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Abstract Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) is an important photochemical product and affects ozone (O3) formation in the troposphere. Yet, the long-term observation of PAN remains scarce, limiting the full understanding of its impacts on photochemical pollution. Here, we observed PAN from 2018 to 2022 in urban Fuzhou, Southeastern China. We found that, in contrast to upward trend of O3, PAN concentrations shown a significant decreasing trend at an average rate of −0.07 ppb/year. NO2, CO, UVB, and T contributed to the decreasing trend of PAN according to Machine learning analyses, while the effect of O3-represented atmospheric oxidation capacity on PAN was fluctuating from year to year. Chemical box model revealed active PA production and depletion in Fuzhou. Thus, despite the decreasing PAN concentration, PAN chemistry effectively promoted O3 formation by rising ROx levels, leading to increases of 2.18%–58.4% in net O3 production rate in different years. Our results provide valuable insights into the evolution of photochemical pollution in urban environments.

In order to understand the types, biological characteristics, and metabolites types of pathogenic fungi in carambola, the typical diseased parts of carambola fruit were collected for fungal isolation by tissue isolation methods. The fungi were identified by morphological and molecular identification methods based on ITS sequencing analysis. The biological characteristics of pathogenic fungi were explored, and metabolites were isolated and purified using liquid chromatography. Their structures were established on the basis of 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The results were as follows: The four strains were identified as Fusarium equiseti, Neopestalotiopsis sp., Schizophyllum commune and Cladosporium cladosporioides. All four strains could cause disease in carambola fruit. The fermentation products of Fusarium equiseti were chemically investigated, leading to the discovery of four compounds, 3,7,9-trihydroxy-1-methyl-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-on, 1,4,7-trihydroxy-3,9-dimethoxy-6H-benzo[c]chromen-6-one, lecanoric acid and 7-hydroxy-4-methyl-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone. The results of biological characteristics indicated that the optimal growth temperature for the four pathogenic fungi was 25~28 ℃, and they could all grow within the pH range of 4~10.

Research on the scraping effects of rock–ice avalanches remains relatively limited. This study investigates the evolution of rock–ice avalanches with varying ice content and initial accumulation forms during motion, scraping, and deposition using laboratory physical model experiments. Changes in pre- scraping velocity, scraping length, scraping depth, maximum deposition length, and deposition thickness were analyzed as functions of ice content. The analysis revealed the influence of ice content and initial accumulation on scraping effects, as well as on motion and deposition characteristics. The experimental results indicate that, compared to typical debris flows (without ice), the presence of ice significantly enhances the mobility, deposition features, and scraping effects of rock–ice avalanches. Through analysis, it is shown that the low friction of ice debris enhances the kinetic energy of ice-rock debris flows, thereby increasing the energy required for scraping.

Abstract Many epidemiological studies focus on health research in areas with high concentration of PM2.5. To fill the research gap, our study investigated the acute effects of low PM2.5 level (annual average concentration below 35 µg m−3) on asthma admissions in Xiamen, China. Using a time-stratified case-crossover study design, we examined the association between PM2.5 concentration and asthma admissions from January 2019 to November 2021. The results showed a positive correlation between PM2.5 concentration and the cumulative incidence of asthma, with a lag of 0–7 days. Each 10 µg m−3 increased in PM2.5 concentration was associated with a 0.49% increase in asthma incidence. Stratified analysis revealed significant effects in children aged 0–4 years (OR = 2.029, 95% CI = 1.359–3.031) and the elderly population aged over 75 years (OR = 1.399, 95% CI = 1.092–1.793). Distributed lag models demonstrated a hysteresis effect, with significant lagged effects observed in children (lag0–5) and the elderly (lag3–lag5). The multi-pollutant model, considering NO2 and O3, showed consistent results. These findings highlight the age-specific susceptibility to PM2.5 exposure and its impact on asthma admissions, even at lower levels of pollution. Further research is needed to inform environmental protection policies and public health interventions in low-pollution environments.

Abstract Background and objective Consensus methods are crucial in developing clinical guidelines. Different methods, such as the Delphi and nominal group techniques, are commonly used, but there is a lack of detailed instructions on how to implement them effectively. The survey aims to explore the opinions and attitudes of the chair, panel and working group on the critical elements of the consensus methods during guideline development. Methods We used a cross-sectional design to conduct this study and sent a structured questionnaire to stakeholders, including the chair, panel members, and working group participants, through the popular mobile phone application WeChat.We selected participants using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling. The questionnaire gathered information on demographics, experiences, opinions, and concerns regarding consensus methods and guideline development. Results The sample comprised 290 participants representing 31 provinces or municipalities. Among them, the most significant number of respondents (n = 107, 36.9%) were from Beijing. Most participants, specifically 211 (72.76%), held senior professional titles, while 186 (64.14%) adhered to ongoing guidelines. The Delphi method was the most commonly used consensus method (n = 132, 42.31%), but the respondents had only a preliminary understanding of it (n = 147, 47.12%). The consensus process also revealed the insufficiency of involving pharmacoeconomists, patients, and nurses. Conclusions Consensus methods have to be standardised and used consistently in the guideline development process. The findings of this study offer insights into diverse roles and more effective ways to apply the consensus process during guideline development.

Abstract Urbanization and industrialization levels have a significant impact on the pollution of O3 and its precursors. However, current studies of VOC sources and O3 formation sensitivity in the regions with different urbanization and industrialization levels remained limited. Therefore, offline and online VOC observations were conducted at coastal sites (CS) and inland sites (IS) of southeast China to analyze spatial-temporal characteristics, source apportionment of VOCs based on the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, and their effects on O3 formation using the observation-based model (OBM). The results showed that the average concentrations of TVOCs at CS and IS were 49.1 ± 14.4 and 28.4 ± 9.6 ppb, respectively, with higher levels in autumn compared to those in spring and summer. Alkene species contributed the largest to the OH radical loss rate (Loh) and ozone formation potential (OFP). The contributions of vehicle exhaust and combustion sources, industrial sources, solvent usage, biogenic sources, and fuel evaporation at CS and IS were 42.2% and 34.5%, 22.4% and 18.2%, 12.7% and 4.5%, 11.7% and 19.4%, and 11.0% and 23.4%, respectively. Meanwhile, vehicle exhaust and combustion sources (31.8%), fuel evaporation (21.3%) were the major contributors to O3 formation in Ningde. The results of sensitivity analysis indicated that O3 formation at CS was mainly VOC control in spring and autumn, and controlled by both VOCs and NOx in summer, but the VOCs is the key factor for the O3 formation at IS, and the emission control of alkenes and aromatics was conductive to decrease O3 levels. The scenario analysis suggested that the 20% reduction of VOC concentrations and 3% reduction of NOx concentrations could realize the 5% reduction of O3 concentrations. This study might enhance the understanding of O3 and its precursors in southeast China with different urbanization levels, as well as the emission reduction strategies.

BackgroundMany people living with major depressive disorder (MDD) in China do not receive treatment owing to a lack of mental health services, along with significant stigma toward mental illness. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) has been proposed to increase access to mental health care for people with MDD. ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the efficacy of ICBT for depressive symptoms in patients with MDD; (2) evaluate the effect of ICBT on anxiety symptoms, nonspecific psychological distress, general self-efficacy, depression stigma, social function, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL); and (3) explore the acceptability of and satisfaction with the ICBT program among participants. MethodsPatients with MDD were enrolled and randomized to the ICBT group or the waiting-list control (WLC) group. The ICBT group received ICBT delivered through a WeChat mini-program with general support by nonspecialists. Participants in the 2 groups were self-evaluated online at baseline and posttreatment for changes in the primary outcome (ie, depressive symptoms) and secondary outcomes (ie, anxiety symptoms, nonspecific psychological distress, general self-efficacy, depression stigma, social functional impairment, and HRQoL). Changes in outcomes were measured by changes in overall scores on respective scales, and response and remission rates were calculated based on depressive symptoms. The acceptability of and satisfaction with the ICBT program were measured by treatment adherence and participants’ feelings (ie, modules seriously completed, perceived benefit, and satisfaction). ResultsWe included 40 patients who were randomly assigned to the ICBT group and 44 who were assigned to the WLC group. Compared with the WLC group, the ICBT group had fewer depressive symptoms, fewer anxiety symptoms, less nonspecific psychological distress, and greater general self-efficacy. Moreover, the ICBT group had higher response (18/31, 58%) and remission rates (17/31, 55%). The adherence rate in the ICBT group was 78% (31/40), and the majority of participants who completed all ICBT modules were satisfied with the ICBT program. ConclusionsICBT demonstrated greater improvements in depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, nonspecific psychological distress, and general self-efficacy among selected patients with MDD in comparison with the findings in waiting-list controls. The ICBT program in this study had good acceptability and satisfaction among participants. Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100046425); https://tinyurl.com/bdcrj4zv

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex pathological condition that involves disrupted carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism in the human body, and is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease. While the exact pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome is not yet fully understood, there is increasing evidence linking mitochondrial dysfunction, which is closely related to the mitochondrial genome and mitochondrial dynamics, to the development of this condition. Recent advancements in genetic sequencing technologies have allowed for more accurate detection of mtDNA mutations and other mitochondrial abnormalities, leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention in patients with metabolic syndrome. Additionally, the identification of specific mechanisms by which reduced mtDNA copy number and gene mutations, as well as abnormalities in mtDNA-encoded proteins and mitochondrial dynamics, contribute to metabolic syndrome may promote the development of novel therapeutic targets and interventions, such as the restoration of mitochondrial function through the targeting of specific mitochondrial defects. Additionally, advancements in genetic sequencing technologies may allow for more accurate detection of mtDNA mutations and other mitochondrial abnormalities, leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention in patients with MetS. Therefore, strategies to promote the restoration of mitochondrial function by addressing these defects may offer new options for treating MetS. This review provides an overview of the research progress and significance of mitochondrial genome and mitochondrial dynamics in MetS.

High-density communities have proliferated globally during rapid urbanization. They are characterized by a high population density and limited per capita public spaces, making them susceptible to infectious disease risks. The impact of infectious diseases in these communities, as evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores their vulnerabilities. Yet, research on disease prevention in high-density areas remains limited. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the built environment and the transmission of infectious diseases in high-density urban communities, with a particular focus on the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing Shenzhen city as a case study, this study collected data on the built environment and epidemic trends and involved a generalized linear regression analysis, aiming to understand the key built environment factors that affect epidemic spread in high-density areas. The results from the study revealed that high-density communities experience higher rates of infectious disease transmission compared to their medium- to low-density counterparts. The significant factors identified include land use mixture and walkability, with land use mixture showing the most substantial impact on infection rates. Through a combination of qualitative analysis and empirical research, we constructed a conceptual framework linking containment measures, non-pharmaceutical interventions, and the built environment. The findings emphasize the significance to focus on the health development of high-density communities and offer valuable insights for tailored urban planning and built environment design. These insights are crucial for promoting the healthy and sustainable transformation of existing high-density communities.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely used as brominated flame retardants in the manufacturing industry, belonging to persistent organic pollutants in the environment. Planarians are the freshwater worms, with strong regenerative ability and extreme sensitivity to environmental toxicants. This study aimed to evaluate the potential acute comprehensive effects of PBDE-47/-209 on freshwater planarians. Methods to detect the effects include: detection of oxidative stress, observation of morphology and histology, detection of DNA fragmentation, and detection of cell proliferation and apoptosis. In the PBDE-47 treatment group, planarians showed increased oxidative stress intensity, severe tissue damage, increased DNA fragmentation level, and increased cell proliferation and apoptosis. In the PBDE-209 treatment group, planarians showed decreased oxidative stress intensity, slight tissue damage, almost unchanged DNA fragmentation level and apoptosis, proliferation increased only on the first day after treatment. In conclusion, both PBDE-47 and PBDE-209 are dangerous environmental hazardous material that can disrupt planarians homeostasis, while the toxicity of PBDE-47 is sever than PBDE-209 that PBDE-47 can lead to the death of planarians.

The pomegranate is one of the most essential crop fruits in the world. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) regulates the growth and development of 5-year-old pomegranate. However, for plenty of pome crops, conventional information on the physio-chemical characteristics underlying 5-ALA is limited. Therefore, in this study, we applied four different concentrations of 5-ALA treatments (0 mg L−1, 10 mg L−1, 20 mg L−1, 50 mg L−1, and 100 mg L−1), where 0 mg L−1 was considered as a control group, to evaluate the effects of 5-ALA on the physiochemical characteristics of pomegranates. Our results showed that maximal photochemical efficiency (FV/FM), photosystem (ΦPSII), and photochemical quenching (qP) increased at concentrations of 50 mg L−1 and 100 mg L−1 compared with controls. Anthocyanin contents were elevated by 2.27% and 1.33% at the 5-ALA concentrations of 50 mg L−1 and 100 mg L−1. Furthermore, qRT-PCRs of the DEGs, such as punica granatum chalcone synthase (PgCHS), chalcone isomerase (PgCHI), flavanone 3-hydroxylase (PgF3H), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (PgDFR), anthocyanidin synthase (PgANS), and ultrafine-grained (PgUFG), showed up-regulations, except for chalcone isomerase (PgCHI), after 5-ALA treatments. The fresh weight of the fruit and the weight of the grains were elevated under 50 mg L−1 and 100 mg L−1 concentrations, and both the fresh weight of the fruit and the grain weight were higher than controls. Total sugar (TS) increased by 8.49% and 24.99%, total soluble solids (TSS) increased by 2.02% and 6.07%, soluble proteins increased by 1.16% and 1.15%, and the pH level of juice increased by 0.12% and 0.19%, respectively. In addition, the contents of ascorbic acid, total phenols, and total flavonoids increased by 24.18%, 2.53%, and 1.29%, respectively, compared with controls. Taken together, the antioxidant activities of SOD and POD also increased by 13.33% and 11.95% at concentrations of 100 mg L−1. Our results show that concentrations of 5-ALA treatments at 50 mg L−1 and 100 mg L−1 will be beneficial for crop cultivation.

Objective: This study assessed whether Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) combined with probiotics/synbiotics for irritable bowel syndrome - diarrhea (IBS-D) was more effective and safer than probiotics/synbiotics alone. Methods: Ten databases were searched for randomized control trials (RCTs) of IBS-D as diagnosed by Manning or Rome criteria. Trials comparing probiotics and probiotics with CHM were included. The Cochrane risk of bias (ROB) was evaluated for each trial. RevMan 5.3 was used to conduct a meta-analysis. Results: Twenty-six RCTs were included (25 Chinese, 1 English), involving 2045 participants. Meta-analysis was conducted on two outcomes: overall symptom improvement and relapse. CHM combined with live Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus preparations reduced relapse rate (RR 0.28, 95%CI 0.15–0.52, 3 trials, n = 205) compared with probiotics alone. The subgroup analysis showed the benefit of CHM prescriptions based on soothing liver and invigorating spleen (1.28, 1.14–1.44, 3, 244), invigorating spleen and resolving dampness (1.20, 1.03–1.41, 2, 128), or warming and invigorating spleen and kidney formulae (1.27, 1.09–1.46, 2, 210) combined with triple Bifidobacterium preparations than the same probiotics alone which improved overall symptoms for IBS-D. There was unclear bias in almost domains of ROB. Most studies had a high risk of bias due to lack of blinding of investigator and participants, and selective reporting. Conclusions: This study showed that CHM combined with probiotics may reduce relapse rate by 72%, and improve overall symptoms of IBS-D (as diagnosed by Rome II and III) compared to probiotics alone. From the limited subgroup analysis, only soothing liver and invigorating spleen formulae, represented by Tongxie Yaofang, added to triple Bifidobacterium preparations may be superior to the single preparations in terms of overall symptoms. However, due to the poor methodological quality and small sample size of the trials, these findings must be interpreted with caution. Keywords: Chinese herbal medicine, Probiotic, Synbiotic, Irritable bowel syndrome, Randomized controlled trials, Systematic review, Meta-analysis

Computer-aided detection technology is less applied in brain tumor detection terminals, and it is difficult to eliminate the influence of various interference factors on the diagnosis results. In order to promote the application of computer-aided detection technology in brain tumor detection, this study based on convolutional neural network, combined with MRI detection technology to construct a model adapted to brain tumor feature detection. The main function of this research model is to segment and recognize MRI brain tumors and use convolutional layer to perform convolution operation to improve recognition efficiency and rate and combine artificially selected features with machine learning features. In addition, this article uses feature fusion to further improve the diagnostic results. Finally, this article designs experiments to perform performance analysis. The research shows that the model algorithm designed in this article has certain practical effects and can provide theoretical reference for subsequent related research.

This paper proposes a fractional-order economic growth model with time delay based on the Solow model to describe the economic growth path and explore the underlying growth factors. It effectively captures memory characteristics in economic operations by adding a time lag to the capital stock. The proposed model is presented in the form of a fractional differential equations system, and the sufficient conditions for the local stability are obtained. In the simulation, the theoretical results are verified and the sensitivity analysis is performed on individual parameters. Based on the proposed model, we predict China’s GDP in the next thirty years through optimization and find medium-to-high-speed growth in the short term. Furthermore, the application results indicate that China is facing the disappearance of demographic dividend and the deceleration of capital accumulation. Therefore, it is urgent for China to increase the total factor productivity (TFP) and transform its economic growth into a trajectory dependent on TFP growth.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has emerged as a crucial method in modern medicine for tackling infertility. However, the success of fertilization depends on the quality and quantity of sperm, often necessitating invasive surgical intervention, which presents challenges for non-invasive in vitro fertilization. Acoustic microfluidics technology has found widespread application across various biological contexts. In this paper, we propose to introduce a novel approach using asymmetric acoustic streaming generated by a single interdigital transducer (IDT) to enhance sperm concentration and improve fertilization in vitro, particularly in cases of moderate oligozoospermia. The concentration of particles increased approximately 6-fold in the central region after acoustic enrichment. Moreover, sperm motility was significantly improved without additional DNA fragmentation, and all the oocytes remained viable after 5 min of acoustic enrichment. Notably, acoustic enrichment accelerated fertilization and embryo development, leading to a higher fertilization rate and faster cleavage speed. Specifically, within 36 hours, the multiple-cell embryo ratio was significantly increased compared to the control group. This finding further validates the feasibility and non-invasiveness of acoustic enrichment for sperm fertilization in vitro. This work provides a promising tool for in vitro fertilization, holding significant implications for assisted reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]