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Background: Changes in modern industrial production practices can easily lead to shoulder work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). The current reports on shoulder WMSD are limited to some industries are less well studied, and the sample size is usually small. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and severity of shoulder WMSD in a large sample of Chinese workers from 15 industries, analyze the possible correlations with sociodemographic and work-related variables, and compare the differences between industries.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 55,749 participants from 252 enterprises in 15 industries throughout China. A Chinese version of the musculoskeletal disease questionnaire was used to collect the demographic factors, shoulder symptoms in past 12 months, and work-related factors including posture-related factors, repetition, vibration, work organization, job control, and environmental factors as independent variables. Descriptive statistics were used, and the binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the association between shoulder WMSD and potential demographic and work-related factors.Results: Nearly 35.5% of participants reported shoulder pain and discomfort in the previous 12 months. Biopharmaceutical manufacturing (56.2%), medical services (54.4%), and aviation services (50.1%) were the three industries with the highest prevalence of shoulder WMSD. The pain score of aviation services workers was the highest. The related factors for shoulder WMSD varied among the different industries.Conclusion: Our study found a relatively high prevalence of shoulder WMSD in China. There were large differences in the prevalence of shoulder WMSD among industries, and the related factors were particular to each industry. Such information is useful to help occupational health practitioners and policymakers conduct preventive programs to reduce shoulder disorders in these working populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pnictogen bonding (PnB) has gained recognition as an appealing strategy for constructing novel architectures and unlocking new properties. Within the synthetic community, the development of a straightforward and much simpler protocol for cross‐electrophile C−PIII coupling remains an ongoing challenge with organic halides. In this study, we present a simple strategy for photoinduced PnB‐enabled cross‐electrophile C−PIII couplings using readily available chlorophosphines and organic halides via merging single electron transfer (SET) and halogen atom transfer (XAT) processes. In this photomediated transformation, the PnB formed between chlorophosphines and alkyl amines facilitates the photogeneration of PIII radicals and α‐aminoalkyl radicals through SET. Subsequently, the resulting α‐aminoalkyl radicals activate C−X bonds via XAT, leading to the formation of carbon radicals. This methodology offers operational simplicity and compatibility with both aliphatic and aromatic chlorophosphines and organic halides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the long-term fixed position experimental data from Qianyanzhou Ecological Experiment Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1998, this paper analyzed the effects of applying different kind fertilizers (straw, ST; pig manure, OM; and chemical fertilizer, NPK) on the nutrients (C, N, and P) status and the activities of related enzymes (β-1,4-glucosidase, βG; β-1,4- N-acetylglucosaminidase, NAG; L-leucine aminopeptidase, LAP; and acid phosphatase, AP) in reddish paddy soil. With the application of OM, the activities of soil βG, NAG, and LAP increased significantly, as compared with other treatments, and were 1. 4, 2. 6, and 1. 9 times higher than the control (CK), respectively. Applying OM also improved the ratio of soil organic carbon to total nitrogen (C/ N), but decreased the soil βG/ (NAG+LAP) ratio, suggesting that pig manure could benefit the degradation of soil cellulose and the accumulation of soil organic carbon. Applying NPK increased the activities of soil βG, NAG, and LAP, but decreased the AP activity, with a decrement of 34% as compared with CK. Under the application of NPK, the soil βG/ AP and (NAG+ LAP) / AP ratios increased, but the ratios of soil organic carbon to total phosphorus (C/ P) and of soil total nitrogen to total phosphorus (N/ P) decreased, indicating that chemical fertilizers could induce the accumulation of soil inorganic phosphorus, and inhibit the microbial functions of degrading polysaccharides and phosphate phospholipids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the multi-temporal variation in vegetated and non-vegetated areas in Mongolia and China to assess the desertification in East Asia. The study used variations in normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the spatial data from satellite images to evaluate the vegetation dynamics. Results showed that one of the desert areas in East Asia was Southern Mongolia while the areas most at risk for desertification were Southeastern and Eastern Inner Mongolia.

A sequential reduction-oxidation for DCF degradation was proposed by alternating anaerobic/aerobic conditions at Ru/Fe-biocathode in a dual-chamber bioelectrochemical system (BES). Results showed that Ru/Fe-electrode was successfully fabricated by in-situ electro-deposition, which was rough and uniformly distributed with Ru0 and Fe0 particles. The morphologic changing and biocompatibility were favorable to increase the surface area and enhance microbial adhesion on Ru/Fe-electrode. At an applied voltage of 0.6 V, the potential and impedance of Ru/Fe-biocathode were −0.80 V and 26 Ω, respectively, lower than that of carbon-felt-biocathode. It led to a higher DCF degradation efficiency of 93.2% under anaerobic conditions, which was superior to that of 88.0% under aerobic conditions. Using NaHCO 3 as carbon source, DCF removal efficiency increased with increasing applied voltage, but decreased with increasing initial DCF concentration. Thirteen intermediates were measured, and two degradation pathways were proposed, among which sequential reduction-oxidation of DCF was the main pathway, dechlorination intermediates were first generated by [H] attacked under anaerobic conditions, further oxidized by microbes and OH attacked under aerobic conditions, achieving 69.6% of mineralization. After 4 d of reaction, microcystis aeruginosa growth inhibition rate decreased from 22.9 to 8.0%, signifying a significant reduction in biotoxicity. Bacteria (e.g. Nitrobacter, Nitrosomonas, Pseudofulvimonas, Aquamicrobium, Sulfurvermis, Lentimicrobiaceae, Anaerobineaceae, Bacteroidales, Hydrogenedensaceae, Dethiosulfatibacter and Azoarcus) for DCF degradation were enriched in Ru/Fe-biocathode. Microbes in Ru/Fe-biocathode had established defense mechanisms to acclimate to the unfriendly environment, while Ru/Fe-biocathode possessed higher nitrification and denitrification activities than carbon-felt-biocathode, and Ru/Fe-biocathode might be of aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation activities. DCF could be mineralized by the synergistic reaction between Ru/Fe and bacteria under sequential anaerobic/aerobic conditions. [Display omitted] • 69.6% of TOC was degraded under the combined process by Ru/Fe-biocathode. • [H] and OH were the major radicals degrading DCF in Ru/Fe-biocathode-BES. • Bacteria for DCF degradation were enriched in Ru/Fe-biocathode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid-crystalline D-A dyads and A-D-A triads, based on the chemical association of electron-donor (D) triphenylene discogens and electron-acceptor (A) perylene/benzoperylene diimides, have been synthesized by the Pd-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling/DBU-promoted cyclization reactions tandem. These molecular heterojunctions spontaneously self-organize into columnar hexagonal (Col hex) or/and rectangular (Col rec) mesophases, over broad temperature ranges including room temperature, with the antagonist moieties segregated into alternated homo-molecular (homolithic) stacks within mixed columns. Their intramolecular electron and energy transfers have been studied by UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopies. Due to photo-induced electron transfer between donor and acceptor units, fluorescence quenching is systematically observed for all the dyads and triads. This study further reveals that perylenediimide is a stronger electron acceptor than the larger benzoperylenediimide building block. Density function theory calculations of their molecular structures and HOMO-LUMO energy levels and gaps support the experimental results and demonstrate that these donor-acceptor systems have potential applications in various optoelectronic devices. • Dyad and triad discotic mesogens were synthesized by Sonogashira coupling/DBU-promoted cyclization reactions tandem. • Fluorescence quenching is observed for all compounds due to photo-induced electron transfer between donors and acceptors. • The compounds exhibit hexagonal and rectangular columnar mesophases over broad temperature ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analysis comparatively the changes of PTH, 25OHD2, and 25OHD3 before and after electromagnetic pulse treatment in postmenopausal osteoporosis (POP), and to evaluate the clinical value of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Methods One hundred postmenopausal osteoporotic patients in our hospital were selected as observation group, and 80 healthy people coming for physical examination at the same period were selected as control group. Serum PTH, 25OHD2, 25OHD3, and bone mineral density (BMD) of people in 2 groups were detected. Each index in 2 groups before the treatment was analyzed. The correlation between PTH, 25OHD2 +25OHD3, and BMD was analyzed. At the same time, the changes of each index before and after the treatment in patients were observed. Results The serum PTH in patients of observation group before treatment was higher than that of control group (P < 0.05), but the average serum levels of 25OHD2 and 25OHD3 were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). PTH in the observation group was negatively correlated with BMD (r = - 0.57, P < 0.05), but 25OHD2 + 25OHD3 was positively correlated with BMD (r = 0. 68, P < 0.05). PTH in the observation group decreased after the treatment compared to that before treatment (P < 0.05), but the serum 25OHD2, 25OHD3, and BMD increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy can effectively improve bone density of patients with POP through the regulation of bone metabolism and biochemical markers, resulting in the clinical outcome of POP treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A stereological profile imaging method developed for rock fragment volume estimates. • This study quantitatively compared rock fragment effects on SOC stock estimation. • Rock-fragment-estimation method may significantly affect SOC stock estimation. • Stereological profile imaging method accurately estimated SOC stocks of stony soils. Accounting for soil organic carbon (SOC) in stony soils is critical for estimating global SOC stocks. However, accurate and cost-effective assessments of SOC stocks in stony soil profiles remain challenging due to the difficulties in accurately determining the rock fragment volume. The objective of this study was to develop a stereological profile imaging method for rock fragment volume fraction estimation and SOC stock assessment in stony soil profiles. Three soil profiles with different rock fragment lithologies, concentrations, and distributions were imaged and quantitatively sampled. The stereological profile imaging method reproduced consistent estimation of the 3-dimensional rock fragment number density distribution and volume fraction compared to the direct measurement. The SOC stocks of the three stony profiles estimated by visual estimation, profile imaging, and stereological profile imaging methods were also assessed and compared to direct measurement. The average difference in total SOC stock between direct measurement and visual estimation, profile imaging, and stereological profile imaging methods was 0.32, 0.17, and 0.09 kg m−2, respectively. The total profile (0–100 cm) SOC stock for profile 2 differed among the visual estimation and profile imaging methods, but estimated SOC stock from the proposed method did not differ from direct measurement for the three profiles. Results also showed that the differences in SOC stock assessment between rock fragment estimation methods increased with rock fragment concentration. The proposed method was less affected by rock fragment concentration and was more stable compared to the visual and profile imaging methods. The stereological profile imaging method was demonstrated to be a reasonably accurate method for the quantification of rock fragment number density distribution, volume fraction, and SOC stock in stony soil profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Perforator stroke is one of the most common complications of vertebrobasilar arterial stenting. We investigated whether perforator stroke after vertebrobasilar arterial stenting is associated with plaque enhancement in patients with severe vertebrobasilar artery stenosis.Methods: We studied patients with symptomatic vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis who underwent stenting from January 2017 to July 2020. Patients who underwent high resolution magnetic resonance imaging were recruited among them. Demographic data, risk factors of atherosclerosis, procedure details, and characteristics of imaging were extracted from electronic health records and imaging data. Plaque features were investigated by high resolution magnetic resonance imaging.Results: 136 patients were enrolled in this study, 39 of whom fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 18 patients (46.2%) had obvious plaque enhancement among the 39 patients, and 21 (53.8%) had plaque non-enhancement. 21 patients (53.8%) had diffuse distribution, and 22 patients (56.4%) had irregular plaques surface. Patients were divided into plaque enhanced and plaque non-enhanced groups according to the degree of plaque enhancement. Clinical characteristics and other plaque features were similar between two groups. Procedure-related perforator stroke was identified in 4 patients (10.3%). Patients with plaque enhancement were more likely to have perforator stroke after stenting compared with those with plaque non-enhancement (22.2% versus 0%, P = 0.037).Conclusions: Plaque enhancement in high resolution magnetic resonance imaging may be associated with perforator stroke after vertebrobasilar artery stenting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasingly concern that PM 2.5 constituents play a significant role in PM 2.5 -related cardiovascular outcomes. However, little is known about the associations between specific constituents of PM 2.5 and risk for cardiovascular health. To evaluate the exposure to specific chemicals of PM 2.5 from various sources and their cardiac effects, a longitudinal investigation was conducted with four repeated measurements of elderly participants' HRV and PM 2.5 species in urban Beijing. Multiple chemicals in PM 2.5 (metals, ions and PAHs) were characterized for PM 2.5 source apportionment and personalized exposure assessment. Five sources were finally identified with specific chemicals as the indicators: oil combustion (1.1%, V & PAHs), secondary particle (11.3%, SO 4 2− & NO 3 −), vehicle emission (1.2%, Pd), construction dust (28.7%, Mg & Ca), and coal combustion (57.7%, Se & As). As observed, each IQR increase in exposure to oil combustion (V), vehicle emission (Pd), and coal combustion (Se) significantly decreased rMSSD by 13.1% (95% CI: −25.3%, −1.0%), 27.4% (95% CI: −42.9%, −7.6%) and 24.7% (95% CI: −39.2%, −6.9%), respectively, while those of PM 2.5 mass with decreases of rMSSD by 11.1% (95% CI: −19.6%, −1.9%) at lag 0. Elevated exposures to specific sources/constituents of PM 2.5 disrupt cardiac autonomic function in elderly and have more adverse effects than PM 2.5 mass. In the stratified analysis, medication and gender modify the associations of specific chemicals from variable sources with HRV. The findings of this study provide evidence on the roles of influential constituents of ambient air PM 2.5 and their sources in terms of their adverse cardiovascular health effects. • First study to extensively examine PM 2.5 constituents and elderly's cardiac risk. • Elevated exposures to PM 2.5 specific chemicals disrupt cardiac autonomic function. • Fossil fuel combustion sources have more adverse cardiac effects than PM 2.5 mass. • rMSSD, pNN50 and VLF are key and early biomarkers of PM 2.5 related cardiac events. • Medication and gender modify the source specific PM 2.5 on cardiac effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, it has been demonstrated that circular RNA (circRNA) contributes to the production and progression in human cancer. However, the specific function and underlying mechanism of circ_0028171 in osteosarcoma (OS) still remain largely unclear and require to be investigated. Methods: In our study, we confirmed differentially expressed circRNAs by microarray analysis in normal bone cells vs. OS cell lines. The expression of circ-0028171 in OS was measured by qRT-PCR. Nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation was employed to identify the localization of circ-0028171, and RNase R and actinomycin D treatment were used to prove its circular characteristic. In vitro experiments, such as CCK-8 method, cell count, cell colony formation, transwell migration and invasion assays, and in vivo tumor models were adopted to evaluate the effect of circ_0028171. Further, luciferase reporter, RIP and RNA pull-down assays were conducted to confirm the binding sites of circ_0028171 with miR-218-5p. Results: We found that circ_0028171 displayed a remarkably higher expression in both OS tissues and cell lines. Circ_0028171 mainly located in the cytoplasm as a stable cyclic transcript. Knockdown of circ_0028171 suppressed OS tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, while up-regulated circ_0028171 remarkably enhanced cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities in OS. Several mechanistic experiments revealed that circ_0028171 served as a sponge of miR-218-5p to increase IKBKB expression. Conclusions: our research reveals that circ_0028171 might promote the malignant behavior of OS tissues through miR-218-5p/IKBKB axis, which could be a potential novel marker for early diagnosis of OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An organic semiconductor thin film grown by constant potential deposition. • Thin films array was screened by scanning photoelectrochemical microscopy. • Thin film with 600 s deposition time exhibits better photoelectrochemical performance. A perylene tetracarboxylate (PTCA)-based organic semiconductor polymer was deposited onto an indium tin oxide (ITO) glass by means of one-step electrochemical oxidation at a constant potential. The obtained PTCA thin films were characterized via several physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. The thickness of the deposited film can be controlled by tuning the deposition time. The energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital and the optical band gap of the film (−2.1 eV, 3.6 eV) were higher and smaller, respectively, than those of the bare ITO (−4.8 eV, 3.7 eV). Loading a PTCA thin film onto an ITO glass created a type of photoanode material that exhibited enhanced photocurrent responses and improved photoelectrochemical water oxidation ability compared with that of the bare ITO film. The photoelectrochemical ability of the PTCA film array (with different thicknesses) for water oxidation can be rapidly screened in a neutral solution through the substrate generation-tip collection mode of scanning photoelectrochemical microscopy (SPECM). Among the array, the line of PTCA-600s/ITO produced the largest photocurrent (9.2 nA) in a 0.1 M KCl solution under visible light irradiation. Bulk ITO electrodes decorated with the film under the same preparation conditions confirmed the results of the SPECM screening. In addition, SPECM can be used to further verify the photogenerated carrier transfer mechanism by redox competition mode. This work offers insight into the preparation and screening of photoelectrochemical organic semiconductor material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ru/Fe modified electrode was prepared by reduction and coating. • DCF-degradation efficiency was enhanced by using Ru/Fe-MFC compared to CF-MFC. • Bacteria for degrading DCF and producing electricity were enriched in Ru/Fe-MFC. • Mechanisms of synergistic reaction of Ru/Fe and bacteria were revealed. A microbial fuel cell (MFC) was constructed with a Ru/Fe-modified-anode prepared by reduction and coating for enhancing diclofenac (DCF) degradation. Results showed that Ru0 and Fe0 were dispersed uniformly on Ru/Fe-modified-electrode surface, and Ru/Fe existed as an alloy structure. Due to catalysis of Ru/Fe, both electrochemical activity and DCF-degradation performance of Ru/Fe-modified-anode-MFC (Ru/Fe-MFC) were enhanced compared to carbon-felt-anode-MFC (CF-MFC). The maximum power density of Ru/Fe-MFC reached 0.600 W m−2, and DCF-degradation in Ru/Fe-MFC followed the pseudo-first-order-kinetic model with k obs of 0.711 d−1 which was 1.08, 1.34 and 2.21 times higher than that of Ru-modified-anode-MFC (Ru-MFC), Fe-modified-andoe-MFC (Fe-MFC) and CF-MFC, respectively. Results also showed that DCF-degradation and power generation would compete for electrons in Ru/Fe-MFC. Ru/Fe-modified-anode accelerated the enrichment of electro-active bacteria and DCF-degrading bacteria such as Geobacter, Clostridium, Sedimentibacter, Pseudomonas and Desulfovibrionaceae. Stepwise dechlornation occurred for DCF-degradation mainly due to synergistic reaction of Ru/Fe and DCF-degrading bacteria within Ru/Fe-MFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community dependence reflects individuals' daily needs for community space and facilities and is closely related to the accurate allocation of social resources and human quality of life. This study examines the differences in community use and dependence among different income groups at the overall and community levels from the perspective of the microscale individual activity space. Compared with non‐low‐income groups, low‐income groups are generally more dependent on their communities during their daily lives. However, these differences are diverse among different communities; they are more moderate among different income groups in communities located in central city areas and significant among different income groups in suburban affordable housing communities. The regression models reveal that in addition to income, the characteristics of activities and built environment attributes also affect individuals' community dependence. Social policies should prioritize the quality and quantity of community resources for vulnerable suburban groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The CoS 2 / CdS with different sizes of CoS2 nanoparticles were first synthesized by a hydrothermal method. • The size effect of CoS 2 with three different sizes was explored for photocatalytic H 2 evolution.. • The photocatalytic H2 production rate of 0.5 % CoS 2 / CdS with ∼ 9 nm CoS 2 is 13 times higher than CdS. • Larger work function difference between smaller CoS 2 and CdS is favorable for the efficient transfer of electrons. The highly efficient photocatalysis of semiconductors by controlling the size of noble metal co-catalysts has been widely used. However, it is unknown whether metallic materials, as a new type of co-catalyst, have a size effect in this process. In this study, by using CTAB (hexadecylcetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide) as a surfactant, nanocomposites of CoS 2 /CdS nanorods (NRs) with different loads and sizes of CoS 2 were fabricated by using the facile hydrothermal method. The size of the metallic CoS 2 nanoparticles (NPs) as co-catalysts could be controlled from ∼ 9 nm to ∼ 45 nm, and the size effect of CoS 2 NPs was explored for the photocatalytic evolution of hydrogen. The rate of production of photocatalytic hydrogen of 0.5 % CoS 2 /CdS NR nanocomposites, with ∼ 9 nm CoS 2 NPs, was 13 times that of the pristine CdS NRs owing to the maximum difference in work function between CdS and CoS 2. The results of experiments and DFT calculations show the effective electron separation and transfer on the CdS NRs through the Schottky junction between CoS 2 NPs and CdS NRs. Furthermore, the size effect of metallic materials was verified, which is significant for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The numerical simulation of the cyclone separator was carried out by CFD software. The effects of the gas outlet duct length on the pressure drop and separation efficiency were discussed. The gas phase is used as a continuous medium, and the RNG k-ϵ turbulence model is used to simulate the flow field. Using the particle phase as a discrete system, a random orbital model is used to calculate the orbit of the particle based on the calculated flow field. The simulation results show that the flow field in the cyclone separator is anisotropic. When the inlet velocity is constant, the pressure drop of cyclone separators increases with the increase of gas outlet duct length. The longer gas outlet duct can limit the inflowing gas, so that there is enough time to establish uniform rotating flow. It helps stabilize the spiral airflow and improve the separation performance of cyclone separator.

Serum sodium abnormalities are one of the most common manifestations after radical craniopharyngioma (CP) excision. The aim of this study was to report the incidence and possible predictors of serum sodium disturbance and explore features of sodium destabilization manifestation among QST classification results after CP resection. A retrospective analysis was performed of clinical, biochemical, radiologic, and operative data for 134 successive patients who underwent primary CP removal between September 2016 and March 2018. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine predictors. Sixty patients (44.8%) experienced hyponatremia and 67 patients (50%) hypernatremia; the median time of onset was 6 days and the first day after surgery, respectively. The incidence, onset, severity, and type of sodium disturbance among different types of CP differed significantly based on statistical tests (P < 0.05). Sodium disturbance was more common and severe in patients with type T tumors (P < 0.05). Age, tumor type, and preoperative diabetes insipidus were independent prognostic factors for obvious disorders of serum sodium. Hyponatremia/hypernatremia is common after primary CP resection. The site of tumor origin has a direct effect on the growth pattern of CP, which may serve as a useful index for anticipating sodium perturbation after surgery. The level of sodium in children and patients with type T tumors, preoperative diabetes insipidus should be monitored closely throughout hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proposing a systematic method to guide whole process management of rural landscape. • Linking ESs, LFZs, environmental spatial characteristics is applied to management. • Population growth is the macro-background driving rural development in Jiangning. • Ecological transition zone needs more comprehensive landscape planning and design. • Environmental spatial characteristics inspire delicate landscape design strategies. Suburban rural ecosystem, especially those adjacent to large cities, constitute a key component of rural and urban sustainability and resilience. However, urbanisation often exerts a negative impact on suburban rural landscapes, leading to ecological degradation. Despite making a significant contribution to multiple ecosystem services (ESs), suburban rural landscapes do not receive commensurate attention compared to urban themes, particularly on a smaller scale. We explored key drivers of land use dynamics in the suburban rural area of Jiangning, Nanjing, China, via a quantitative statistical mapping approach, utilising multi-source geospatial data from 2005 to 2018 and relevant ecological and socio-economic data that would enable the quantification of four key ecosystem services. Landscape functional zones characterised by ESs bundles were also identified, and their association with surrounding landscape attributes was statistically analysed. Our results highlighted urbanisation-induced population growth as the macro-context driving the development of Jiangning. The analysis yielded five distinct landscape functional zones (LFZs) that displayed synergistic relationships between their ESs, namely, carbon storage and soil retention, n-output and water yield. Furthermore, these results linked LFZs to environmental spatial characteristics and created detailed landscape elements for each zone, thereby emphasising the need for more comprehensive landscape planning and designing for ecological transition zones. We were thus able to imply zoning attributes-based rural landscape designs that may optimise ecological benefits. This study provides a systematic method to integrate ESs, landscape functional zones, and environmental spatial characteristics into the whole process management of suburban rural landscape planning. It aims to promote sustainable multifunctionality in suburban rural areas by providing spatial-level management indicators and landscape element-level design strategies for each LFZ, thereby revitalising the countryside from the perspective of landscape architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Loess deposition from wind is one of the major sources of soil development in many regions including northeastern China. The dust deposition on snow from 6 sites in Shenyang, northeastern China was collected and characterized physically and chemically to determine its origin (modern vs. re-deposited loess). The origin and characteristics of the dust deposition were evaluated through comparisons with possible sources of sand desert areas based on elemental compositions, such as the A-CN-K (Al 2 O 3 -CaO + Na 2 O-K 2 O) ternary plot and ratios of Al 2 O 3 /TiO 2 , Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 , and Fe 2 O 3 /Al 2 O 3. The texture and composition results showed that the dust deposition was most recent and not re-deposited loess. The dust deposition was predominantly silt-sized grains (2–50 μm) and had greater amounts of Na 2 O (1.7% vs. 1.5% average), MgO (2.1% vs. 1.2%), and CaO (3.2% vs. 1.2%) when compared to the local soil. Its mineral composition was mainly quartz, feldspar, and mica. The magnetic susceptibility of the dust deposition was 30.9 × 10−8 m3/kg and lower than the local soil which was 40.4 × 10−8 m3/kg. Based on the A-CN-K ternary plot, the dust had a weaker weathering intensity than the local soil, loess-paleosol sequences, and red clay. This indicated that the dust was not a re-deposited loess. Furthermore, according to the discriminating analysis using ratios of Al 2 O 3 /TiO 2 , Fe 2 O 3 /TiO 2 , and Fe 2 O 3 /Al 2 O 3 , the source for the dust was traced from the deserts of south Mongolia, Tengger, Gulban Tungut, and Taklimakan. The two primary factors transporting the dust were the Mongolia Cyclone and westerlies. The dust was blown into the atmosphere, and transported by the atmospheric circulation from west to east and/or from northwest to southeast, which was accompanied also by a cold front cyclone moving southeast towards the study area. The origin, transportation, and deposition process of the dust deposition in this study provides further evidence about the origin of the loess and its likely role in soil development in Shenyang, northeastern China. Highlights • A comparative analysis between dust deposits on snow and local soil indicated dust deposits were of modern origin. • The major sources of dust deposits were deserts of south Mongolia, Tengger, Gulban Tungut, and Taklimakan. • Dust deposits had undergone limited pedogenesis compared to local soils. • Dust deposit origin and source can be used for better modeling the loess-paleosol evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Activation of T lymphocytes, for which potassium channels are essential, is involved in the development of hypertension. In this study, we explored the inhibitory effects of telmisartan on the culture and proliferation of and Kv1.3 potassium channel expression in peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes derived from Xinjiang Kazakh patients with hypertension. Methods: CD4+ T-cell samples from hypertensive Kazakh patients and healthy Kazakh people were divided into healthy control, case control, telmisartan, and 4-aminopytidine groups. Changes in the expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-17 in the blood of the healthy control and case control subjects were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes were first activated and proliferated in vitro and then incubated for 0, 24, and 48 h under various treatment conditions. Thereafter, changes in CD4+ T-lymphocytic proliferation were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 and microscope photography. Changes in messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of the Kv1.3 potassium channel in CD4+ T lymphocytes were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blots, respectively. Results: The IL-6 and IL-17 expression levels were significantly higher in the blood of the hypertensive Kazakh patients than in the healthy Kazakh people. Telmisartan inhibited T-lymphocytic proliferation, as well as the mRNA and protein expression of the Kv1.3 potassium channel in CD4+ T lymphocytes, and the inhibitory effects were time-dependent, with the strongest inhibition observed after 48 h and significantly weaker inhibition observed after 24 h of treatment. Conclusions: Telmisartan may potentially regulate hypertensive inflammatory responses by inhibiting T-lymphocytic proliferation and Kv1.3 potassium channel expression in CD4+ T lymphocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil temperature regime (STR) is important for soil classification and land use. Generally, STR is delineated by estimating the mean annual soil temperature at a depth of 50 cm (MAST50) according to the Chinese Soil Taxonomy (CST). However, delineating the STR of China remains a challenge due to the difficulties in accurately estimating MAST50. The objectives of this study were to explore environmental factors that influence the spatial variation of MAST50 and generate an STR map for China. Soil temperature measurements at 40 and 80 cm depth were collected from 386 National Meteorological Stations in China during 1971–2000. The MAST50 was calculated as the average mean annual soil temperature (MAST) from 1971–2000 between 40 and 80 cm depths. In addition, 2 048 mean annual air temperature (MAAT) measurements from 1971 to 2000 were collected from the National Meteorological Stations across China. A zonal pedotransfer function (PTF) was developed based on the ensemble linear regression kriging model to predict the MAST50 in three topographic steps of China. The results showed that MAAT was the most important variable related to the variation of MAST50. The zonal PTF was evaluated with a 10% validation dataset with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.66°C and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.78°C, which were smaller than the unified model with MAE of 0.83°C and RMSE of 0.96°C, respectively. This study demonstrated that the zonal PTF helped improve the accuracy of the predicted MAST50 map. Based on the prediction results, an STR map across China was generated to provide a consistent scientific base for the improvement and application of CST and land use support.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by synovial inflammation that eventually leads to joint destruction. Treatment for RA primarily consists of cytokine inhibitors, B cell‐depleting agents, and T cell costimulatory blocking agents. In recent years, miRNAs have come into play with better therapeutic results and less side effects, yet their clinical use is often limited by their structural instability. By incorporating miR‐23b into the structure of tFNAs to form a complex named T‐23b, the stability of miR‐23b is enhanced, allowing for an efficient delivery in the organism to fully exert its therapeutic effect. At the histological level, T‐23b treatment alleviates synovial inflammation by inhibiting the infiltration of inflammatory cells and suppressing synovial hyperplasia. It also prohibits pathologic angiogenesis, cartilage matrix degradation, and osteoclast generation to protect joint structures. At the cellular level, it inhibits the migration of synovial fibroblasts and also the synthesis and secretion of inflammatory and osteoclastic factors. At the transcriptional level, T‐23b can regulate the expression of related genes, leading to improvement in the phenotypes associated with the aforementioned disease. These effects are significantly more pronounced compared to the individual effects of miR‐23b and tFNAs respectively, making T‐23b a potential alternative for treating RA in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term weathering patterns in northeastern China are not well known due to few well-preserved terrestrial paleo-environmental archives in this area. The Chaoyang section is a typical well-preserved loess-paleosol sequence in northeast China with continuous deposition since 423 ka BP; the deposit thus represents an archive of climate change for this region. The sequence was geochemically characterized by major elemental compositions, elemental ratios, a ternary diagram of Al 2 O 3 -(CaO* + Na 2 O)-K 2 O, improved quantitative reconstruction and elemental distributions with respect to the average for the upper continental crust (AUCC). Another typical loess-paleosol sequence of Lingtai section from the central Chinese Loess Plateau was used for comparison with the loess-paleosol one. The similar AUCC-normalized major elemental distributions and strong correlation of the major elemental compositions between the loess-paleosol sequences indicate that they may have originated predominantly from a similar loess source. Based on the variability in chemical indices corresponding to soil magnetic susceptibility (SUS) and field observations, the loess-paleosol formation period of 423–77 ka BP was separated into eight sub-periods including four periods with greater chemical weathering intensity (paleosols) and four periods characterized by the relative lesser chemical weathering intensity (loess). Relatively intense desilication and fersiallitization primarily occurred in the loess-paleosol sequence from northeast China with greater losses of SiO 2 (3.54% in average) and gains of Fe 2 O 3 (0.77%) and Al 2 O 3 (0.33%). Such processes also were reflected in an increase in the amount of K 2 O (0.41%). Ca and Na leaching was still predominant in the loess-paleosol sequence from the central Chinese Loess Plateau with greater losses of CaO (28.03%) and Na 2 O (14.03%). The sequence from northeast China records chemical weathering during 423–77 ka BP, which is comparable to the weathering cycles in the sequence from the central Chinese Loess Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about how Fe-Mn nodules vary in relation to pedogenetic horizons in soils derived from loess. In this investigation nodules were collected according to soil genetic horizons from a Fragiudalf in loess at Southeast Purdue Agricultural Center (SEPAC) in Indiana and physical, chemical, micro- and macromorphological features of nodules and their soil matrix were determined as a function of soil depth. The quantity, chemical composition, and micromorphology of the nodules varied with genetic horizons. The Ap horizon was found to contain the largest amount by weight of nodules (25.43 g/kg) and this was likely due to soil erosion. After the Ap horizon, the 2Btx1 and 2Btx2 horizons had the greatest content of Fe-Mn nodules by weight. Nodules had lower concentrations of SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , K 2 O, TiO 2 , MgO, Na 2 O, and CaO; in contrast Fe 2 O 3 , MnO, and P 2 O 5 in nodules showed clearly greater concentrations than that in the corresponding soil material. The SiO 2 content decreased with nodule size whereas Fe 2 O 3 and MnO increased. The least depletion of SiO 2 in nodules of 1–2 mm (N2) and 0.5–1 mm (N1) was in the Bt2 horizon, and was greatest in the 2Btx2. The Al 2 O 3 had accumulated in the N2 and N1 nodules within the Ap horizon and in the N2 within the 2Btx2 while other horizons were depleted of Al 2 O 3 . Brown nodules had a small Mn/Fe ratio (< 1), whereas black nodules had a large Mn/Fe ratio (> 1). The internal morphology of the nodules also varied with Mn/Fe ratios. The fungal hyphae or bacteria resulted in honeycomb, cell, cone, or dendritic structures. The cell and cone morphology required large Mn/Fe ratios, low pH, and high content of Al d . The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis illustrated an elemental distribution trend such that the Mn was centralized in the nodule internal structure; whereas, Fe was concentrated towards the exterior. The band structure of nodules likely formed in response to seasonal wetting and drying as an accretionary process. Three basic formation stages for a well developed nodule can be inferred which correspond to different soil forming environments: 1) Fe enrichment for nucleus formation in wet soil, 2) Mn enrichment in an intense dry soil, and 3) Fe banding enrichment in a slightly dry soil. Nodule formation occurred synchronously with soil pedogenesis and can therefore be used as a proxy for understanding soil pedogenesis and the environment under which it occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimally invasive surgery is effective and recommended for treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage; however, neurosurgeons in grass-root hospitals in underdeveloped countries lack effective and precise minimally invasive surgery techniques. The aim of this study was to present a technique of computed tomography angiography–based three-dimensional-printed navigation mold–guided stereotactic aspiration and demonstrate its clinical application using a hard needle in a series of patients. The novel stereotactic aspiration technique was performed in 18 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage at our center, and clinical outcomes were reported. We compared the volume of hematoma measured by 3 different methods: ABC/2 formula, manual segmentation with OsiriX, and manual segmentation with 3D Slicer. The surgery was completed safely within an average operative time of 15.11 minutes, achieving the goal of <15 mL residual clot volume or >70% clot removal in all patients. No intracranial rebleeding or infection was observed postoperatively. At the end of the 6-month follow-up, 61.11% (11/18) of patients achieved a modified Rankin Scale score <3. There was overall better agreement of hematoma measurement using segmentation with 3D Slicer rather than ABC/2 measurement or hematoma measurement using segmentation with OsiriX. Our novel method of stereotactic aspiration benefited patients in this study with good percent clot removal, few surgery-related complications, and a favorable prognosis. Manual segmentation with 3D Slicer could be used to provide the neurosurgeon with dependable information about hematoma volume. This cheap and convenient technique may be applied in grass-root hospitals in underdeveloped countries. Assessment in multicenter prospective clinical trials is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpine meadow degradation is an important issue for ecosystem stability in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP). As an essential part of alpine meadow ecosystems, mattic epipedon (ME) refers to the soil surface horizons rich in organic matter and roots, which plays an important role in nutrient cycling, water retention, and ecological stability of QTP. The rupture of ME has caused serious alpine meadow degradation, biodiversity accidents, and ecosystem service decline, as well as attracted substantial concerns. However, the type of ME ruptures and their distribution environment are not well studied. In this perspective, to identify the major type of ME ruptures in QTP, 257 areas were investigated and 24 dominant plant species were collected from 2019 to 2023. Results indicated that ME ruptures exist in 234 investigated areas and can be broadly divided into 5 types based on visual observations and expert knowledge: collapsed ruptures, polygon ruptures, sheddable ruptures, cavernous ruptures, and hummock ruptures. The dominant plant species and coverage also present great differences between different rupture types. This study provides insights into alpine meadow degradation from the ME rupture types and distribution perspectives. Identifying the ME rupture types and their distribution will contribute to enhance alpine meadow restoration success for protecting the ecological benefits.

Illumination systems play a crucial role in determining the image quality of lens- less images. In this paper, we propose an illumination system that uses a light guide with a volume holographic optical element (VHOE) and apply it to a lensless digital holographic microscope (DHM). The light guide has an in-coupler that is maturely developed for AR/MR applications. A VHOE serves as an in-coupler and directs the laser light into the guiding mode. Unlike the conventional light guide in the AR/MR application, the out-coupler is changed to a functional VHOE to diffract a divergent spherical wave. Through clever arrangement, the interference fringe caught by the CMOS image sensor can be used to retrieve the tested image. By controlling the focusing point of the diffracted spherical wave, the field of view (FOV) and the resolution can be adjusted. We have demonstrated the use of different VHOEs to perform different FOV and image resolutions. Thus, a zoomable-compact lensless DHM with holographic light guide technology is achievable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the acceleration of industrialization and population aging, low back pain (LBP) has become the leading cause of life loss years caused by disability. Thus, it places a huge economic burden on society and is a global public health problem that needs urgent solution. This study aimed to conduct an epidemiological investigation and research on a large sample of workers in key industries in different regions of China, determine the incidence and distribution characteristics of LBP, explore the epidemic law, and provide a reference basis for alleviating global public health problems caused by LBP.Methods: We adopted a modified epidemiological cross-sectional survey method and a stratified cluster sampling method. All on-duty workers who fulfill the inclusion criteria are taken as the research participants from the representative enterprises in key industries across seven regions: north, east, central, south, southwest, northwest, and northeast China. The Chinese version of the musculoskeletal disease questionnaire, modified by a standardized Nordic questionnaire, was used to collect information, and 57,501 valid questionnaires were received. Descriptive statistics were used, and multivariate logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05) was performed to explore the association between musculoskeletal disorders and potential risk factors.Results: LBP annual incidence among workers in China's key industries is 16.4%. There was a significant difference in LBP incidence among occupational groups across different industries (p < 0.05). The multivariate regression model showed the following as risk factors for LBP: frequent repetitive movements with the trunk, working in the same positions at a high pace, trunk position, frequently turning around with your trunk, often working overtime, lifting heavy loads (i.e., more than 20 kg), education level, staff shortage, working age (years), cigarette smoking, use of vibration tools at work, body mass index, lifting heavy loads (i.e., more than 5 kg), and age (years). Physical exercise, often standing at work, and absolute resting time were protective factors.Conclusion: LBP incidence among key industries and workers in China is high. Thus, it is urgent to take relevant measures according to the individual, occupational, and psychosocial factors of LBP to reduce the adverse impact of LBP on workers' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To calculate the distribution of particle size of crushing coal and gangue, a mathematical model was built according to fractal theory. In addition, a comparison was made between Weibull distribution and fractal distribution, in order to ascertain the relationships between influence parameters and the coal fragmentation characteristic index, the coal fragmentation degree parameter and the fractal dimension. The test was divided into three parts: Firstly, the test was performed under different stem form and number of stems, the appropriate number of which is chosen based on experiment results, and the relationship between the parameters were discussed. Secondly, the test was performed for different stem forms of the cylindrical roll, in order to find the relationship between different stem forms and the size distribution of coal and gangue. Finally, the influence of the different geological conditions on the size distribution of crushing coal and gangue was studied under the cylindrical roll. The study results show that the two types of distribution functions are all suitable for coal lump size distribution, while the coal fragmentation fractal dimension can be expressed using the fractal dimension in the fractal distribution, which can better describe the size distribution of coal and gangue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Magnetic CuFe 2 O 4 are uniformly anchored on Al 2 O 3 (CFO@AO) to activate PMS. • CFO@AO/PMS system performs well for degrading TC·HCl in different water matrix. • Synergistic catalysis between CuFe 2 O 4 and Al 2 O 3 enhanced the TC·HCl degradation. • Radical and non-radical species in CFO@AO/PMS system have been investigated. • Reasons for the low leaching and high activity of CFO@AO have been given. Nanoscaled magnetic copper ferrite (CuFe 2 O 4) is widely used as a peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator but suffers from agglomeration owing to its inherent magnetic properties and high surface energy. In this work, spinel structured CuFe 2 O 4 anchored on mesoporous alumina (denoted as CFO@AO) were synthesized, characterized, and applied as a PMS activator for the removal of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC·HCl). Approximately 97.5 % of TC·HCl was decomposed within 10 min in 30 %–CFO@AO (0.2 g/L)/PMS (0.3 g/L) system, and the corresponding kinetic rate constant of 30 %–CFO@AO/PMS (0.417 min−1) was around 1.57 times higher than that of CuFe 2 O 4 /PMS (0.266 min−1), which indicating that the existence of synergistic catalysis between CuFe 2 O 4 and Al 2 O 3 enhanced the degradation of TC·HCl. Moreover, nano-sized CuFe 2 O 4 were successfully anchored on the surface of Al 2 O 3 because of Fe O Al bond, which could account for the enhanced catalytic activity, superior pH flexibility, and high chemical stability and reusability of 30 %–CFO@AO. Quenching experimentals, electron paramagnetic resonance, and methyl phenyl sulfoxide (PMSO) chemical probe assays confirmed that both radical oxidation (OH) and non-radical oxidation (1O 2 and Fe(IV) O) were proposed in the developed CFO@AO/PMS system, and OH played a key role in the process. Meanwhile, the PMS activation mechanism by CFO@AO composite was also analyzed based on the results of adsorption energy, which was calculated via DFT. Based on UPLC–MS technique, a possible degradation pathway for TC·HCl destruction in 30 %–CFO@AO/PMS system was proposed. The toxicity assessment showed that the catalytic degradation of TC·HCl in 30 %–CFO@AO/PMS system reduced the toxicity of most of degradation intermediates. Present work proved that CuFe 2 O 4 @Al 2 O 3 composite is an efficient, environment-friendly, and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for practical wastewater treatment via PMS activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The former marine environment is reflected in the δ13C and δ18O of the soils. • The magnetic susceptibility clearly indicates the historic use of some soils. • Weathering severity (CIA, WIP) varied from low (shallow soils) to high (Vertisols) • The absence of interstratified clay minerals indicates precipitation of kaolinite. • Glauconite weathering distinctly contributes to pedogenic Fe and Al. Glauconite forms in shallow marine basins under oxic to suboxic conditions. It is an Fe-rich sheet silicate often found in calcareous sandstones. How soils evolve on glauconitic sandstones (calcarenite) is poorly addressed: therefore, we investigated the evolutional trajectories. These soils should be enriched in Fe, depleted in K and contain kaolinite and smectite resulting from weathering. We investigated 11 soil profiles on glauconitic calcarenite in a Mediterranean area. The elemental contents, fractions of Fe and Al, soil mineralogy, magnetic susceptibility and stable isotopic composition (C, O) of the bulk soil and carbonates were analysed to explore pedogenesis. The carbonates reflect a former marine basin having onshore organic matter resulting from freshwater input. With soil formation, the primary carbonates were replaced by pedogenic carbonates having a lower δ13C and δ18O signal. Several sites were influenced by human activity since ancient times, reflected by the magnetic susceptibility. The shallow soils had a low weathering degree (CIA of 55 to 70). The better developed Vertisols exhibited a CIA value of up to 85. All soils contained smectite and quartz and, depending on the weathering degree, calcite. Kaolinite formation was connected to high Ca, K, Mg and Na losses. The high oxalate- and dithionite-extractable Fe contents are explained by glauconite weathering. Kaolinite is inherited from the parent material but also actively forms in the soils probably through precipitation from soil water. Due to the presence of smectite and oxyhydroxides the soils sequester a high amount of soil organic carbon (up to 30 kg/m2). Topography exerts a distinct influence on weathering and soil formation. Deepest soils and an advanced weathering stage were measured on footslope sites and shallow soils having a low weathering degree on crest/shoulder sites. Soils on glauconitic calcarenite represent a unique weathering environment that should be investigated even more at the micro-scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endemic fluorosis is a serious problem in public health, affecting thousands of people. Abnormal proliferation and activation of osteoblasts in skeletal fluorosis lesions play a leading role and osteoblast proliferation is finely regulated by the cell cycle. There are a few reports on fluoride-induced DNA methylation. However, the role of DNA methylation of the cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)/cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CKI) regulatory network in skeletal fluorosis has not been investigated. We used a population study and in vitro experiment to explore the relationship between the pathogenesis of skeletal fluorosis and methylation of Cyclin d1/CDK4/p21. The results showed a positive relationship between fluoride exposure and expression of Cyclin d1/CDK4, and a negative relationship between fluoride exposure and expression of P21. Hypermethylation of p21 was found in the fluoride-exposed population, and low expression of p21 attributed to promoter hypermethylation was confirmed in vitro. However, no changes in methylation levels of Cyclin d1 and CDK4 genes were observed in the population exposed to fluoride and NaF-treated osteoblasts. These results show that methylation of p21 gene has a significant impact on the proliferation of osteoblasts during the development of skeletal fluorosis. The present study was a first attempt to link the methylation of the Cyclin d1 / CDK4 / p21 regulatory network with osteoblast proliferation in skeletal fluorosis. • Fluoride exposure induced up-regulation of Cyclind1 / CDK4 and down-regulation of p21. • No changes in methylation status of Cyclind1 / CDK4 were found in fluoride exposure. • Down-regulation of p21 induced by fluoride is attributable to its hypermethylation. • Hypermethylation of the p21 gene can serve as a potential biomarker for fluorosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]