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. QRT-PCR, half-life assay and WB assay were used to verify the regulatory effect of RNF126 on PTEN ubiquitination and PI3K/AKT pathway. Finally, an in vivo assay was used to verify the regulation of exosomes on tumor growth and metastasis. In summary, we found for the first time that tumor-derived exosomal PTEN degrades PTEN through ubiquitination to regulate the tumor immune microenvironment and promote NPC growth and metastasis. These results provide the basis for the screening of early markers of NPC and targeted therapy.

Background Adenoma-adenocarcinoma transition is a key feature of colorectal cancer (CRC) occurrence and is closely regulated by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and CD8+ T cells. Here, we investigated the effect of the NF-κB activator 1 (Act1) downregulation of macrophages in the adenoma-adenocarcinoma transition. Methods This study used spontaneous adenoma-developing ApcMin/+, macrophage-specific Act1-knockdown (anti-Act1), and ApcMin/+; anti-Act1 (AA) mice. Histological analysis was performed on CRC tissues of patients and mice. CRC patients’ data retrieved from the TCGA dataset were analyzed. Primary cell isolation, co-culture system, RNA-seq, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) were used. Results By TCGA and TISIDB analysis, the downregulation of Act1 expression in tumor tissues of CRC patients negatively correlated with accumulated CD68+ macrophages in the tumor. Relative expression of EMT markers in the tumor enriched ACT1lowCD68+ macrophages of CRC patients. AA mice showed adenoma-adenocarcinoma transition, TAMs recruitment, and CD8+ T cell infiltration in the tumor. Macrophages depletion in AA mice reversed adenocarcinoma, reduced tumor amounts, and suppressed CD8+ T cell infiltration. Besides, macrophage depletion or anti-CD8a effectively inhibited metastatic nodules in the lung metastasis mouse model of anti-Act1 mice. CRC cells induced activation of IL-6/STAT3 and IFN-γ/NF-κB signaling and the expressions of CXCL9/10, IL-6, and PD-L1 in anti-Act1 macrophages. Anti-Act1 macrophages facilitated epithelial-mesenchymal-transition and CRC cells’ migration via CXCL9/10-CXCR3-axis. Furthermore, anti-Act1 macrophages promoted exhaustive PD1+ Tim3+ CD8+ T cell formation. Anti-PD-L1 treatment repressed adenoma-adenocarcinoma transition in AA mice. Silencing STAT3 in anti-Act1 macrophages reduced CXCL9/10 and PD-L1 expression and correspondingly inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal-transition and CRC cells’ migration. Conclusions Act1 downregulation in macrophages activates STAT3 that promotes adenoma-adenocarcinoma transition via CXCL9/10-CXCR3-axis in CRC cells and PD-1/PD-L1-axis in CD8+ T cells.

Non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) relies on multiple pathogenic factors, including intravascular coagulation, osteoporosis and lipid metabolism disorders. Although non-traumatic ONFH has been extensively explored from various aspects, its genetic mechanism has not been fully elucidated. To identify candidate pathogenic genes responsible for non-traumatic ONFH, to explore potential roles of embryonic genetic (germline) and somatic mutations in individual susceptibility to ONFH, we performed whole-exome sequencing on tissue and blood samples from 32 patients with non-traumatic ONFH and blood samples from 30 healthy controls. Three genes might correlate with non-traumatic ONFH: VWF, MPRIP (germline mutations) and FGA (somatic mutations). Germline or somatic mutations in VWF, MPRIP and FGA correlate with intravascular coagulation and thrombosis of femoral head, consequently ischemic necrosis of the femoral head.

The amygdala, or an amygdala-like structure, is found in the brains of all vertebrates and plays a critical role in survival and reproduction. However, the cellular architecture of the amygdala and how it has evolved remain elusive. Here, we generated single-nucleus RNA-sequencing data for more than 200,000 cells in the amygdala of humans, macaques, mice, and chickens. Abundant neuronal cell types from different amygdala subnuclei were identified in all datasets. Cross-species analysis revealed that inhibitory neurons and inhibitory neuron-enriched subnuclei of the amygdala were well-conserved in cellular composition and marker gene expression, whereas excitatory neuron-enriched subnuclei were relatively divergent. Furthermore, LAMP5+ interneurons were much more abundant in primates, while DRD2+ inhibitory neurons and LAMP5+SATB2+ excitatory neurons were dominant in the human central amygdalar nucleus (CEA) and basolateral amygdalar complex (BLA), respectively. We also identified CEA-like neurons and their species-specific distribution patterns in chickens. This study highlights the extreme cell-type diversity in the amygdala and reveals the conservation and divergence of cell types and gene expression patterns across species that may contribute to species-specific adaptations.

Background Although the central scar is an essential imaging characteristic of renal oncocytoma (RO), its utility in distinguishing RO from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has not been well explored. The study aimed to evaluate whether the combination of CT characteristics of the peripheral tumor parenchyma (PTP) and central hypodense area (CHA) can differentiate typical RO with CHA from RCC. Methods A total of 132 tumors on the initial dataset were retrospectively evaluated using four-phase CT. The excretory phases were performed more than 20 min after the contrast injection. In corticomedullary phase (CMP) images, all tumors had CHAs. These tumors were categorized into RO (n = 23), clear cell RCC (ccRCC) (n = 85), and non-ccRCC (n = 24) groups. The differences in these qualitative and quantitative CT features of CHA and PTP between ROs and ccRCCs/non-ccRCCs were statistically examined. Logistic regression filters the main factors for separating ROs from ccRCCs/non-ccRCCs. The prediction models omitting and incorporating CHA features were constructed and evaluated, respectively. The effectiveness of the prediction models including CHA characteristics was then confirmed through a validation dataset (8 ROs, 35 ccRCCs, and 10 non-ccRCCs). Results The findings indicate that for differentiating ROs from ccRCCs and non-ccRCCs, prediction models with CHA characteristics surpassed models without CHA, with the corresponding areas under the curve (AUC) being 0.962 and 0.914 versus 0.952 and 0.839 respectively. In the prediction models that included CHA parameters, the relative enhancement ratio (RER) in CMP and enhancement inversion, as well as RER in nephrographic phase and enhancement inversion were the primary drivers for differentiating ROs from ccRCCs and non-ccRCCs, respectively. The prediction models with CHA characteristics had the comparable diagnostic ability on the validation dataset, with respective AUC values of 0.936 and 0.938 for differentiating ROs from ccRCCs and non-ccRCCs. Conclusion The prediction models with CHA characteristics can help better differentiate typical ROs from RCCs. When a mass with CHA is discovered, particularly if RO is suspected, EP images with longer delay scanning periods should be acquired to evaluate the enhancement inversion characteristics of CHA.

Purpose To evaluate the effects of the association between first trimester vitamin D (VitD) concentrations and increased prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) on early fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods This retrospective cohort study included 15,651 women with singleton pregnancy who delivered at the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital between January 2015 and November 2016. Women were classified in two groups based on their serum 25(OH)D vitamin levels status: VitD sufficient (SUFF) group and VitD insufficient or deficient (INSUFF/DEF). The cut-off point for VitD concentration was 50.00 nmol/L. Comparisons were made between women with normal prepregnancy body weight (BMI 18.5–23.9 kg/m2) and overweight and obese (OWO) women (BMI > 24.0 kg/m2). Early FGR was defined as first-trimester gestational age-adjusted crown-rump length (CRL) in the lowest 20th centile of the population. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between maternal serum 25(OH)D levels and prepregnancy BMI with first trimester CRL and early FGR. Results In VitD INSUFF/DEF group, the first trimester CRL was decreased (P = 0.005), and the risk of early FGR was increased by 13% (95% CI 1.04–1.24, P = 0.004) compared to the VitD SUFF group. In OWO group, the first trimester CRL was also significantly decreased (P P P for interaction = 0.02) and the risk of early FGR (P for interaction = 0.07). Conclusion Sufficient first trimester serum 25(OH)D concentration was a protective factor for early fetal growth, especially among OWO mothers. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR1900027447 with date of registration on November 13, 2019-retrospectively registered).

Background Intranasal midazolam and ketamine have been widely used as sedative premedication in children. It is difficult to determine which one yields better sedative effects for clinical practice. We conducted the present meta-analysis by summarizing the evidences to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intranasal midazolam versus intranasal ketamine as sedative premedication in pediatric patients. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to April 2022. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) used intranasal midazolam and ketamine as sedatives in children were enrolled. The risk of bias in RCTs was assessed by Cochrane risk of bias tool. Condition of parental separation, anesthesia induction or facemask acceptance, sedation level, different hemodynamic parameters and adverse events were considered as the outcomes in our study. Results A total of 16 studies with 1066 patients were enrolled. Compared with midazolam, administration of intranasal ketamine might be associated with severer changes in hemodynamics parameters including mean blood pressure (SMD = -0.53, with 95% CI [-0.93, -0.13]) and heart rate (HR) (SMD = -1.39, with 95% CI [-2.84, 0.06]). Meanwhile, administration of intranasal midazolam was associated with more satisfactory sedation level (61.76% vs 40.74%, RR = 1.53, with 95%CI [1.28, 1.83]), more rapid onset of sedation (SMD = -0.59, with 95%CI [-0.90, -0.28]) and more rapid recovery (SMD = -1.06, with 95%CI [-1.83, -0.28]). Current evidences also indicated that the differences of various adverse effects between two groups were not significant. Conclusions Given that administration of midazolam via intranasal route provides more satisfactory sedative level with less fluctuation of hemodynamics parameters and more rapid onset and recovery, it might be considered as the preferred sedative premedication for pediatric patients compared to ketamine. However, the widespread evidences with low or moderate quality indicated that superiority of intranasal midazolam in pediatric sedation needs to be confirmed by more studies with high quality and large sample size in future. Trial registration The protocol of present study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022321348).

Pesticides applied worldwide to meet food demand is recognized as a key threat to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Studies on pesticide risks employ different ingredients, methods or specific environments, which makes it difficult to quantify the scale of the problem. Furthermore, the complex influences and hotspots of long-term pesticide usage remain unclear. Herein, we present a national-scale study of four typical pesticides in China, the world’s largest pesticide user. The spatiotemporal changes in legacy and risk of pesticides over 30 years were analyzed using a modified fugacity model approach coupled with comprehensive ingredient database. Pesticide risk in mainland China might last until 2075 due to the previous legacy, although the usage has declined since 2014. The use of target pesticides was estimated as 2.38 × 105 tonnes in 2017, and about 6.59 × 103 tonnes discharged into the ocean from major basins. Risk areas expanded from 47% in 1991 to 79% in 2017, with 30% at high risk. Of the risk areas, 31% were highly populated while 3% had high biodiversity. 7% of mainland China suffered from both limited water resource and high pesticide risk. It is shown that the improper substitution with lower toxicity pesticides would make the proportion of high-risk regions unexpectedly increased from 18% to 44% due to the longer half-lives of the alternatives. Pesticides pose risks to environmental and human health, and the tailored assessment tool will be vital in contributing towards future pesticide management and meeting sustainability targets in China.

Biochar amendment and substituting chemical fertilizers with organic manure (organic substitution) have been widely reported to increase crop production and decrease reactive nitrogen (Nr) loss including nitrous oxide (N2O), nitric oxide (NO), and ammonia (NH3) emissions, and N runoff and leaching. However, few comprehensive evaluations have been performed on the environmental and economic aspects of biochar amendment or organic substitution. Here, we studied the comprehensive effects of biochar amendment, organic substitution, and biochar amendment combined with organic substitution on crop production, Nr loss, and net ecosystem economic benefit (NEEB) in intensive vegetable production by integrating life-cycle assessment for Nr footprints, empirical models for NH3 volatilization and N runoff and leaching derived from peer-reviewed publications and validated by the current measurements and direct field measurement for N2O and NO emissions during 5 consecutive years of vegetable crop rotations. Five fertilization treatments were applied (SN: synthetic fertilizer application; SNB: SN plus 20 t ha−1 biochar amendment; SNM: substituting 50% of chemical N fertilizer with organic manure; SNMB: SNM plus 20 t ha−1 biochar amendment; and CK: no fertilizer or biochar addition). Compared with the SN, the SNB increased vegetable yield (28.4%, p 3 Chinese Yuan (CNY) ha−1 crop−1. Due to the high foreground Nr loss during organic manure production and high input costs of biochar production, the SNMB decreased the NEEB by 8.0% as compared to the SN. Moreover, the SNB and SNM improved vegetable qualities by increasing protein, soluble sugar, and vitamin C contents while decreasing nitrate content (p Graphical Abstract

Background With the aging of the population, high rates of cancer and comorbidity complexity, the end-of-life care for patients will be ever more important. Nurses have always played an essential role in end-of-life care. Insufficient education and training in end-of-life care has been regarded as a major reason of inadequate symptom recognition, symptom management, and communication which results in mental trauma for both the patient’s family and attending health care providers. Undergraduate nurses do end-of-life care as part of their clinical learning. However, undergraduate nurses’ perceptions of the education they received about end-of-life care are not documented. Objective This study aimed to critically explore the current state of education regarding end-of-life care from the perspectives of undergraduate nurses. Methods We used a descriptive qualitative design. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted from May to August 2020, with a purposive sample of 15 fourth-year undergraduate nurses who finished the internship. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis. Findings Three main themes relating to undergraduate nurses’ experiences of end-of-life care education emerged from the thematic analysis: 1) Universities provide foundational knowledge about end-of-life care, but it still needs improvement; 2) Clinical practice consolidates and drives undergraduate nurses’ knowledge, skills and confidence about end-of-life care; and 3) cultural attitudes of patients’ family toward disease and death sometimes impedes learning and knowledge translation about end-of-life care. Conclusion Undergraduate nursing students benefit from not only theoretical content delivered in the university setting but also practice happened on clinical placement. The current undergraduate curriculum, related to end-of-life care, is disjointed. Meanwhile, undergraduate nurses’ learning and knowledge translation of end-of-life care are impeded by cultural attitudes toward disease and death.

Background To investigate the association of crown-rump length (CRL) during the first trimester of pregnancy with neonatal outcomes. Methods A total of 15,524 women with a reliable first day of the last menstrual period and a regular menstrual cycle (28 ± 4 days) were included from January 2015 to November 2016. CRL was measured by ultrasound from 7+0 to 13+6 weeks during pregnancy and transformed to a standard deviation score (SDS) adjusted for gestational age. Linear regression was used to explore risk factors for CRL. A generalised linear model was used to evaluate the association between CRL and neonatal outcomes. Results In the multivariate analysis, maternal age (0.25 mm, 95% CI = [0.22–0.28], P P P = 0.007; 0.04 SDS, 95% CI = [0.00–0.07], P = 0.031) and folic acid supplement use (0.78 mm, 95% CI = [0.49–1.08], P P P P Padjusted Padjusted = 0.003), and preterm birth ([RR] = 1.082, 95% [CI] = 1.008–1.162, Padjusted = 0.029), but positively related to large for gestational age (LGA) ([RR] = 1.241, 95% [CI] = 1.184–1.301, Padjusted = 0.012). When stratified by pre-pregnancy BMI, the risk of SGA and LGA remained significant in all groups, while the increased risk of preterm birth was only observed in the lean group (BMI 2) and decreased risk of NICU admission rate in the normal group (BMI 18.5–24 kg/m2). Conclusions Maternal characteristics were independently associated with CRL in the first trimester, which was negatively related to foetal size, SGA, preterm birth, and admission rate to the NICU, but positively related to LGA.

In the late stages of its industrialization, China's economy still largely relies on energy. With increasing pressures to protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions, in 2013, the Chinese government officially issued four policies in succession to control total energy consumption. In this paper, we use the single difference model to estimate the average and dynamic economic impacts of such policies. We also introduce the energy dependence degree and divide all industrial sectors into two categories to estimate heterogeneous and dynamic policy effects based on the difference-in-differences (DID) model. Our empirical study shows that the implementation of energy consumption control policies results in a decrease in economic growth rates. Meanwhile, the negative dynamic economic effects of such policies decrease levels of volatility. Furthermore, such policies have heterogeneous economic effects on levels of energy dependence across sectors and have more significantly negative economic impacts on heavily energy-dependent industries but with hysteresis. Heterogeneous and dynamic economic effects on heavily energy-dependent industries are decreasing. We conclude with recommendations on ways to mitigate the negative effects observed.

Metal–organic framework (MOF) is a promising electrochromic material due to its high specific surface area and tunable pore size, which can benefit the fast transportation of ion/charge. Here, a simple solvothermal deposition method for fabrication of Ni-MOF 74 electrochromic films on ITO is developed. It is found that the reaction temperature has played an important role in the morphology and electrochromic performance of as-prepared Ni-MOF 74 film. The film prepared at the optimized temperature exhibits the best electrochromic performance with a rapid switching speed (the coloration/bleaching time = 24.5/23.5 s). In addition, the optimized film displays a high optical contrast of 44.4% at 550 nm and can be stably switched for 650 cycles with

Background A recent survey revealed that extensive off-label use of sugammadex in pediatric anesthesia deserved particular attention. The present study with trial sequential analysis (TSA) aimed to evaluate the effects of sugammadex for antagonizing neuromuscular blockade (NMB) in pediatric patients, and to investigate whether the findings achieved the required information size to draw conclusions. Methods PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched from inception to April 2021. All randomized controlled trials used sugammadex as reversal agent in pediatric patients were enrolled. Time from NMB reversal to recovery of the train-of-four ratio (TOFr) to 0.9 and extubation time were considered as co-primary outcomes, and incidences of adverse events were considered as secondary outcomes. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to rate the quality of evidences. Results Data from 18 studies involving 1,065 pediatric patients were acquired. The results revealed that use of sugammadex was associated with shorter duration from administration of reversal agents to TOFr > 0.9 (MD = -14.42, with 95% CI [-17.08, -11.75]) and shorter interval from reversal from NMB to extubation (MD = -13.98, with 95% CI [-16.70, -11.26]) compared to control groups. TSA also indicated that the current sample sizes were sufficient with unnecessary further trials. Analysis of secondary outcomes indicated that administration of sugammadex was associated with less incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), bradycardia, and dry mouth compared to control groups. Conclusion Considering of satisfactory and rapid neuromuscular blockade reversal with low incidences of adverse events, sugammadex might be considered as the preferred option for children in clinical anesthesia practice compared to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. However, overall low-quality evidences in present study rated by GRADE system indicated that superiority of sugammadex employed in pediatric patients needs to be confirmed by more studies with high quality and large sample size in future.

BackgroundCIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 like (CCA1L) proteins are important components that participate in plant growth and development, and now have been characterized in multiple plant species. However, information on mungbeanCCA1Lgenes is limited.ResultsIn this study, we identified 27VrCCA1Lgenes from the mungbean genome.VrCCA1Lgenes were unevenly distributed on 10 of the 11 chromosomes and showed one tandem and two interchromosomal duplication events. Two distinct kinds of conserved MYB domains, MYB 1 and MYB 2, were found, and the conserved SHAQK(Y/F) F sequence was found at the C terminus of each MYB 2 domain. TheVrCCA1Lsdisplayed a variety of exon-intron organizations, and 24 distinct motifs were found among these genes. Based on phylogenetic analysis, VrCCA1L proteins were classified into five groups; group I contained the most members, with 11VrCCA1Ls.VrCCA1Lpromoters contained different types and numbers ofcis-acting elements, andVrCCA1Lsshowed different expression levels in different tissues. TheVrCCA1Lsalso displayed distinct expression patterns under different photoperiod conditions throughout the day in leaves.VrCCA1L26shared greatest homology toArabidopsis CCA1andLATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL(LHY).It delayed the flowering time inArabidopsisby affecting the expression levels ofCONSTANS(CO),FLOWERING LOCUS T(FT), andSUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1(SOC1).ConclusionWe identified and characterized 27VrCCA1Lgenes from mungbean genome, and investigated their spatio-temporal expression patterns. Further analysis revealed thatVrCCA1L26delayed flowering time in transgenicArabidopsisplants. Our results provide useful information for further functional characterization of theVrCCA1Lgenes.

Near-infrared (NIR)-emitting phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes have attracted widespread attention in various applications based on NIR spectroscopy. Except for typical Cr3+-activated NIR-emitting phosphors, next-generation Cr3+-free NIR-emitting phosphors with high efficiency and tunable optical properties are highly desired to enrich the types of NIR luminescent materials for different application fields. Here, we report the Fe3+-activated Sr2−yCay(InSb)1−zSn2zO6 phosphors that exhibit unprecedented long-wavelength NIR emission. The overall emission tuning from 885 to 1005 nm with broadened full-width at half maximum from 108 to 146 nm was realized through a crystallographic site engineering strategy. The NIR emission was significantly enhanced after complete Ca2+ incorporation owing to the substitution-induced lower symmetry of the Fe3+ sites. The Ca2InSbO6:Fe3+ phosphor peaking at 935 nm showed an ultra-high internal quantum efficiency of 87%. The as-synthesized emission-tunable phosphors demonstrated great potential for NIR spectroscopy detection. This work initiates the development of efficient Fe3+-activated broadband NIR-emitting phosphors and opens up a new avenue for designing NIR-emitting phosphor materials.

Prediction of influent characteristics, before any treatment takes place, is of great importance to the operation and management of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this study, four machine-learning models, including multilayer perceptron (MLP), long short-term memory network (LSTM), K-nearest neighbour (KNN), and random forest (RF), are introduced to utilize real-time wastewater data from three WWTPs in North America (i.e., Tres Rios, Woodward, and one confidential plant) for predicting hourly influent characteristics. Input variables are selected using an autocorrelation analysis and a variable importance measure from RF. Both univariate and multivariate analyses are investigated to improve model accuracy. The performances of one- and multiple-step-ahead models are compared. With a short prediction horizon, all the models derived from both univariate and multivariate analyses show excellent performance. It was found that the performance deterioration as the prediction horizon expands could be mitigated significantly by including extra variables, such as meteorological variables. This work can provide valuable support for the high-temporal-resolution prediction of wastewater influent characteristics for WWTPs. The proposed models can also bridge the gap between data and decision-making in the wastewater sector.

Purpose Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) have a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the relationship between CRSwNP and OSA remains unclear. The aim of this research study was to evaluate the association of multiple single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations in CRSwNP with sleep- and breath-related parameters in men with OSA. Methods We included eight CRSwNP SNPs in 2320 participants after strict screening. For each participant, the genetic risk score (GRS) was calculated based on the cumulative effect of multiple genetic variants of CRSwNP. A bivariate correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between CRSwNP genetic polymorphisms and polysomnography parameters in men with OSA. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between the risk of OSA and CRSwNP genetic polymorphisms. Results In moderate OSA, rs28383314 was related to the oxygen desaturation index, and rs4807532 was positively associated with the microarousal index (r = 0.09, P = 0.03 and r = 0.11, P = 0.01, respectively). The CRSwNP GRS was positively correlated with the oxygen desaturation index and cumulative time percentage with SpO2 < 90% in moderate OSA (r = 0.13, P < 0.001 and r = 0.1, P = 0.01, respectively). There was no association between the CRSwNP GRS and the risk of OSA (OR = 1.007; 95% CI, 0.973–1.042; P = 0.702). Conclusion In men with moderate OSA, single CRSwNP genetic variations correlated with sleep-related parameters, and the cumulative effects of CRSwNP genetic variations were associated with the hypoxic index. CRSwNP may be a predisposing condition for sleep disorders in men with moderate OSA.

In order to solve the problem of heat dissipation in the current industry, a single ring closed pulsating heat pipe (PHP) was simulated in this paper. Firstly, the geometry model and numerical simulation model of single ring closed cycle PHP were established to obtain the temperature change rule of PHP and the position motion state of the vapor-plug and liquid-column in the tube. At the same time, a test bench was set up to verify the accuracy of the simulation results. The time series data of temperature and position of vapor-plug and liquid-column in PHP are extracted, and the chaotic characteristics of PHP are obtained. The results show that with the increase of the heating power, the motion state of the working fluid, the chaotic attractor and Lyapunov index have all changed significantly. The results provide a foundation for further research on the features and mechanism of PHP.

NADH, composed of metal binding, charged and redox groups, acts as a “three-in-one” template to construct peroxidase mimicking Pd nanoclusters (NCs). The physicochemical properties of Pd NCs are highly dependent upon the molar ratio of [NADH]/[Na2PdCl4], thereby contributing to distinct peroxidase mimicking activities. The ultrasmall Pd nanozyme that contains 30% metallic Pd0 species, exhibits the Km of 0.063 mM toward TMB and 80.8 mM toward H2O2. Notably, addition of heparin enables the enhancement of its peroxidase-like activity in neutral media. A colorimetric assay was well-established at pH 6 for quantitatively monitoring heparin in aqueous solution and biological fluid. The linear response lies in the range of 0.5–25 µg mL−1, with the limit of detection of 1.1 ng mL−1. This work paves a promising pathway to manufacture highly active enzyme mimetics with desirable physicochemical properties.

This paper investigates the stabilization issue for a class of sampled-data nonlinear Markov switching system with indistinguishable modes. In order to handle indistinguishable modes, the authors reconstruct the original mode space by mode clustering method, forming a new merged Markov switching system. By specifying the difference between the Euler-Maruyama (EM) approximate discrete-time model of the merged system and the exact discrete-time model of the original Markov switching system, the authors prove that the sampled-data controller, designed for the merged system based on its EM approximation, can exponentially stabilize the original system in mean square sense. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the method.