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Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate self-medication behavior among Chinese adolescents aged 12–18 years and explore the factors associated with whether adolescents prioritize drug efficacy or safety when engaging in self-medication behavior. In 2021, a questionnaire investigation was conducted in the Chinese mainland using a multi-stage sampling approach. After a statistical description, logistic regression was used to analyze the factors associated with considering drug efficacy and safety. The self-medication rate among Chinese adolescents aged 12–18 years was 96.61%. Of these, 65.84% considered drug safety to be essential, while 58.72% prioritized drug efficacy. Regression analysis showed that individuals with better healthcare were more likely to consider drug efficacy an important factor. Additionally, those with a healthier family lifestyle were more likely to prioritize efficacy. When individuals engage in self-medication, those residing in urban areas and possessing advanced preventive health literacy and ample family health resources tend to prioritize drug safety to a greater extent. Conversely, those with higher monthly household incomes and only children exhibit a decreased inclination towards prioritizing safety during self-medication. Self-medication is a frequently observed practice among Chinese adolescents aged 12–18. Several factors, such as demographic and sociological characteristics, health literacy, and family health status, have been found to be associated with the extent to which adolescents prioritize medication safety and efficacy when engaging in self-medication practices. Higher levels of health literacy and better family health status were positively correlated with considering both the efficacy and safety of drugs as important factors when self-medicating.

Abstract After decades of efforts, some fundamental physics for electrical switching of magnetization is still missing. Here, we report the discovery of the long-range intralayer Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) effect, which is the chiral coupling of orthogonal magnetic domains within the same magnetic layer via the mediation of an adjacent heavy metal layer. The effective magnetic field of the long-range intralayer DMI on the perpendicular magnetization is out-of-plane and varies with the interfacial DMI constant, the applied in-plane magnetic fields, and the magnetic anisotropy distribution. Striking consequences of the effect include asymmetric current/field switching of perpendicular magnetization, hysteresis loop shift of perpendicular magnetization in the absence of in-plane direct current, and sharp in-plane magnetic field switching of perpendicular magnetization. Utilizing the intralayer DMI, we demonstrate programable, complete Boolean logic operations within a single spin-orbit torque device. These results will stimulate investigation of the long-range intralayer DMI effect in a variety of spintronic devices.

Abstract Is childhood adversity associated with biological aging, and if so, does sex modify the association, and do lifestyle and mental health mediate the association? A lifespan analysis is conducted using data on 142 872 participants from the UK Biobank to address these questions. Childhood adversity is assessed through the online mental health questionnaire (2016), including physical neglect, physical abuse, emotional neglect, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and a cumulative score. Biological aging is indicated by telomere length (TL) measured from leukocyte DNA using qPCR, and the shorter TL indicates accelerated biological aging; a lifestyle score is constructed using body mass index, physical activity, drinking, smoking, and diet; mental disorder is assessed using depression, anxiety, and insomnia at the baseline survey. The results reveal a sex‐specific association such that childhood adversity is associated with shorter TL in women after adjusting for covariates including polygenic risk score for TL, but not in men. Unhealthy lifestyle and mental disorder partially mediate the association in women. The proportions of indirect effects are largest for sexual and physical abuse. These findings highlight the importance of behavioral and psychological interventions in promoting healthy aging among women who experienced childhood adversity, particularly sexual and physical abuse.

We analyzed a large amount of published petrological, mineralogical, and geochemical data from the Niutitang, Wufeng-Longmaxi, Dawuba, Liangshan, and Longtan organic-rich shales. These include marine shales and marine-continental transitional shales. The main marine organic-rich shales include the Niutitang, Wufeng-Longmaxi, and Dawuba shales, while the main marine-continental organic-rich transitional shales include the Liangshan and Longtan shales. The marine organic-rich shales were generally deposited under anoxic conditions, and are generally brittle siliceous-rich lithofacies, which is a type I organic-matter dominated. In contrast to the marine organic-rich shales, the marine-continental transitional organic-rich shales were most likely deposited under dysoxic to oxic conditions. They are generally less brittle argillaceous-rich lithofacies, that are type III organic-matter dominated. Of the five organic-rich shales, the Niutitang and Wufeng-Longmaxi organic-rich shales are over-mature shales, and the Dawuba, Liangshan, and Longtan organic-rich shales are high-maturity to over-mature shales. The spots with siliceous rock floor on the western edge of the Xuefeng uplift is a favorable area for future exploration of shale gas in the Niutitang organic-rich shale. The Chishui terrestrial basin and center of the aulacogen are the faverable areaa for shale gas expolation and development of the Wufeng-Longmaxi and Dawuba organic-rich shales, respectively. More basic geological research work is needed to select favorable areas for the Liangshan and Longtan organic-rich shales. To accurately guide future shale gas exploration and development, more research is needed on the relationship between the sedimentary environment, the lithofacies, and the reservoir properties of the shales.

BackgroundCervical carcinoma (CC) represents a prevalent gynecological neoplasm, with a discernible rise in prevalence among younger cohorts observed in recent years. Nonetheless, the intrinsic cellular heterogeneity of CC remains inadequately investigated.MethodsWe utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) transcriptomic analysis to scrutinize the tumor epithelial cells derived from four specimens of cervical carcinoma (CC) patients. This method enabled the identification of pivotal subpopulations of tumor epithelial cells and elucidation of their contributions to CC progression. Subsequently, we assessed the influence of associated molecules in bulk RNA sequencing (Bulk RNA-seq) cohorts and performed cellular experiments for validation purposes.ResultsThrough our analysis, we have discerned C3 PLP2+ Tumor Epithelial Progenitor Cells as a noteworthy subpopulation in cervical carcinoma (CC), exerting a pivotal influence on the differentiation and progression of CC. We have established an independent prognostic indicator—the PLP2+ Tumor EPCs score. By stratifying patients into high and low score groups based on the median score, we have observed that the high-score group exhibits diminished survival rates compared to the low-score group. The correlations observed between these groups and immune infiltration, enriched pathways, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), drug sensitivity, among other factors, further underscore their impact on CC prognosis. Cellular experiments have validated the significant impact of ATF6 on the proliferation and migration of CC cell lines.ConclusionThis study enriches our comprehension of the determinants shaping the progression of CC, elevates cognizance of the tumor microenvironment in CC, and offers valuable insights for prospective CC therapies. These discoveries contribute to the refinement of CC diagnostics and the formulation of optimal therapeutic approaches.

There are totally 93 fluorine aromatic scaffolds containing drugs approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration from 2002 to 2022. The proportion of drugs containing fluorinated aromatic skeleton in approved drugs is increasing in recent ten years, which indicates the unique and important attributes of the fluorine atom. The introduction of fluorinated fragments into molecules can influence structure conformation, intrinsic potency and selectivity and pharmacokinetic properties productively. Additionally, 18F has been applied as a significant and useful positron emission tomography isotope for in vivo imaging technology. This review is mainly concentrated on the application and synthesis methods of 93 fluorine aromatic scaffolds containing drugs approved by the US FDA from 2002 to 2022. We hoped that this deep insight perspective into the synthetic methods for the delivery of these fluorine aromatic scaffolds containing drugs could offer practical and creative inspirations for the application and development of fluorine atom in new drug discovery.

There is limited evidence linking antibiotic exposure, particularly from contaminated food or drinking water, to childhood obesity. The study aimed to investigate the association between urinary antibiotic levels and overweight/obesity in preschool children. In the case-control study, 121 overweight/obese preschoolers and 242 controls (aged 3–6 years) from eastern China were enrolled in 2022 based on age, sex, and study site matching. Overweight/obesity was determined using body mass index (BMI) and weight for height (WFH) criteria derived from national data. A total of 50 antibiotics from 8 categories were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). We identified major dietary patterns using principal component analysis (PCA) and examined the associations of antibiotic exposure with childhood overweight/obesity using multivariate logistic regression. Twenty-four individual antibiotics were detected in more than 10 % of the samples, and overall detection rates were up to 100 %. Overweight/obese children had a higher exposure to veterinary antibiotics (VAs) than normal weight children. PCA analysis showed that children who were overweight/obese had higher scores of “Aquatic products preferred dietary pattern” and “Cereals preferred dietary pattern” compared to children with normal weight. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that exposure to elevated levels of deoxytetracycline (OR: 1.72; 95 %CI: 1.00–2.93) and quinolones (OR: 1.63; 95 %CI: 1.04–2.57) was significantly related to an increased risk of BMI-based overweight/obesity. Quinolones exposure was also significantly associated with WFH-based overweight/obesity, primarily in boys. After adjustment for all covariates, higher exposure to ofloxacin (of the quinolones) was significantly related to overweight/obesity in girls. Exposure to certain antibiotics, especially quinolones, may increase the risk of overweight/obesity in preschoolers. More prospective, well-designed studies are needed to clarify these findings.

ObjectiveMedication adherence has a critical impact on the well-being of older adult patients with hypertension. As such, the current study aimed to investigate the mediating role of health literacy between frailty and medication adherence and the moderating role of educational level.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included patients admitted to the geriatric unit of a hospital. Participants were interviewed using the four-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, the Frailty Phenotype Scale, and the Health Literacy Management Scale. Spearman’s correlation coefficients were used to assess the association between variables. Mediation and moderated mediation analyses were performed using Process version 4.1 via Model 4 and 14, respectively.ResultsData from 388 participants were analyzed. The median (IQR [P25–P75]) score for medication adherence was 4.00 (2.00–4.00). Results revealed that after controlling for age, sex, hypertension complication(s) and body mass index, frailty significantly contributed to medication adherence (βtotal −0.236 [95% confidence interval (CI) −0.333 to −0.140]). Medication adherence was influenced by frailty (βdirect −0.192 [95% CI −0.284 to −0.099]) both directly and indirectly through health literacy (βindirect −0.044 [95% CI −0.077 to −0.014]). Educational level moderated the pathway mediated by health literacy; more specifically, the conditional indirect effect between frailty and medication adherence was significant among older adult hypertensive patients with low, intermediate, and high educational levels (effect −0.052 [95% CI −0.092 to −0.106]; effect −0.041 [95% CI −0.071 to −0.012]; effect −0.026 [95% CI −0.051 to −0.006]). The relationship between frailty and medication adherence in older adult patients with hypertension was found to have mediating and moderating effects.ConclusionA moderated mediation model was proposed to investigate the effect of frailty on medication adherence. It was effective in strengthening medication adherence by improving health literacy and reducing frailty. More attention needs to be devoted to older adult patients with hypertension and low educational levels.

Exposure to metal mixtures may affect children's health but the conclusions are controversial. We aimed to investigate the associations of metal mixture exposure with children’s physical and behavioral development. 15 metals were detected in the urine samples of 278 preschoolers aged 3–6 years from eastern China. Multiple linear models and restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate dose-response relationships between single metal and children’s physical and behavioral development. The Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) models, the weighted quantile sum (WQS) models and Quantile G-Computation were applied to evaluate the joint effects of metal mixtures. The results showed that arsenic (As) was negatively associated with z score of height for age (HAZ) in individual-metal models [β (95%CI): − 0.22 (−0.38, −0.06), P = 0.006]. Concerning children’s behavioral development, multiple-metal models demonstrated a negative association with strontium (Sr) [β (95%CI): − 0.82 (−1.38, −0.26), P = 0.004], and a positive association with tin (Sn) [β (95%CI): 0.69 (0.16, 1.21), P = 0.010]. Notably, these associations remained significant or suggestive even after adjustments for multiple tests, sensitivity analyses, and application of different statistical models, including BKMR, WQS, and Quantile G-Computation. Furthermore, the study identified a negative joint effect of the metal mixture on HAZ, as demonstrated by BKMR and Quantile G-Computation models, with As playing an irreplaceable role in this observed impact. In summary, exposure to As appears to have adverse effects on HAZ, while exposure to Sn may hinder children’s behavioral development. Conversely, exposure to Sr may have a protective effect on children’s behavioral development. Additionally, the combined impact of metal mixtures is implicated in potentially impairing children’s physical development, particularly in terms of HAZ.

Background & Aims: Liver regeneration is vital for the recovery of liver function after injury, yet the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Forkhead box protein A3 (FOXA3), a member of the forkhead box family, plays important roles in endoplasmic reticulum stress sensing, and lipid and glucose homoeostasis, yet its functions in liver regeneration are unknown. Methods: Here, we explored whether Foxa3 regulates liver regeneration via acute and chronic liver injury mice models. We further characterised the molecular mechanism by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and rescue experiments in vivo and in vitro. Then, we assessed the impact of Foxa3 pharmacological activation on progression and termination of liver regeneration. Finally, we confirmed the Foxa3–Cebpb axis in human liver samples. Results: Foxa3 is dominantly expressed in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes and is induced upon partial hepatectomy (PH) or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration. Foxa3 deficiency in mice decreased cyclin gene levels and delayed liver regeneration after PH, or acute or chronic i.p. CCl4 injection. Conversely, hepatocyte-specific Foxa3 overexpression accelerated hepatocytes proliferation and attenuated liver damage in an CCl4-induced acute model. Mechanistically, Foxa3 directly regulates Cebpb transcription, which is involved in hepatocyte division and apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Of note, Cebpb overexpression in livers of Foxa3-deficient mice rescued their defects in cell proliferation and regeneration upon CCl4 treatment. In addition, pharmacological induction of Foxa3 via cardamonin speeded up hepatocyte proliferation after PH, without interfering with liver regeneration termination. Finally, Cebpb and Ki67 levels had a positive correlation with Foxa3 expression in human chronic disease livers. Conclusions: These data characterise Foxa3 as a vital regulator of liver regeneration, which may represent an essential factor to maintain liver mass after liver injury by governing Cebpb transcription. Impact and Implications: Liver regeneration is vital for the recovery of liver function after chemical insults or hepatectomy, yet the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Herein, via in vitro and in vivo models and analysis, we demonstrated that Forkhead box protein A3 (FOXA3), a Forkhead box family member, maintained normal liver regeneration progression by governing Cebpb transcription and proposed cardamonin as a lead compound to induce Foxa3 and accelerate liver repair, which signified that FOXA3 may be a potential therapeutic target for further preclinical study on treating liver injury.

IntroductionThis study examined the interplay between parenting styles, empathy, and aggressive behavior in Chinese preschool children aged 3–5 years.MethodsData were collected from 87 participants using the Child Behavior Checklist, Children’s Empathy Quotient, and Parenting Style Questionnaire, and were subsequently analyzed.ResultsThe findings revealed significant age and gender differences in empathy, but not in parenting styles or aggressive behavior. Additionally, a substantial correlation was identified between authoritarian parenting style and aggressive behavior, as well as between children’s empathy levels and aggressive behavior. This indicates that empathy may act as a mediator between parenting style and aggressive behavior.DiscussionOur findings suggest that an authoritarian parenting style influences aggressive behavior both directly and indirectly through its effect on children’s empathy. These results point toward the possibility that an authoritarian parenting style may stifle the development of empathy in preschool children, subsequently heightening their aggressive behavior.

Abstract Acute liver injury (ALI) may manifest at any phase of sepsis, yet an explicit therapeutic approach remains elusive. In this study, LPS and cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) were utilized to establish an inflammatory cell model and a murine model of sepsis-induced liver injury, respectively, aiming to explore the potential protective effect of protein interacting with C α kinase 1 (PICK1) on sepsis-induced ALI and its underlying mechanisms. In both the cell supernatant and the murine whole blood, the concentrations of inflammatory factors were quantified by ELISA, while the protein and mRNA expressions of PICK1, cleaved-PARP-1, caspase1, TLR4, IκBα, and NF-κB were assessed via western blot and qRT-PCR. The outcomes revealed that the knockdown of PICK1 increased the levels of inflammatory factors and apoptosis, alongside activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway-related factors in both in vivo and in vitro models. Moreover, the murine liver samples were subjected to Hematoxylin–Eosin (HE) staining for assessment of histopathological morphology. The HE staining and liver injury scoring results manifested a markedly exacerbated hepatic damage in PICK1 knockout mice as compared to WT mice following CLP. Furthermore, the liver macrophages were isolated from murine livers, and the expression and activity of the factors associated with the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway were verified through RT-qPCR and western blot, and EMSA assay demonstrated an augmented NF-κB activity subsequent to PICK1 knockout. Finally, the expression and localization of PICK1 in macrophages were further scrutinized via immunofluorescence, and the interaction between PICK1 and TLR4 was identified through co-immunoprecipitation. In conclusion, the knockdown of PICK1 appeared to modulate inflammatory factors by activating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby exacerbating hepatic damage induced by sepsis.

Hawthorn is a type of natural food with significant medicinal and nutritional properties; it has been listed in the “Both Food and Drug” list by the Chinese Ministry of Health Item List since 1997. However, hawthorn varieties have complex origins, and there are significant differences in the content, type, and medicinal efficacy of the chemically active ingredients in different varieties of hawthorn. This leads to the phenomenon of mixed varieties and substandard products being passed off as high-quality. In this work, by using headspace gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS), we identified and analyzed volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in four varieties of hawthorn, establishing their characteristic fingerprints. As a result, a total of 153 peaks were detected, and 139 VOCs were also identified. As shown by the fingerprint profiles, the different hawthorn samples contained different VOCs. Meanwhile, by using principal component analysis (PCA), Euclidean distance, and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), the relationship between the VOCs found in the different varieties of hawthorn was revealed. This study developed a simple, fast, accurate, and sensitive method for identifying, tracking, and evaluating hawthorn varieties.

Excessive flow turbulence poses a threat to the development of drifting fish eggs, leading to mortality or developmental malformations and ultimately depleting early fish resources. Currently, there is a scarcity of quantitative studies investigating the effects of flow turbulence on the entire process of drifting fish egg development, from fertilized egg division to hatching. In this paper, the effects of different flow turbulence conditions (FTCs), including turbulent kinetic energy and shear stress, and action times on different stages of fish egg development were quantitatively explored using a transverse-oscillating-grids turbulence tank. Empirical formulas were established to predict the proportion of normal fish egg development under different FTCs within a selected range. The research findings provide a quantitative basis for protecting early fish resources, mitigating the biological invasion of specific fish, constructing fish-breeding facilities, and ensuring safe transfer and transportation.

Integrating the relaying drone and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technique into post-disaster emergency communications (PDEComs) is a promising way to accomplish efficient network recovery. Motivated by the above, by optimizing the drone three-dimensional (3D) deployment optimization and spectrum allocation, this paper investigates a quality of service (QoS)-driven sum rate maximization problem for drone-and-NOMA-enhanced PDEComs that aims to improve the data rate of cell edge users (CEUs). Due to the non-deterministic polynomial (NP)-hard characteristics, we first decouple the formulated problem. Next, we obtain the optimal 3D deployment with the aid of a long short-term memory (LSTM)-based recurrent neural network (RNN). Then, we transform the spectrum allocation problem into an optimal matching issue, based on which the Hungarian algorithm is employed to solve it. Finally, the simulation results show that the presented scheme has a significant performance improvement in the sum rate compared with the state-of-the-art works and benchmark scheme. For instance, by adopting the NOMA technique, the sum rate can be increased by 9.72% and the needs of CEUs can be satisfied by enabling the relaying drone. Additionally, the convergence, complexity, and performance gap caused by iterative optimization are discussed and analyzed.

There has been a lot of interest in using antiferromagnets for magnetic memories, due to their fast dynamics, and resilience to stray fields. Such a memory was supposed to be switched by a spin-orbit torque. Here, Zhu and Ralph find that as a ferrimagnet approaches the magnetic compensation point, the spin-orbit torque acting on the ferrimagnet vanishes due to competing spin relaxation processes.

Previous demonstrations of quantum interference in solids have mainly been limited to intra-layer transport within single conductors. Zhu et al. report a new type of inter-layer quantum interference in graphene-based double-layer devices, due to interference between carrier diffusion paths across the constituent layers.

Designing bio-inspired artificial neurons within a single device is challenging. Here, the authors demonstrate a spintronic neuron with leaky-integrate-fire and self-reset characteristics and corroborate a new trajectory of all-spin neuromorphic computing hardware holistic implementation.

Abstract Despite the great progress that has been made in the task of single image dehazing, the results of the existing models in restoring image edge and texture information are still challenging. Besides, most dehazing models are trained on synthetic data, resulting in poor generalization ability to real‐world images. To address the aforementioned problems, a semi‐supervised learning dehazing method based on the decomposition model of Osher, Solé, and Vese(The OSV model) is presented. Specifically, the OSV model is first applied to decompose the hazy image into the structure layer and texture layer, save the texture layer and dehaze for the structure layer to restore images with sharper texture and edge. Furthermore, the network adopts a semi‐supervised learning algorithm based on generative adversarial networks (GAN) to generalize better to real‐world images, which includes two branches: supervised learning and unsupervised learning. Extensive experiments indicate that the proposed method preserves the texture and edge information of images more accurately while dehazing better, and performs favourably against the advanced dehazing algorithms on both synthetic outdoor datasets and real‐world hazy images.

Functionally graded polymer foams are advanced materials that exhibit great potential for applications in energy absorption, electromagnetic interference shielding, and high-elasticity due to the graded cellular structure for mechanical performance and functional properties enhancements. However, producing polymer foams with tailored gradient structures remains a significant challenge. Herein, a new microcellular foaming strategy with two-step adsorptions was developed to prepare thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) foams with gradient cellular structures. The TPU samples were saturated with low-pressure CO2 in the first sorption stage and partially saturated with high-pressure CO2 in the second sorption stage. By regulating CO2 pressure in the first stage and adsorption duration in the second stage, TPU samples with gradient CO2 concentrations were achieved, thereby leading to structure-gradient TPU foams. Finally, a prospective microcellular-macrocellular gradient foam with a cell size range of 30 μm to 400 μm was successfully prepared. The energy loss coefficient of structure-gradient TPU foam can be reduced by 21.5% compared to that of the foam with uniform cellular structure. Structure-gradient TPU foams show significantly enhanced mechanical performance and elasticity, and the underlying mechanism was clarified. The super-elastic TPU foams with tailored gradient structures hold significant promise for broaden applications requiring lightweight, flexibility, and elasticity.

Abstract Exploration of exotic spin polarizations in single crystals is of increasing interest. A current of longitudinal spins, the so‐called “Dresselhaus‐like” spin current, which is forbidden in materials lacking certain inversion asymmetries, is implied to be generated by a charge current at the interface of single‐crystal CoFe. This work reports unambiguous evidence that there is no indication of spin current of any spin polarizations from the interface or bulk of single‐crystalline CoFe and that the sin2φ second harmonic Hall voltage, which is previously assumed to signify Dresselhaus‐like spin current, is not related to any spin currents but rather a planar Nernst voltage induced by a longitudinal temperature gradient within the sample. Such sin2φ signal is independent of large applied magnetic fields and interfacial spin‐orbit coupling, inversely correlated to the heat capacity of the substrates and overlayers, quadratic in charge current, and appears also in polycrystalline ferromagnets. Strikingly, the planar Nernst effect (PNE) in the CoFe single crystal has a strong fourfold anisotropy and varies with the crystalline orientation. Such strong, anisotropic PNE has widespread impacts on the analyses of a variety of spintronic experiments and opens a new avenue for the development of PNE‐based thermoelectric battery and sensor applications.

An accurate assessment of vegetable yield is essential for agricultural production and management. One approach to estimate yield with remote sensing is via vegetation indices, which are selected in a statistical and empirical approach, rather than a mechanistic way. This study aimed to estimate the dry matter of Choy Sum by both a causality-guided intercepted radiation-based model and a spectral reflectance-based model and compare their performance. Moreover, the effect of nitrogen (N) rates on the radiation use efficiency (RUE) of Choy Sum was also evaluated. A 2-year field experiment was conducted with different N rate treatments (0 kg/ha, 25 kg/ha, 50 kg/ha, 100 kg/ha, 150 kg/ha, and 200 kg/ha). At different growth stages, canopy spectra, photosynthetic active radiation, and canopy coverage were measured by RapidScan CS-45, light quantum sensor, and camera, respectively. The results reveal that exponential models best match the connection between dry matter and vegetation indices, with coefficients of determination (R2) all below 0.80 for normalized difference red edge (NDRE), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), red edge ratio vegetation index (RERVI), and ratio vegetation index (RVI). In contrast, accumulated intercepted photosynthetic active radiation (Aipar) showed a significant linear correlation with the dry matter of Choy Sum, with root mean square error (RMSE) of 9.4 and R2 values of 0.82, implying that the Aipar-based estimation model performed better than that of spectral-based ones. Moreover, the RUE of Choy Sum was significantly affected by the N rate, with 100 kg N/ha, 150 kg N/ha, and 200 kg N/ha having the highest RUE values. The study demonstrated the potential of Aipar-based models for precisely estimating the dry matter yield of vegetable crops and understanding the effect of N application on dry matter accumulation of Choy Sum.

Through the Chinese National Immunization Adverse Event Surveillance System (CNAEFIS), we collected reports of Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) deaths in Shenyang from 2009 to 2021 with the aim of analyzing AEFI-related deaths and assessing the safety of vaccination. From 2009 to 2021, a total of 12 AEFI-related deaths were reported in Shenyang City, and autopsies were performed in 6 deaths. According to the assessment of the Expert Committee on Investigation and Diagnosis of AEFI 3 (25.0%) deaths were classified as severe vaccine reactions, 9 (75.0%) deaths were classified as coincidental events, and there were no immunization errors or psychological reactions. The overall estimated AEFI-related mortality rate was 0.12 per 100,000 vaccination doses. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis showed no correlation between AEFI, severe vaccine reactions, and suspected vaccination-related deaths. Coincidental events are the most common type of death following vaccination, meaning that the risk of death following immunization is low, and ongoing AEFI surveillance and scientific causality assessment are essential to ensure the vaccine confidence. Detailed pre-vaccination health status questioning is also key to avoiding and reducing adverse events.

Abstract Background Statins are widely prescribed cholesterol‐lowering drugs but have been shown to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the diabetogenic effect of statins are still not fully understood. Methods The effects of geranylgeranyl transferase I and II (GGTase I and II) inhibition on insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation, and the dependence of these effects on insulin signalling were investigated in skeletal muscle cells. The protective effects of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) and its precursor geranylgeraniol (GGOH) on simvastatin‐induced insulin resistance were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The effect of GGTase II inhibition in skeletal muscle on insulin sensitivity in vivo was confirmed by adeno‐associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9)‐mediated knockdown of the specific subunit of GGTase II, RABGGTA. The regulatory mechanisms of GGTase I on insulin signalling and GGTase II on insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation were investigated by knockdown of RhoA, TAZ, IRS1, geranylgeranylation site mutation of RhoA, RAB8A, and RAB13. Results Both inhibition of GGTase I and II mimicked simvastatin‐induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle cells. GGPP and GGOH were able to prevent simvastatin‐induced skeletal muscle insulin resistance in vitro and in vivo. GGTase I inhibition suppressed the phosphorylation of AKT (Ser473) (−51.3%, P

Abstract Background Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Recent studies have indicated that statins tend to increase Lp(a) levels by 10–20%. However, the association of statin-mediated increases in Lp(a) levels with CAD has not been determined. Methods This study included 488 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Lp(a) levels were measured at baseline and 1 month after statin therapy. The study endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Hazard ratios for the MACE were adjusted for potential confounder using Cox regression. Results After statin therapy, the mean level of Lp(a) increased by 19.3% from baseline. Lp(a) levels increased in 307 patients (62.9%) with a median elevation of 4.1 mg/dL. Patients with an increase in Lp(a) were at higher risk for MACE than those without an increase in Lp(a) (p = 0.044). Subgroup analyses revealed that a mild-to-moderate increase in Lp(a) was not associated with MACE, whereas there was a strong correlation between the highest quartile increase in Lp(a) (≥ 10.1 mg/dL) and MACE (HR = 2.29, 95%CI = 1.36–3.84, p = 0.002). This correlation was independent of baseline Lp(a) levels but not independent of on-statin Lp(a) levels. Conclusions Severe increases in Lp(a) following statin therapy raise the risk of MACE, but a mild-to-moderate increase in Lp(a) may not affect the cardiovascular prognosis of CAD patients. Even if the baseline Lp(a) levels are low, it is necessary to continue testing for Lp(a) concentration at least once after statin.

Puerariae Radix is one of the most widely used ancient traditional Chinese medicines and is also consumed as food, which has rich edible and medicinal value. Puerariae Radix can be divided into Puerariae Lobatae Radix (PL) and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix (PT). These two medicinal materials are very similar, and they are often mixed up or misused. In this study, gas chromatography–ion migration spectrometry (GC-IMS) was used to analyze the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of PL and PT, and the differences in VOCs were analyzed using fingerprint, principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). The results showed that a total of 173 VOCs were obtained from PL and PT, and 149 were qualitatively identified, including 38 aldehydes, 22 alcohols, 22 ketones, 19 esters, 13 esters, 10 acids, 10 pyrazines, 6 terpenes, 4 furans, and 2 pyridines. The characteristic VOCs of PL and PT were clarified by constructing GC-IMS fingerprints. PL and PT can be effectively distinguished, and five characteristic VOCs were screened using PCA and OPLS-DA analysis methods. This study identified and evaluated the types and differences in VOCs in PL and PT. The established method is simple, rapid, accurate, and sensitive, and it provides theoretical guidance for the identification, tracing, and quality evaluation of PL and PT.

Future generation communication systems are exemplified by 5G and 6G wireless technologies, and the utilization of integrated air-to-sea (A2S) communication infrastructure is employed to extend network coverage and enhance data throughput to support data-driven maritime applications. These ground-breaking techniques have promoted the rapid development of the maritime internet of things (MIoT). In particular, the integration of air base stations (ABSs) in the MIoT can achieve broadband, low-delay, and reliable wireless transmissions. Considering the potential of ABS-enabled communications, this survey presents the state of the art in the A2S integrated MIoT. More specifically, relevant A2S integrated MIoT architectures are discussed together with the role of their building blocks. Next, we introduce the enabling technologies, including the sensor, communication, data processing and storage, and security and privacy protection techniques. Then, resource allocation, cloud/edge computing and caching, routing protocols, and spatial location optimization in the maritime environment are discussed and grouped based on their performance targets. Additionally, we also show the potential applications of the A2S integrated MIoT in marine environment monitoring, traffic, navigation safety, and resources management. Finally, several future challenges in the area of the A2S integrated MIoT are given, related to the technical security, reliability, and energy efficiency, etc.

In the context of a complete metric space, the most important fixed-point result for multi-valued operators was given in 1969. Many extensions of this fixed-point principle for multi-valued operators were proved by different authors. Based on some of the above-mentioned results, we introduce the notion of the multi-valued Feng–Liu-type operator and we construct an abstract fixed-point theory for this general class of multi-valued operators. Our results extend and complement some theorems in metric fixed-point theory for multi-valued operators. An application to a Cauchy problem related to a first-order differential inclusion is also given. In this case, our theorem improves several previous theorems on this subject by relaxing the contraction-type condition (with respect to its second argument) on the multi-valued right-hand side.

To assist the low-cost manufacturing of tanks, a one-step method of marginal-restraint mandrel-free spin forming is therefore proposed in this study for the forming of top covers with flanged holes. With the finite element simulation analysis, three different forming strategies are discussed, and the best spinning process is identified. The proposed forming strategies involve preforming the flanged surface first and then preforming the spherical and flanged surfaces in a subsequent trajectory and is proved to have better forming accuracy. Furthermore, the forming quality of the spun parts is improved and optimized by employing more passes, smaller feed ratios, and larger roller fillet radii. It was experimentally verified that the marginal-restraint mandrel-free spinning one-step method with five passes, a feed ratio of 1 mm/r, and a roller fillet radius of 60 mm for the cylindrical roller can achieve accurate forming of a top cover with a center flange hole.

Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction is foundational for spintronics. The authors quantitatively established the roles of orbital hybridization and interfacial spin-orbit coupling in the determination of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction, offering orbital hybridization as a degree of freedom for the development of fast, dense spintronic memory and computing technologies.

Abstract Background Several studies have demonstrated that cardiovascular risk factors play a role in the etiology of breast cancer. However, the combined effect of cardiovascular risk factors on the risk of breast cancer is still uncertain. Methods Data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, a prospective cohort of middle-aged women, were used to investigate the association of individual and combined cardiovascular risk factors with breast cancer. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results A total of 7501 women were included. During a mean follow-up of 19.7 years, 576 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. White women and premenopausal status were independently associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Of the individual cardiovascular risk factors, only obesity was independently associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.04–1.61). Compared with women without cardiovascular risk factors, women having three or greater, but not those with fewer than three cardiovascular risk factors, had a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.06–1.53). Subgroup analyses indicated that women with three or greater cardiovascular risk factors had higher risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal Black women, but not among premenopausal Black and White women. Conclusions Combinations of cardiovascular risk factors are associated with increased risk of breast cancer in middle-aged women, especially in postmenopausal Black women. Joint interventions to modify cardiovascular risk factors could be used to prevent breast cancer in these higher-risk individuals.

Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) is caused by the metacestode of Echinococcus multilocularis, which shows characteristics of malignant tumors with high mortality. However, traditional diagnostic imaging methods are still not sufficient for the recognition of HAE microlesions in the early stages. Near-infrared-II (900–1700 nm, NIR-II) fluorescence microscopic imaging (NIR-II-FMI) has shown great potential for biomedical detection. A novel type of negative target imaging method based on NIR-II-FMI with the assistance of indocyanine green (ICG) was explored. Then, NIR-II-FMI was applied to the early detection of HAE for the first time. The negative targeting NIR-II fluorescence imaging of HAE-infected mice at different stages with the assistance of ICG under 808 nm of laser irradiation was obtained. Especially, HAE microlesions at the early stage were detected clearly. Moreover, clear intrahepatic angiography was achieved under the same NIR-II-FMI system.

Summary: Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a technique for electrochemical characterization that is sensitive to the battery state and can uncover multidimensional electrochemical evolution information within the battery. Lithium-ion batteries usually need to be used in conjunction with power conversion circuits, while conventional EIS testing is conducted offline and is time-consuming, which cannot effectively monitor the battery characteristics during use. To match the characteristics of the square wave signal during power switching, a rapid EIS measurement method for lithium-ion batteries based on the large square wave excitation signal is proposed in this paper, and develops a testing device with a response time of microseconds. The proposed method and device are applied to estimate the state of health (SOH) of the battery. In conclusion, we proposed method enhances the capabilities of EIS testing technology and has a good application prospect in real-time online impedance monitoring.

BackgroundEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is directly related to coronary artery disease (CAD), but little is known about its role in hemodynamically significant CAD. Therefore, our goal is to explore the impact of EAT volume on hemodynamically significant CAD.MethodsPatients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and received coronary angiography within 30 days were retrospectively included. Measurements of EAT volume and coronary artery calcium score (CACs) were performed on a semi-automatic software based on CCTA images, while quantitative flow ratio (QFR) was automatically calculated by the AngioPlus system according to coronary angiographic images.ResultsThis study included 277 patients, 112 of whom had hemodynamically significant CAD and showed higher EAT volume. In multivariate analysis, EAT volume was independently and positively correlated with hemodynamically significant CAD [per standard deviation (SD) cm3; odds ratio (OR), 2.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.86–4.15; P

A thin-walled head with a lateral normal flanged hole is a key part of a propellant tank, and its low-cost and high-precision forming process is very challenging. In this paper, a two-step method is proposed to preform the head via marginal-restraint mandrel-free spinning and then to realize the flanging of the lateral normal hole using a punching–spinning method. Finite element analysis of round-hole punching–spinning flanging shows that the larger the thinning ratio and the roller fillet radius, the lower the rebound and contour rise amount; the larger the feed ratio, the lower the rebound and the higher the contour rise amount. Further study on the effects of round-hole punching–spinning flanging on the secondary deformation of thin-walled heads shows that the deformation of the head in the area around the flanging hole is less severe than that of the flat blank, and the deformation in the circumferential direction is different from that in the busbar direction. Finally, it is verified through experiments that the two-step method can realize the spin forming of thin-walled heads with lateral normal flanged holes.

Abstract Background Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] elevation is an important risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the correlation between Lp(a) elevations and the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with established cardiovascular disease is controversial. Some studies have shown that Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels may influence the association between Lp(a) and cardiovascular risk. Our study aims to explore the correlation between Lp(a) elevations and cardiovascular risk in patients with different LDL-C levels. Methods We included 516 patients who received coronary stents due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and followed them for three years. They were divided into low-Lp(a) group and high-Lp(a) group according to Lp(a) levels, and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and acute coronary events (ACE) was compared between the two groups. Then the patients were divided into three subgroups (S1:LDL-C ≥ 1.8 mmol/L; S2:1.4 ≤ LDL-C

Microorganisms and cancer have always been the fierce enemies of human beings, but the traditional methods of treating them still have many defects. Therefore, it is extremely important to develop rapid, effective and safe treatments. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) has attracted much attention because of its advantages of non-invasive, non-drug tolerance, high selectivity and low toxicity. As a result, more and more scientists are committed to developing better photosensitizers to enhance the efficiency of PDT in the therapy of microorganisms as well as tumors. The discovery of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) phenomenon provides a novel research direction for the progress of photosensitizer and brings a broader prospect for PDT. This review focuses on the recent progress of photosensitizers (PSs) with AIE properties in PDT from two aspects of anti-microbial and anti-cancer. Among them, anti-microbial aspects were introduced from the perspectives of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral aspects, while anti-cancer aspects were first introduced from the perspective of different target sites of photosensitizers, and then based on the modification of their own structures. Finally, the current limitations, challenges and future development of AIE photosensitizer (AIE-PSs) are clarified in view of the existing strategies and obstacles, so as to promote the development of AIE-PSs in the future clinical applications.

As a noninvasive “hot-spot” imaging technology, fluorine-19 magnetic resonance imaging (19F MRI) has been extensively used in cell tracking. However, the peculiar physicochemical properties of perfluorocarbons (PFCs), the most commonly used 19F MRI agents, sometimes cause low sensitivity, poor cell uptake, and misleading results. In this study, a partially fluorinated agent, perfluoro-tert-butyl benzyl ether, was used to formulate a 19F MRI-fluorescence imaging (FLI) dual-modal nanoemulsion for cell tracking. Compared with PFCs, the partially fluorinated agent showed considerably improved physicochemical properties, such as lower density, shorter longitudinal relaxation times, and higher solubility to fluorophores, while maintaining high 19F MRI sensitivity. After being formulated into stable, monodisperse, and paramagnetic Fe3+-promoted nanoemulsions, the partially fluorinated agent was used in 19F MRI-FLI dual imaging tracking of lung cancer A549 cells and macrophages in an inflammation mouse model.

The special-shaped tank dome of a launch vehicle is a large, thin-walled, curved structure that is difficult to form using the conventional center-restraint spinning method. This study proposes a two-step marginal-restraint mandrel-free spinning method for forming large domes. The finite element analysis results indicate that a larger roller fillet radius and larger feed ratios lead to a larger upper convex angle and the minimum thickness value for the bottom contour. This study explored the impact of shape parameter variations on the upper convexity and transition rounding angle on forming accuracy. The results show that the convexity of the bottom of the special-shaped domes increases with a larger roller fillet radius and larger feed ratios while the overall height decreases. The forming accuracy is adversely affected by larger transition rounding angles and smaller upper convexities. For the accurate forming of domes, the mutual coupling influence during two-step forming should be considered, and a suitable process and suitable trajectory compensation parameters must be carefully selected. Finally, the study verified that a two-step marginal-restraint mandrel-free spinning method with a 10 mm roller fillet radius, a 2 mm/r feed ratio, and the corresponding trajectory compensation can achieve the precise forming of 2250 mm thin-walled special-shaped domes.

Bismuth shows outstanding optical properties, including a metal-like response in the ultraviolet-visible range and a dielectric character with a giant refractive index in the infrared range. In recent years, such unique properties have been employed to construct bismuth-based metamaterials with remarkable optical responses in these spectral regions, especially with cost-effective lithography-free methods. Such responses can be manipulated, both in an astatic way by suitable metamaterial design and in a dynamic way by harnessing the solid–liquid transition of bismuth. In this paper, we review the advances in this field and highlight the applications of such metamaterials to information technology production, energy harvesting and sensing.

Abstract Background High blood pressure is a well-recognized risk factor for cardiovascular events, and the incidence of hypertension is increasing among young people. This study investigated the relationship between ALT and AST levels and hypertension among freshmen in China. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Anhui Province from September to November 2018. A total of 3114 freshmen underwent a physical examination including testing of biochemical indicators and a standardized questionnaire. Results The overall prevalence of elevated ALT and AST were 6.8% and 2.3% among freshmen. The mean ALT and AST levels were higher in males (22.59 ± 21.98 vs.12.62 ± 10.30 U/L; 23.55 ± 12.24 vs. 20.02 ± 5.75 U/L, respectively). The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in men (16.1%) than in women (1.9%). The mean values of BMI, SBP, DBP, TC, TG, and LDL-C were found to be increased with elevated levels of serum ALT and AST in the quartiles (P for trend

Background: Previous studies have reported that disturbance of endogenous circadian rhythms enhances the chance of hypertension and suggested that circadian clock genes could have a crucial function in the onset of the disease. This case-control study was aimed to investigate the association of the mRNA expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator like (Arntl), clock circadian regulator (Clock), and period circadian regulators 1 and 2 (Per1 and Per2) with hypertension and blood pressure levels. Methods: A total of 172 subjects were recruited in this study, including 86 hypertension and 86 nonhypertension controls. The mRNA expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The differences in Arntl, Clock, Per1, and Per2 mRNA expression were compared between the 2 groups, and the relationship between mRNA expression and cardiometabolic risk profiles was also assessed. Results: We found that the mRNA expression of Arntl was downregulated in the hypertension cases compared with controls in women (1.10 [0.66, 1.71] vs. 1.30 [0.99, 2.06], p = 0.031). There was a significant negative correlation between the Arntl mRNA expression and SBP (r = −0.301, p = 0.004) and DBP (r = −0.222, p = 0.034) in women. In men, a negative correlation between the Per1 mRNA expression and SBP (r = −0.247, p = 0.026) was found. Conclusions: The Arntl mRNA expression may play an important role in progression of hypertension in women.

Resumo Fundamento: Estudos epidemiológicos recentes demonstraram que alterações na microbiota e seus metabólitos estão associadas à hipertensão arterial sistêmica. A Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) é um dos patógenos bacterianos mais comuns, e a possível associação entre a infecção por H. pylori e a hipertensão é controversa. Objetivos: Este estudo teve o objetivo de esclarecer a associação entre eles e proporcionar uma nova base teórica para detectar a patogênese da hipertensão. Métodos: Foram selecionados estudos caso-controle e transversais sobre a associação entre H. pylori e hipertensão, publicados de 1996 a 2019 indexados nos bancos de dados PubMed, Google Scholar, Chinese Wan Fang Data, e Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). As razões de chance (RC) combinadas e o intervalo de confiança (IC) 95% foram estimados. O I² foi realizado para avaliar a heterogeneidade estatística. O viés de publicação foi avaliado utilizando-se os testes de Beggs e de Egger. Os dados extraídos foram analisados no software Stata 12.0. A significância estatística foi definida com um p-valor < 0,05. Resultados: Foram cadastrados 17 estudos envolvendo 6376 casos de hipertensão e 10850 controles. A taxa de infecção por H. pylori em pacientes hipertensos e em controles foi de 64,9% e 56,3%, respectivamente. Foi demonstrada uma associação significativamente positiva entre a infecção por H. pylori e a hipertensão, com uma RC global de 2,07 (IC 95%: 1,46–2,94; p < 0,05). A análise de subgrupos revelou que a prevalência de infecção por H. pylori foi associada à hipertensão na região da Ásia e no grupo de caso-controle, as RC (IC 95%) foram 2,26 (1,51-3,38) e 2,53 (1,72-3,72), respectivamente. Depois de estratificar por métodos de detecção, ainda existiam diferenças entre os subgrupos (todos p < 0,05). Conclusão: Esta metanálise indicou que a infecção por H. pylori está associada positivamente à hipertensão.

Abstract Objective To understand the related risk factors of occurrence and recurrence of hypertension and provide scientific basis for relevant departments to better guide prevention and control work. Methods From September 2017 to September 2018, a prospective follow‐up study was performed on patients with hypertension who visited the Second People's Hospital of Wuhu City, Anhui Province. Multivariate Cox regression was used to analyze influencing factors of stroke occurrence and recurrence in follow‐up of hypertensive patients. Results A total of 769 hypertensive patients were enrolled in this study. The average age of hypertensive patients was 65.66 ± 11.70 years old and the BMI index was 24.99 ± 4.17. In this study, 769 patients with hypertension were followed up for 1 year, and the incidence of stroke was 14.69%. This study found that higher levels of blood glucose (RR = 2.027, 95% CI: 1.195–3.438), HCY (RR = 5.928,95% CI: 1.438–24.440), aggravated extent of carotid artery stenosis (RR = 2.620, 95% CI: 1.532–4.481), and drinking (RR = 3.867, 95% CI: 2.038–7.339) were risk factors, and maintaining exercise (RR = 0.325, 95% CI: 0.117–0.907) was a protective factor for stroke occurrence; however, aggravated extent of carotid artery stenosis (RR = 3.158, 95% CI: 1.797–5.550) and smoking (RR = 2.271, 95% CI: 1.142–4.517) were risk factors for stroke recurrence for hypertensive patients. Conclusions For people with high blood pressure, it is necessary to exercise properly, control body weight, avoid obesity, quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, and reasonably control blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipid.

Drug-induced kidney injury (DIKI) refers to kidney damage caused by nephrotoxic drugs. Unfortunately, there are no effective prevention measures. Here, the protective effect of polysaccharide from Cordyceps cicadae (CCPa) on DIKI was evaluated. The results of in vivo experiment showed that the kidney injury induced by gentamicin (GM) was significantly improved after CCPa intervention. For instance, CCPa could ameliorate renal function (the levels of SCr and BUN) and renal pathological damage, inhibit the inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α) and reduce the amount of apoptotic cells in the kidney. Furthermore, both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that CCPa dose-dependently inhibited mitochondrial apoptosis and regulated the expression of Bax/Bcl-2/caspase-3 pathway-related proteins, thus playing a protective role in kidney. The results provided a basis for the prevention of CCPa on DIKI and CCPa could be developed as a healthy food or drug for kidney protection.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has attracted extensive attention in cancer treatment due to its non-invasiveness, high efficiency, and repeatability in recent years. Photothermal agents (PTAs) are the key factor for PTT. Recently, although an increasing number of PTAs have been developed, there is still a great demand for optimized photothermal nanoparticles (NPs) with low toxicity, bio-safety and stability. Herein, new indocyanine green (IR820) with near-infrared (NIR:700–1,700 nm) fluorescence emission was selected as a photothermal agent (PTA). To enhance the PTT property, IR820 was encapsulated with another kind of PTA, polydopamine (PDA) under alkaline conditions. Furthermore, to improve the biocompatibility of the NPs, methoxy polyethylene glycol amine (mPEG-NH2) was modified via a Michael addition to form a novel kind of IR820@PDA@PEG NPs. After detailed characterization and analysis, the obtained IR820@PDA@PEG NPs showed a spherical shape with an average diameter of ∼159.6 nm. Meanwhile, the formed IR820@PDA@PEG NPs exhibited better photostability and lower cytotoxicity than free IR820 molecules. The photothermal performance of IR820@PDA@PEG NPs was further analyzed in vitro, and the temperature of IR820@PDA@PEG NPs (100 μg/ml) reached 54.8°C under 793 nm laser irradiation. Afterwards, the cellular uptake of IR820@PDA@PEG NPs was evaluated via confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopic imaging. Then, PTT experiments on HeLa cells demonstrated that IR820@PDA@PEG NPs can hyperthermal ablate cancer cells (∼49.1%) under 793 nm laser irradiation. Therefore, IR820@PDA@PEG NPs would be a promising PTA for the treatment of cervical cancer HeLa cells.

ObjectiveTo systematically review the prevalence of anxiety and depression among frontline healthcare workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.MethodsComputers were used to search CNKI, VIP, WanFang Data, PubMed, and other Chinese and English databases. The search period was limited to December 2019 to April 2022. Cross-sectional studies collected data on the prevalence of anxiety and depression among frontline healthcare workers since the onset of COVID-19. The STATA 15.1 software was used for the meta-analysis of the included literature.ResultsA total of 30 studies were included, with a sample size of 18,382 people. The meta-analysis results showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the total prevalence of anxiety among frontline healthcare workers was 43.00%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.36–0.50, and the total prevalence of depression was 45.00%, with a 95% CI of 0.37–0.52. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that prevalence of anxiety and depression in women, married individuals, those with children, and nurses was relatively high. Frontline healthcare workers with a bachelor's degree or lower had a higher prevalence of anxiety. The prevalence of depression was higher among frontline healthcare workers with intermediate or higher professional titles.ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety and depression among frontline healthcare workers was high. In the context of public health emergencies, the mental health status of frontline healthcare workers should be given full attention, screening should be actively carried out, and targeted measures should be taken to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection among frontline healthcare workers.Systematic review registrationhttp://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022344706.

Background: There are several selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants currently used to treat binge eating disorder (BED), but the efficacy and acceptability of these antidepressants are still controversial. Therefore, we designed a network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the efficacy and acceptability of different SSRI antidepressants for the treatment of BED.Methods: Four databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were systematically searched for the eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the treatment of patients with BED. The analysis was performed with Stata16 software.Results: 9 RCTs were included in this NMA. The results of the study showed that compared with placebo, sertraline and fluoxetine could significantly reduce the frequency of binge eating. Fluoxetine was shown to be the drug with the greatest reduction in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) score. Besides, all SSRI antidepressants were ineffective in losing weight. In addition, all the investigated antidepressants were found to be well acceptable in regards to the acceptability reflected by the dropout rate.Conclusion: As far as both efficacy and acceptability were concerned, fluoxetine might be the best choice.