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In the work, CdS x Se 1-x /N-GQDs composites were fabricated via a simple one-step hydrothermal process and their tunable composition, structure and photoelectric properties were characterized by various techniques. The photoelectric properties of CdS x Se 1-x /N-GQDs could be adjusted by different Se/S ratios and tunable band-gaps. CdS x Se 1-x /N-GQDs composites reached the optimal photocurrent response and the lowest interfacial impedance at the Se/S ratio of 0.75:0.25. Mott-Schottky plots and LSV spectra showed that the n-type CdS 0.25 Se 0.75 /N-GQDs presented a higher carrier density under light illumination. The excellent properties of the composites could be attributed to the mechanism involved in the excitation and electron-transfer process. On one hand, the band-gap of CdS 0.25 Se 0.75 /N-GQDs was narrowed, and more electrons were excited by the lower band-gap energy to promote a superior electron separation and transportation. On the other hand, N-GQDs acted as charge carriers and conductive way providers for electron-transfer instead of electron-hole recombination in the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CONTEXTE: Les atteintes cardiaques sont fréquentes dans les cas graves de maladie à coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) et sont associées à un mauvais pronostic. Notre étude portait sur les facteurs prédictifs de mortalité intrahospitalière, les caractéristiques de l'arythmie et les effets des traitements qui allongent l'intervalle QT chez les patients ayant une atteinte cardiaque. MÉTHODES: Nous avons fait une étude de cohorte rétrospective des cas graves de COVID-19 admis à l'hôpital Tongji, à Wuhan, en Chine, entre le 29 janvier et le 8 mars 2020. En examinant ceux qui avaient une atteinte cardiaque, définie ici comme un taux élevé de troponine I cardiaque (TnIc), nous avons déterminé les caractéristiques biologiques et cliniques associées à la mortalité et au besoin de ventilation invasive. RÉSULTATS: Parmi les 1284 cas graves de COVID-19, 1159 avaient au dossier un taux de TnIc mesuré à l'admission, qui pour 170 (14,7 %) participants indiquait une atteinte cardiaque. Les patients ayant une atteinte cardiaque avaient un taux de mortalité nettement plus élevé que les autres patients (71,2 % c. 6,6 %; p < 0,001). Nous avons constaté que le taux de TnIc initial (pour chaque augmentation d'un facteur 10, rapport de risque [HR] 1,32, intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % 1,06–1,66) et le taux de TnIc maximal atteint au cours de la maladie (pour chaque augmentation d'un facteur 10, HR 1,70, IC à 95 % 1,38–2,10) étaient associés à de minces chances de survie. Le taux de TnIc maximal était aussi associé au besoin de ventilation invasive (rapport de cotes 3,02, IC à 95 % 1,92–4,98). Sur les 170 patients ayant une atteinte cardiaque, 44 (25,9 %) présentaient une arythmie. Les 6 qui souffraient de tachycardie ou de fibrillation ventriculaires sont morts. Nous avons remarqué que les patients qui recevaient des médicaments allongeant l'intervalle QT avaient un intervalle QTc plus long que ceux qui n'en recevaient pas (différence entre les médianes 45 ms; p = 0,01), mais que ce traitement n'était pas directement lié à la mortalité (HR 1,04, IC à 95 % 0,69–1,57). INTERPRÉTATION: Chez les patients ayant la COVID-19 et une atteinte cardiaque, les taux initial et maximal de TnIc sont associés à de minces chances de survie, et le taux maximal est un facteur prédictif du besoin de ventilation invasive. Les malades de la COVID-19 doivent subir un dépistage des atteintes cardiaques et être surveillés, surtout si on leur fait suivre un traitement qui peut prolonger la repolarisation. Enregistrement de l'essai : Registre des essais cliniques chinois, n° ChiCTR2000031301. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac injury is common in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is associated with poor outcomes. We aimed to study predictors of in-hospital death, characteristics of arrhythmias and the effects of QT-prolonging therapy in patients with cardiac injury.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving patients with severe COVID-19 who were admitted to Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China, between Jan. 29 and Mar. 8, 2020. Among patients who had cardiac injury, which we defined as an elevated level of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), we identified demographic and clinical characteristics associated with mortality and need for invasive ventilation.Results: Among 1284 patients with severe COVID-19, 1159 had a cTnI level measured on admission to hospital, of whom 170 (14.7%) had results that showed cardiac injury. We found that mortality was markedly higher in patients with cardiac injury (71.2% v. 6.6%, p < 0.001). We determined that initial cTnI (per 10-fold increase, hazard ratio [HR] 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.66) and peak cTnI level during illness (per 10-fold increase, HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.38-2.10) were associated with poor survival. Peak cTnI was also associated with the need for invasive ventilation (odds ratio 3.02, 95% CI 1.92-4.98). We found arrhythmias in 44 of the 170 patients with cardiac injury (25.9%), including 6 patients with ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, all of whom died. We determined that patients who received QT-prolonging drugs had longer QTc intervals than those who did not receive them (difference in medians, 45 ms, p = 0.01), but such treatment was not independently associated with mortality (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.69-1.57).Interpretation: We found that in patients with COVID-19 and cardiac injury, initial and peak cTnI levels were associated with poor survival, and peak cTnI was a predictor of need for invasive ventilation. Patients with COVID-19 warrant assessment for cardiac injury and monitoring, especially if therapy that can prolong repolarization is started.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, No. ChiCTR2000031301. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The habitat of Chinese mitten crabs (CMCs, Eriocheir sinensis ) has significant impact on their flavor and market price, and the characteristic flavor of CMCs produced in Yangcheng Lake in the lower reach of the Yangtze River in China is the most sought after by consumers. In this study, the differences in the intestinal microbiome and flavor amino acids, nucleotides, and organic acids in CMCs cultivated in Yangcheng Lake and Gucheng Lake (also in the lower reach of the Yangtze River) using the same model were compared. The results showed that CMCs cultivated in different lakes contained specific microbiota, with significantly different composition and abundance of the dominant microbiota. Although remarkable differences were noted in the contents of flavor amino acids, nucleotides, and lactic acid among different tissues and genders of CMCs, only some of these indicators varied between CMCs of different habitats, with respect to the distinctive flavor of CMCs. Thus, the difference in the intestinal microbiota of CMCs from different habitats may be related to the variation in the distinctive flavor of CMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The broad adoption of camera traps in wildlife monitoring leads to a better understanding of the distribution and activity patterns of wild animals. In this study, two endangered wild animals distributed in the Gongga Mountain National Nature Reserve, the tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus) and sambar (Rusa unicolor), were investigated for habitat suitability and rhythm activity patterns based on 9-year (2012–2021) camera-trap data. The results revealed that the suitable range of the major environmental factors and the distribution range of tufted deer in the reserve were greater than those of sambar. The daily activity peaks in tufted deer and sambar were both at dusk and dawn, but sambar stayed active during the evening. Clarifying the distribution pattern and overlapping relationship of sympatric relative species in the spatio-temporal niche is of great significance to the basic theory of community ecology and integrated management of multi-species habitats in the same landscape. In this study, based on a 9-year dataset (2012–2021) from 493 camera-trap sites in the Gongga Mountain National Nature Reserve, we analyzed the habitat distributions and activity patterns of tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus) and sambar (Rusa unicolor). (1) Combined with 235 and 153 valid presence sites of tufted deer and sambar, the MaxEnt model was used to analyze the distribution of the two species based on 11 ecological factors. The distribution areas of the two species were 1038.40 km2 and 692.67 km2, respectively, with an overlapping area of 656.67 km2. Additionally, the overlap indexes Schoener's D (D) and Hellinger's-based I (I) were 0.703 and 0.930, respectively. (2) Based on 10,437 and 5203 independent captures of tufted deer and sambar, their daily activity rhythms were calculated by using the kernel density estimation. The results showed that the daily activity peak in the two species appeared at dawn and dusk; however, the activity peak in tufted deer at dawn and dusk was later and earlier than sambar, respectively. Our findings revealed the spatio-temporal niche relationship between tufted deer and sambar, contributing to a further understanding of the coexistence mechanism and providing scientific information for effective wild animal conservation in the reserve and other areas in the southeastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature is an important environmental factor affecting the growth and development of silkworm (Bombyx mori). To analyze the effect of intestinal microbes on silkworm in response to a high-temperature environment, this study used a combination of high throughput sequencing and biochemical assays to detect silkworm intestinal microbes treated with high temperature for 72 h. The results show that high temperature affects the intestinal microbes of silkworm and that there are sex differences, specifically, females were more sensitive. The changes in the metabolism and transport ability of silkworm intestinal tissues under high temperature are related to the intestinal microbes. High temperatures may affect the intestinal microbes of silkworms, regulating the activity of related digestive enzymes and substance transport in the intestine, thereby affecting the silkworm's digestion and absorption of nutrients, and ultimately affecting growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZSSG (ZnSSe/rGO) composites are prepared by a hydrothermal method. The structure, morphology and material properties are investigated by various tests. Compared to ZnSe, the diffraction peaks of ZnSSe are moved to a larger angle and located between cubic phase ZnSe and cubic phase ZnS. The photocurrent density of ZSSG20 with 20 wt.% graphene is 2.17×10−5 A cm−2, which is 8.9 times higher than that of pure ZnSSe. ZSSG20 has the minimum charge transfer resistance and highest carrier density. The decreased fluorescence intensity in PL spectra indicates that graphene can effectively prevent the recombination of electron‐hole pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the value of an HPV E6/E7 mRNA assay and HPV 16 18/45 genotype assay combined with age stratification for triaging women negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancy (NILM) cytology. Methods: From January 2017 to December 2021, a total of 162,309 eligible women underwent cervical cancer screening at the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, China. Excluding those with negative HPV E6/E7 mRNA, abnormal and unsatisfactory cytology, and those who failed to undergo colposcopy, 6,845 women were ultimately included in our study. We analysed the triage guidance for different subtypes of HPV in the presence of NILM cytology. Results: Among 162,309 women, 19,834 (12.2%) were positive for HPV E6/E7 mRNA. Of the 6,845 women included in the study, 1,941 (28.4%), 561 (8.2%), 55 (0.8%) and 4,288 (62.6%) tested positive for HPV 16, HPV 18/45, HPV16/18/45 or other HR-HPV genotypes, respectively. The proportions of LSIL+ (including LSIL, HSIL and ICC) and HSIL+ (including HSIL and ICC) pathological results in the HPV 16/18/45 + group were 57% and 34.1%, respectively, higher than 36.3% and 11% in the other HR-HPV + group (χ2 = 653.214, P < 0.001). The percentages of LSIL + and HSIL + in the HPV16 + group (61.3% and 42.8%, respectively) and HPV16+/18/45 + group (76.3% and 41.9%, respectively) were much higher than those in the HPV18 + group (40.6% and 13.1%, respectively) (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the percentage of histopathological results between the HPV16 + group and HPV16+/18/45 + groups (P > 0.05). The above results were consistent after stratification according to age. Conclusion: The rate of histopathological abnormalities was still high for the other HR-HPV subtypes with NILM cytology, although the rate of histopathological abnormalities was much higher for the HPV 16/18/45 positive subtypes. Therefore, colposcopy should be performed in women with HPV E6/E7 mRNA positivity and NILM cytology, regardless of age and HPV genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S‐graphene quantum dots (GQDs), N‐GQDs, P‐GQDs, and Cl‐GQDs are prepared by a solution chemistry method and further incorporated with ZnxCd1−xSe by one‐step hydrothermal method. In the previous study, ZnxCd1−xSe reached the optimal photoelectric performances at the Zn/Cd ratio of 0.9:0.1, so the Zn0.9Cd0.1Se were combined with doped GQDs (D‐GQDs) to form Zn0.9Cd0.1Se/doped‐GQDs. The influence of GQDs doped with different elements on the photoelectric properties of Zn0.9Cd0.1Se composites is discussed. Compared with pristine Zn0.9Cd0.1Se, Zn0.9Cd0.1Se/Cl‐GQDs, and Zn0.9Cd0.1Se/P‐GQDs can improve the photocurrent response and current intensity, therein, Zn0.9Cd0.1Se/Cl‐GQDs reaches the lowest interfacial charge transfer resistance and the highest photocurrent response of 5.48 × 10−6 A cm−2. Mott–Schottky analysis shows that the fitting slope of Zn0.9Cd0.1Se/Cl‐GQDs composites is significantly lower than that of Zn0.9Cd0.1Se/GQDs with other doped elements. The results indicate that Zn0.9Cd0.1Se/Cl‐GQDs composites has the largest carrier density, which is beneficial to charge conduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Excess body weight has been found to associate with an increased risk of lymphomas and some metabolic pathways are currently recognized in lymphomagenesis. Bioactive lipid metabolites such as sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) have been proposed to play an important role linking obesity and lymphomas. However, the underlying mechanism(s) of S1P signaling in obesity-lymphomagenesis have not been well addressed. Methods: The gene expression of sphingosine kinase (SPHK), lymphoma prognosis, and S1P production were analyzed using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and human lymphoma tissue array. Obesity-lymphoma mouse models and lymphoma cell lines were used to investigate the S1P/SPHK-YAP axis contributing to obesity-lymphomagenesis. By using the mouse models and a monocyte cell line, S1P-mediated polarization of macrophages in the tumor microenvironment were investigated. Results: In human study, up-regulated S1P/SPHK1 was found in human lymphomas, while obesity negatively impacted progression-free survival and overall survival in lymphoma patients. In animal study, obesity-lymphoma mice showed an aggressive tumor growth pattern. Both in vivo and in vitro data suggested the existence of S1P-YAP axis in lymphoma cells, while the S1P-ALOX15 signaling mediated macrophage polarization towards TAMs exacerbated the lymphomagenesis. In addition, treatment with resveratrol in obesity-lymphoma mice showed profound effects of anti-lymphomagenesis, via down-regulating S1P-YAP axis and modulating polarization of macrophages. Conclusion: S1P/S1PR initiated the feedback loops, whereby S1P-S1PR1/S1PR3-YAP signaling mediated lymphomagenesis contributing to tumor aggressive growth, while S1P-ALOX15 signaling mediated TAMs contributing to immunosuppressive microenvironment in obesity-lymphoma. S1P-targeted therapy could be potentially effective and immune-enhancive against obesity-lymphomagenesis. Highlights: • Obesity negatively impacted progression-free survival and overall survival in lymphoma patients while an aggressive tumor growth pattern was found in obesity-lymphoma mice. • S1P-S1PR1/S1PR3-YAP signaling mediated lymphomagenesis contributing to tumor aggressive growth in obesity-lymphoma. • S1P-ALOX15 signaling mediated TAMs contributing to immunosuppressive microenvironment in obesity-lymphoma. • S1P-targeted therapy could be potentially effective and immune-enhancive against obesity-lymphomagenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the prepared GQDs/W 18 O 49 /WO 3 (WCW) were loaded on g-C 3 N 4 with defects (CN 1-x) under the action of hydrothermal synthesis. The structure, morphology, optical properties, functional groups and surface group properties of the CN 1-x @WCW composites were determined by XRD, TEM, UV–vis, FTIR and XPS tests. The electrochemical properties of the CN 1-x @WCW composite were studied by i-t, EIS and M − S analysis. Compared with WCW, the instantaneous photoelectric efficiency, the photon current efficiency under the applied bias voltage, interfacial electron transfer and electron lifetime of CN 1-x @WCW had been greatly improved. The results indicated that two-dimensional CN 1-x with good conductivity could transfer electrons quickly, reduce the interfacial resistance and prolong the lifetime of electrons, thus inhibiting the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs in WCW semiconductor. In addition, the possible mechanism was proposed and analyzed from the point of view of electron transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WO 3 and N-GQDs were loaded in a two-dimensional graphene sheet layer by hydrothermal method, and then oxygen vacancy-rich WO 3 /N-GQDs/N-rGO composites were successfully prepared by calcination. The structures, morphologies and surface chemical states were characterized by XRD, TEM, XPS, FTIR, and the electrochemical properties were studied by EIS, i-t, LSV and M-S. The WO 3 /N-GQDs/N-rGO composites had a high carrier density of 5.88 × 1020 cm−3 and presented an instantaneous photocurrent density of 2.96 × 10−4 A/cm2 under 365 nm irradiation, which was 4.4 times larger than that of pure WO 3. The enhanced properties were mainly ascribed to the increased light absorption and carrier migration by the two-carbon modification of N-GQDs and N-rGO. Meanwhile, the presence of oxygen vacancies can improve the carrier lifetime, thus suppressing the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs in the WO 3 /N-GQDs/N-rGO composites. The photoelectric properties of the composites were improved by the cooperative effect of double carbon modification and oxygen vacancies. [Display omitted] • WO 3 /N-GQDs/N-rGO with oxygen vacancies was prepared by a hydrothermal and calcination process. • Oxygen vacancies trap photoelectrons to suppress the recombination and improve the conductivity and lifetime. • The introduction of N-doped graphene provides doping atoms and defect sites for oxygen vacancies. • N-rGO acts as a transport channel to speed up the migration of photoelectrons and promote the charge carrier. • Combination of WO 3 with N-GQDs and N-rGO provides more defect sites and conductive ways for photoelectrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, tin dioxide with vacancies (SnO x) was compounded with three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide (3D RGO) to obtain SnO x /3D RGO. The morphology, optical properties and structural composition of SnO x /3D RGO were analyzed by a series of techniques, and the photoconductive properties of the SnO x /3D RGO composites with different mass fractions of RGO were investigated. The photocurrent density of SnO x /3D RGO at 3D RGO mass fraction of 1.5 % reached a maximum value of 2.77 × 10−4 A/cm2, which was about twice and 1.2 times as large as that of SnO x and SnO x /2D RGO (two-dimensional reduced graphene oxide), respectively. In the linear scanning voltammetry and Mott-Schottky analysis results, SnO x /3D RGO exhibited the highest photocurrent (6.34 × 10−3 A/cm2) intensity at 1.0 V bias and the largest carrier density (2.61 × 1021cm−3). This was due to the fact that RGO played a charge transfer role in the composite material in both 2D and 3D structures. In contrast, the porous 3D RGO could connect separate lamellae, which prevented the aggregation of layers and enhanced the electron transfer, thus exhibiting superior performance than 2D graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Indium oxide (In 2 O 3) and 3D reduced graphene oxide (3D rGO) composites were obtained by hydrothermal treatment. The structure composition, morphology, surface area and band gap of In 2 O 3 /3D rGO were analyzed by a series of techniques. The relationship between the photoelectric properties and capacitance of In 2 O 3 /3D rGO composites with various mass proportions was investigated, and the results indicated that the steady-state photocurrent density of In 2 O 3 /3D rGO increased and then started to drop with the increase of the specific capacitance. The current density of In 2 O 3 /3D rGO reached a maximum of 0.11 mA/cm2 at the intermediate specific capacitance (77.8 mF/cm2). This photocurrent trend of the composites was attributed to the positive and negative effects of capacitance. The proper capacitance might result in the low recombination rate of photogenerated carriers and holes, while the overlarge capacitance might limit the release of electrons, thus reducing the photocurrent generation. This research result was expected to provide favorable conditions for further applications of 3D graphene and new strategies to improve the photoelectric performance of In 2 O 3. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Mammal gut microbiota has been gradually considered to be related to innate and adaptive immunity. Incredibly, although athymic nude mouse is one of the most popular animals for modeling immunodeficiency and tumors, a basic understanding of its gut microbiota has still not been attained, and current relevant conclusions are controversial. In this 30-day study, based on high-throughput sequencing technology, we compared the differences in gut microbial community structures and functions between normal and nude pup mice, and concluded that gut microbiota shifts did occur in nude mice. These findings provide updated insight for the nude mouse tumor model. It is commonly recognized that immunodeficiency modifies the gut microbiota in mammals. However, little information on the gut microbiota is available for athymic nude mice; one of the most popular animals for modeling immunodeficiency and tumors. In this study, 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing was performed to investigate the gut microbial composition of pup nude BALB/c mice during a 30-day experimental period. In contrast to pup normal mice, pup nude mice showed a significant variation in gut microbiota. Continuously decreased dynamics of the gut bacterial Shannon index, abnormal Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, the rarity of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species, and a developmental lag of gut bacterial functions were observed in nude mice. The shift in gut microbiota and abnormal colonization of beneficial bacterial species in nude mice provide an updated insight into the nude mouse tumor model and a new perspective for establishing an animal model for study on dysbacteriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Zn x Cd 1-x Se changed from hexagonal to cubic phase with increasing of × value from 0.1 to 0.9. • Zn x Cd 1-x Se reached the optimal photocurrent and interface impedance at the Zn/Cd ratio of 0.9/0.1. • GQDs doping promoted photoelectrons to separate and transfer, and increased the carrier density and lifetime. A hydrothermal method was employed to synthesize Zn x Cd 1-x Se and Zn x Cd 1-x Se /GQDs nanocomposites. The effects of various Zn/Cd ratios and GQDs doping on the performance of Zn x Cd 1-x Se were studied. The material composition, crystal structure and photoelectric properties could be adjusted by altering the Zn/Cd ratio. Zn x Cd 1-x Se material changed from hexagonal phase CdSe to near cubic phase ZnSe with the increased of Zn/Cd ratio from 0.1:0.9 to 0.9:0.1. At the same time, Zn x Cd 1-x Se material reached the higher photocurrent (3.82 μA cm−2) and lower interface impedance when the Zn/Cd atomic ratio was 0.9/0.1. Compared with the pre-doped, Zn 0.9 Cd 0.1 Se/GQDs composites exhibited up to a 2-fold increase in the photocurrent density, and achieved a smaller value in the electrochemical impedance, which indicated that the introduction of GQDs significantly improved the photoelectric performance of semiconductor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activating transcription factor 1 (ATF1) may be involved in essential hypertension (EH) by induction of NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) and radical oxygen species (ROSs) production. Abnormal expression of ATF1 was found in EH in previous microarray analysis. Here we tested whether a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) of ATF1 was associated with EH susceptibility by affecting microRNA (miRNA) binding. In silico analysis indicated that rs11169571 (T > C) was a candidate SNP to modulate miRNA: ATF1 mRNA complex, with the greatest changed energy for hsa-miR-1283, and the luciferase reporter analysis showed that miR-1283 inhibited the activity of the reporter vector carrying –T allele, but not the –C allele. In addition, inhibition of miR-1283 in HA-VSMCs enhanced the expression of ATF1 mRNA as well as the ROS levels. Further case-control study showed that rs11169571 was significantly associated with increased risk of EH. Finally, we observed an increased ATF1 protein level in peripheral blood of EH patients with CC carriers compared to TT carriers of rs11169571, with an intermediate ATF1 level in TC carriers. These results suggested that rs11169571 of ATF1 gene may be associated with EH, and the SNP-modified posttranscriptional gene regulation by miRNAs could be a potentially pathogenetic mechanism of EH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has recently reformed its system of collective forest tenure to allow commercial logging, increased collection of firewood and nontimber forest products by outside enterprises, unmanaged tourism, and certain types of industrial development to occur in collective forests where these activities were previously restrained. The reform would also allow private or public agencies to buy back certain development rights from communities for conservation purposes ('eco-compensation'). We examine the impacts that the tenure reform could have on the survival of the giant panda, with or without eco-compensation in place. We estimate that $1,229 million in effective eco-compensation payments could prevent an estimated 15% decline in the giant panda population, whereas an additional $3,707 million for effective eco-compensation and restoration of potential habitat could restore the giant panda population to an estimated 40% above current levels. Specifically, we identify 14 key areas that link fragmented panda populations and habitats, and where approximately $779 million is needed for eco-compensation, matched with an additional investment of $131 million for the restoration of native forest habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots modified SnO 2 composites (SnO 2 /N-GQDs) were prepared by a solvothermal method, where N-GQDs were synthesized through a hydrothermal process with citric acid and urea as sources. The lattice stripes of 0.33 nm, 0.26 nm and 0.24 nm were ascribed to (110) and (101) crystal planes of SnO 2 and (1120) crystal plane of N-GQDs, respectively. The photoelectric properties of SnO 2 /N-GQDs composites with different N-GQDs contents were characterized using I-t, LSV, EIS, and Mott-Schottky. Among them, SnO 2 /N-GQDs-2 composites reached the smallest electrochemical impedance and achieved the optimal transient photocurrent value of 1.880 × 10−4 A/cm2. Compared with pure SnO 2 , SnO 2 /N-GQDs-2 presented a 5-fold increase in the photocurrent density. LSV showed that the incorporation of N-GQDs could enhance the photocurrent intensity of SnO 2. The Mott-Schottky slope of SnO 2 /N-GQDs-2 in light was smaller than that of SnO 2 and SnO 2 /N-GQDs-2 in dark, indicating that more carriers were generated under UV illumination and transferred with the doping of N-GQDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as excellent conductive materials could effectively enhance the electron transmission efficiency of W 18 O 49 nanofibers after their combination. In order to investigate the effect of different crystal phase WO 3 on the optoelectric properties of GQDs/W 18 O 49 composites, the orthogonal phase WO 3 (o-WO 3), hexagonal phase WO 3 (h-WO 3) and tetragonal phase WO 3 (t-WO 3) had been used to produce GQDs/W 18 O 49 /WO 3 homojunction with GQDs/W 18 O 49. After comparing them, it was found that the photocurrent intensity of GQDs/W 18 O 49 /t-WO 3 was 2.35 times, 1.68 times and 1.08 times as high as that of GQDs/W 18 O 49 , GQDs/W 18 O 49 /o-WO 3 and GQDs/W 18 O 49 /h-WO 3 at 1.2 V versus Hg/Hg 2 Cl 2 , respectively. And the t-WO 3 could effectively decrease the band gap, reduce the interfacial resistance, prolong the electron lifetime, accelerate the electron conduction and increase the photocurrent magnitude of the homojunction. The photoelectric performance of the composites could be adjusted by regulating the ratios of GQDs/W 18 O 49 and t-WO 3 , the ratio 2:1 of GQDs/W 18 O 49 /t-WO 3 composites presented a higher photocurrent density and lower interfacial resistance than other proportions. The physical mechanism of such enhanced photoconduction in this homostructure have been discussed. • GQDs promote the separation of photoelectron and reduce the interfacial transfer resistance of GQDs/W 18 O 49. • Comparison of GQDs/W 18 O 49 /t-WO 3, GQDs/W 18 O 49 / o-WO 3 and GQDs/W 18 O 49 / h-WO 3 homostructures. • GQDs/W 18 O 49 /t-WO 3 reduced the band gap and promoted the interfacial accumulation and transfer. • GQDs/W 18 O 49 /t-WO 3 at ratio of 2:1 processed the smallest electron-transfer resistance and highest photocurrent density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empagliflozin (EMPA) reduces heart failure hospitalization and mortality. The benefit in terms of ventricular arrhythmia and contractility has not been explored. To determine the direct effects of EMPA on ventricular arrhythmia and cardiac contractility in an ex-vivo model of global ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts were subjected to 30 min of complete perfusion arrest and reperfusion. Either EMPA (1 μM) or normal saline (controls) was then infused into the perfusate in a randomized fashion. Ten minutes following drug infusion, calcium imaging was performed. At the end of each experiment, the heart was electrically stimulated 5 times to assess the inducibility of ventricular fibrillation (VF). In a separate series of experiments, left ventricular (LV) pressure and epicardial NADH fluorescence were simultaneously recorded. LV specimens were then collected for western blotting. Post-ischemia, EMPA treatment was associated with reduction in the induction of VF >10s (rate of induction: 16.7 ± 3.3% vs. 60 ± 8.7% in control hearts, p = 0.003), improvement of LV developed pressure (LVDP; 68.10 ± 9.02% vs. 47.61 ± 5.15% in controls, p = 0.03) and reduction of NADH fluorescence (87.42 ± 2.79% vs. 112.88 ± 2.27% in control hearts, p = 0.04) along with an increase in NAD+/NADH ratio (2.75 ± 0.55 vs. 1.09 ± 0.32 in the control group, p = 0.04) A higher calcium amplitude alternans threshold was also observed with EMPA-treatment (5.42 ± 0.1 Hz vs. 4.75 ± 0.1 Hz in controls, p = 0.006). Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) expression was not detected in LV tissues. EMPA treatment reduced ventricular arrhythmia vulnerability and mitigated contractile dysfunction in the global I/R model while improving calcium cycling and mitochondrial redox by SGLT2-independent mechanisms. In normoxic conditions, NADH is generated by the reduction of NAD+ in metabolic pathways by glucose oxidation and Krebs cycle. NADH is oxidized to NAD+ by ETC to produce ATP. ETC dysfunction during hypoxia (Red dotted arrow) is associated with the accumulation of NADH. Improvement of ETC function by EMPA (Blue solid arrow) leads to increase in NAD+/NADH ratio, improvement of contractile function, improvement of cytosolic calcium dynamics, and reduction of vulnerability to ventricular arrhythmias. Glu: Glucose, Pyr: Pyruvate, TCA cycle: Tricarboxylic acid cycle (Krebs cycle), ETC: Electron transport chain, EMPA: Empagliflozin, I/R: Ischemia-reperfusion, SR: Sarcoplasmic reticulum. [Display omitted] • Cardioprotective effects of Empagliflozin were evaluated in a model of global ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) • Empagliflozin increased contractility and decreased ventricular arrhythmia vulnerability • Improvements in mitochondrial redox state and cytosolic calcium dynamics were also noted with Empagliflozin treatment • In our Langendorff model, the cardioprotective effects of Empagliflozin were independent of SGLT2 inhibitory actions • These cardioprotective actions may explain the favorable effects of SGLT2i agents in heart failure which is independent of blood sugar control [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 virus has infected more than 38 million people and resulted in more than one million deaths worldwide as of October 14, 2020. By using the logistic regression model, we identified novel critical factors associated with COVID19 cases, death, and case fatality rates in 154 countries and in the 50 U.S. states. Among numerous factors associated with COVID-19 risk, economic inequality enhanced the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The per capita hospital beds correlated negatively with COVID-19 deaths. Blood types B and AB were protective factors for COVID-19 risk, while blood type A was a risk factor. The prevalence of HIV and influenza and pneumonia was associated with reduced COVID-19 risk. Increased intake of vegetables, edible oil, protein, vitamin D, and vitamin K was associated with reduced COVID-19 risk, while increased intake of alcohol was associated with increased COVID-19 risk. Other factors included age, sex, temperature, humidity, social distancing, smoking, health investment, urbanization level, and race. High temperature is a more compelling factor mitigating COVID-19 transmission than low temperature. Our comprehensive identification of the factors affecting COVID-19 transmission and fatality may provide new insights into the COVID-19 pandemic and advise effective strategies for preventing and migrating COVID-19 spread. Unlabelled Image • High temperature is more compelling in mitigating COVID-19 than low temperature. • Economic inequality promotes the risk of COVID-19 transmission. • Major sports events facilitate COVID-19 transmission in European countries. • Blood types B and AB are protective factors for COVID-19. • The per capita hospital beds correlate inversely with COVID-19 deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]